Patent Application
20140251552
1. Field of the Invention
This invention is directed to the field of outdoor leisure sunshades, in particular, to window awnings and retractable arms and mechanisms for the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Awnings are well known for providing shade and shelter. In particular, awnings are available that include a frame that supports a shade or shelter providing member (sometimes called a “canopy” herein). The frame is attached to a support surface such as an exterior wall of a building. In a basic form, an awning is installed and remains in the same position and configuration at all times.
Some more advanced awnings have retractable frames that allow the user to extend and retract the canopy. The mounting space and the length of the area to be shaded (e.g., a window) determine the length of the roller tube of the awnings that are currently used in the market. In order for arms of the retractable mechanism to retract or fold smoothly, the existing devices are configured to retract both sets of arms simultaneously. The front and rear arms after extension are slightly longer than the length of the roller tube. If there is a need to increase the area shaded by the arms, the two sets of arms will not be able to retract properly as they will interfere with each other based on the existing arm mechanisms.
Although retractable awnings are more advanced, the mechanisms that enable folding and unfolding are not satisfactory. The new awning structures described herein are able to expand the area shaded by an awning mounted on a window of a restricted size. This enables awnings to fold more compactly so that retractable awnings can be used in more settings.
One of several independent objectives of some of the embodiments discussed herein is to provide a structurally simple, easy to operate and affordable window awning that is able to expand the shaded area of a narrow window, and that is suitable for large-scale application.
Broadly, mechanisms are provided whereby the folding of the arms is not completely synchronous, but rather in which one arm begins folding before the other.
In one embodiment, an awning is provided that includes a canopy. The canopy has a width and an extended length when fully extended. The awning also includes a canopy frame. The canopy frame includes an inner member configured to be mounted to an upright support such as an exterior wall. The canopy frame also includes a first foldable arm and a second foldable arm. Each of the arms includes an inner portion coupled with the inner member and an outer portion. The canopy frame also includes an outer member coupled with the outer portions of each of the first and second foldable arms. The canopy frame is configured such that upon initial retraction of the canopy, the first foldable arm begins folding prior to the second foldable arm.
In some embodiments each of the first and second foldable arms includes a linkage. Each of the linkages includes a plurality of links. Each of the plurality of links includes an outer link coupled with the outer member and an inner link coupled with the inner member. Each of the linkages includes a pivot joint between the inner and outer links.
In some embodiments, the second foldable arm includes a pivoting connection between one of [a] the inner link and the inner member and [b] the outer link and the outer member. The second foldable arm also includes a sliding connection between the other of [a] the inner link and the inner member and [b] the outer link and the outer member.
In some embodiments, the second foldable arm includes a pivoting connection between one of [a] the inner link and the inner member and [b] the outer link and the outer member. The second foldable arm also includes a telescoping portion adjacent to the connection between the other of [a] the inner link and the inner member and [b] the outer link and the outer member.
In some embodiments, the first foldable arm includes pivoting connections between the inner link and the inner member and between the outer link and the outer member.
In some embodiments, the second foldable arm includes a pivoting connection between one of [a] the inner link and the inner member and [b] the outer link and the outer member. The second foldable arm also includes a translatable connection between the other of [a] the inner link and the inner member and [b] the outer link and the outer member.
In some embodiments, a sliding joint is provided between the outer link and the outer member. The translatable connection also includes a roller disposed in the outer member.
In some embodiments, the outer link includes a tubular portion and a member received within the tubular portion. A compressible member is disposed between the tubular portion and the member received therein. The compressible member compresses during an initial retraction of the canopy. During the initial retraction, the first foldable arm is folded.
In some embodiments, an awning is provided that includes a canopy. The canopy has a width and an extended length when fully extended. The awning also includes a canopy frame. The canopy frame includes an inner member configured to be mounted to an upright support such as an exterior wall. The canopy frame also includes a first foldable arm and a second foldable arm. Each of the arms includes an inner portion coupled with the inner member and an outer portion. The canopy frame also includes an outer member coupled with the outer portions of each of the first and second foldable arms. The canopy frame is configured such that when the canopy is retracted a portion of the first foldable arm is received within a bight formed between the inner member and the second foldable arm.
In some embodiments, the inner member extends along a longitudinal axis. The inner portion of the first foldable arm is coupled to the inner member to pivot about a first axis. The inner portion of the second foldable arm is coupled to the inner support member to pivot about a second axis. A first distance is defined from the longitudinal axis of the inner member to the first axis. A second distance is defined from the longitudinal axis of the inner member to the second axis. The second distance is greater than the first distance by an amount greater than the folded size of the first foldable arm.
In some embodiments, a connection between the second foldable arm and one of the inner member and the outer member minimizes the folding of the second arm during an initial retraction of the canopy. A connection between the first foldable arm and one of the inner member and the outer member induces folding of the first arm during the initial canopy retraction.
In some embodiments, each of the first and second foldable arms comprises a pivot disposed in a central portion thereof. Upon folding, the pivot of the first foldable arms is displaced from a first position to a second position. The first position is disposed laterally of the second arm and the second position is disposed between the second arm and the inner member.
In some embodiments, upon folding, the pivot of the second foldable arms is displaced from a first position to a second position. The first position is disposed laterally of the first arm and the second position is disposed between the first arm and the outer member.
In some embodiments, an awning is provided that includes a canopy. The canopy has a width and an extended length when fully extended. The awning also includes a canopy frame. The canopy frame includes an inner member configured to be mounted to an upright support such as an exterior wall. The canopy frame also includes a first foldable arm and a second foldable arm. Each of the arms includes an inner portion coupled with the inner member and an outer portion. The canopy frame also includes an outer member coupled with the outer portions of each of the first and second foldable arms. The canopy frame is configured such that when the canopy is retracted, the first and second foldable arms overlap each other in a horizontal plane.
In some embodiments, the first arm is pivotally connected to the inner member at a first inner pivot. The first arm is pivotally connected to the outer member at a first outer pivot. The second arm is pivotally connected to the inner member at a second inner pivot. The second arm is pivotally connected to the outer member at a second outer pivot. The distance from the inner member to the first inner pivot is less than the distance from the inner member to the second inner pivot.
In some embodiments, the distance from the outer member to the first outer pivot is greater than the distance from the outer member to the second outer pivot.
In some embodiments, the second foldable arm is coupled with the outer member at the second outer pivot and rotates about an axis that extends through the outer member.
In some embodiments, the awning further includes an off-set coupling having an outer portion coupled with the outer member. The off-set coupling has an inner portion. The inner portion includes a portion of the first outer pivot enabling an outer portion of the first foldable arm to pivot relative to the outer member.
In some embodiments, two sets of arms are arranged in tandem (e.g., substantially parallel) when expanded. The outer end of at least one of the arms is retractable relative to (e.g., telescoping in) a portion of the arm located inward of the outer end.
In some embodiments, two sets of arms are arranged in tandem (e.g., substantially parallel) when expanded. The outer end of at least one of the arm can be coupled with a moving (e.g., sliding) structure that can move in a groove located in an outer frame member (e.g., a front beam).
In some embodiments, two sets of arms are arranged in tandem (e.g., substantially parallel) when expanded. The outer end of at least one of the arm can be coupled with a moving (e.g., sliding) structure that can move in a groove located in an outer frame member (e.g., a front beam).
In some aspects, at least one spacer (e.g., in the form of a wall mounting bracket) provides space needed for the retraction of at least a portion of at least one of the arms to a position at least partially received within the other arm.
In some aspects, at least one spacer (e.g., in the form of a connecting block) provides space needed for the retraction of the other arm between at least a portion of one of the arms and an outer frame member (e.g., a front beam) to enable at least a portion of one of the arms to be at least partially received in the space.
The abovementioned and other features of the inventions disclosed herein are described below with reference to the drawings of the preferred embodiments. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate, but not to limit the inventions. The drawings contain the following figures:
While the present description sets forth specific details of various embodiments, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrative only and should not be construed in any way as limiting. Furthermore, various applications of such embodiments and modifications thereto, which may occur to those who are skilled in the art, are also encompassed by the general concepts described herein.
In some embodiments, each of the first and second foldable arms 38 and 42 comprise linkages 72 and 76, respectively. Each of the linkages 72 and 76 can include a plurality of links. Each of the plurality of links includes outer links 80 and 84 coupled with the outer member 62. Each of the plurality of links includes inner links 88 and 92 coupled with the inner member 30. Each of the plurality of links includes pivot joints 96 and 100 between the respective inner links 88 and 92 and outer links 80 and 84. The pivot joints 96 and 100 allow the inner links 88 and 92 and outer links 80 and 84 to pivot about or rotate relative to each other. This enables the first and second foldable arms 38 and 42 to move between fully retracted (e.g., folded) positions and fully extended (e.g., unfolded) positions and any position therebetween. A user can selectively retract or expand the canopy 14 to provide a desired area or amount of shade or shelter.
In some embodiments, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, pivot joints 96 and 100 are disposed at central portions of first and second foldable arms 38 and 42, respectively. In some embodiments, upon folding or retracting of the first foldable arm 38, the pivot joint 96 is displaced from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the pivot joint 96 is disposed laterally from the second foldable arm 42 as illustrated in
In some embodiments, upon folding or retracting of the second foldable arm 42, the pivot joint 100 is displaced from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the pivot joint 100 is disposed laterally from the first foldable arm 38 as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the inner member 30 extends along a longitudinal axis 124. The longitudinal axis 124 extends through first and second ends of the inner member 30. The inner portion 46 of the first foldable arm 38 is coupled to the inner member 30 to pivot about a first axis 136. The inner portion 50 of the second foldable arm 42 is coupled to the inner member 30 to pivot about a second axis 140. A first distance 144 is defined from the longitudinal axis 124 of the inner member 30 to the first axis 136. A second distance 148 is defined from the longitudinal axis 124 of the inner member 30 to the second axis 140. The second distance 148 is greater than the first distance 144 by an amount greater than a folded or fully retracted size of the first foldable arm 38 as illustrated in
In some embodiments, a gap 280 is defined between an inner side surface of member 30 and a side surface of inner link 92. The inner side surface of member 30 faces the outer member 62. The side surface of inner link 92 faces the inner member 30 when the awning is in the closed or retracted position. The second distance 148 can be equal to or greater than the gap 280 when the awning is in the closed or retracted position, such that when the awning is in the closed or retracted position, the gap 280 is large enough to receive at least a portion of the folded first foldable arm 38. In some embodiments, the first foldable arm 38 has a width projecting away from the gap 280.
In some embodiments, the first foldable arm 38 pivots about the first axis 136 via a pivoting connection 116 between the inner link 88 and the inner member 30. The second foldable arm 42 pivots about the second axis 140 via a pivoting connection 104 between the inner link 92 and the inner member 30. The second distance 148 is configured to be greater than the first distance 144 as the second axis 140 is positioned closer to the outer member 62 than is the first axis 136. In other words, a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal axis and intersecting the second axis 140 is disposed between the first axis 136 and the outer member 62.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, in a similar fashion as discussed relative to the inner member 30, a bight 244 (e.g., space, recess, etc.) is formed between the outer member 62 and the first foldable arm 38. The canopy frame 26 is configured such that when the canopy 14 is retracted, a portion 248 of the second foldable arm 42 is received within the bight 244. More particularly, a substantial portion of the second foldable arm 42 is disposed in the bight 244. For example, the pivot joint 100 can be disposed in the bight 244 when the canopy frame 26 is retracted or folded. In some embodiments, the pivot joint 100 and a substantial length of, e.g., the majority of, the length of the linkage 76 can be disposed in the bight 244 when the canopy frame 26 is retracted or folded. In one embodiment, the linkage 76 includes outer and inner links 84, 92 pivotably coupled to the joint 100 and a majority of both links 84, 92 are disposed in the bight 244 when the canopy frame 26 is folded or retracted.
In some embodiments, the first foldable arm 38 includes the pivoting connection 116 between the inner link 88 and the inner member 30 and a pivoting connection 120 between the outer link 80 and the outer member 62. In some embodiments, the second foldable arm 42 includes the pivoting connection 104 between the inner link 92 and the inner member 30 and a pivoting connection 152 between the outer link 84 and the outer member 62.
In some embodiments, the distance 256 from the outer member 62 to the pivoting connection 120 is greater than the distance 260 from the outer member 62 to the pivoting connection 152. The distances 256 and 260 are defined from a longitudinal axis 168 of the outer member 62 and each respective pivoting connection 120 and 152. As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the outer link 84 is coupled with the outer member 62 at the pivoting connection 152 such that outer link 84 is rotatable about an axis 252 that extends through the outer member 62.
In some embodiments, at least one spacer 264 (e.g., in the form of a connecting block) is provided that is coupled to the outer member 62 and the outer link 80. The spacer 264 extends away or is off-set from the outer member 62, such that the bight 244 is formed between the outer member 62 and the first foldable arm 38 upon retraction of the canopy 14.
In some embodiments, a first portion 266 of the spacer 264 is coupled with the outer member 62. A second portion 272 is off-set from the outer member 62 and includes the pivoting connection 120 between the outer member 62 and outer link 80. This configuration enables the outer link 80 to pivot relative to the outer member 62 about an axis 276 that does not extend through the outer member 62. The axis 276 can be located between the axes 168, 124 of the outer and inner members 62, 30 respectively.
In some embodiments, a third distance 128 is defined between the longitudinal axis 124 and the pivot joint 96 when the first foldable arm 38 is in the fully extended position. The third distance 128 extending along an axis that is transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis 124. A fourth distance 132 is defined between the longitudinal axis 124 and the pivot joint 100 when the second foldable arm 42 is in the fully extended position. The fourth distance 132 extending along an axis that is transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis 124. The fourth distance 132 is greater than the third distance 128.
In some embodiments, the first foldable arm 38 includes the pivoting connection 116 between the inner link 88 and the inner member 30 and a pivoting connection 120 between the outer link 80 and the outer member 62. In some embodiments, the second foldable arm 42 includes the pivoting connection 104 between the inner link 92 and the inner member 30 and a pivoting connection 152 between the outer link 84 and the outer member 62.
In some embodiments, the second foldable arm 42 includes a pivoting connection between one of (a) the inner link 92 and the inner member 30 and (b) the outer link 84 and the outer member 62.
In some embodiments, the translatable connection 108 includes one or more rollers 160 (e.g., sheaves) disposed in the outer member 62. The outer member 62 can include a channel or groove 164 extending along (e.g., intersected by or parallel to) the longitudinal axis 168 of the outer member 62. In some embodiments, the one or more rollers 160 are coupled to a sliding joint 172 provided between the outer link 84 and the outer member 62. The one or more rollers 160 enable the sliding joint 172 to translate within the channel 164 along the longitudinal axis 168. Thus, the translatable connection 108 enables the outer link 84 to slide or translate (e.g., roll) along the longitudinal axis 168 upon retraction of the canopy 14.
In some embodiments, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the outer link 84 can be pivotally connected to a bottom portion 176 of the sliding joint 172 at the pivoting connection 152. In some embodiments, the translatable connection 108 includes a roller 180 configured to rotate within the channel 164 about an axis extending through top and bottom surfaces of the channel 164. In some embodiments, the one or more rollers 160 are configured to rotate within the channel 164 about an axis extending through an inner surface facing the inner member 30 and an outer surface facing away from the inner member 30.
More generally, the translatable connection 108 can include a plurality of rolling supports. The rolling supports can be configured to roll or otherwise bear on support surfaces. At least one rolling support can be oriented horizontally and at least one can be oriented vertically in one embodiment. Support surfaces can be formed on the outer member 62 and thus move outwardly from the retracted to the extended positions with the outer member. The rollers permit low friction translation of the outer link 84 relative to the outer member 62. In particular, downward or upward forces can be borne by a plurality of (e.g., four) rollers acting on the upper surfaces of the flanges 200, 204 or by lower surfaces of the groove 164 facing the upper surfaces of the flanges 200, 204. These rollers are oriented vertically. Lateral forces directed outward during extending of the outer member 62 and inward during retraction of the outer member are applied between the roller 180, which is oriented horizontally. In various embodiments, one or more rollers can be oriented to apply forces primarily in a horizontal direction. In various embodiments, one or more rollers can be oriented to apply forces primarily in a vertical direction.
As discussed above, in some embodiments, the translatable connection 108 between the outer link 84 and the outer member 62 allows the outer link 84 to translate. Upon initial retraction of the canopy 14, the outer link 84 translates laterally away from the first foldable arm 38 along longitudinal axis 168. Translation of the second foldable arm 42 minimizes or delays folding of the second foldable arm 42 relative to folding of the first foldable arm 38 during initial retraction of the canopy 14. The first foldable arm 38 can include connections that are limited to pivoting, e.g., without any translation at the outer member 62. Upon initial retraction of the canopy 14, the pivoting connections 116 and 120 induce the first foldable arm 38 to fold during initial retraction of the canopy 14. Therefore, in some embodiments, the awning 10 is configured such that the first foldable arm 38 begins to fold prior to the second foldable arm 42 upon initial retraction of the awning 10. That is, in some embodiments, first and second foldable arms 38 and 42 do not fold synchronously upon initial retraction of the canopy 14. Rather, the first and second foldable arms 38 and 42 fold in a staggered fashion.
The extent of lateral movement of the translatable connection 108 can be limited. In one embodiment, the translatable connection 108 is configured to move along a lateral path having an end point. The end point can be defined by a stop member disposed within the channel 164. Contact of a portion of the translatable connection 108 with the stop member prevents further laterally outward motion of the translatable connection 108. Once this contact occurs, pivoting about the pivoting connections 104, 100, 152 dominate the folding of the second foldable arm 42. The travel of the translatable connection 108 between the position corresponding to fully extended until the translatable connection 108 reaches the stop member permits the second foldable arm 42 to be substantially fully extended while the first foldable arm 38 is folding. Upon reaching the end point of the travel path of the translatable connection 108, the first foldable arm 38 will have moved into the bight 156 in a partially retracted state. Further retraction of the outer member 62 causes the angle between the inner link 92 and the inner member 30 to decrease. This change in angle causes the bight 156 to surround a smaller area, e.g., reducing the gap 280. As the bight 156 becomes more compact, at least a portion of the first foldable arm 38, e.g., at least the pivot 96 moves further into the bight 156. In some embodiments, a limit on the lateral movement is provided by the component of forces directed laterally being less than internal resistance in the channel 164. For example when the force applied to the translatable connection 108 is substantially perpendicular to the orientation of the channel 164 little to no lateral force would be applied to urge the translatable connection 108 further laterally.
In some embodiments, the second foldable arm 42 includes the pivoting connection 104 between the inner link 92 and the inner member 30. As illustrated in
In an alternative embodiment, the second foldable arm 42 includes a pivoting connection between the outer link 84 and the outer member 62. The second foldable arm 42 including the telescoping portion 112 adjacent to the connection between the inner link 92 and the inner member 30.
In some embodiments, the telescoping portion 112 includes an inner portion (e.g, second member 232) and an outer portion (e.g., outer link 84). The inner portion is configured to retract, telescope or translate towards and away from the outer member 62 within the outer portion. In some embodiments, the outer portion includes a tubular portion (e.g., channel 216). The inner portion is configured to be disposed and retractable within the tubular portion. The inner portion can comprise various cross sectional shapes (e.g., square, circular, etc.). The tubular portion can comprise various cross sectional shapes (e.g., square, circular, etc.). The inner and tubular portions comprise the same telescoping cross sectional shapes in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the inner and tubular portions comprise different telescoping cross sectional shapes.
As depicted in
In some embodiments, upon initial retraction of the canopy 14, the second member 232 retracts or telescopes into the channel 216 and compresses the compressible member 236 against the first member 224 as shown in
The extent of retraction or movement of the telescoping portion 112 can be limited. In one embodiment, the second member 232 is configured to move along a longitudinal path having an end point within the channel 216. The end point can be defined by the first member 224 disposed within the channel 216 and the compressible member 236. As the canopy 14 is retracted, the second member 232 retracts or telescopes into the channel 216 and compresses the compressible member 236 against the first member 224. When the compressible member is fully compressed against the first member 224 by the second member 232, further retraction or longitudinal movement of the second member 232 within the channel 216 is prevented. Once the compressible member 236 has been fully compressed, pivoting about the pivoting connections 104, 100, 152 dominate the folding of the second foldable arm 42. The travel of the second member 232 between the position corresponding to fully extended until the second member 232 fully compresses the compressible member 236 against the first member 224 permits the second foldable arm 42 to be substantially fully extended while the first foldable arm 38 is folding. Upon reaching the end point of the travel path of the second member 232 (or the compressible member 236), the first foldable arm 38 will have moved into the bight 156 in a partially retracted state. Further retraction of the outer member 62 causes the angle between the inner link 92 and the inner member 30 to decrease. This change in angle causes the bight 156 to surround a smaller area, e.g., reducing the gap 280. As the bight 156 becomes more compact, at least a portion of the first foldable arm 38, e.g., at least the pivot 96 moves further into the bight 156.
Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the inventions have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of these inventions, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combination or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.
