AU2011204894A1 - An Improved Awning System and Components Therefor - Google Patents

An Improved Awning System and Components Therefor Download PDF

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Publication number
AU2011204894A1
AU2011204894A1 AU2011204894A AU2011204894A AU2011204894A1 AU 2011204894 A1 AU2011204894 A1 AU 2011204894A1 AU 2011204894 A AU2011204894 A AU 2011204894A AU 2011204894 A AU2011204894 A AU 2011204894A AU 2011204894 A1 AU2011204894 A1 AU 2011204894A1
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AU
Australia
Prior art keywords
floating track
awning
track
side channel
awning fabric
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Granted
Application number
AU2011204894A
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AU2011204894B2 (en
AU2011204894C1 (en
Inventor
Fabian Alistair
Anthony Bell
Darren Gray
Christopher Sharrock
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Uniline Australia Ltd
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Uniline Australia Ltd
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Publication date
Application filed by Uniline Australia Ltd filed Critical Uniline Australia Ltd
Priority to AU2011204894A priority Critical patent/AU2011204894C1/en
Publication of AU2011204894A1 publication Critical patent/AU2011204894A1/en
Publication of AU2011204894B2 publication Critical patent/AU2011204894B2/en
Priority to AU2013270515A priority patent/AU2013270515B2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of AU2011204894C1 publication Critical patent/AU2011204894C1/en
Withdrawn - After Issue legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Abstract

Abstract A floating track for an awning system, the awning system including an upper roller with a generally rectangular awning fabric provided with at least one enlarged portion at or adjacent at least one side edge thereof and mounted relative to 5 the upper roller for extension and retraction, at least one elongate side channel located below the upper roller and adapted to guide the awning fabric during extension and retraction, the floating track mounted relative to the elongate side channel and having a convergent assembly defining an opening between adjacent free ends to receive a portion of the awning fabric such that the at least one enlarged portion can engage the 10 convergent assembly preventing egress through the opening, the floating track provided with at least one guide arm engageable with the at least one elongate side channel allowing resilient movement of the floating track relative to the at least one elongate side channel to tension the awning fabric during use.

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Name of Applicant: Uniline Pty Ltd Address for Service: Cullens Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys Level 32, 239 George Street Brisbane QLD 4000 Australia Invention Title: An Improved Awning System and Components Therefor The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it, known to the : 2 An Improved Awning System and Components Therefor Field of the Invention The present invention relates to awning systems, particularly track guided and wire guided awning systems, parts and accessories therefor. 5 Background Art There are a variety of awning systems commercially available. The main types include wire guided systems and track guided systems. A wire guided system includes an upper housing containing a roller with a generally rectangular awning fabric attached thereto for extension and 10 retraction. The awning fabric normally has an elongate rail at a lower end to which the awning fabric is attached. An elongate wire typically extends from the housing (whether externally or internally) downwardly generally parallel to a wall surface and is fixed relative to the wall surface with a bracket at the lower end. The elongate rail is provided with end caps which engage with the elongate wire to guide the rail and 15 therefore the awning fabric, during extension and retraction. In a track guided system, the features are generally similar except the wire is replaced with an elongate track and the edge of the awning fabric and/or the rail are provided with at least one enlarged portion at or adjacent the side edges. The elongate track is provided with a corresponding engagement portion which engages 20 the at least one enlarged portion to guide the side edges of the awning fabric during movement and also to prevent dislodgement of the awning fabric when in the lower condition, such as for example in strong wind. In relation to the track guided systems, there are variations of the enlarged portion with some systems using an elongate flexible member of 25 substantially circular cross-section and other systems incorporating zipper teeth or similar. It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. 30 Summary of the Invention The present invention is directed to an improved awning system and components therefor, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial 3 choice. With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in an improved awning system including a housing including a body portion to be mounted relative to a surface and a hood member, the body portion having a first 5 portion of a rotatable opening mechanism located at a forward free end thereof, the hood member having a second portion of a rotatable opening mechanism located at one free end thereof and shaped to form a closed housing with the body portion when the hood member is in a closed condition, a pair of hood ends shaped to correspond with the shape of housing when the hood member is in a closed condition, at least one 10 of the hood ends having a latch mechanism associated therewith to temporarily hold the hood member in a closed condition relative to the body portion, and a mounting portion on an external portion thereof to mount a wire guide or a track portion. In all embodiments of the present invention, an awning fabric will typically be provided. The awning fabric will normally be substantially rectangular in 15 shape with a lower edge and a pair of opposed side edges. Normally, at least one enlarged portion is provided at each of the side edges in order to guide the side edges of the awning fabric during extension and retraction and also to maintain the awning fabric relative to the opening when deployed as discussed above. The body portion of the housing of the present invention is typically 20 manufactured from a light metal or plastic material. It is normally elongate and extends across the width of the opening relative to which the awning is mounted. The body portion will preferably include an upper wall and a rear wall in a substantially L shaped configuration. The body portion is adapted for mounting relative to a surface adjacent 25 to the opening. Preferably, the rear wall of the body portion is provided with a recess having a lip in order to allow suspension or mounting of the body relative to the surface. The recess preferably can accommodate a face fit bracket or a portion of ceiling mounted bracket in order to allow either method of mounting. This recess is typically reinforced by providing a rolled portion relative to the recess. The recess is 30 typically provided towards an upper portion of the rear wall. Normally, a lower portion of the rear wall will abut the surface relative to which the housing is mounted due to rotation or pivoting of the rear wall about the recess and more particularly about the bracket received in the recess to mount the housing.
4 Preferably, attachment portions are provided on the body portion to attach the hood ends to the body portion. According to a preferred embodiment, the attachment portions include circular portions in order to receive pins or similar provided on the hood ends and/or fasteners or the like. Normally, there is one upper 5 and one lower circular portion provided, normally towards or adjacent the rear wall of the body portion. The body portion is normally formed by extrusion and is therefore preferably of constant cross-section over its length. The body portion preferably includes rolled portions in order to add or increase rigidity or strength of the body 10 portion. The rolled portions preferably additionally form the attachment portions for attachment of the hood ends. Typically, the upper wall projects forwardly from the rear wall. The upper wall may be or include an arcuate portion, at least at a forward end of the upper wall. The upper wall is typically provided with a free end. The free end preferably has 15 a first portion of a rotatable opening mechanism associated therewith. The first portion of the rotatable opening mechanism preferably engages with a corresponding portion provided on the hood member in order to allow the housing to be opened and closed to allow servicing and/or removal of the roller or other components within the housing. 20 The first portion of the rotatable opening mechanism preferably extends over the length of the body portion at the free end of the upper wall. The rotatable opening mechanism preferably forms a hinge as well as allowing removal or separation of the hood member from the body portion when desired. The first portion of the rotatable opening mechanism preferably 25 includes an arcuate portion forming an arcuate opening. Typically this arcuate opening is concave and upwardly facing. An extension or continuation arm partially extends over the arcuate opening, normally as an extension of the upper wall itself. This extension or continuation arm preferably creates an abutment surface to brace or prevent over rotation of the hood member when closed. The free end of the extension 30 arm is preferably rounded. The hood member of the housing is also preferably manufactured from metal or plastic material. Further, the hood member is also typically elongate 5 (preferably matching the length of the body portion) and is also normally extruded to have constant cross-section over its length. The hood member preferably forms the front and lower walls of the housing. Together with the body portion, the hood member forms an enclosure for 5 housing components of the awning mechanism. It is further preferred that the housing is aesthetically pleasing at least from the outside, and therefore typically includes curved components. The hood member includes a second portion of the rotatable opening mechanism. This second portion is typically provided at an upper end of the front wall 10 of the hood member. The second portion is typically a corresponding shape to the shape of the first portion provided on the body portion. Given the preferred shape of the first portion, the preferred shape of the second portion is a rounded or beak shape with an arcuate recess to abut the preferred rounded free end of the extension arm of the first portion. The preferred rounded 15 shapes form rotation surfaces. Preferably, a rolled portion is provided at a lower rear edge of the lower wall. This rolled portion is preferably open at at least one, and normally both ends, in order to form part of a latch mechanism for maintaining the housing in a closed condition. Further, the rolled portion may abut the rear wall of the body when closed. 20 Alternatively, the rolled portion may be slightly separated therefrom and maintained in the slightly separated condition by the latch mechanism. The housing of the present invention is typically provided with a pair of hood ends shaped to correspond to the shape of the housing when the hood member is closed. The hood ends are preferably provided with one or more attachment portions 25 to attach to the body portion but not to the hood member. Normally, the attachment portions are or include pins or similar, typically integrally formed with the hood end. A particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of pins on each hood end, typically one upper and one lower pin at the rear of the hood end. 30 As mentioned above, the shape of the hood end corresponds to the body portion and the hood member when closed. The hood end is typically formed with an end wall and a peripheral side wall which extends about the end wall. A support flange is typically provided on the peripheral side wall recessed from an outer 6 edge of the sidewall in order to support the body portion and hood member relative thereto. One or more openings may be provided in a lower side wall of at least one of the hood ends. These openings are preferably temporarily covered by cover 5 members allowing removal of the cover members if required in order to run components of the awning system through the hood and into the housing. Normally, there are a pair of openings. The openings are normally preformed in the hood end and are provided with engaging cover members. The cover members are typically provided in place as a default condition and may be removed when the hood end is 10 separated from the housing, but are retained in place by the housing one the hood end is attached to the housing. The end wall of the hood end typically has a number of openings therein for various purposes. Normally, an end cap is associated with the hood end in order to cover the openings. The openings are normally grouped towards the centre of 15 the end wall in order to be covered by the end cap. Preferably, there will be a larger central opening in the end wall. Secondary, surrounding portions are provided of a lesser dimension than the thickness of the end wall in order to allow the installer to easily drill out openings if required. An attachment or latch mechanism is preferably provided on the hood 20 end in order to engage with the openings of a rolled portion on the hood member. Preferably, the latch mechanism is provided with or formed with a protrusion or bump extending from the hood member sufficiently to engage the hood member when closed. Preferably, the protrusion or bump will be rounded. The protrusion or bump may be resilient or deformable in order to allow passage of the hood member when 25 forced. Typically, the latch mechanism will be provided in the lower portion of the hood end. Each hood end will preferably be provided with a mounting portion in order to mount a wire guide or track relative thereto. Typically, the mounting portion is formed from one or more arms. Each arm may include one or more openings or 30 other attachment mechanism in order to attach the mounting portion securely thereto. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a pair of arms is provided, one rear arms and one forward arm, each extending downwardly from the rear portion of a side 7 wall of the hood end. The arms are typically received into a wire guide member or a track or channel is mounted relative thereto. In an alternative aspect, the present invention resides in a rail end cap for a track awning system, the track awning system including an upper housing 5 containing a roller with a generally rectangular awning fabric mounted thereto for extension and retraction, a rail extending at least partially across a lower end of the awning fabric, and at least one side track to guide the awning fabric, the rail end cap having an attachment assembly to securely attach an end of the awning fabric thereto, an engagement portion to engage the at least one side track to allow reciprocal 10 movement toward and away from the housing but prevent lateral movement of an edge of the awing fabric relative to the at least one side track and an opening therein extending laterally through the engagement portion such that the awning fabric extends to one lateral side of the rail end cap and within the at least one side track. The rail end cap is typically provided relative to a rail. The rail is 15 typically elongate and normally extends across the lower end of the awning fabric. The rail is normally formed of a lightweight metal or plastic. The rail is attached to or relative to the awning fabric. A rail end cap is normally provided at each end of the rail. The rail end cap typically engages with a track or channel (or both) in order to guide the awning 20 fabric during extension or retraction and also to maintain the awning fabric relative to the track or channel when deployed. The rail end cap preferably has an attachment assembly in order to securely attach an end of the fabric awning thereto. Preferably, the attachment assembly includes an opening (or a pair of openings) with a smaller dimension portion 25 in order to allow the awning fabric to extend therethrough and a larger dimension portion in order to receive a locking member therein. Normally, the awning fabric will be wrapped about or partially about a locking member extending across the width of the awning and the locking member is then inserted into the rail and/or rail end cap in order to fix the rail relative to the awning fabric. 30 The locking member is typically an elongate rod extending over the width of the awning fabric. The locking member is typically circular in cross-section but may have any other shape.
8 Preferably, the smaller dimension opening is a slot or similar extending to the larger dimension opening which holds the locking member. The larger dimension opening preferably extends across the width of the end cap. A closed portion except for the smaller dimension slot is provided in the one end of the rail end 5 cap. There is normally a concave opening in the opposite end portion of the rail end cap. Preferably, at least one, and normally a pair of flanges is provided on the end cap. At least one of the flanges is an engagement flange in order to engage with the track or channel. The flanges preferably guide the rail end cap relative to the 10 channel or track provided on the side of the awning. The flanges are typically received between spaced walls of the channel or track. Each flange is typically substantially planar. According to a preferred embodiment, one of the flanges may close the end of the rail. This flange is therefore respectively shaped to correspond with the periphery of the rail. Preferably, a second 15 flange is provided which is a guide flange. Preferably, at least one protrusion is provided on the outside of the rail end cap. According to a preferred embodiment, a pair of protrusions will be provided as different types. A first protrusion will typically be or form part of a latch member. This protrusion will be discussed further in detail below. 20 The other protrusion is typically a guide protrusion. The guide protrusion is formed through the provision of an extension of the opening to receive the locking member. Therefore, the guide protrusion is typically a surround with an opening extending laterally therein thereinto and a slot opening in an upper portion in order to allow awning fabric to extend thereinto. Preferably, the guide protrusion 25 extends to the edge of the rail end cap and the slot opening extends to the end of the guide protrusion. This allows the awning fabric to extend to the end edge of the end cap which is received within the channel of the awning system. Preferably, the awning fabric extends completely to the each of the end cap. The at least one enlarged portion to engage the track may be outside the end of the end cap. 30 In yet another alternative aspect, the present invention resides in a weather seal arrangement for an awning system, the awning system including an upper housing containing a roller with a generally rectangular awning fabric mounted thereto for extension and retraction, a rail extending at least partially across a lower end of the 9 awning fabric, the rail having an attachment assembly to securely attach an end of the awning fabric thereto, and at least one side guide to guide the rail, the weather seal arrangement provided on a lower side of the rail and including an engagement opening for receiving a portion of a weather seal member and a weather seal member 5 including an engagement portion for engaging the engagement opening in the rail and a deformable lobular portion extending therefrom and adapted to abut and at least partially deform against a surface when the awning system is in the fully extended condition. The weather seal is typically provided relative to the rail. As mentioned 10 above, the rail typically extends continuously across the bottom of awning fabric. The rail typically includes an engagement opening for receiving a portion of a weather seal member. The engagement opening is preferably partially defined by converging arms with a free end but with a space between the free end of the converging arms. 15 This will preferably form a larger dimension portion of an engagement opening and a narrower neck or throat defined by the converging arms which act to prevent the weather seal from removal through the narrower neck or throat by to allow the weather seal to depend therethrough. The weather seal member itself will typically extend across the entire 20 length of the rail (the width of the awning) and may in some embodiments, extend further at each end. For example, the weather seal member may be provided with shaped portions which engage the track or channel in a manner similar to the rail end cap. The weather seal member is provided with an engagement portion to be 25 received within the engagement opening of the rail. The engagement portion is preferably T-shaped. It is preferred that this engagement portion is not deformable or has only limited deformation. The engagement portion is preferably formed integrally with the deformable lobular portion. The two portions may be formed together although the 30 two portions may be of different materials. The lobular portion of the weather seal is preferably hollow. The lobular portion is deformable but is also preferably resilient. The lobular portion will normally depend from the engagement portion below the rail such that the lobular 10 portion abuts a surface before the rail. Typically, the awning fabric will be sized such that the weather seal will abut and deform against the surface but the rail will be spaced therefrom even when the fabric is fully extended. Additionally, limit stops may be provided to prevent the rail extending far enough to irreversibly to form the 5 weather seal. In still another alternative aspect, the present invention resides in a floating track for an awning system, the awning system including an upper roller with a generally rectangular awning fabric provided with at least one enlarged portion at or adjacent at least one side edge thereof and mounted relative to the upper roller for 10 extension and retraction, at least one elongate side channel located below the upper roller and adapted to guide the awning fabric during extension and retraction, the floating track mounted relative to the elongate side channel and having a convergent assembly defining an opening between adjacent free ends to receive a portion of the awning fabric such that the at least one enlarged portion can engage the convergent 15 assembly preventing egress through the opening, the floating track provided with at least one guide arm engageable with the at least one elongate side channel allowing resilient movement of the floating track relative to the at least one elongate side channel to tension the awning fabric during use. The floating track of the present invention engages with a side channel 20 of the awning mechanism. The side channel is preferably continuous over the height of the awning structure. The side channel will typically be attached to or relative to a surface adjacent to the opening relative to which the awning is used, in order to guide the awning fabric during extension and retraction and to maintain the awning fabric in position when deployed. 25 The side channel is usually at least partially U-shaped. Preferably, the side channel is formed with a base wall for attachment to a surface, with a pair of arms extending towards the centre of the awning. The side channel may be formed from more than one component and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the side channel will be formed from a rear or outward mounting portion to mount relative to a 30 surface and a pair of engageable, substantially planar arms which define the general U-shape of the side channel. One of the arms is preferably formed integrally with the rear portion and a second, facing arm is attachable to the rear or outward portion to define the U shape.
I1 One or more lateral extensions will typically be provided between the pair of arms, normally extending toward one another. The lateral extensions will normally be spaced from one another as well as having free ends which are also spaced from one another. Therefore, the lateral extensions will normally extend 5 toward one another, but do not meet within the side channel. Normally, a pair of the lateral extensions is provided in order to guide the rail end cap relative to the side channel. Preferably, two pairs of lateral extensions are provided extending toward one another in order to mount the floating track relative thereto. One pair of lateral extensions is typically a bracing pair and the other 10 pair of lateral extensions is a stop pair. Each extension of each pair preferably extends partway towards the other with the separation gap therebetween. The floating track will typically be elongate and normally be continuous over the height of the awning. The floating track is typically biased away from the centre of the awning or from the opposite side of the awning. If a floating 15 track is provided on both lateral sides of the awning, then they may be biased away from one another. Normally, the floating track is formed from a central track portion provided with at least one, and normally a pair of mounting arms, one mounting arm on either side of the track portion. 20 The preferred track portion is central to the floating track member and is preferably provided with a longitudinally extending opening. The preferred track portion is a rectangular box with the longitudinally extending opening extending over one wall thereof. Preferably, the longitudinally extending opening is oriented towards the awning fabric. The longitudinally extending opening preferably allows passage of 25 the awning fabric but retains the at least one enlarged portion of the awning fabric within. It is also preferred that the track portion is rigid so that the free ends defining the longitudinally extending opening are not easily deformed to remove the at least one enlarged portion from the opening. 30 The mounting arms of the floating track typically extend one from either side of the track portion. The mounting arms are typically coplanar with the wall of the track portion opposite the wall with the longitudinal extending opening. The mounting arms are dimensioned such that the floating track fits snugly but still 12 movably between the arms of the side channel. Each mounting arm will typically have a free end which abuts the respective arms of the side channel. Each mounting arm will typically have a pair of surfaces, a first surface facing the centre of the awning and a second surface on the opposite side of the 5 mounting arm. A guide arm preferably extends from the first surface of each mounting arm. The guide arm preferably extends over the length of the floating track. Normally, the guide arm extends continuously over the length of the floating track. Each guide arm is preferably V-shaped. Each guide arm preferably has a first arm portion extending at an angle to the first surface and a second arm portion 10 extending at an angle to the first arm portion. Each guide arm is preferably resilient and/or deformable. The guide arms may be formed of a resilient and/or deformable material or alternatively, may be formed of a material which is dimensioned to provide resilience or deformation. A free end of each guide arm will typically be provided at the end of 15 the second arm portion. This free end preferably abuts one of the lateral extensions in the side channel. The second surface of the mounting arms is typically a stop surface. This surface preferably abuts one of the lateral extensions in the side channel in order to prevent or limit movement in that direction. 20 Due to its configuration, the floating track can move towards the centre of the awning by force applied by the at least one enlarged portion provided on the edge of the awning fabric against the resilience of the guide arms which bias the floating track away from the centre of the awning in order to tension the awning fabric. Normally, as the awning fabric is extended, the at least one enlarged portion 25 slides down inside the track portion of the floating track and the biased floating track tensions the awning fabric through its biased mounting relative to the side channel. In yet another alternative aspect, the present invention resides in a latch assembly for an awning system, the awning system including an upper roller with a generally rectangular awning fabric mounted thereto for extension and retraction, a 30 rail extending at least partially across a lower end of the awning fabric and having an attachment assembly to securely attach an end of the awning fabric thereto, and at least one side guide to guide the rail, the latch assembly including 1. at least one latch member provided relative to the rail, 13 2. a striker arm having a lateral extension shaped for abutment with the at least one latch member when the striker arm is in an engaged position relative to the at least one latch member to maintain the at least one latch member in an engaged position and to encourage lateral movement of the striker arm when 5 the at least one latch member is moved into and from the engaged position; 3. a striker body mounting the striker arm for pivotal movement relative thereto and mounted adjacent the at least one side guide to facilitate engagement and disengagement of the striker arm with the at least one latch member when the rail is moved, and 10 wherein the latch member has an abutment surface to abut the lateral extension of the striker arm when in an engaged condition and at least three other surface portions, a first surface portion to encourage lateral movement of the striker arm when the first surface portion passes the striker arm in a downward direction, a second surface portion to encourage lateral movement of the striker arm when the second surface 15 portion passes the striker arm in a downward direction and a third surface portion to encourage lateral movement of the striker arm when the third surface portion passes the striker arm in an upward direction the first surface portion spaced from the second and third surface portions. The latch assembly of the present invention typically includes a latch 20 member provided on the end of a rail end. As described above, the latch member will normally be one of the protrusions from the outer end of the rail end cap. The latch member therefore extends from the rail end cap into the side channel. The latch member will normally be sufficiently narrow in dimension in order to have free space on either side of the latch member relative to the side channel 25 in order to allow passage of the lateral extension of the striker arm. As mentioned above, the latch member will normally be shaped to provide particular functionality. In particular, the latch member is provided with more than one surface, each of which is normally a deflection surface acting to deflect the lateral extension of striker arm. The latch member may be formed from more than one 30 part which act together to achieve the functionality. However, a unitary latch member is preferred. The latch member is provided with an abutment surface. The abutment surface may have any shape but will typically face upwardly or towards the housing or 14 roller of the awning system. The abutment surface is preferably shaped such that the lateral movement of the striker arm (or lateral extension of the striker arm) is restricted once engaged. A particularly preferred configuration is an abutment surface which is convergent downwardly. It is also preferred that the abutment surface be 5 arcuate and preferably concave. The latch member includes a first surface portion. The first surface portion is preferably provided on an underside of the abutment surface. The first surface portion is normally planar. The first surface portion is preferably angled across the end of the rail end cap. The first surface portion is preferably a deflection surface 10 in order to deflect the striker arm (or lateral extension of the striker arm) out of the path of the latch member. The first surface portion may be smooth and further, may be of low coefficient of friction. The latch member includes a second surface portion. Again, the second surface portion is preferably a deflection surface. The second surface portion is 15 typically angled across the end of the rail end cap. Preferably, the second surface portion is angled in the same direction and to the same degree as the first surface portion causing the first and second surface portions to be parallel to one another. The second surface portion is preferably spaced from the abutment surface although preferably facing the abutment surface. Normally, the second surface portion is 20 provided space above the abutment surface. The latch member includes a third surface portion. Again, the third surface portion is preferably a deflection surface. The third surface portion is typically angled across the end of the rail end cap. Preferably, the third surface portion is angled in the same direction and to the same degree as the first surface portion causing the 25 first, second and third surface portions to be parallel to one another. Preferably, the third surface portion is provided on the opposite side of the second surface portion. Normally, the third surface portion is provided above the second surface portion. Therefore, it is particularly preferred that a planar angled extension forms both the second and third surface portions. Typically, a separating member will 30 be provided between the planar angled extension forming the second and third surface portions and a lower portion forming the abutment surface and the first surface portion. The separating member is typically integrally formed with both the planar angled extension and the lower portion and preferably extend substantially vertically.
15 This separating member will also typically prevent dislodgement of the striker arm accidentally from the latch member and guide movement of the striker arm into the engaged condition and during release. Preferably, the latch member is formed from a single member or 5 assembly with all portions. The latch member will therefore typically be substantially C-shaped. The preferred C-shaped latch member may be angular or arcuate. The latch assembly also includes a striker arm. The striker arm is preferably elongate and planar. A particularly preferred striker arm is substantially triangular in shape. Normally, the triangular shaped striker arm has the point of the 10 triangle below the base of the triangle and is therefore inverted. The striker arm is preferably pivoted from an upper portion, typically approximately centrally. The lateral extension of the striker arm typically extends towards the centre of the awning. A guide pin will preferably extend from the opposite side of the 15 striker arm to the lateral extension in order to guide pivoting of the striker. Preferably, the guide pin is located opposite the lateral extension. The lateral extension will typically extend from toward a lower end of the striker. The lateral extension is preferably shaped in order to assist with its functionality. A particularly preferred shape is ovate or broader and rounded at the 20 base and tapering towards a pointed tip. Preferably, the base of the lateral extension will act to abut the abutment surface of the latch member when in the engaged condition. The tapered sides of the lateral extension will preferably work with the deflection surfaces of the latch member in order to move the lateral extension and the striker arm when the latch is moved relative to the striker arm. 25 The latch assembly also includes a striker body relative to which the striker arm is mounted. The striker body may have any shape but is preferably generally rectangular. A recessed channel is preferably provided through one surface of the striker body, namely the surface facing the awning fabric. The striker arm is typically mounted to the striker body in this channel. 30 Preferably, the channel is approximately the depth of the width wall thickness of the striker arm. The striker arm is normally mounted typically to the striker body at an upper portion of the striker body. An arcuate opening is preferably 16 provided towards a lower end of the channel in order to engage with the guide pin extending from the striker arm. Normally, the range of movement of the striker arm is limited by the walls of the channel. 5 One or more magnets are preferably provided at or towards a lower end of the striker body, typically centrally and adjacent a lower end of the striker arm. The magnet(s) will preferably function to attract the striker arm backing to a central position once deflected. Therefore, the striker arm may be formed from a material which may be attracted to a magnet. 10 Alternatively, the striker arm may tend back to a central position simply by any one or more of weight, shape or centrifugal force. Still further, magnets may be alternatively provided in the sides of the channel in order to repel the striker arm toward the central position, but that may require that the arm be provided with a magnet as well which will tend to increase 15 expense and complexity. Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention. Brief Description of the Drawings 20 Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded view of an awning system and components therefor according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a detailed view of the end of a housing according to a 25 preferred embodiment of the present invention with the housing end cap removed. Figure 3 it is a detailed view of an upper rear section of the housing as illustrated in Figure 2. Figure 4 is an axonometric view of a housing end cap according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention. 30 Figure 5 is an axonometric view of a wire guide mount which can be used with the housing end cap illustrating Figure 4. Figure 6 is a detailed review of the engagement between a side channel and a side channel end cap according to a preferred embodiment of the present 17 invention. Figure 7 is a section view of an extrusion used for a bottom rail of an awning system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a section view of a weatherseal according to a preferred 5 embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is a section view of a side channel with the front wall removed with a side tensioning guide track mounted thereon according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is a detailed view of a side tensioning guide track according 10 to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 is an axonometric view of a bottom rail side channel end cap according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention Figure 12 is an isometric view from the front of a striker assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 15 Figure 13 is an isometric view from the rear of the striker assembly illustrated in Figure 12. Figure 14A is a front elevation view of a striker body according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14B is a sectional view of the striker body illustrated in Figure 20 14A along line A-A. Figure 14C is a side elevation view of the striker body illustrated in Figure 14A. Figure 14D is a rear elevation view of the striker body illustrated in Figure 14A. 25 Figure 14E is a top view of the striker body illustrated in Figure 14A. Figure 15A is a side view of a striker arm according to a preferred embodiment. Figure 15B is a front elevation view of the striker arm illustrated in Figure 15A. 30 Figure 15C is an isometric view from the front of the striker arm illustrated in Figure 15A. Figure 15C is an isometric view from the rear of the striker arm illustrated in Figure 15A.
18 Figure 16A is a front elevation view of the striker assembly illustrated in Figure 12 with hidden detail. Figure 16B is a front elevation view of the striker assembly illustrated in Figure 12. 5 Figure 17 is a front elevation view of the striker assembly illustrated in Figure 12 and latch member in a preferred first stage of engagement. Figure 18 is a front elevation view of the striker assembly illustrated in Figure 12 and latch member in a preferred second stage of engagement. Figure 19 is a front elevation view of the striker assembly illustrated in 10 Figure 12 and latch member in an engaged condition. Figure 20 is a front elevation view of the striker assembly illustrated in Figure 12 and latch member in a preferred first stage of disengagement. Figure 21 is a front elevation view of the striker assembly illustrated in Figure 12 and latch member in a preferred second stage of disengagement. 15 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, and improved awning system is provided. The improved awning system of the invention is best illustrated schematically in Figure 1. The awning system illustrated therein includes an upper 20 housing formed from a body portion 11 and a hood cover 12. A pair of hood ends 13 are provided, one at either end of the housing. The housing can be mounted relative to a surface using either a ceiling bracket 14 or a face fit bracket 15. The right hand hood end houses components which allow the extension and retraction of a roller with a generally rectangular awning fabric attached thereto. 25 These components include an idle end spacer 16. The right hand hood and is also provided with a central hood end cover 17 as well as a pair of plugs or covers 18 in order to cover openings into the hood end 13 for components such as wiring or manual crank handles. Each hood end 13 is adapted to mount either a track shown on the left 30 hand side of Figure 1 or a wire guide of which the top mount 19 is illustrated on the right-hand side of Figure 1. The preferred track illustrated in Figure 1 includes a rear side channel 20 and an engageable forward side channel 21. Together, these channel parts define a 19 generally U-shaped opening. A floating track 22 is located within the side channel and is biased outwardly. The floating track is provided with an endpiece 23 and upper end and engages with a side channel end cap 24 at the lower end which also mounts the side channel. 5 Also located in the side channel at a lower end is striker mechanism 25 of a latch. The striker mechanism 25 engages with a latch member located on the outer end of a bottom rail end cap 26. Typically a pair of these end caps 26 may be provided on the bottom rail (not shown). In the configuration where the awning uses a wire guide, the rail is provided with an end cap 27 facilitated to be used for a wire 10 guide. This end cap 27 is normally provided with a wire guide 28 in order that the rail can be moved between the retracted and one or more extended conditions guided by the wire. The preferred awning system includes a housing illustrated more clearly in Figures 2 and 3 which includes a body portion 11 to be mounted relative to 15 a surface and a hood member 12, the body portion 11 having a first portion of a rotatable opening mechanism located at a forward free end thereof and the hood member 12 having a second portion of a rotatable opening mechanism located at one free end thereof and shaped to form a closed housing with the body portion 11 when the hood member 12 is in a closed condition. The housing also includes a pair of hood 20 ends 13 shaped to correspond with the shape of housing when the hood member 13 is in a closed condition. At least one of the hood ends 13 has a latch mechanism associated therewith to temporarily hold the hood member 12 in a closed condition relative to the body portion 11, and a mounting portion on an external portion thereof to mount a wire guide 19 or a track. 25 In all embodiments of the present invention, an awning fabric is provided. Although not illustrated, the awning fabric is substantially rectangular in shape with a lower edge and a pair of opposed side edges. Normally, at least one enlarged portion is provided at each of the side edges of the awning fabric in order to guide the side edges of the awning fabric during extension and retraction and also to 30 maintain the awning fabric relative to the opening when deployed. The body portion 11 of the housing of the preferred embodiment is normally elongate and extends across the width of the opening relative to which the 20 awning is mounted. As illustrated in Figure 2, the preferred body portion 11 includes an upper wall 29 and a rear wall 30 in a substantially L-shaped configuration. As mentioned above, the body portion 11 is adapted for mounting relative to a surface adjacent to the opening. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear 5 wall 30 of the body portion 11 is provided with a recess 31 having a lip 32 in order to allow suspension of the body portion 11 relative to the surface. This recess 31 is reinforced by providing a rolled portion 33 relative to the recess 31. The recess 31 is provided towards an upper portion of the rear wall 30. Normally, a lower portion of the rear wall will abut the surface relative to which the housing is mounted due to 10 rotation of the rear wall 30 about the recess 31 and more particularly about the bracket received in the recess 31 to mount the housing. Preferably, attachment portions are provided on the body portion to attach the hood ends 13 to the body portion 11. According to the illustrated embodiment, the attachment portions include circular rolled portions 33 in order to 15 receive pins or similar provided on the hood ends 13. As illustrated in Figure 2, there is one upper and one lower circular rolled portion 33 provided, normally towards or adjacent the rear wall 30 of the body portion 11. Typically, the upper wall 29 projects forwardly from the rear wall 30. The upper wall 29 includes a forward arcuate portion provided with a free end. The 20 free end has a first portion of a rotatable opening mechanism 34 associated therewith. The first portion of the rotatable opening mechanism 34 engages with a corresponding portion provided on the hood member 12 in order to allow the housing to be opened and closed to allow servicing and/or removal of the roller or other components from the housing. 25 The first portion of the rotatable opening mechanism 34 preferably extends over the length of the body portion 11 at the free end of the upper wall 29. The rotatable opening mechanism 34 functions as a hinge as well as allowing removal or separation of the hood member 12 from the body portion 1 1 when desired. The first portion of the rotatable opening mechanism 34 illustrated 30 includes an arcuate portion 35 forming an arcuate opening. Typically this arcuate opening is concave and upwardly facing. An extension or continuation arm 36 partially extends over the arcuate opening, normally as an extension of the upper wall 29 itself. This extension or continuation arm 36 creates an abutment surface to brace 21 or prevent over rotation of the hood member 12 when closed. The free end of the extension arm 36 is preferably rounded. The hood member 12 of the housing is also preferably manufactured from metal or plastic material. Further, the hood member 12 is also typically elongate 5 (matching the length of the body portion) it is also normally extruded to have constant cross-section over its length. The hood member 12 preferably forms the front 37 and lower walls 38 of the housing. Together with the body portion 11, the hood member 12 forms an enclosure for housing components of the awning mechanism. 10 The hood member 12 includes a second portion of the rotatable opening mechanism 34. The second portion is provided at an upper end of the front wall 37 of the hood member 12 and is correspondingly shapes to the shape of the first portion. Given the preferred shape of the first portion, the preferred shape of the 15 second portion is a rounded or beak portion 39 with an arcuate recess to abut the preferred rounded free end of the extension arm 36 of the first portion. Preferably, a rolled portion 33 is provided at a lower rear edge of the lower wall 38. This rolled portion 33 is preferably open at at least one and normally both ends in order to form part of a latch mechanism for maintaining the housing in a 20 closed condition. Further, the rolled portion 33 may abut the rolled portion 33 provided on the rear wall 30 of the body portion 1 1 when closed. Alternatively, the rolled portion 33 of the lower wall 38 may be slightly separated therefrom and maintained in the slightly separated condition by the latch mechanism. The housing of the illustrated embodiment is provided with a pair of 25 hood ends 13 (best illustrated in Figure 4) shaped to correspond to the shape of the housing when the hood member 12 is closed. The hood ends 13 are preferably provided with attachment pins 40 to attach to the body portion 11 but not to the hood member 12. As mentioned above, the shape of the hood end 13 corresponds to the 30 body portion 11 and the hood member 12 when closed. The hood end 13 is formed with an end wall 41 and a peripheral side wall 42 which extends about the end wall 41. A support flange 43 is provided on the peripheral side wall 42 recessed from an 22 outer edge of the sidewall 42 in order to support the body portion 11 and hood member 12 relative thereto. A pair of openings 44 are provided in a lower side wall of the hood end 13. These openings 44 are preferably temporarily covered by cover members 18 5 allowing removal of the cover members 18 if required in order to run components of the awning system through the hood end 13 and into the housing. The openings 44 are normally preformed in the hood end 13 and provided with engaging cover members 18 provided in place as a default condition and removable when the hood end 13is separated from the housing, but are retained in place by the housing once the hood end 10 13 is attached to the housing. The end wall 41 of the hood end 13 has a number of openings therein for various purposes. Normally, an end cap 17 is associated with the hood end 13 in order to cover the openings. The openings are normally grouped towards the centre of the end wall 41 as illustrated in Figure 4 in order to be covered by the end cap 17. 15 Preferably, there will be a larger central opening 45 in the end wall 41. Secondary, surrounding portions 46 are provided of a lesser dimension than the thickness of the end wall 41 in order to allow the installer to easily to drill out openings if required. A set of three openings 47 is provided for attachment of the end cap 17. 20 A hood latch mechanism is provided on the hood end 13 in order to engage with the openings of a rolled portion 22 on the hood member 12. Preferably, the latch mechanism is provided with or formed with a protrusion or bump 48 extending from the hood end 13 sufficiently to engage the hood member 12 when closed. Preferably, the protrusion or bump 48 is rounded and may be resilient or 25 deformable in order to allow passage of the hood member 12 when forced. Each hood end 13 is also provided with mounting portions 49 in order to mount a wire guide 19 or side channel 20 relative thereto. The illustrated mounting portions 49 are formed from one or more arms with each arm including an opening or other attachment mechanism in order to attach the wire guide 19 or side channel 20 30 securely thereto. The arms are typically received into a wire guide 19 or a side channel 20 is mounted relative thereto. The preferred awning system also includes a rail end cap 26 for a track awning system. The track awning system includes an upper housing as described 23 above containing a roller with a generally rectangular awning fabric mounted thereto for extension and retraction. A rail extends at least partially across a lower end of the awning fabric. The rail end cap 26 of the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 5 11 has an attachment assembly to securely attach an end of the awning fabric thereto, an engagement portion to engage the side track or channel to allow reciprocal movement toward and away from the housing but prevent lateral movement of an edge of the awing fabric relative to the at least one side track and an opening therein extending laterally through the engagement portion such that the awning fabric 10 extends to one lateral side of the rail end cap 26 and within the side track or channel. The rail end cap 26 is provided relative to a rail 50, one form of which is illustrated in Figure 7. The rail 50 is elongate and normally extends across the lower end of the awning fabric. A rail end cap 26 is normally provided at each end of the rail 50. The 15 rail end cap 26 engages with a side track or channel (or both) in order to guide the awning fabric during extension or retraction and also to maintain the awning fabric relative to the track or channel when deployed. The rail end cap 26 has portion of an attachment assembly in order to securely attach an end of the fabric awning thereto with the other part provided on the 20 rail itself. Normally, the awning fabric is wrapped about or partially about a locking member extending across the width of the awning and the locking member is then inserted into an opening 51 in the rail and rail end cap in order to fix the rail 50 relative to the awning fabric. A portion of the end cap 26 extends into the rail 50. The locking member is typically an elongate rod extending over the 25 width of the awning fabric. The locking member is typically circular in cross-section but may have any other shape. Preferably, the end cap attachment assembly includes an opening with a smaller dimension slot 52 in order to allow the awning fabric to extend therethrough and a larger dimension rod opening 53 in order to receive a locking member therein. 30 In the illustrated embodiment, the smaller dimension slot extends to the larger dimension rod opening 53 which holds the locking member. There is normally a concave opening 54 in the end portion of the rail end cap 26 in order to abut the 24 surround of the opening 51 in the rail. The rod opening 53 and smaller dimension slot 52 in the other end of the rail end cap 26. A pair of flanges is provided on the end cap 26. One of flanges 55 is an engagement portion in order to engage with the track or channel. This flange 5 preferably guides the rail end cap 26 relative to the channel 20 or track 22 provided on the side of the awning. The flange 55 is typically received between spaced walls of the channel 20 or track 22. Each flange 55 is typically substantially planar. According to a preferred embodiment, a second flange 56 is provided 10 close the end of the rail 50. This flange is therefore shaped to correspond with the periphery of the rail 50. Preferably, at least one protrusion is provided on the outside of the rail end cap 26. According to the illustrated embodiment, a pair of protrusions are provided as different types. A first protrusion 57 is provided as a latch member. This 15 protrusion will be discussed further in detail below. The other protrusion is typically a guide protrusion 58. The guide protrusion 58 is formed through the provision of an extension of the opening 53 to receive the locking member. Therefore, the guide protrusion 58 is typically a surround with the rod opening 53 extending laterally thereinto and a slot opening 52 in an upper 20 portion in order to allow awning fabric to extend thereinto. The guide protrusion 58 extends to the edge of the rail end cap 26 and the slot opening 52 extends to the end of the guide protrusion 58. This allows the awning fabric to extend to the end edge of the end cap 26 which is received within the channel 20 of the awning system. Preferably, the awning fabric extends completely to the each of the end cap 26. 25 The awning system of the preferred embodiment also includes a weather seal arrangement best illustrated in Figures 7 and 8. The weather seal arrangement is provided on a lower side of the rail 50 and includes an engagement opening 59 for receiving a portion of a weather seal member 60 and a weather seal member 60 including an engagement portion 61 for engaging the engagement opening 30 59 in the rail 50 and a deformable lobular portion 62 extending therefrom and adapted to abut and at least partially deform against a surface when the awning system is in the fully extended condition.
25 The engagement opening 59 is partially defined by a pair of converging arms 63 each with a free end but with a space between the free ends of the converging arms 63. This forms a larger dimension portion of an engagement opening 59 and a narrower neck or throat defined by the converging arms 63 which act to prevent the 5 weather seal 60 from removal through the narrower neck or throat but allowing the weather seal 60 to depend therethrough. The weather seal 60 itself extends across the entire length of the rail 50 (the width of the awning). The weather seal 60 is provided with an engagement portion 61 to be 10 received within the engagement opening 59 of the rail 50. The engagement portion 61 illustrated is T-shaped. It is preferred that this engagement portion is not deformable or has only limited deformation. The engagement portion 61 illustrated is formed integrally with the deformable lobular portion 62. The two portions may be formed together although the 15 two portions may be of different materials. The lobular portion 62 of the weather seal 60 is preferably hollow. The lobular portion 62 is deformable but is also preferably resilient. The lobular portion 62 depends from the engagement portion 61 below the rail 50 such that the lobular portion 62 abuts a surface before the rail 50. Typically, the awning fabric will be sized 20 such that the weather seal 60 will abut and deform against the surface but the rail 50 will be spaced therefrom even when the fabric is fully extended. The awning system of the present invention also includes a floating track 22 mounted relative to an elongate side channel 20. The floating track 22 includes a convergent assembly defining an opening between adjacent free ends to 25 receive a portion of the awning fabric such that the at least one enlarged portion can engage the convergent assembly preventing egress through the opening. The floating track 22 is also provided with a pair of guide arms 71 engageable with the elongate side channel 20 allowing resilient movement of the floating track 22 relative to the elongate side channel 20 to tension the awning fabric during use. The floating track 30 and channel are best illustrated in Figures 9 and 10. The floating track 22 engages with a side channel 20 of the awning mechanism. The side channel 20 is preferably continuous over the height of the awning structure. The side channel 20 is attached to or relative to a surface adjacent to 26 the opening relative to which the awning is used, in order to guide the awning fabric during extension and retraction and to maintain the awning fabric in position when deployed. The side channel 20 is usually at least partially U-shaped. As illustrated 5 in Figures 1 and 9, the side channel 20 is formed with a rear portion 63 with a base wall 64 for attachment to a surface with a pair of arms extending towards the centre of the awning. The side channel of particularly preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 9, is formed from the rear portion 63, an integrally formed substantially planar arm 65 and a second facing arm 21 is attachable thereto in order to define the general 10 U-shape of the side channel. Normally, two pairs of lateral extensions are provided on the arms 21, 65 extending toward one another in order to mount the floating track 22 relative thereto. A first pair of lateral extensions 66 is typically a bracing pair and the other pair of lateral extensions 67 is a stop pair. Each extension of each pair extends 15 partway towards the other with the separation gap therebetween. The floating track 22 is elongate and continuous over the height of the awning. The floating track 22 is biased away from the centre of the awning or from the opposite side of the awning. Normally, the floating track 22 is formed from a central track portion 20 68 provided with a pair of mounting arms 69, one mounting arm 69 on either side of the track portion 68. The track portion 68 illustrated in Figure 10 is a rectangular box with a longitudinally extending opening 70 extending over one wall thereof. Preferably, the longitudinally extending opening 70 is oriented towards the awning fabric. The 25 longitudinally extending opening 70 preferably allows passage of the awning fabric but retains the at least one enlarged portion of the awning fabric within. It is also preferred that the track portion 68 is rigid so that the free ends defining the longitudinally extending opening 70 are not easily deformed to remove the at least one enlarged portion from the opening 70. 30 As illustrated in Figure 10, the mounting arms 69 of the floating track 22 extend one from either side of the track portion 68. The mounting arms 69 are coplanar with the rear wall of the track portion 22 opposite the wall with the longitudinal extending opening 70. The mounting arms 69 are dimensioned such that 27 the floating track 22 fits snugly but still movably between the arms 21, 65 of the side channel 20 as illustrated in Figure 9. Each mounting arm 69 has a free end which abuts the arms 21, 65 of the side channel 20. Each mounting arm 69 has a pair of surfaces, a first surface facing the 5 centre of the awning and a second surface on the opposite side of the mounting arm. A guide arm 71 preferably extends from the first surface of each mounting arm 69. The guide arm 71 extends continuously over the length of the floating track 22. Each guide arm 71 is preferably V-shaped having a first arm portion 72 extending at an angle to the first surface and a second arm portion 73 extending at an 10 angle to the first arm portion 72. Each guide arm 71 is preferably resilient and/or deformable. A free end of each guide arm 71 abuts one of the bracing lateral extensions 66 in the side channel. The second surface of the mounting arms 71 is typically a stop surface 15 abutting one of the stop lateral extensions 67 in the side channel 20 in order to prevent or limit movement in that direction. Due to its configuration, the floating track 22 can move towards the centre of the awning by force applied by the at least one enlarged portion provided on the edge of the awning fabric against the resilience of the guide arms 71 which bias 20 the floating track 22 away from the centre of the awning in order to tension the awning fabric. Normally, as the awning fabric is extended, the at least one enlarged portion slides down inside the track portion 68 of the floating track 22 and the biased floating track 22 tensions the awning fabric through its biased mounting relative to the side channel 20. 25 The awning system of the preferred embodiment includes a latch assembly one preferred embodiment of which is illustrated in Figures 12 to 16 with the operation of the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 17 to 21. The latch assembly includes a latch member 57 (illustrated in Figure 11) provided on the rail end cap 26, a striker arm 74 having a lateral extension 75 30 shaped for abutment with the latch member 57 when the striker arm 74 is in an engaged position relative to the latch member 57 to maintain the latch member 57 in an engaged position and to encourage lateral movement of the striker arm 74 when the latch member 57 is moved into and from the engaged position and a striker body 76 28 mounting the striker arm 74 for pivotal movement relative thereto and mounted adjacent the at least one side channel 20 or floating track 22 to facilitate engagement and disengagement of the striker arm 74 with the latch member 57 when the rail 50 is moved. 5 The preferred latch assembly of the present invention typically includes a latch member 57 provided on the end of a rail end cap 26. As described above, the latch member 57 will normally be one of the protrusions from the outer end of the rail end cap 26. The latch member therefore extends from the rail end cap 26 into the side channel 20. 10 The latch member 57 is sufficiently narrow in dimension in order to have free space on either side of the latch member 57 relative to the side channel 20 in order to allow passage of the lateral extension 75 of the striker arm 74. As mentioned above, the latch member 57 is shaped to provide particular functionality. In particular, the latch member 57 is provided with more than 15 one deflection surface acting to deflect the lateral extension 75 of striker arm 74. The preferred form of latch member 57 has an abutment surface 77 to abut the lateral extension 75 of the striker arm 74 when in an engaged condition and at least three other surface portions, a first surface portion 78 to encourage lateral movement of the striker arm 74 when the first surface portion 78 passes the striker 20 arm 74 in a downward direction as illustrated in Figure 17, a second surface portion 79 to encourage lateral movement of the striker arm 74 when the second surface portion 79 passes the striker arm 74 in a downward direction as illustrated in Figure 20 and a third surface portion 80 to encourage lateral movement of the striker arm 74 when the third surface portion 80 passes the striker arm 74 in an upward direction as 25 illustrated in Figure 21, the first surface portion 78 spaced from the second 79 and third 80 surface portions. The abutment surface 77 faces upwardly towards the housing or roller of the awning system. The abutment surface 77 is shaped such that the lateral movement of the striker arm 74 (or lateral extension 75 of the striker arm 74) is 30 restricted once engaged. A particularly preferred configuration is an abutment surface 77 which is convergent downwardly, arcuate and preferably concave. As illustrated, the first surface portion 78 is provided on an underside of the abutment surface 77. The first surface portion 78 is normally planar and is 29 angled across the end of the rail end cap 26. The first surface portion 78 is a deflection surface in order to deflect lateral extension 75 of the striker arm 74 out of the path of the latch member 57. The second surface portion 79 is angled in the same direction and to the 5 same degree as the first surface portion 78 causing the first and second surface portions to be parallel to one another. The second surface portion 79 is preferably spaced from the abutment surface 77 although preferably facing the abutment surface 77. Normally, the second surface portion 79 is provided spaced above the abutment surface 77. 10 The third surface portion 80 is angled in the same direction and to the same degree as the first surface portion 78 causing the first 78, second 79 and third 80 surface portions to be parallel to one another. The third surface portion 80 is provided on the opposite side of the second surface portion 79 above the second surface portion 79. A particularly preferred form is that a planar angled extension forms both the 15 second 79 and third 80 surface portions. Typically, a separating member 81 will be provided between the planar angle extension forming the second 79 and third surface 80 portions and a lower portion forming the abutment surface 77 and the first surface portion 78. The separating member 81 is integrally formed with both the planar angled extension and 20 the lower portion and preferably extend substantially vertically. This separating member 81 will also typically prevent dislodgement of the striker arm 74 accidentally from the latch member 57 and guide movement of the striker arm 74 into the engaged condition (illustrated in Figure 19) and during release. The latch member 57 is preferably substantially C-shaped. 25 The latch assembly also includes a striker arm 74 illustrated in Figures 15A to 15D. The striker arm 74 is preferably elongate, planar and substantially triangular in shape. Normally, the triangular shaped striker arm 74 has the point of the triangle below the base of the triangle and is therefore inverted. The striker arm 74 is preferably pivoted from an upper portion, 30 typically approximately centrally. The lateral extension 75 of the striker arm 74 extends towards the centre of the awning. A guide pin 82 extends from the opposite side of the striker arm 74 to the lateral extension 75 in order to guide pivoting of the striker arm 74.
30 The lateral extension 75 extends from toward a lower end of the striker arm 74. The lateral extension 75 is preferably ovate shaped in order to assist with its functionality or broader and rounded at the base and tapering towards a pointed tip. Preferably, the base of the lateral extension 75 will act to abut the abutment surface 77 5 of the latch member57 when in the engaged condition. The tapered sides of the lateral extension 75 will preferably work with the deflection surfaces of the latch member 57 in order to move the lateral extension 75 and the striker arm 74 when the latch is moved relative to the striker arm 74. The latch assembly also includes a striker body 76 relative to which the 10 striker arm 74 is mounted. The striker body 76 may have any shape but is preferably generally rectangular. A recessed channel 83 is provided through one surface of the striker body 76, namely the surface facing the awning fabric. The striker arm 74 is typically mounted to the striker body 76 in this channel 83. Preferably, the channel 83 is approximately the depth or the width of 15 the thickness of the striker arm 74. The striker arm 74 is normally mounted typically to the striker body 76 at an upper portion of the striker body 76. An arcuate opening 84 is provided towards a lower end of the channel 83 in order to engage with the guide pin 82 extending from the rear of the striker arm 74. Normally, the range of movement of the striker arm 74 is limited by the 20 walls 85 of the channel 83. One or more magnets 86 are provided in openings 87 towards a lower end of the striker body 76, typically centrally. The magnet(s) 86 function to attract the striker arm 74 backing to a central position once deflected. Therefore, the striker arm 74 may be formed from a material which may be attracted to a magnet 86. 25 In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in 30 connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or 31 characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described 5 since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (24)

1. A floating track for an awning system, the awning system including an upper roller with a generally rectangular awning fabric provided with at least one enlarged portion at or adjacent at least one side edge thereof and mounted 5 relative to the upper roller for extension and retraction, at least one elongate side channel located below the upper roller and adapted to guide the awning fabric during extension and retraction, the floating track mounted relative to the elongate side channel and having a convergent assembly defining an opening between adjacent free ends to receive a portion of the awning fabric such that the 10 at least one enlarged portion can engage the convergent assembly preventing egress through the opening, the floating track provided with at least one guide arm engageable with the at least one elongate side channel allowing resilient movement of the floating track relative to the at least one elongate side channel to tension the awning fabric during use. 15
2. A floating track as claimed in claim 1 wherein the floating track includes a track portion for engagement with an awning fabric and at least one mounting arm on at least one side of the track portion.
3. A floating track as claimed in claim 1 wherein the floating track includes a pair of mounting arms, one on either side of a central track portion. 20
4. A floating track as claimed in either one of claims 2 or 3 wherein the track portion is central to the floating track member and has a longitudinally extending opening.
5. A floating track as claimed in claim 4 wherein the track portion is rigid so that any free ends defining the longitudinally extending opening are not easily 25 deformed to remove the at least one enlarged portion from the longitudinally extending opening.
6. A floating track as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the track portion is a rectangular box section with a longitudinally extending opening extending over one wall thereof oriented towards the awning fabric allowing passage of the 30 awning fabric but retains the at least one enlarged portion of the awning fabric within.
7. A floating track as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein the at least one mounting arm is coplanar with a wall of the track portion opposite a wall with a 33 longitudinal extending opening oriented towards the awning fabric allowing passage of the awning fabric but retains the at least one enlarged portion of the awning fabric within.
8. A floating track as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein each at least one 5 mounting arm has a pair of surfaces, a first surface facing toward the awning and a second surface on an opposite side of the mounting arm.
9. A floating track as claimed in claim 8 wherein a guide arm extends from the first surface of each mounting arm.
10. A floating track as claimed in claim 9 wherein the guide arm extends over the 10 length of the floating track.
11. A floating track as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9 wherein each guide arm is substantially V-shaped with a first arm portion extending at an angle to the first surface and a second arm portion extending at an angle to the first arm portion.
12. A floating track as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein the second 15 surface of the mounting arms is a stop surface to prevent or limit movement of the floating track.
13. A floating track assembly for an awning system including an elongate side channel and a floating track according to any one of the preceding claims mounted relative thereto. 20
14. A floating track assembly for an awning system, the awning system including an upper roller with a generally rectangular awning fabric provided with at least one enlarged portion at or adjacent at least one side edge thereof and mounted relative to the upper roller for extension and retraction, the floating track assembly including at least one elongate side channel located below the upper 25 roller and adapted to guide the awning fabric during extension and retraction, the floating track mounted relative to the elongate side channel and having a convergent assembly defining an opening between adjacent free ends to receive a portion of the awning fabric such that the at least one enlarged portion can engage the convergent assembly preventing egress through the opening, the 30 floating track provided with at least one guide arm engageable with the at least one elongate side channel allowing resilient movement of the floating track relative to the at least one elongate side channel to tension the awning fabric during use. 34
15. A floating track assembly as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the side channel is continuous over the height of the awning structure with a floating track member continuous over the height of the side channel.
16. A floating track assembly as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the 5 side channel is at least partially U-shaped with a base wall for attachment to a surface and a pair of arms extending relative thereto.
17. A floating track assembly as claimed in claim 16 wherein a portion of the floating track is dimensioned such that the floating track fits snugly but still movably between the arms of the side channel. 10
18. A floating track assembly as claimed in claim 17 wherein one of the arms is formed integrally with the base wall and a second, facing arm is attachable relative to the base wall to define the U shape.
19. A floating track assembly as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18 wherein one or more lateral extensions are provided between the pair of arms extending 15 toward one another and having free ends which are spaced from one another.
20. A floating track assembly as claimed in claim 19 wherein two pairs of lateral extensions are provided extending toward one another in order to mount the floating track relative thereto.
21. A floating track assembly as claimed in claim 20 wherein a first pair of lateral 20 extensions is a bracing pair relative to which the floating track is braced in a resiliently moveable manner and a second pair of lateral extensions is a stop pair.
22. An awning system including an upper roller with a generally rectangular awning fabric provided with at least one enlarged portion at or adjacent at least one side edge thereof and mounted relative to the upper roller for extension and retraction, 25 at least one elongate side channel located below the upper roller and adapted to guide the awning fabric during extension and retraction, and a floating track mounted relative to the elongate side channel and having a convergent assembly defining an opening between adjacent free ends to receive a portion of the awning fabric such that the at least one enlarged portion can engage the 30 convergent assembly preventing egress through the opening, the floating track provided with at least one guide arm engageable with the at least one elongate side channel allowing resilient movement of the floating track relative to the at least one elongate side channel to tension the awning fabric during use. 35
23. An awning system as claimed in claim 22 including a floating track as claimed in any one of claims I to 12.
24. An awning system as claims in claim 22 including a floating track assembly as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 21. 5
AU2011204894A 2011-07-21 2011-07-21 An Improved Awning System and Components Therefor Withdrawn - After Issue AU2011204894C1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

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AU2011204894A AU2011204894C1 (en) 2011-07-21 2011-07-21 An Improved Awning System and Components Therefor
AU2013270515A AU2013270515B2 (en) 2011-07-21 2013-12-11 An Improved Awning System and Components Therefor

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AU2011204894A AU2011204894C1 (en) 2011-07-21 2011-07-21 An Improved Awning System and Components Therefor

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AU2011204894A1 true AU2011204894A1 (en) 2013-02-07
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ITUB20159825A1 (en) * 2015-12-18 2017-06-18 Brianzatende Srl BELLOWS COMPENSATOR FOR CURTAINS

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DE4104749C2 (en) * 1991-02-15 1993-10-07 Perfecta Rolladen Gmbh Roller shutters
NL1017112C2 (en) * 2001-01-15 2002-07-16 Jakob Lassche Blocking device.
BE1014506A3 (en) * 2001-12-03 2003-11-04 Dynaco Internat Device with re-introduction component element.
ITPD20040039A1 (en) * 2004-02-16 2004-05-16 Progetto Tenda Spa ROLLER BLIND
US7128125B2 (en) * 2004-03-09 2006-10-31 Charles Harbison Durable sealing curtain
CN2775273Y (en) * 2005-04-11 2006-04-26 吉永航 Self buckling sunshade curtain mechanism
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IT1394671B1 (en) * 2009-07-14 2012-07-13 Fanani S R L LOCKING GROUP, PARTICULARLY FOR OUTDOOR CURTAINS.

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ITUB20159825A1 (en) * 2015-12-18 2017-06-18 Brianzatende Srl BELLOWS COMPENSATOR FOR CURTAINS

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AU2013270515B2 (en) 2016-01-21
AU2011204894B2 (en) 2013-09-19
AU2013270515A1 (en) 2014-01-16
AU2011204894C1 (en) 2014-10-23

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