AU2015101636B4 - An Awning Assembly And Method Of Use - Google Patents

Abstract

(Figure 1) The present invention provides an awning assembly, an awning panel and a method of installation of the awning assembly and the awning panel to the wall of a structure. The awning panel is connectable with at least one other like awning panel to form an awning. The awning panel has opposed side edges, a structure abutting edge portion and an opposed free edge portion having a channel. The channel defines a receiving opening at at least one end of the channel for receiving a connecting component for connecting the awning panel with the at least one other like awning panel to form the awning.

Description

AN AWNING ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USE

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to an awning assembly and method of installation. In particular, the present invention relates to a preformed awning panel for use with an awning assembly.

BACKGROUND [0002] The use of awnings to provide shade and cover about a structure is well known. Indeed, awnings have been in use since Roman times. However, modem awnings are no longer expected to simply provide shade and cover about a structure but are also expected to contribute to the overall appeal of the external appearance of a structure, which is typically the most important visual aspect of the structure from a design standpoint.

[0003] Generally, such modem awnings are made of aluminium or steel, and manufactured and installed by local manufacturing companies.

[0004] However, a problem with such modem awnings is that they are complex and difficult to assemble and mount. Typically, this is because each awning unit is assembled on site from multiple parts and individually fastened to a structure.

[0005] Moreover, the act of installing such awning units is particularly labour intensive and time consuming often initially requiring the fitting of various frames and brackets to the structure prior to the fitting of the actual awning unit.

[0006] As such, a further and resultant problem associated with typical modem awnings is that they are expensive.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide an awning assembly, an awning panel and a method of installation, which may overcome at least one of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

2015101636 09 Nov 2015 [0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an awning panel connectable with at least one other awning panel to form an awning, said awning panel having:

opposed side edges; and a structure abutting edge portion configured to be fastened to a wall of a structure and an opposed free edge portion having a channel extending at least partially between the opposed side edges, wherein a receiving opening is defined at at least one end of the channel for at least partially receiving a connecting component for connecting the awning panel with the at least one other awning panel to form the awning.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an awning assembly including:

at least two awning panels adapted to be connected together to form an awning, each awning panel having:

opposed side edges; and a structure abutting edge portion configured to be fastened to a wall of a structure and an opposed free edge portion having a channel extending at least partially between the opposed side edges, wherein a receiving opening is defined at at least one end of the channel; and at least one connecting component configured to be at least partially received in adjacent receiving openings of the at least two awning panels to connect the awning panels together to form the awning.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connecting component for use with or when used with the awning assembly of the second aspect, said connecting component configured to be at least partially received in adjacent receiving openings of at least two awning panels to connect the awning panels together to form an awning.

[0011] Advantageously, the awning assembly of the present invention may be readily installed on site by fastening one or more awning panels to a wall of a structure and connecting the panels together to form an awning or, alternatively, connecting one or more awning panels together to form a length of awning and then fastening the length of awning to the wall of the structure. The absence of any frames and brackets for fastening each awning panel to the wall

2015101636 09 Nov 2015 of the structure means that the awning assembly of the present invention may be quickly installed on site. Therefore, the awning assembly of the present invention is less time consuming and labour intensive to install compared to typical modem awnings. As such, the awning assembly of the present invention may provide a cost-effective alternative to modem awnings. Additionally, the awning panels of the present invention once connected together lie or rest substantially flush relative to one another to provide an at least superficially continuous connection between the adjacent panels whereby each connection appears to casual observation to be seamless. This, in turn, results in a visually appealing awning, which positively contributes to the overall appeal of the external appearance of a structure.

[0012] As indicated above, the awning panel of the present invention is intended to be fastened to a wall of a structure and be connected together with other like awning panels to form an awning at least partially extending about the perimeter of the structure. Typically, the structure may be a building, such as, e.g., a residential dwelling or a commercial or industrial building. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the awning panel of the present invention may also be fastened to the wall of any stationary structure, such as, e.g., a demountable building or a permanent-site caravan, and be connected together with other like awning panels to form an awning extending at least partially about such stationary structures.

[0013] The awning panel may be of any size, shape and construction suitably adapted to be connected with other like awning panels to form an awning. Likewise, the awning panel may be formed from any suitable material or materials.

[0014] For example, the panel may be triangular, rectangular or oblong shaped, preferably rectangular or oblong shaped.

[0015] Generally, the panel may be formed from a material that is lightweight yet strong and durable. Typically, the panel may be formed from metal, plastic, wood, glass, metal alloy and/or composite material or materials. The panel may be treated, painted, anodized or powder coated to at least partially enhance the durability of the panel. The panel may be of single layer construction or of multilayer construction.

[0016] The panel may be of unitary construction or may include one or more panel pieces, such as, e.g., a panel body piece, a structure abutting edge portion piece, a free edge portion channel piece and/or side edge pieces. Preferably, the panel may be of unitary construction.

2015101636 09 Nov 2015 [0017] The panel may have a thickness of at least 20mm, at least 15mm, at least 12mm, at least 10mm, at least 9mm, at least 8mm, at least 7mm, at least 6mm, at least 5mm, at least 4mm, at least 3mm or even at least 2mm. Typically, the panel may have a thickness of at least 4mm.

[0018] The panel may be of any suitable length (i.e., the distance between the structure abutting edge portion and the free edge portion) and any suitable width (i.e., the distance between the opposed side edges). In some embodiments, the panel may be formed to specific lengths and widths, i.e., custom made. In other embodiments, the panel may be formed in standard or pre-defined lengths and widths.

[0019] For example, the panel may have a length and/or a width of about 3,500mm, about 3,400mm, about 3,300mm, about 3,300mm, about 3,200mm, about 3,100mm, about 3,000mm, about 2,900mm, about 2,800mm, about 2,700mm, about 2,600mm, about 2,500mm, about 2,400mm, about 2,300mm, about 2,200mm, about 2,100mm, about 2,000mm, about 1,900mm, about 1,800mm, about 1,700mm, about 1,600mm, about 1,500mm, about 1,400mm, about 1,300mm, about 1,200mm, about 1,100mm, about 1,000mm, about 950mm, about 900mm, about 850mm, about 800mm, about 750mm, about 700mm, about 650mm, about 600mm, about 550mm, about 500mm, about 450mm, about 400mm, about 350mm, about 300mm, about 250mm, about 200mm, about 150mm or about 100mm.

[0020] Preferably, the panel may be formed in standard lengths of at least 450mm, at least 600mm or at least 900mm, and a standard width of at least 750mm, at least 1,200mm, at least 2,400mm or at least 3,000mm.

[0021] The panel may preferably have two opposed surfaces including a first surface and an opposed second surface. The opposed surfaces may by substantially parallel to one another and interconnected by opposing edges including the substrate abutting edge portion, the opposed free edge portion and the opposed side edges. Preferably, the first surface may form an upper surface and the second surface may form a lower surface of the panel when the panel is fastened to a wall of a structure.

[0022] The opposed side edges of the panel may typically extend parallel to one another to enable the panel to be connected to other like panels to form an awning extending at least partially across a wall of a structure. In some embodiments, however, one or both of the side edges may converge or diverge to one of the structure abutting edge portion and the opposed

2015101636 09 Nov 2015 free end edge portion to enable the panel to be connected to other like panels and form an awning extending around a comer of a structure.

[0023] In other embodiments, a part of a panel may be used to connect with other like panels to form a desired length of awning.

[0024] As indicated above, the structure abutting edge portion of the panel is generally configured to be fastened to the wall of a structure. In this regard, the structure abutting edge portion may be of any suitable size, shape and form.

[0025] Typically, the structure abutting edge portion may be angled relative to the remainder of the panel such that it may be fastened to the wall of the structure in a surface-tosurface abutting relationship, preferably with one or more mechanical fasteners.

[0026] The structure abutting edge portion may be angled at any suitable angle relative to the remainder of the panel. The structure abutting edge portion may be angled towards either the first or second surface of the panel, preferably the first surface (i.e., the upper surface when fastened to a wall of a structure). Typically, the structure abutting edge portion may extend at any suitable angle relative to the remainder of the panel such that the remainder of the panel extends outwards at desired angle from the structure when fastened to the wall of the structure. Preferably, the structure abutting edge portion may extend substantially orthogonally from the remainder of the panel such that the remainder of the panel extends substantially horizontally outwards from the structure when fastened to the wall of the structure.

[0027] The structure abutting edge portion may define one or more openings for receiving the mechanical fasteners, preferably at least 2, at least 4 or at least 6 openings, for fastening the awning panel to the wall of the structure.

[0028] As indicated above, the opposed free edge portion of the panel has a channel extending at least partially between the opposed side edges, preferably entirely between the opposed side edges. The channel may be of any size, shape and form to suitably define the receiving opening at the at least one end of the channel for at least partially receiving the at least one connecting component for connecting the panel with the at least one other like panel for forming an awning. Preferably, the channel defines openings at each end of the channel.

[0029] The channel may be of integral/unitary construction with the opposed free edge portion of the panel or may be fastened, bonded or welded to the free edge portion, preferably

2015101636 09 Nov 2015 the former.

[0030] In some embodiments, the channel may be formed by the outer free edge portion being at least partially rolled or folded over and back towards the structure abutting edge portion. The outer free edge portion may be rolled or folded over to a same surface of the panel as the angled structure abutting edge portion or to an opposed surface, preferably an opposed surface. Preferably, the outer free edge portion may be rolled or folded over to the second surface of the panel and back to the structure abutting edge portion [0031] In one such embodiment, the outer free edge portion may be folded and include at least two folded parts.

[0032] In another such embodiment, the outer free edge portion may be rolled and include a rolled portion that extends at least partially back towards the structure abutting edge portion. The rolled portion may be defined by a constant or uniformly changing radius or some other suitable curve.

[0033] In preferred embodiments, the channel may be defined by a folded outer free edge portion, including a first part folded over to the second surface of the panel relative to the remainder of the panel and a second part folded relative to the first part toward the structure abutting edge portion. Preferably, the first part may be folded at an angle of about 90° or less relative to the remainder of the panel and the second part may be folded at an angle of about 90° or less relative to the first part. In such embodiments, the receiving opening defined at the at least one end of the channel, preferably both ends, may have a substantially polygonal shape.

[0034] The connecting component of the present invention may be of any suitable size, shape and form to be at least partially received in adjacent receiving openings of two or more panels for connecting them together to form an awning. The panels may preferably be connected together side edge to side edge. More preferably, the panels may be connected together such that each panel lies or rests flush against an adjacent panel to provide an at least superficially continuous connection between the adjacent panels whereby each connection appears to casual observation to be seamless.

[0035] In some embodiments, the connecting component may have an elongate body including a first end portion configured to be at least partially received in the receiving opening of a first awning panel and an opposed second end portion configured to be at least partially

2015101636 09 Nov 2015 received in the receiving opening of a second awning panel to be connected to the first awning panel. Preferably, the elongate member, including the end portions, may have cross-section sized and shaped to be snugly received in the adjacent receiving openings.

[0036] In one such embodiment, the first and second end portions of the connecting component may be in a linear arrangement relative to one another to connect adjacent awning panels in a linear arrangement at least partially across a wall of a structure.

[0037] In another such embodiment, the first and second end portions of the connecting component may be angled relative to one another to connect adjacent awning panels in a sloped or stepped arrangement across a wall of a structure or around a corner of the structure.

[0038] For example, the first and second end portions of the connecting component may arranged at about 90° relative to one another to assist in connecting awning panels together around a comer of a structure or in a stepped arrangement. For connecting awning panels together in a sloped arrangement, the first and second end portions of the connecting component may be arranged at an angle greater than 90° relative to one another.

[0039] In another embodiment, a single connecting component may be used to connect three or more awning panels in a linear arrangement relative to one another. The connecting component may again have an elongate body with a cross-sectional shape configured to be snugly received through the channel of a middle awning panel and at least partially received in the adjacent receiving openings of each end panel.

[0040] Once at least two panels are connected together by the connecting component, the connecting component may be fastened in place by one or more fasteners or adhesives. Preferably, however, the connecting component may be frictionally fitted in place within the channels of the at least two panels connected.

[0041] In some embodiments, the awning assembly or awning panel may further include a cap for capping an unused or open receiving opening. For example, a cap may be used to cover an outer receiving opening of an end panel in a length of awning.

[0042] Each side edge of the panel may further be configured to be connected to an adjacent side edge of a like panel. The side edge may be configured to be directly or indirectly connected to an adjacent side edge. For example, adjacent side edges may be connected together by a butt joint, mitre joint or lap joint, for example. A mite joint may be used to

2015101636 09 Nov 2015 connect adjacent side edge around a comer of a structure, for example.

[0043] In some embodiments, the awning assembly may further include a connector for connecting adjacent side edges of panels together. The connector may be of any suitable size, shape and construction. For example, the connector may be in the form of a clamp, key and keyway arrangement, or portions that friction fit together. For example, the connector may include a male portion engageable with a female portion.

[0044] In one such embodiment, a first part of the connector may operatively associate with a side edge of a first panel and a second part of the connector may operatively associate with an adjacent side edge of a second panel to be joined to the first panel.

[0045] In another such embodiment, the connector may be configured to at least partially receive a portion of a side edge of a first panel and at least partially receive a portion of an adjacent side edge of a second panel to be connected to the first panel.

[0046] In preferred embodiments, the connector may extend at least partially along a length of the side edges to be connected and have a substantially H-shaped profile shape defined by common rib having a first pair of parallel wings extending from a first side of the common rib and a second pair of parallel wings extending from an opposite side of the common rib. In use, the side edge of the first panel may be at least partially received in space defined between the first pair of wings and the side edge of the second panel may be at least partially received in space defined between the second pair of wings.

[0047] The connector may further be fastened to each respective side edge by one or more fasteners or adhesives. Preferably, connector may be frictionally fitted to each side edge to be connected.

[0048] In some embodiments, adjacent side edges of panels may be connected together to provide a water-tight seal. For example, a gasket or sealing member and/or sealing agent may be attached to or applied along one or both of the side edges. The gasket or sealing member may be in the form of a strip of foam. Any suitable sealing agent such as mastic sealant or the like may be used.

[0049] Each awning panel may further include at least one support member for supporting a remainder of the panel relative to the structure abutting edge portion when fastened to the wall of a structure.

2015101636 09 Nov 2015 [0050] The at least one support member may be of any suitable size, shape and form. Typically, the at least one support member may include an elongate body configured to extend across a surface of the panel, the elongate body having a first end and an opposed second end. The first end may be fastened to the structure abutting edge portion of the panel and the second end may be fastened to a location at or near the opposed free edge portion. The at least one support member may be fastened to the panel by any suitable means. For example, the at least one support member may be fastened by one or more mechanical fasteners or may be welded, preferably the latter.

[0051] In one embodiment, the at least one support member may extend across an upper surface of the panel from a location located at or near a midway point between the opposed side edges at the structure abutting edge portion to another location located at or near a midway point between the opposed side edges at or near the opposed free edge portion.

[0052] In another embodiment, the at least one support member may extend diagonally across an upper surface of the panel from a location on the structure abutting edge portion at or near a side edge to another location at or near the opposed free edge portion at or near the opposed side edge.

[0053] Preferably, each awning panel may include at least two support members. The at least two support members may extend across a surface of the panel between the structure abutting edge portion and near or at the opposed free edge portion in any suitable arrangement.

[0054] For example, in one embodiment, each support member may extend parallel to a side edge of the panel across an upper surface of the panel between the structure abutting edge portion and a location near or at the opposed free edge portion of the panel.

[0055] In another embodiment, each support member may extend across an upper surface of the panel from a location at or near a comer of the structure abutting edge portion to a location at or near a midway point between the opposed side edges at or near the opposed free edge portion of the panel. In such an embodiment, the at least two support members may be arranged in a substantially converging arrangement relative to the opposed free edge portion of the panel.

[0056] In yet another embodiment, each support member may extend across an upper surface of the panel from a location on the structure abutting edge portion located at or near a ίο

2015101636 09 Nov 2015 midway point between the opposed side edges to a location at or near a side edge at or near the opposed free edge portion. In such an embodiment, the at least support members may be arranged in a substantially diverging arrangement relative to the opposed free edge portion.

[0057] In some embodiments, the awning panel may include ventilation.

[0058] In some embodiments, the awning panel may include at least one corrugation.

[0059] In some embodiments, the awning panel may further include one or more removable sub-panels to provide access through the awning panel, for example.

[0060] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided in one form a method of installing an awning from the awning assembly of the second aspect, said method including:

fastening a first awning panel to a wall of a structure;

connecting the first awning panel with a second awning panel to form the awning; and fastening the second awning panel to the wall of the structure.

[0061] In another form, there is provided a method of installing an awning from the awning assembly of the second aspect, said method including:

connecting a first awning panel with a second awning panel to form the awning; and fastening the awning to a wall of a structure.

[0062] Preferably, wherein said connecting and said fastening are repeated until a desired length of awning is installed.

[0063] In some embodiments, said fastening may include fastening one or more mechanical fasteners through the openings in the structure abutting edge portion of each awning panel to fasten the awning panel to the wall of the structure.

[0064] Said connecting may preferably include connecting the first and second awning panels together side edge to side edge. More preferably, the panels may be connected together such that each panel lies or rests flush against an adjacent panel to provide an at least superficially continuous connection between the adjacent panels whereby each connection appears to casual observation to be seamless.

2015101636 09 Nov 2015 [0065] Typically, said connecting may include at least partially inserting a first end of the connecting component into a receiving opening of the first awning panel. Said connecting may further include aligning the second awning panel relative to the first awning panel such that the second end of the connecting component may then be inserted into the receiving opening of the second awning panel to connect the second awning panel to the first awning panel to form the awning.

[0066] Said connecting may further include connecting adjacent side edges of the first and second awning panels together either directly or via a connector as described above.

[0067] In some embodiments, said connecting may further include applying or attaching a gasket or sealing member and/or sealing agent to or along one or both of the adjacent side edges of the first and second awning panels to be connected together to provide a water-tight seal. As previously described, the gasket or sealing member may be in the form of a strip of foam. Any suitable sealing agent such as mastic sealant or the like may be used.

[0068] 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.

[0069] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0070] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0071] Figure 1 is a photograph showing a perspective view of an awning panel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0072] Figure 2A is a side view of the awning panel as shown in Figure 1;

[0073] Figure 2B is a sectional end view of the awning panel as shown in Figures 1 and

2015101636 09 Nov 2015

2A;

[0074] Figure 3 is a photograph showing a perspective view of an awning panel according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0075] Figure 4A is a sectional top view of the awning panel as shown in Figure 3;

[0076] Figure 4B is a side view of the awning panel as shown in Figures 3 and 4A;

[0077] Figures 5A to 5C are photographs respectively showing various embodiments of a connecting component of the present invention for connecting the awning panels as shown in Figures 1, 2A, 2B, 3, 4A and 4B together with other like awning panels to form an awning;

[0078] Figure 6 is a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention for connecting together adjacent side edges of the awning panels as shown in Figures 1, 2A, 2B, 3, 4A and 4B; and [0079] Figure 7 is a photograph showing an awning from an awning assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention once installed to a wall of a structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0080] Figure 1 shows an awning panel (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The awning panel (100) is connectable with at least one other awning panel to form an awning.

[0081] The awning panel (100) is rectangular in shape and has an upper surface (110), an opposed lower surface (112; not visible), opposed side edges (114), a structure abutting edge portion (116) and an opposed free edge portion (118). The opposed free edge portion (118) defines a channel (120) extending between the opposed side edges (114) of the panel (100). A receiving opening (130; not visible) is defined at each end of the channel (120) for at least partially receiving a connecting component (500; shown in Figures 5A to 5C only) for connecting the awning panel (100) to at least one other like awning panel side edge (114) to side edge (114) to form an awning.

[0082] The awning panel (100) is of unitary construction and can be formed of metal, generally aluminium. The awning panel (100) is typically treated, painted, anodized or powder coated to enhance its durability.

2015101636 09 Nov 2015 [0083] The panel (100) is provided in standard lengths (i.e., the distance between the structure abutting edge portion (116) and the opposed free edge portion (118)) of 450mm, 600mm or 900mm. The panel (100) has a standard width (i.e., the distance between the opposed side edges (114)) of about 1000mm.

[0084] The opposed side edges (114) of the panel (100) typically extend parallel to one another to enable the panel (100) to be connected to other like panels side edge (114) to side edge (114). In some embodiments, however, the opposed side edges (114) can be mitred to enable the awning panel (100) to be connected to other like awning panels side edge (114) to side edge (114) around a comer of a structure.

[0085] In some embodiments, a part of a panel (100) can be used and connected to other like panels (100) to form a desired length of awning.

[0086] Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, the structure abutting edge portion (116) is configured to be fastened to a wall of a structure in a surface-to-surface abutting relationship with one or more mechanical fasteners.

[0087] Best shown in Figure 2A, the structure abutting edge portion (116) is angled towards the upper surface (110) of the panel (100) and extends substantially orthogonally relative to the remainder of the panel (100) such that, in use, the remainder of the panel (100) extends substantially horizontally from a structure when fastened to a wall of the structure.

[0088] Best shown in Figure 2B, the structure abutting edge portion (116) defines six openings (210) for receiving mechanical fasteners for fastening the panel (100) to a wall of a structure.

[0089] Referring back to Figure 2A, the channel (120) is defined by a folded free edge portion (118), including a first part (220) folded at angle of 90° or less relative to a remainder of the panel (100) to form a base of the channel (120) and a second part (230) folded at an angle of 90° or less relative to the first part (220) to form a wall of the channel (120). The other wall of the channel (120) is formed by a portion of the remainder of the panel (100) adjacent the first part (220).

[0090] The receiving opening (130) defined at each end of the channel (120) has a substantially polygonal shape.

2015101636 09 Nov 2015 [0091] Figure 3 shows an awning panel (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention. As with the awning panel (100) shown in Figures 1, 2A and 2B, the awning panel (100) is also connectable with at least one other like awning panel to form an awning.

[0092] The awning panel (100) again has a rectangular shape with an upper surface (110), an opposed lower surface (112; not visible), opposed side edges (114), a structure abutting edge portion (116) and an opposed free edge portion (118). As with the awning panel (100) shown in Figures 1, 2A and 2B, the opposed free edge portion (118) defines a channel (120) extending between the opposed side edges (114) of the panel (100), and receiving opening (130; not visible) is defined at each end of the channel (120) for at least partially receiving a connecting component (500; shown in Figures 5A to 5C only) for connecting the awning panel (100) to at least one other like awning panel side edge (114) to side edge (114) to form an awning.

[0093] Additionally, however, the awning panel (100) of this embodiment further includes at least two support struts (310; i.e., at least one support member) extending across the upper surface (110) of the panel (100) between the structure abutting edge portion (116) and locations at or near the opposed free edge portion (118). In use, the struts (310) support a remainder of the panel (100) relative to the structure abutting edge portion (116) when fastened to a wall of a structure.

[0094] Referring to Figure 4A, the struts (310) extend across the upper surface (110) of the panel (100) substantially parallel to the side edges (114) of the panel (100).

[0095] Referring to Figure 4B, each strut (310) includes an elongate body configured to extend across the upper surface (110) of the panel (100). The elongate body has a first end (314) and an opposed second end (316). The first end (314) of each strut (310) is welded to the structure abutting edge portion (116) at a location at or near an upper edge of the structure abutting edge portion (116). The second end (314) of each strut (310) is welded to an upper surface (110) of the panel (100) at a location at or near the opposed free edge portion (118).

[0096] Figures 5A to 5C show various embodiments of a connecting component (500) of the present invention for connecting the awning panel (100) as shown in Figures 1, 2A, 2B, 3, 4A and 4B to at least one other like awning panel to form an awning.

[0097] The connecting component (500) includes an elongate body having opposed end portions (512) configured to be received in adjacent receiving openings (130) of at least two

2015101636 09 Nov 2015 panels (100) for connecting them together side edge (114) to side edge (114). The end portions (512) of the connecting component (500) are sized and shaped to be snugly received in the adjacent receiving openings (130) of the panels (100).

[0098] Referring to Figure 5A, the end portions (512) of the connecting component (500) of this embodiment are arranged in a linear arrangement relative to one another for connecting adjacent awning panels (100) together in a linear arrangement at least partially across the wall of a structure.

[0099] In this embodiment, the connecting component (500) can be used to connect three or more awning panels (100) in a linear arrangement side edge (114) to side edge (114). For example, the connecting component (500) can extend through the channel (120) of a middle awning panel (100) and the end portions (512) can be received in the adjacent receiving openings (130) of each end panel (100).

[00100] Referring to Figure 5B, the end portions (512) of the connecting component (500) of this embodiment are arranged at about 90° relative to one another for connecting adjacent awning panels (100) together around the corner of a structure or in a stepped arrangement relative to one another.

[00101] Referring to Figure 5C, the end portions (512) of the connecting component (500) of this embodiment are arranged at an angle greater than 90° relative to one another for connecting adjacent awning panels (100) together in a sloped arrangement relative to one another.

[00102] Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a connector (600) according to an embodiment of the present invention for connecting adjacent side edges of panels together.

[00103] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the connector (600) is configured to extend at least partially along a length of the side edges (114) of the panels (100) to be connected and at least partially receive a portion of the side edge (114) of a first panel (100) and at least a portion of the side edge (114) of a second panel (100) to be connected to the first panel (100).

[00104] Referring back to Figure 6, the connector (600) has an “H-shaped” profile shape defined by a common rim (610) having a first pair of parallel wings (612) extending from a first side of the rib (610) and a second pair of parallel wings (612) extending from an opposite side of the rib (610). In use, the side edge of a first panel is frictionally fitted in the space defined

2015101636 09 Nov 2015 between the first pair of parallel wings (612) and the side edge of an adjacent panel is frictionally fitted in the space defined between the second pair of parallel wings (612).

[00105] In some embodiments, a suitable sealing agent such as mastic sealant can be applied to along both side edges to assist in providing a water-tight seal between connected awning panels.

[00106] Figure 7 shows an awning (710) installed on a wall (800) of a structure (900) with an awning assembly (700) of the present invention. As clearly shown, adjacent awning panels (100) of the assembly (700) are connected together such that each panel (100) lies or rests flush with its adjacent panels (100) to provide an at least superficially continuous connection between the adjacent panels (100) whereby each connection appear to casual observation to be seamless.

[00107] A method of installing the awning assembly (700) as shown in Figure 7 to a wall (800) of a structure (900) is now described in detail.

[00108] In one embodiment, the method includes an initial step of fastening a first awning panel (100) to the wall (800) of the structure (900).

[00109] The method then includes fitting a connector (600) along a first side edge (114) of the panel (110) and inserting a first end portion (512) of a connecting component (500) into the receiving opening (130) located at the first side edge (114) of the panel (110).

[00110] Once the connector (600) and the connecting component (500) are fitted to the first awning panel (100), a second awning panel (100) can then be connected to the first awning panel (100).

[00111] Connecting the second awning panel (100) to the first awning panel (100) includes aligning the second awning panel (100) relative to the first awning panel (100) such that an adjacent side edge (114) of the second awning panel (100) is aligned with the connector (600) and an adjacent receiving opening (130) of the second awning panel (100) is aligned with a second end portion (512) of the connecting component (500).

[00112] The connecting then includes fitting the adjacent side edge (114) of the second awning panel (100) to the connector (600) and inserting the second end portion (512) of the connecting component (500) into the adjacent receiving opening (130) of the second awning panel (100) such that the second awning panel (100) is connected to the first awning panel

2015101636 09 Nov 2015 (100) and lies or rests substantially flush with the first awning panel (100).

[00113] Once connected, the method includes fastening the second awning panel (100) to the wall (800) of the structure (900).

[00114] The above steps are then repeated until a desired length of awning is installed across the wall (800) of the structure (900). Alternative embodiments of the connector (500) can be utilised to connect adjacent awning panels (100) in a stepped or sloped arrangement relative to one another, or to connect adjacent awning panels (100) around a comer of the structure (900).

[00115] In another embodiment, the method includes an initial step of connecting two or more awning panels (100) together side edge (114) to side edge (114).

[00116] The connecting includes an initial step of fitting a connector (600) along a first side edge (114) of a first awning panel (110) and inserting a first end portion (512) of a connecting component (500) into the receiving opening (130) located at the first side edge (114) of the panel (110).

[00117] Once the connector (600) and the connecting component (500) are fitted to the first awning panel (100), the connecting includes aligning a second awning panel (100) relative to the first awning panel (100) such that an adjacent side edge (114) of the second awning panel (100) is aligned with the connector (600) and an adjacent receiving opening (130) of the second awning panel (100) is aligned with a second end portion (512) of the connecting component (500).

[00118] The connecting then includes fitting the adjacent side edge (114) of the second awning panel (100) to the connector (600) and inserting the second end portion (512) of the connecting component (500) into the adjacent receiving opening (130) of the second awning panel (100) such that the second awning panel (100) is connected to the first awning panel (100) and lies or rests substantially flush with the first awning panel (100).

[00119] The above steps are then repeated until a desired length of awning is formed by connected awning panels (100).

[00120] Once a desired length of awning is formed, the method then includes fastening the awning to the wall (800) of the structure (900). The fastening includes individually fastening each awning panel (100) to the wall (800) of the structure (900). As previously mentioned,

2015101636 09 Nov 2015 alternative embodiments of the connector (500) can be utilised to connect adjacent awning panels (100) in a stepped or sloped arrangement relative to one another, or to connect adjacent awning panels (100) around a corner of the structure (900).

[00121] 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.

[00122] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in 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 characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00123] 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 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 (5)

1. An awning panel connectable with at least one other awning panel to form an awning, said awning panel having:

opposed side edges; and a structure abutting edge portion configured to be fastened to a wall of a structure and an opposed free edge portion having a channel extending at least partially between the opposed side edges, wherein a receiving opening is defined at at least one end of the channel for at least partially receiving a connecting component for connecting the awning panel with the at least one other awning panel to form the awning.

2. An awning assembly including:

at least two awning panels adapted to be connected together to form an awning, each awning panel having:

opposed side edges; and a structure abutting edge portion configured to be fastened to a wall of a structure and an opposed free edge portion having a channel extending at least partially between the opposed side edges, wherein a receiving opening is defined at at least one end of the channel; and at least one connecting component configured to be at least partially received in adjacent receiving openings of the at least two awning panels to connect the awning panels together to form the awning.

3. The awning panel of claim 1 or the awning assembly of claim 2, wherein each awning panel further includes at least one support member for supporting a remaining portion of the panel relative to the structure abutting edge portion when the panel is fastened to the wall of the structure.

4. A connecting component for use with or when used with the awning assembly of claim 2, said connecting component configured to be at least partially received in adjacent receiving openings of at least two awning panels to connect the awning panels together to form an awning.

5. A method of installing an awning from the awning assembly of claim 2 or claim 3, said method including:

2015101636 09 Nov 2015 fastening a first awning panel to a wall of a structure;

connecting the first awning panel with a second awning panel to form the awning; and fastening the second awning panel to the wall of the structure.