AU2017317377B2

AU2017317377B2 - Awning fastening system

Info

Publication number: AU2017317377B2
Application number: AU2017317377A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Charles Philip Pozzi; John-David Pozzi
Original assignee: FIAMM SpA
Current assignee: FIAMM SpA
Priority date: 2016-08-25
Filing date: 2017-07-26
Publication date: 2020-10-01
Anticipated expiration: 2037-07-26
Also published as: EP3504385B1; DE202016104657U1; CN109790717B; EP3504385A1; ES2812158T3; WO2018036743A1; AU2017317377A1; CN109790717A

Abstract

The invention relates to an awning fastening system (100) for fastening an awning to a camping vehicle (C), comprising a first fixture (1), first fastening means (2) for fastening the first fixture (1), a second fixture (3), and second fastening means (4) for fastening the second fixture (3), wherein in the assembled state the second fixture (3) secures the first fastening means (2) against undesired loosening.

Description

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Awning fastening system

The invention relates to an awning fastening system for fastening an awning to a camping

vehicle having a first fixture and having first fastening means for fastening the first fixture and having a second fixture and having a second fastening means for fastening the second fixture

wherein the second fixture in the assembled state secures the first fastening means against undesired loosening, wherein the first fastening means comprise a screw and the second fixture

in the assembled state comprises a contact surface, which runs at least approximately perpendicular to the axis of the screw, abuts the screw and blocks a movement of the screw in

the loosening direction.

Such awning fastening systems are already known from US 5,016,699. The stop surface against

which the screw rests is formed by a sealing strip which is supported on one surface of one leg of an awning cover fixing, which forms the second fixing means.

A disadvantage of the awning fastening system known from the US 5,016,699 is that it is

uncomfortable to use and expensive to manufacture.

EP 1816 277 Al and DE 26 09 824 Al disclose awning fastening systems which comprise brackets with which the respective awning can be fastened to a mounting surface. A

disadvantage of these awning fastening systems is that the screws used to fasten the respective

brackets are not secured against unintentional loosening.

Such awning fastening systems are already known. The known systems have the disadvantages

that securing their fastening means against unintended loosening is, to a desirable degree, not reliable or convenient to operate or easy to manufacture. The object of the invention is to

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create a fastening system, which is improved at least in regard to one of the mentioned

disadvantages. This object is achieved by the awning fastening system described in claim 1.

The awning fastening system according to the invention is used to fasten an awning to a

camping vehicle, for example a camping van. Preferably, the awning fastening system is used to fasten an awning to the roof of a camping vehicle. The awning preferably has an awning

housing. Preferably, the awning fastening system is used to fasten an awning housing to a camping vehicle. The awning fastening system has a first fixture and first fastening means to

fasten the first fixture.

It is conceivable that the first fixture can be fastened by means of the first fastening means directly to the camping vehicle. However, it is preferably not fastenable directly to the camping

vehicle, but on an additional element of the fastening system. The first fastening means are

preferably not used to fasten the first fixture to the second fixture.

The awning fastening system has a second fixture and second fastening means to fasten the second fixture. In the assembled state, the second fixture secures the first fastening means

against undesired loosening. Within the scope of this document, "undesired loosening" refers in particular to a loosening due to vibrations that occur while driving. Because additional means

are not provided for example to secure the first fastening means and this securing is effectuated by the second fixture, one can decrease the production complexity as well as

simplify and speed up the operation of said awning fastening system.

Preferably, the first fastening means comprise a screw.

Preferably, the second fixture in its assembled state comprises a contact surface, which runs preferentially at least approximately perpendicular to the axis of the screw. The contact surface

preferably blocks a movement of the screw, preferably in the loosening direction. Preferably, the contact surface abuts the screw, preferably the screw head. The loosening of the screw of

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the first fastening means by vibrations or undesired movement is preferably prevented by the

contact surface.

The fastening means may also comprise a nut and the second fixture may provide in the

assembled state a contact surface, which abuts the nut and blocks a movement of the nut, preferably in the loosening direction.

Loosening direction preferably means the direction running in the axial direction of the screw

or nut into which the screw or nut moves during loosening.

Preferentially the system comprises multiple first fixtures, preferably exactly two fixtures. The first fixtures are preferably arranged spaced apart from each other in the driving direction of

the camping vehicle.

The awning fastening system preferably comprises exactly one second fixture, which also

preferably interacts with multiple first fixtures. Preferably, the second fixture extends over the two first fixtures that are preferably spaced apart.

Preferably, the second fixture is part of an awning housing.

Preferably, the system comprises a third fixture and more preferably third fastening means for

fastening the third fixture, preferably directly on the camping vehicle.

The third fastening means comprise preferably a roof screw. On the third fixture, there is

preferably arranged a through-hole, which is preferably penetrated by the roof screw. The roof

screw preferably engages in a thread on the camping vehicle.

The first fixture can preferably be fastened by means of the first fastening means to the third fixture. In this way, it can be achieved that on the one hand the system is well adapted to the

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fastening conditions of the camping vehicle, and that on the other the system is suited for

various awnings, preferably with various awning housings.

The third fixture may be arranged in a recess that runs in the driving direction and is preferably

several centimeters wide. The recess is preferably arranged on the roof of the camping vehicle. The recess may be a rain gutter.

The third fixture is preferably compatible with various first fixtures.

Preferentially means are provided, which make it easier for the third fixture to be compatible

with various first fixtures.

Preferably the third fixture has a cross-section in the form of a "U", which in the assembled

state opens upward. Particularly good suitability for various first fixtures can hereby result.

Preferably the first fastening means have a bolt, which interacts preferably with the third fixture and more preferably has a cross-threaded hole. Preferably, in the stems of the

preferentially "U"-shaped third fixture, there are arranged drill holes, which preferably lie opposite. The bolt preferentially passes through these drill holes. Preferably, in the first fixture

there are arranged drill holes, which in the assembled position are congruent with the drill holes of the third fixture. Preferably, the bolt passes through these drill holes, too.

The first fixture preferably has a coupling region, which is adapted to the third fixture. This coupling region preferably has the shape, in the assembled position, of a downward-opening

"U", whose stem separation is preferably larger than the stem separation of the preferably"U"

shaped third bracket, so that the coupling region preferably grasps the stems of the third fixture from the outside, preferably at least largely in a manner that is free of play. Basically, a

narrower design of the "U" shape of the first fixture and an internal engagement of the coupling region into the third fixture are also conceivable. The drill holes of the first fixture

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penetrated by the bolt are preferably arranged in the coupling region of the first fixture and

particularly preferably arranged in the arms of the preferentially "U"-shaped coupling region.

The second fastening means comprise preferably guide surfaces, preferentially two, which are

preferentially arranged on the first fixture and preferably form an acute angle, in other words an angle that is less than 90°. These guide surfaces preferably interact with counter-guide

surfaces arranged complementarily to said guide surfaces - preferably at the second fixture. Preferably, additional corresponding guide surfaces are arranged preferably on the first fixture,

which preferentially interact with other counter-guide surfaces, preferably on the second fixture. Preferably, the guide surfaces and the additional guide surfaces - in the assembled

position preferably transversely to the driving direction of the camping vehicle - are spaced apart from each other. Preferentially, a pressure screw is provided, which preferably engages in

a threaded hole, preferably on the first fixture. Preferably, the second fixture can be pressed

into the acute angle of the guide surfaces preferentially by means of this pressure screw preferably with its counter-guide surfaces.

Preferably the first fixture and/or the third fixture and/or the second fixture are each formed by

a section. The length of the first fixture in the assembled position in the driving direction of the camping vehicle may be less than 15 cm. The same applies preferably in regard to the third

fixture, which also preferably may have the same length as the first fixture. The length of the second fixture in the assembled position in the driving direction of the camping vehicle is

preferably greater than 2 m.

Preferably, the third fixture can be fastened, preferentially after it was fastened to the first

fixture - preferably by means of the first fastening means - to the camping vehicle - preferably

by means of the third fastening means. Preferably, the awning housing preferentially comprising the second fixture can then be fastened to the first fixture, preferably to the two

first fixtures provided. The second fixture, or the awning housing, hereby preferably covers the

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screw of the first fastening means and hereby preferably prevents an undesired loosening of

this screw.

The awning fastening system preferably makes do without gluing. Advantageously, one can

hereby easily remove it again.

The awning fastening system preferentially requires no modifications, such as drill holes, on the camping vehicle. Advantageously, the body of the camping vehicle remains intact.

The invention also relates to a camping vehicle having an awning, which is installed by means of

an awning fastening system according to the invention to the camping vehicle.

The invention is now to be explained in greater detail by means of the embodiment depicted in

the drawings. Depicted are:

Fig. 1 an exploded view of the first fixture and the third fixture as well as the first fastening means and the third fastening means;

Fig. 2 a view as in Fig. 1, however as a cross-sectional view and in an assembled state;

Fig. 3 a view as in Fig. 2, with a second fixture, however.

The embodiment depicted in Fig. 3 as a whole and labeled 100 of the awning fastening system (100) according to the invention for fastening an awning to a camping vehicle C has a first

fixture 1 and a first fastening means 2 for fastening first fixture 1.

Fig. 3 depicts awning fastening system 100 in an assembled state. First fastening means 2

comprise a screw 2a. A second fixture 3 is shown with second fastening means 4 for fastening second fixture 3 to first fixture 1. In the assembled state, second fixture 3 secures first fastening

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means 2 against undesired loosening. This is achieved in the assembled state depicted in Fig. 3

by second fixture 3 providing a contact surface 5, which runs at least approximately

perpendicular to axis A of screw 2a and abuts screw head 2b of screw 2a and blocks a movement of the screw in loosening direction R. In other words, as soon as second fixture 3 is

assembled on first fixture 1, it is no longer possible for screw 2a of the first fastening means to loosen, for example in an undesired manner due to vibrations while driving. In the depicted

embodiment, the system comprises exactly two first fixtures 1, which are arranged in a spaced apart manner from each other (not shown in the drawings) in the driving direction of camping

vehicle C. Exactly one second fixture extends over the two first fixtures 1 and is fastened to both. Second fixture 3 is part 3a of an awning housing not drawn in its entirety. First fixture 1 is

not directly arranged on camping vehicle C as is basically conceivable, but on a third fixture 6 by means of first fastening means 2 - which itself is arranged directly on camping vehicle C.

First fixture 1 is arranged between second fixture 3, which in the assembled state is arranged over first fixture 1, and third fixture 6, which in the assembled state is arranged under the first

fixture. The cross-section of third fixture 6 has the shape of a "U", which in the assembled state is open at the top. Third fixture 6 hereby forms a basis for various first fixtures 1. Two opposing

drill holes 9 are arranged in the stems of the "U"-shaped third fixture (Fig. 1).

First fastening means 2 have, in addition to screw 2a, a bolt 2c, which has a cross-threaded drill hole 2d, in which this screw 2a engages.

In first fixture 1, there are arranged two opposing drill holes 8, which in the assembled position are congruent with drill holes 9 of the third fixture. Bolt 2c passes through all four drill holes 8,

9 of the first and third fixtures.

Third fastening means 7 for fastening third fixture 6 to camping vehicle C comprise roof screws

7a, which grip through perforations that are designed as drill holes into the "base" of the"U"-

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shaped third fixture 6 and engage in standard-produced existing threaded holes (not shown in

the drawings) of camping vehicle C.

Third fixtures 6 may have a length perpendicular to the image plane in Fig. 3, which may match

the length of first fixtures 1 perpendicular to the image plane in Fig. 3, and may be less than 15 cm. The length of second fixture 3 perpendicular to the image plane in Fig. 3 corresponds to the

length of the awning housing and is greater than 2 m.

First fixture 1 has a coupling region K, which is adapted to third fixture 6. In the assembled position, this coupling region K preferably has the shape of a downward-opening "U", whose

inter-stem distance is larger than the distance of the stems of "U"-shaped third fixture 6, such that coupling region K encompasses the stems of third fixture 6 at least in a largely no-play

manner from the outside. Drill holes 8, passed through by bolt 2c, of first fixture 1 are arranged

in the stems of "U"-shaped coupling range K of first fixture 1.

Made easier by the "U" shape of third fixture 6 among other things, third fixtures 6 are compatible with various first fixtures 1. This is because these must only have one coupling

region K, which is adapted to the "U" shape of the third fixture.

As Fig. 3 shows, the third fixture is arranged in a recess V running in driving direction F and having a width of several centimeters. Recess V is arranged on the roof of camping vehicle C.

As shown when looking at both Figs. 2 and 3, second fastening means 4 comprise two guide surfaces 10, 11, which are arranged on first fixture 1 and form an acute angle a. These guide

surfaces 10, 11 interact with counter-guide surfaces 12, 13 arranged complementarily to said

guide surfaces on second fixture 3. Additional corresponding two guide surfaces 14, 15 are arranged on first fixture 1, which interact with two additional counter-guide surfaces 16, 17 on

second fixture 3. In the assembled position, guide surfaces 10, 11 and additional guide surfaces 14, 15 are spaced apart transversely to driving direction F of camping vehicle C. A pressure

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screw 18 is provided, which engages in a threaded hole 19 on first fixture 1 and presses second

fixture 3 into acute angle a of guide surfaces 10, 11.

The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for

purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above,

numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been

discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. This patent specification is intended to embrace all

alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described

invention.

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List of reference signs 100 Awning fastening system

1 First fixture

2 First fastening means

2a Screw 2b Screw head 2c Bolt

2d Cross-threaded drill hole 3 Second fixture 3a Part of an awning housing 4 Second fastening means Contact surface 6 Third fixture

7 Third fastening means

7a Roof screw 8 Drill hole of first fixture 9 Drill hole of third fixture ,11 Guide surfaces 12, 13 Counter-guide surfaces 14, 15 Additional guide surfaces 16, 17 Additional counter-guide surfaces 18 Pressure screw 19 Threadedhole

A Axis

C Camping vehicle F Driving direction of camping vehicle

K Coupling region

V Recess on roof of camping vehicle

a Angle

Claims

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Claims 1. Awning fastening system for fastening an awning to a camping vehicle

having a first fixture and having first fastening means for fastening the first fixture

and having a second fixture and having a second fastening means for fastening the second fixture

wherein the second fixture in the assembled state secures the first fastening means against undesired loosening,

wherein the first fastening means comprise a screw and the second fixture in the assembled state comprises a contact surface, which runs at least approximately

perpendicular to the axis of the screw, abuts the screw and blocks a movement of the screw in the loosening direction wherein the awning fastening system comprises a third

fixture

and third fastening means for fastening the third fixture to the camping vehicle, the first fixture fastened by means of the first fastening means to the third fixture

and that the first fastening means have a bolt, which interacts with the third fixture and has a cross-threaded drill hole.
2. Awning fastening system according to claim 1, wherein the awning fastening system

comprises multiple first fixtures, preferably exactly two first fixtures.
3. Awning fastening system according to claim 2, wherein the awning fastening system comprises exactly one second fixture, which interacts with multiple first fixtures.
4. Awning fastening system according to one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the second

fixture is part of an awning housing.

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5. Awning fastening system according to one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the third fixture has a cross-section in the shape of a "U", which opens upward in the assembled

position.
6. Camping vehicle having an awning, which is installed by means of an awning fastening system according to one of the claims 1 to 5.