CA3167481A1 - Adjustable device for diverting rainwater run-off from a retractable awning - Google Patents
Adjustable device for diverting rainwater run-off from a retractable awning Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA3167481A1 CA3167481A1 CA3167481A CA3167481A CA3167481A1 CA 3167481 A1 CA3167481 A1 CA 3167481A1 CA 3167481 A CA3167481 A CA 3167481A CA 3167481 A CA3167481 A CA 3167481A CA 3167481 A1 CA3167481 A1 CA 3167481A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- awning
- pipe
- support beam
- mounting
- diversion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 49
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000003628 erosive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010561 standard procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F10/00—Sunshades, e.g. Florentine blinds or jalousies; Outside screens; Awnings or baldachins
- E04F10/02—Sunshades, e.g. Florentine blinds or jalousies; Outside screens; Awnings or baldachins of flexible canopy materials, e.g. canvas ; Baldachins
- E04F10/06—Sunshades, e.g. Florentine blinds or jalousies; Outside screens; Awnings or baldachins of flexible canopy materials, e.g. canvas ; Baldachins comprising a roller-blind with means for holding the end away from a building
- E04F10/0666—Accessories
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04D—ROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
- E04D13/00—Special arrangements or devices in connection with roof coverings; Protection against birds; Roof drainage; Sky-lights
- E04D13/04—Roof drainage; Drainage fittings in flat roofs, balconies or the like
- E04D13/0404—Drainage on the roof surface
- E04D13/0459—Drainage borders, e.g. dripping edges, gravel stops or dispersers
Abstract
A device that can be quickly and easily attached to and removed from a retractable awning support beam to act as a means of diverting rainwater, that is being shed from the awning, away from the edge of the awning to reduce the effects of the accumulated rainwater falling onto items directly below the awning. The device includes means of adjusting the position of the diverter, relative to the attachment point, to improve alignment with the location of the rainwater shed.
Description
ADJUSTABLE DEVICE FOR DIVERTING RAINWATER RUN-OFF FROM A RETRACTABLE AWNING
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the diversion of rainwater that collects on and flows away from retractable awnings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Awnings are commonly used on both motorized and towable recreational vehicles or campers as well as on homes where they are often installed over patios and decks. They can provide shade from the sun as well as shelter from rain. Awnings may be fixed but in many cases are retractable. Retraction of the awning can allow exposure to the sun, as desired, but it also may be required to prevent damage from heavy snow, ice or wind. On motorized and towable recreational vehicles and campers, it is also necessary to retract during transportation.
During a rainfall, an awning will protect the area below from getting wet. The awning is attached to the wall of the recreation vehicle, home or other structure and, when extended, it is generally angled slightly downward away from the structure. Rainwater will collect on top of the awning and is generally directed away from the structure to which it is attached and towards the lower edge of the awning opposite the attachment surface. This lower edge is often also tilted to one end or the other to further direct the flow of the water being shed. The point of attachment of the awning to the outer support roller is generally in a straight line along the length of the support roller.
Although the area under the awning is kept reasonably dry, the water will be mostly shed to the lowest end along the outer support roller. This can result in a large amount of water being directed off the awning from a relatively small area and can result in significant splashing of water and debris onto items stored below the awning that would otherwise be protected. Erosion and flooding can also occur on the ground in the area directly below the normal water shed point which can also reduce the usable area that would otherwise be protected by the awning.
Gutter systems that are used to collect and divert water from a typical house roof are often referred to as eavestrough and do not usually work with a retractable awning. They are not effective when the water is not shed over the support roller and along the entire front edge of the awning fabric. Also, the Date Regue/Date Received 2022-07-13 standard method of affixing a typical household eavestrough would not allow the awning to be rolled up for retraction.
In many cases, retractable awnings do not have support members that extend to the ground to support the awning at its extents furthest from the recreational vehicle or home. This allows for easier extension of the awning and unobstructed access below all but ledge of the awning. One existing water catchment system that is available for retractable awnings utilizes a section of hose that hangs from the lowest corner of an extended awning down to the ground level. This hose now becomes an obstruction at one corner of the awning that would not otherwise exist.
One problem for mounting a rain gutter system, is that it must be removed for retraction and therefore must be easy to install or remove. Another problem is that the awning fabric on some models is attached along a different point of rotation on the front support roller relative to the ground. In some cases, this also limits the surface of said roller where the device may be attached. The point of attachment also tends to result in the rainwater collecting along the attachment point and not flowing over the support roller. This then results in the rainwater being directed along this attachment point to the lowest end of the support roller where it is finally shed off the awning.
Therefore, the trough to collect and divert this rainwater must be offset from the support roller to align with the point of shedding which may vary from one model of retractable awning to another.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A rain catchment diversion device that can be quickly and easily attached and removed from many retractable awnings that may be attached to homes, recreational vehicles and other structures. This gutter system will catch the rainwater that collects on top of such an awning and is shed from the lowest corner so that the water can be diverted further beyond the edge of the awning to reduce the splashing of water and debris on items located beneath the awning. The water diversion may also help prevent flooding and erosion on the ground directly below the edge of the awning from where it is shed. The apparatus attaches to the support roller located parallel to and away from the structure to which the awning is mounted. The apparatus is comprised of a clamp or other mounting mechanism, a section of eavestrough or similar diversion mechanism, and a connecting mechanism that locates between the mounting mechanism and diversion mechanism to allow attachment and adjustment of the eavestrough relative to the mounting mechanism. The mounting mechanism can be rotated somewhat with respect Date Regue/Date Received 2022-07-13 to the support roller to where the best point of attachment can be achieved.
The mounting mechanism also allows the eavestrough to be extended beyond the edge of the awning somewhat parallel to the support roller. Further, the mounting mechanism can be easily rotated 180 degrees to extend to the opposite side of the awning. The amount of such extension beyond the edge of the awning can be varied based on the desired distance of rainwater diversion and the length of the diversion trough attached.
The connecting mechanism allows the diversion mechanism to be rotated somewhat with respect to the mounting mechanism. The connecting mechanism also can be installed in such a way as to create a slope on the diversion mechanism relative to the ground so that gravitational force will divert the rainfall away from the edge of the awning along the length of the diversion trough.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be more fully understood with reference to the Detailed Description, in conjunction with the following FIGURES, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a top view of a retractable awning, attached to an RV or camper showing an embodiment of the invention operatively installed near one end of the awning support roller.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the retractable awning and RV or camper of FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of the invention operatively installed near one end of the awning support roller.
FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a retractable awning, attached to an RV or camper of FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of the invention operatively installed near one end of the awning support roller.
FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a retractable awning, attached to an RV or camper of FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of the invention operatively installed near one end of the awning support roller.
FIG. 5 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a front view of an embodiment of the invention.
FIG.7 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention mounted to the awning support roller wherein the diversion trough is rotated slightly to the left relative to the direction of the mounting mechanism.
FIG. 8 is the opposite side, relative to FIG .7, of an embodiment of the invention mounted to the awning support roller wherein the diversion trough is rotated slightly to the left relative to the direction of the mounting mechanism, which is the same direction as in FIG. 7.
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-07-13 FIG. 9 is a detailed view of the mounting mechanism and connecting mechanism of the invention.
FIG. 10 is a top view of the invention wherein the diversion trough is rotated slightly to the right relative to the mounting mechanism.
FIG. 11 is a front view of the invention wherein the diversion trough is rotated slightly to the right relative to the mounting mechanism;
FIG. 12 is a top view of the invention, with a breakaway, showing the location of section B-B
FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the connecting mechanism of the invention.
Fig. 14 is an isometric view of the connecting mechanism with the connecting bracket in the inverted position.
Detail A shows the expanded detail of the area as shown in FIG. 9.
Section B-B shows the section view as indicated in FIG. 12 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As illustrated in FIG. 9, the rainwater catchment diversion device is comprised of a mounting mechanism and a diversion mechanism 15 that are adjustably joined together by one or more connecting mechanisms 14.
The mounting mechanism 10 is comprised of one or more components that allow the device to be adjustably and removably attached to the support beam 4 of a retractable awning system 2 typically used on an RV or camper 1.
One embodiment of the mounting mechanism 10 is comprised of a partially open tubularly shaped section of pipe 7 that is open along the entire length of the pipe and where the closed arc of the pipe is greater than 180 degrees as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9, and where the pipe is made of a material which is flexible enough to allow the 2 exposed edges running the length of the pipe to be spread apart from each other by the person installing the device, to an extent where the distance is greater than the diameter of the awning support beam 4 to which it will surround, and where the material will return more or less to it's original arc radius when the spreading force is removed.
The inside radius of the Date Regue/Date Received 2022-07-13 above pipe section would be slightly larger than the outer radius of the awning support beam 4 as illustrated in FIG. 7.
One embodiment of the mounting mechanism 10 includes one or more thumbscrews 12 or similar threaded component that might be installed through a threaded hole in the wall of the mounting pipe 7 close to one of the edges running the length of said mounting pipe. The extension of this threaded component through the wall of the mounting pipe 7 and against the awning support beam 4 would result in the portion of the mounting pipe located above the vertical centre point of the awning support beam to be held with an increased force and resistance against the point of contact with the mounting pipe as illustrated in FIG. 7. Furthermore, the open spacing between the face of the threaded component 12 that would be touching the awning support beam 4, and the furthest edge of the mounting pipe 7 that runs the length of the pipe, would be less than the outer diameter of the awning support beam 4. This increase in resistance and reduced opening size will reduce the chance of the mounting pipe being removed from around the awning support beam in a mostly downward motion as might happen as a result of gravitational or other normally experienced forces acting on the mounting pipe.
An embodiment of the device also includes one or more slotted openings 8 in the mounting pipe 5, as illustrated in Detail A of FIG. 9, through which a fastener is positioned in order to connect the mounting mechanism 10 to the connecting bracket 11 which supports the diversion mechanism 15. The slot allows the mounting pipe 5 to be rotated around support beam 4 while said mounting pipe is still supported along the length of the support beam and the fasteners can be orientated in a mostly vertical position.
The rotation can allow alternate positions of mounting wherein the mounting pipe 7 does not interfere with the awning 3 as it is attached to the awning support beam 4.
The rainwater diversion mechanism 15 is attached to the mounting mechanism 10 with one or more connecting mechanisms 14 as illustrated in FIG. 9 and Detail A of FIG. 9. One embodiment of the connecting mechanisms includes a connecting bracket 11 and a fastener 9, wherein the diversion trough is a section of commercially available standard PVC eavestrough with formed flanges 20 running the length of the eavestrough that can be held within the sets of slotted openings 19 or 20 located along opposing walls of the connecting bracket.
The connecting bracket 11 may include a slotted opening 17 through which the fastener 9 would be inserted as it passes through the mounting pipe and connecting bracket, and such slot would allow the Date Regue/Date Received 2022-07-13 diversion trough 5 to be mounted parallel to the length of the mounting bracket 11 directly below said mounting bracket, or to one side or the other relative to a line directly below and parallel to the mounting bracket, or at an angle relative to a line directly below and parallel to the mounting bracket as illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 11. This adjustment from side to side or at an angle can allow the diversion mechanism to be positioned relative to the point of run-off from the awning 3 regardless of which end the rainwater catchment diversion device 6 is positioned on the awning support beam 4.
One embodiment of the connecting bracket 11 includes 2 sets of notches, 18 and 19 as illustrated in FIG.
13, along the sides of said bracket that are shaped to accept the flanges 20 as pre-formed on commercially available PVC eavestrough, as indicated in FIG. 7, that may be used as diversion trough 5.
Each of the 2 sets of notches has a notch along one side of the connecting bracket 11 and one along the opposing side of the same bracket. One set of notches 18 is located at a set distance relative to the top face of the connecting bracket 11, as shown in FIG. 13, and the second set of notches 19 is located at a distance relative to the bottom face of said bracket that is notably greater.
The use of two connecting mechanisms 14 to connect the mounting mechanism 10 and the diversion mechanism 15 wherein one connecting bracket 11 is located towards one end of the mounting pipe and is attached to the diversion trough 5 with the top face positioned upwards as in FIG. 8 and FIG. 13 and the second connecting bracket is positioned towards the opposite end of the mounting pipe in an inverted orientation, as in FIG
7 and FIG. 14, will allow the diversion trough 5 to be angled relative to the ground as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG.6 resulting in gravitational forces directing the water to the desired end of diversion trough.
An embodiment of the diversion mechanism may include a handle 13 attached to the diversion trough 5 as illustrated in FIG. 6 that can be used to more easily transport, install, remove or adjust the device.
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-07-13
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the diversion of rainwater that collects on and flows away from retractable awnings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Awnings are commonly used on both motorized and towable recreational vehicles or campers as well as on homes where they are often installed over patios and decks. They can provide shade from the sun as well as shelter from rain. Awnings may be fixed but in many cases are retractable. Retraction of the awning can allow exposure to the sun, as desired, but it also may be required to prevent damage from heavy snow, ice or wind. On motorized and towable recreational vehicles and campers, it is also necessary to retract during transportation.
During a rainfall, an awning will protect the area below from getting wet. The awning is attached to the wall of the recreation vehicle, home or other structure and, when extended, it is generally angled slightly downward away from the structure. Rainwater will collect on top of the awning and is generally directed away from the structure to which it is attached and towards the lower edge of the awning opposite the attachment surface. This lower edge is often also tilted to one end or the other to further direct the flow of the water being shed. The point of attachment of the awning to the outer support roller is generally in a straight line along the length of the support roller.
Although the area under the awning is kept reasonably dry, the water will be mostly shed to the lowest end along the outer support roller. This can result in a large amount of water being directed off the awning from a relatively small area and can result in significant splashing of water and debris onto items stored below the awning that would otherwise be protected. Erosion and flooding can also occur on the ground in the area directly below the normal water shed point which can also reduce the usable area that would otherwise be protected by the awning.
Gutter systems that are used to collect and divert water from a typical house roof are often referred to as eavestrough and do not usually work with a retractable awning. They are not effective when the water is not shed over the support roller and along the entire front edge of the awning fabric. Also, the Date Regue/Date Received 2022-07-13 standard method of affixing a typical household eavestrough would not allow the awning to be rolled up for retraction.
In many cases, retractable awnings do not have support members that extend to the ground to support the awning at its extents furthest from the recreational vehicle or home. This allows for easier extension of the awning and unobstructed access below all but ledge of the awning. One existing water catchment system that is available for retractable awnings utilizes a section of hose that hangs from the lowest corner of an extended awning down to the ground level. This hose now becomes an obstruction at one corner of the awning that would not otherwise exist.
One problem for mounting a rain gutter system, is that it must be removed for retraction and therefore must be easy to install or remove. Another problem is that the awning fabric on some models is attached along a different point of rotation on the front support roller relative to the ground. In some cases, this also limits the surface of said roller where the device may be attached. The point of attachment also tends to result in the rainwater collecting along the attachment point and not flowing over the support roller. This then results in the rainwater being directed along this attachment point to the lowest end of the support roller where it is finally shed off the awning.
Therefore, the trough to collect and divert this rainwater must be offset from the support roller to align with the point of shedding which may vary from one model of retractable awning to another.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A rain catchment diversion device that can be quickly and easily attached and removed from many retractable awnings that may be attached to homes, recreational vehicles and other structures. This gutter system will catch the rainwater that collects on top of such an awning and is shed from the lowest corner so that the water can be diverted further beyond the edge of the awning to reduce the splashing of water and debris on items located beneath the awning. The water diversion may also help prevent flooding and erosion on the ground directly below the edge of the awning from where it is shed. The apparatus attaches to the support roller located parallel to and away from the structure to which the awning is mounted. The apparatus is comprised of a clamp or other mounting mechanism, a section of eavestrough or similar diversion mechanism, and a connecting mechanism that locates between the mounting mechanism and diversion mechanism to allow attachment and adjustment of the eavestrough relative to the mounting mechanism. The mounting mechanism can be rotated somewhat with respect Date Regue/Date Received 2022-07-13 to the support roller to where the best point of attachment can be achieved.
The mounting mechanism also allows the eavestrough to be extended beyond the edge of the awning somewhat parallel to the support roller. Further, the mounting mechanism can be easily rotated 180 degrees to extend to the opposite side of the awning. The amount of such extension beyond the edge of the awning can be varied based on the desired distance of rainwater diversion and the length of the diversion trough attached.
The connecting mechanism allows the diversion mechanism to be rotated somewhat with respect to the mounting mechanism. The connecting mechanism also can be installed in such a way as to create a slope on the diversion mechanism relative to the ground so that gravitational force will divert the rainfall away from the edge of the awning along the length of the diversion trough.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be more fully understood with reference to the Detailed Description, in conjunction with the following FIGURES, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a top view of a retractable awning, attached to an RV or camper showing an embodiment of the invention operatively installed near one end of the awning support roller.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the retractable awning and RV or camper of FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of the invention operatively installed near one end of the awning support roller.
FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a retractable awning, attached to an RV or camper of FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of the invention operatively installed near one end of the awning support roller.
FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a retractable awning, attached to an RV or camper of FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of the invention operatively installed near one end of the awning support roller.
FIG. 5 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a front view of an embodiment of the invention.
FIG.7 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention mounted to the awning support roller wherein the diversion trough is rotated slightly to the left relative to the direction of the mounting mechanism.
FIG. 8 is the opposite side, relative to FIG .7, of an embodiment of the invention mounted to the awning support roller wherein the diversion trough is rotated slightly to the left relative to the direction of the mounting mechanism, which is the same direction as in FIG. 7.
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-07-13 FIG. 9 is a detailed view of the mounting mechanism and connecting mechanism of the invention.
FIG. 10 is a top view of the invention wherein the diversion trough is rotated slightly to the right relative to the mounting mechanism.
FIG. 11 is a front view of the invention wherein the diversion trough is rotated slightly to the right relative to the mounting mechanism;
FIG. 12 is a top view of the invention, with a breakaway, showing the location of section B-B
FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the connecting mechanism of the invention.
Fig. 14 is an isometric view of the connecting mechanism with the connecting bracket in the inverted position.
Detail A shows the expanded detail of the area as shown in FIG. 9.
Section B-B shows the section view as indicated in FIG. 12 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As illustrated in FIG. 9, the rainwater catchment diversion device is comprised of a mounting mechanism and a diversion mechanism 15 that are adjustably joined together by one or more connecting mechanisms 14.
The mounting mechanism 10 is comprised of one or more components that allow the device to be adjustably and removably attached to the support beam 4 of a retractable awning system 2 typically used on an RV or camper 1.
One embodiment of the mounting mechanism 10 is comprised of a partially open tubularly shaped section of pipe 7 that is open along the entire length of the pipe and where the closed arc of the pipe is greater than 180 degrees as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9, and where the pipe is made of a material which is flexible enough to allow the 2 exposed edges running the length of the pipe to be spread apart from each other by the person installing the device, to an extent where the distance is greater than the diameter of the awning support beam 4 to which it will surround, and where the material will return more or less to it's original arc radius when the spreading force is removed.
The inside radius of the Date Regue/Date Received 2022-07-13 above pipe section would be slightly larger than the outer radius of the awning support beam 4 as illustrated in FIG. 7.
One embodiment of the mounting mechanism 10 includes one or more thumbscrews 12 or similar threaded component that might be installed through a threaded hole in the wall of the mounting pipe 7 close to one of the edges running the length of said mounting pipe. The extension of this threaded component through the wall of the mounting pipe 7 and against the awning support beam 4 would result in the portion of the mounting pipe located above the vertical centre point of the awning support beam to be held with an increased force and resistance against the point of contact with the mounting pipe as illustrated in FIG. 7. Furthermore, the open spacing between the face of the threaded component 12 that would be touching the awning support beam 4, and the furthest edge of the mounting pipe 7 that runs the length of the pipe, would be less than the outer diameter of the awning support beam 4. This increase in resistance and reduced opening size will reduce the chance of the mounting pipe being removed from around the awning support beam in a mostly downward motion as might happen as a result of gravitational or other normally experienced forces acting on the mounting pipe.
An embodiment of the device also includes one or more slotted openings 8 in the mounting pipe 5, as illustrated in Detail A of FIG. 9, through which a fastener is positioned in order to connect the mounting mechanism 10 to the connecting bracket 11 which supports the diversion mechanism 15. The slot allows the mounting pipe 5 to be rotated around support beam 4 while said mounting pipe is still supported along the length of the support beam and the fasteners can be orientated in a mostly vertical position.
The rotation can allow alternate positions of mounting wherein the mounting pipe 7 does not interfere with the awning 3 as it is attached to the awning support beam 4.
The rainwater diversion mechanism 15 is attached to the mounting mechanism 10 with one or more connecting mechanisms 14 as illustrated in FIG. 9 and Detail A of FIG. 9. One embodiment of the connecting mechanisms includes a connecting bracket 11 and a fastener 9, wherein the diversion trough is a section of commercially available standard PVC eavestrough with formed flanges 20 running the length of the eavestrough that can be held within the sets of slotted openings 19 or 20 located along opposing walls of the connecting bracket.
The connecting bracket 11 may include a slotted opening 17 through which the fastener 9 would be inserted as it passes through the mounting pipe and connecting bracket, and such slot would allow the Date Regue/Date Received 2022-07-13 diversion trough 5 to be mounted parallel to the length of the mounting bracket 11 directly below said mounting bracket, or to one side or the other relative to a line directly below and parallel to the mounting bracket, or at an angle relative to a line directly below and parallel to the mounting bracket as illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 11. This adjustment from side to side or at an angle can allow the diversion mechanism to be positioned relative to the point of run-off from the awning 3 regardless of which end the rainwater catchment diversion device 6 is positioned on the awning support beam 4.
One embodiment of the connecting bracket 11 includes 2 sets of notches, 18 and 19 as illustrated in FIG.
13, along the sides of said bracket that are shaped to accept the flanges 20 as pre-formed on commercially available PVC eavestrough, as indicated in FIG. 7, that may be used as diversion trough 5.
Each of the 2 sets of notches has a notch along one side of the connecting bracket 11 and one along the opposing side of the same bracket. One set of notches 18 is located at a set distance relative to the top face of the connecting bracket 11, as shown in FIG. 13, and the second set of notches 19 is located at a distance relative to the bottom face of said bracket that is notably greater.
The use of two connecting mechanisms 14 to connect the mounting mechanism 10 and the diversion mechanism 15 wherein one connecting bracket 11 is located towards one end of the mounting pipe and is attached to the diversion trough 5 with the top face positioned upwards as in FIG. 8 and FIG. 13 and the second connecting bracket is positioned towards the opposite end of the mounting pipe in an inverted orientation, as in FIG
7 and FIG. 14, will allow the diversion trough 5 to be angled relative to the ground as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG.6 resulting in gravitational forces directing the water to the desired end of diversion trough.
An embodiment of the diversion mechanism may include a handle 13 attached to the diversion trough 5 as illustrated in FIG. 6 that can be used to more easily transport, install, remove or adjust the device.
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-07-13
Claims (11)
1. A removable catchment and diversion device for collecting and diverting rain that is shed from a retractable awning, the retractable awning having a supporting beam to which is held the leading downward edge of a pitched and tilted awning canopy, the awning canopy being able to direct rainwater towards its lowest corner. The device includes a diversion mechanism that includes a diversion trough such as a standard section of household eavestrough, to collect and divert rainwater as it is shed from the canopy, a mounting mechanism that allows the apparatus to be attached to the support beam of the retractable awning, and 1 or more connecting supports that connects the mounting mechanism to the diversion mechanism.
2. The catchment apparatus of claim 1 wherein a handle is attached to the diversion trough such that the handle can be used to transport, with one hand, the catchment apparatus when it is not mounted to a retractable awning system, and the handle also can be used to manouver the catchment apparatus when it is installed on a retractable awning system. The handle may also be used to assist in the installation and removal of the device from the retractable awning system.
3. The catchment apparatus of claim 1 wherein the diversion trough is a section of PVC or similar eavestrough that is of a length that is suitable to provide a point of attachment to the mounting mechanism through 1 or more connecting supports and also extend several feet beyond the end of the retractable awning support beam.
4. The catchment apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mounting mechanism consists of a section of pipe that is open along the entire length of the pipe and where the closed arc of the pipe is greater than 180 degrees, and where the pipe is made of a material which is flexible enough to allow the 2 exposed edges running the length of the pipe to be spread apart from each other by the person installing the apparatus, to an extent where the distance is greater than the diameter of the awning support beam to which it will surround, and where the material will return more or less to it's original arc distance when the spreading force is removed.
5. The catchment apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mounting mechanism can be moved along the length of the awning support beam to increase or decrease the length of the diversion trough that extends beyond the awning support beam and thus affecting the discharge location of rainwater from the apparatus.
6. The mounting mechanism of claim 5 wherein the mounting mechanism has one or more thumbscrews or similar threaded fastener that can be extended through the wall of the mounting pipe, close to one of the top edges, as needed to exert force against the awning support beam to hold at least a portion of the arc of the support pipe tight against the support beam near the top edges that run parallel to the awning support beam, to prevent the pipe from detaching from the support beam.
7. The mounting mechanism of claim 5 wherein the mounting pipe has one or more slots that are perpendicular to the length of the mounting pipe to allow the pipe to be rotated slightly around the awning support beam while the fastener still hangs roughly perpendicular to the ground.
8. A connecting bracket that is slotted to allow the connecting fastener to be located in a variable position where the diversion trough may be located such that the trough is suspended below the mounting pipe in a position running parallel, along its length, relative to the mounting clamp but slightly to one side or the other side relative to the awning support beam.
9. The connecting bracket of claim 8 wherein a combination of the side to side location of the fasteners within the slots of 2 connecting supports can allow the diversion trough to be suspended at an angle that is relative lengthwise to the awning support beam.
10. The connecting brackets of claim 8 wherein 1 connecting bracket holds the diversion trough at a set distance away from the mounting pipe and a second connecting support holds the diversion trough at a greater distance from the mounting pipe resulting in the diversion trough being suspended at a downward angle relative to the awning support beam. This angle can allow gravitational forces to direct the flow of water to the desired end of the diversion trough.
11. The connecting bracket configuration of claim 10 wherein the connecting brackets are the same design and include two sets of slots that accept and support the diversion trough and wherein one of the connecting brackets is installed in an inverted orientation relative to the other connecting bracket so as to support the diversion trough at an angle relative to the mounting pipe resulting from the difference in the location of the 2 sets of slots relative to the surface of the connecting bracket that contacts the mounting pipe.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3167481A CA3167481A1 (en) | 2022-07-13 | 2022-07-13 | Adjustable device for diverting rainwater run-off from a retractable awning |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3167481A CA3167481A1 (en) | 2022-07-13 | 2022-07-13 | Adjustable device for diverting rainwater run-off from a retractable awning |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA3167481A1 true CA3167481A1 (en) | 2024-01-13 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3167481A Pending CA3167481A1 (en) | 2022-07-13 | 2022-07-13 | Adjustable device for diverting rainwater run-off from a retractable awning |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA3167481A1 (en) |
-
2022
- 2022-07-13 CA CA3167481A patent/CA3167481A1/en active Pending
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