EP3797199B1

EP3797199B1 - Sealing arrangement for shelters

Info

Publication number: EP3797199B1
Application number: EP19716478.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: James More; Lisa May KERR
Original assignee: AMG Group Ltd
Current assignee: AMG Group Ltd
Priority date: 2018-05-23
Filing date: 2019-03-13
Publication date: 2023-08-30
Anticipated expiration: 2039-03-13
Also published as: WO2019224507A1; GB201808499D0; EP3797199A1; GB2574036A; GB2574036B

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a shelter for attaching to a structure and a method of attaching the same. The present invention particularly, but not exclusively, relates to an awning for a caravan and a method of attaching the same.

Background to the invention

Shelters, such as awnings, for attaching to structures, such as caravans and the like are known. Awnings such as these are typically attached to an upper rail that run along the roof line of the caravan. The side panels of the awning are, however, not typically attached to the caravan. In order to provide a weather seal for these side panels it is known to provide poles that are pitched adjacent the wall of the caravan and attach the side panels of the awning to each pole. While this solution provides some degree of sealing against the weather, it is not ideal, as it is difficult to obtain sufficient tension against the poles from the shelter. The arrangement is also difficult and time consuming to set up.
DE20 2013 103897 U1 discloses an apparatus according to the preamble of claim 11, a shelter according to the preamble of claim 1, an awning according to the preamble of claim 13 and represents the closest prior art for the method disclosed in claim 12.
The inventor has appreciated the shortcomings in these known shelters. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a shelter for attaching to a structure according to claim 1.
The term shelter is considered to include an awning, porch, or the like. The shelter may be an awning or a porch. The awning may be a caravan awning. The awning may be a motorhome awning.
The shelter may be attachable to at least a portion of the structure. The shelter may be attachable to a side wall of the structure.
The structure may be a vehicle. The structure may be a wheeled structure. The structure may be a wheeled vehicle. The structure may be a caravan. The structure may be a motorhome.
The shelter may be attachable to a side wall of the vehicle.
The flexible panel of the shelter may be a side wall of the shelter.
The sealing member may be removably attachable to the at least a portion of the flexible panel. The sealing member may include one or more releasable fastening members to secure the sealing member to the at least a portion of the shelter. The at least a portion of the shelter may include one or more corresponding releasable fastening members to secure the at least a portion of the shelter to the sealing member. The releasable fastening members may be hook and loop fastening devices, or the like.
The sealing member may be located adjacent an area of the at least a portion of the flexible panel that is being attached to the structure.
The sealing member may be fixedly attached to the at least a portion of the flexible panel. The sealing member may be stitched or glued to the at least a portion of the flexible panel.
The sealing member is a resilient member. The sealing member may be a padded member. The sealing member may be a sponge member. The sealing member may covered with a covering material.
The sealing member is a substantially cuboid-shaped member. The sealing member may be an elongate cuboid member. The sealing member includes a structure contact face. The structure contact face is a planar surface. The sealing member may include a sealing member tensioning device contact surface. The sealing member tensioning device contact surface may be a planar surface.
The sealing member may have a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis.
The sealing member may be configured to be arranged vertically with respect to the shelter and the structure.
The sealing member may have a length that is substantially the same height as the structure, or slightly less than the height of the structure. The sealing member may have a length that is substantially the same height as the height of the portion of the shelter that is being attached to the structure. The sealing member may be between 1.5m and 2m in length. The sealing member may be between 0.2m and 0.5m in width.
The sealing member tensioning device may be operable to secure and force the sealing member to the structure.
The sealing member tensioning device may include a tension adjustment member. The tension adjustment member being operable to adjust the tension in the sealing member tensioning device. The tension adjustment member may be a friction buckle, or the like. The tension adjustment member may include a releasable clip, or the like. The clip may be configured to cause a separation in the sealing member tensioning device.
The sealing member tensioning device may be a strap. The strap may be a polypropylene strap. The strap may be made from polypropylene webbing.
The first portion of the sealing member tensioning device may be fixedly attached to the structure attachment point of the shelter. The first portion of the sealing member tensioning device may be fixedly attached to the structure attachment point of the shelter by stitching or gluing.
The first portion of the sealing member tensioning device may be removably attachable to the structure attachment point of the shelter. The first portion of the sealing member tensioning device may include one or more releasable fastening members. The one or more releasable fastening members may be clips, buckles, hook and loops, or the like.
The second portion of the sealing member tensioning device may by removably attachable to the structure.
The second portion of the sealing member tensioning device may include a structure attachment device. The structure attachment device may be attached to the second portion of the sealing member tensioning device.
The structure attachment device may be configured to engage with a complimentary-shaped attachment device located on the structure. The structure may include an attachment device for receiving and engaging the structure attachment device of the sealing member tensioning device.
The structure attachment device may be an elongate member. The structure attachment device may be continuous elongate member.
The structure attachment device may be a substantially cylindrical member. The structure attachment device may be a bead, or beading, member. The cylindrical member, bead, or beading, may be housed within a flexible material. The structure attachment device may be a keder, or kador, strip. The structure attachment device may bay at least a portion of a keder, or kador, strip.
The structure attachment device may be configured to be slotted into engagement with the attachment device of the structure.
The structure attachment device may be a hook or loop device. The hook or loop device being configured to be engaged with the attachment device of the structure.
The attachment device of the structure may be an elongate track or channel. The attachment device of the structure may be located on an outer wall of the structure. Where the structure is a caravan, or the like, attachment device may be located on an outer wall of the caravan, or the like. The elongate track or channel may be located towards the lower portion of the structure. The elongate track or channel may be substantially linear.
The attachment device of the structure may be complimentary in shape to the shape of the structure attachment device.
The elongate track or channel of the attachment device may be cylindrical. The elongate track or channel of the attachment device may be configured to receive a keder, or kador strip, or part thereof. The elongate track or channel of the attachment device may include one or more openings. The openings being configured to allow entry of the structure attachment device to enter the track or channel. The elongate track or channel of the attachment device may be an awning rail.
The structure attachment point of the shelter may include a structure attachment device. The structure attachment device may be a keder, or kador strip. The keder, or kador strip of the shelter may be configured to engage with a corresponding attachment device on the structure. The corresponding attachment device on the structure may be a track or channel. The structure attachment point of the shelter may be configured to engage with the structure towards the top of the structure. The second portion of the sealing member tensioning device may be configured to be attachable towards the bottom of the structure.
The sealing member tensioning device may have a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis.
The shelter further comprises one or more block members. The block members being arranged to be locatable between the sealing member and the sealing member tensioning device. In this arrangement the sealing member tensioning device acts to apply pressure to the sealing member via the blocks.
The shelter may further comprise two block members. The shelter may comprise a plurality of blocks.
The block members may be resilient members. The block members may be padded members. The block members may be sponge members. The block members may be covered with a covering material.
The block members may be triangular prisms. The block members may be cylindrical. The block members may be cuboid-shaped. The block members may include a sealing member contact surface and a sealing member tensioning device contact surface. These surfaces may be planar.
The block members may include attachment members. The attachment members configured to allow the block members to be attached to the sealing member tensioning device. The attachment members may be located on one or more surfaces of the block members. The block members may include a plurality of attachment members, each attachment member being located on a different surface of the block member.
The block members may be configured such that they may assume a plurality of positions between the sealing member and the sealing member tensioning device.
The shelter may further comprise a curtain portion. The curtain portion may be configured to cover the sealing member and sealing member tensioning device. The curtain portion may be removably attachable to the at least a portion of the flexible panel of the shelter. The curtain portion may be fixedly attached to the at least a portion of the flexible panel of the shelter.
The curtain portion may be releasably attachable to the sealing member.
The sealing member may include a curtain attachment device, which releasably attaches to a corresponding attachment device on the curtain portion. The curtain portion and the sealing member may include hook and loop fastening devices, or the like.
The curtain portion may be configured to be arranged vertically with respect to the sealing member and sealing member tensioning device.
The curtain portion may have a length that is substantially the same height as the structure, or slightly less than the height of the structure. The curtain portion may have a length that is substantially the same height as the height of the portion of the shelter that is being attached to the structure. The curtain portion may be between 1.5m and 2m in length. The curtain portion may be between 0.2m and 0.5m in width.
The shelter may comprise two sealing members and two sealing member tensioning devices. The shelter may comprise two or more sealing members and two or more sealing member tensioning devices.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a shelter according to claim 10.
The first flexible panel and second flexible panel may oppose each other. The first flexible panel and second flexible panel may be oppositely facing. The first sealing member and first sealing member tensioning device and the second sealing member and second sealing member tensioning device may be located on opposite sides of the shelter.
The structure attachment points of the sealing member tensioning devices may attach to the same track, or channel, on the structure.
The first and second structure attachment points of the shelter may attach to the same track, or channel, on the structure.
The space between the structure attachment points of the sealing member tensioning devices and the first and second structure attachment points of the shelter may be defined by the length of the shelter.
The shelter may comprise a plurality of sealing members and sealing member tensioning devices.
Embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first aspect of the present invention or its embodiments.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus according to claim 11.
Embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first or second aspects of the present invention or their embodiments. Similarly, embodiments of the first or second aspects of the present invention may include one or more features of the third aspect of the present invention or its embodiments.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method according to claim 12.
The method may comprise the further step of adjusting the tension of the first and second sealing member tensioning devices.
Embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first, second or third aspects of the present invention or their embodiments. Similarly, embodiments of the first, second or third aspects of the present invention may include one or more features of the fourth aspect of the present invention or its embodiments.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided an awning according to claim 13.
Embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first, second, third or fourth aspects of the present invention or their embodiments. Similarly, embodiments of the first, second, third or fourth aspects of the present invention may include one or more features of the fifth aspect of the present invention or its embodiments.

Brief description of the drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1a is a perspective view of a shelter for attaching to a structure according to the present invention attached to a structure;
Fig. 1b is a front end schematic view of the shelter of Fig. 1a;
Fig. 1c is a perspective view of the structure attachment point of the shelter of Fig. 1a;
Figs. 2a to 2d are partial perspective views of the sealing member and sealing member tensioning device of the shelter;
Figs. 3a to 3e are views of the second portion of the sealing member tensioning device; and
Figs. 3f to 3i illustrate how the second portion of the sealing member tensioning device is attached to the structure.

Description of preferred embodiments

With reference to Figs. 1a and 1b, a shelter 10 for attaching to a structure 12 is illustrated. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the shelter 10 is an awning and the structure 12 is a caravan, and the awning 10 is being attached to a side wall of the caravan 12.
The shelter 10 comprises a number of flexible panels 14, two sealing members 16 and two sealing member tensioning devices 18.
The shelter 10 is attachable to the structure 12 towards the top thereof. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the shelter 10 has a structure attachment point 10a that is a keder, or kador strip 10b, as illustrated in Fig. 1c. The keder, or kador strip 10b is configured to engage with a corresponding channel portion 12a located on the structure 12. The channel portion 12a is typically configured to run adjacent to the roofline of the structure 12 on a side panel 12b thereof. The channel portion 12a may also curve downwards towards each end of the structure 12.
The top portion of the shelter 10 is attached to the structure 12 by engaging the keder, or kador strip 10b of the shelter 10 with the channel portion 12a of the structure 12. The keder, or kador strip 10b is then slid within the channel portion 12a until the top portion of the shelter 10 is entirely supported by the structure 12. In this arrangement the keder, or kador strip 10b of the shelter 10 is entirely located within the channel portion 12a of the structure 12.
The shelter 10 may then be pitched/erected in the known manner. The shelter 10 has two side panels 10c, 10d, and in the embodiment illustrated and described here, they have zipped openings 10e. This arrangement is illustrated in Figs. 1a and 1b. As described further below the side panels 10c, 10d are secured to the side panel 12b of the structure 12 by the sealing members 16 and the sealing member tensioning devices 18.
With reference to Figs. 2a to 2d, the sealing members 16 are cuboid members that are positioned vertically with respect to the shelter 10 and the structure 12. The sealing members 16 are located adjacent the edge portion of the side panels 10c, 10d that are being brought into contact with the side panel 12b of the structure 12.
In the embodiment illustrated and described here the sealing members 16 are foam pads covered with a protective material. However, it should be appreciated that the sealing members 16 may be any member, resilient or otherwise, that can provide a seal between the shelter 10 and the structure 12.
The sealing members 16 are releasably attachable to the inside walls of the side panels 10c, 10d of the shelter 10. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the sealing members 16 include hook and loop fasteners that are arranged to engage with corresponding hook and loop fasteners on the side panels 10c, 10d. However, it should be appreciated that other releasable fastening devices may be used.
The sealing panels 16 include a structure contact face 16a and a sealing member tensioning device contact surface 16b, each surface 16a, 16b being substantially planar.
As best illustrated in Figs. 1b and 2a, the sealing members 16 are substantially the same height as the portion of the shelter 10 being attached to the structure 12, and the structure 12 itself. The sealing members 16 may be between 1.5m and 2m in length, and between 0.2m and 0.5m in width. However, it should be appreciated that any height or width may be provided, depending on the size of the shelter 10 and the structure 12.
As best illustrated in Figs. 2a to 2d and 3a to 3i, the sealing member tensioning devices 18 include a first portion 18a and a second portion 18b.
The first portions 18a and a second portions 18b are located at opposite ends of a strap portion 18c. The strap portion may be a polypropylene webbing strap, or the like.
The first portions 18a are attachable to the structure attachment points 10a of the shelter 10, and the second portions 18b are attachable to the structure 12. As described further below, each sealing member tensioning device 18 is operable to engage the sealing member 16 and press the sealing member 16 towards the side panel 12b of the structure.
In the embodiment illustrated and described here the first portions 18a of the sealing member tensioning devices 18 are fixedly attached to the shelter 10 by stitching. However, is should be appreciated that other attachment mechanism may be possible.
The second portions 18b of the sealing member tensioning devices 18 include a structure attachment device 18d. As illustrated in Figs. 3a to 3e, the structure attachment device 18d is a portion of a keder, or kador strip. However, it should be appreciated that other devices that are suitable for attaching to the structure 12 may be used.
As illustrated in Figs. 3f to 3i, the structure attachment devices 18d of the sealing member tensioning devices 18 are configured to engage with a complimentary-shaped attachment device 12c on the structure 12. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the attachment device 12c of the structure 12 is a channel portion that is configured to receive a keder, or kador strip. That is, the attachment device 12c is a track, channel, or awning rail, that is configured to receive the cylindrical connection portion of the structure attachment devices 18d. The structure attachment devices 18d may be engaged with the attachment device 12c of the structure 12 at attachment points 12d (Fig.3f to 3i). The attachment points 12d allow the structure attachment devices 18d to be at least partially slid into the track, or channel, thereof, and then slid in the reverse direction to engage the structure attachment devices 18d with the attachment device 12c.
As described further below, the sealing member tensioning devices 18 include tension adjustment members 18e. The tension adjustment members 18 are operable to adjust the tension in the sealing member tensioning devices 18. The tension adjustment members 18e may be friction buckles, or the like. In addition, the tension adjustment members 18e may include a releasable clip 18f, or the like.
As best illustrated in Figs. 2a to 2d, blocks 20 are provided between the sealing member tensioning devices 18 and the sealing members 16. The blocks 20 are resilient members, such as foam, or the like, that are covered with a covering material. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the blocks 20 are triangular prisms. However, it should be appreciated that other shapes of blocks may be used.
The purpose of the blocks 20 is to improve, or adjust the position of, sealing between the sealing member 16 and the structure 12. The blocks 20 are adjustably located between the strap portion 18c of the sealing member tensioning device 18 and the sealing member 16. Each block 20 includes strap engaging loop portions 20a that receives the strap portion 18c therethrough. This allows each block 20 to be slidably attachable to the strap portion 18c. The strap engaging loop portions 20a are provided on each surface of the block 20. This allows the block to be moveable, e.g., rotated, with respect to the sealing member 16 and sealing member tensioning device 18. That is the block members 20 are configured such that they may assume a plurality of positions between the sealing member 16 and the sealing member tensioning device 18. This allows a different surface of the block 20 to press against the sealing member 16, which varies the engagement between the sealing member 16 and the structure 12. In the embodiment illustrated and described here each sealing member 16 and sealing member tensioning device 18 includes two blocks 20. However, it should be appreciated that any suitable number of blocks 20 can be used.
As best illustrated in Figs. 2a to 2d, the shelter 10 also comprises curtains, or cover portions, 22. The curtains 22 are attached to the side panels 10c, 10d of the shelter 10. The curtains 22 are configured to cover the sealing members 16 and the sealing member tensioning devices 18. The curtains 22 are configured to be wrapped around the sealing members 16 and the sealing member tensioning devices 18 and attach to the sealing members 16. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the sealing members 16 include hook and loop fasteners that are arranged to engage with corresponding hook and loop fasteners on the curtains 22.
The curtain portions 22 have a length that is substantially the same height as the structure 12, or slightly less than the height of the structure 12, and length that is substantially the same height as the height of the portion of the shelter 10 that is being attached to the structure 12. The curtain portions 22 may be between 1.5m and 2m in length and 0.2m and 0.5m in width.
In use the shelter 10 is attached to the structure 12 by carrying out the following steps:

(i) The keder, or kador strip 10b of the shelter 10 is attached to the channel portion 12a of the structure 12;
(ii) The keder, or kador strip 10b of the shelter 10 is slid along the length of the channel portion 12a of the structure 12 until the keder, or kador strip 10b of the shelter 10 is located entirely within the channel portion 12a of the structure;
(iii) The shelter 10 is pitched;
(iv) The second portions 18b of the sealing member tensioning devices 18 are attached to the attachment device 12c of the structure 12 at attachment points 12d;
(v) The position of the sealing member 16 and the blocks 20 are adjusted as required;
(vi) The tension adjustment members 18e are operated to increase the tension in the sealing member tensioning devices 18 to push the sealing members 16 against the structure 12; and
(vii) The curtains 22 are wrapped over the sealing members 16 and sealing member tensioning devices 18 and attached to the sealing members 16.

The shelter 10 may be removed from the structure 12 by reversing the steps described above.
Because the second portions 18b of the sealing member tensioning devices 18 are attachable to the structure 12, it is possible for a high tension to be generated in the sealing member tensioning devices 18, as the sealing member tensioning devices 18 are being tensioned between two fixed positions on the structure 12. This allows the tension adjustment members 18e to be pulled very tight and to create a very high tension in the strap portion 18c. This allows a high force to be created against the sealing member 16 to push the sealing member 16 against the structure 12. This high tension is not available with known apparatuses and methods for attaching shelters to structures.
Modifications may be made to the foregoing embodiment within the scope of the present invention. For example, although the sealing members 16 have been illustrated and described above as being releasably engageable with the side panels 10c, 10d of the shelter 10, it should be appreciated that they may be fixedly attached thereto, by, for example, stitching or glue.
Furthermore, although the first portions 18a of the sealing member tensioning devices 18 have been illustrated and described above as being attachable to the structure attachment points 10a of the shelter 10, it should be appreciated that the first portions 18a of the sealing member tensioning devices 18 may be attachable to the shelter 10 near to, or in the vicinity of the structure attachment points 10a of the shelter 10.
Also, although the first portions 18a of the sealing member tensioning devices 18 have been illustrated and described above as being fixedly attached to the structure attachment points 10a of the shelter 10 by stitching, it should be appreciated that the first portions 18a may be releasably attachable to the shelter 10. This may be via a releasable fastening device, such as a buckle, hook or loop etc.
Furthermore, although the structure attachment devices 18d of the sealing member tensioning devices 18 have been illustrated and described above as being portions of keder, or kador strips, it should be appreciated that the structure attachment devices 18d may have any form that allows them to engage with the structure 12. Similarly, although the attachment device 12c of the structure 12 has been illustrated and described above as a track, or channel portion, that is configured to receive the structure attachment devices 18d, it should be appreciated that this attachment device may have any suitable form that allows the structure attachment devices 18d to be engaged therewith.

Claims

A shelter (10) for attaching to a structure (12) comprising:
a sealing member (16), the sealing member (16) being a resilient member configured to be attachable to at least a portion of a flexible panel (14) of the shelter (10);

a sealing member tensioning device (18), the sealing member tensioning device (18) comprising:
a first portion (18a) attachable to a structure attachment point (10a) of the shelter (10); and

a second portion (18b) configured to be attachable to the structure (12); and

one or more block members (20), the one or more block members (20) being arranged to be locatable between the sealing member (16) and the sealing member tensioning device (18) such that the sealing member tensioning device (18) is able to apply pressure to the sealing member (16) via the one or more block members (20),

characterised in that the sealing member (16) is a substantially cuboid-shaped member with a planar structure contact surface (16a).
The shelter (10) of claim 1, wherein the sealing member tensioning device (18) includes a tension adjustment member (18e), the tension adjustment member (18e) being operable to adjust the tension in the sealing member tensioning device (18).
The shelter (10) of claim 2, wherein the tension adjustment member (18e) includes a releasable clip (18f), the clip (18f) being configured to cause a separation of the sealing member tensioning device (18).
The shelter (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the second portion (18b) of the sealing member tensioning device (18) includes a structure attachment device (18d), the structure attachment device (18d) being configured to engage with a complimentary-shaped attachment device (12c) located on the structure (12).
The shelter (10) of claim 4, wherein the structure attachment device (18d) is continuous elongate member, a cylindrical member, a bead member, or at least a portion of a kador strip.
The shelter (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more block members (20) are resilient members.
The shelter (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more block members (20) are triangular prisms.
The shelter (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more block members (20) include attachment members (20a), the attachment members (20a) being configured to allow the one or more block members (20) to be moveably attachable to the sealing member tensioning device (18).
The shelter (10) of claim 8, wherein the one or more block members (20) includes an attachment member (20a) on each of its outwardly facing surfaces.
A shelter (10) for attaching to a structure (12) comprising:
a first sealing member (16), the first sealing member (16) being a resilient member configured to be attachable to at least a portion of a first flexible panel (14) of the shelter (10); and

a first sealing member tensioning device (18), the first sealing member tensioning device (18) comprising:
a first portion (18a) attachable to a first structure attachment point (10a) of the shelter (10); and

a second portion (18b) configured to be attachable to the structure (12); and

a second sealing member (16), the second sealing member (16) being a resilient member configured to be attachable to at least a portion of a second flexible panel (14) of the shelter (10); and

a second sealing member tensioning device (18), the second sealing member tensioning device (18) comprising:
a first portion (18a) attachable to a second structure attachment point (10a) of the shelter (10); and

a second portion (18b) configured to be attachable to the structure (12); and

one or more block members (20), the one or more block members (20) being arranged to be locatable between the first and second sealing members (16) and the first and second sealing member tensioning devices (18) such that each sealing member tensioning device (18) is able to apply pressure to the respective sealing member (16) via the respective one or more block members (20),

characterised in that the first and second sealing members (16) are substantially cuboid-shaped members each with a planar structure contact surface (16a).
An apparatus for securing at least a portion of a flexible panel (14) of a shelter (10) to a structure (12) comprising:
a sealing member (16), the sealing member (16) being a resilient member configured to be attachable to the at least a portion of the flexible panel (14);

a sealing member tensioning device (18), the sealing member tensioning device (18) comprising:
a first portion (18a) configured to be attachable to a structure attachment point (10a) of the flexible panel (14); and

a second portion (18b) configured to be attachable to the structure (12); and

one or more block members (20), the one or more block members (20) being arranged to be locatable between the sealing member (16) and the sealing member tensioning device (18) such that the sealing member tensioning device (18) is able to apply pressure to the sealing member (16) via the one or more block members (20),

characterised in that the sealing member (16) is a substantially cuboid-shaped member with a planar structure contact surface (16a).
A method of attaching a shelter (10) to a structure (12) comprising the steps of:
providing a structure (12);

providing a shelter (10) for attaching to a structure (12) comprising:
a first sealing member (16), the first sealing member (16) being a resilient member configured to be attachable to at least a portion of a first flexible panel (14) of the shelter (10); and

a first sealing member tensioning device (18), the first sealing member tensioning device (18) comprising:
a first portion (18a) attachable to a first structure attachment point (10a) of the shelter (10); and

a second portion (18b) configured to be attachable to the structure (12); and

a second sealing member (16), the second sealing member (16) being a resilient member configured to be attachable to at least a portion of a second flexible panel (14) of the shelter (10);

a second sealing member tensioning device (18), the second sealing member tensioning device (18) comprising:
a first portion (18a) attachable to a second structure attachment point (10a) of the shelter (10); and

a second portion (18b) configured to be attachable to the structure (12); and

one or more block members (20), the one or more block members (20)

being arranged to be locatable between the first and second sealing members (16) and the first and second sealing member tensioning devices (18) such that each sealing member tensioning device (18) is able to apply pressure to the respective sealing member (16) via the respective one or more block members (20),

wherein the first and second sealing members (16) are substantially cuboid-shaped members each with a planar structure contact surface (16a);

attaching the shelter (10) to the structure (12);

attaching the second portion (18b) of the first sealing member tensioning device (18) to the structure (12);

attaching the second portion (18b) of the second sealing member tensioning device (18) to the structure (12); and

inserting the one or more block members (20) between the first and second sealing members (16) and the first and second sealing member tensioning devices (18).
An awning for attaching to a caravan or motorhome comprising:
a sealing member (16), the sealing member (16) being a resilient member configured to be attachable to at least a portion of a flexible panel (14) of the awning;

a sealing member tensioning device (18), the sealing member tensioning device (18) comprising:
a first portion (18a) attachable to a caravan or motorhome attachment point (10a) of the awning; and

a second portion (18b) configured to be attachable to the caravan or motorhome; and

one or more block members (20), the one or more block members (20) being arranged to be locatable between the sealing member (16) and the sealing member tensioning device (18) such that the sealing member tensioning device (18) is able to apply pressure to the sealing member (16) via the one or more block members (20),

characterised in that the sealing member (16) is a substantially cuboid-shaped member with a planar structure contact surface (16a).