GB2482295A

GB2482295A - Awning with wall held against ground

Info

Publication number: GB2482295A
Application number: GB1012493.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dominic John Ryder
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-07-26
Filing date: 2010-07-26
Publication date: 2012-02-01
Also published as: GB201012493D0

Abstract

Â An awning comprising: a first structure engaging portion for in use coupling the awning to a structure; a support member 24; and a wall; wherein the support member 24 is in use coupleable to the first structure engaging portion and is arrangeable in use with the awning coupled to a structure at the first structure engaging portion to resist upward movement of the support member from a position in which the support member holds the wall against the ground. In a preferred embodiment the support member is positioned under a wheel or corner-steady of the vehicle and extends along the ground to hold the awning wall against it. The support member may be capable of receiving weighted fluid or ballast. The support member may comprise a hollow flexible body, such as a hose, which can receive a fluid in use.

Description

Awning The present invention relates to awnings, to combinations of a vehicle with an awning, and to methods of securing an awning to a structure, e.g. a vehicle.

Awnings are simple structures typically made of canvas or other sheet material, coupled to and extending from a structure such as a building or vehicle and arranged to give shelter there-under. In addition to providing a simple canopy to give shelter, some awnings comprise a wall to enclose the sheltered area. Such awnings are commonly used to extend the usable living space provided by a vehicle such as a caravan or motor-home. To help secure such awnings in place, tent pegs are typically used to fix the lower parts of the wall to the ground.

However, a problem arises in trying to fix the wall to the ground in cases where the ground is not suitable for tent pegs, and even where the ground is suitable for tent pegs it may be relatively time consuming to peg down the wall securely.

Example embodiments of the present invention aim to address at least one problem associated with the prior art, whether identified herein, or otherwise.

According to a first aspect, there is provided an awning comprising: a first structure engaging portion for in use coupling the awning to a structure; a support member; and a wall; wherein the support member is in use coupleable to the first structure engaging portion and is arrangeable in use with the awning coupled to a structure at the first structure engaging portion to resist upward movement of the support member from a position in which the support member holds the wall against the ground.

Suitably, in use weight of the structure acting at the first structure engaging portion resists upward movement of the support member from a position in which the support member holds the wall against the ground.

Suitably, the awning is demountable from and remountable to the structure.

Suitably, the awning further comprises a second structure engaging portion for in use coupling a structure-engaging edge of the awning to a structures wall and/or roof. Suitably, the support member is located at a ground-engaging edge of the awning. Suitably, the support member is arranged to support at least a portion of the perimeter of a ground-engaging edge of the awning. Suitably, the support member is located at ground-engaging edges of awning that in use do not run alongside the structure, preferably all of said edges. Suitably, the second structure-engaging portion is arranged to in use couple at least a portion of the perimeter of a structure-engaging edge of the awning to the structure.

Suitably, the awning further comprises a ground sheet. Suitably, the support member is coupleable or connected to the ground sheet. Suitably, the support member is arrangeable to lie, or lies at least partially within the ground sheet. Suitably, the support member is coupleable to or coupled to edges of the groundsheet that in use extend away from the structure, preferably all of said edges. Suitably, the support member is coupleable to or coupled to edges of the groundsheet that in use do not run alongside the structure, preferably all of said edges. Suitably, the support member is coupleable to, or coupled to the groundsheet at only the edges thereof that in use do not run alongside the structure. In alternative embodiments the support member is coupleable to or coupled to a lower portion of the awning wall. Suitably, the support member is arrangeable to lie, or lies at least partially within the lower portion of the awning wall. Suitably, the support member is coupleable to or coupled to edges of the awning wall that in use extend away from the structure, preferably all of said edges. Suitably, the support member is coupleable to or coupled to edges of the awning wall that in use do not run alongside the structure, preferably all of said edges.

Suitably, the support member is coupleable to, or coupled to the awning wall at only the edges thereof that in use do not run alongside the structure. Suitably, the support member is arranged in use to resist upward movement by a cantilever arrangement from the first structure engaging portion. Suitably, the support member is arranged to in use resist upward movement by taking a load in bending, preferably in bending only. Suitably, in use the awning wall defines three faces. Suitably, in use the awning wall defines a front face and two end faces.

Suitably, in use the end faces are arranged substantially parallel to one another. Suitably, in use the support member extends into internal corners of the awning wall, preferably all internal corners of the awning wall. Suitably, in use the support member comprises, in plan view, three sides of a generally rectangular form.

Suitably the ground sheet or awning wall comprises one or more coupling points to in use hold the support member. Suitably, in use the support member passes through one or more loops or sleeve portions in the ground sheet or the awning wall.

Suitably, the ground sheet is removably coupled to the awning wall. Suitably, the ground sheet is zipped to the awning wall.

Suitably, the awning comprises a bracing member, arrangeable in use between the support member and the structure. Suitably, in use the bracing member is arrangeable at an angle the support member. Suitably, in use the bracing member is arrangeable to extend from the structure to a distal part of the awning. Suitably, in use the bracing member is arrangeable to extend from the structure to a distal part of the support member. Suitably, in use the bracing member is arrangeable to extend from an upper part of the structure. Suitably, in use the bracing member is arrangeable to run parallel to a portion of the awning wall. Suitably, in use the bracing member is arrangeable to extend to an edge of the awning away from the structure. Suitably, in use the bracing member is arrangeable to extend to an extremity of the awning away from the structure. Suitably, in use the bracing member is arrangeable to extend to the support member, groundsheet or awning wall, proximate to the ground. Suitably, in use the bracing member is arrangeable to extend to a corner of the awning where the awning meets the ground. Suitably, in use the bracing member is arrangeable to be coupled to the support member. Suitably, in use the bracing member is arrangeable to be coupled to the structure. Suitably, the bracing member is extendable. Suitably, the bracing member is telescopically extendable. Suitably, the bracing member is extendable into position and lockable. Suitably, the awning wall comprises one or more coupling points to in use hold the bracing member. Suitably, in use the bracing member is arrangeable to pass through one or more loops or sleeve portions in the awning wall. Suitably, the awning comprises two bracing members, or more than two. Suitably, each bracing member is as described above. Suitably, in use bracing members run parallel to end faces of the awning wall. Suitably, in use the bracing members extend into ground level internal corners of the awning wall, preferably all ground level internal corners of the awning wall. Suitably, in use the bracing members extend into internal corners of the awning wall, preferably all internal corners of the awning wall.

Suitably, the support member comprises a frame structure. Suitably, the support member comprises a plurality of coupleable and subsequently demountable sections.

Suitably, the support member comprises one or more poles. Suitably, the bracing member comprises a frame structure. Suitably, the bracing member comprises a plurality of coupleable and subsequently demountable sections. Suitably, the bracing member comprises one or more poles.

Suitably, the support member comprises a hollow interior portion. Suitably, the support member is arranged in use to in use receives a fluid or other weighting means therein to provide additional weight, and therefore stability to the support member and awning. Suitably, the support member comprises a hollow interior portion including a sealable, fluid impermeable hollow, which may in use be filled with water or the like. Suitably, the support member comprises a generally flexible body, given shape and strength when tension or pressure is applied thereto. Suitably, the support member comprises a generally flexible body, given shape and strength when tension or pressure is applied thereto from within. Suitably, the support member comprises a hose-like structure with flexible or semi-rigid walls. Suitably, the support member comprises a hose-like structure which is strengthened and takes on a shape when a fluid is introduced and contained therein.

Suitably, in use the first structure engaging portion is arrangeable against an underside of the structure, preferably an underside of the structure in close proximity to the ground.

Suitably, the first structure engaging portion is arrangeable against a mounting point, preferably an extendable mounting point, more preferably a downwardly extending mounting point provided on the structure. Suitably, the first structure engaging portion is arrangeable against a plurality of mounting points. Suitably, the first structure engaging portion is arrangeable to lie on or in close proximity to the ground as it extends from the support member. Suitably, the first structure engaging portion is arrangeable to lie on or in close 1 0 proximity to the ground at the point where in use it engages the structure.

Suitably, the structure is a vehicle and the awning is a vehicle awning. Suitably, the first structure engaging portion is a first vehicle engaging portion. Suitably, the second structure engaging portion is a second vehicle engaging portion. Suitably, the structure-engaging edge is a vehicle-engaging edge.

Suitably, the wall and support member are operatively engagable with one another.

Suitably, the wall and support member are integral with or coupleable to one another.

Suitably, the wall and support member are indirectly coupleable. Suitably, the support member is arrangable to bear on a groundsheet of the awning. Suitably, the support member is coupleable to or integral with a ground sheet of the awning.

Suitably, weight of the structure resists upward movement of the support member from a position where the support member holds the wall against the ground.

Suitably, the awning is arrangeable in use such that weight of the vehicle bears on the first vehicle engaging portion to resist upward movement of the support member.

Suitably, the awning is arrangeable in use such that weight of the vehicle forces the support member and the wall toward the ground.

Suitably, in use the first vehicle engaging portion is arrangeable under a wheel of the vehicle. Suitably, in use the first vehicle engaging portion is arrangeable under one or more corner-steadies of the vehicle.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a kit comprising an awning wall, a support member and a first structure engaging portion, the kit arrangeable with a structure to provide the awning according to the first aspect.

Suitably, the structure is a vehicle.

According to a third aspect, there is provided in combination a structure and an awning coupled thereto, the awning comprising a first structure engaging portion coupling the awning to a structure; and a wall, wherein the support member is coupled to the first structure engaging portion such that engagement with the structure resists upward movement of the support member from a position where the support member holds the wall against the ground.

Suitably, the awning coupled to the structure is assembled from a kit according to the second aspect.

Suitably, the awning coupled to the structure is an awning according to the first aspect.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of securing, to a structure, an awning comprising a wall, the method comprising: arranging, with the structure, a first structure engaging portion coupled to a support member, to resist upward movement of the support member from a position where the support member holds the wall against the ground.

Suitably, the method comprises arranging the first structure engaging portion such that weight of the structure bears on the first structure engaging portion to resist upward movement of the support member.

Suitably, the method comprises arranging the first structure engaging portion such that weight of the structure forces the support member and the wall toward the ground.

Suitably, the method comprises bringing weight of the structure to bear on the first structure engaging portion that is coupled to the support member, such that the support member and wall are forced toward the ground.

Suitably, the structure is a vehicle and the awning is a vehicle awning. Suitably, the first structure engaging portion is a first vehicle engaging portion.

Suitably, the method comprises arranging a first vehicle engaging portion under a wheel of the vehicle. Suitably, the method comprises rolling the wheel onto the first vehicle engaging portion. Suitably, the method comprises arranging the first vehicle engaging portion under one or more corner-steadies of the vehicle. Suitably, the method comprises arranging the first vehicle engaging portion against an underside of the structure. Suitably, the method comprises arranging the first structure engaging portion against a mounting point, preferably an extendable mounting point, provided on the structure.

Suitably, the method comprises arranging the first structure engaging portion against an underside of the structure, preferably an underside of the structure in close proximity to the ground. Suitably, the method comprises arranging the first structure engaging portion against a mounting point, preferably an extendable mounting point, more preferably a downwardly extending mounting point provided on the structure for example by extending the mounting point downward from the structure. Suitably, the method comprises arranging the first structure engaging portion against a plurality of mounting points. Suitably, the method comprises arranging the first structure engaging portion to lie on or in close proximity to the ground as it extends from the support member. Suitably, the method comprises arranging the first structure engaging portion to lie on or in close proximity to the ground at the point where in use it engages the structure.

Suitably, the method comprises arranging a bracing member between the support member and the structure. Suitably, the method comprises arranging the bracing member at an angle the support member. Suitably, the method comprises arranging the bracing member to extend from the structure to a distal part of the awning. Suitably, the method comprises arranging the bracing member to extend from the structure to a distal part of the support member. Suitably, the method comprises arranging the bracing member to extend from an upper part of the structure. Suitably, the method comprises arranging the bracing member to run parallel to a portion of the awning wall. Suitably, the method comprises arranging the bracing member to extend to an edge of the awning away from the structure. Suitably, the method comprises arranging the bracing member to extend to an extremity of the awning away from the structure. Suitably, the method comprises arranging the bracing member to extend to the support member, groundsheet or awning wall, proximate to the ground. Suitably, the method comprises arranging the bracing member to extend to a corner of the awning where the awning meets the ground. Suitably, the method comprises arranging the bracing member to be coupled to the support member. Suitably, the method comprises arranging the bracing member to be coupled to the structure. Suitably, the method comprises extending the bracing member. Suitably, the method comprises telescopically extending the bracing member.

Suitably, the method comprises extending the bracing member and locking the bracing member in position. Suitably, the method comprises employing one or more coupling points to hold the bracing member, preferably within or against the awning wall. Suitably, the method comprises arranging the bracing member into or through one or more loops or sleeve portions in the awning wall. Suitably, the method comprises arranging a bracing member to run parallel to an end face of the awning wall. Suitably, the method comprises arranging the bracing member to extend into an internal corners of the awning wall, preferably more than one, preferably all internal corners of the awning wall. Suitably, the method comprises arranging the bracing member to one, some or all ground level internal corners of the awning wall.

Suitably, the awning comprises two bracing members, or more than two. Suitably, each bracing member is as described above. Suitably, the method comprises arranging each bracing member as described above.

Suitably, the method comprises arranging a plurality of coupleable and subsequently demountable sections of support member to one another.

Suitably, the awning further comprises a second structure engaging portion, and the method comprises coupling a structure-engaging edge of the awning to the structure wall or roof. Suitably, the method comprises coupling the second structure-engaging portion to structure such that the perimeter of a structure-engaging edge of the awning is coupled thereto.

Suitably, the method is performed by coupling the second structure engaging portion to the structure, before coupling the first structure engaging portion to the structure. Suitably, the method is performed by coupling the first and second structure engaging portions to the structure, then arranging the support member and/or bracing member with the awning.

Suitably, the method is performed by arranging the support member with the awning then arranging the first structure engaging portion with the structure. Suitably, the method comprises the step of coupling the support member to the first structure engaging portion.

Suitably, the method comprises the step of coupling the support member to the first structure engaging portion as an initial step.

Suitably, the method comprises introducing a fluid or other weighting means into or onto the support member to provide additional weight, and therefore stability to the support member and awning. Suitably, the method comprises filling a hollow interior portion of the support member with a fluid. Suitably, the method comprises sealing a fluid impermeable hollow in the support member. Suitably, the method comprises filling the hollow with water or the like.

Suitably, the method comprises introducing into the support member pressure or tension to give shape and strength thereto when said pressure or tension is applied from within.

Suitably, the method comprises introducing fluid to the support member to thereby strengthen and give shape thereto.

Suitably, the second structure engaging portion is a second vehicle engaging portion.

Suitably, the structure-engaging edge is a vehicle-engaging edge.

Suitably, the method comprises demounting and remounting the awning to the structure.

Suitably, the method comprises arranging, configuring or otherwise operating features of the awning of the first aspect, or the structure, in order to erect the awning for use.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic end view of a vehicle and an awning coupled thereto; Figure 2 shows a schematic plan view of the vehicle and awning of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a close up view of region A of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows three example first vehicle engaging portions; and Figure 5 shows a schematic flow chart illustrating steps in a method of securing a vehicle awning to a vehicle.

Referring now to Figures 1-3, there is shown a structure in the form of a vehicle 10 and an awning 20. The vehicle 10 has the awning 20 demountably and remountably coupled thereto. The vehicle 10 comprises a caravan, and the awning 20 is arranged to side of vehicle to expand the usable living area available for the occupants of the vehicle 10.

The awning 20 comprises first and second vehicle engaging portions 21,22 used in coupling the awning 20 to the vehicle 10. The second vehicle engaging portion 22 is a standard arrangement such as a mounting rail, channel or zip used to couple a vehicle-engaging edge 23 of the awning 20 to the side wall of the vehicle around the perimeter of a vehicle-engaging edge 23.

The first vehicle engaging portion 21 is coupled to a support member 24, for example by being an extension of the support member 24, integrally formed therewith. The support member 24 is coupled to a wall 25 of the awning 20 and to the first vehicle engaging portion 21 such that weight of the vehicle 10 resists upward movement of the support member 24.

Weight of the vehicle 10 is brought to bear on the first vehicle engaging portion 21 to thereby force the support member 24 and the wall 25 toward the ground.

The support member 24 runs around the perimeter of a ground-engaging edge of the awning 20 within a groundsheet 26 of the awning 20. The support member 24 lies partially within a sleeve 27 in the ground sheet 26. The sleeve 27 comprises a number of separate sleeve portions with openings there-between, configured to enable the support member 24 to be easily coupled to the awning 20 by passing through the sleeve 27, for example in separate coupleable sections that are joined to complete the support member 24 when in use and which are separated and removed when the awning 20 is not in use.

The first vehicle engaging portion 21 is provided by end regions of the support member 24, which in use are positioned underneath corner-steadies 11 of the vehicle. In use, the awning 20 is erected alongside the vehicle 10, the first vehicle engaging portion 21 is positioned under the corner steadies 11, and the corner steadies are lowered on to the first vehicle engaging portion 21.

In this way, weight of the vehicle 10 bears on the first vehicle engaging portion 21, forcing the support member 24, and ground sheet 26 and awning wall 25 to which the support member 24 is coupled toward the ground. The support member 24 is held down such that the awning 20 is substantially prevented from lifting or from being blown over by the wind.

In the example embodiments shown in Figures 1-3 the support member 24 is located in the sleeve 27 in such a way as to be coupled to edges of the groundsheet 26 that extend away from the vehicle 10, and that do not run alongside the vehicle 10. There is no support member 24 provided at ground level along the edge of the awning 20 that runs alongside the vehicle.

To further strengthen the awning 20, a bracing member 28, or group of bracing members 28 is provided. The bracing member 28 is arranged between the support member 24 and the vehicle 10, in particular from an upper part of the vehicle 10 to portion of the support member 24 most distant from the vehicle 10. The bracing member 28 runs parallel to a portion of the awning wall 25, for example alongside an end wall of the awning 20 to meet the support member at a corner of the awning 20 where the awning 20 meets the ground. The bracing member 28 is conveniently provided as an extendable member, e.g. a telescopically, slidably or pivotably extendable member or combination of member elements, that can be extended and locked into position with the vehicle 10 and awning 20. One or more coupling points may be used to hold the bracing member against the awning wall, e.g. by running the bracing member 28 through loops or sleeve portions in the awning wall 25. The bracing member 28 is conveniently provided as one of a pair, one at each end of the awning 20. The awning 20 may also further comprise a frame or poles (not shown) to support the roof or upper wall portions away from the vehicle 10. Tension in the bracing members and correspondingly applied to the awning wall and roof suitably helps strengthen the awning structure. For example, the bracing member may be provided as rods coupled to one another to pivot in a scissors type arrangement supporting both the roof and bracing the corners of the support member.

As well as use with caravans, example embodiments of the awning are also particularly suitable for use with motor homes, trailer tents and other vehicles which rest on the ground.

Example embodiments of the awning are also particularly suitable for use with caravans, mobile homes and demountable buildings which are moveable but may not in practice frequently be moved. If desired, example embodiments of the awning may also be used with fixed structures such as buildings.

Figure 4 shows alternative ways for the first vehicle engaging portion 21 to interface with the vehicle, for example by rolling a vehicle wheel 12 onto the first vehicle engaging portion 21B, or by linking to a fixed or movable mounting point 14 extending from a side, e.g. an underside of the vehicle 10. In the trailer tent example, the second vehicle engaging portion may comprise a permanent coupling between the vehicle-engaging edge of the awning to the side wall of the vehicle around the perimeter of a vehicle-engaging edge, which is maintained when the trailer tent is collapsed for transportation. A non-demountable coupling between the vehicle-engaging edge of the awning and the vehicle may also be useful in cases where the awning is to become a permanent feature of the vehicle.

Figure 5 shows a schematic flow chart illustrating steps in a method of securing a vehicle awning to a vehicle. In this method, the first step comprises arranging the support member with the awning wall (step SlOl). This first step may be performed by a user of the awning, or may be performed in manufacture of the support member. Similarly, the step of coupling the support member to the first vehicle engaging portion, which is not particularised in Figure 5, may be part of the method, and may be performed either by a user or in manufacture. Subsequently, the first vehicle engaging portion is arranged with the vehicle such that weight of the vehicle resists upward movement of the support member from a position where the support member holds the wall against the ground (step S102).

Subsequently, the support member is braced by connecting a bracing member between the vehicle and the support member (step S 103).

Typical materials used to make up the awning wall and roof include cotton, canvas, acrylic, polyester, nylon and the like, whereas typical materials used to make up the groundsheet include pvc, plastics, tarpaulin and the like Typical materials used to make up the support member, bracing member and first vehicle engaging portion include steel, aluminium or fibreglass poles. In other example embodiments the support member may comprise a hollow interior portion, which in use receives a fluid or other weighting means therein to provide additional weight, and therefore stability to the support member and awning. In such example embodiments the hollow interior portion may comprise a sealable fluid, impermeable hollow, which may in use be filled with water or the like. Furthermore in example embodiments the support member may suitably comprises a generally flexible body, given shape and strength when tension or pressure is applied thereto. For example, the support member may comprise a hose-like structure with flexible or semi-rigid walls, which is strengthened and takes on a shape when a fluid is introduced therein. The fluid is suitably a generally incompressible fluid such as water, which is introduced into the support member and sealed therein. Some other possible modifications include coupling the support member and/or bracing member to a lower portion of the awning wall rather than to a groundsheet. The support member may be coupled to one or more mounting points such as tent pegging rubbers present on the awning, which in such example embodiments enable an existing awning comprising such mounting points to be used with the support member and first vehicle engaging portion in a retro-fittable manner. In example embodiments the groundsheet may be removable e.g. by zipping off from the awning wall, or sewn as a permanent feature with the awning wall. The awning may further comprise an exterior mud flap 29 and mounting points (not shown) for tent pegs or guy lines.

The awning so described is of simple construction, convenient to erect, and offers good strength and resistance to the effects of wind without the use of tent pegs or the like.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An awning comprising: a first structure engaging portion for in use coupling the awning to a structure; a support member; and a wall; wherein the support member is in use coupleable to the first structure engaging portion and is arrangeable in use with the awning coupled to a structure at the first structure engaging portion to resist upward movement of the support member from a position in which the support member holds the wall against the ground.
2. The awning of claim 1, wherein in use weight of the structure acting at the first structure engaging portion resists upward movement of the support member from a position in which the support member holds the wall against the ground.
3. The awning of claim I or 2, further comprising a second structure engaging portion for in use coupling a structure-engaging edge of the awning to a structures wall and/or roof and arranged to in use couple at least a portion of the perimeter of a structure-engaging edge of the awning to the structure. Q 20
4. The awning of any preceding claim, wherein the support member is located at a ground-engaging edge of the awning.
5. The awning of any preceding claim, wherein he support member is arranged to support at least a portion of the perimeter of a ground-engaging edge of the awning.
6. The awning of any preceding claim, wherein the support member is located at ground-engaging edges of awning that in use do not run alongside the structure, preferably all of said edges.
7. The awning of any preceding claim, further comprising a ground sheet and wherein the support member is coupleable to or connected to the ground sheet.
8. The awning of claim 7, wherein the support member is arrangeable to lie, or lies at least partially within the ground sheet.
9. The awning of claim 7 or 8, wherein the support member is coupleable to or coupled to edges of the groundsheet that in use extend away from the structure, preferably all of said edges.
10. The awning of claim 9, wherein the support member is coupleable to or coupled to edges of the groundsheet that in use do not run alongside the structure, preferably all of said edges.
Ii. The awning of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the support member is coupleable to or coupled to a lower portion of the awning wall.
12. The awning of claim 11, wherein the support member is arrangeable with respect to the lower portion of the awning wall as is described in relation to the groundsheet in any one of claims 7 to 10.
13. The awning of any preceding claim, wherein the support member is arranged in use to resist upward movement by a cantilever arrangement from the first structure engaging portion.
14. The awning of any preceding claim, arranged in use such that the awning wall defines three faces comprising a front face and two end faces, with the end faces arranged substantially parallel to one another. Q 20
15. The awning of claim 14, wherein in use the support member extends into internal corners of the awning wall.
16. The awning of claim 15, wherein in use the support member comprises, in plan view, three sides of a generally rectangular form.
17. The awning of any preceding claim, comprising a bracing member, arrangeable in use between the support member and the structure.
18. The awning of claim 17, wherein in use the bracing member is arrangeable at an angle the support member to extend from the structure to a distal part of the support member.
19. The awning of claim 18, wherein in use the bracing member is arrangeable to extend from an upper part of the structure and to run parallel to a portion of the awning wall.
20. The awning of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein in use the bracing member is arrangeable to be coupled to the support member and to be coupled to the structure.
21. The awning of any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the bracing member is extendable into position and lockable.
22. The awning of any one of claims 17 to 21, comprising two bracing members, each arrangeable in use to run parallel to end faces of the awning wall and into ground level internal corners of the awning wall.
23. The awning of any preceding claim, wherein the support member comprises a frame structure of a plurality of coupleable and subsequently demountable poles.
24. The awning of any preceding claim, wherein the support member comprises a hollow interior portion and is arranged in use to in use receives a fluid or other weighting means therein to provide additional weight, and therefore stability to the support member and awning.
25. The awning of claim 24, wherein the support member comprises a hollow interior portion including a sealable, fluid impermeable hollow, which may in use be filled with waterorthe like. (0

Q 20
26. The awning of any preceding claim, wherein the support member comprises a generally flexible body, given shape and strength when tension or pressure is applied thereto.
27. The awning of claim 26, wherein the support member comprises a generally flexible body, given shape and strength when tension or pressure is applied thereto from within.
28. The awning of any preceding claim, wherein in use the first structure engaging portion is arrangeable against an underside of the structure in close proximity to the ground at a downwardly extending mounting point provided on the structure.
29. The awning of any preceding claim, wherein the structure is a vehicle and the awning is a vehicle awning.
30. The awning of any preceding claim, wherein the fist structure engaging portion is a vehicle engaging portion and in use the first vehicle engaging portion is arrangeable under a wheel of the vehicle.
31. The awning of claim 29, wherein the fist structure engaging portion is a vehicle engaging portion and in use the first vehicle engaging portion is arrangeable under one or more corner-steadies of the vehicle.
32. A kit comprising an awning wall, a support member and a first structure engaging portion, the kit arrangeable with a structure to provide the awning according to any one of claims Ito 31.
33. In combination, a structure and an awning coupled thereto, the awning comprising a first structure engaging portion coupling the awning to a structure; and a wall, wherein the support member is coupled to the first structure engaging portion such that engagement with the structure resists upward movement of the support member from a position where the support member holds the wall against the ground.
34. The combination of claim 33, wherein the awning coupled to the structure is assembled from a kit.
35. The combination of claim 33, wherein the awning coupled to the structure is an awning according to any one of claims 1 to 31. Q 20
36. A method of securing, to a structure, an awning comprising a wall, the method comprising: arranging, with the structure, a first structure engaging portion coupled to a support member, to resist upward movement of the support member from a position where the support member holds the wall against the ground.
37. The method of claim 36, comprising arranging the first structure engaging portion such that weight of the structure bears on the first structure engaging portion to resist upward movement of the support member.
38. The method of claim 36 or 37, comprising arranging the first structure engaging portion such that weight of the structure forces the support member and the wall toward the ground.
39. The method of claim 36, 37 or 38, comprising bringing weight of the structure to bear on the first structure engaging portion that is coupled to the support member, such that the support member and wall are forced toward the ground.
40. The method of any one of claims 36 to 39, wherein structure is a vehicle and the awning is a vehicle awning, and wherein the first structure engaging portion is a first vehicle engaging portion.
41. The method of claim 40, comprising arranging a first vehicle engaging portion under a wheel of the vehicle.
42. The method of claim 41, comprising rolling the wheel onto the first vehicle engaging portion.
43. The method of claim 40, comprising arranging the first vehicle engaging portion under one or more corner-steadies of the vehicle.
44. The method of claim 40, comprising arranging the first vehicle engaging portion against an underside of the structure.
45. The method of claim 40, comprising arranging the first structure engaging portion against a downwardly extendable mounting point provided on the structure and (0 downwardly extending the mounting point from the structure. Q 20
46. The method of any one of claims 36 to 45, wherein the awning further comprises a second structure engaging portion, and the method comprises coupling a structure-engaging edge of the awning to the structure wall or roof.
47. The method of claim 46, comprising coupling the second structure-engaging portion to structure such that the perimeter of a structure-engaging edge of the awning is coupled thereto.
48. The method of claim 47, performed by coupling the second structure engaging portion to the structure, before coupling the first structure engaging portion to the structure.
49. The method of claim 48, performed by coupling the first and second structure engaging portions to the structure, then arranging the support member and a bracing member with the awning.
50. The method of any one of claims 36 to 49, comprising introducing a fluid or other weighting means into or onto the support member to provide additional weight, and therefore stability to the support member and awning.
51. The method of any one of claims 36 to 50, comprising introducing into the support member pressure or tension to give shape and strength thereto when said pressure or tension is applied from within
52. The method of any one of claims 36 to 51, comprising demounting and remounting the awning to the structure.
53. The method of any one of claims 36 to 52, wherein the awning coupled to the structure is an awning according to any one of claims 1 to 31, and the method steps comprise arranging the awning in accordance with the description of the awning in any one of claims lto3l.
54. The method of any one of claims 36 to 53, comprising arranging, configuring or otherwise operating features of the awning of any one of claims 1 to 31, or features of the associated structure, in order to erect the awning for use.
55. An awning, kit or method substantially as herein-described, with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. Co (\J