US20130126103A1 - Water accumulation prevention systems, devices and methods for awning structures - Google Patents
Water accumulation prevention systems, devices and methods for awning structures Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130126103A1 US20130126103A1 US13/549,303 US201213549303A US2013126103A1 US 20130126103 A1 US20130126103 A1 US 20130126103A1 US 201213549303 A US201213549303 A US 201213549303A US 2013126103 A1 US2013126103 A1 US 2013126103A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- awning
- bow
- sheet
- accessory
- retractable
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- 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
- E04F10/0611—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 with articulated arms supporting the movable end of the blind for deployment of the blind
- E04F10/0618—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 with articulated arms supporting the movable end of the blind for deployment of the blind whereby the pivot axis of the articulation is perpendicular to the roller
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- 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
- E04F10/067—Accessories acting as intermediate support of the flexible canopy
Definitions
- This disclosure generally relates to systems, devices and methods for elevating a portion of an awning sheet of an awning structure to prevent the accumulation of water and other debris thereon, and in particular, various systems and devices configured to be installed on conventional awning structures to elevate a portion of an awning sheet thereof.
- Awnings are well known devices which attach to various structures, such as, for example, residential homes and recreational vehicles, to provide protection from rain, sun and other elements.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 show one particular conventional awning structure 10 .
- the awning structure 10 includes a retractable awning sheet 12 coupled between a base member 14 and a lead member 16 .
- the lead member 16 is retractably extendable to move between an extended position in which the awning sheet 12 is supported between the base member 14 and the lead member 16 in a cantilevered manner from a structure 22 , such as a house as shown in FIG. 1 , and a retracted position in which the awning sheet 12 is collected within the base member 14 near the structure 22 .
- the lead member 16 is coupled to the base member 14 by a pair of extendable arms 18 which articulate between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration to move the lead member 16 between the retracted position and the extended position, respectively. Further details of this type of awning structure 10 can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,957,679, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- FIG. 10 shows another conventional awning structure 10 ′′. Similar to the aforementioned awning structure 10 , the awning structure 10 ′′ of FIG. 10 includes a retractable awning sheet 12 ′′ coupled between a base member 14 ′′ and a lead member 16 ′′. The lead member 16 ′′ is retractably extendable to move between an extended position in which the awning sheet 12 ′′ is supported in an extended manner between the base member 14 ′′ and the lead member 16 ′′, as shown in FIG. 10 , and a retracted position in which the awning sheet 12 ′′ is collected within the base member 14 ′′.
- the base member 14 ′′ is securely coupled to a house structure 22 ′′ and the lead member 16 ′′ is coupled to the base member 14 ′′ by a pair of telescoping or articulating arms 18 ′′.
- the lead member 16 ′′ is also supported by a pair of telescoping or articulating legs 19 which may be secured to a base or floor structure 26 , as shown in FIG. 10 , or the house structure 22 ′′ during use.
- the awning sheets 12 , 12 ′′ of such conventional awning structures 10 , 10 ′′ when deployed for use, the awning sheets 12 , 12 ′′ of such conventional awning structures 10 , 10 ′′ often accumulate water 20 , 20 ′′ and/or debris which can create adverse safety conditions and other undesired consequences, such as, for example, damage to the awning structures 10 , 10 ′′.
- various devices including bow-like devices, have been designed to interface with awning structures to prevent or reduce the accumulation of water and debris thereon. Examples of such devices can be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,174,352; 5,203,393; 5,449,032; and 6,494,246.
- Embodiments described herein provide various systems and devices for use with awning structures and related methods which are particularly well adapted for preventing the accumulation of water and other debris on the surface of an awning sheet or canopy thereof in a particularly efficient form factor. According to some embodiments, the systems, devices and related methods provide particularly efficient mechanisms for preventing the accumulation of water and other debris in a package that is relatively easy to install and uninstall, if needed. In addition, some embodiments of the systems, devices and related methods described herein provide particularly versatile systems and devices which do not require disassembly when retracting and storing the awning.
- Some embodiments described herein are directed to bow systems well adapted to prevent the accumulation of water and other debris on the surface of an awning sheet or canopy.
- Embodiments of these bow systems and related methods may provide particularly versatile systems which flex automatically when the awning sheet is extended for use and relax automatically when the awning sheet is retracted for storage.
- a bow system for a retractable awning structure may be summarized as including a pair of couplers, each coupler having a base portion configured to engage a portion of a respective one of a pair of extendible arms of the awning and having a bow support portion coupled to the base portion to move relative the base portion during extension and retraction of the awning; and a bow coupleable at intermediate positions along a longitudinal length thereof to the pair of extendible arms of the awning by the pair of couplers, the bow including a bow member configured to flex into a curved configuration as the awning moves from a retracted position to an extended position, and the bow including a tension device coupled between opposing ends of the bow member to assist in moving the bow member to the curved configuration as the awning moves toward the extended position.
- each coupler may include a saddle sized and shaped to closely receive the portion of the respective one of the pair of extendible arms of the awning.
- the saddle may be configured to snap-fit onto the portion of the respective one of the pair of extendible arms of the awning.
- the base portion of each coupler may further include at least one fastener for fixing the base portion to the respective extendible arm of the awning.
- Each coupler may include a joint between the base portion and the bow support portion to enable the bow support portion to pitch and yaw relative to the base portion when the awning moves between the retracted position and the extended position.
- the joint may include at least one of a ball and socket joint, a universal joint and a clevis joint.
- the bow support portion of each coupler may include a tubular support section sized and shaped to slidably receive the bow member.
- the bow member may be a cylindrical tube and the bow support portion of each coupler may include a cylindrical tubular support section.
- the bow member may be a flat bar and the bow support portion of each coupler may include a rectangular tubular support section.
- the tension device may include a tension adjuster to adjust an amount of tension between the opposing ends of the bow member.
- the tension device may be coupled to each of the pair of couplers such that, at each of opposing ends of the bow system, the bow member, the tension device and the respective coupler resemble a triangular configuration when the bow system is in operation and the awning is in the extended position. During operation, the bow member may automatically flex toward the curved configuration as the awning moves toward the extended position.
- the bow member may include a plurality of bow member sections coupled together in an abutting relationship.
- the bow system may be packaged as an awning accessory kit.
- the bow system may further include a supplemental bow coupleable at intermediate positions along a length thereof to one of the pair of extendible arms of the awning and a third extendible arm of the awning, the supplemental bow including a tension device coupled between opposing ends thereof to move a bow member of the supplemental bow to a curved configuration.
- One of the pair of couplers may be configured to support each of the bow and the supplemental bow.
- a bow system for an awning structure may be summarized as including a pair of couplers, each coupler configured to engage a portion of a respective one of a pair of arms of the awning in a mounting region located beneath an area corresponding to a leading portion of the awning sheet adjacent a lead member of the awning when the awning is in a deployed configuration; and a bow member coupleable between the pair of couplers, the bow member configured to align generally parallel to the lead member and flex upwardly to elevate a portion of the awning sheet when the awning is in the deployed configuration.
- Each coupler may include a base portion sized and shaped to closely receive the portion of the respective one of the pair of arms of the awning.
- the base portion may be configured to snap-fit onto the portion of the respective one of the pair of arms of the awning.
- the base portion of each coupler may further include at least one fastener for fixing the base portion to the respective one of the pair of arms of the awning.
- Each coupler may include an upper portion configured to receive one of opposing ends of the bow member.
- Each coupler may include an upper portion which defines a channel to receive one of opposing ends of the bow member, the channel including a series of apertures to selectively adjust a mounting location of the bow member.
- Each coupler may include an upper portion which defines a channel to receive a respective intermediate bow adjustment device, each intermediate bow adjustment device pivotally coupled to the coupler at a first end and coupled to the bow member at a second end.
- the channel of each coupler may include a series of apertures to selectively adjust a mounting location of the respective intermediate bow adjustment device.
- Each intermediate bow adjustment device may further include a series of apertures to selectively adjust a mounting location of the bow member.
- an awning system may be summarized as including an awning having an awning sheet coupled between a base member and a lead member to form a canopy structure when the awning is in a deployed configuration in which the lead member is spatially offset from the base member, the lead member supported in space at least in part by a pair of arm members when the awning is in a deployed configuration; and a bow system coupled between the pair of arm members in a mounting region located beneath an area corresponding to a leading portion of the awning sheet adjacent the lead member when the awning is in the deployed configuration, the bow system including a bow member aligned generally parallel to the lead member and configured to flex upwardly to elevate a portion of the awning sheet when the awning is in the deployed configuration.
- the pair of arms may be extendible and wherein the bow member may automatically flex upwardly during operation to elevate the portion of the awning sheet when the pair of arms move toward an extended position to transition the awning to the deployed configuration.
- the bow system may include a pair of couplers, each coupler having a base portion configured to engage a portion of a respective one of the pair of arms of the awning and having a bow support portion coupled to the base portion to move relative the base portion as the awning moves between the deployed configuration and a retracted configuration.
- the bow system may include a pair of couplers, each coupler configured to engage a portion of a respective one of the pair of arms of the awning and to receive one of opposing ends of the bow member, a distance between the couplers being less than a length of the bow member such that, when the bow member is received in the couplers and tensioned, the bow member flexes upwardly to elevate the portion of the awning sheet.
- the awning system may further include a prop device configured to couple to at least one of the arm members of the awning, the prop device having a sheet support structure with a generally convex upper surface to interface with the awning sheet when the prop device is installed for use.
- an awning sheet support device for preventing the accumulation of water on an awning sheet of an awning.
- the awning sheet support device may be summarized as including a prop device having a coupler to couple the prop device to at least one arm member of the awning and having a sheet support structure with a generally convex upper surface to interface with a portion of the awning sheet when the prop device is installed for use.
- the coupler of the prop device may have an engagement portion configured to selectively engage the arm member of the awning and may be configured to support the sheet support structure in an upwardly directed orientation.
- the sheet support structure of the prop device may be pivotably supported to enable an orientation of the generally convex upper surface thereof to adjust in response to contact with the awning sheet during installation.
- the sheet support structure of the prop device may be a convex, dome-shaped shell.
- the prop device may further include a prop rod to support the sheet support structure at a distance offset from the coupler.
- a manipulable joint may be provided to couple the sheet support structure to an end of the prop rod.
- the prop rod may be adjustably positionable to support the sheet support structure at a desired distance offset from the coupler.
- One or more complementary prop devices may be provided to cooperatively displace the awning sheet during use.
- the awning sheet support system may further include a crossbar configured to span between the arm members of the awning, and the coupler of the prop device may couple the prop device to the arm members via the intermediary of the crossbar.
- the sheet support system may further include a bow system coupled between a pair of arm members of the awning, the bow system including a bow member aligned generally parallel to the lead member and being configured to flex upwardly to cooperatively support the awning sheet with the prop device.
- a pair of bow systems may be provided, each bow system coupled between a respective pair of overlapping pairs of arm members of the awning, and each bow system including a bow member aligned generally parallel to the lead member which is configured to flex upwardly to cooperatively support the awning sheet with the prop device.
- a free-standing prop device for preventing the accumulation of water on an awning sheet of an awning.
- the prop device may be summarized as including an elongated support member having a lower end and an upper end to span generally between a foundation and the awning sheet when the prop device is setup for use; a base at the lower end of the elongated support member to assist in stabilizing the prop device when the base is positioned on the foundation; and a sheet support structure at the upper end of the elongated support member having a generally convex upper surface to interface with the portion of the awning sheet and displace the portion of the awning sheet upwardly from a neutral unsupported position.
- the prop device may further include a manipulable joint provided between the sheet support structure and the upper end of the elongated support member to enable pivotable adjustment of the sheet support structure as the sheet support structure engages the awning sheet during setup.
- the elongated support member may be adjustable in length to enable selective height adjustment of the sheet support structure.
- the sheet support structure may be a convex, dome-shaped shell.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a conventional awning structure showing an accumulation of water thereon.
- FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the conventional awning structure of FIG. 1 showing the accumulation of water thereon.
- FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of an awning system including a bow system for preventing the accumulation of water or debris thereon, according to one embodiment.
- An awning sheet thereof is shown transparent to reveal the bow system.
- FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the awning system of FIG. 3 showing the awning sheet thereof transparent to reveal the bow system.
- FIG. 5 is an isometric detail view of a portion of the awning system of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a coupler of the bow system of FIG. 5 attached to an arm of the awning system.
- FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the awning system of FIG. 3 shown with arms of the awning in a retracted configuration.
- FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the awning system of FIG. 3 shown with arms of the awning in an expanded configuration.
- FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an awning system, according to one embodiment, including a pair of bow systems for preventing the accumulation of water or debris on a conventional awning structure.
- An awning sheet thereof is shown transparent to reveal the bow systems.
- FIG. 9 is an isometric detail view of a portion of the awning system of FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 10 is an isometric view of another conventional awning system showing an accumulation of water thereon.
- FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of an awning system including a bow system for preventing the accumulation of water or debris thereon, according to another embodiment.
- FIG. 12 is an isometric detail view of a portion of the bow system of FIG. 12 coupled to an arm of the awning structure.
- FIG. 13 is an isometric detail view of a portion of a bow system, according to another embodiment, coupled to an arm of an awning structure.
- FIG. 14 is an isometric detail view of a portion of a bow system, according to yet another embodiment, coupled to an arm of an awning structure.
- FIG. 15 is an isometric detail view of a portion of a bow system, according to still yet another embodiment, coupled to an arm of an awning structure.
- FIG. 16 is side elevational view of an awning system including an awning sheet support system having prop devices to prevent the accumulation of water or debris thereon, according to one embodiment.
- An awning sheet thereof is shown transparent to reveal the prop devices.
- FIG. 17 is an isometric view of the awning system of FIG. 16 showing the awning sheet thereof transparent to reveal the prop devices.
- FIG. 18 is an isometric detail view of a portion of the awning system of FIG. 17 .
- FIG. 19 is an isometric view of an awning system including an awning sheet support system having a prop device to prevent the accumulation of water or debris thereon, according to another embodiment.
- An awning sheet thereof is shown transparent to reveal the prop device.
- FIG. 20 is an isometric view of an awning system including a prop device to prevent the accumulation of water or debris thereon, according to yet another embodiment.
- An awning sheet thereof is shown transparent to reveal portions of the prop device.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a conventional awning structure 10 having a pool of water 20 accumulated thereon.
- the awning structure 10 includes a retractable awning sheet 12 coupled between a base member 14 and a lead member 16 .
- the lead member 16 is retractably extendable to move between an extended position in which the awning sheet 12 is supported between the base member 14 and the lead member 16 in a cantilevered manner from a house structure 22 , as shown in FIG. 1 , and a retracted position in which the awning sheet 12 is collected within the base member 14 .
- the lead member 16 is coupled to the base member 14 by a pair of extendable arms 18 which articulate between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration to move the lead member 16 between the retracted position and the extended position, respectively. Further details of this type of conventional awning structure 10 can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,957,679, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- FIGS. 3 through 7 show an awning system 100 , according to one example embodiment, including the aforementioned awning structure 10 and a bow system 110 installed thereon to prevent water or debris from accumulating on the awning sheet 12 in a particularly efficient manner.
- the bow system 110 is mounted in a leading portion 112 of the awning structure 10 adjacent the lead member 16 .
- the bow system 110 may be coupled to each of a pair of leading arm members 24 of the pair of extendible arms 18 within a mounting region located beneath an area corresponding to a leading third of the awning sheet 12 which is adjacent the lead member 16 when the awning system 100 is in a deployed configuration.
- the bow system 110 is configured to flex upwardly during use to elevate a portion of the awning sheet 12 .
- the bow system 110 is aligned generally parallel to the lead member 16 in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the direction of extension and retraction of the awning system 100 .
- the bow system 110 flexes in a generally arched shape to direct water or debris toward the perimeter of the awning sheet 12 .
- the bow system 110 may flex such that a peak 114 ( FIGS. 3 , 4 and 7 ) thereof is generated in a central region of the awning sheet 12 with respect to a direction corresponding to a longitudinal length of the bow system 110 .
- the bow system 110 is surprisingly effective in clearing water from the awning sheet 12 in a relatively simple form factor.
- the bow system 110 includes a bow member 120 coupleable to the leading arm members 24 of the awning structure 10 at intermediate positions along the longitudinal length of the bow member 120 .
- the bow system 110 further includes end caps 121 at opposing ends 122 of the bow member 120 .
- the opposing ends 122 of the bow member 120 are tethered together via a tensioning device 126 in the form of a tensioning cord coupled to eyelets 124 at the opposing ends 122 .
- the tension in the tensioning device 126 may be readily adjusted by a tension adjustment mechanism 128 . In this manner, a tension between the opposing ends 122 of the bow member 120 may be adjusted to increase or decrease the vertical displacement of the awning sheet 12 ( FIGS.
- the tension may be set such that a central portion of the bow member 120 displaces in a vertical direction at least four inches when transitioning between a relaxed configuration R ( FIG. 6 ) and a flexed configuration F ( FIG. 7 ) as the awning sheet 12 extends from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration.
- the bow member 120 of the bow system 110 is coupled to the leading arm members 24 of the awning structure 10 at each of opposing locations by respective couplers 130 .
- the couplers 130 each include a base portion 131 which is configured to engage a portion of a respective one of the pair of leading arm members 24 of the awning structure 10 .
- the coupler 130 may include a base portion 131 in the form of a saddle having a cross-sectional profile which nests with the leading arm member 24 .
- the base portion 131 may couple to the leading arm member 24 by a snap-fit.
- opposing legs 132 of the base portion 131 may be resilient and flex to receive the leading arm member 24 and snap back toward an initial state when the leading arm member 24 is fully received therein.
- Barbs 133 , flanges or other features may be provided to assist in securing the base portion 131 to the leading arm member 24 .
- the base portion 131 is shown as a generally u-shaped saddle structure, it is appreciated that the shape and size of the base portion may vary.
- the base portion 131 of the couplers 130 may be sized and shaped to nest closely with the leading arm members 24 in a relatively slender, yet robust form factor.
- fasteners such as, for example, thumb screws 134 may be provided in addition to or in lieu of other attachment mechanisms to secure the base portion 131 to the leading arm member 24 and prevent the base portion 131 from shifting during use.
- thumb screws 134 enables rapid attachment and detachment of the couplers 130 to the leading arm members 24 , although other fastening devices, such as, for example, conventional nuts and bolts, clamps and adhesives may be used.
- the couplers 130 may enable attachment to the leading arm members 24 without requiring modifications thereto.
- the couplers 130 further include a bow support portion 136 that is coupled to the base portion 131 to move relative the base portion 131 during extension and retraction of the awning system 100 .
- the bow support portion 136 may include a tubular structure shaped to slidably receive the bow member 120 .
- the bow support portion 134 may include a cylindrical tube shaped to closely receive a round, tubular bow member 120 .
- the bow support portion 136 may include a rectangular tube that is shaped to closely receive a bow member 120 having a rectangular cross-sectional profile.
- the bow support portion 136 may be coupled to the base portion 131 by one or more manipulable joints 138 , such as, for example, a ball and socket joint, a universal joint and/or a clevis joint. As shown best in FIG. 5 , the bow support portion 136 may be rotatable with respect to the base portion 131 about a vertical axis Z and a transverse axis X such that the bow support portion 136 is able to pitch and yaw relative to the base portion 131 when the awning system 100 moves between the retracted configuration and the deployed configuration.
- manipulable joints 138 such as, for example, a ball and socket joint, a universal joint and/or a clevis joint.
- the bow support portion 136 may be rotatable with respect to the base portion 131 about a vertical axis Z and a transverse axis X such that the bow support portion 136 is able to pitch and yaw relative to the base portion 131 when the awning system 100 moves between the retracted
- This functionality enables the bow member 120 to maintain a generally parallel relationship with the lead member 16 of the awning system 100 despite changes in direction of the base portion 131 during extension and retraction of the extendable arms 18 and hence leading arm members 24 . In addition, it allows the bow member 120 to flex to a curved configuration and return to a relatively flat, relaxed configuration.
- the couplers 130 may further include an eyelet 140 , an aperture or other feature through which the tensioning cord or other tensioning device 126 is routed. This can assist in keeping the bow system 110 in proper alignment throughout operation and prevent inadvertent binding.
- the eyelet 140 or other routing feature may be rotatably coupled to the coupler 130 as represented by the arrow labeled 142 . In operation, at each of opposing ends of the bow system 110 , the bow member 120 , the respective coupler 130 , and the tensioning device 126 up to the eyelet 140 or other routing feature may resemble a generally triangular configuration.
- FIGS. 6 and 7 show the bow member 120 in a relaxed configuration R and a flexed configuration F, respectively. More particularly, FIG. 6 shows a partial front elevational view of the awning system 100 with the leading arm members 24 in a generally retracted configuration slightly before a fully retracted configuration. In this configuration, the couplers 130 on the leading arm members 24 are relatively close together which relieves tension between the opposing ends 122 of the bow member 120 , allowing the bow member 120 to straighten into the generally relaxed configuration R. In contrast, FIG. 7 shows a partial front elevational view of the awning system 100 with the leading arm members 24 in a generally extended configuration.
- the couplers 130 on the leading arm members 24 are relatively further apart which imparts greater tension between the opposing ends of the bow member 120 , forcing the bow member 120 to curve into the flexed configuration F.
- the bow member 120 may transition automatically between the relaxed configuration R and the flexed configuration F as the extendible arms 18 and hence leading arm members 24 extend and retract.
- the bow system 110 may remain attached to the awning structure 10 throughout operation of the awning system 100 . Accordingly, detachment of the bow system 110 is unnecessary when storing the awning sheet 12 .
- the bow member 120 may comprise several sections 120 a , 120 b , 120 c coupled together in an abutting relationship with adapters 144 or other connection devices therebetween. In this manner, the bow member 120 may be broken down into smaller sections 120 a , 120 b , 120 c to facilitate handling and packaging. In some embodiments, for example, the bow member 120 may be broken down into sections 120 a , 120 b , 120 c and packaged together with the couplers 130 in a relatively small form factor to be sold as an awning accessory kit.
- FIGS. 8 and 9 show an awning system 200 , according to another example embodiment, including a conventional awning structure 10 ′ and a pair of cooperating bow systems 210 installed thereon to prevent water or debris from accumulating on the awning sheet 12 ′ in a particularly efficient manner.
- the bow systems 210 are mounted in a leading portion 212 of the awning structure 10 ′ adjacent a lead member 16 ′ thereof.
- the bow systems 210 may be coupled between overlapping pairs of leading arm members 24 ′ of corresponding extendible arms 18 ′ within a mounting region located beneath an area corresponding to a leading third of the awning sheet 12 ′ which is adjacent the lead member 16 ′ when the awning system 200 is in a deployed configuration.
- the bow systems 210 are configured to flex upwardly during use to cooperatively elevate portions of the awning sheet 12 ′ in an overlapping manner.
- the bow systems 210 are aligned generally parallel to the lead member 16 ′ in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the direction of extension and retraction of the awning system 200 .
- the bow systems 210 are nested in close proximity to each other such that, when the awning system 200 is in the retracted configuration, the bow systems 210 may be stored above the leading arm members 24 ′ in a compact arrangement.
- the bow systems 210 may remain coupled to the awning structure 10 ′ throughout deployment and retraction of the awning structure 10 ′ without interference.
- awning system 200 Other features and aspects of the awning system 200 are similar to those described above. However, one notable difference is that the ends 214 of the bow systems 210 which overlap are shown as coupling to a leading arm member 24 ′ via a common coupler 230 . In other embodiments, however, it is appreciated that the common coupler 230 may be replaced with two separate, distinct couplers each dedicated to a respective one of the bow systems 210 .
- the common coupler 230 of the example embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9 includes a base portion 231 which is configured to engage a portion of the leading arm member 24 ′.
- the coupler 230 may include a base portion 231 in the form of a saddle having a cross-sectional profile which nests with the leading arm member 24 ′, including, for example, by way of a snap-fit.
- fasteners such as, for example, thumb screws 234 may be provided in addition to or in lieu of other attachment mechanisms to secure the base portion 231 to the leading arm member 24 ′ and prevent the base portion 231 from shifting during use.
- thumb screws 234 enables rapid attachment and detachment of the coupler 230 to the leading arm member 24 ′, although other fastening devices, such as, for example, conventional nuts and bolts, clamps and adhesives may be used.
- the coupler 230 may enable attachment to the leading arm member 24 ′ without requiring modifications thereto.
- the common coupler 230 further includes a respective bow support portion 236 for each of bow members 220 of the bow systems 210 .
- the bow support portions 236 are movably coupled to the base portion 231 to adjust relative the base portion 231 to enable movement of the bow members 220 received therein relative to the leading arm member 24 ′.
- the bow support portions 236 may include a tubular structure shaped to slidably receive the bow members 220 .
- the bow support portions 236 may be coupled to the base portion 231 by one or more manipulable joints 238 , such as, for example, a ball and socket joint, a universal joint and/or a clevis joint.
- each of the bow support portions 236 are rotatable with respect to the base portion 231 about a vertical axis Z and a transverse axis X such that each of the bow support portions 134 are able to pitch and yaw relative to the base portion 231 .
- This functionality enables the bow members 220 , throughout operation, to maintain a generally parallel relationship with the lead member 16 ′ of the awning system 200 and allows the bow members 220 to flex to a curved configuration and return to a relatively flat, relaxed configuration.
- leading arm members 24 ′ of the awning structure 10 ′ may operate in a parallel relationship with the attachment locations of the bow system 210 being maintained at the same distance throughout extension and retraction of the awning structure 10 ′.
- tension may be released manually from the bow system 210 prior to retraction of the awning structure 10 ′ by utilizing a tension adjuster 240 to flatten out the corresponding bow member 220 for storage.
- the bow system 210 may remain fully assembled and attached to the awning structure 10 ′ throughout operation. In this manner, a user may conveniently deploy the awning structure 10 ′ and erect the bow systems 210 with minimal effort by re-tensioning the bow member 220 when the awning structure 10 ′ is deployed.
- FIGS. 11 and 12 show an awning system 300 , according to yet another example embodiment, including a conventional awning structure 10 ′′ and a bow system 310 installed thereon to prevent water or debris from accumulating on an awning sheet 12 ′′ thereof in a particularly efficient manner.
- the bow system 310 is mounted in a leading portion 312 of the awning structure 10 ′′ adjacent a lead member 16 ′′.
- the bow system 310 may be coupled to each of a pair of arms 18 ′′ of the awning structure 10 ′′ within a mounting region located beneath an area corresponding to a leading third of the awning sheet 12 ′′ which is adjacent the lead member 16 ′′ when the awning system 300 is in a deployed configuration.
- the bow system 310 is configured to flex upwardly during use to elevate a portion of the awning sheet 12 ′′.
- the bow system 310 is aligned generally parallel to the lead member 16 ′′ in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the direction of extension and retraction of the awning system 300 .
- the bow system 310 flexes in a generally arched shape to direct water or debris toward the perimeter of the awning sheet 12 ′′.
- the bow system 310 may flex such that a peak 314 ( FIG. 11 ) thereof is generated in a central region of the awning sheet 12 ′′ with respect to a direction corresponding to a longitudinal length of the bow system 310 .
- the bow system 310 is surprisingly effective in clearing water from the awning sheet 12 ′′ in a relatively simple form factor.
- the bow system 310 includes a bow member 320 having an elongated structure with each of opposing ends 322 thereof receivable in a respective mounting device 330 secured to a corresponding arm 18 ′′ of the awning structure 10 ′′.
- Each mounting device 330 may include a cup-structure or other cavity 332 for receiving the end 322 of the bow member 320 in a secure, yet unfixed manner. In this way, a user may readily remove the bow member 320 with minimal effort.
- the mounting device 330 may further include opposing legs 334 which form a saddle-like portion having a profile corresponding to the arm 18 ′′ of the awning structure 10 ′′.
- Barbs 336 , flanges or other features may be provided to assist in securing the opposing legs 334 of the mounting device 330 to the arm 18 ′′.
- the opposing legs 334 of the mounting device 330 are shown as forming a generally u-shaped saddle structure, it is appreciated that the shape and size of the mounting device 330 may vary.
- the mounting device 330 may be sized and shaped to nest closely with the arms 18 ′′ of the awning structure 10 ′′ in a relatively slender, yet robust form factor.
- fasteners such as, for example, thumb screws 338 may be provided in addition to or in lieu of other attachment mechanisms to secure the mounting devices 330 to the arms 18 ′′ of the awning structure 10 ′′ and prevent the mounting devices 330 from shifting during use.
- the provision of thumb screws 338 enables rapid attachment and detachment of the mounting devices 330 to the arms 18 ′′ of the awning structure 10 ′′, although other fastening devices, such as, for example, conventional nuts and bolts, clamps and adhesives may be used.
- the mounting devices 330 may enable attachment to the arms 18 ′′ of the awning structure 10 ′′ without requiring modifications thereto.
- the arms 18 ′′ of the awning structure 10 ′′ may be modified to receive the mounting devices 330 .
- FIG. 13 shows a variation of the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12 in which the arms 18 ′′ of the awning structure 10 ′′ have been modified to include mounting apertures to receive fasteners 344 for fixedly securing mounting devices 340 thereto.
- the fasteners 344 may be bolts, clevis pins or other fasteners.
- the fasteners 344 may be clevis pins and may be secured to the arms 18 ′′ of the awning structure 10 ′′ with hairpins or other quick release devices which facilitate rapid disassembly of the mounting devices 340 from the arms 18 ′′ of the awning structure 10 ′′.
- the mounting devices 340 of this embodiment may likewise include a cup-structure or other cavity 342 for receiving the end 322 of the bow member 320 in a secure, yet unfixed manner.
- the bow member 320 may be fixedly attached to the mounting devices 340 .
- FIG. 14 illustrates a variation of a bow system 410 in which a round, tubular bow member 420 is fixedly secured at opposing ends 422 thereof to mounting devices 430 with fasteners 432 .
- the mounting devices 430 in turn are secured to the arms 18 ′′ of the awning structure 10 ′′ with fasteners 434 .
- the fasteners 432 , 434 may be bolts, clevis pins or other fasteners.
- the mounting devices 430 may include a series of apertures 436 to enable selective adjustment of the ends 422 of the bow member 420 to vary a height thereof. In this manner, the profile of the awning sheet which is elevated by the bow member 420 during use may be adjusted to improve runoff or to accommodate variations between various types of conventional awning structures.
- a user may advantageously adjust the height of one end 422 of the bow member 420 higher than the other to route runoff in a particular direction so as to avoid walkways or other areas in which it may be undesirable to direct the runoff.
- one end 422 of the bow member 420 may be elevated one inch or more higher than the other end 422 such that water and/or debris tends to flow to the side of the awning structure 10 ′′ adjacent the end 422 that is lower.
- FIG. 15 illustrates yet another variation of a bow system 510 in which mounting devices 530 are secured to the arms 18 ′′ of the awning structure 10 ′′.
- An upper portion of the mounting devices 530 each define a channel 532 to receive a respective intermediate bow adjustment device 540 which is pivotally coupleable to the mounting device 530 .
- each intermediate bow adjustment device 540 is rotatably secured within the channel 532 of the corresponding mounting device 530 with a fastener 534 extending through one of a series of apertures 536 therein.
- an end 522 of the bow member 520 is secured within a channel 542 of the intermediate bow adjustment device 540 with a fastener 544 extending through one of a series of apertures 546 therein.
- This linkage arrangement of the mounting devices 530 and intermediate bow adjustment devices 540 enables a wide breadth of flexibility in positioning each of the opposing ends 522 of the bow member 520 to achieve a desirable loft of the awning sheet elevated thereby.
- a user may advantageously adjust the height of one end 522 of the bow member 520 higher than the other to route runoff in a particular direction so as to avoid walkways or other areas in which it may be undesirable to direct the runoff.
- a method of preventing the accumulation of water or debris on an awning sheet of an awning structure may include coupling an elongated bow system between extendible arms of the awning structure such that a bow member thereof is positioned below a leading portion of the awning sheet and aligned generally perpendicular to a direction of extension of the awning structure.
- the method may further include setting a tension between opposing ends of the bow member such that the bow member flexes a determined amount from a generally straight configuration as the awning structure is deployed.
- the method may further include selectively adjusting a tension between opposing ends of the bow member to modify an amount of flex thereof.
- the method may also include selectively adjusting a height of at least one of the opposing ends of the bow member such that water impinging on the awning sheet is routed to one side of the awning more than the other.
- the method may also include storing the bow system automatically with storage of the awning sheet.
- FIGS. 16 through 18 show an awning system 600 , according to another example embodiment, which includes the aforementioned awning structure 10 and an awning sheet support system 610 installed thereon to prevent water and/or debris from accumulating on the awning sheet 12 .
- the awning sheet support system 610 may be mounted in a leading portion 612 of the awning structure 10 adjacent the lead member 16 .
- the awning sheet support system 610 may be coupled to leading arm members 24 of the pair of extendible arms 18 within a mounting region located beneath an area corresponding to a leading third of the awning sheet 12 which is adjacent the lead member 16 when the awning system 600 is in a deployed configuration.
- the awning sheet support system 610 includes a pair of prop devices 614 that are positioned during use to collectively elevate a portion or portions of the awning sheet 12 .
- the awning sheet support system 610 may include more or fewer prop devices 614 .
- Each of the prop devices 614 may be identical to each other and may be adjustable in height to displace the portion or portions of the awning sheet 12 to a greater or lesser degree.
- an upper portion of the prop device 614 may be pivotally adjustable to interface with the awning sheet 12 in a dynamically adaptive manner and may have a convex upper surface to with the awning sheet 12 during use.
- the prop device 614 includes a coupler 616 to couple the prop device 614 to an arm member 24 or other structure of the awning 10 and a sheet support structure 618 with a generally convex upper surface 620 to interface with a portion of the awning sheet 12 when the prop device 614 is installed for use.
- the coupler 616 of the prop device 614 has an engagement portion 622 configured to selectively engage the arm member 24 or other structure of the awning 10 and another portion 624 to receive and support the sheet support structure 618 in an upwardly directed orientation when the engagement portion 622 is attached to the awning 10 .
- the engagement portion 622 may be in the form of a saddle having a cross-sectional profile which nests with the leading arm member 24 or other structure of the awning 10 .
- the engagement portion 622 may couple to the leading arm member 24 by a snap-fit.
- opposing legs of the engagement portion 622 may be resilient and flex to receive the leading arm member 24 and snap back toward an initial state when the leading arm member 24 is fully received therein.
- Barbs, flanges or other features may be provided to assist in securing the engagement portion 622 to the leading arm member 24 .
- the engagement portion 622 is shown as a generally u-shaped saddle structure, it is appreciated that the shape and size of the engagement portion 622 may vary.
- the engagement portion 622 of the coupler 616 may be sized and shaped to nest closely with the leading arm member 24 or other structure in a relatively slender, yet robust form factor.
- fasteners such as, for example, thumb screws 624 may be provided in addition to or in lieu of other attachment mechanisms to secure the engagement portion 622 to the leading arm member 24 and prevent the engagement portion 622 and hence prop device 614 from shifting during use.
- thumb screws 624 or similar fasteners enables rapid attachment and detachment of the coupler 616 to the leading arm member 24 , although other fastening devices, such as, for example, conventional nuts and bolts, clamps and adhesives may be used.
- the couplers 616 of the prop devices 614 may enable attachment to the leading arm members 24 or other structures of the awning 10 without requiring modifications thereto.
- the other portion 624 of the coupler 616 may be provided in the form of a tubular structure for slidably receiving a prop rod 630 which is attached directly or indirectly to the sheet support structure 618 .
- the tubular structure may be sized and shaped to closely receive the prop rod 630 and may be provided with selective engagement features or fasteners 632 , such as, for example, a spring loaded pin or thumb screw, for selectively engaging the prop rod 624 at various adjustable heights, as represented by the arrow labeled 634 .
- a series of apertures 636 , depressions or other features may me provided along the length of the prop rod 630 to interoperate with the engagement features or fasteners 632 to securely hold the prop rod 630 at the various adjustable heights.
- the prop rod 630 may quickly extend or retract the prop rod 630 and hence the sheet support structure 618 to impart or relieve pressure on the awning sheet 12 there above.
- the prop rod 630 is illustrated as having a circular cross-section, the prop rod 630 may vary in shape and include both open and closed cross-sectional profiles.
- the prop rod 630 may be attached directly to the sheet support structure 618 with fasteners or may be integrally formed therewith. Alternatively, the prop rod 630 may be attached indirectly to the sheet support structure 618 , such as, for example, by the intermediary of a manipulable joint 640 .
- the manipulable joint 640 may be a ball and socket joint which is free to rotate about each of three primary axes of rotation as illustrated by the arrows labeled 642 , 644 and 646 . In this manner, the sheet support structure 618 may adjust orientation in response to contact with the awning sheet 12 during installation.
- a manipulable joint 640 may be provided having fewer or different degrees of freedom than a ball and socket joint, such as, for example, a hinge structure which is rotatable only about a single rotational axis.
- the prop rod 630 and sheet support structure 618 may resemble a mushroom-like structure, the prop rod 630 and sheet support structure 618 may have different shapes and configurations.
- the upper surface 620 of the sheet support structure 618 may be relatively flat or have a generally shallow convex surface, or in other embodiments, may have a generally steep convex surface.
- the upper surface 620 may be sized such that the expected area of contact between the upper surface 620 and the awning sheet 12 is relatively small, such as, for example, four square inches or less. In other embodiments, the upper surface 620 may be sized such that expected area of contact may be relatively large, such as, for example, twenty square inches or more.
- FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment of an awning sheet support system 710 in which a single prop device 714 is supported in a central region between arm members 24 of an awning structure 10 by a crossbar 720 spanning therebetween.
- the crossbar 720 is coupled to the arm members 24 with couplers 722 having structures similar to other couplers described herein for coupling to arm members 24 without modifications thereto.
- the crossbar 720 may be coupled to the arm members 24 or other structures of the awning 10 with other attachment devices, including, for example, conventional fasteners.
- the crossbar 720 may clip, snap, slide-over or otherwise interface with the couplers 722 and/or prop device 714 in a quick release fashion to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the awning sheet support system 710 .
- the crossbar 720 may be bolted or otherwise fastened in a more secure manner to the couplers 722 and/or prop device 714 .
- the crossbar 720 may be integrally joined or formed together with the couplers 722 and/or prop device 714 .
- the components of the awning sheet support system 710 shown in FIG. 19 interoperate to allow flexibility in positioning and locating a prop device 714 beneath a desired location of the awning sheet 12 and are advantageous in adapting the prop device 714 for use with various conventional awning structures 10 which may not have support members in such desired locations.
- various supplemental support structures including cross members 720 , may be arranged among and connected to existing structures of all types of conventional awnings to position one or more prop devices 714 in desired locations.
- the prop devices 714 may be selectively located on existing structures of the conventional awnings and/or supplemental support structures connected thereto, such as, for example, a supplemental crossbar 720 . Accordingly, prop devices 714 may be located in those regions most efficient for shedding water and/or debris from the awning sheet 12 or for routing water and/or debris to a desired location, such as, for example, locations remote from walkways or pathways.
- prop devices 614 , 714 may be coupled to an awning structure together with one or more of the bow systems 110 , 210 , 310 , 410 , 510 described herein.
- a prop device 614 , 714 may be positioned near where the pair of bow systems 210 overlap to displace a central area of the awning sheet 12 ′ within the leading portion 212 of the awning structure 10 ′.
- the prop device 614 , 714 and bow systems 210 may cooperate to impart a particularly efficient displaced shape of the awning sheet 12 for shedding water and/or debris therefrom.
- a prop device may be provided which is not attached or otherwise secured to an awning structure 10 but is nevertheless configured to displace a portion of an awning sheet 12 thereof to prevent the accumulation of water and/or debris.
- a prop device 814 may be provided having an elongated support member 816 with a lower end 818 and an upper end 820 spanning generally between a foundation 822 (e.g., ground, floor, deck, etc.) and the awning sheet 12 when the prop device 814 is setup for use.
- the prop device 814 may further include a base 824 at the lower end 818 of the elongated support member 816 to assist in stabilizing the prop device 814 when the base 824 is positioned on the foundation 822 .
- the prop device 814 may also include a sheet support structure 830 at the upper end 820 of the elongated support member 816 with a generally convex upper surface to interface with the portion of the awning sheet 12 and displace the portion of the awning sheet 12 upwardly from a neutral unsupported position.
- the sheet support structure 830 may be a convex, dome-shaped shell or frisbee-like structure.
- the upper surface of the sheet support structure 830 may be sized such that the expected area of contact between the upper surface and the awning sheet 12 is relatively small, such as, for example, four square inches or less.
- the upper surface of the sheet support structure 830 may be sized such that the expected area of contact may be relatively large, such as, for example, twenty square inches or more.
- the sheet support structure 830 may be formed as an umbrella-like structure which is selectively retractable and deployable. In this manner, the sheet support structure 830 may be provided with a relatively large profile during use while retaining the ability to collapse to relatively small profile for storage.
- the prop device 814 may further include a manipulable joint 832 provided between the sheet support structure 830 and the upper end 820 of the elongated support member 816 to enable pivotable adjustment of the sheet support structure 830 as the sheet support structure 830 engages the awning sheet 12 .
- the manipulable joint 832 may be, for example, a ball and socket joint which is free to rotate about each of three primary axes of rotation or another type of joint having more or fewer or different degrees of freedom.
- the elongated support member 816 is preferably adjustable in length to enable selective height adjustment of the sheet support structure 830 .
- the elongated support member 816 may be formed of telescoping members as illustrated in FIG. 20 .
- the elongated support member 816 may comprise a plurality of interconnected segments which can be combined in different quantities to support the sheet support structure 830 at different selectable heights during use.
- the prop device 814 provides a particularly efficient means of supporting an awning sheet 12 in a displaced manner to shed water and/or debris without requiring physical attachment to the existing awning structure 10 .
- the prop device 814 can be deployed and stored quickly with minimal effort and presents only a minor obstruction to the usable space beneath the awning sheet 12 . While only one prop device 814 is illustrated in FIG. 20 , two or more prop devices 814 may be provided to cooperatively displace a portion or portions of the awning sheet 12 .
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Abstract
A rain shedding accessory for retractable awnings is provided. The rain shedding accessory includes a bow system for coupling between a pair of arm members of an awning structure in a mounting region located beneath an area corresponding to a leading portion of an awning sheet thereof. A bow member of the bow system is aligned generally parallel to a lead member of the awning structure and is upwardly curved to elevate a portion of the awning sheet when the awning is in a deployed configuration to prevent the accumulation of water or debris thereon. Other accessory devices and methods of preventing the accumulation of water or debris on retractable awning structures using bow systems and other prop devices are also provided.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/338,892, filed Dec. 28, 2011, now pending, which claims the benefit U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/561,173, filed Nov. 17, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
- 1. Technical Field
- This disclosure generally relates to systems, devices and methods for elevating a portion of an awning sheet of an awning structure to prevent the accumulation of water and other debris thereon, and in particular, various systems and devices configured to be installed on conventional awning structures to elevate a portion of an awning sheet thereof.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Awnings are well known devices which attach to various structures, such as, for example, residential homes and recreational vehicles, to provide protection from rain, sun and other elements.
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FIGS. 1 and 2 show one particularconventional awning structure 10. Theawning structure 10 includes aretractable awning sheet 12 coupled between abase member 14 and alead member 16. Thelead member 16 is retractably extendable to move between an extended position in which theawning sheet 12 is supported between thebase member 14 and thelead member 16 in a cantilevered manner from astructure 22, such as a house as shown inFIG. 1 , and a retracted position in which theawning sheet 12 is collected within thebase member 14 near thestructure 22. Thelead member 16 is coupled to thebase member 14 by a pair ofextendable arms 18 which articulate between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration to move thelead member 16 between the retracted position and the extended position, respectively. Further details of this type ofawning structure 10 can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,957,679, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. -
FIG. 10 shows anotherconventional awning structure 10″. Similar to theaforementioned awning structure 10, theawning structure 10″ ofFIG. 10 includes aretractable awning sheet 12″ coupled between abase member 14″ and alead member 16″. Thelead member 16″ is retractably extendable to move between an extended position in which theawning sheet 12″ is supported in an extended manner between thebase member 14″ and thelead member 16″, as shown inFIG. 10 , and a retracted position in which theawning sheet 12″ is collected within thebase member 14″. Thebase member 14″ is securely coupled to ahouse structure 22″ and thelead member 16″ is coupled to thebase member 14″ by a pair of telescoping or articulatingarms 18″. Thelead member 16″ is also supported by a pair of telescoping or articulatinglegs 19 which may be secured to a base orfloor structure 26, as shown inFIG. 10 , or thehouse structure 22″ during use. - With reference to
FIGS. 1 and 10 , when deployed for use, theawning sheets conventional awning structures water awning structures - Embodiments described herein provide various systems and devices for use with awning structures and related methods which are particularly well adapted for preventing the accumulation of water and other debris on the surface of an awning sheet or canopy thereof in a particularly efficient form factor. According to some embodiments, the systems, devices and related methods provide particularly efficient mechanisms for preventing the accumulation of water and other debris in a package that is relatively easy to install and uninstall, if needed. In addition, some embodiments of the systems, devices and related methods described herein provide particularly versatile systems and devices which do not require disassembly when retracting and storing the awning.
- Some embodiments described herein are directed to bow systems well adapted to prevent the accumulation of water and other debris on the surface of an awning sheet or canopy. Embodiments of these bow systems and related methods may provide particularly versatile systems which flex automatically when the awning sheet is extended for use and relax automatically when the awning sheet is retracted for storage.
- According to one embodiment, a bow system for a retractable awning structure may be summarized as including a pair of couplers, each coupler having a base portion configured to engage a portion of a respective one of a pair of extendible arms of the awning and having a bow support portion coupled to the base portion to move relative the base portion during extension and retraction of the awning; and a bow coupleable at intermediate positions along a longitudinal length thereof to the pair of extendible arms of the awning by the pair of couplers, the bow including a bow member configured to flex into a curved configuration as the awning moves from a retracted position to an extended position, and the bow including a tension device coupled between opposing ends of the bow member to assist in moving the bow member to the curved configuration as the awning moves toward the extended position.
- The base portion of each coupler may include a saddle sized and shaped to closely receive the portion of the respective one of the pair of extendible arms of the awning. The saddle may be configured to snap-fit onto the portion of the respective one of the pair of extendible arms of the awning. The base portion of each coupler may further include at least one fastener for fixing the base portion to the respective extendible arm of the awning. Each coupler may include a joint between the base portion and the bow support portion to enable the bow support portion to pitch and yaw relative to the base portion when the awning moves between the retracted position and the extended position. The joint may include at least one of a ball and socket joint, a universal joint and a clevis joint. The bow support portion of each coupler may include a tubular support section sized and shaped to slidably receive the bow member. The bow member may be a cylindrical tube and the bow support portion of each coupler may include a cylindrical tubular support section. The bow member may be a flat bar and the bow support portion of each coupler may include a rectangular tubular support section. The tension device may include a tension adjuster to adjust an amount of tension between the opposing ends of the bow member. The tension device may be coupled to each of the pair of couplers such that, at each of opposing ends of the bow system, the bow member, the tension device and the respective coupler resemble a triangular configuration when the bow system is in operation and the awning is in the extended position. During operation, the bow member may automatically flex toward the curved configuration as the awning moves toward the extended position. The bow member may include a plurality of bow member sections coupled together in an abutting relationship. The bow system may be packaged as an awning accessory kit.
- The bow system may further include a supplemental bow coupleable at intermediate positions along a length thereof to one of the pair of extendible arms of the awning and a third extendible arm of the awning, the supplemental bow including a tension device coupled between opposing ends thereof to move a bow member of the supplemental bow to a curved configuration. One of the pair of couplers may be configured to support each of the bow and the supplemental bow.
- According to another embodiment, a bow system for an awning structure may be summarized as including a pair of couplers, each coupler configured to engage a portion of a respective one of a pair of arms of the awning in a mounting region located beneath an area corresponding to a leading portion of the awning sheet adjacent a lead member of the awning when the awning is in a deployed configuration; and a bow member coupleable between the pair of couplers, the bow member configured to align generally parallel to the lead member and flex upwardly to elevate a portion of the awning sheet when the awning is in the deployed configuration.
- Each coupler may include a base portion sized and shaped to closely receive the portion of the respective one of the pair of arms of the awning. The base portion may be configured to snap-fit onto the portion of the respective one of the pair of arms of the awning. The base portion of each coupler may further include at least one fastener for fixing the base portion to the respective one of the pair of arms of the awning. Each coupler may include an upper portion configured to receive one of opposing ends of the bow member. Each coupler may include an upper portion which defines a channel to receive one of opposing ends of the bow member, the channel including a series of apertures to selectively adjust a mounting location of the bow member. Each coupler may include an upper portion which defines a channel to receive a respective intermediate bow adjustment device, each intermediate bow adjustment device pivotally coupled to the coupler at a first end and coupled to the bow member at a second end. The channel of each coupler may include a series of apertures to selectively adjust a mounting location of the respective intermediate bow adjustment device. Each intermediate bow adjustment device may further include a series of apertures to selectively adjust a mounting location of the bow member.
- According to another embodiment, an awning system may be summarized as including an awning having an awning sheet coupled between a base member and a lead member to form a canopy structure when the awning is in a deployed configuration in which the lead member is spatially offset from the base member, the lead member supported in space at least in part by a pair of arm members when the awning is in a deployed configuration; and a bow system coupled between the pair of arm members in a mounting region located beneath an area corresponding to a leading portion of the awning sheet adjacent the lead member when the awning is in the deployed configuration, the bow system including a bow member aligned generally parallel to the lead member and configured to flex upwardly to elevate a portion of the awning sheet when the awning is in the deployed configuration.
- The pair of arms may be extendible and wherein the bow member may automatically flex upwardly during operation to elevate the portion of the awning sheet when the pair of arms move toward an extended position to transition the awning to the deployed configuration. The bow system may include a pair of couplers, each coupler having a base portion configured to engage a portion of a respective one of the pair of arms of the awning and having a bow support portion coupled to the base portion to move relative the base portion as the awning moves between the deployed configuration and a retracted configuration. The bow system may include a pair of couplers, each coupler configured to engage a portion of a respective one of the pair of arms of the awning and to receive one of opposing ends of the bow member, a distance between the couplers being less than a length of the bow member such that, when the bow member is received in the couplers and tensioned, the bow member flexes upwardly to elevate the portion of the awning sheet.
- The awning system may further include a prop device configured to couple to at least one of the arm members of the awning, the prop device having a sheet support structure with a generally convex upper surface to interface with the awning sheet when the prop device is installed for use.
- According to another embodiment, an awning sheet support device is provided for preventing the accumulation of water on an awning sheet of an awning. The awning sheet support device may be summarized as including a prop device having a coupler to couple the prop device to at least one arm member of the awning and having a sheet support structure with a generally convex upper surface to interface with a portion of the awning sheet when the prop device is installed for use. The coupler of the prop device may have an engagement portion configured to selectively engage the arm member of the awning and may be configured to support the sheet support structure in an upwardly directed orientation. The sheet support structure of the prop device may be pivotably supported to enable an orientation of the generally convex upper surface thereof to adjust in response to contact with the awning sheet during installation. The sheet support structure of the prop device may be a convex, dome-shaped shell. The prop device may further include a prop rod to support the sheet support structure at a distance offset from the coupler. A manipulable joint may be provided to couple the sheet support structure to an end of the prop rod. The prop rod may be adjustably positionable to support the sheet support structure at a desired distance offset from the coupler. One or more complementary prop devices may be provided to cooperatively displace the awning sheet during use.
- The awning sheet support system may further include a crossbar configured to span between the arm members of the awning, and the coupler of the prop device may couple the prop device to the arm members via the intermediary of the crossbar. The sheet support system may further include a bow system coupled between a pair of arm members of the awning, the bow system including a bow member aligned generally parallel to the lead member and being configured to flex upwardly to cooperatively support the awning sheet with the prop device. In some other instances, a pair of bow systems may be provided, each bow system coupled between a respective pair of overlapping pairs of arm members of the awning, and each bow system including a bow member aligned generally parallel to the lead member which is configured to flex upwardly to cooperatively support the awning sheet with the prop device.
- According to another embodiment, a free-standing prop device is provided for preventing the accumulation of water on an awning sheet of an awning. The prop device may be summarized as including an elongated support member having a lower end and an upper end to span generally between a foundation and the awning sheet when the prop device is setup for use; a base at the lower end of the elongated support member to assist in stabilizing the prop device when the base is positioned on the foundation; and a sheet support structure at the upper end of the elongated support member having a generally convex upper surface to interface with the portion of the awning sheet and displace the portion of the awning sheet upwardly from a neutral unsupported position. The prop device may further include a manipulable joint provided between the sheet support structure and the upper end of the elongated support member to enable pivotable adjustment of the sheet support structure as the sheet support structure engages the awning sheet during setup. The elongated support member may be adjustable in length to enable selective height adjustment of the sheet support structure. The sheet support structure may be a convex, dome-shaped shell.
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FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a conventional awning structure showing an accumulation of water thereon. -
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the conventional awning structure ofFIG. 1 showing the accumulation of water thereon. -
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of an awning system including a bow system for preventing the accumulation of water or debris thereon, according to one embodiment. An awning sheet thereof is shown transparent to reveal the bow system. -
FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the awning system ofFIG. 3 showing the awning sheet thereof transparent to reveal the bow system. -
FIG. 5 is an isometric detail view of a portion of the awning system ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a coupler of the bow system ofFIG. 5 attached to an arm of the awning system. -
FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the awning system ofFIG. 3 shown with arms of the awning in a retracted configuration. -
FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the awning system ofFIG. 3 shown with arms of the awning in an expanded configuration. -
FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an awning system, according to one embodiment, including a pair of bow systems for preventing the accumulation of water or debris on a conventional awning structure. An awning sheet thereof is shown transparent to reveal the bow systems. -
FIG. 9 is an isometric detail view of a portion of the awning system ofFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 10 is an isometric view of another conventional awning system showing an accumulation of water thereon. -
FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of an awning system including a bow system for preventing the accumulation of water or debris thereon, according to another embodiment. -
FIG. 12 is an isometric detail view of a portion of the bow system ofFIG. 12 coupled to an arm of the awning structure. -
FIG. 13 is an isometric detail view of a portion of a bow system, according to another embodiment, coupled to an arm of an awning structure. -
FIG. 14 is an isometric detail view of a portion of a bow system, according to yet another embodiment, coupled to an arm of an awning structure. -
FIG. 15 is an isometric detail view of a portion of a bow system, according to still yet another embodiment, coupled to an arm of an awning structure. -
FIG. 16 is side elevational view of an awning system including an awning sheet support system having prop devices to prevent the accumulation of water or debris thereon, according to one embodiment. An awning sheet thereof is shown transparent to reveal the prop devices. -
FIG. 17 is an isometric view of the awning system ofFIG. 16 showing the awning sheet thereof transparent to reveal the prop devices. -
FIG. 18 is an isometric detail view of a portion of the awning system ofFIG. 17 . -
FIG. 19 is an isometric view of an awning system including an awning sheet support system having a prop device to prevent the accumulation of water or debris thereon, according to another embodiment. An awning sheet thereof is shown transparent to reveal the prop device. -
FIG. 20 is an isometric view of an awning system including a prop device to prevent the accumulation of water or debris thereon, according to yet another embodiment. An awning sheet thereof is shown transparent to reveal portions of the prop device. - In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures associated with awning systems may not be shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments. Furthermore, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art that the systems, devices and related methods described herein for preventing the accumulation of water and/or debris on an awning sheet may be used with or practiced in connection with a wide variety of awning structures other than those illustrated herein.
- Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is as “including, but not limited to.”
- Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
- As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
-
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate aconventional awning structure 10 having a pool ofwater 20 accumulated thereon. Theawning structure 10 includes aretractable awning sheet 12 coupled between abase member 14 and alead member 16. Thelead member 16 is retractably extendable to move between an extended position in which theawning sheet 12 is supported between thebase member 14 and thelead member 16 in a cantilevered manner from ahouse structure 22, as shown inFIG. 1 , and a retracted position in which theawning sheet 12 is collected within thebase member 14. Thelead member 16 is coupled to thebase member 14 by a pair ofextendable arms 18 which articulate between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration to move thelead member 16 between the retracted position and the extended position, respectively. Further details of this type ofconventional awning structure 10 can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,957,679, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. -
FIGS. 3 through 7 show anawning system 100, according to one example embodiment, including theaforementioned awning structure 10 and abow system 110 installed thereon to prevent water or debris from accumulating on theawning sheet 12 in a particularly efficient manner. Thebow system 110 is mounted in a leadingportion 112 of theawning structure 10 adjacent thelead member 16. For example, thebow system 110 may be coupled to each of a pair of leadingarm members 24 of the pair ofextendible arms 18 within a mounting region located beneath an area corresponding to a leading third of theawning sheet 12 which is adjacent thelead member 16 when theawning system 100 is in a deployed configuration. Thebow system 110 is configured to flex upwardly during use to elevate a portion of theawning sheet 12. Thebow system 110 is aligned generally parallel to thelead member 16 in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the direction of extension and retraction of theawning system 100. Thebow system 110 flexes in a generally arched shape to direct water or debris toward the perimeter of theawning sheet 12. Thebow system 110 may flex such that a peak 114 (FIGS. 3 , 4 and 7) thereof is generated in a central region of theawning sheet 12 with respect to a direction corresponding to a longitudinal length of thebow system 110. According to the illustrated configuration, thebow system 110 is surprisingly effective in clearing water from theawning sheet 12 in a relatively simple form factor. - As shown best in
FIGS. 4 , 5, 6 and 7, thebow system 110 includes abow member 120 coupleable to theleading arm members 24 of theawning structure 10 at intermediate positions along the longitudinal length of thebow member 120. Thebow system 110 further includesend caps 121 at opposing ends 122 of thebow member 120. The opposing ends 122 of thebow member 120 are tethered together via atensioning device 126 in the form of a tensioning cord coupled toeyelets 124 at the opposing ends 122. The tension in thetensioning device 126 may be readily adjusted by atension adjustment mechanism 128. In this manner, a tension between the opposing ends 122 of thebow member 120 may be adjusted to increase or decrease the vertical displacement of the awning sheet 12 (FIGS. 3 and 4 ) to optimize a surface of theawning sheet 12 to shed water or debris. In some embodiments, the tension may be set such that a central portion of thebow member 120 displaces in a vertical direction at least four inches when transitioning between a relaxed configuration R (FIG. 6 ) and a flexed configuration F (FIG. 7 ) as theawning sheet 12 extends from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration. - The
bow member 120 of thebow system 110 is coupled to theleading arm members 24 of theawning structure 10 at each of opposing locations byrespective couplers 130. More particularly, thecouplers 130 each include abase portion 131 which is configured to engage a portion of a respective one of the pair of leadingarm members 24 of theawning structure 10. For instance, as shown best in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 5A , thecoupler 130 may include abase portion 131 in the form of a saddle having a cross-sectional profile which nests with theleading arm member 24. In some embodiments, thebase portion 131 may couple to theleading arm member 24 by a snap-fit. For example, opposinglegs 132 of thebase portion 131 may be resilient and flex to receive theleading arm member 24 and snap back toward an initial state when theleading arm member 24 is fully received therein.Barbs 133, flanges or other features may be provided to assist in securing thebase portion 131 to theleading arm member 24. Although thebase portion 131 is shown as a generally u-shaped saddle structure, it is appreciated that the shape and size of the base portion may vary. Advantageously, thebase portion 131 of thecouplers 130 may be sized and shaped to nest closely with the leadingarm members 24 in a relatively slender, yet robust form factor. - In some embodiments, fasteners, such as, for example, thumb screws 134 may be provided in addition to or in lieu of other attachment mechanisms to secure the
base portion 131 to theleading arm member 24 and prevent thebase portion 131 from shifting during use. The provision of thumb screws 134 enables rapid attachment and detachment of thecouplers 130 to theleading arm members 24, although other fastening devices, such as, for example, conventional nuts and bolts, clamps and adhesives may be used. In some embodiments, including the example embodiment ofFIGS. 3 through 7 , thecouplers 130 may enable attachment to theleading arm members 24 without requiring modifications thereto. - With reference to
FIGS. 5 , 6 and 7, thecouplers 130 further include abow support portion 136 that is coupled to thebase portion 131 to move relative thebase portion 131 during extension and retraction of theawning system 100. In some embodiments, thebow support portion 136 may include a tubular structure shaped to slidably receive thebow member 120. For example, as shown best in the detail view of the portion of theawning system 100 shown inFIG. 5 , thebow support portion 134 may include a cylindrical tube shaped to closely receive a round,tubular bow member 120. In other embodiments, thebow support portion 136 may include a rectangular tube that is shaped to closely receive abow member 120 having a rectangular cross-sectional profile. Thebow support portion 136 may be coupled to thebase portion 131 by one or moremanipulable joints 138, such as, for example, a ball and socket joint, a universal joint and/or a clevis joint. As shown best inFIG. 5 , thebow support portion 136 may be rotatable with respect to thebase portion 131 about a vertical axis Z and a transverse axis X such that thebow support portion 136 is able to pitch and yaw relative to thebase portion 131 when theawning system 100 moves between the retracted configuration and the deployed configuration. This functionality enables thebow member 120 to maintain a generally parallel relationship with thelead member 16 of theawning system 100 despite changes in direction of thebase portion 131 during extension and retraction of theextendable arms 18 and hence leadingarm members 24. In addition, it allows thebow member 120 to flex to a curved configuration and return to a relatively flat, relaxed configuration. - With reference to
FIG. 5 , thecouplers 130 may further include aneyelet 140, an aperture or other feature through which the tensioning cord orother tensioning device 126 is routed. This can assist in keeping thebow system 110 in proper alignment throughout operation and prevent inadvertent binding. Theeyelet 140 or other routing feature may be rotatably coupled to thecoupler 130 as represented by the arrow labeled 142. In operation, at each of opposing ends of thebow system 110, thebow member 120, therespective coupler 130, and thetensioning device 126 up to theeyelet 140 or other routing feature may resemble a generally triangular configuration. -
FIGS. 6 and 7 show thebow member 120 in a relaxed configuration R and a flexed configuration F, respectively. More particularly,FIG. 6 shows a partial front elevational view of theawning system 100 with the leadingarm members 24 in a generally retracted configuration slightly before a fully retracted configuration. In this configuration, thecouplers 130 on theleading arm members 24 are relatively close together which relieves tension between the opposing ends 122 of thebow member 120, allowing thebow member 120 to straighten into the generally relaxed configuration R. In contrast,FIG. 7 shows a partial front elevational view of theawning system 100 with the leadingarm members 24 in a generally extended configuration. In this configuration, thecouplers 130 on theleading arm members 24 are relatively further apart which imparts greater tension between the opposing ends of thebow member 120, forcing thebow member 120 to curve into the flexed configuration F. Advantageously, thebow member 120 may transition automatically between the relaxed configuration R and the flexed configuration F as theextendible arms 18 and hence leadingarm members 24 extend and retract. Further, thebow system 110 may remain attached to theawning structure 10 throughout operation of theawning system 100. Accordingly, detachment of thebow system 110 is unnecessary when storing theawning sheet 12. - As further shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7 , thebow member 120 may compriseseveral sections adapters 144 or other connection devices therebetween. In this manner, thebow member 120 may be broken down intosmaller sections bow member 120 may be broken down intosections couplers 130 in a relatively small form factor to be sold as an awning accessory kit. -
FIGS. 8 and 9 show anawning system 200, according to another example embodiment, including aconventional awning structure 10′ and a pair of cooperatingbow systems 210 installed thereon to prevent water or debris from accumulating on theawning sheet 12′ in a particularly efficient manner. Thebow systems 210 are mounted in a leadingportion 212 of theawning structure 10′ adjacent alead member 16′ thereof. For example, thebow systems 210 may be coupled between overlapping pairs of leadingarm members 24′ of correspondingextendible arms 18′ within a mounting region located beneath an area corresponding to a leading third of theawning sheet 12′ which is adjacent thelead member 16′ when theawning system 200 is in a deployed configuration. Thebow systems 210 are configured to flex upwardly during use to cooperatively elevate portions of theawning sheet 12′ in an overlapping manner. Thebow systems 210 are aligned generally parallel to thelead member 16′ in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the direction of extension and retraction of theawning system 200. In addition, thebow systems 210 are nested in close proximity to each other such that, when theawning system 200 is in the retracted configuration, thebow systems 210 may be stored above the leadingarm members 24′ in a compact arrangement. Thebow systems 210 may remain coupled to theawning structure 10′ throughout deployment and retraction of theawning structure 10′ without interference. - Other features and aspects of the
awning system 200 are similar to those described above. However, one notable difference is that the ends 214 of thebow systems 210 which overlap are shown as coupling to aleading arm member 24′ via acommon coupler 230. In other embodiments, however, it is appreciated that thecommon coupler 230 may be replaced with two separate, distinct couplers each dedicated to a respective one of thebow systems 210. - The
common coupler 230 of the example embodiment ofFIGS. 8 and 9 includes abase portion 231 which is configured to engage a portion of theleading arm member 24′. For instance, thecoupler 230 may include abase portion 231 in the form of a saddle having a cross-sectional profile which nests with theleading arm member 24′, including, for example, by way of a snap-fit. In some embodiments, fasteners, such as, for example, thumb screws 234 may be provided in addition to or in lieu of other attachment mechanisms to secure thebase portion 231 to theleading arm member 24′ and prevent thebase portion 231 from shifting during use. Similar to the earlier discussion, the provision of thumb screws 234 enables rapid attachment and detachment of thecoupler 230 to theleading arm member 24′, although other fastening devices, such as, for example, conventional nuts and bolts, clamps and adhesives may be used. In some embodiments, including the example embodiment ofFIGS. 8 and 9 , thecoupler 230 may enable attachment to theleading arm member 24′ without requiring modifications thereto. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 8 and 9 , thecommon coupler 230 further includes a respectivebow support portion 236 for each ofbow members 220 of thebow systems 210. Thebow support portions 236 are movably coupled to thebase portion 231 to adjust relative thebase portion 231 to enable movement of thebow members 220 received therein relative to theleading arm member 24′. In some embodiments, thebow support portions 236 may include a tubular structure shaped to slidably receive thebow members 220. Similar to earlier discussions, thebow support portions 236 may be coupled to thebase portion 231 by one or moremanipulable joints 238, such as, for example, a ball and socket joint, a universal joint and/or a clevis joint. As depicted best in the detail view of the portion of theawning system 200 shown inFIG. 9 , each of thebow support portions 236 are rotatable with respect to thebase portion 231 about a vertical axis Z and a transverse axis X such that each of thebow support portions 134 are able to pitch and yaw relative to thebase portion 231. This functionality enables thebow members 220, throughout operation, to maintain a generally parallel relationship with thelead member 16′ of theawning system 200 and allows thebow members 220 to flex to a curved configuration and return to a relatively flat, relaxed configuration. - It is appreciated that some of the
leading arm members 24′ of theawning structure 10′ may operate in a parallel relationship with the attachment locations of thebow system 210 being maintained at the same distance throughout extension and retraction of theawning structure 10′. In this scenario, tension may be released manually from thebow system 210 prior to retraction of theawning structure 10′ by utilizing atension adjuster 240 to flatten out thecorresponding bow member 220 for storage. Thebow system 210, however, may remain fully assembled and attached to theawning structure 10′ throughout operation. In this manner, a user may conveniently deploy theawning structure 10′ and erect thebow systems 210 with minimal effort by re-tensioning thebow member 220 when theawning structure 10′ is deployed. -
FIGS. 11 and 12 show anawning system 300, according to yet another example embodiment, including aconventional awning structure 10″ and abow system 310 installed thereon to prevent water or debris from accumulating on anawning sheet 12″ thereof in a particularly efficient manner. Thebow system 310 is mounted in a leadingportion 312 of theawning structure 10″ adjacent alead member 16″. For example, thebow system 310 may be coupled to each of a pair ofarms 18″ of theawning structure 10″ within a mounting region located beneath an area corresponding to a leading third of theawning sheet 12″ which is adjacent thelead member 16″ when theawning system 300 is in a deployed configuration. Thebow system 310 is configured to flex upwardly during use to elevate a portion of theawning sheet 12″. Thebow system 310 is aligned generally parallel to thelead member 16″ in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the direction of extension and retraction of theawning system 300. Thebow system 310 flexes in a generally arched shape to direct water or debris toward the perimeter of theawning sheet 12″. Thebow system 310 may flex such that a peak 314 (FIG. 11 ) thereof is generated in a central region of theawning sheet 12″ with respect to a direction corresponding to a longitudinal length of thebow system 310. According to the illustrated configuration, thebow system 310 is surprisingly effective in clearing water from theawning sheet 12″ in a relatively simple form factor. - As shown in
FIG. 12 , thebow system 310 includes abow member 320 having an elongated structure with each of opposing ends 322 thereof receivable in arespective mounting device 330 secured to acorresponding arm 18″ of theawning structure 10″. Each mountingdevice 330 may include a cup-structure orother cavity 332 for receiving theend 322 of thebow member 320 in a secure, yet unfixed manner. In this way, a user may readily remove thebow member 320 with minimal effort. The mountingdevice 330 may further include opposinglegs 334 which form a saddle-like portion having a profile corresponding to thearm 18″ of theawning structure 10″.Barbs 336, flanges or other features may be provided to assist in securing the opposinglegs 334 of the mountingdevice 330 to thearm 18″. Although the opposinglegs 334 of the mountingdevice 330 are shown as forming a generally u-shaped saddle structure, it is appreciated that the shape and size of the mountingdevice 330 may vary. Advantageously, the mountingdevice 330 may be sized and shaped to nest closely with thearms 18″ of theawning structure 10″ in a relatively slender, yet robust form factor. - In some embodiments, fasteners, such as, for example, thumb screws 338 may be provided in addition to or in lieu of other attachment mechanisms to secure the mounting
devices 330 to thearms 18″ of theawning structure 10″ and prevent the mountingdevices 330 from shifting during use. The provision of thumb screws 338 enables rapid attachment and detachment of the mountingdevices 330 to thearms 18″ of theawning structure 10″, although other fastening devices, such as, for example, conventional nuts and bolts, clamps and adhesives may be used. In some embodiments, including the example embodiment ofFIGS. 11 and 12 , the mountingdevices 330 may enable attachment to thearms 18″ of theawning structure 10″ without requiring modifications thereto. In other embodiments, thearms 18″ of theawning structure 10″ may be modified to receive the mountingdevices 330. - For example,
FIG. 13 shows a variation of the embodiment ofFIGS. 11 and 12 in which thearms 18″ of theawning structure 10″ have been modified to include mounting apertures to receivefasteners 344 for fixedly securing mountingdevices 340 thereto. Thefasteners 344 may be bolts, clevis pins or other fasteners. In one particular embodiment, thefasteners 344 may be clevis pins and may be secured to thearms 18″ of theawning structure 10″ with hairpins or other quick release devices which facilitate rapid disassembly of the mountingdevices 340 from thearms 18″ of theawning structure 10″. The mountingdevices 340 of this embodiment may likewise include a cup-structure orother cavity 342 for receiving theend 322 of thebow member 320 in a secure, yet unfixed manner. In other embodiments, thebow member 320 may be fixedly attached to the mountingdevices 340. - For example,
FIG. 14 illustrates a variation of a bow system 410 in which a round,tubular bow member 420 is fixedly secured at opposing ends 422 thereof to mountingdevices 430 withfasteners 432. The mountingdevices 430 in turn are secured to thearms 18″ of theawning structure 10″ withfasteners 434. Thefasteners devices 430 may include a series ofapertures 436 to enable selective adjustment of theends 422 of thebow member 420 to vary a height thereof. In this manner, the profile of the awning sheet which is elevated by thebow member 420 during use may be adjusted to improve runoff or to accommodate variations between various types of conventional awning structures. Furthermore, in some applications, a user may advantageously adjust the height of oneend 422 of thebow member 420 higher than the other to route runoff in a particular direction so as to avoid walkways or other areas in which it may be undesirable to direct the runoff. For example, oneend 422 of thebow member 420 may be elevated one inch or more higher than theother end 422 such that water and/or debris tends to flow to the side of theawning structure 10″ adjacent theend 422 that is lower. -
FIG. 15 illustrates yet another variation of abow system 510 in which mountingdevices 530 are secured to thearms 18″ of theawning structure 10″. An upper portion of the mountingdevices 530 each define achannel 532 to receive a respective intermediatebow adjustment device 540 which is pivotally coupleable to the mountingdevice 530. More particularly, each intermediatebow adjustment device 540 is rotatably secured within thechannel 532 of thecorresponding mounting device 530 with afastener 534 extending through one of a series ofapertures 536 therein. In turn, anend 522 of thebow member 520 is secured within achannel 542 of the intermediatebow adjustment device 540 with afastener 544 extending through one of a series ofapertures 546 therein. This linkage arrangement of the mountingdevices 530 and intermediatebow adjustment devices 540 enables a wide breadth of flexibility in positioning each of the opposing ends 522 of thebow member 520 to achieve a desirable loft of the awning sheet elevated thereby. In addition, similar to the discussion above, in some applications, a user may advantageously adjust the height of oneend 522 of thebow member 520 higher than the other to route runoff in a particular direction so as to avoid walkways or other areas in which it may be undesirable to direct the runoff. - In accordance with the various awning systems described herein, corresponding methods of using
bow systems -
FIGS. 16 through 18 show anawning system 600, according to another example embodiment, which includes theaforementioned awning structure 10 and an awningsheet support system 610 installed thereon to prevent water and/or debris from accumulating on theawning sheet 12. The awningsheet support system 610 may be mounted in a leadingportion 612 of theawning structure 10 adjacent thelead member 16. For example, the awningsheet support system 610 may be coupled to leadingarm members 24 of the pair ofextendible arms 18 within a mounting region located beneath an area corresponding to a leading third of theawning sheet 12 which is adjacent thelead member 16 when theawning system 600 is in a deployed configuration. - As best shown in
FIG. 17 , the awningsheet support system 610 includes a pair ofprop devices 614 that are positioned during use to collectively elevate a portion or portions of theawning sheet 12. In some embodiments, the awningsheet support system 610 may include more orfewer prop devices 614. Each of theprop devices 614 may be identical to each other and may be adjustable in height to displace the portion or portions of theawning sheet 12 to a greater or lesser degree. In addition, an upper portion of theprop device 614 may be pivotally adjustable to interface with theawning sheet 12 in a dynamically adaptive manner and may have a convex upper surface to with theawning sheet 12 during use. - Further details of the
prop device 614 are shown best inFIG. 18 . As shown, theprop device 614 includes acoupler 616 to couple theprop device 614 to anarm member 24 or other structure of theawning 10 and asheet support structure 618 with a generally convexupper surface 620 to interface with a portion of theawning sheet 12 when theprop device 614 is installed for use. Thecoupler 616 of theprop device 614 has anengagement portion 622 configured to selectively engage thearm member 24 or other structure of theawning 10 and anotherportion 624 to receive and support thesheet support structure 618 in an upwardly directed orientation when theengagement portion 622 is attached to theawning 10. Theengagement portion 622 may be in the form of a saddle having a cross-sectional profile which nests with theleading arm member 24 or other structure of theawning 10. In some embodiments, theengagement portion 622 may couple to theleading arm member 24 by a snap-fit. For example, opposing legs of theengagement portion 622 may be resilient and flex to receive theleading arm member 24 and snap back toward an initial state when theleading arm member 24 is fully received therein. Barbs, flanges or other features may be provided to assist in securing theengagement portion 622 to theleading arm member 24. Although theengagement portion 622 is shown as a generally u-shaped saddle structure, it is appreciated that the shape and size of theengagement portion 622 may vary. Advantageously, theengagement portion 622 of thecoupler 616 may be sized and shaped to nest closely with theleading arm member 24 or other structure in a relatively slender, yet robust form factor. - In some embodiments, fasteners, such as, for example, thumb screws 624 may be provided in addition to or in lieu of other attachment mechanisms to secure the
engagement portion 622 to theleading arm member 24 and prevent theengagement portion 622 and hence propdevice 614 from shifting during use. The provision of thumb screws 624 or similar fasteners enables rapid attachment and detachment of thecoupler 616 to theleading arm member 24, although other fastening devices, such as, for example, conventional nuts and bolts, clamps and adhesives may be used. In some embodiments, including the example embodiment ofFIGS. 16 through 18 , thecouplers 616 of theprop devices 614 may enable attachment to theleading arm members 24 or other structures of theawning 10 without requiring modifications thereto. - The
other portion 624 of thecoupler 616 may be provided in the form of a tubular structure for slidably receiving aprop rod 630 which is attached directly or indirectly to thesheet support structure 618. The tubular structure may be sized and shaped to closely receive theprop rod 630 and may be provided with selective engagement features orfasteners 632, such as, for example, a spring loaded pin or thumb screw, for selectively engaging theprop rod 624 at various adjustable heights, as represented by the arrow labeled 634. A series ofapertures 636, depressions or other features may me provided along the length of theprop rod 630 to interoperate with the engagement features orfasteners 632 to securely hold theprop rod 630 at the various adjustable heights. In this manner, a user may quickly extend or retract theprop rod 630 and hence thesheet support structure 618 to impart or relieve pressure on theawning sheet 12 there above. Although theprop rod 630 is illustrated as having a circular cross-section, theprop rod 630 may vary in shape and include both open and closed cross-sectional profiles. - The
prop rod 630 may be attached directly to thesheet support structure 618 with fasteners or may be integrally formed therewith. Alternatively, theprop rod 630 may be attached indirectly to thesheet support structure 618, such as, for example, by the intermediary of amanipulable joint 640. The manipulable joint 640 may be a ball and socket joint which is free to rotate about each of three primary axes of rotation as illustrated by the arrows labeled 642, 644 and 646. In this manner, thesheet support structure 618 may adjust orientation in response to contact with theawning sheet 12 during installation. More particularly, as a generally convexupper surface 620 of thesheet support structure 618 is forced into theawning sheet 12 with increasing pressure during installation or setup, thesheet support structure 618 may pivot to align with a surface of the displacedawning sheet 12. In other embodiments, a manipulable joint 640 may be provided having fewer or different degrees of freedom than a ball and socket joint, such as, for example, a hinge structure which is rotatable only about a single rotational axis. - Although the combination of the
prop rod 630 andsheet support structure 618 may resemble a mushroom-like structure, theprop rod 630 andsheet support structure 618 may have different shapes and configurations. Further, in some embodiments, theupper surface 620 of thesheet support structure 618 may be relatively flat or have a generally shallow convex surface, or in other embodiments, may have a generally steep convex surface. Still further, in some embodiments theupper surface 620 may be sized such that the expected area of contact between theupper surface 620 and theawning sheet 12 is relatively small, such as, for example, four square inches or less. In other embodiments, theupper surface 620 may be sized such that expected area of contact may be relatively large, such as, for example, twenty square inches or more. - In some embodiments, additional supplementary support structures may be provided to enable one or more prop devices to be positioned in a particularly advantageous region beneath the
awning sheet 12. For example,FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment of an awning sheet support system 710 in which asingle prop device 714 is supported in a central region betweenarm members 24 of anawning structure 10 by acrossbar 720 spanning therebetween. Thecrossbar 720 is coupled to thearm members 24 withcouplers 722 having structures similar to other couplers described herein for coupling to armmembers 24 without modifications thereto. In other embodiments, thecrossbar 720 may be coupled to thearm members 24 or other structures of theawning 10 with other attachment devices, including, for example, conventional fasteners. - The
crossbar 720 may clip, snap, slide-over or otherwise interface with thecouplers 722 and/orprop device 714 in a quick release fashion to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the awning sheet support system 710. In other embodiments, thecrossbar 720 may be bolted or otherwise fastened in a more secure manner to thecouplers 722 and/orprop device 714. In still other embodiments, thecrossbar 720 may be integrally joined or formed together with thecouplers 722 and/orprop device 714. - Irrespective of the connection methods or mechanisms, the components of the awning sheet support system 710 shown in
FIG. 19 interoperate to allow flexibility in positioning and locating aprop device 714 beneath a desired location of theawning sheet 12 and are advantageous in adapting theprop device 714 for use with variousconventional awning structures 10 which may not have support members in such desired locations. For example, it is appreciated that various supplemental support structures, includingcross members 720, may be arranged among and connected to existing structures of all types of conventional awnings to position one ormore prop devices 714 in desired locations. Theprop devices 714 may be selectively located on existing structures of the conventional awnings and/or supplemental support structures connected thereto, such as, for example, asupplemental crossbar 720. Accordingly,prop devices 714 may be located in those regions most efficient for shedding water and/or debris from theawning sheet 12 or for routing water and/or debris to a desired location, such as, for example, locations remote from walkways or pathways. - In some embodiments,
prop devices bow systems FIG. 8 , aprop device bow systems 210 overlap to displace a central area of theawning sheet 12′ within the leadingportion 212 of theawning structure 10′. In this manner, theprop device systems 210 may cooperate to impart a particularly efficient displaced shape of theawning sheet 12 for shedding water and/or debris therefrom. - Still further, according to some embodiments, a prop device may be provided which is not attached or otherwise secured to an
awning structure 10 but is nevertheless configured to displace a portion of anawning sheet 12 thereof to prevent the accumulation of water and/or debris. For example, as shown inFIG. 20 , aprop device 814 may be provided having anelongated support member 816 with alower end 818 and anupper end 820 spanning generally between a foundation 822 (e.g., ground, floor, deck, etc.) and theawning sheet 12 when theprop device 814 is setup for use. Theprop device 814 may further include a base 824 at thelower end 818 of theelongated support member 816 to assist in stabilizing theprop device 814 when thebase 824 is positioned on thefoundation 822. - The
prop device 814 may also include asheet support structure 830 at theupper end 820 of theelongated support member 816 with a generally convex upper surface to interface with the portion of theawning sheet 12 and displace the portion of theawning sheet 12 upwardly from a neutral unsupported position. Thesheet support structure 830 may be a convex, dome-shaped shell or frisbee-like structure. In some embodiments, the upper surface of thesheet support structure 830 may be sized such that the expected area of contact between the upper surface and theawning sheet 12 is relatively small, such as, for example, four square inches or less. In other embodiments, the upper surface of thesheet support structure 830 may be sized such that the expected area of contact may be relatively large, such as, for example, twenty square inches or more. In some embodiments, thesheet support structure 830 may be formed as an umbrella-like structure which is selectively retractable and deployable. In this manner, thesheet support structure 830 may be provided with a relatively large profile during use while retaining the ability to collapse to relatively small profile for storage. - In some embodiments, the
prop device 814 may further include a manipulable joint 832 provided between thesheet support structure 830 and theupper end 820 of theelongated support member 816 to enable pivotable adjustment of thesheet support structure 830 as thesheet support structure 830 engages theawning sheet 12. The manipulable joint 832 may be, for example, a ball and socket joint which is free to rotate about each of three primary axes of rotation or another type of joint having more or fewer or different degrees of freedom. - The
elongated support member 816 is preferably adjustable in length to enable selective height adjustment of thesheet support structure 830. For example, theelongated support member 816 may be formed of telescoping members as illustrated inFIG. 20 . In other embodiments, theelongated support member 816 may comprise a plurality of interconnected segments which can be combined in different quantities to support thesheet support structure 830 at different selectable heights during use. - According to the illustrated embodiment of
FIG. 20 , theprop device 814 provides a particularly efficient means of supporting anawning sheet 12 in a displaced manner to shed water and/or debris without requiring physical attachment to the existingawning structure 10. Theprop device 814 can be deployed and stored quickly with minimal effort and presents only a minor obstruction to the usable space beneath theawning sheet 12. While only oneprop device 814 is illustrated inFIG. 20 , two ormore prop devices 814 may be provided to cooperatively displace a portion or portions of theawning sheet 12. - Again, in the foregoing description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. Moreover, the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
Claims (16)
1. An awning system with a rain shedding accessory, comprising:
a retractable awning including an awning sheet, a base member and a lead member, the lead member being retractably extendable to move between an extended position in which the awning sheet is supported between the base member and the lead member and a retracted position, and the retractable awning further including a pair of arm members to at least partially support the lead member in space when the lead member is in the extended position; and
a bow system accessory including a bow member and a pair of couplers, each coupler configured to engage a portion of a respective one of the pair of arms of the retractable awning in a mounting region located beneath an area corresponding to a leading portion of the awning sheet adjacent the lead member when the retractable awning is in a deployed configuration, the bow member coupled to the pair of arms of the retractable awning by the pair of couplers and the bow member being generally parallel to the lead member and upwardly curved to elevate a portion of the awning sheet.
2. The awning system with the rain shedding accessory of claim 1 wherein each coupler includes a base portion sized and shaped to closely receive the portion of the respective one of the pair of arms of the retractable awning.
3. The awning system with the rain shedding accessory of claim 2 wherein the base portion is shaped to snap onto the portion of the respective one of the pair of arms of the retractable awning.
4. The awning system with the rain shedding accessory of claim 1 wherein the base portion of each coupler further includes at least one fastener for fixing the base portion to the respective one of the pair of arms of the retractable awning.
5. The awning system with the rain shedding accessory of claim 1 wherein each coupler includes an upper portion configured to receive one of opposing ends of the bow member.
6. The awning system with the rain shedding accessory of claim 1 wherein each coupler includes an upper portion which defines a channel to receive one of opposing ends of the bow member, the channel including a series of apertures to selectively adjust a mounting location of the bow member.
7. The awning system with the rain shedding accessory of claim 1 wherein each coupler includes an upper portion which defines a channel to receive a respective intermediate bow adjustment device, each intermediate bow adjustment device pivotally coupled to the coupler at a first end and coupled to the bow member at a second end.
8. The awning system with the rain shedding accessory of claim 7 wherein the channel of each coupler includes a series of apertures to selectively adjust a mounting location of the respective intermediate bow adjustment device.
9. The awning system with the rain shedding accessory of claim 7 wherein each intermediate bow adjustment device includes a series of apertures to selectively adjust a mounting location of the bow member.
10. A retractable awning system with a rain shedding accessory, comprising:
a retractable awning having an awning sheet coupled between a base member and a lead member to form a canopy structure when the retractable awning is in a deployed configuration in which the lead member is spatially offset from the base member, the lead member supported in space at least in part by a pair of arm members when the retractable awning is in a deployed configuration; and
an accessory bow system coupled to the pair of arm members in a mounting region located beneath an area corresponding to a leading portion of the awning sheet adjacent the lead member when the retractable awning is in the deployed configuration, the accessory bow system including a bow member aligned generally parallel to the lead member and upwardly curved to elevate a portion of the awning sheet when the retractable awning is in the deployed configuration.
11. The awning system with the rain shedding accessory of claim 10 wherein the bow member is configured to automatically flex upwardly during operation to elevate the portion of the awning sheet when the pair of arms move toward an extended position to transition the awning to the deployed configuration.
12. The awning system with the rain shedding accessory of claim 10 , further comprising:
a prop device configured to couple to at least one of the arm members, the prop device having a sheet support structure with a generally convex upper surface to interface with the awning sheet when the prop device is installed for use.
13. An awning accessory coupleable to a retractable awning to assist in shedding rain from an awning sheet thereof, the awning accessory comprising:
a bow member; and
a plurality of couplers configured to couple the bow member to arms of the retractable awning such that the bow member is supported in a mounting region located beneath an area corresponding to a leading portion of the awning sheet in a deployed configuration and oriented to align generally parallel to a lead member of the retractable awning.
14. A water accumulation prevention accessory device for a retractable awning having an awning sheet coupled between a base member and a lead member to form a canopy structure when the retractable awning is in a deployed configuration in which the lead member is spatially offset from the base member, the lead member supported in space at least in part by arm members when the awning is in a deployed configuration, the water accumulation prevention accessory device comprising:
a propping structure configured to removably couple to the retractable awning between the arm members in a mounting region located entirely beneath an area corresponding to a leading third of the awning sheet adjacent the lead member when the awning is in the deployed configuration to elevate the leading third of the awning sheet and assist in shedding rainwater from the retractable awning.
15. The water accumulation prevention accessory device of claim 14 wherein the propping structure of the water accumulation prevention device is a bow member, the bow member aligning generally parallel to the lead member when coupled to the retractable awning to assist in shedding rainwater.
16. The water accumulation prevention accessory device of claim 14 wherein the propping structure is supported during use to contact the awning sheet only within the leading third of the awning sheet.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/549,303 US20130126103A1 (en) | 2011-11-17 | 2012-07-13 | Water accumulation prevention systems, devices and methods for awning structures |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
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US201161561173P | 2011-11-17 | 2011-11-17 | |
US13/338,892 US8256486B1 (en) | 2011-11-17 | 2011-12-28 | Water accumulation prevention systems, devices and methods for awning structures |
US13/549,303 US20130126103A1 (en) | 2011-11-17 | 2012-07-13 | Water accumulation prevention systems, devices and methods for awning structures |
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US13/338,892 Continuation US8256486B1 (en) | 2011-11-17 | 2011-12-28 | Water accumulation prevention systems, devices and methods for awning structures |
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US20130126103A1 true US20130126103A1 (en) | 2013-05-23 |
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US13/549,303 Abandoned US20130126103A1 (en) | 2011-11-17 | 2012-07-13 | Water accumulation prevention systems, devices and methods for awning structures |
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US20150167308A1 (en) * | 2013-12-12 | 2015-06-18 | Carefree/Scott Fetzer Company | Lateral arm awning system and method of operation |
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US9534393B2 (en) * | 2014-04-22 | 2017-01-03 | Jack P. Cittadine | Retractable cover |
US9644374B2 (en) | 2014-12-20 | 2017-05-09 | Michael Ivic | Pergola cover |
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