WO2024042078A2

WO2024042078A2 - Awning fixation, awning accessory and awning arrangements

Info

Publication number: WO2024042078A2
Application number: PCT/EP2023/073030
Authority: WO
Inventors: Davy Coucke; Erik De Maeyer; Pieter Engels; Shane SCHURM
Original assignee: Thule Nv
Priority date: 2022-08-23
Filing date: 2023-08-22
Publication date: 2024-02-29
Also published as: EP4335987A2; WO2024042078A3

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to awning systems and components of awning systems, for example of crank operated awning systems, in particular to awnings comprising a stowage configuration for stowing accessory parts such as a crank handle or a tensioning bar and to a quick coupling mechanism and release mechanism for awnings for mounting them on a vehicle.

Description

AWNING FIXATION, AWNING ACCESSORY AND AWNING ARRANGEMENTS

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to awning systems and components of awning systems, for example of crank operated awning systems, in particular to awnings comprising a stowage configuration for stowing accessory parts such as a crank handle or a tensioning bar and to a quick coupling and release mechanism for awnings for mounting them on a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Awnings mountable on recreational vehicles are known in the art. Such awnings need to fulfill highest safety standards while being easy to use for a user. Known awnings have the drawback that they are not easily detachable from vehicles so that users tend to leave them mounted on the vehicle during daily use of the vehicle. Furthermore, accessory parts of awnings need to be stowed which often leads to situations where such accessory parts get lost or at least occupy stowing space in the vehicle.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to improvements of awnings of the above type. In particular, the present disclosure relates to improvements of an awning regarding stowing capabilities for accessories. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to improvements in the fixation of the awning on a carrying member, such as a vehicle.

It is an object to provide an enhanced awning arrangement and/or an enhanced awning and/or enhanced components of an awning arrangement, for example an awning accessory such as crank handle or tensioning bar and/or an awning bracket or a carrying structure or a securing device.

Objects are solved by the configuration as presented in the independent claim, the aspects and example configurations as described herein. Advantageous further formations may be gleaned from the dependent claims and from the below description. Disclosed is an awning. In some embodiments, the awning comprises an elongate covering and a rotatable roller tube for winding and unwinding an awning fabric. The covering may be a housing or may be a bag, in particular a bag comprising a flexible covering material and optionally comprising a zipper for granting access to the roller tube. The roller tube may be arranged in the covering. The roller tube may be rotatably held in the covering. The awning may be configured to at least partially accommodate an accessory. The accessory may be a crank or a tensioning bar of the awning. The tensioning bar may be used between an awning lead rail and a covering or housing to tension the awning fabric. The awning may be configured to at least partially accommodate the accessory on or in the covering for stowing purposes when the accessory is not in use.

In some embodiments, the awning further comprises an accommodating portion configured to at least partially accommodate the accessory therein. In some embodiments, the accommodating portion is accessible from a longitudinal end side of the awning. The longitudinal end side of the awning may be a right side or a left side of a mounted awning when viewing the awning from the front side. When the awning is mounted on the side of a vehicle, the longitudinal end side of the awning may be a front end in longitudinal direction of the vehicle or a rear end in longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Directional indications refer to a coordinate system of a carrying unit, for example of a vehicle, which essentially consists of three directional indications. These include a direction of travel or longitudinal direction, a transverse direction and a height direction. The same directional indications are also used for other components such as an awning, an awning bracket and a carrying structure to allow for a better understanding of those parts as they are all designed to be mounted on the carrying unit. Accordingly, the directional indications for the other components describe those components as if they were mounted on the carrying unit.

In some embodiments, the accommodating portion may be configured accessible through a covering longitudinal end portion of the awning. The covering longitudinal end portion may be an end cap of the covering. The covering longitudinal end portion may comprise an opening allowing to pass the accessory into the accommodating portion through the covering longitudinal end portion.

In some embodiments, the accommodating portion is provided by the roller tube. The roller tube may comprise an interior space having a dimension allowing to partially or fully accommodate the accessory in the awning. The opening may at least partially be formed in a bearing portion coupled to an end portion of the roller tube and configured to rotatably support the roller tube in the covering longitudinal end portion. The accommodating portion may be provided with an elastic material or damping material on an inner wall limiting the accommodating portion. The accommodating portion may be provided in the roller tube such that an inserted accessory may rotate jointly with the roller tube. Accordingly, the awning may be operable with an inserted accessory. With such a configuration, it is for example not necessary take out the crank from the awning for operating the same which may be beneficial if two awnings of similar kind are mounted on a vehicle next to each other. Both awnings can in this case be operated with the crank of one awning.

In some embodiments, the awning further comprises a locking arrangement for releasably locking the accessory to the awning. The locking arrangement may comprise a lock which is operable by a key. In addition or alternatively, the locking arrangement may comprise a locking member engageable with an engagement portion on the accessory, for example automatically engageable with the engagement portion. The locking member may be a rotating member and may comprise an engaging section engageable with the engagement portion. The locking member may be pivotable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The locking member may be biased towards the locking position by an urging member. The urging member may comprise a spring. The locking member may be configured to be manually moved to the unlocking position by a user, for example against an urging force applied by an urging member on the locking member. The lock may comprise a locking cylinder and may be transferable, for example rotatable, between a locking state and an unlocking state. In the locking state, the lock blocks a movement of the locking member towards the unlocking position. In the unlocking state, the locking member can be moved to the unlocking position. In some configurations, an engaging portion is provided and configured to cooperate with a lock provided on the accessory, for example in an end member of a crank. The engaging portion may be provided on the bearing portion, for example integrally formed with the bearing portion. The lock may comprise a locking cylinder rotatable between a locking position and an unlocking position about a cylinder axis. The cylinder axis may run in parallel with a main extension direction of the roller tube when the end member is in a stowage position on the bearing portion. The locking cylinder may comprise an end portion configured to engage with the engaging portion. The engaging portion may comprise an insertion opening formed in the bearing portion. In addition or alternatively, the awning may further comprise a cover member for covering the end member arranged on the covering longitudinal end portion or on the end cap. The cover member may be configured slidably engageable with the covering longitudinal end portion or with the end cap. The cover member may be configured such that it is only correctly mountable on the covering longitudinal end portion or on the end cap when the accessory, for example the crank, is correctly stowed in the awning, for example when the end member is introduced far enough into the insertion opening and the roller tube. The cover member may be configured to be slidable onto the end cap in a direction perpendicular to an extension direction of the awning and roller tube. The end cap may comprise a guiding recess for receiving a protrusion formed in the cover member.

In some embodiments, the awning further comprises a biasing mechanism configured to apply a biasing force on an accommodated accessory in a take-out direction of the accommodated accessory, in particular in a longitudinal direction of the awning. The biasing mechanism may comprise a force application member. The force application member may be a ring. The force application member may be supported against one or more urging members. The urging members may be springs. The force application member may be configured to get in contact with a force receiving portion on the accessory. The force receiving portion may be an interior surface or inner surface of an end member of the accessory. The force application member may further be configured to be moved to compress the one or more urging members upon inserting the accessory into the accommodating portion in longitudinal direction of the awning.

In some embodiments, an awning accessory comprises a rigid force transfer structure and at least one spacer for locally enlarging an outer circumferential dimension of the rigid force transfer structure. The awning accessory may be a crank for operating an awning. The awning accessory may be configured to be stowable on or in an awning having one or more of the features as already described before. The rigid force transfer structure may comprise one or more rod portions, for example a first rod portion, a second rod portion and a third rod portion arranged in series in this order. The at least one spacer may be provided for providing a predefined support surface on the rigid force transfer structure. Each spacer can be made from or can comprise an elastic material.

In some embodiments, at least one spacer is formed as a sleeve and/or as a ring and/or comprises a foam material.

In some embodiments, the awning accessory comprises at least two of the spacers of the before mentioned type, wherein all spacers may comprise an identical outer diameter. The outer diameter may correspond to a maximum diameter allowing inserting and stowing the spacers in the awning, for example in the roller tube of the awning, to reduce play.

In some embodiments, the awning accessory is a crank for operating the awning. The crank may comprise a front-end portion configured to be coupled to an interface portion of the awning. The interface portion may be provided on a side of the awning opposite to the side where said crank can be accommodated in the awning.

In a modification, the interface portion and the crank may be integrally formed. The interface portion may be a carriage or sliding member slidably held in longitudinal direction of the roller tube but coupled to the roller tube from inside so as to be rotationally coupled to the roller tube. In such a solution, the crank is permanently connected to the interface and does not need to be taken out from the awning and recoupled to the interface portion. When pulling out the crank, the carnage is moved to an end portion of the roller tube and may then be rotated by operating the crank.

The crank may further comprise a rear end portion configured to be grasped by a user for performing a cranking motion for generating a rotational force. The rear end portion may comprise a crank handle portion. The crank handle portion may comprise a first gripping portion. The first gripping portion may be provided on the first rod portion. The crank handle portion may comprise a second gripping portion. The second gripping portion may be provided on the third rod portion. At least one of the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion may be formed by or may comprise the spacer.

In some embodiments, the crank handle portion is transferable between a use state and a non-use state. In the use state, the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion are configured for a cranking operation. In the use state, the second gripping portion is offset with respect to the first gripping portion end extends in parallel with the first gripping portion. In the non-use state, the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion are arranged coaxially.

In some embodiments, the awning accessory may further comprise an end member coupled to a rear end of the rear end portion. The end member may be configured to lock the awning accessory in the accommodating portion, for example by means of a lock and/or a threaded engagement. In addition or alternatively, the end member may be provided with a gripping portion allowing to exert a pulling force on the awning accessory for taking the same out of the accommodating portion and/or to apply a rotational force on the same for threadedly engaging or disengaging the end member in an end cap or housing longitudinal end portion of an awning.

In some embodiments, an awning arrangement comprises an awning of the above type and having one or more of the features as described before, and an awning accessory, for example a crank, having one or more of the before described features.

Disclosed is further an awning bracket for coupling an awning to a carrying structure, in particular to a mounting bracket mountable on a carrying unit, for example a vehicle. In some embodiments, the awning bracket is configured mountable on the awning, for example on a backside, an underside, or a top side of the awning. In some embodiments, the awning bracket is configured mountable on longitudinal end portions or between longitudinal end portions of the awning, for example at a position between covering longitudinal end portions or end caps of the awning.

In some embodiments, the awning bracket may comprise an awning support portion. The awning support portion may be a platelike member. The awning support portion may be made from cutting and bending a metal sheet. The awning support portion may comprise an upper portion which is configured to be received, for example from below, in a recess of an awning, for example in an upper portion of the backside of the covering of the awning. The awning support may comprise openings, for example elongate slots, in opposite longitudinal ends for receiving a fixation member for coupling the awning support to the awning. In particular, the openings may be used for fixing the awning support to a fixation structure on the awning. The awning may have such fixation structure. The fixation structure may be provided by way of a track, for example a T-track, formed in the covering. The fixation structure may extend in longitudinal direction of the covering, for example over the entire or almost the entire length of the covering. Such a fixation structure may allow mounting the awning bracket at arbitrary positions in longitudinal direction of the awning. Insertion openings may be provided in the covering longitudinal end portion for granting access to an interior of the track for inserting an engaging portion of the fixation member in the track. With such a configuration, the awning bracket may be shifted in both longitudinal directions to a desired fixation position and then fixed at the desired position.

The awning bracket may further be configured to be detachably coupled to the carrying structure from above or from another side, for example a longitudinal end side or lateral side. In some embodiments, the awning bracket is configured to establish and release a locking between the awning bracket and the carrying structure by means of an integral part of the awning bracket which engages with and disengages from the carrying structure.

In some embodiments, the awning bracket is configured to be inserted onto the carrying structure only by means of a pure translatory movement of the awning bracket with respect to the carrying structure and/or in the direction of gravity and/or in heigt direction, in particular in vertical direction.

In some embodiments, the awning bracket is configured to automatically establish a locking between the awning bracket and the carrying structure so as to block a movement of the awning bracket relative to the carrying structure in a detachment direction, for example in vertical upward direction. In some embodiments, the locking is automatically effected or caused upon inserting the awning bracket on the carrying structure when the awning bracket was moved onto the carrying structure for a predetermined distance in an insertion direction opposite to the detachment direction, for example an insertion direction in vertical downward direction. In some embodiments, the awning bracket further comprises a locking mechanism comprising an engaging portion movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The engaging portion may be movable in a longitudinal direction of the awning bracket. The engaging portion may be pivotably movable about a pivot axis defined by a pivot pin. The locking position may be a position in which the engaging portion engages with the carrying structure and the unlocking position may be a position in which the engaging portion is disengaged from the carrying structure. The engaging portion may be biased towards the locking position by means of an urging member, for example a spring.

In some embodiments, the engaging portion may be configured so as to be pivotably movable about a pivot axis defined by a pivot pin, wherein the pivot axis may extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the awning bracket, in particular in transverse direction.

In some configurations, the engaging portion may be linearly guided, for example in one or more slots, and/or in longitudinal direction of the awning bracket.

In some configurations, the locking mechanism further comprises an operating portion operatively coupled to the engaging portion for moving the engaging portion between the locking position and the unlocking position through operation of the operating portion by a user. The operating portion may be movable between a blocking position and a release position, wherein in the blocking position the engaging portion is in the locking position and wherein in the release position the engaging portion is in the unlocking position. The operating portion and the engaging portion may be integrally formed in a single member, for example a lever. The operating portion may protrude from the awning bracket, for example from a lower side of the awning bracket, in particular such that a user may reach the operating portion by hand. The operating portion and the engaging portion may be formed as separate parts that are force transmittingly coupled to each other by a force transfer portion, for example by a rod. The engaging portion and the force transfer portion may be integrally formed, for example by forging. The operating portion may be provided in a longitudinal end portion of the awning bracket and/or on an outside of the awning bracket. A blocking portion or a blocking member may be provided, wherein the blocking member may be configured to block a movement of the operating portion towards the unlocking position. The blocking member may comprise a latching section and an operating section. The latching section may be configured to engage with a locking recess in the awning bracket. The blocking member and the force transfer portion may be hingedly coupled to the operating portion, for example pivotable about the same axis.

The awning bracket may further comprise a guiding arrangement for removing a play between the awning bracket and the carrying structure. The guiding arrangement may comprise an urging portion configured to apply a pushing force on a lateral side of a received insertion section, in particular such that the insertion section is applied with a force in a direction towards an awning support portion of the awning bracket. The guiding arrangement may comprise a wedge portion, a guiding pin and/or guiding surfaces.

In some configurations, the awning comprises an elongate covering, for example a housing or a bag, and an awning bracket, for example of the above-described type, mounted on the awning between end portions of the awning, in particular at a position between longitudinal end portions, for example covering longitudinal end portions of the awning, or on longitudinal end portions of the awning. The elongate covering may comprise a fixation structure for shiftably receiving the awning bracket. The fixation structure may comprise a track, for example a T-track, formed in the covering, for example in longitudinal direction.

In some embodiments, a carrying structure, in particular an awning carrying structure, mountable on a carrying unit is provided. The carrying unit may be a vehicle. The carrying structure may be configured for receiving an awning bracket. The carrying structure may comprise a fixation section for fixedly coupling the carrying structure to the carrying unit, for example to a vehicle. The carrying structure may comprise an insertion section configured to be received in the awning bracket. In some embodiments, the insertion section is offset from the fixation section in a first direction, for example in transverse direction, and extends in a second direction cross to the first direction, for example in height direction.

In some embodiments, the insertion section comprises guiding features including a guiding surface, a guiding recess and/or a wedge portion. In some embodiments, the insertion section comprises a wedge portion provided on the insertion section on a side facing the fixation section. In some embodiments, the insertion section and the fixation section are configured such that the insertion section extends substantially vertically upward in height direction when the fixation section is mounted on the carrying unit. In some embodiments, the insertion section may be configured as a platelike member comprising a longitudinal extension along the fixation section, wherein the longitudinal extension may be an extension in longitudinal direction of the carrying unit when the carrying structure is mounted on the carrying unit. In some embodiments, the insertion section may comprise an engaging recess in a longitudinal end of the insertion section. The engaging recess may extend into the insertion section in longitudinal direction of the insertion section. In some embodiments, the carrying structure comprises a bent metal sheet.

In some embodiments, a securing device for securing an awning bracket or a protective cover on a carrying structure is provided. The securing device may be formed as a cover. The securing device and the protective cover may together form a covering for covering the carrying structure. A two-part covering may therefore be provided by the securing device and the protective cover. In some embodiments, the securing device is detachably couplable to the carrying structure from below. In some embodiments, the securing device is engageable with the awning bracket or with the protective cover such that the carrying structure is at least partially arranged between the securing device and the awning bracket or the protective cover, respectively. In some embodiments, the securing device may comprise a lock for locking the securing device to the awning bracket or the protective cover, respectively. In some embodiments, the protective cover may comprise a lock for locking the protective cover to the carrying structure. In some embodiments, the securing device is configured operatively couplable to the awning bracket such that a movement of an engaging portion of a locking mechanism of the awning bracket towards an unlocking position is blocked. In some embodiments, the securing device may be configured to accommodate an operating portion of a locking mechanism of the awning bracket. In some embodiments, the securing device may be configured to be only mountable on the awning bracket and the carrying structure when an engaging portion of the awning bracket is correctly engaged with the carrying structure. In some embodiments, the securing device may comprise an opening for receiving a portion of the operating portion. In some embodiments, the opening is configured and provided such that the operating portion may only be received in the opening when the operating portion is in the blocking position and/or such that a wall portion defining the opening blocks a movement of the operating portion towards a release position. The wall portion may thus act as a stop or abutment portion.

In some embodiments, an awning system comprises an awning having one or more of the features as described before, a carrying structure having one or more of the features as described before, and optionally a securing device having one or more of the features described before.

In some embodiments, an awning system comprises an awning, an accessory lock for securing an awning accessory, for example a crank, on the awning, and/or an awning lock for securing the awning on a carrying structure and/or for blocking use of the awning, for example the roll-in or roll-out possibility, and/or for securely holding specific portions, for example lids, on the awning in closed position during driving. The awning may be an awning comprising one or more of the features of the before described awnings. The accessory may be an accessory comprising one or more of the features of the before described awnings.

Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a carrying structure mountable on a carrying unit, for example a vehicle, and configured for receiving an awning bracket is disclosed. According to the method, a metal sheet is provided. Optionally, the metal sheet is cut and/or punched, for example to create openings and/or to provide a specific shape. The metal sheet is partially deformed to form a first awning side section of the carrying structure, for example a standardized insertion section configured to be received in the awning bracket. A second portion of the partially deformed metal sheet is deformed to form a vehicle adapted second section of the carrying structure, for example a fixation section for fixedly coupling the carrying structure to the carrying unit.

A further method for manufacturing a carrying structure mountable on a carrying unit, for example a vehicle, and configured for receiving an awning bracket is provided. According to this method, a first section of the carrying structure, for example a standardized insertion section configured to be received in the awning bracket, is formed. A vehicle adapted second section of the carrying structure, for example a fixation section for fixedly coupling the carrying structure (500) to the carrying unit, is formed. The first section and the second section are joined together to form the carrying structure. The first section and the second section may be joined by chemical reaction or thermal effects, for example by welding.

In one configuration, a crank for operating an awning, for example a crank configured to be stowable on or in an above-described awning, is provided. The crank comprises a coupling portion configured to be coupled to an interface portion of the awning. The crank further comprises a crank handle portion configured to be operated by a user, and a key operable lock for locking the crank to the awning, wherein the key operable lock may be provided in an end member of the crank.

In one configuration, the key operable lock is configured to engage with a bearing portion coupled to a roller tube such that the crank is rotatable together with the roller tube of the awning when the crank is locked to the bearing portion. In this way, the crank may be rotated together with the roller tube so that it is possible to operate the roller tube by another crank or operating unit, for example an operating unit comprising an electric drive. The bearing portion may be the above described bearing portion. Further details regarding possible constructions of the bearing portion and its provision in the awning are described in greater detail in the detailed description section of this specification.

In a further configuration, the key operable lock may be configured to engage with a longitudinal end portion of the awning such that the crank is held stationary with respect to the roller tube and cannot rotate together with the roller tube of the awning when the crank is locked to the longitudinal end portion. In this way, the roller tube may also be locked. The longitudinal end portion may be a part of an awning housing. The longitudinal end portion may comprise an end cap or may comprise a holder. The holder may be coupled to the covering of the awning. The holder may comprise a supporting portion for supporting the bearing portion coupled to the roller tube.

In a further configuration, a carrying structure mountable on a carrying unit is provided. The carrying unit may be a vehicle. The carrying structure may comprise one or more features as described in other portions of this specification. The carrying structure may comprise a fixation section for fixedly coupling the carrying structure to a vehicle. The carrying structure may further comprise an insertion section configured to be received in an awning bracket. The insertion section and the fixation section may be formed from forming a single metal sheet. For example, the insertion section and the fixation section may be formed by the above-described method for manufacturing a carrying structure. The carrying structure may be configured such that in the course or extension of the metal sheet from the insertion section to the fixation section the carrying structure comprises three surface parts. Respective adjacent surface parts of the three surface parts are bent at a respective predetermined angle along their respective bending line. The carrying structure may further comprise at least one reinforcing section for increasing the stiffness of the carrying structure. At least one reinforcing section extends from a surface part of the insertion section and into at least one further surface part, for example into a coupling section which couples the insertion section with the fixation section.

In some embodiments, the carrying structure comprises two of the reinforcing sections. A first reinforcing section may extend over three surface parts and a second reinforcing section may extend over two surface parts.

At least two of the reinforcing sections may extend in parallel with each other. At least two of the reinforcing sections may comprise the same with. At least one reinforcing section may be provided as a relief in the metal sheet. The carrying structure may comprise a coupling section which couples the insertion section with the fixation section. The first surface part may be part of the insertion section and the second surface part may be part of the coupling section and the third surface part may be part of the fixation section. Accordingly, a reinforced carrying structure with a metal sheet having a relief providing added strength may be provided. The carrying structure may comprise at least two shifts in bracket curvature and multiple reinforcing sections overlapping or extending over these shifts in bracket curvature. The shifts in bracket curvature may correspond to respective bending portions running along respective bending line. The reinforcing sections may also be configured such that they overlap each other such that a plane intersecting one of said reinforcing sections perpendicular to its main extension direction also intersects with at least one further reinforcing section. In this way, a strong, multi-angle shifted carrying structure may be provided.

Further provided is a protective cover arrangement for covering a carrying structure, for example a carrying structure as described in other portions of this specification. In particular, the protective cover arrangement may be configured to cover at least the insertion section of the carrying structure. The protective cover arrangement may comprise a front cover portion and a rear cover portion. The front cover portion and the rear cover portion may be configured detachably mountable to each other by means of a snap connection.

A first cover portion of the cover portion, for example the rear cover portion, may be configured to snap on the insertion section. The first cover portion may comprise at least an upper latch for engaging with an upper edge portion of the insertion section and at least one lateral side latch, for example two lateral side latches, for engaging with a side edge portion of the insertion section.

The first cover portion may comprise two latch receiving portions provided on opposite side portions of the first cover portion, for example on a lower portion and on an upper portion of the first cover portion.

A second cover portion of the cover portion, for example the front cover portion, may be configured to snap on the first cover portion, for example on the rear cover portion. The second cover portion may comprise latching hooks for engaging with the first cover portion. In one configuration, only the rear cover portion directly engages with the carrying structure and the front cover portion is engaged with the rear cover potion.

Other features of the present invention will be apparent from consideration of the information contained above as well as in or in combination with the following detailed description, drawings and claims and configurations given in itemized structure of aspects below. The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate possible configurations of embodiments and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the embodiments and to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments. It is noted that the same or similar parts in the different figures are denoted by the same reference signs. Fig. 1 shows a perspective view from above on an awning arrangement according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view from above on an end portion of the awning arrangement of Fig. 1 and of a crank according to an embodiment which is accommodatable in the awning arrangement.

Fig. 3 shows a side view of the awning arrangement of Fig. 1 .

Fig. 4 shows an exploded view of an end portion of the awning arrangement according to Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 shows a rear end portion of a crank according to an embodiment.

Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the awning arrangement taken in transverse direction of the awning arrangement and at a position adjacent to a front-end portion of a first type of crank accommodated in the awning arrangement.

Fig. 7 shows a front-end portion of the first type of crank.

Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the awning arrangement taken in transverse direction of the awning arrangement and at a position adjacent to a front-end portion of a second type of crank accommodated in the awning arrangement.

Fig. 9 shows a front-end portion of the second type of crank.

Fig. 10 shows a perspective view on a front-side longitudinal end portion of an awning arrangement according to an embodiment.

Fig. 11 shows a state in which a closure cap is removed from the end portion of the awning arrangement shown in Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 shows a state in which a crank according to an embodiment is partially pulled out of the awning arrangement of Fig. 10. Fig. 13 shows a vehicle with a roof mounted awning arrangement according to an embodiment.

Fig. 14 shows details of an alternative configuration of a crank and an awning arrangement according to embodiments in perspective view.

Fig. 15 shows a different perspective view of the components shown in Fig. 14.

Fig. 16 shows a perspective view on a mounting system comprising an awning bracket according to an embodiment and a carrying structure according to an embodiment.

Fig. 17 shows a front view on the components shown in Fig. 16 in a state in which the awning bracket is positioned vertically above the carrying structure.

Fig. 18 shows a front view on the components shown in Fig. 17 in a state in which the awning bracket is lowered on the carrying structure.

Fig. 19 shows a side view of the components shown in Fig. 18.

Fig. 20 shows an exemplary configuration of an awning bracket according to an embodiment.

Fig. 21 shows a perspective view on an arrangement in which an awning bracket according to an embodiment is mounted on the rear side of the covering of an awning.

Fig. 22 shows a perspective view on a rear side of an awning according to an embodiment.

Fig. 23 shows a perspective view on an end portion of the awning of Fig. 22.

Fig. 24 shows a perspective view from below on the components shown in Fig. 18.

Fig. 25 shows a perspective view from above on a carrying structure according to an embodiment and a securing device according to an embodiment. Fig. 26 shows a perspective view from below on the components shown in Fig. 24 with a mounted securing device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 27 shows a perspective view from above on a carrying structure covered by a protective cover and a securing device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 28 shows a perspective view from below on the protective cover shown in Fig. 27.

Fig. 29 shows a perspective view on an alternative awning bracket mounted on a carrying structure.

Fig. 30 shows the awning bracket of Fig. 29 mounted on an awning and an exemplary carrying structure mounted on a vehicle roof.

Fig. 31 shows an exploded view of the awning bracket of Fig. 29.

Fig 32 shows a longitudinal sectional view of an awning bracket engaged with a carrying structure.

Fig 33 shows a longitudinal sectional view of an awning bracket in a disengaged state.

Fig. 34 shows an awning bracket mounted on the vehicle roof.

Figs. 35 to 37 show different stages in the manufacturing of a carrying structure.

Fig. 38 shows a perspective view on an end portion of an awning.

Fig. 39 shows a perspective view on an end portion of a crank inserted in a roller tube and bearing portion.

Fig. 40 shows a side view of the end portion of the crank inserted in the awning.

Fig. 41 shows a perspective view on a carrying structure on which a protective cover arrangement according to an embodiment is mounted. Fig. 42 shows a perspective view from behind on a front cover portion of the protective cover arrangement of Fig. 41 .

Fig. 43 shows a perspective view on a rear cover portion of the protective cover arrangement of Fig. 41.

Fig. 44 shows a perspective view on an inner side of the rear cover portion of Fig. 43.

Fig. 45 shows a perspective view on a carrying structure according to an embodiment.

Fig. 46 shows a further perspective view on the carrying structure shown in Fig. 45.

All figures are only schematic depictions of exemplary embodiments in which, in particular, distances and dimensional correlations are not presented to scale.

The features and advantages of embodiments will become more apparent from the detailed description as given below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference signs identify corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar and/or structurally similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or summary or the following detailed description.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “on,” “upper,” “opposite” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or in operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

Terms describing parts or members as “releasable” and/or “detachable” relate to configurations in which the parts or members are at least decouplable from another part or member without destroying one of the cooperating parts or members. These terms may also describe configurations in which the parts and members may be decoupled or disengaged without tools (tool-free).

Fig. 1 shows a possible basic configuration of an awning arrangement 1 . Fig. 1 is a perspective view from above on the awning arrangement 1 .

The awning arrangement 1 comprises an awning 100. The awning 100 comprises a covering 102 which may be a housing also be referred to as awning cassette. The covering 102 may be configured to be coupled to a carrying structure such as a vehicle or a bracket mounted to a vehicle. The awning 100 may for example be mountable on the roof 3 of a vehicle 2 as for example shown in Fig. 13.

The awning 100 further comprises a fabric 104. The fabric 104 may be coupled to a roller tube (not shown in Fig. 1 ) at one end thereof. The roller tube may be configured for winding and unwinding the fabric 104. An exemplary configuration showing a roller tube 120 in the covering 102 of an awning 100 is shown in Fig. 4.

The roller tube 120 may be rotatably arranged between two covering longitudinal end portions 106, 108 in the covering 102. A first covering longitudinal end portion 106 of the two covering longitudinal end portions may form a right end portion of the covering 102 and a second covering longitudinal end portion 108 of the two covering longitudinal end portions may form a left end portion of the covering 102 of a mounted awning. The covering longitudinal end portions may be formed by end caps 112, 114.

In the configuration of Fig. 1 , a crank operable awning arrangement 1 is provided. The fabric 104 is coupled to the roller tube at a first end 105 thereof (see for example Figs. 6 and 8 in which the first end 105 of a wound fabric 104 is coupled to a fabric attachment portion 122 in the roller tube 120) and is coupled to a lead rail 110 at a second end 107 thereof which is opposite to the first end 105. The awning 100 is in Fig. 1 shown in partially extended state in which a portion of the fabric 104 is unwound from the roller and is shown in Figs. 6 and 8 in a wound state.

A crank 200 which is detachably couplable to the awning 100 for winding and unwinding the fabric 104 is provided. The crank 200 is in the configuration in Fig. 1 detachably coupled to an interface portion 116 of the awning 100 at a front-end portion 202 of the crank 200. At a rear end portion 204 of the crank 200, a crank handle portion 206 is provided. The crank handle portion 206 is coupled to an intermediate portion 208. The intermediate portion 208 extends at least between the front-end portion 202 and the crank handle portion 206 and is configured to transfer a rotating force or moment from the crank handle portion 206 to the front-end portion 202. The intermediate portion 208 may be formed by a rod 214. The intermediate portion 208 may be configured length changeable (telescopable) in order to reduce the overall length of the crank 200 for stowing purposes. This may reduce the space occupied in the awning taken by the crank when stowed in the awning and provide additional space for stowing further accessories.

The crank handle portion 206 comprises a first gripping portion 210 and a second gripping portion 212. The first gripping portion 210 may be configured to be grasped by a user and to be held substantially stationary during a cranking operation. The first gripping portion 210 defines a center of rotation for the second gripping portion 212 during cranking. As is shown in Fig. 1 , the second gripping portion 212 is radially offset with respect to the first gripping portion 210 with respect to an axis of rotation of the crank 200. The axis of rotation of the crank 200 corresponds to or is parallel to a longitudinal middle axis of the intermediate portion 208, for example of a portion of the rod 214. The first gripping portion 210 and the second gripping portion 212 may be configured as sleeves which are mounted on the crank 200 in a manner rotatable with respect to the underlying support structure. For example, the first gripping portion 210 may be provided on a rear end portion of the intermediate portion 208 and/or of the rod 214.

The crank 200 may be configured foldable between a use state in which a cranking operation is possible and non-use state in which the crank 200 is in a configuration in which it extends substantially straight. More precisely, the crank handle portion 206 may be configured transferable between a first state in which the first gripping portion 210 and the second gripping portion 212 are radially offset with respect to each other (see configuration in Fig. 1 ) and a second state in which the first gripping portion 210 and the second gripping portion 212 are both arranged coaxial with respect to one and the same axis (see configuration in Fig. 2), for example an axis of rotation of the crank 200. In other words, the crank handle portion 206 may be foldable into a straight configuration such that the entire crank 200 may be configured in an elongate substantially straight configuration.

Fig. 2 shows a configuration of a crank 200 in which the crank 200 is folded into a nonuse state. The crank handle portion 206 comprises a first rod portion 216 on which the first gripping portion 210 is provided. The first rod portion 216 may be integrally formed with the rod 214. In the shown configuration, the first rod portion 216 is formed by a rear end portion of the rod 214. The crank handle portion 206 further comprises a second rod portion 218 which, at a first end thereof, is hingedly coupled to the first rod portion 216 by means of a first hinge 222. The crank handle portion 206 further comprises a third rod portion 220 which, at a first end thereof, is hingedly coupled to the second rod portion 218 by means of a second hinge 224. At a second end of the third rod portion 220, an end member 226 is provided. The end member 226 may be an end cap and may form or may be provided on a rear end portion of the crank 200.

An end member 226 according to a first configuration is shown in Fig. 2. This end member will also be referred to as first end member 234. The end member 226 may be disk shaped with an outer diameter rendering the end member 226 a portion of the crank 200 having the largest radial dimension. The end member 226 may be coupled to the third rod portion 220 on one side or inner side. On an opposite side, the end member 226 may comprise a gripping portion 228, for example a protrusion, allowing a user to grasp the rear end of the crank 200 for exerting a pulling force thereon in some configurations and/or for exerting a rotational force thereon for threadedly engaging and disengaging the end member 226 in modified configurations. Furthermore, the end member 226 may form a part of an end cap 112 when inserted therein. The first end member 234 may be configured to close an insertion opening 119 in the awning 100 for inserting the crank 200. The end member 226 may be configured to sealingly close the opening 119. For that, the end member 226 may be configured similar to the end member 236 shown in Fig. 5. A sealing member 240 such as a sealing ring may be provided on a radially outer circumference of the end member 226, in particular in a recess 242 (see Fig. 5) provided in the outer circumference of the end member 226.

An end member 226 according to a second configuration is shown in Fig. 5. This end member will also be referred to as second end member 236. The second configuration differs from the above-described first configuration in that the second end member 236 comprises a substantially flat or uniform outer surface 238 which does not comprise the before mentioned gripping portion 228 or any other substantial local protrusion. The outer surface 238 may be configured to create a substantially seamless transition to a surface portion of the awning around the insertion opening to the outer surface 238 in order to prevent any collection of dirt. An inner surface 239 may be provided on an opposite side of the outer surface 238 and may be configured as a force application surface for receiving an urging force from an urging mechanism. Such an urging mechanism may at least comprise an urging member 128 and/or optionally a force application member 130 configured to contact the inner surface 239 and to evenly distribute an urging force on the inner surface 239. An engagement portion 244 may be provided on the outer surface 238 of the second end member 236. Such an engagement portion 244 may be configured to be engaged by a locking arrangement 139 for securely holding the crank 200 in the roller tube. The locking arrangement 139 may be configured with a lock 144 which is operable by a key only. In this way, the locking arrangement 139 may act as anti-theft protection device.

The crank 200 may further comprise a coupling portion 230 provided on a front-end portion 202 thereof and configured to be coupled to the interface portion 116 of the awning 100. The coupling portion 230 may be configured in different ways. As is shown for example in Fig. 7, the coupling portion 230 may comprise a T-coupling 250. The T- coupling may comprise a longitudinally extending supporting portion 251 coupled to the intermediate portion 208 at one end or forming an integral part of the intermediate portion 208. On an opposite end of the supporting portion 251 (at a forward end of the crank 200), laterally extending engaging protrusions 252, 254 are provided which protrude from the supporting portion 251 from opposite sides. The coupling portion 230 may also comprise an l-configuration 261 as shown in Fig. 9. The l-configuration may comprise an elongate base 258. The elongate base 258 may have a non-round outer circumference configured to be received in a force transfer receiving contour in the interface 116. On a free end portion of the base 258, a snap-in end portion 256 may be provided which is configured to be received in the interface 116 in a click in manner for preventing the crank 200 from decoupling from the interface 116.

As is further shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the awning 100 is configured to receive and accommodate the crank 200 therein and the crank 200 is configured to be accommodated in the awning 100, for example in the covering 102. The awning 100 may be configured to allow an insertion of the crank 200 into the same through one of the covering longitudinal end portions 106, 108. In the shown configuration, the awning 100 is configured such that the crank 200 is insertable into the same through the first covering longitudinal end portion 106, more precisely through the end cap 112. In a condition in which the awning 100 is mounted on a vehicle, the first covering longitudinal end portion 106 may be a forward end portion in longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Figs. 2 and 4 show a bearing portion 118 coupled to a roller tube 120 arranged inside the covering 102. The bearing portion 118 comprises an opening forming part of an opening 119 granting access to an interior space 121 of the roller tube 120 inside the covering 102 (see Fig. 4). The crank 200 may be at least partially inserted into the roller tube 120 via the opening 119. In this way, it is possible to accommodate the crank 200 at least partially in the awning 100 (see for example Figs. 6 and 8). It is noted that the configurations as shown in the figures are such that the crank 200 is fully accommodated within the awning 100.

A possible configuration of the front (right)covering longitudinal end portion 106 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 5. Fig. 3 shows a side view of the awning 100 according to an embodiment as viewed in longitudinal rearward direction (from the right side). The covering longitudinal end portion 106 may be formed as an end cap 112. The covering longitudinal end portion 106 may be mounted on the covering 102. The covering longitudinal end portion 106 may rotatably support the roller tube 120 at one end of the roller tube 120. Shown is an end member 226 of a crank 200. The end member 226 corresponds to the second end member 236 as described before. The end member 226 is accommodated in an opening 119 for accessing the interior space 121 of the roller tube 102. The outer surface 238 is arranged substantially flush with a surrounding covering surface. A locking arrangement 139 is provided which, in the shown state, locks the end member 226 in the end cap 112 so that the crank 200 is secured in the awning 100.

Further features of possible configurations of the covering longitudinal end portion 106 are shown in Fig. 4. The covering longitudinal end portion 106 may comprise a holder 124 with a wall portion for covering an end portion of the covering 102 of the awning 100. The holder 124 comprises a supporting portion 126 having an opening forming part of the opening 119 and being configured for rotatably supporting the bearing portion 118 therein. The supporting portion 126 comprises a cylindrical wall section. On an outer side of the cylindrical wall section, two urging members 128 are provided on opposite sides of the cylindrical wall section. The force application member 130 in the form of a flat ring is received on the cylindrical wall section such that it is movable in axial direction of the cylindrical wall portion (longitudinal direction of awning or roller tube) but locked in rotation about the cylindrical wall portion. The force application member 130 is held in contact with the urging members 128 on one side and its opposite side is available for contacting an end member 226, for example the end member 236 as shown in Fig. 5. The holder 124 is fixed to the covering 102 by means of fixation members 132. As is also shown in Fig. 4 the bearing portion 118 is fixed on the end of the roller tube 120 by means of a fixation member 125.

The covering longitudinal end portion 106 further comprises a housing section 138. The housing section 138 is configured to be coupled with the holder 124. The housing section 138 is configured to accommodate the urging mechanism consisting of urging members 128 and force application member 130 and to accommodate components of the locking arrangement 139. The locking arrangement 139 comprises a locking member 136 having an engaging section 137 that is engageable with the engagement portion 244 of the crank 200. The locking member is pivotable between a locking position and an unlocking position. An urging member 134 such as a spring is provided for biasing the locking member 136 towards the locking position. The locking member 136 may be manually moved to the unlocking position by a user. For that, the housing section 138 comprises an opening 140 granting access to an operating portion of the locking member 136. In some configurations, the operating portion may slightly protrude out of the opening 140 as is shown in Fig. 3, for instance. The covering longitudinal end portion 106 may further comprise a lock 144. The lock 144 may comprise a locking cylinder 145 rotatably held in an accommodating recess 142 in the housing section 138. The locking cylinder 145 is rotatable between a locking state and an unlocking state. In the locking state, an end portion of the locking cylinder 145 blocks a movement of the locking member 136 towards the unlocking position. In this way, the lock 144 may arrest the locking member 136 to prevent an unintended removal of the crank 200.

In a different configuration, a lock for locking the crank 200 to the lateral housing portion 106 may be provided in an end member 226 of the crank 200. Figs. 14 and 15 show a configuration in which a lock 266 is provided in the end member 260. The lock 266 again comprises a locking cylinder 268. A tip end portion of the locking cylinder is engageable with an engaging portion 123 provided on the bearing portion 118.

A further configuration of a covering longitudinal end portion 106 will be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 12. In this configuration, the covering longitudinal end portion 106 comprises a cover member 152 for closing the opening 119. The cover member 152 may comprise a gripping portion 154. The cover member 152 and the covering longitudinal end portion 106 may be configured such that the cover member 152 is threadedly engageable with the covering longitudinal end portion 106. The covering longitudinal end portion 106 may comprise a threaded portion 150 for that purpose. Figs. 10 to 12 also show a sequence of steps performed by a user when taking out the crank 200 from the awning 100. In the shown configuration, the cover member 152 is first removed from the awning 100. After that, as shown in Fig. 11 , the interior is revealed granting access to the end member 226 of the crank 200. A user may now grasp the gripping portion 228 and pull out the crank 200 as shown in Fig. 12. As soon as the crank 200 is completely taken out of the awning 100, the user may transfer the crank handle portion 206 to the use state and couple the same to the interface portion 116. Stowing the crank 200 may be performed by performing the steps in opposite sequence.

In another configuration, the cover member 152 may be configured slidably engageable with the awning, for example with the covering longitudinal end portion 106 and/or the end cap 112, as best seen in Figs 38 and 40.

In general, the awning may be configured such that the cover member 152 is only correctly mountable on the awning, for example on the end cap 112, when the accessory, for example the crank 200, is correctly stowed in the awning. The cover member 152 may be configured to be only movable to a closed position when the end member 260 is introduced far enough into the insertion opening 119 and the roller tube 120. A movement to the closed position may either a rotating movement when screwing the cover member 152 into the opening or on the end cap 112 or may be a sliding movement. The end member 260 may comprise a gripping portion 264 similar to the gripping portion 228 described before. However, the gripping portion 264 is provided in a recess 262 formed in the end member 260. The gripping portion 264 may be a rib extending in the recess 262.

As best seen in Figs. 38 and 40, the end cap 112 may comprise a guiding recess 113 for receiving a rib-like protrusion formed in the cover member 152. The guiding recess may extend in a direction inclined to the longitudinal direction of the awning or roller tube 120. The cover member 152 may be configured to be substantially flush with the end cap 112 when mounted on the end cap 112 in the closed position. The cover member 152 may be configured such that the insertion opening 119 is closed thereby creating a substantially seamless outer surface on the end cap. In other words, the cover member 152 may be designed such that a transfer between its outer surface which remains visible when it is in the closed position and the outer surface of the end cap 112 is substantially seamless.

Figs. 39 and 40 show a state in which the crank 200 is not positioned in the stowage position. The end member 261 protrudes from the end cap 112 and blocks an insertion of the cover member 152 since it is not possible to move a lower portion 153 of the cover member 152 past the end member 261 . The end member 261 may comprise a lock 266 as described in connection with the embodiment of Figs. 14 and 15. The lock 266 may comprise a locking cylinder 268 operable with a key. The locking cylinder 268 may comprise a tip end portion engageable with the longitudinal end portion 106, for example with the end cap 112. The longitudinal end portion 106 and/or the end cap 112 may comprise an engaging portion 123 for receiving the end portion of the locking cylinder 268. The end portion of the locking cylinder 268 is configured rotatable between a disengaging position in which the end portion is insertable into and removable from the engaging portion 123 and an engaging position in which the end portion is in positive locking with the engaging portion 123. When the locking cylinder is in the locking position, its end portion cannot be inserted into the engaging portion 123 and abuts against portions 115, 117 of the end cap 112 limiting an insertion opening 111 for the end portion of the locking cylinder 268. Accordingly, if the locking cylinder 268 is in the locking position, the end member 261 cannot be moved to the stowage position. In other words, it is necessary to move the locking cylinder 268 to the opened position to correctly accommodate the end member 261 in the end cap 112.

The locking cylinder 268 may be configured such that the key is only insertable into and removable from the same when the locking cylinder is in the locking position and is not insertable into and removable from the same when the locking cylinder is in the opened position.

In some configurations, a dampening structure may be provided for preventing rattling noises resulting from an accessory accommodated in the awning hitting the surrounding objects, in particular an interior wall of the roller tube, due to vibrations during travel of a vehicle on which the awning is mounted. Such a dampening structure may be provided on the accessory or may be provided in the accommodating space in the awning. Although not shown, an interior circumferential wall of the roller tube 120 may be provided with a dampening material for preventing rigid parts of the accessory from contacting the roller tube. In other configurations, the dampening structure may be provided on the accessory. For example, spacers may be provided on the accessory. In some configurations, at least one spacer 210, 212, 232 is provided on the crank 200.

An exemplary configuration can be gathered from Figs. 2, 4-9, 12-15. In this configuration, three spacers 210, 212, 232 are provided on the crank 200. Each spacer enlarges the outer circumferential dimension of the crank 200. As mentioned before, the crank 200 may comprise one or more rod portions 216, 218, 220. The rod portions may together form a rigid force transfer structure. Such rigid portions may generate noises when contacting other rigid portions, such as the roller tube. The spacers are provided to make sure that such rigid portions are sufficiently spaced from other rigid portions, for example portions in the awning 100. Such spacers may also be provided to prevent rigid parts of the crank 200 from contacting and damaging an outer vehicle surface when the crank 200 is coupled to and hangs on an awning 100 mounted on a vehicle 2 as shown in Fig. 13. The spacers may thus have a double function of preventing rattling noises during stowage and damage of the vehicle during use of the crank.

In the exemplary configuration of Fig. 2, spacer 210 is provided on the first rod portion 216 and forms a first gripping portion. Spacer 212 is provided on the third rod portion 220 and forms a second gripping portion. Spacer 232 is provided on a front-end portion 202 adjacent the coupling portion 230. Accordingly, three sections are provided by the spacers for contacting the inner wall of the roller tube 120. The radial dimension or outer diameter of the spacers may be larger than the radial extension of the couplings 250, 261 on the crank 200 as is shown in Figs. 6 and 8. The radial dimension or outer diameter of the spacers may be slightly smaller than and in the dimension between the fabric attachment portion 122 and the diagonally opposite inner wall portion of the roller tube 120. Each spacer may be made of a foam material. A further benefit of the spacers may be gathered from Fig. 13. Here, the spacers prevent rigid portions of the crank 200 from coming into contact with the vehicle side wall portion 4. In this way, damage of the vehicle side wall portion 4 is prevented.

In the following, a coupling arrangement for coupling an awning to a carrier, for example a vehicle, will be described. An exemplary coupling arrangement 300 is shown in Figs. 16 to 19. The coupling arrangement 300 comprises an awning bracket 400 and a carrying structure 500.

The awning bracket 400 is configured mountable on an awning 100. The awning bracket 400 may comprise an awning support portion 404. The awning support portion 404 may be a platelike member. The awning support portion 404 may be made from cutting and bending a metal sheet 406. The awning support portion 404 may comprise an upper portion 402 which is configured to be received, for example from below, in a recess 109 of an awning 100, for example in an upper portion of the backside of the covering 102 of the awning 100 (see Fig. 21 ). The awning support 404 may comprise openings 412, 414, for example elongate slots, in opposite longitudinal ends 408, 410 for receiving a fixation member for coupling the awning support 404 to the awning 100. In particular, the openings 412, 414 may be used for fixing the awning support 404 to a fixation structure 103 on the awning 100. Such a fixation structure 103 may be provided by way of a track, for example a T-track, formed in the covering 102. As is shown in Fig. 22, the fixation structure 103 may extend in longitudinal direction of the covering 102, for example over the entire or almost the entire length of the covering 102. Such a fixation structure 103 allows mounting the awning bracket 400 at arbitrary positions in longitudinal direction of the awning 100. As is shown in Fig. 23, insertion openings 111 may be provided in the covering longitudinal end portion 106, 108 for granting access to an interior of the track for inserting an engaging portion 492 of the fixation member 490 in the track. An exemplary fixation member 490 is shown in Fig. 24. Although this fixation member 490 is in the shown configuration used for coupling the carrying structure 500 to a fix point of the vehicle 2, the fixation member 490 may also be used for fixing the awning bracket 400 to the awning 100. The engaging portion 492 may be a plate like portion. The fixation member 490 may be a T-bolt. With such a configuration, the awning bracket 400 may be shifted in both longitudinal directions (see double arrows B in Figs. 22 and 23) to a desired fixation position and then fixed at the desired position. The openings 412, 414 may extend in a direction cross to the longitudinal direction of the awning support portion 404 and of the awning 100.

The awning bracket 400 is configured to establish and release a locking between the awning bracket and the carrying structure 500. For that, the awning bracket 400 may comprise an integral part which engages with and disengages from the carrying structure. When engaged, detaching the awning bracket 400 from the carrying structure 500 is blocked. The awning bracket 400 may be configured to be inserted onto the carrying structure 500 by a translatory movement in downward direction. In other words, the awning bracket 400 may be configured to be inserted on the carrying structure 500 from above and downward, for example in the direction of gravity. Accordingly, mounting of the awning 100 on the carrying structure 500 may be performed gravity assisted. The awning bracket 400 may comprise an opening 470 formed in a lower portion thereof. The opening 470 may be defined between the before mentioned awning support portion 404 and a housing portion 458. The housing portion 458 may be a platelike portion. The awning support portion 404 and the housing portion 458 may be fixedly coupled to each other by means of fixation members, for example screws. For that, the awning support portion 404 and the housing portion 458 may comprise openings 416 for receiving the fixation members. The opening 470 may comprise a rectangular shape substantially corresponding to the shape of an insertion section 510 of the carrying structure. The insertion section may be a flat portion.

The carrying structure 500 is configured mountable on a carrying unit. The carrying unit may be a vehicle. The carrying structure 500 may also be referred to as vehicle bracket in some embodiments. The carrying structure 500 may comprise a fixation section 502 for fixedly coupling the carrying structure 500 to a vehicle. The fixation section 502 may comprise openings 506 (see Fig. 16) for receiving fixation members 507 (see Fig. 25), for example screws, for fixedly coupling the carrying structure 500 to a fix point of the vehicle 2. Further fixation section 504 with openings 508 may be provided in a different orientation depending on the construction of the carrying unit, for example vehicle, on which the carrying structure is to be mounted. The carrying structure 500 may further comprise the insertion section 510 configured to be received in the awning bracket 400. As is shown in Fig. 19, the insertion section 510 is offset from the fixation section 502 in a first direction, for example in lateral direction, and extends in a second direction cross to the first direction, for example in height direction. The first direction may be a lateral direction of the vehicle when the carrying structure 500 is mounted on such vehicle. The second direction may be a vertical direction or substantially vertical direction, at least an upward direction in a mounted condition of the carrying structure 500. The insertion section 510 can be configured as a platelike member comprising an extension along the fixation section 502 wherein a longitudinal extension may run in parallel with a longitudinal direction of the vehicle when the carrying structure is mounted on the vehicle. Further features that may be provided on the carrying structure 500 are described in other portions of this specification.

The awning bracket 400 may further comprise a guiding arrangement 450. The guiding arrangement 450 is configured to remove a play between the awning bracket 400 and the carrying structure 500 in at least one direction of a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction and/or a height direction. The guiding arrangement 450 may comprise a wedge portion 460, a guiding pin 452 and/or guiding surfaces 454, 456.

The wedge portion 460 may be provided on the housing portion 458, for example integrally formed therewith or as a separate component mounted thereto. The wedge portion 460 comprises an inclined surface 462. The inclined surface 462 is oriented towards the awning support portion 404. The inclined surface 462 extends such that a distance between the wedge portion 460 and an inner surface of the awning support portion 404 increases towards the opening 470. The inclined surface, the guiding surfaces 454, 456 and the inner surface of the awning support portion 404 may limit an interior receiving space for accommodating the insertion section 510 of the carrying structure. With the inclined surface 462, the interior receiving space is gradually reduced in the direction of upper portion (upward direction in height direction) of the awning bracket 400 so that play between an inserted insertion section 510 and the awning bracket 400 may be reduced. The interior receiving space is accessible through the opening 470. With such a configuration and in particular with the inclined surface 462, the awning support portion 404 may be shifted towards an insertion section 510 and/or pushed against the insertion section 510. The wedge portion 460 may be configured to cooperate with a wedge portion 518 provided on the insertion section 510 of the carrying structure 500. The wedge portion 518 may be integrally formed with the insertion section or may be a separate part attached on the same. The wedge portion 518 may be provided on the insertion section 510 on a side facing fixation section 502 of the carrying structure 500. The wedge portion 518 is inversely arranged with respect to the wedge portion 460. The wedge portion 518 comprises an inclined surface 526 for contacting the inclined surface 462. As is shown in Fig. 19, the wedge portions 460 and 518 may be configured such that an angle between their back surfaces and their inclined surfaces is identical. With such a configuration, an outer surface portion of the insertion section 510, in particular a surface portion facing towards the awning support portion 404 when the insertion section 510 is received in the awning bracket 400, and an outer surface portion of the housing portion 458 can be arranged substantially parallel with respect to each other when the insertion section 510 is received in the awning bracket 400. For example, the insertion section 510 may extend in vertical direction so that an awning bracket 400 mounted thereon also extends in vertical direction. Due to the wedge action taking place between the wedge portions during an insertion or receiving process of the insertion section 510 in the awning bracket 400, the awning support portion 404 is moved towards the insertion section 510 and pushed against the same so that an outer surface of the insertion section 510 and an inner surface of the awning support portion 404 get in surface contact without play between them. The guiding surfaces 454, 456 may extend inclined to the longitudinal direction of the awning bracket 400, may be oriented downwards, for example towards the opening 470, and may extend in particular at an angle with respect to each other and for example such that imaginary elongations of the guiding surfaces 454, 456 intersect each other at a point above the receiving space, for example at a longitudinal middle position above the receiving space. Mating contact surfaces 522, 524 may be provided on the insertion section 510. The guiding surfaces 454, 456 and the mating contact surfaces 522, 524 may be configured to get in surface contact with each other when the insertion section 510 is fully received in the awning bracket 400.

In addition or alternatively to the guiding surfaces 454, 456, the guiding pin 452 may be provided in the interior receiving space of the awning bracket 400. The guiding pin 452 may be supported on the awning support portion 404 at one end and may be supported on the housing portion 458 and/or on the wedge portion 460 at the other end. The guiding pin 452 forms a guiding means that can be received in a guiding recess 514 formed in the insertion section 510. An exemplary guiding recess 514 is shown in Fig. 17. This guiding recess extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the carrying structure 500 and in an upward direction, for example vertically upward direction, when the carrying structure 500 is mounted on a carrying unit such as a vehicle. The guiding recess 514 may comprise an inner portion and an outer portion. The upper portion may be formed in a funnel shape with a receiving portion widening towards an opening section of the guiding recess 514 and narrowing towards the inner portion of the guiding recess 514. The inner portion of the guiding recess 514 may comprise a width which substantially corresponds to the outer diameter of the guiding pin 452. The dimension of the inner portion may be such that the guiding pin 452 can be accommodated therein in a substantially play free manner.

In some embodiments, the awning bracket 400 may be configured to automatically establish a locking between the awning bracket 400 and the carrying structure 500 so as to block a movement of the awning bracket 400 relative to the carrying structure 500 in a detachment direction. In some configurations, locking may be automatically caused upon inserting the awning bracket 400 on the carrying structure 500 when the awning bracket 400 was moved onto the carrying structure 500 for a predetermined distance in an insertion direction opposite to the detachment direction. In some embodiments, the insertion direction may be a downward direction, for example vertically from above. The awning bracket 400 may comprise a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may comprise an engaging portion 436. The engaging portion 436 may be movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. As shown in the drawings, the engaging portion 436 may be movable between the locking position and the unlocking position in a longitudinal direction of the awning bracket 400. The engaging portion 436 may be pivotably movable about a pivot axis defined by a pivot pin 446 as shown in the example configuration of Figs. 16 to 18. The pivot axis may extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the awning bracket 400, for example in parallel with the guiding pin 452 if such a guiding pin 452 is provided and/or in transverse direction. The locking position is a position in which the engaging portion 436 engages with the carrying structure 500 and the unlocking position as a position in which the engaging portion 436 is disengaged from the carrying structure 500. The engaging portion 436 may be biased towards the locking position by means of an urging member 440 which in the shown configurations is a spring 441 . For receiving the engaging portion 436, the insertion section 510 of the carrying structure 500 may comprise an engaging recess 516 in a longitudinal end of the insertion section 510. The engaging recess 516 extends into the insertion section 510 in longitudinal direction of the insertion section 510. When viewing the insertion section 510 in a lateral direction, as for example shown in Fig. 17, the engaging recess 516 may extend into the insertion section 510 from the left or from the right side. The engaging recess 516 may comprise a curved upper surface 520 configured to get in contact with an upper portion of the engaging portion 436. The upper surface 520 may be curved in a convex manner bulging towards the interior of the engaging recess 516. The locking mechanism may be configured such that the engaging portion 436 is automatically moved into the unlocking position upon inserting the awning bracket 400 on the insertion section 510. The engaging portion 436 may be pushed towards the unlocking position by a portion of the insertion section 510. For example, a lower portion of the engaging portion 436 may be configured to get in sliding contact with contact surface 522 upon inserting the awning bracket 400 on the insertion section 510 which leads to a movement of the engaging portion 436 towards the unlocking position. In other words, the insertion section 510 moves the engaging portion by a surface contact. As soon as the engaging portion 436 is aligned with the engaging recess 516, the engaging portion 436 may automatically snap into the engaging recess 516 due to the urging force exerted thereon by the urging member 440. The engaging portion 436 may be part, for example an integral part, of a lever 432. The lever 432 may be mounted pivotably about a pivot pin 446 at a first portion 438, for example a first end portion, thereof. The engaging portion 436 may be provided in a middle section of the lever 432.

The locking mechanism may further comprise an operating portion 434. The operating portion may be formed by an end portion of the lever 432, in particular by an end portion of the lever 432 which is opposite to the first portion 438 and may be a lower portion of the lever 432 when viewing the awning bracket 400 from lateral side, for example in transverse direction of the vehicle when the awning bracket 400 is mounted on the carrying structure 500 fixed to a fix point of a vehicle. The operating portion 434 may be operatively coupled to the engaging portion 436 for moving the engaging portion 436 between the locking position and the unlocking position through operation of the operating portion 434 by a user. The operating portion 434 may be movable between a blocking position and a release position. In the blocking position, the engaging portion 436 is in the locking position and in the release position the engaging portion 436 is in the unlocking position. The operating portion 434 and the engaging portion 436 may be integrally formed in a single member, such as the lever 432 as already described before. The operating portion 434 may protrude from the awning bracket 400, for example from a lower side of the awning bracket 400 as shown in Fig. 18, for instance. In particular, the operating portion 434 may protrude from the awning bracket such that a user may reach the operating portion 434 by hand. In order to disengage the engaging portion 436 from the insertion section 510, a user may move the operating portion 434 against an urging force of the urging member 440 as illustrated by an arrow A in Fig. 18. Since the engagement between the engaging portion 436 and the engaging recess 516 takes place in the longitudinal direction, a lateral dimension of the awning bracket 400 and of the insertion section 510 can be small. Furthermore, since locking takes place in the interior of the awning bracket 400, the safety for a user is increased.

In some embodiments, multiple, for example two awning brackets 400, may be attached to an awning 100 as shown in Fig. 22. The awning brackets 400 may be operatively coupled to each other such that locking mechanisms of multiple awning brackets 400 can be operated simultaneously. In this way, a single user may unlock multiple awning brackets even in longer awnings where it is normally not possible for a user to reach all awning brackets at the same time. The awning brackets may be coupled by a force transfer mechanism operatively coupling engaging portions and/or operating portions of locking mechanisms of the awning brackets. Such a force transfer mechanism may comprise a cable, for example a Bowden cable. In another configuration, at least one locking mechanism of one of multiple awning brackets may comprise a mechanism allowing to temporarily fix the engaging portion in an unlocking position, for example by snapping the lever into a corresponding receiving portion. In this way, the user may disengage the engaging portion in such an awning bracket first and then only has to disengage the remaining engaging portion of a second awning bracket for being able to remove the awning from the carrying structure.

In some embodiments, a securing device 600 is provided. The securing device 600 will be described with reference to Figs. 25 to 28. The securing device 600 may comprise a shell-like shape with a lower portion 602, longitudinal wall portions 604, 606 protruding from the lower portion 602 in a substantially perpendicular manner at longitudinal ends of the lower portion 602 and lateral wall portion 608 protruding between the longitudinal wall portions 604, 606 on a lateral outer side of the lower portion 602. The securing device 600 is detachably couplable to the carrying structure 500 from below. For that, the securing device 600 may comprise latches 610 protruding from a lower portion 602 of the securing device 600 and comprising a hook like free end portion 612 configured to engage with a lower portion 511 of the carrying structure 500. In a modification, one or more latches for detachably coupling the securing device to the awning bracket may be provided. For positioning purposes, the securing device 600 may optionally comprise a protrusion 614 and the carrying structure 500 may comprise an opening 513 for receiving the protrusion 614 therein. Furthermore, the securing device 600 may be engageable with the awning bracket 400 or with a protective cover 700 which may be provided at least on the insertion section 510 when no awning bracket 400 is mounted on the carrying structure, or may be engageable with the carrying structure 500. The securing device 600 may be lockable by means of a lock, for example having a locking cylinder with the awning bracket 400 or with the protective cover 700 or with the carrying structure 500. An exemplary protective cover 700 is shown in Fig. 27 and in Fig. 28. The protective cover 700 may comprise a trough shape with an upper wall portion 702, a laterally outer wall portion 708, a laterally inner portion 710 and two longitudinal wall portions 704, 706, wherein all of the latter wall portions protrude on corresponding sides of the upper wall portion 702 in the same direction thereby forming an interior space for accommodating the insertion section 510. On an inner side of the upper wall portion 702, receiving sections 712, 714 for receiving an upper end portion of the insertion section 510 are formed in ribs protruding from the upper wall portion 702 into the interior space. As is further shown in Fig. 28, a protrusion 716 is provided on an inner side of the laterally outer wall portion 708. A receiving portion 718 for an engagement with the lock may be formed in the protrusion 716.

The securing device 600 may be attached such that the carrying structure 500 is at least partially arranged between the securing device 600 and the awning bracket 400 or the protective cover 700. The securing device 600 may comprise a lock 620. The lock 620 may be configured to lock the securing device 600 to the awning bracket 400 or the protective cover 700. The lock 620 may comprise a locking cylinder 622. The locking cylinder 622 may be rotatably held in a supporting portion 616. An engaging portion 624 of the locking cylinder may be engaged with a receiving portion 480 formed in the lower portion of the awning bracket 400 (see Fig. 24) or with a receiving portion 718 formed inside the protective cover 700 (see Fig. 28) depending on which of the latter parts is mounted on the carrying structure 500. In an alternative, the securing device may be in addition or alternatively lockable with the carrying structure by a lock. Accordingly, the securing device 600 may act as a theft protection device preventing unauthorized removal of the protective cover 700 or awning bracket 400.

The securing device 600 may further be configured to act as a blocking member for the operating portion 434. The securing device 600 may be configured to accommodate an operating portion 434 of the locking mechanism of the awning bracket 400 and to block a movement of the same.

The securing device 600 may be configured to be only mountable on the awning bracket and the carrying structure 500 when an engaging portion 436 of the awning bracket 400 is correctly engaged with the carrying structure 500. Accordingly, the securing device 600 may act as an indicator indicating to a user whether the awning bracket 400 is correctly mounted or not.

The securing device 600 may comprise an opening 630 for receiving a portion of the operating portion 434. The opening 630 may be provided in the lower portion 602 of the securing device 600 on an opposite side of the lock 620. The opening 630 is configured and provided such that the operating portion 434 may only be received in the opening 630 when the operating portion 434 is in the blocking position and/or such that a wall portion defining the opening 630 blocks a movement of the operating portion 434 towards the release position.

In general, different types of awnings are known. For example, winding and unwinding the fabric 104 may in some awning types be carried out by grasping the roller tube including the fabric and rotating the roller tube by hand for unwinding the fabric. In this configuration, the roller tube with the wound fabric is taken out of the covering 102, for example a bag, by hand and the fabric is unwound by stepwise rotating the roller tube by hand while holding the roller tube in the hands. On the other hand, the awning arrangement may be configured as a crank operable awning arrangement as shown in Fig. 1 in which the roller tube is rotatably supported in the covering 102, in particular on a housing, for example rotatably supported between the covering lateral end portions 106, 108. Also, it is possible that the covering is provided by a flexible bag and that the roller tube is rotatably held in the bag between two mounting brackets couplable to the carrying unit. The awing bracket 400 may be used with all types of awnings, including the ones described before.

In some embodiments, the carrying structure 500 is formed from sheet metal forming. The sheet metal forming process may be a process in which the sheet metal 501 is shaped in at least two distinct steps, in particular using two different molds. A first mold may be configured to form the insertion section 510 and a second mold can be configured to form the fixation section 502. In some embodiments, the process of manufacturing carrying structures for different vehicle types may comprise the step of forming the insertion section 510 on all sheet metal base parts and a fixation section 502 depending on a specific vehicle type. In this way, only different smaller molds or dies are necessary for forming the fixation sections 502 for the different vehicle types. In this way, the manufacturing costs are significantly reduced owing to smaller molds or dies compared to molds or dies that simultaneously form the insertion section and the fixation section. The metal sheet 501 may be made from a high-strength, low-alloy steel. An exemplary manufacturing process is shown in Figs. 35 to 37. In a first step as best seen in Fig. 35, the metal sheet 501 having a basic shape having a section to be deformed into the insertion section 510 and a section to be deformed into the fixation section 502 is provided. This can be done by cutting the metal sheet. Furthermore, openings 506, 508 are provided in the sheet metal, for example by punching. The engaging recess 516 may also be provided, for example by cutting or punching. In a second step, the metal sheet is place in a first die and deformed to create the insertion section 510 as best seen in Fig. 36. In this step, the insertion section 510 may also be deformed to create a stiffening section 517 providing stiffness in the insertion section 510. The stiffening section 517 may be formed by forming a channel-shaped depression in the insertion section 510, for example by embossing. The stiffening section 517 may be formed to integrally create the wedge like appearance or wedge portion in the insertion section or to give the insertion section 510 at least partially the function of the wedge portion as described before. In a further step, the fixation section 502 is formed. For that, the partially deformed metal sheet 501 comprising the insertion section 510 is transferred into another tool or mold or die for creating the fixation section 502 depending on the fix point and/or vehicle type. It is noted that in a modified manufacturing process, the vehicle side portion and the awning side portion of the carrying structure 500 can be formed as separate parts and joined together to form the carrying structure 500. Thus, a carrying structure 500 may be provided in which the insertion section 510 and vehicle specific fixation section 502 are formed independently in separate molds or dies and are then joined together as needed for a specific vehicle type. The separate parts may be joined to each other by chemical reaction or thermal effects, for example by welding. However, it is also possible to mechanically join the separate parts together. When forming the carrying structure 500 from a single metal sheet, the manufacturing process or method may in some instances only involve the use of a bending machine for creating the overall appearance of the different sections of the carrying structure and a pressing machine for creating reinforcement ribs on the metal sheet.

In a modification, the awning bracket 400 may comprise a different configuration while the overall function is similar to the above mentioned constructions of the awning bracket 400. The main difference resides in the locking mechanism to establish and release a locking between the awning bracket and the carrying structure. Again, the locking mechanism comprises an engaging portion 436 movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. In the modification, the engaging portion 436 is linearly guided, for example in one or more slots 417, 459. Furthermore, the engaging portion 436 may be coupled to a pivotable operating lever 434 by means of a force transfer portion 437, for example a rod. The engaging portion 436 and the rod may be integrally formed or coupled to each other to form an integral unit. For example, the force transfer portion 437 and the engaging portion 436 may be provided on a single part are member that may be forged. The operating portion 434 may be part of a lever which is hingedly held in a longitudinal end portion of the awning bracket 400. The operating portion 434 may be a handle. The operating portion 434 or handle may be entirely provided on an outer side of the awning bracket 400. The operating portion 434 may be hingedly coupled to the holding structure 451 , for example to a portion of the holding structure 451 protruding out of the space between the housing portion 458 and the awning support portion 404.

The blocking member 472 and the force transfer portion 437 may be hingedly coupled to the operating portion 434 pivotable about the same axis which may be defined by a coupling member 475. The engaging portion 436 may be biased towards the locking position by the urging member 440. Accordingly, disengaging the engaging portion 436 may be effected against an urging force exerted by the urging member 440. The urging member 440 may be a compression spring. The urging member 440 may be arranged around or on an outer circumference of the force transfer member 437. The force transfer member 437 may extend through the urging member 440. One end portion of the urging member 440 may be supported on the force transfer member 437 or on the engaging portion 436 and the other end of the urging member 440 may be supported on the holding structure 451 and/or on the awning support portion 404 and/or on the housing portion 458.

Instead of a securing device 600, the awning bracket 400 may comprise a configuration in which a movement of the operating portion 434 towards the unlocking position is blocked by an integrated mechanism. The awning bracket 400 may be configured such that the movement of the operating portion 434 towards the unlocking position is automatically blocked when said operating portion 434 is positioned in the locking position. The awning bracket 400 may comprise a blocking member 472 for blocking the movement of the operating portion 434 towards the unlocking position. As an example, the blocking member 472 may comprise a biased latch lever that is biased towards an engaging position and automatically engages with a locking recess 474. The blocking member 472 may be provided on the operating portion 434 or operatively coupled with the operating portion 434. The locking recess 474 may be provided in the housing portion 458 or in a holding structure 451 formed between the housing 458 and the awning support portion 404 of the awning bracket 400. The blocking member 472 may comprise a latching section 476 and an operating section 478. The latching section 476 and the operating section 478 may be integrally formed, for example diecast. The blocking member 472 may be pivotably coupled to the operating portion 434, for example such that the pivot axis of the blocking member 472 and the pivot axis of the operating portion 434 run in parallel with each other. The blocking member 472 may be a lever. The blocking member 472 is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. A configuration may be provided in which a movement of the blocking member 472 can be blocked. For example, a key operable lock may be provided. The lock may comprise a locking cylinder 494, for example operable by a key 495. The locking cylinder may be provided in the operating portion 434. The locking cylinder 494 may be rotatable between a locking position in which a movement of the blocking member 472 out of the locking position is blocked. An end portion 496 of the locking cylinder 494 may be shaped such that when the locking cylinder is positioned in the locking position it is at least partially positioned in a movement path of the blocking member, and when the locking cylinder is positioned in the unlocking position it is positioned such that the blocking member may pass the end portion.

In the modification of the awning bracket 400 shown in Figs. 29 to 33, a covering section 461 may cover the outside of the housing portion 458. The covering section 461 may be detachably mountable on the housing portion 458 by a snap fit connection. The covering section 461 may be configured to conceal any openings or fixation members provided in or coupled with the housing portion 458 to prevent dust from reaching the interior of the awning bracket 400 and for creating a visually appearing outer surface on the awning bracket 400.

The awning bracket 400 may comprise an intermediate structure 453 provided between the housing portion 458 and the awning support portion 404. The intermediate structure 455 may comprise the wedge portion 460. The intermediate structure 453 may be sandwiched between the housing portion 458 and the awning support portion 404. The intermediate structure 453

As mentioned before, the fixation section 502 may comprise openings 506 for receiving fixation members 507, for example screws, for fixedly coupling the carrying structure 500 to a fix point of the vehicle 2, in particular to a fix point provided on the roof 3 of a vehicle. The openings 506 may be configured larger that the diameter of fixation members 507 to be received therein to provide some play for correctly positioning the carrying structure 500 on the vehicle 2. For example, the openings 506 may be configured

The fix points may be reinforced portions on the vehicle 2. For example, the fix points

31 may be provided in a supporting section of a lift roof of a camper vehicle. The supporting section of the lift roof may be a frame fixed on the vehicle roof 3.

Accordingly, existing fix points on the vehicle roof 3 may be used for fixing the carrying structure 500 on the roof 3. The fix points 31 may be car specific and vary from vehicle manufacturer to vehicle manufacturer. The fixation section 502 may be adapted to one of the specific fix points while the insertion section 510 is identical for all vehicle types.

The further fixation section 504 may be configured to be coupled with a rain gutter rail

32 provided on the lateral side of a vehicle roof 3 as shown in Fig. 34. With such an arrangement, forces may be spread to the side of the vehicle. The rain gutter rail 32 may comprise a piping groove 33 for receiving a piping of an accessory or may comprise another fixation means for mounting an accessory to the vehicle roof. The rain gutter rail 32 may comprise a track 34 for receiving a fixation member 35. The track 34 may be a T-track. The fixation member 35 may be a T-bolt insertable in the track 34 and fixed to the carrying structure 50 by a nut 36.

In some configurations, the awning bracket 400 may comprise an urging portion 482 configured to apply a pushing force on a lateral side of a received insertion section 510, in particular such that the insertion section 510 is applied with a force in a direction facing away from the housing portion 458. In this way, the insertion section 510 can be pushed towards and/or against the awning support portion to remove play. The urging portion 482 may be provided in or on the holding structure 451. The urging portion 482 may be provided between the housing portion 458 and the awning support portion 404. The urging portion 482 may be an integral part of the holding structure 451 . The urging portion may be biased in a direction away from the housing portion 458 by means of a spring (not shown).

The protective cover arrangement 900 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 41 to 44. Fig. 41 shows a configuration in which the protective cover arrangement 900 is mounted on a carrying structure 500. The protective cover arrangement 900 comprises a front cover portion 902 and a rear cover portion 910. The front cover portion 902 is configured to cover an outer side of the insertion section 510 of the carrying structure 500. The rear cover portion 910 is configured to cover an inner side or rear side of the insertion section 510 of the carrying structure 500. The rear side of the insertion section 510 is the side facing towards the vehicle when the carrying structure 500 is mounted on the vehicle.

The rear cover portion 910 comprises multiple engaging portions 940, 942, 944 allowing to fixedly attach the rear cover portion 910 on the insertion section 510. In the embodiment, the rear cover portion 910 is configured to snap onto the insertion section 510. The engaging portions 940, 942, 944 may be configured as latch levers. The engaging portions 940, 942, 944 may protrude from a main body of the rear cover portion 910 and may be configured to engage with an edge portion of the insertion section 510 on different sides of the insertion section 510. The engaging portions may be configured as hooks. The rear cover portion 110 further comprises supporting portions 950 for supporting the rear cover portion 910 on a rear side surface of the insertion section 510. The engaging portions 940, 942, 944 may be configured such that when the supporting portions 950 are in contact with the rear side surface of the insertion section 510, the engaging portions 940, 942, 944 engage with the insertion section 510. Accordingly, the rear cover portion 910 is configured to snap into place on or to hook on the insertion section 510. When mounting the protective cover arrangement 900 on the insertion section 510, engaging the rear cover portion 910 with the insertion section 510 may be the first step. The rear cover portion 910 may further comprise a positioning portion 920, 930 configured to be received in an engaging reces on the insertion section 510, for example in the engaging recess 516 which is configured to receive the engaging portion 436 or another engaging recess 528 specifically provided for receiving the positioning portion.

The rear cover portion 910 may further comprise attaching portions 912, 916, 918 configured to be engaged by portions of the front cover portion 902. The attaching portions 912, 916, 918 may be configured as latch receiving portions to be engaged by engaging portions 904, 906, 908, for example latches 904, 906, 908, formed on the front cover portion 902. Accordingly, the rear cover portion 910 may be indirectly engaged with the insertion section 510 via the rear cover portion 910. In other words, in one configuration, the rear cover portion 910 is engaged with the insertion section 510 and the front cover portion 902 is engaged only with the rear cover portion 910. The rear cover portion 910 may comprise a recess 914 allowing a user to access a free end portion of at least one of the engaging portions 904, 906, 908, for example the upper latch 904 of the front cover portion 902, for disengaging purposes.

A further carrying structure 500 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 45 and 46. The carrying structure 500 differs from other carrying structures described in this specification in that multiple reinforcing sections 530, 532, 534 are provided. Each reinforcing section 530, 532, 534 extends over a bending line between adjacent surface parts of the carrying structure 500. Each reinforcing section 530, 532, 534 may be a continuous section. For example, each reinforcing section 530, 532, 534 extends over a first bending line or bending section between the insertion section 510 and a coupling section 542 coupling the insertion section 510 with a vehicle side carrying structure portion comprising the fixation section 502 or the further fixation section 504. In the embodiment, three reinforcing sections 530, 532, 534 are provided. The middle reinforcing section 532 may be configured wider compared to the adjacent outer reinforcing sections 530, 534. The middle reinforcing section 532 may be configured to extend from the insertion section 510 into the coupling section 542 over a first bending line or first bending section 540. The middle reinforcing section 532 may start in the insertion section 510 and end in the coupling section 542. The outer reinforcing sections 530, 534 may start in the insertion section 510 and may extend entirely through the coupling section 542 into the vehicle side carrying structure portion. For example, the outer reinforcing sections 530, 534 may extend into the fixation section 504. The fixation section 504 may be a portion of the vehicle side carrying structure portion in which the opening 508 is provided. The fixation section 504 may be one of two or more fixation sections 502, 504 provided in the vehicle side carrying structure portion. In the course of their extension, the outer reinforcing sections 530, 534 may extend over the first bending line or first bending section 540 between the insertion section 510 and the coupling section 542 and over a second bending line or second bending section 544 between the coupling section 542 and the fixation section 504. The middle reinforcing section 532 and one of the outer reinforcing sections may start at substantially the same position in height direction of the insertion section 510. The outer reinforcing sections 530, 534 may start at different height positions on the insertion section 510. The outer reinforcing section 530, 534 may end at substantially the same position. The insertion section 510, the coupling section 542 and at least a portion of the vehicle side carrying structure portion, for example the fixation section 504 define respective surface parts and the reinforcing sections extend over or in the surface parts. The reinforcing sections are provided as a relief in the metal sheet, for example by embossing. The metal sheet may be a stainless steel metal sheet.

In conclusion, it is pointed out that the terms like "comprising" or the like are not intended to rule out the provision of additional elements or steps. Let it further be noted that "a" or "an" do not preclude a plurality. In addition, features described in conjunction with the different embodiments can be combined with each other however desired. It is also noted that the reference numbers in the claims are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Moreover, while at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing summary and detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist.

It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing an exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

ASPECTS

In the following, different configurations and/or different aspects are represented in itemized structure in addition to the subject matter of claim 1 and the dependent claims and in addition to the explanations and configurations given in the introductory portion of this specification. It is to be noted that the below specific feature combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure to such specific feature combinations. By contrast, the below feature combinations merely provide different examples having improved capabilities. Features and embodiments as defined in the itemized configurations may be combined with other features and embodiments of other itemized configurations, as well as with one or more of the features of configurations described in the summary section and the detailed description section. Awning with stowing capability

1. Awning (100), comprising an elongate covering (102), for example a housing or bag, a rotatable roller tube (120) for winding and unwinding an awning fabric (104), wherein said roller tube (120) is arranged in said covering, for example rotatably held in said covering (102), wherein said awning (100) is configured to at least partially accommodate an accessory, for example a crank (200) or a tensioning bar, on or in said covering (102) for stowing purposes when said accessory is not in use.

2. Awning (100) according to item 1 , further comprising an accommodating portion configured to at least partially accommodate said accessory therein.

3. Awning (100) according to item 2, wherein said accommodating portion is accessible from a longitudinal end side of said awning (100).

4. Awning (100) according to item 3, wherein said accommodating portion is configured accessible through a covering longitudinal end portion (106) of said awning (100), for example through an end cap (112) of said covering (102), wherein said covering longitudinal end portion (106) may comprise an opening (119) allowing to pass said accessory into said accommodating portion through said covering longitudinal end portion (106).

5. Awning (100) according to item 4, wherein said accommodating portion is provided by said roller tube (120), wherein said roller tube (120) may comprise an interior space (121 ) having a dimension allowing to partially or fully accommodate said accessory in said awning (100), wherein said opening (119) may at least partially be formed in a bearing portion (118) coupled to an end portion of said roller tube (120) and configured to rotatably support said roller tube (120) in said longitudinal end portion (106), for example said covering longitudinal end portion (106), wherein said accommodating portion may be provided with an elastic material or damping material on an inner wall limiting said accommodating portion, and/or wherein said accommodating portion may be provided in said roller tube (120) such that an inserted accessory may rotate jointly with said roller tube (120).

6. Awning (100) according to one of items 4 and 5, further comprising a locking arrangement (139) for releasably locking said accessory to said awning (100), wherein said locking arrangement (139) may comprise a lock (144) which is operable by a key and/or may comprise a locking member (136) engageable with an engagement portion (244) on said accessory (200), for example automatically engageable with said engagement portion (244), wherein said locking member (136) may be a rotating member and may comprise an engaging section (137) engageable with said engagement portion (244), wherein said locking member (136) may be pivotable between a locking position and an unlocking position, wherein said locking member (136) may be biased towards said locking position by an urging member (134), for example a spring, and may be manually moved to said unlocking position by a user against an urging force applied by said urging member (134) on said locking member (136), wherein said lock (144) may comprise a locking cylinder (145) and may be transferable, for example rotatable, between a locking state, in which said lock (144) blocks a movement of said locking member (136) towards said unlocking position, and an unlocking state in which said locking member (136) can be moved to said unlocking position, or further comprising an engaging portion (123) configured to cooperate with a lock (266) operable with a key and provided on said accessory, for example in an end member (260) of a crank (200), wherein said engaging portion (123) may be provided on said bearing portion (118), for example integrally formed with said bearing portion (118), wherein said lock (266) may comprise a locking cylinder (268) rotatable between a locking position and an unlocking position about a cylinder axis, wherein said cylinder axis may run in parallel with a main extension direction of said roller tube (120) when said end member (260) is in a stowage position on said bearing portion (118), wherein said locking cylinder (268) may comprise an end portion configured to engage with said engaging portion (123), wherein said engaging portion (123) may comprise an insertion opening (111 ) formed in said bearing portion (118), and/or further comprising a cover member (152) for covering the end member (260) arranged on said covering longitudinal end portion (106) or on said end cap (112), wherein said cover member (152) may be configured slidably engageable with said covering longitudinal end portion (106) or with said end cap (112), wherein said cover member (152) may be configured such that it is only correctly mountable on the covering longitudinal end portion (106) or on the end cap (112) when said accessory, for example said crank (200), is correctly stowed in said awning, for example when said end member (260) is introduced far enough into said insertion opening (119) and said roller tube (120), wherein said cover member (152) may be configured to be slidable onto said end cap (112) in a direction perpendicular to an extension direction of said awning and roller tube, wherein said end cap (112) may comprise a guiding recess (113) for receiving a protrusion formed in said cover member (152).

7. Awning (100) according to one of items 4 and 5, further comprising a biasing mechanism (128, 130) configured to apply a biasing force on an accommodated accessory in a take-out direction of said accommodated accessory, wherein said biasing mechanism (128, 130) may comprise a force application member (130), for example a ring, supported against one or more urging members (128), for example a spring, and configured to get in contact with a force receiving portion on said accessory (200), for example an interior surface (239) of an end member (236), and to be moved to compress said one or more urging members (128) upon inserting said accessory into said accommodating portion.

Awning accessory/crank stowable in awning

8. Awning accessory (200), in particular a crank (200) for operating an awning (100), for example an accessory configured to be stowable on or in an awning (100) according to one of the preceding items, wherein said accessory (200) comprises a rigid force transfer structure, wherein said force transfer structure may comprise one or more rod portions (216, 218, 220), for example a first rod portion (216), a second rod portion (218) and a third rod portion (220) arranged in series in this order, at least one spacer (210, 212, 232, 240) for locally enlarging an outer circumferential dimension of said rigid force transfer structure for providing a predefined support surface on said rigid force transfer structure at a predetermined distance from said rigid force transfer structure, wherein each spacer (210, 212, 232, 240) is made from an elastic material.

9. Awning accessory (200) according to item 8, wherein at least one spacer (210, 212, 232) is formed as a sleeve and/or ring and/or comprises a foam material.

10. Awning accessory (200) according to one of items 8 and 9, comprising at least two of said spacers (210, 212, 232), wherein at least two or all spacers may comprise an identical outer diameter, wherein said outer diameter may correspond to a maximum diameter allowing inserting and stowing said spacers in said awning (100), for example in said roller tube (120) of said awning (100).

11 . Awning accessory according to one of items 8 to 10, wherein said awning accessory is a crank (200) for operating said awning (100), said crank (200) comprising a front-end portion (202) configured to be coupled to an interface portion (116) of said awning (100), a rear end portion (204) configured to be grasped by a user for performing a cranking motion for generating a rotational force, wherein said rear end portion (204) comprises a crank handle portion (206) having a first gripping portion (210), for example provided on said first rod portion (216), and a second gripping portion (212), for example provided on said third rod portion (220), wherein at least one of said first gripping portion (210) and said second gripping portion (212) is formed by or comprises said spacer.

12. Awning accessory according to item 11 , wherein said crank handle portion (206) is transferable between a use state and a non-use state, wherein in said use state said first gripping portion (210) and said second gripping portion (212) are configured for a cranking operation and wherein in said non-use state said first gripping portion (210) and said second gripping portion (212) are arranged coaxially.

13. Awning accessory according to item 12, further comprising an end member (226) coupled to a rear end of said rear end portion (204), said end member (226) being preferably configured to lock said awning accessory in said accommodating portion, for example by means of a lock (266) and/or a threaded engagement, and/or may be provided with a gripping portion (228, 264) allowing to exert a pulling force on said awning accessory for taking the same out of said accommodating portion and/or a rotational force for threadedly engaging or disengaging said end member (226) in an end cap (112) or longitudinal end portion of an awning, for example in a covering longitudinal end portion (106) of an awning.

Awning arrangement with awning and accessory

14. Awning arrangement (1 ) comprising an awning (100) according to items 1 to 7 and an awning accessory according to one of items 8 to 13.

Awning bracket

15. Awning bracket (400) for coupling an awning (100) to a carrying structure (500), in particular to a mounting bracket (500) mountable on a carrying unit, for example a vehicle, wherein said awning bracket (400) is configured mountable on said awning (100), for example on a backside, an underside or a topside of said awning (100) and between end portions (106, 108) of said awning (100), in particular at a position between longitudinal end portions of said awning (100), for example between covering longitudinal end portions of said awning (100) or on said longitudinal end portions of said awning (100), wherein said awning bracket (400) is configured to establish and release a locking between said awning bracket (400) and said carrying structure (500) by means of an integral part of said awning bracket (400) engaging with and disengaging from said carrying structure (500).

16. Awning bracket (400) according to item 15, wherein said awning bracket (400) is configured to be detachably couplable to said carrying structure (500) from above, and/or wherein said awning bracket (400) is configured to be inserted onto said carrying structure (500) only by means of a pure translatory movement of said awning bracket (400) with respect to said carrying structure (500), and/or in the direction of gravity.

Automatic/spring-biased locking

17. Awning bracket (400) according to one of items 15 and 16, wherein said awning bracket (400) is configured to automatically establish a locking between said awning bracket (400) and said carrying structure so as to block a movement of said awning bracket (400) relative to said carrying structure (500) in a detachment direction, wherein said locking may be automatically effected upon inserting said awning bracket (400) on said carrying structure (500) when said awning bracket (400) was moved onto said carrying structure (500) for a predetermined distance in an insertion direction opposite to said detachment direction.

18. Awning bracket (400) according to one of items 15 to 17, further comprising a locking mechanism comprising an engaging portion (436) movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, for example in a longitudinal direction of said awning bracket (400), for example pivotably movable about a pivot axis defined by a pivot pin (446), wherein said locking position is a position in which said engaging portion (436) engages with said carrying structure (500) and said unlocking position is a position in which said engaging portion (436) is disengaged from said carrying structure (500), wherein said engaging portion (436) may be biased towards said locking position by means of an urging member (440), for example a spring (441 ).

19. Awning bracket (400) according to item 18, wherein said engaging portion (436) may be configured so as to be pivotably movable about a pivot axis defined by a pivot pin (452), wherein said pivot axis may extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of said awning bracket (400), or wherein said engaging portion (436) may be linearly guided, for example in one or more slots (417, 459) and/or in longitudinal direction of said awning bracket (400).

20. Awning bracket (400) according to one of claims 18 and 19, wherein said locking mechanism further comprises an operating portion (434) operatively coupled to said engaging portion (436) for moving said engaging portion (436) between said locking position and said unlocking position through operation of said operating portion (434) by a user, and/or wherein said operating portion (434) is movable between a blocking position and a release position, wherein in said blocking position said engaging portion (436) is in said locking position and wherein in said release position said engaging portion (436) is in said unlocking position, and/or wherein said operating portion (434) and said engaging portion (436) may be integrally formed in a single member, for example a lever (432), and/or wherein said operating portion (434) may protrude from said awning bracket (400), for example from a lower side of said awning bracket (400), in particular such that a user may reach said operating portion (434) by hand, or wherein said operating portion (434) and said engaging portion (436) are formed as separate parts that are force transmittingly coupled to each other by a force transfer portion (437), for example by a rod, wherein said engaging portion (436) and said force transfer portion (437) may be integrally formed, for example by forging, wherein said operating portion (437) may be provided in a longitudinal end portion of said awning bracket (400) and/or on an outside of said awning bracket (400), wherein a blocking member (472) may be provided, wherein said blocking member (472) may be configured to block a movement of said operating portion (434) towards the unlocking position, wherein said blocking member (472) may comprise a latching section (476) and an operating section (478), wherein said latching section (476) may be configured to engage with a locking recess (474) in said awning bracket (400), wherein said blocking member (472) and said force transfer portion (437) may be hingedly coupled to said operating portion (434), for example pivotable about the same axis.

21 . Awning bracket (400) according to one of items 15 to 20, further comprising a guiding arrangement (450) for removing a play between said awning bracket (400) and said carrying structure (500), wherein said guiding arrangement (450) may comprise a wedge portion (460), a guiding pin (452) and/or guiding surfaces (454, 456), wherein said guiding arrangement (450) may comprise an urging portion (482) configured to apply a pushing force on a lateral side of a received insertion section (510), in particular such that said insertion section (510) is applied with a force in a direction towards an awning support portion (404).

Awning with awning bracket on backside and between lateral ends or on lateral ends

22. Awning (100), for example an awning according to one of items 1 to 7, wherein said awning (100) comprises an elongate covering (102), for example a housing or a bag, and an awning bracket (400) according to one of items 15 to 21 mounted on said awning (100) between end portions (106, 108) of said awning (100), in particular at a position between longitudinal end portions, for example covering longitudinal end portions of said awning (100), or on longitudinal end portions (106, 108) of said awning (100), and/or wherein said elongate covering may comprise a fixation structure (103) for shiftably receiving said awning bracket, wherein said fixation structure (103) may comprise a track, for example a T-track, formed in the covering (102), for example in longitudinal direction.

Vehicle side bracket (carrying structure)

23. Carrying structure (500) mountable on a carrying unit, for example a vehicle, and configured for receiving an awning bracket (400), said carrying structure (500) comprising a fixation section (502) for fixedly coupling said carrying structure (500) to the carrying unit, an insertion section (510) configured to be received in said awning bracket (400), wherein said insertion section (510) is offset from said fixation section (502) in a first direction, for example a lateral direction, and extends in a second direction cross to said first direction, for example in upward direction or vertical direction, and/or wherein said insertion section (510) comprises guiding features including a guiding surface (522, 524), a guiding recess (514) and/or a wedge portion (518), and/or wherein said insertion section (510) comprises said wedge portion (518), for example provided on said insertion section (510) on a side facing said fixation section (502), and/or wherein said insertion section (510) and said fixation section (502) are configured such that said insertion section (510) extends upward, for example substantially vertically upward, when said fixation section (502) is mounted on said carrying unit, and/or wherein said insertion section (510) may be configured as a platelike member comprising a longitudinal extension along said fixation section (502), said longitudinal extension being in parallel with a longitudinal direction of the carrying unit when said carrying structure (500) is mounted on said carrying unit, and/or wherein said insertion section (510) may comprise an engaging recess (516) in a longitudinal end of said insertion section (510), said engaging recess (516) extending into said insertion section (510) in longitudinal direction of said insertion section (510), and/or wherein said carrying structure (500) comprises a bent metal sheet.

Cover arrangement

24. Securing device (600), for example formed as a cover, for securing an awning bracket (400) according to one of items 15 to 21 or a protective cover (700) on a carrying structure (500) according to item 23, wherein said securing device (600) is detachably couplable to said carrying structure (500) from below and engageable with said awning bracket (400) or said protective cover (700) such that said carrying structure (500) is at least partially arranged between said securing device (600) and said awning bracket (400) or said protective cover (700), and/or wherein said securing device (600) may comprise a lock (620) configured to lock said securing device (600) to said awning bracket (400) or said protective cover (700), and/or wherein said securing device (600) may be configured operatively couplable to said awning bracket (400) such that a movement of an engaging portion (436) of a locking mechanism of said awning bracket (400) towards an unlocking position is blocked, and/or wherein said securing device (600) may be configured to accommodate an operating portion (434) of a locking mechanism of said awning bracket (400), and/or wherein said securing device (600) may be configured to be only mountable on said awning bracket (400) and said carrying structure (500) when an engaging portion (436) of said awning bracket (400) is correctly engaged with said carrying structure (500), and/or wherein said securing device (600) may comprise an opening (630) for receiving a portion of said operating portion (434), wherein said opening (630) is configured and provided such that said operating portion (434) may only be received in said opening (630) when said operating portion (434) is in said blocking position and/or such that a wall portion defining said opening blocks a movement of said operating portion (434) towards a release position. Complete awning system

25. Awning system comprising an awning (100) according to item 8, a carrying structure (500) according to item 23, and optionally a securing device (600) according to item 24.

Lockable awning and awning components

26. Awning system comprising an awning (100), for example an awning according to one of items 1 to 7, an accessory lock (139, 266) for securing an accessory (200), for example a crank (200) or a tensioning bar, on said awning (100), and/or an awning lock (620) for securing said awning (100) on a carrying structure (500).

Method for manufacturing vehicle side bracket (carrying structure)

27. Method for manufacturing a carrying structure (500) mountable on a carrying unit, for example a vehicle, and configured for receiving an awning bracket (400), said method comprising the steps providing a metal sheet (501 ), optionally cutting and/or punching said metal sheet (501 ), partially deforming said metal sheet (501 ) to form a first awning side section of said carrying structure (500), for example a standardized insertion section (510) configured to be received in said awning bracket (400), deforming a second portion of said partially deformed metal sheet (501 ) to form a vehicle adapted second section of said carrying structure (500), for example a fixation section (502) for fixedly coupling said carrying structure (500) to said carrying unit.

28. Method for manufacturing a carrying structure (500) mountable on a carrying unit, for example a vehicle, and configured for receiving an awning bracket (400), said method comprising the steps forming a first section of said carrying structure (500), for example a standardized insertion section (510) configured to be received in said awning bracket (400), forming a vehicle adapted second section of said carrying structure (500), for example a fixation section (502) for fixedly coupling said carrying structure (500) to said carrying unit, and joining said first section and said second section together to form said carrying structure (500), wherein said first section and said second section may be joined by chemical reaction or thermal effects, for example by welding.

Crank

29. Crank (200) for operating an awning (100), for example a crank (200) configured to be stowable on or in an awning (100) according to one of items 1 to 7, wherein said crank (200) comprises a coupling portion (230) configured to be coupled to an interface portion (116) of said awning (100), wherein said interface portion (116) may be configured to receive an operating force from said crank (200) and to transfer said operating force to a roller tube (120), a crank handle portion (206) configured to be operated by a user, and a key operable lock (266) for locking the crank (200) to the awning (100).

30. Crank (200) according to item 29, wherein said key operable lock (266) is configured to engage with a bearing portion (118) coupled to a roller tube (120) such that said crank (200) is rotatable together with said roller tube (120) of said awning (100) when said crank (200) is locked to said bearing portion (118).

31 . Crank (200) according to item 29, wherein said key operable lock (266) is configured to engage with a longitudinal end portion (106) of said awning (20), for example with an end cap (112) or with a holder (124) such that said crank (200) is held stationary with respect to said roller tube (120) and cannot rotate together with said roller tube (120) of said awning (100) when said crank (200) is locked to said longitudinal end portion (106).

Vehicle side bracket (carrying structure)

32. Carrying structure (500), comprising a fixation section (504) for fixedly coupling said carrying structure (500) to a vehicle, and an insertion section (510) configured to be received in an awning bracket (400), wherein said insertion section (510) and said fixation section (504) are formed from forming a single metal sheet, wherein in the course of said metal sheet from said insertion section (510) to said fixation section (504) said carrying structure (500) comprises three surface parts, wherein respective adjacent surface parts of said three surface parts are bent at a respective predetermined angle along a respective bending line or bending section (540, 544), and wherein said carrying structure (500) further comprises at least one reinforcing section (530, 532, 534) for increasing the stiffness of said carrying structure (500), wherein at least one reinforcing section (530, 532, 534) extends from a surface part of said insertion section (510) and into at least one further surface part.

33. Carrying structure (500) according to item 32, wherein said carrying structure (500) comprises two of said reinforcing sections (530, 532, 534), wherein at least one reinforcing section (530, 534) extends over three surface parts and a second reinforcing section (532) extends over two surface parts.

34. Carrying structure (500) according to item 33, wherein at least two of said reinforcing sections (530, 532, 534) extend in parallel with each other.

35. Carrying structure (500) according to one of items 33 to 34, wherein at least two of said reinforcing sections (530, 534) comprise the same width.

36. Carrying structure (500) according to one of items 32 to 35, wherein at least one reinforcing section (530, 532, 534) is provided as a relief in said metal sheet.

37. Carrying structure (500) according to one of items 33 to 36, wherein said carrying structure (500) comprises a coupling section (542) which couples said insertion section (510) with said fixation section (504), wherein said first surface part is part of said insertion section (510), said second surface part is part of said coupling section (542) and said third surface part is part of said fixation section (504). Cover arrangement

38. Protective cover arrangement (900) for covering a carrying structure (500), with a front cover portion (902) and a rear cover portion (910), wherein said front cover portion (902) and said rear cover portion (910) are configured detachably mountable to each other by means of a snap connection.

39. Protective cover arrangement (900) according to item 38, wherein a first cover portion of said cover portions (902, 910), for example the rear cover portion (910), is configured to snap on the insertion section (510).

40. Protective cover arrangement (900) according to item 39, wherein said first cover portion comprises at least an upper latch (944) for engaging with an upper edge portion of said insertion section (510) and at least one lateral or side latch (940, 942), for example two lateral side latches, for engaging with a side edge portion of said insertion section (510).

41 . Protective cover arrangement (900) according to item 40, wherein said first cover portion (910) comprises two or more latch receiving portions (912, 916, 918) provided on opposite side portions of said first cover portion (910), for example on a lower portion and on an upper portion of said first cover portion (910).

42. Protective cover arrangement (900) according to one of items 39 to 41 , wherein a second cover portion of said cover portions, for example the front cover portion (902), is configured to snap on said first cover portion, for example on said rear cover portion (910), wherein said second cover portion comprises latching hooks (904, 906, 908) for engaging with said first cover portion.

Claims

1. Awning bracket (400) for coupling an awning (100) to a carrying structure (500), in particular to a mounting bracket (500) mountable on a carrying unit, for example a vehicle, wherein said awning bracket (400) is configured mountable on said awning (100), for example on a backside, an underside or a topside of said awning (100) and for example between end portions (106, 108) of said awning (100), in particular at a position between longitudinal end portions of said awning (100), for example between covering longitudinal end portions of said awning (100), or on said longitudinal end portions (106, 108) of said awning (100), wherein said awning bracket (400) is configured to establish and release a locking between said awning bracket (400) and said carrying structure by means of an integral part of said awning bracket (400) engaging with and disengaging from said carrying structure.

2. Awning bracket (400) according to claim 1 , wherein said awning bracket is configured to be detachably couplable to said carrying structure (500) from above, and/or wherein said awning bracket (400) is configured to be inserted onto said carrying structure (500) only by means of a pure translatory movement of said awning bracket (400) with respect to said carrying structure (500), and/or in the direction of gravity.

3. Awning bracket (400) according to one of claims 1 and 2, wherein said awning bracket (400) is configured to automatically establish a locking between said awning bracket (400) and said carrying structure so as to block a movement of said awning bracket (400) relative to said carrying structure (500) in a detachment direction, wherein said locking may be automatically effected upon inserting said awning bracket (400) on said carrying structure (500) when said awning bracket (400) was moved onto said carrying structure (500) for a predetermined distance in an insertion direction opposite to said detachment direction.

4. Awning bracket (400) according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a locking mechanism comprising an engaging portion (436) movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, for example in a longitudinal direction of said awning bracket (400), wherein said locking position is a position in which said engaging portion (436) engages with said carrying structure (500) and said unlocking position is a position in which said engaging portion (436) is disengaged from said carrying structure (500), wherein said engaging portion (436) may be biased towards said locking position by means of an urging member (440), for example a spring (441 ).

5. Awning bracket (400) according to claim 4, wherein said engaging portion (436) may be configured so as to be pivotably movable about a pivot axis defined by a pivot pin (446), wherein said pivot axis may extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of said awning bracket (400), or wherein said engaging portion (436) may be linearly guided, for example in one or more slots (417, 459) and/or in longitudinal direction of said awning bracket (400).

6. Awning bracket (400) according to one of claims 4 and 5, wherein said locking mechanism further comprises an operating portion (434) operatively coupled to said engaging portion (436) for moving said engaging portion (436) between said locking position and said unlocking position through operation of said operating portion (434) by a user, and/or wherein said operating portion (434) is movable between a blocking position and a release position, wherein in said blocking position said engaging portion (436) is in said locking position and wherein in said release position said engaging portion (436) is in said unlocking position, and/or wherein said operating portion (434) and said engaging portion (436) may be integrally formed in a single member, for example a lever (432), and/or wherein said operating portion (434) may protrude from said awning bracket (400), for example from a lower side of said awning bracket (400), in particular such that a user may reach said operating portion (434) by hand, or wherein said operating portion (434) and said engaging portion (436) are formed as separate parts that are force transmittingly coupled to each other by a force transfer portion (437), for example by a rod, wherein said engaging portion (436) and said force transfer portion (437) may be integrally formed, for example by forging, wherein said operating portion (437) may be provided in a longitudinal end portion of said awning bracket (400) and/or on an outside of said awning bracket (400), wherein a blocking member (472) may be provided, wherein said blocking member (472) may be configured to block a movement of said operating portion (434) towards the unlocking position, wherein said blocking member (472) may comprise a latching section (476) and an operating section (478), wherein said latching section (476) may be configured to engage with a locking recess (474) in said awning bracket (400), wherein said blocking member (472) and said force transfer portion (437) may be hingedly coupled to said operating portion (434), for example pivotable about the same axis.

7. Awning bracket (400) according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a guiding arrangement (450) for removing a play between said awning bracket (400) and said carrying structure (500), wherein said guiding arrangement (450) may comprise a wedge portion (460), a guiding pin (452) and/or guiding surfaces (454, 456), or wherein said guiding arrangement (450) may comprise an urging portion (482) configured to apply a pushing force on a lateral side of a received insertion section (510), in particular such that said insertion section (510) is applied with a force in a direction towards an awning support portion (404).

8. Awning (100), wherein said awning (100) comprises an elongate covering, for example a housing (102) or bag, and an awning bracket (400) according to one of claims 1 to 7 mounted on said awning (100) between end portions (106, 108) of said awning (100), in particular at a position between longitudinal end portions, for example covering longitudinal end portions of said awning (100) or on said longitudinal end portions, for example said covering longitudinal end portions of said awning (100), and/or wherein said elongate covering may comprise a fixation structure (103) for shiftably receiving said awning bracket, wherein said fixation structure (103) may comprise a track, for example a T-track, formed in the covering (102), for example in longitudinal direction.

8. Carrying structure (500) mountable on a carrying unit, for example a vehicle, and configured for receiving an awning bracket (400), said carrying structure (500) comprising a fixation section (502) for fixedly coupling said carrying structure (500) to said carrying unit, an insertion section (510) configured to be received in said awning bracket (400), wherein said insertion section (510) is offset from said fixation section (502) in a first direction, for example a lateral direction, and extends in a second direction cross to said first direction, for example in upward direction or vertical direction, and/or wherein said insertion section (510) comprises guiding features including a guiding surface (522, 524), a guiding recess (514) and/or a wedge portion (518), and/or wherein said insertion section (510) comprises said wedge portion (518), for example provided on said insertion section (510) on a side facing said fixation section (502), and/or wherein said insertion section (510) and said fixation section (502) are configured such that said insertion section (510) extends upwards, for example substantially vertically upward when said fixation section (502) is mounted on said carrying unit, and/or wherein said insertion section (510) may be configured as a platelike member comprising a longitudinal extension along said fixation section (502), said longitudinal extension being in parallel with a longitudinal direction of the carrying unit when said carrying structure (500) is mounted on said carrying unit, and/or wherein said insertion section (510) may comprise an engaging recess (516) in a longitudinal end of said insertion section (510), said engaging recess (516) extending into said insertion section (510) in longitudinal direction of said insertion section (510), and/or wherein said carrying structure (500) comprises a bent metal sheet.

9. Securing device (600), for example formed as a cover, for securing an awning bracket (400) according to one of claims 1 to 6 or a protective cover (700) on a carrying structure (500) according to claim 8, wherein said securing device (600) is detachably couplable to said carrying structure (500) from below and engageable with said awning bracket (400) or said protective cover (700) such that said carrying structure (500) is at least partially arranged between said securing device (600) and said awning bracket (400) or said protective cover (700), and/or wherein said securing device (600) may comprise a lock (620) configured to lock said securing device (600) to said awning bracket (400) or said protective cover (700), and/or wherein said securing device (600) may be configured operatively couplable to said awning bracket (400) such that a movement of an engaging portion (436) of a locking mechanism of said awning bracket (400) towards an unlocking position is blocked, and/or wherein said securing device (600) may be configured to accommodate an operating portion (434) of a locking mechanism of said awning bracket (400), and/or wherein said securing device (600) may be configured to be only mountable on said awning bracket (400) and said carrying structure (500) when an engaging portion (436) of said awning bracket (400) is correctly engaged with said carrying structure (500), and/or wherein said securing device (600) may comprise an opening (630) for receiving a portion of said operating portion (434), wherein said opening (630) is configured and provided such that said operating portion (434) may only be received in said opening (630) when said operating portion (434) is in said blocking position and/or such that a wall portion defining said opening blocks a movement of said operating portion (434) towards a release position.

10. Awning system comprising an awning (100), a carrying structure (500) according to claim 8, and optionally a securing device (600) according to claim 9.