Awning Assembly

The present invention generally relates to awning assembly. More specifically, the present invention relates to a self-standing awning assembly for a vehicle.

Vehicle awnings have emerged as a popular solution for outdoor enthusiasts seeking convenient shelter options during camping and outdoor activities. The vehicle awning is a roof-like cover designed to extend the living space around the vehicle. The awning provides shade and shelter during outdoor adventures from the heat and harmful UV rays. The awning is usually attached to the side portion or rear portion of the vehicle.

Existing vehicle awning systems typically consist of a canopy structure supported by a frame assembly that attaches to the vehicle. The canopy structure is often made of durable fabric material, such as canvas or polyester. The awning system further includes clamps, supporting poles and ropes. The frames are a structural support system for the awning system and hold the fabric in place. The frames are an extended and adjustable rod like structure. The frames are usually made up of aluminum or steel. Further, one end of the frame is attached to the vehicles and other end of the frame is attached to the supporting poles. The clamps are configured to attach the structural support system to the vehicle. The clamps enable to hold two objects together tightly and prevent movement or separation. The fabric is further secured to the structural support system via clamps. Further, the supporting poles provide additional stability and support to the structural support system of the awning system. The poles are adjustable in height to provide extra support during windy conditions. The rope is used to hold the awning system in place using an expansion anchor. The expansion anchor fastens awnings to concrete surfaces. and prevents the retracting of the awning system.

In some cases, the retractable mechanism is integrated into the awning system instead of frames. The retractable mechanism further comprises a roller tube. The roller tube is attached to the fabric cover and contains tension springs. The tension springs provide the necessary force to operate the fabric of the awning. The roller tube can rotate in clockwise and counterclockwise. Further, the roller tube serves as the mechanism responsible for extending and retracting the fabric of the awning system to adjust the amount of shade provided. In some cases, the retractable mechanism comprises folding arms. The folding arms are the movable components that extend and retract the fabric of the awning system.

Further, a few patent references related to awning system are discussed as follows.

US20220389734 of Russell M. Woolsey entitled “Vehicle awnings” discloses an awning comprise an inflatable frame assembly comprises a main frame, a left supporting frame member, and a right supporting frame member. The main frame member defines a space. Further, a canopy is operatively coupled to the main frame member and spanning the space. Further, the vehicle awning comprises an attachment system that enables to attach the vehicle awning to a vehicle.

GB2342931 of Ronald Sidney bater entitled “Attaching tent to vehicle” discloses a tent comprises a tent frame, a tent cover supported by the frame and a vehicle roof attachment. The frame comprises at least one substantially horizontal perimeter member and a plurality of detachable upstanding supports arranged to support the perimeter member. The detachable upstanding supports enable the tent to stand alone. Further, the tent having vehicle roof attachment is mountable between a roof of the vehicle and the perimeter member. The vehicle roof attachment attaches the tent securely to the vehicle's roof and provides stability and support to the tent.

However, existing awnings with complex frames could be difficult to set up during outdoor activities. Further, the frames of awnings are typically made of aluminum or steel. The aluminum or steel materials are susceptible to corrosion over time. The awnings with supporting poles connected to the frame could occupy more surrounding space. Additionally, the awning could collapse if the supporting poles are not properly anchored or secured.

Therefore, there exists a need for a vehicle awning that could stand independently without the need for supporting poles. Further, the vehicle awning needs to be easy to set up, portable and durable.

According to the present invention, the awning assembly herein comprises a frame assembly designed to uphold an awning canopy. This frame assembly includes multiple frame members constructed from inflatable beam members. The rear portion of the frame assembly comprises at least two horizontal frame members and one or more vertical frame members extending between the horizontal frame members. In one embodiment, a rail assembly comprises a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, wherein the first side of the rail assembly is adapted to engage a support structure and the second side of the rail assembly is attached adjacent to the horizontal frame member at a bottom portion of the frame assembly.

The rail assembly further comprises a third side, a fourth side opposite to the third side, a first keder rail and a second keder rail configured at the third side, a third keder rail and a fourth keder rail configured at the fourth side of the rail assembly. One or more first slots defined at the first side, and one or more second slots defined at the second side of the rail assembly. One or more connector assemblies disposed vertically over the rail assembly. At least one connector assembly extends alongside and adjacent to each vertical frame members. The connector assembly comprises a flat member and at least one fifth keder rail integrally formed at two opposing sides of the flat member, and the rail assembly connects and supports the horizontal frame members and each connector assembly fastens and supports respective vertical frame members. The first keder rail and fourth keder rail are configured for mounting the canopy, and the second keder rail configured for mounting horizontal frame member, and the fifth keder rail configured for mounting the vertical frame members.

In one embodiment, the rail assembly is attached to the support structure via a bracket having one or more first apertures and one or more first nuts, and the first slot is configured to receive a first nut and allow passage of the first nut through respective apertures fastening the rail assembly to the support structure. Each connector assembly comprises one or more second apertures, and the second slot is configured to receive a second nut and allow passage of the second nut through respective apertures fastening the connector assembly to the rail assembly. The first slots and the second slots are a T-shaped slot and the first nuts and the second nuts are a T-shaped nut complementary to the T-shaped slot. The inflatable beam members are made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material. In some embodiments, the awning assembly further comprises one or more connecting frame members, and the vertical frame members, the horizontal frame members and the connecting frame members are interconnected to form a substantially roof-shaped frame configuration.

In one embodiment, the support structure is a wall of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the vertical frame members, the horizontal frame members and the connecting frame members are interconnected via a Velcro® fastener or hook and loop fastener. Each keder rail is configured to accommodate a keder strip to secure corresponding frame members and canopy. The awning assembly further comprises one or more ropes to provide anchorage to the awning assembly. The awning assembly further comprises at least one of hard cover and a soft cover to enclose and cover the awning assembly.

The above summary contains simplifications, generalizations and omissions of detail and is not intended as a comprehensive description of the claimed subject matter but, rather, is intended to provide a brief overview of some of the functionality associated therewith. Other systems, methods, functionality, features and advantages of the claimed subject matter will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed written description.

A description of embodiments of the present invention will now be given with reference to the Figures. It is expected that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.

Referring toand, an awning assemblyis a standalone structure mounted to a vehicle and eliminates the necessity for ground poles. The awning assemblyuses air beams that are inflatable to a pressure range of approximately 6 to 9 psi, which enhances structural integrity and strength. Further, with respect to psi of tubes, PVC tube ranging from 0 to 6 psi and TPU ranging from 0 to 13 psi, may also be used.

Referring toto, the awning assemblycomprises a frame assemblyand a rail assembly. The frame assemblyis configured to support an awning canopy. The frame assemblycomprises a plurality of frame members. The frame members comprise a set of horizontal frame members (,,), a set of vertical frame members (,,) and a set of connecting frame members (,,,,,,,). The horizontal frame members (,,), the vertical frame members (,,) and the connecting frame members (,,,,,,,) are interconnected to form a substantially roof-shaped frame configuration.

The horizontal frame members (,,) comprise a first horizontal frame memberand a second horizontal frame memberspaced apart from the first horizontal frame member. Further, the second horizontal frame memberis arranged to lie above and parallel to the first horizontal frame member. The first horizontal frame memberhas a length different than the second horizontal frame member. The vertical frame members (,,) comprise at least three spaced apart vertical frame members (,,) including a first vertical frame member, a second vertical frame memberand a third vertical frame member. The three spaced apart vertical frame members (,,) extend between the first horizontal frame memberand the second horizontal frame member. In one embodiment, the vertical frame members (,,) are fastened to the horizontal frame members (,) via a Velcro® fastener. The first vertical frame memberconnects a first edge of the second horizontal frame memberto a portion proximal to a first edge of the first horizontal frame member.

The second vertical frame memberconnects a middle portion of the second horizontal frame memberto the middle portion of the first horizontal frame member. The third vertical frame memberconnects a second edge of the second horizontal frame memberto a portion proximal to a second edge of the first horizontal frame member.

Further, at least one first connecting frame memberconnects the first edge of the first horizontal frame memberand the second horizontal frame member, and at least one second connecting frame memberconnects the second edge of the first horizontal frame memberand the second horizontal frame member.

The horizontal frame members (,,) further comprise a third horizontal frame member. The third horizontal frame memberis disposed spaced apart and parallel to the first horizontal frame member. Further, the third horizontal frame memberis disposed at a height below the second horizontal frame member.

The third horizontal frame membercomprises at least two opposing edges including a first edge and a second edge. The frame assemblyfurther comprises one or more connecting frame members (,,,,,,,) including a third connecting frame member, a fourth connecting frame memberand a fifth connecting frame member. The third connecting frame memberextends from first edge of the third horizontal frame memberto an intersection point of the first edge of first horizontal frame memberand the first connecting frame member. The fourth connecting frame memberextends from the first edge of the third horizontal frame memberto an intersection point of the first horizontal frame memberand the first vertical frame member. The fifth connecting frame memberextends from the first edge of the third horizontal frame memberto an intersection point of the second horizontal frame member, the first vertical frame memberand the first connecting frame member.

The connecting frame members (,,,,,,,) further includes a sixth connecting frame member, a seventh connecting frame memberand an eighth connecting frame member. The sixth connecting frame memberextends from the second edge of the third horizontal frame memberto an intersection point of the second edge of the first horizontal frame memberand the second connecting frame member. The seventh connecting frame memberextends from the second edge of the third horizontal frame memberto an intersection point of the first horizontal frame memberand the third vertical frame member. The eighth connecting frame memberextends from the second edge of the third horizontal frame memberto an intersection point of the second horizontal frame member, the third vertical frame memberand the second connecting frame member.

In one embodiment, the horizontal frame members (,,), vertical frame members (,,) and connecting frame members (,,,,,,,) are made of inflatable beam members. The inflatable beam members are made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material. The frame assemblyfurther comprises a single inflation point. In one embodiment, the inflatable beam members or air beams are an 80 mm diameter tubes, that could be inflated to 9 PSI using a single-point inflation system. In another embodiment, the inflatable beam members are inflated to a pressure range of approximately 6 to 9 psi, which enhances structural integrity and strength. Further, with respect to psi of tubes, PVC tube ranging from 0 to 6 psi and TPU ranging from 0 to 13 psi, may also be used. The inflatable beam members could be inflated using a high-pressure foot pump or an electric pump.

In one embodiment, the frame assemblycomprises a front portion and a rear portion. The first horizontal frame member, the second horizontal frame member, at least three spaced apart vertical frame members (,,), the first connecting frame memberand the second connecting frame membertogether defines the rear portion of the frame assembly.

In one embodiment, the rail assemblyis configured to mount the frame assemblyto a support structure. In an example, the support structure is a wall of a vehicle or a cross bar of a vehicle. The rail assemblycomprises a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The first side of the rail assemblyis adapted to engage the support structure and the second side of the rail assemblyis attached adjacent to the first horizontal frame memberat a bottom portion of a rear portion of the frame assembly.

The rail assemblyfurther comprises a third side and a fourth side opposite to the fourth side. The third side refers to a top side of the rail assemblyand the fourth side refers to a bottom side of the rail assembly.

The rail assemblyfurther comprises a first keder rail, a second keder rail, a third keder railand a fourth keder rail. The first keder railand the second keder railare defined at the third side of the rail assembly, and the third keder railand the fourth keder railare defined at the fourth side of the rail assembly.

The rail assemblyfurther comprises one or more first slotsand one or more second slots. The first slotsare defined at the first side of the rail assemblyand the second slotsare defined at the second side of the rail assembly. In one embodiment, the rail assemblyis made of aluminum material using extrusion process. The frame assemblyfurther could be structured to accommodate a variable number of frames and diverse arrangements beyond the specific configuration outlined herein, thus providing flexibility to meet various structural requirements and design preferences.

Referring to,,and, the awning assemblyfurther comprises one or more connector assemblies. The connector assembliesare arranged spaced apart from one another on the rail assembly. The connector assembliesare disposed vertically over the rail assembly. Further, at least one connector assembliesextends alongside and adjacent to each vertical frame members (,,) including the first vertical frame member, the second vertical frame memberand the third vertical frame member. The connector assemblycomprises a flat memberhaving two opposing sides and at least one fifth keder railformed at two opposing sides of the flat members.

Referring to, the rail assemblyconnects and supports the first horizontal frame memberand each connector assembliesfastens and supports respective vertical frame members (,,). The first keder railand the fourth keder railare configured to support the canopy. The second keder railis configured to support and fasten the first horizontal frame member. The fifth keder railis configured to support and fasten the first horizontal frame member.

Each keder rail (,,,,) is designed to accommodate a keder stripthat is secured to the corresponding frame members or sections of the canopy. In an example, the keder stripis a 7.5 mm keder strip. The keder stripcould have any other suitable dimensions.

The rail assemblyis attached to the support structure via a bracket having one or more first apertures and one or more first nuts. The first slotsare configured to receive a first nut and allow passage of the first nut through respective first apertures fastening the connector assemblyto the support structure.

Each connector assemblycomprises one or more second apertures. The second slotsare configured to receive a second nut and allow passage of the second nut through respective second aperturesfastening the connector assemblyto the rail assembly. In one embodiment, the first slotsand the second slotsare a T-shaped slot and the first nuts and the second nuts are a T-shaped nut(shown in) complementary to the T-shaped slot.

Referring toand, the canopyis disposed over the frame assembly. The canopycomprises different sections includes a plurality of roof panels, internal panelsand back panels. In one embodiment, the canopyis a poly cotton canvas. The poly-cotton canvas material provides durability and weather resistance with a waterproof rating of 3000 mm ASTM. In one embodiment, the internal panelsare made of oxford fabric.

Referring toto, the awning assemblyfurther comprises a cover. The cover encloses the awning assembly. The awning assembly, when not in use, could be deflated and compactly covered via the cover. The type of cover, includes, but not limited to, hard coveror soft cover. Referring toand, the awning assemblyis covered by the hard cover. Referring to, the awning assemblyis covered by the soft cover. In one embodiment, the soft coveris made up of polyvinyl film (PVC).

The awning assemblyfurther comprises one or more ropes. The rope facilitates to hold the awning assemblyin place. The rope connects the awning assemblyto the ground surfaces and prevents retraction of the awning assemblyduring high wind. The rope further could be secured to the vehicle.

Advantageously, the awning assemblyis a standalone structure mounted to a vehicle and eliminates the necessity for ground poles. Additionally, the design of the awning assemblyfacilitates easy and straightforward setup of the awning assembly. Furthermore, the utilization of TPU air beams results in a lighter weight structure and enhanced durability, further enhancing the overall performance and functionality of the awning assembly.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular system, device, or component thereof to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The described embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.