FOLDABLE AWNING FOR ATTACHMENT TO A VEHICLE

Description

CROSS REFERENCES AND PRIORITIES

This Application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/571,785 filed on 29 Mar. 2024, the teachings of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Awnings are utilized on a number of different vehicles—including trucks, SUVs, and motorhomes—to provide shade and protection from precipitation for individuals outside of the vehicle when the vehicle is parked, such as at a campground. The typical awning comprises a frame structure which is attached to a surface—typically at or near the roof of the vehicle—and which extends outwardly from the vehicle. A thin opaque material—typically cloth, canvas, durable plastic, or the like—extends between the various members of the frame to provide shade and protection from precipitation. Most often, the awning is configured to retract or fold in on itself when the vehicle is being driven.

Many different structures have been utilized to connect an awning frame to a surface of a vehicle. Typically, these structures amount to little more than a bolt or related fastener which passes through one of the frame members and into a surface of the vehicle. In practice, the existing structures used to connect an awning frame to a vehicle surface require precise alignment and are not adaptable to vehicles having different heights, lengths, and surface features.

Additionally, many different mechanisms have been utilized to retract and extend an awning which is attached to a vehicle. The simplest of which involves one or more hinges and latches which—when the latches are released—allow the user to pull one or more of the frame members away from the vehicle to extend the awning. When retracting the awning, the user then pushes one or more of the frame members towards the vehicle until it is in an alignment where the latch can be resecured. In practice, these mechanisms require significant physical labor on the part of the user and are often prone to jamming or breaking during extension and/or retraction.

Some mechanisms to retract and extend an awning attached to a vehicle utilize one or more complex gear and chain or pulley and belt systems—with or without a drive motor configured to extend and retract the chain/belt. When these mechanisms do not include a drive motor, the user must operate the gear/pulley system by hand requiring significant physical labor. Alternatively, when these mechanisms include a drive motor, that drive motor may be prone to failure. In either event, the gear and chain/pulley and belt system is also prone to jamming or breaking during extension and/or retraction.

The need exists, therefore, for an improved awning configured to attach to a vehicle which may be attached to different vehicles having different heights, lengths, and surface features; requires little or no physical effort on the part of a user to extend and/or retract; and is less prone to jamming or breaking during extension and/or retraction.

SUMMARY

Described herein is an awning for attachment to a vehicle. The awning includes a frame, a first cover member, and an attachment structure.

The frame includes a base frame member, a first perpendicular frame member, a second perpendicular frame member, a first outer frame member, a first linear actuator, and a second linear actuator. The base frame member has a base frame member first end and a base frame member second end.

The first perpendicular frame member is pivotably connected to the base frame member first end and has a first perpendicular frame member distal end. The second perpendicular frame member is pivotably connected to the base frame member second end and has a second perpendicular frame member distal end.

The first outer frame member is pivotably connected to the first perpendicular frame member distal end or the second perpendicular frame member distal end. The first outer frame member is extendable between the first perpendicular frame member distal end and the second perpendicular frame member distal end.

The first linear actuator is configured to extend between a base frame member first location proximate to the base frame member first end and a first perpendicular frame member first location located between about 30% and about 70% of the distance between the first perpendicular frame member distal end and a first perpendicular frame member proximal end.

The second linear actuator is configured to extend between a base frame member second location proximate to the base frame member second end and a second perpendicular frame member first location located between about 30% and about 70% of the distance between the second perpendicular frame member distal end and a second perpendicular frame member proximal end.

The first cover member foldably extends between the base frame member, the first perpendicular frame member, the second perpendicular frame member, and the first outer frame member.

The attachment structure is configured to connect the base frame member to a first vehicle surface.

In some embodiments, the first linear actuator may be selected from the group consisting of a hydraulic linear actuator, a pneumatic linear actuator, an electromechanical linear actuator, a piezoelectric linear actuator, and a spring actuator. In certain embodiments, the second linear actuator may be selected from the group consisting of a hydraulic linear actuator, a pneumatic linear actuator, an electromechanical linear actuator, a piezoelectric linear actuator, and a spring actuator.

In certain embodiments, the attachment structure may include a longitudinal plate connected to the base frame member and a first plurality of L brackets configured to connect the longitudinal plate to the first vehicle surface. In some embodiments, the first vehicle surface may be a first side edge of a vehicle roof.

In some embodiments, the frame may further include a second base frame member, a third perpendicular frame member, a fourth perpendicular frame member, a second outer frame member, a third linear actuator, and a fourth linear actuator. In such embodiments, the awning may further include a second cover member, a third cover member, and a second attachment structure.

When present, the second base frame member may include a second base frame member first end and a second base frame member second end. The third perpendicular frame member may be pivotably connected to the second base frame member first end and may have a third perpendicular frame member distal end. The fourth perpendicular frame member may be pivotably connected to the second base frame member second end and may have a fourth perpendicular frame member distal end.

When present, the second outer frame member may be pivotably connected to the third perpendicular frame member distal end or the fourth perpendicular frame member distal end. The second outer frame member may be extendable between the third perpendicular frame member distal end and the fourth perpendicular frame member distal end.

When present, the third linear actuator may be configured to extend between a second base frame member first location proximate to the second base frame member first end and a third perpendicular frame member first location located between about 30% and about 70% of the distance between the third perpendicular frame member distal end and a third perpendicular frame member proximal end.

When present, the fourth linear actuator may be configured to extend between a second base frame member second location proximate to the second base frame member second end and a fourth perpendicular frame member first location located between about 30% and about 70% of the distance between the fourth perpendicular frame member distal end and a fourth perpendicular frame member proximal end.

When present, the second cover member may foldably extend between the second perpendicular frame member and the third perpendicular frame member. The third cover member may foldably extend between the second base frame member, the third perpendicular frame member, the fourth perpendicular frame member, and the second outer frame member.

When present, the second attachment structure may be configured to connect the second base frame member to a second vehicle surface.

In some embodiments, when present, the third linear actuator may be selected from the group consisting of a hydraulic linear actuator, a pneumatic linear actuator, an electromechanical linear actuator, a piezoelectric linear actuator, and a spring actuator. The fourth linear actuator may be selected from the group consisting of a hydraulic linear actuator, a pneumatic linear actuator, an electromechanical linear actuator, a piezoelectric linear actuator, and a spring actuator.

In certain embodiments, when present, the second attachment structure may include a longitudinal plate connected to the base frame member and a first plurality of L brackets configured to connect the longitudinal plate to the first vehicle surface. In some embodiments, the second vehicle surface may be a rear edge of a vehicle roof.

In some embodiments, the frame may further include a third base frame member, a fifth perpendicular frame member, a sixth perpendicular frame member, a third outer frame member, a fifth linear actuator, and a sixth linear actuator. In such embodiments, the awning may further include a fourth cover member, a fifth cover member, and a third attachment structure.

When present, the third base frame member may include a third base frame member first end and a third base frame member second end. The fifth perpendicular frame member may be pivotably connected to the third base frame member first end and may have a fifth perpendicular frame member distal end. The sixth perpendicular frame member may be pivotably connected to the third base frame member second end and may have a sixth perpendicular frame member distal end.

When present, the third outer frame member may be pivotably connected to the fifth perpendicular frame member distal end or the sixth perpendicular frame member distal end. The third outer frame member may be extendable between the fifth perpendicular frame member distal end and the sixth perpendicular frame member distal end.

When present, the fifth linear actuator may be configured to extend between a third base frame member first location proximate to the third base frame member first end and a fifth perpendicular frame member first location located between about 30% and about 70% of the distance between the fifth perpendicular frame member distal end and a fifth perpendicular frame member proximal end.

When present, the sixth linear actuator may be configured to extend between a third base frame member second location proximate to the third base frame member second end and a sixth perpendicular frame member first location locate between about 30% and about 70% of the distance between the sixth perpendicular frame member distal end and a sixth perpendicular frame member proximal end.

When present, the fourth cover member may foldably extend between the fourth perpendicular frame member and the fifth perpendicular frame member. The fifth cover member may foldably extend between the third base frame member, the fifth perpendicular frame member, the sixth perpendicular frame member, and the third outer frame member.

When present, the third attachment structure may be configured to connect the third base frame member to a third vehicle surface.

In some embodiments, when present, the fifth linear actuator may be selected from the group consisting of a hydraulic linear actuator, a pneumatic linear actuator, an electromechanical linear actuator, a piezoelectric linear actuator, and a spring actuator. The sixth linear actuator may be selected from the group consisting of a hydraulic linear actuator, a pneumatic linear actuator, an electromechanical linear actuator, a piezoelectric linear actuator, and a spring actuator.

In certain embodiments, when present, the third attachment structure may include a longitudinal plate connected to the base frame member and a first plurality of L brackets configured to connect the longitudinal plate to the first vehicle surface. In some embodiments, the third vehicle surface may be a second side edge of a vehicle roof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an awning attached to a vehicle.

FIG. 2 is an exploded top view of an embodiment of an awning for attachment to a vehicle.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of an embodiment of an awning for attachment to a vehicle.

FIG. 4A is a rear view of an embodiment of an awning for attachment to a vehicle.

FIG. 4B is a close up view of the encircled area of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is an bottom view of the embodiment of an awning for attachment to a vehicle of FIG. 3 in a folded position.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of an awning for attachment to a vehicle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an awning attached to a vehicle.

FIG. 8 is an exploded top view of an embodiment of an awning for attachment to a vehicle.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of an embodiment of an awning for attachment to a vehicle.

FIG. 10A is a rear view of an embodiment of an awning for attachment to a vehicle.

FIG. 10B is a close up view of the encircled area of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11 is an bottom view of the embodiment of an awning for attachment to a vehicle of FIG. 9 in a folded position.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of an awning for attachment to a vehicle of FIG. 7.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an awning attached to a vehicle.

FIG. 14 is an exploded top view of an embodiment of an awning for attachment to a vehicle.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of an embodiment of an awning for attachment to a vehicle.

FIG. 16A is a rear view of an embodiment of an awning for attachment to a vehicle.

FIG. 16B is a close up view of the encircled area of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17 is an bottom view of the embodiment of an awning for attachment to a vehicle of FIG. 15 in a folded position.

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of an awning for attachment to a vehicle of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein is an awning for attachment to a vehicle. As described herein and in the claims, the following numbers refer to the following structures as noted in the Figures.

10 refers to an awning.

• • 20 refers to a vehicle.
  • 21 refers to a first vehicle surface.
  • 22 refers to a first side edge.
  • 23 refers to a vehicle roof.
  • 24 refers to a second vehicle surface.
  • 25 refers to a rear edge.
  • 26 refers to a third vehicle surface.
  • 27 refers to a second side edge.
  • 100 refers to a frame.
  • 105 refers to a base frame member.
  • 106 refers to a base frame member first end.
  • 107 refers to a base frame member second end.
  • 110 refers to a first perpendicular frame member.
  • 111 refers to a first perpendicular frame member distal end.
  • 112 refers to a first perpendicular frame member first location.
  • 113 refers to a first perpendicular frame member proximal end.
  • 120 refers to a second perpendicular frame member.
  • 121 refers to a second perpendicular frame member distal end.
  • 122 refers to a second perpendicular frame member first location.
  • 123 refers to a second perpendicular frame member proximal end.
  • 130 refers to a first outer frame member.
  • 140 refers to a second base frame member.
  • 141 refers to a second base frame member first end.
  • 142 refers to a second base frame member second end.
  • 150 refers to a third perpendicular frame member.
  • 151 refers to a third perpendicular frame member distal end.
  • 152 refers to a third perpendicular frame member first location.
  • 153 refers to a third perpendicular frame member proximal end.
  • 155 refers to a fourth perpendicular frame member.
  • 156 refers to a fourth perpendicular frame member distal end.
  • 157 refers to a fourth perpendicular frame member first location.
  • 158 refers to a fourth perpendicular frame member proximal end.
  • 160 refers to a second outer frame member.
  • 170 refers to a third base frame member.
  • 171 refers to a third base frame member first end.
  • 172 refers to a third base frame member second end.
  • 180 refers to a fifth perpendicular frame member.
  • 181 refers to a fifth perpendicular frame member distal end.
  • 182 refers to a fifth perpendicular frame member first location.
  • 183 refers to a fifth perpendicular frame member proximal end.
  • 185 refers to a sixth perpendicular frame member.
  • 186 refers to a sixth perpendicular frame member distal end.
  • 187 refers to a sixth perpendicular frame member first location.
  • 188 refers to a sixth perpendicular frame member proximal end.
  • 190 refers to a third outer frame member.
  • 200 refers to a first linear actuator.
  • 210 refers to a second linear actuator.
  • 220 refers to a third linear actuator.
  • 230 refers to a fourth linear actuator.
  • 240 refers to a fifth linear actuator.
  • 250 refers to a sixth linear actuator.
  • 300 refers to a first cover member.
  • 310 refers to a second cover member.
  • 320 refers to a third cover member.
  • 330 refers to a fourth cover member.
  • 340 refers to a fifth cover member.
  • 400 refers to an attachment structure.
  • 401 refers to a longitudinal plate.
  • 402 refers to a first plurality of L brackets.
  • 403 refers to a channel.
  • 410 refers to a second attachment structure.
  • 411 refers to a second longitudinal plate.
  • 412 refers to a second plurality of L brackets.
  • 413 refers to a second channel.
  • 420 refers to a third attachment structure.
  • 421 refers to a third longitudinal plate.
  • 422 refers to a third plurality of L brackets.
  • 423 refers to a third channel.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an awning (10) attached to a vehicle (20)—which in this case is a sport-utility vehicle (SUV). As shown in FIG. 1, the awning comprises at least a frame (100), a first cover member (300), and an attachment structure (400). While the Figures show the vehicle as an SUV, the awning may be attached to any number of vehicles including (but not limited to) SUVs, Cross-overs, light-duty trucks (with or without a bed cap), and side-by-side utility vehicles (UTVs).

FIG. 2 shows a partially exploded top view of the embodiment of an awning (10) from FIG. 1 in which additional details of the frame (100) are visible. As shown in FIG. 2, the frame may comprise a base frame member (105), a first perpendicular frame member (110), a second perpendicular frame member (120), a first outer frame member (130), a first linear actuator (200), and a second linear actuator (210).

The base frame member (105) may take many forms. Preferably, the base frame member will be an elongate structure in the form of a tube, strip, cylinder, or the like. As such, the base frame member will have two opposing end points, referred to herein as a base frame member first end (106) and a base frame member second end (107).

Like the base frame member (105), the first perpendicular frame member (110) may also take many forms. Preferably, the first perpendicular frame member will be an elongate structure in the form of a tube, strip, cylinder, or the like. As such, the first perpendicular frame member will have two opposing end points, referred to herein as a first perpendicular frame member distal end (111) and a first perpendicular frame member proximal end (113).

The first perpendicular frame member (110) may be pivotably connected to and horizontally extendable from the base frame member first end (106). The connection between the first perpendicular frame member and the base frame member may take the form of a hinge or similar fastener which joins between the base frame member first end and the first perpendicular frame member proximal end (113). When the first perpendicular frame member is extended from the base frame member first end, an angle (α₁) may be formed between the first perpendicular frame member and the base frame member. Preferably, said angle will be about or exactly 90°, although in certain embodiments the angle may be in a range of between 30° and 150°.

Like the base frame member (105) and the first perpendicular frame member (110), the second perpendicular frame member (120) may also take many forms. Preferably, the second perpendicular frame member will be an elongate structure in the form of a tube, strip, cylinder, or the like. As such, the second perpendicular frame member will have two opposing end points, referred to herein as a second perpendicular frame member distal end (121) and a second perpendicular frame member proximal end (123).

The second perpendicular frame member (120) may be pivotably connected to and horizontally extendable from the base frame member second end (107). The connection between the second perpendicular frame member and the base frame member may take the form of a hinge or similar fastener which joins between the base frame member second end and the second perpendicular frame member proximal end (123). When the second perpendicular frame member is extended from the base frame member second end, an angle (α₂) may be formed between the second perpendicular frame member and the base frame member. Preferably, said angle will be about or exactly 90°, although in certain embodiments the angle may be in a range of between 30° and 150°.

Like the base frame member (105) and the two perpendicular frame members (110 and 120), the first outer frame member (130) may also take many forms. Preferably, the first outer frame member will be an elongate structure in the form of a tube, strip, cylinder, or the like. As such, the first outer frame member will have two opposing end points.

The first outer frame member (130) may be pivotably connected to the first perpendicular frame member distal end (111) or the second perpendicular frame member distal end (121). The connection between the first outer frame member and the first perpendicular frame member or second perpendicular frame member may take the form of a hinge or similar fastener which joins between the respective perpendicular frame member distal end (111 or 121) and an end of the first outer frame member. When the first outer frame member extends between the first perpendicular frame member distal end and the second perpendicular frame member distal end, the resulting structure—in combination with the base frame member (105) may take the shape of a rectangle or square as shown in FIG. 2. Other shapes in which the base frame member and the first outer frame member are substantially parallel with one another—such as a parallelogram or a trapezoid—may also be achieved. In some embodiments, the base frame member and the first outer frame member may not be substantially parallel with one another, such as when the first outer frame member has a curved profile extending between the first perpendicular frame member distal end and the second perpendicular frame member distal end.

In some embodiments, one or more of the base frame member (105), the first perpendicular frame member (110), the second perpendicular frame member (120), and/or the first outer frame member (130) may include an embedded lighting element therein. The embedded lighting element may be in the form of one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) including corresponding electronics such as a switch (for turning the embedded lighting element on and off), wiring, and/or a dimmer knob (for adjusting the brightness of the lighting element).

FIG. 3 illustrates an assembled bottom view of the embodiment of an awning (10) shown in FIG. 1 including the first linear actuator (200) and the second linear actuator (210), each of which may be a hydraulic linear actuator, a pneumatic linear actuator, an electromechanical linear actuator, a piezoelectric linear actuator, or a spring actuator.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first linear actuator (200) may be configured to extend between a base frame member first location proximate to the base frame member first end (106) and a first perpendicular frame member first location (112). Said first perpendicular frame member first location is preferably located about 30% and about 70% of the distance between the first perpendicular frame member distal end (111) and the first perpendicular frame member proximal end (113). When the first perpendicular frame member is released from the folded position in which the first perpendicular frame member is substantially parallel with the base frame member (shown in FIG. 5), the first linear actuator applies a force to the first perpendicular frame member first location extending the first perpendicular frame member away from the base frame member until the first perpendicular frame member and the base frame member form an angle (α₁) of about or exactly 90° as shown in FIG. 3.

Similarly, the second linear actuator (210) may be configured to extend between a base frame member second location proximate to the base frame member second end (107) and a second perpendicular frame member first location (122). Said second perpendicular frame member second location is preferably located about 30% and about 70% of the distance between the second perpendicular frame member distal end (121) and the second perpendicular frame member proximal end (123). When the second perpendicular frame member is released from the folded position in which the second perpendicular frame member is substantially parallel with the base frame member (shown in FIG. 5), the second linear actuator applies a force to the second perpendicular frame member first location extending the second perpendicular frame member away from the base frame member until the second perpendicular frame member and the base frame member form an angle (α₂) of about or exactly 90° as shown in FIG. 3.

Further shown in FIG. 3 is the first cover member (300). As shown in FIG. 3, the first cover member extends between the base frame member (105), the first perpendicular frame member (110), the second perpendicular frame member (120), and the first outer frame member (130). The first cover member may be manufactured of any number of flexible materials such as canvas, nylon, polyester, and the like. The first cover member may be connected to the respective frame members by inserting the frame members through one or more loops in the edges of the first cover member, or by other attachment mechanisms such as ties and grommets.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrates a rear view of the embodiment of an awning (10) shown in FIG. 1 including details of the attachment structure (400). As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the attachment structure may include a longitudinal plate (401) and a first plurality of L brackets (402). The longitudinal plate may be connected to the base frame member by a clamp, a bolt, a strap, a screw, a rivet, or a similar fastener. Alternatively, the longitudinal plate and the base frame member may be fabricated of a single integral piece of material or the longitudinal plate may be the base frame member. The first plurality of L brackets may be individually spaced along a length of the longitudinal plate to connect the longitudinal plate to the first vehicle surface (21 as shown in FIG. 6). Preferably the first plurality of L brackets will connect to each of the longitudinal plate and the first vehicle surface by passing a fastener—such as a bolt and nut or the like—through a hole in the sidewall of the L bracket and a corresponding hole in the longitudinal plate or the first vehicle surface as the case may be as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The attachment structure is thereby configured to connect the base frame member (105) to a first vehicle surface. While L brackets are shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, other configurations of brackets, nonlimiting examples of which include T brackets and H brackets, may be utilized.

In some embodiments, the longitudinal plate (401) may include one or more channels (403). When present, the channels may replace the holes in the longitudinal plate to which the L brackets (402) are connected by the fastener. Instead, a fastener—such as a bolt and nut—may be disposed with the head of the bolt within the channel and the threaded bolt shank extending outwardly therefrom. The threaded bolt shank may then pass through the hole in the sidewall of the L bracket and be secured by the nut. In attaching the L brackets to the longitudinal plate in this manner, the position of the various L brackets may be varied along the length of the longitudinal plate to adapt to different mounting positions on the first vehicle surface.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the embodiment of an awning (10) shown in FIG. 1 in a folded configuration. The folded configuration is preferred when the vehicle (20) is in operation (i.e.—being driven) or when the awning is otherwise not in use. As such, the folded configuration may be thought of as a storage configuration for the awning.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the awning is in the folded configuration, the first outer frame member (130) will be disconnected from the first perpendicular frame member distal end (111) and/or the second perpendicular frame member distal end (121). In some embodiments, the first outer frame member may be configured in two sections which can be disassembled at a point along the length of the first outer frame member and folded substantially parallel with the first perpendicular frame member (110) or the second perpendicular frame member (120) by pivoting the first outer frame member about the hinge or similar fastener which connects the first outer frame member to the respective perpendicular frame member. The first outer frame member may then be affixed to the respective perpendicular frame member by a clip, tie, clamp, or similar fastener.

When in the folded position as shown in FIG. 5, the first linear actuator (200) will be in a retracted position as opposed to the extended position shown in FIG. 3. This allows the first perpendicular frame member (110) to pivot inwardly about the hinge or similar fastener which connects the first perpendicular frame member proximal end (113) to the base frame member first end (106) until the first perpendicular frame member is substantially parallel with the base frame member (105). The first perpendicular frame member may then be affixed to the base frame member by a clip, tie, clamp, or similar fastener.

Similarly, when in the folded position as shown in FIG. 5, the second linear actuator (210) will be in a retracted position as opposed to the extended position shown in FIG. 3. This allows the second perpendicular frame member (120) to pivot inwardly about the hinge or similar fastener which connects the second perpendicular frame member proximal end (123) to the base frame member second end (107) until the second perpendicular frame member is substantially parallel with the base frame member (105). The second perpendicular frame member may then be affixed to the base frame member and/or the first perpendicular frame member (110) by a clip, tie, clamp, or similar fastener.

FIG. 6 illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of the awning (10) of FIG. 1 configured to connect to a first vehicle surface (21) of a vehicle (20). The first vehicle surface may be any number of different vehicle surface—preferably those located at or about the roof of a vehicle. One such example is shown in FIG. 6 showing a first side edge (22) of a vehicle roof (23) to which the awning is connected by the attachment structure (400). Alternatively, the first vehicle surface may be a side roof rack member. When the first vehicle surface is a side roof rack member, the roof rack may be an existing factory installed roof rack, or an aftermarket roof rack. While FIG. 6 shows the first side edge of the vehicle roof being located on the driver's side of the vehicle, the first side edge may also be on the passenger's side of the vehicle.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an awning (10) attached to a vehicle (20)—which in this case is a sport-utility vehicle (SUV)—and including a rear awning section with FIG. 8 showing a partially exploded top view thereof. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the awning comprises a rear awning section, the awning will comprise a second cover member (310) and a second attachment structure (410) while the fame (100) may comprise a second base frame member (140), a third perpendicular frame member (150), a fourth perpendicular frame member (155), a second outer frame member (160), a third linear actuator (220), and a fourth linear actuator (230).

The second base frame member (140) may take many forms. Preferably, the second base frame member will be an elongate structure in the form of a tube, strip, cylinder, or the like. As such, the second base frame member will have two opposing end points, referred to herein as a second base frame member first end (141) and a second base frame member second end (142).

Like the second base frame member (140), the third perpendicular frame member (150) may also take many forms. Preferably, the third perpendicular frame member will be an elongate structure in the form of a tube, strip, cylinder, or the like. As such, the third perpendicular frame member will have two opposing end points, referred to herein as a third perpendicular frame member distal end (151) and a third perpendicular frame member proximal end (153).

The third perpendicular frame member (150) may be pivotably connected to and horizontally extendable from the second base frame member first end (141). The connection between the third perpendicular frame member and the second base frame member may take the form of a hinge or similar fastener which joins between the second base frame member first end and the third perpendicular frame member proximal end (153). When the third perpendicular frame member is extended from the second base frame member first end, an angle (α₃) may be formed between the third perpendicular frame member and the second base frame member. Preferably, said angle will be about or exactly 90°, although in certain embodiments the angle may be in a range of between 30° and 150°.

Like the second base frame member (140) and the third perpendicular frame member (150), the fourth perpendicular frame member (155) may also take many forms. Preferably, the fourth perpendicular frame member will be an elongate structure in the form of a tube, strip, cylinder, or the like. As such, the fourth perpendicular frame member will have two opposing end points, referred to herein as a fourth perpendicular frame member distal end (156) and a fourth perpendicular frame member proximal end (158).

The fourth perpendicular frame member (155) may be pivotably connected to and horizontally extendable from the second base frame member second end (142). The connection between the fourth perpendicular frame member and the second base frame member may take the form of a hinge or similar fastener which joins between the second base frame member second end and the fourth perpendicular frame member proximal end (158). When the fourth perpendicular frame member is extended from the second base frame member second end, an angle (α₄) may be formed between the fourth perpendicular frame member and the second base frame member. Preferably, said angle will be about or exactly 90°, although in certain embodiments the angle may be in a range of between 30° and 150°.

Like the second base frame member (140) and the two perpendicular frame members (150 and 155), the second outer frame member (160) may also take many forms. Preferably, the second outer frame member will be an elongate structure in the form of a tube, strip, cylinder, or the like. As such, the second outer frame member will have two opposing end points.

The second outer frame member (160) may be pivotably connected to the third perpendicular frame member distal end (151) or the fourth perpendicular frame member distal end (156). The connection between the second outer frame member and the third perpendicular frame member or fourth perpendicular frame member may take the form of a hinge or similar fastener which joins between the respective perpendicular frame member distal end (151 or 156) and an end of the second outer frame member. When the second outer frame member extends between the third perpendicular frame member distal end and the fourth perpendicular frame member distal end, the resulting structure—in combination with the second base frame member (140) may take the shape of a rectangle or square as shown in FIG. 8. Other shapes in which the second base frame member and the second outer frame member are substantially parallel with one another—such as a parallelogram or a trapezoid—may also be achieved. In some embodiments, the second base frame member and the second outer frame member may not be substantially parallel with one another, such as when the second outer frame member has a curved profile extending between the third perpendicular frame member distal end and the fourth perpendicular frame member distal end.

In some embodiments, one or more of the second base frame member (140), the third perpendicular frame member (150), the fourth perpendicular frame member (155), and/or the second outer frame member (160) may include an embedded lighting element therein. The embedded lighting element may be in the form of one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) including corresponding electronics such as a switch (for turning the embedded lighting element on and off), wiring, and/or a dimmer knob (for adjusting the brightness of the lighting element).

FIG. 9 illustrates an assembled bottom view of the embodiment of an awning (10) shown in FIG. 7 including the third linear actuator (220) and the fourth linear actuator (230), each of which may be a hydraulic linear actuator, a pneumatic linear actuator, an electromechanical linear actuator, a piezoelectric linear actuator, or a spring actuator.

As shown in FIG. 9, the third linear actuator (220) may be configured to extend between a second base frame member first location proximate to the second base frame member first end (141) and a third perpendicular frame member first location (152). Said third perpendicular frame member first location is preferably located about 30% and about 70% of the distance between the third perpendicular frame member distal end (151) and the third perpendicular frame member proximal end (153). When the third perpendicular frame member is released from the folded position in which the third perpendicular frame member is substantially parallel with the second base frame member (shown in FIG. 11), the third linear actuator applies a force to the third perpendicular frame member first location extending the third perpendicular frame member away from the second base frame member until the third perpendicular frame member and the second base frame member form an angle (α₃) of about or exactly 90° as shown in FIG. 9.

Similarly, the fourth linear actuator (230) may be configured to extend between a second base frame member second location proximate to the second base frame member second end (142) and a fourth perpendicular frame member first location (157). Said fourth perpendicular frame member first location is preferably located about 30% and about 70% of the distance between the fourth perpendicular frame member distal end (156) and the fourth perpendicular frame member proximal end (158). When the fourth perpendicular frame member is released from the folded position in which the fourth perpendicular frame member is substantially parallel with the second base frame member (shown in FIG. 11), the fourth linear actuator applies a force to the fourth perpendicular frame member first location extending the fourth perpendicular frame member away from the second base frame member until the fourth perpendicular frame member and the second base frame member form an angle (α₄) of about or exactly 90° as shown in FIG. 9.

Further shown in FIG. 9 is the third cover member (320). As shown in FIG. 9, the second cover member extends between at least the second base frame member (140), the third perpendicular frame member (150), the fourth perpendicular frame member (155), and the second outer frame member (160). The second cover member may be manufactured of any number of flexible materials such as canvas, nylon, polyester, and the like. The second cover member may be connected to the respective frame members by inserting the frame members through one or more loops in the edges of the second cover member, or by other attachment mechanisms such as ties and grommets.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrates a rear view of the embodiment of an awning (10) shown in FIG. 7 including details of the second attachment structure (410). As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the second attachment structure may include a second longitudinal plate (411) and a second plurality of L brackets (412). The second longitudinal plate may be connected to the second base frame member by a clamp, a bolt, a strap, a screw, a rivet, or a similar fastener. Alternatively, the second longitudinal plate and the second base frame member may be fabricated of a single integral piece of material or the second longitudinal plate may be the second base frame member. The second plurality of L brackets may be individually spaced along a length of the second longitudinal plate to connect the second longitudinal plate to the second vehicle surface (24 as shown in FIG. 12). Preferably the second plurality of L brackets will connect to each of the second longitudinal plate and the second vehicle surface by passing a fastener—such as a bolt and nut or the like—through a hole in the sidewall of the L bracket and a corresponding hole in the second longitudinal plate or the second vehicle surface as the case may be as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. The second attachment structure is thereby configured to connect the second base frame member (140) to a second vehicle surface. While L brackets are shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, other configurations of brackets, nonlimiting examples of which include T brackets and H brackets, may be utilized.

In some embodiments, the second longitudinal plate (411) may include one or more second channels (413). When present, the second channels may replace the holes in the second longitudinal plate to which the second L brackets (412) are connected by the fastener. Instead, a fastener—such as a bolt and nut—may be disposed with the head of the bolt within the second channel and the threaded bolt shank extending outwardly therefrom. The threaded bolt shank may then pass through the hole in the sidewall of the second L bracket and be secured by the nut. In attaching the second L brackets to the second longitudinal plate in this manner, the position of the various second L brackets may be varied along the length of the second longitudinal plate to adapt to different mounting positions on the second vehicle surface.

FIG. 11 illustrates a bottom view of the embodiment of an awning (10) shown in FIG. 7 in a folded configuration. The folded configuration is preferred when the vehicle (20) is in operation (i.e.—being driven) or when the awning is otherwise not in use. As such, the folded configuration may be thought of as a storage configuration for the awning.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the awning is in the folded configuration, the second outer frame member (160) will be disconnected from the third perpendicular frame member distal end (151) and/or the fourth perpendicular frame member distal end (156). In some embodiments, the second outer frame member may be configured in two sections which can be disassembled at a point along the length of the second outer frame member and folded substantially parallel with the third perpendicular frame member (150) or the fourth perpendicular frame member (155) by pivoting the second outer frame member about the hinge or similar fastener which connects the second outer frame member to the respective perpendicular frame member. The second outer frame member may then be affixed to the respective perpendicular frame member by a clip, tie, clamp, or similar fastener.

When in the folded position as shown in FIG. 11, the third linear actuator (220) will be in a retracted position as opposed to the extended position shown in FIG. 9. This allows the third perpendicular frame member (150) to pivot inwardly about the hinge or similar fastener which connects the third perpendicular frame member proximal end (153) to the second base frame member first end (141) until the third perpendicular frame member is substantially parallel with the second base frame member (140). The third perpendicular frame member may then be affixed to the second base frame member by a clip, tie, clamp, or similar fastener.

Similarly, when in the folded position as shown in FIG. 11, the fourth linear actuator (230) will be in a retracted position as opposed to the extended position shown in FIG. 9. This allows the fourth perpendicular frame member (155) to pivot inwardly about the hinge or similar fastener which connects the fourth perpendicular frame member proximal end (158) to the second base frame member second end (142) until the fourth perpendicular frame member is substantially parallel with the second base frame member (140). The fourth perpendicular frame member may then be affixed to the second base frame member and/or the third perpendicular frame member (150) by a clip, tie, clamp, or similar fastener.

FIG. 12 illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of the awning (10) of FIG. 7 configured to connect to a second vehicle surface (24) of a vehicle (20). The second vehicle surface may be any number of different vehicle surface—preferably those located at or about the roof of a vehicle. One such example is shown in FIG. 12 showing a rear edge (25) of a vehicle roof (23) to which the rear portion of the awning is connected by the second attachment structure (410). Alternatively, the second vehicle surface may be a rear roof rack member. When the second vehicle surface is a rear roof rack member, the rear roof rack may be an existing factory installed roof rack, or an aftermarket roof rack.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an awning (10) attached to a vehicle (20)—which in this case is a sport-utility vehicle (SUV)—and including a second side awning section with FIG. 14 showing a partially exploded top view thereof. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, when the awning comprises a second side awning section, the awning will comprise a third cover member (320) and a third attachment structure (420) while the fame (100) may comprise a third base frame member (170), a fifth perpendicular frame member (180), a sixth perpendicular frame member (185), a third outer frame member (190), a fifth linear actuator (240), and a sixth linear actuator (250).

The third base frame member (170) may take many forms. Preferably, the third base frame member will be an elongate structure in the form of a tube, strip, cylinder, or the like. As such, the third base frame member will have two opposing end points, referred to herein as a third base frame member first end (171) and a third base frame member second end (172).

Like the third base frame member (170), the fifth perpendicular frame member (180) may also take many forms. Preferably, the fifth perpendicular frame member will be an elongate structure in the form of a tube, strip, cylinder, or the like. As such, the fifth perpendicular frame member will have two opposing end points, referred to herein as a fifth perpendicular frame member distal end (181) and a fifth perpendicular frame member proximal end (183).

The fifth perpendicular frame member (180) may be pivotably connected to and horizontally extendable from the third base frame member first end (171). The connection between the fifth perpendicular frame member and the third base frame member may take the form of a hinge or similar fastener which joins between the third base frame member first end and the fifth perpendicular frame member proximal end (183). When the fifth perpendicular frame member is extended from the third base frame member first end, an angle (α₅) may be formed between the fifth perpendicular frame member and the third base frame member. Preferably, said angle will be about or exactly 90°, although in certain embodiments the angle may be in a range of between 30° and 150°.

Like the third base frame member (170) and the fifth perpendicular frame member (180), the sixth perpendicular frame member (185) may also take many forms. Preferably, the sixth perpendicular frame member will be an elongate structure in the form of a tube, strip, cylinder, or the like. As such, the sixth perpendicular frame member will have two opposing end points, referred to herein as a sixth perpendicular frame member distal end (186) and a sixth perpendicular frame member proximal end (188).

The sixth perpendicular frame member (185) may be pivotably connected to and horizontally extendable from the third base frame member second end (172). The connection between the sixth perpendicular frame member and the third base frame member may take the form of a hinge or similar fastener which joins between the third base frame member second end and the sixth perpendicular frame member proximal end (188). When the sixth perpendicular frame member is extended from the third base frame member second end, an angle (α₆) may be formed between the sixth perpendicular frame member and the third base frame member. Preferably, said angle will be about or exactly 90°, although in certain embodiments the angle may be in a range of between 30° and 150°.

Like the third base frame member (170) and the two perpendicular frame members (180 and 185), the third outer frame member (190) may also take many forms. Preferably, the third outer frame member will be an elongate structure in the form of a tube, strip, cylinder, or the like. As such, the third outer frame member will have two opposing end points.

The third outer frame member (190) may be pivotably connected to the fifth perpendicular frame member distal end (181) or the sixth perpendicular frame member distal end (186). The connection between the third outer frame member and the fifth perpendicular frame member or sixth perpendicular frame member may take the form of a hinge or similar fastener which joins between the respective perpendicular frame member distal end (181 or 186) and an end of the third outer frame member. When the third outer frame member extends between the fifth perpendicular frame member distal end and the sixth perpendicular frame member distal end, the resulting structure—in combination with the third base frame member (170) may take the shape of a rectangle or square as shown in FIG. 14. Other shapes in which the third base frame member and the third outer frame member are substantially parallel with one another—such as a parallelogram or a trapezoid—may also be achieved. In some embodiments, the third base frame member and the third outer frame member may not be substantially parallel with one another, such as when the third outer frame member has a curved profile extending between the fifth perpendicular frame member distal end and the sixth perpendicular frame member distal end.

In some embodiments, one or more of the third base frame member (170), the fifth perpendicular frame member (180), the sixth perpendicular frame member (185), and/or the third outer frame member (190) may include an embedded lighting element therein. The embedded lighting element may be in the form of one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) including corresponding electronics such as a switch (for turning the embedded lighting element on and off), wiring, and/or a dimmer knob (for adjusting the brightness of the lighting element).

FIG. 15 illustrates an assembled bottom view of the embodiment of an awning (10) shown in FIG. 13 including the fifth linear actuator (240) and the sixth linear actuator (250), each of which may be a hydraulic linear actuator, a pneumatic linear actuator, an electromechanical linear actuator, a piezoelectric linear actuator, or a spring actuator.

As shown in FIG. 15, the fifth linear actuator (240) may be configured to extend between a third base frame member first location proximate to the third base frame member first end (171) and a fifth perpendicular frame member first location (182). Said fifth perpendicular frame member first location is preferably located about 30% and about 70% of the distance between the fifth perpendicular frame member distal end (181) and the fifth perpendicular frame member proximal end (183). When the fifth perpendicular frame member is released from the folded position in which the fifth perpendicular frame member is substantially parallel with the third base frame member (shown in FIG. 17), the fifth linear actuator applies a force to the fifth perpendicular frame member first location extending the fifth perpendicular frame member away from the third base frame member until the fifth perpendicular frame member and the third base frame member form an angle (α₅) of about or exactly 90° as shown in FIG. 15.

Similarly, the sixth linear actuator (250) may be configured to extend between a third base frame member second location proximate to the third base frame member second end (172) and a sixth perpendicular frame member first location (187). Said sixth perpendicular frame member first location is preferably located about 30% and about 70% of the distance between the sixth perpendicular frame member distal end (186) and the sixth perpendicular frame member proximal end (188). When the sixth perpendicular frame member is released from the folded position in which the sixth perpendicular frame member is substantially parallel with the third base frame member (shown in FIG. 17), the sixth linear actuator applies a force to the sixth perpendicular frame member first location extending the sixth perpendicular frame member away from the third base frame member until the sixth perpendicular frame member and the third base frame member form an angle (α₆) of about or exactly 90° as shown in FIG. 15.

Further shown in FIG. 15 is the third cover member (320). As shown in FIG. 15, the third cover member extends between at least the third base frame member (170), the fifth perpendicular frame member (180), the sixth perpendicular frame member (185), and the third outer frame member (190). The third cover member may be manufactured of any number of flexible materials such as canvas, nylon, polyester, and the like. The third cover member may be connected to the respective frame members by inserting the frame members through one or more loops in the edges of the third cover member, or by other attachment mechanisms such as ties and grommets.

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrates a rear view of the embodiment of an awning (10) shown in FIG. 13 including details of the third attachment structure (420). As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the third attachment structure may include a third longitudinal plate (421) and a third plurality of L brackets (422). The third longitudinal plate may be connected to the third base frame member by a clamp, a bolt, a strap, a screw, a rivet, or a similar fastener. Alternatively, the third longitudinal plate and the third base frame member may be fabricated of a single integral piece of material or the third longitudinal plate may be the third base frame member. The third plurality of L brackets may be individually spaced along a length of the third longitudinal plate to connect the third longitudinal plate to the third vehicle surface (26 as shown in FIG. 18). Preferably the third plurality of L brackets will connect to each of the third longitudinal plate and the third vehicle surface by passing a fastener—such as a bolt and nut or the like—through a hole in the sidewall of the L bracket and a corresponding hole in the third longitudinal plate or the third vehicle surface as the case may be as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B. The third attachment structure is thereby configured to connect the third base frame member (170) to a third vehicle surface. While L brackets are shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, other configurations of brackets, nonlimiting examples of which include T brackets and H brackets, may be utilized.

In some embodiments, the third longitudinal plate (421) may include one or more third channels (423). When present, the third channels may replace the holes in the third longitudinal plate to which the third L brackets (422) are connected by the fastener. Instead, a fastener—such as a bolt and nut—may be disposed with the head of the bolt within the third channel and the threaded bolt shank extending outwardly therefrom. The threaded bolt shank may then pass through the hole in the sidewall of the third L bracket and be secured by the nut. In attaching the third L brackets to the third longitudinal plate in this manner, the position of the various third L brackets may be varied along the length of the third longitudinal plate to adapt to different mounting positions on the third vehicle surface.

FIG. 17 illustrates a bottom view of the embodiment of an awning (10) shown in FIG. 13 in a folded configuration. The folded configuration is preferred when the vehicle (20) is in operation (i.e.—being driven) or when the awning is otherwise not in use. As such, the folded configuration may be thought of as a storage configuration for the awning.

As shown in FIG. 17, when the awning is in the folded configuration, the third outer frame member (190) will be disconnected from the fifth perpendicular frame member distal end (181) and/or the sixth perpendicular frame member distal end (186). In some embodiments, the third outer frame member may be configured in two sections which can be disassembled at a point along the length of the third outer frame member and folded substantially parallel with the fifth perpendicular frame member (180) or the sixth perpendicular frame member (185) by pivoting the third outer frame member about the hinge or similar fastener which connects the third outer frame member to the respective perpendicular frame member. The third outer frame member may then be affixed to the respective perpendicular frame member by a clip, tie, clamp, or similar fastener.

When in the folded position as shown in FIG. 17, the fifth linear actuator (240) will be in a retracted position as opposed to the extended position shown in FIG. 15. This allows the fifth perpendicular frame member (180) to pivot inwardly about the hinge or similar fastener which connects the fifth perpendicular frame member proximal end (183) to the third base frame member first end (171) until the fifth perpendicular frame member is substantially parallel with the third base frame member (170). The fifth perpendicular frame member may then be affixed to the third base frame member by a clip, tie, clamp, or similar fastener.

Similarly, when in the folded position as shown in FIG. 17, the sixth linear actuator (250) will be in a retracted position as opposed to the extended position shown in FIG. 15. This allows the sixth perpendicular frame member (185) to pivot inwardly about the hinge or similar fastener which connects the sixth perpendicular frame member proximal end (188) to the third base frame member second end (172) until the sixth perpendicular frame member is substantially parallel with the third base frame member (170). The sixth perpendicular frame member may then be affixed to the third base frame member and/or the third perpendicular frame member (150) by a clip, tie, clamp, or similar fastener.

FIG. 18 illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of the awning (10) of FIG. 13 configured to connect to a third vehicle surface (26) of a vehicle (20). The third vehicle surface may be any number of different vehicle surface—preferably those located at or about the roof of a vehicle. One such example is shown in FIG. 18 showing a second side edge (27) of a vehicle roof (23) to which the awning is connected by the third attachment structure (420). Alternatively, the third vehicle surface may be a second side roof rack member. When the third vehicle surface is a second side roof rack member, the roof rack may be an existing factory installed roof rack, or an aftermarket roof rack. While FIG. 18 shows the second side edge of the vehicle roof being located on the passenger's side of the vehicle, the second side edge may also be on the driver's side of the vehicle—in particular when the first side edge of the vehicle is located on the passenger's side of the vehicle.

The embodiments of an awning disclosed herein with their “L” bracket(s) and channel(s) mounting system allow the awning to be attached to a wide variety of vehicles—including trucks, SUVs, and motorhomes—having a variety of different heights, lengths, and surface features. In addition, the embodiments of an awning with linear actuators that extend and retract the various frame members require minimal physical effort on the part of a user to extend and/or retract with reduced risk of jamming or breaking.

While the awning has been described as having one or more exemplary designs, the present article may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the awning using its general principles.