Mobile Awning

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This utility patent application claims priority back to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/687,763, filed Aug. 27, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated by reference into this non-provisional application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of awnings and more specifically, to an awning with two panels separated by a mesh panel or other means by which the upper panel is attached at limited locations to the bottom panel, which, in turn allows for air to pass through, thereby alleviating stress on the awning.

BACKGROUND

Problem Stated: Awnings for trailers and vehicles have a proven weakness: namely, they are susceptible to catching gusts of wind and having their support structure bent or even broken. Because lightweight accessories are at a premium in vehicles and trailers, the support structure—namely, awning arms, pitch arms, support arms and wall mounts—are traditionally made from aluminium, a metal that is fairly easily bent. While most awnings and support structures have an advised maximum wind speed in which they should be extended, from time to time gusts of wind above the maximum wind speed will occur. When this happens, the support structure often bends or otherwise deforms to the point where the awning will probably not work again, and in extreme cases, the awning cannot even retract against the side of the trailer. This creates major problems for the driver as he/she may need to remove the entire wall mount, support unit, and awning before continuing on the journey.

The current invention provides just such a solution for a long-felt need by providing an improved awning for a trailer or vehicle that has two or more solid panels separated by a mesh panel, individual stretchy cords, isolated stitching, or other means through which the wind can blow. This mesh panel allows the awning to withstand significantly higher wind speed that does a traditional awning where there is no outlet for the wind. Rather that catching the entire gust of wind like a parachute, the invention allows some of the wind to bleed through, thereby significantly decreasing the stress on the awning. This decreases the chance of the awing ripping, tearing away from the trailer or vehicle, or the support structure for the awning bending or breaking.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to an improved awning for a trailer or vehicle that has a mesh panel separating two solid panels. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The present disclosure relates to a new and improved awning for a trailer or vehicle that has one or more this mesh panel allows the awning to withstand significantly higher wind speed that does a traditional awning where there is no outlet for the wind.

In an embodiment, the awning is for a trailer such as a travel trailer.

In an embodiment, the awning is for a recreational vehicle.

In an embodiment, the awning is for a camping vehicle.

In an embodiment, the awning has a single, horizontal mesh panel.

In an embodiment, the awning has one or more horizontal mesh panels, and/or one or more vertical mesh panels.

In yet another embodiment, there is no mesh panel, but rather, two awning panels that are partially overlapping, with the two panels, optionally, separated by a bungie cord or other elastic tether.

In another embodiment, the invention has a series of lower panels that are connected to an upper panel by mech, individual cords, or isolated stitching locations such that there are a number of openings between the upper panel and the lower panels through which wind can pass.

This disclosure will now provide a more detailed and specific description that will refer to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and specific descriptions of the drawings, as well as any specific or alternative embodiments discussed, are intended to be read in conjunction with the entirety of this disclosure. The invention as described herein may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and fully convey understanding to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front, perspective view of the invention on a travel trailer.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing the overlap of the first panel with the second panel.

FIG. 3 is a front, perspective view showing a gap that has been created between the first panel and the second panel due to high winds.

FIG. 4 is a front, perspective view showing Bungie cords used to restrain the gap that has been created between the first panel and the second panel due to high winds.

FIG. 5 is a front, perspective view showing a mesh panel used to restrain the gap that has been created between the first panel and the second panel due to high winds.

FIG. 6 is a front, perspective view an alternative embodiment where the intersection between the two panels is vertical rather than horizontal.

FIG. 7 is a front, perspective view showing another embodiment of the invention where there is both a vertical split and a horizontal split in the awning.

FIG. 8 is a top view showing another embodiment of the invention where there two vertical splits and two horizontal splits in the awning, creating a “hat” through which air can travel.

FIG. 9 is a side, perspective view showing another view of the invention as illustrated by FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a side view showing how the layered awnings can separate when a gust of wind hits the awning.

FIG. 11 is a side, sequential view showing how a gust of wind can separate the first panel from the second panel, and allow part of the force of the gust of wind to dissipate through the opening.

FIG. 12 is a side, sequential view of the “hat” version of the invention showing how a gust of wind can separate the first panel from the second panel, and allow part of the force of the gust of wind to dissipate through the opening, no matter what direction the wind comes from.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the number of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. 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”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, 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.

It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

As can be seen by the previous description of the existing awning and the invention itself, It would be desirable to have an awning with an overlap between two or more panels, such that a wind gust can at least partially pass through the awning rather than applying its full force to the awning and potentially damaging both the awning and the awning support structure on the trailer itself. As mentioned previously, should the awning and even more importantly, the awning support structure be bent or disfigured to the point where the awning cannot be safely retracted and retained against the side of the trailer, a user may have to disassemble the entire unit—including the awning support structure, before driving.

To this, the present disclosure advantageously fills the abovementioned needs and addresses the aforementioned deficiencies by providing an awning with at least one overlapping panel, where a gap is created between the two panels when wind blows, such that some of the force of the wind passes through the awning.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front, perspective view of the invention on a travel trailer 4. An awning support structure 3 connects the awning to the trailer. The awning as a first panel 1 and a second panel 2. Because there is a gap between the bottom of the first panel and the top of the second panel, when a gust of wind blows, part of that wind is “bled off” through the gap, as opposed to traditional awnings where the awning takes the entire brunt of the wind.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing the overlap 5 of the first panel 1 with the second panel 2. Since the first panel is not continuously connected the second panel, when a gust of wind hits the awning, the overlap opens up to let at least some of the wind escape without stressing the awning or the awning support structure.

FIG. 3 is a front, perspective view showing a gap 6 that has been created between the first panel 1 and the second panel 2 due to high winds. It is through this gap 6 that at least some of the wind blows, thereby lessoning the stress on the awning and awning support structure.

FIG. 4 is a front, perspective view showing elastic cords 7 used to restrain the gap 6 that has been created between the first panel 1 and the second panel 2 due to high winds. Once the gust of wind is over, the elastic cords retract and pull the bottom part of the first panel back over the top part of the second panel.

FIG. 5 is a front, perspective view showing a mesh panel 8 used to restrain the gap that has been created between the first panel and the second panel due to high winds. In this embodiment, a mesh panel is sewn or otherwise attached between the lower portion of the first panel and the top portion of the second panel, such that when a gust of wind hits the awning, the first panel moves upright and the second panel moves downward to open the gap through which the wind passes. The size of the gap is determined by the height of the mesh panel 8.

FIG. 6 is a front, perspective view an alternative embodiment where the intersection between the two panels is vertical rather than horizontal. In this case, the overlap 5 is vertical, and a first panel 1 and a second panel 2 have their side portions overlapping, such as a vertical gap is created when the wind blows.

FIG. 7 is a front, perspective view showing another embodiment of the invention where there is both a vertical split and a horizontal split in the awning. In this embodiment, there is a first upper half panel 9 that has a vertical overlap 13 with a second upper half panel 10, and a first lower half panel 11 that have a vertical overlap 13 with a second lower half panel. There is also a horizonal overlap 14 between the first upper half panel 9 and the first lower half panel 11, and the second upper half panel 10 that overlaps a second lower half panel 12. This allows for both vertical and horizontal gaps to form and dissipate wind gusts evenly.

FIG. 8 is a top view showing another embodiment of the invention where there multiple horizontal splits in the awning, creating a “hat” 21 through which air can travel. The awning is attached to the side of a trailer or other mobile vehicle, 4, and have several base panels 20, which are attached at several points to an upper panel or “hat” 21.

FIG. 9 is a side, perspective view showing another view of the invention as illustrated by FIG. 8. This figure shows how air can escape through air vents or openings 22 between the base panels 20 and the upper panel 21.

FIG. 10 is a side view showing how the layered awnings can separate when a gust of wind hits the awning. The first panel 1 and the second panel 2 are attached by two elastic cords 7. When a gust of wind hits the awning, the first panel 1 and second panel 2 separate and let some of the force of the wind pass through. The size of the opening is limited by the stretchability of the elastic cords 7. Note how in this figure two elastic cords 7 are used, and are aligned such that in a resting position the first panel overlaps the second panel to create uninterrupted shade under the awning.

FIG. 11 is a side, sequential view showing how a gust of wind can separate the first panel 1 from the second panel 2, and allow part of the force of the gust of wind to dissipate through the opening, or gap 6. In the first figure, there is little or no wind, so the first panel 1 overlaps the second panel 2, to prove complete shade. In the second figure, a gust of wind has hit the awning. Rather than exerting the entire force on the awning, and either ripping the panel or bending the support system, part of the gust is dispersed through the gap 2. The first panel and the second panel are still connected to each other by an elastic cord 7, although the same technology would work equally well with a mesh or other means to limit the size of the gap. Once the gust of wind is over, the first panel returns to rest, overlapping the second panel.

FIG. 12 is a side, sequential view of the “hat” version of the invention showing how a gust of wind can separate the upper panel 21 from the base panel 20, and allow part of the force of the gust of wind to dissipate through the opening or air vent 22, no matter what direction the wind comes from. The air vent 22 in this embodiment is 360 degrees, such that part of the air vent 22 will function to dissipate part of the force of the wind whether the wind is from the north, south, east or west. An elastic cord 7 stretches to create the air vent 22, while at the same time keeping the upper panel 21 attached to the base panel 20.

Furthermore, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the above description does not provide specific details of the manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art can choose suitable manufacturing and design details.

Further, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.

It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

REFERENCE NUMBERS USED

• • 1. Upper panel
  • 2. Lower panel
  • 3. Awning support structure
  • 4. Trailer
  • 5. Overlap
  • 6. Gap
  • 7. Bungie cords
  • 8. Mesh panel
  • 9. First upper half panel
  • 10. Second upper half panel
  • 11. First lower half panel
  • 12. Second lower half panel
  • 13. Vertical overlap
  • 14. Horizontal overlap
  • 20. Base panel
  • 21. Upper panel
  • 22. Air vent between base panel and upper panel.
  • 23. Wind direction