Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a bracket assembly for a lateral arm of an awning support system, the bracket assembly including: a bracket mount to mount said bracket assembly to a surface from which the awning extends; an arm mount for the vertically pivotal attachment to the bracket mount of the proximal end of the lateral arm; and a spring operatively connected between the bracket mount and the arm mount to normally maintain the lateral arm in an equilibrium position, but to allow the lateral arm to rotate vertically from the equilibrium position to absorb the vertical component of an excessive load on the awning and/or to permit the awning to shed the condition producing the excessive load.

Abstract: A frame assembly, such as for an awning or canopy, includes a master rib having identical keyways running the longitudinal length of the rib. Each keyway is defined by an opposing pair of sidewalls extending lengthwise in the longitudinal direction. The sidewalls are each formed integrally with a plurality of threadlines extending in the longitudinal direction which face opposite from and are offset in the depthwise direction by a given pitch from those of the other sidewall, so as to form threadable surfaces for a screw to be threaded therein. A cleat member has a body portion with a depthwise bore so that a threaded screw can be inserted depthwise and project from its lower end into the keyway and the master rib. The cleat member can be fastened to the master rib at any position along its longitudinal length.

Abstract: An awning support structure has lateral arms with shoulder ends which are pivotably mounted to load-adjusting mounting members secured to a mounting portion of a building. The load-adjusting mounting members allow the lateral arms to deflect in the upward or downward directions, in order to allow the awning structure to absorb and/or shed the load. The preferred mounting members have urethane compression joints securing the shoulder ends of the lateral arms to shoulder brackets fixed to a support tube which is secured to the building.