For Outrigged Flexible Panels (i.e., Awnings) Patents (Class 160/22)
  • Patent number: 11285793
    Abstract: An automobile sun-shading device, comprising a mounting seat, a piece of sun-shading cloth, and a bracket for driving the sun-shading cloth to unfold, wherein the bracket comprises a first bracket and a second bracket movably connected to the first bracket, one end of the first bracket is mounted on the mounting seat, the other end of the first bracket is movably connected to one end of the second bracket, the other end of the second bracket is connected to one end of the sun-shading cloth, the other end of the sun-shading cloth is wound on a rotary shaft, and the first bracket and the second bracket each comprise a foldable connecting rod capable of being automatically unfolded. The sun-shading device is exquisite in structure and better in sun-shading effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: WENZHOU BENQI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yunlong Jiang
  • Patent number: 11021909
    Abstract: A spring roller blind system is provided that has a roller blind module, a height adjusting module, a winding module, a first main adjusting device disposed on the height adjusting module, a second main adjusting device disposed on the winding module, an auxiliary adjusting element, and a fixing element. The height adjusting module and the winding module are respectively disposed on two ends of the roller blind module. The auxiliary adjusting element is selectively and detachably disposed on a first main adjusting element of the first main adjusting device or a second main adjusting element of the second main adjusting device for adjusting the height adjusting module or the winding module. The fixing element is selectively inserted into a fixing recess of the winding module for positioning the second main adjusting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventor: Yung-Ching Lai
  • Patent number: 10994408
    Abstract: A device capable of simulating a limb of a humanoid robot includes a vertically arranged guiding rail, a lower block fixed to the lower end of die guiding rail, an upper block slidably connected to rail, a lower linkage bar rotatably coupled to the lower block, an upper linkage bar rotatably coupled to the upper block, a joint module located between and rotatably coupled to the lower linkage bar and the upper linkage bar, a sensor configured to measure a force exerted on the joint; and a data processing module electrically connected to the sensor and configured to receive data from the sensor to determine a value of the force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: UBTECH ROBOTICS CORP
    Inventors: Youjun Xiong, Weining Zhang, Hailei Li, Guangjun Hei
  • Patent number: 10718116
    Abstract: A hood for a roll up shutter is provided wherein the hood configured to be transported in a flat or rolled up configuration and assembled upon delivery. The hood includes a sheet having a first surface and a second surface and at least one indentation formed on at least one of the first surface or the second surface, the indentation configured to facilitate bending at the at least one indentation wherein after delivery, the sheet is bent at the at least one indentation so as to form the hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Inventors: Stephen J. Motosko, Stephen J. Motosko, III, Catherine Motosko
  • Patent number: 10367448
    Abstract: A solar panel awning device may include a solar panel having first and second opposing ends, first and second opposing sides extending between the first and second opposing ends, and first and second opposing major surfaces. The first major opposing surface defines a photovoltaic surface. The solar panel awning device may include first and second arms respectively coupled to the first and second opposing ends of the solar panel, and an actuator coupled to one of the first and second arms and configured to switch the solar panel between an extended position and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the solar panel is flat against a side of a building; in the extended position, the first opposing side is proximal to the side of the building and spaced apart from the side of the building; and the second opposing side is distal to the side of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventor: Olof Tenghoff
  • Patent number: 10145118
    Abstract: A screen device (I), comprising a covering which comprises a beam (2, 3, 4) as a structural part (2, 3, 4) of the covering and which is attachable to at least one adjacent structural part (2, 3, 4, 5) of the screen device (I), and comprises a end cap (6, 6?) which is attachable to one end of the beam (2, 3, 4) in order to attach the beam (2, 3, 4) to the adjacent structural part (2, 3, 4, 5) of the screen device (I).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: RENSON SUNPROTECTION-SCREENS NV
    Inventors: Thierry Veys, Michael Tokmaji, Kristof Lemiegre, Pieter Brabant, Frederik Van Luchene, Koen Verfaillie, Patrick Perquy, Bart Pieter Jules Abeel
  • Patent number: 9926741
    Abstract: A motor-drive system for retractable covering having a headrail with a horizontally disposed roller supporting a top edge of a flexible fabric material includes an electric motor mounted within a housing and interconnected to the roller to selectively rotate the roller in opposite directions while minimizing noise created from vibrations within the system. This system includes motor mounts within the housing which separate and absorb vibrations of the motor within the housing and a drive disk of a moderately soft material, which is firm enough to transfer torque from the motor to the roller while being soft enough to absorb vibrations which would otherwise be transmitted from the motor to the roller. An interconnect mounting the drive disk to the drive shaft of the motor is also made of a third relatively soft material, which is harder than the drive disk to more ably transmit torque but soft enough so as not to unduly transmit noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Faller, Ronald Holt, Stephen T. Wisecup
  • Patent number: 9412609
    Abstract: A method for selectively etching silicon nitride with respect to silicon oxide is provided. An oxygen free silicon nitride etch gas comprising H2 and either CF4 or CXHYFZ (X?1, Y?1, Z?1) is provided. An RF power is provided to form the etch gas into a plasma, wherein the silicon nitride is exposed to the plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Bhaskar Nagabhirava, Seongjun Heo, Chih-Hsiang Wu, Ying-Ren Chen
  • Patent number: 9139258
    Abstract: A manually operated boat shade system is disclosed for deploying a flexible canvas or like shade material over the deck of a boat solely by hand. The device is adapted to mount as an integral unit to overhead structure on the boat and comprises a pair of tubular actuator assemblies telescopically assembled and coupled together in parallel alignment within a self-supporting framework to permit pullout deployment and reverse retraction of the flexible canvas from a tensioned roller member transversely mounted between the actuator assemblies. A self-engaging locking mechanism is further incorporated within the tubular actuator assembly to maintain the framework when in full extension preventing an unwanted retraction. The locking mechanism is further releasable by hand to allow a staged retraction of the framework and canvas when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Inventor: Ronald K. Russikoff
  • Patent number: 9090153
    Abstract: An apparatus that provides protection from precipitation to a vehicle occupant upon entering or exiting the vehicle includes a housing secured to the vehicle roof so that it can be reached by a passenger seated within the vehicle. A housing base is secured to the vehicle roof. A hinge positioned at the leading end of the housing interconnects the housing base to a housing cover. The housing has a fully closed position when the housing cover fully engages the housing base and a fully deployed position when the cover is fully rotated with respect to the base. A sheet of waterproof material has a first end secured to an interior of the base and a second end secured to an interior of the cover. The sheet is folded when the housing is in the fully closed position and is unfolded when the housing is in the fully deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Boyd
  • Patent number: 9010347
    Abstract: A portable awning for the car. The present invention is to overcome the deficiency of bad effect of insulation and inconvenience for user. The point of solution includes a casing able to be separated into two portions along the length direction, and an awning body able be stored within the said two portions of the casing respectively, is characterized in that: the said awning body is a foldable body with continuous honeycomb section, the said two portions of the casing are provided with fixed structure used for fixing the car. Each Honeycomb Tube of the said awning body is an opening structure at the both ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Xiaopeng Wang
  • Patent number: 8839839
    Abstract: A retractable awning that transforms automatically into a gable or arch is disclosed. The awning sheet extends using articulated hinged arms. A first end of each articulated arm is hingedly affixed to a stationary surface. The two articulated arms provide vertical support while extending the awning sheet. A swiveling hinge interface connects the ends of the articulated arms and the front support member. The front support member is a flexible spring member and resiliently arches the awning when extending. In another embodiment, the front support member is a left member and right member connected by a hinge and a spring. The spring resiliently urges the left and right member into a gabled configuration, thereby gabling the awning. When retracting the awning, the ends of the front support member and awning sheet are pulled outwards, thereby counteracting the naturally gabled or arched configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Prine, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20140262059
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and kit for mounting to the wall of a structure. The apparatus comprises: first and second arms, each arm having an elongated portion and a mounting portion arranged at an angle relative to the elongated portion, the mounting portion defining one or more holes, the elongated portion of the first arm having a first inner surface, the elongated portion of the second arm having a second inner surface, first inner surface opposing the second inner surface; at least a first clamp member operably connected to the first arm and at least a second clamp member operably connected to the second arm; and at least one canopy member having a one end portion clamped between the first inner surface and the at least one clamp member and an opposite end portion clamped between the second inner surface and the at least second clamp member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: George Gelsebach
  • Publication number: 20140231028
    Abstract: A method for protecting an area from sun and precipitation using a retractable awning with an automated pitching gable or automated pitching arch is disclosed. An awning sheet extends using articulating hinged arms. A first end of each articulating arm is hingedly affixed to a surface. The articulating arms provide vertical support for the awning. Swiveling hinge interfaces connect the ends of the articulating arms to the ends of the front support member. In one embodiment, the front support member is an upwardly biased flexible spring member. In another embodiment, the front support member is a left member and right member movably connected by a hinge coupled to an upwardly biased spring. Upon extending the awning, the upwardly biased spring automates pitching the awning into a gable or arch. Upon retracting, the awning sheet is wrapped substantially around the roller, thereby counteracting the automated pitching gable or automated pitching arch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Prine, SR.
  • Patent number: 8347559
    Abstract: A structure for outdoor marquees, pergolas and the like, of the type that comprises at least one supporting post with a substantially vertical arrangement, which is associated with at least one beam which can have an even slightly inclined arrangement. The beam comprises two mutually opposite profiles having a substantially U-shaped cross-section, the first profile, which is superimposed on the second profile and faces it, accommodating elements for moving a marquee associated with the structure, the second profile constituting a path for collecting rainwater that drains off the marquee in order to convey it to a drainage path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Corradi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luca Grazioso
  • Publication number: 20120261080
    Abstract: A retractable awning that transforms automatically into a gable or arch is disclosed. The awning sheet extends using articulated hinged arms. A first end of each articulated arm is hingedly affixed to a stationary surface. The two articulated arms provide vertical support while extending the awning sheet. A swiveling hinge interface connects the ends of the articulated arms and the front support member. The front support member is a flexible spring member and resiliently arches the awning when extending. In another embodiment, the front support member is a left member and right member connected by a hinge and a spring. The spring resiliently urges the left and right member into a gabled configuration, thereby gabling the awning. When retracting the awning, the ends of the front support member and awning sheet are pulled outwards, thereby counteracting the naturally gabled or arched configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Prine, SR.
  • Publication number: 20120193036
    Abstract: An apparatus and system to removably install, or replace, an awning panel. The awning panel is mounted on a wall or structure or similar vertical surface by insertion into a pair of mounting brackets that have been affixed to the wall. The mounting brackets may be mounted at any distance apart, and thus may accommodate awnings of different sizes. The mounting brackets comprise a right and left bracket, each comprising an angled support art, a holding member, a vertical support member, and a top support member. Supporting members along the sides of the awning panel slide into the space or slot formed by the angled support arm and the holding piece, and is further supported by the angled support arm extending along the underside of the supporting members. The angled support arm may be fixed at a set angle, or may be adjusted to different angles. A cover panel may be used to shield the awning panel, with the cover panel mounted on separate brackets or on the same brackets with the awning panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: DENNIS LAMOTTE
  • Patent number: 8225839
    Abstract: A retractable awning that transforms automatically into a gable or arch is disclosed. The awning sheet extends using articulated hinged arms. A first end of each articulated arm is hingedly affixed to a stationary surface. The two articulated arms provide vertical support while extending the awning sheet. A swiveling hinge interface connects the ends of the articulated arms and the front support member. The front support member is a flexible spring member and resiliently arches the awning when extending. In another embodiment, the front support member is a left member and right member connected by a hinge and a spring. The spring resiliently urges the left and right member into a gabled configuration, thereby gabling the awning. When retracting the awning, the ends of the front support member and awning sheet are pulled outwards, thereby counteracting the naturally gabled or arched configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Prine, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8205656
    Abstract: An awning includes a support member, an extension member, and an adjustment device. The extension member has a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The first end of the extension member couples with an edge of a cloth. The adjustment device includes at least two positioning frames coupled to the support member and a Y-shaped support frame disposed between the positioning frames. The Y-shaped support frame has an upper fork, a lower fork, and a base coupled to the second end of the extension member. The adjustment device is configured to pivotally move the extension member upward and downward. The longitudinal axis of the extension member is disposed at a range of angular positions relative to a horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Patent number: 8161990
    Abstract: A clothesline cover apparatus for protecting a clothesline from the rain comprising a housing, a water-resistant housing extendable from the housing via a first telescopic pole and a second telescopic pole, and a first sensor for detecting the presence of or absence of rain. When the first sensor detects rain, a microprocessor activates a motor to extend the first and second telescopic poles out of the housing to extend the canvas over the clothesline. When the first sensor detects the absence of rain, the microprocessor activates the motor to retract the telescopic poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventors: Anthony J. Coletta, Jayden Paul Coletta
  • Patent number: 8141613
    Abstract: Awning of the type which is provided with a roll-up shaft (3) on which is wound a cloth (4) which is fixed with one edge to a front lath (5) which is supported by means of two or more articulated arms (6), every articulated arm (6) consisting of at least two arm parts (9-10) which are hinge (12)—mounted to one another so as to be able to fold together the articulated arm (6) around a pivot (16) and to open it. The hinge (12) is a multiple hinge which not only allows for a rotation around the above-mentioned first pivot (16), but which at least also allows for a rotation around a second pivot (17) which is directed crosswise or mainly crosswise to the first pivot (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Brustor, Naamloze Vennootschap
    Inventor: Louis Brutsaert
  • Publication number: 20110304823
    Abstract: An awning includes a base part, which can be attached to a building part, a fabric shaft rotatably mounted thereon, an awning fabric, which can be retracted and extended and can be wound onto the fabric shaft and unwound therefrom, and a sound production system, which has a driver controller and at least one sound actuator activated thereby and coupled to an awning component, wherein the at least one sound actuator causes the awning component to carry out defined oscillations to emit a sound signal, in particular a music and/or speech signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: SCHMITZ-WERKE GMBH + CO. KG
    Inventors: Marius WENSING, Daniel HÔLKER, Gûnther SCHÖTTLER
  • Patent number: 8042595
    Abstract: The invention relates to an awning case assembly including a housing for a winding tube for winding the canvas, a load bar fixed to a front edge of the canvas, and foldable arms hingedly connected to the housing and to the load bar. The load bar including a second longitudinal coupling configuration which can be coupled to a second longitudinal coupling edge of the housing to form a fulcrum line about which the load bar can rotate under the action of a pulling force exerted by the canvas until a first longitudinal coupling configuration of the load bar is coupled to a first longitudinal coupling edge of the housing, the first longitudinal coupling configuration being disposed at a distance from the second coupling configuration and adjacent to a canvas fixing configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Llaza, S.A.
    Inventor: Joan Llagostera Forns
  • Patent number: 7988219
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle slide out roof block prevents foreign material such as water, dirt, or debris from accumulating on a recreational vehicle slide out roof. A slide out roof block has a size and shape selected to fill a gap between a slide out roof and an awning sheet extending over the slide out roof. Embodiments of a slide out roof block comprise a compressible bolster having a rain flap along a bottom edge of a front side. The bolster includes a block of compressible polymer foam in some embodiments. One or more pole sleeves may optionally be attached to the front side of the bolster. A pole inserted into a pole sleeve may be used to install or retrieve a slide out roof block. Some embodiments have an airtight cover and a valve, enabling a slide out roof block to be compressed for storage and reinflated for installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Richard E. Young
  • Publication number: 20110132552
    Abstract: A retractable awning that transforms automatically into a gable or arch is disclosed. The awning sheet extends using articulated hinged arms. A first end of each articulated arm is hingedly affixed to a stationary surface. The two articulated arms provide vertical support while extending the awning sheet. A swiveling hinge interface connects the ends of the articulated arms and the front support member. The front support member is a flexible spring member and resiliently arches the awning when extending. In another embodiment, the front support member is a left member and right member connected by a hinge and a spring. The spring resiliently urges the left and right member into a gabled configuration, thereby gabling the awning. When retracting the awning, the ends of the front support member and awning sheet are pulled outwards, thereby counteracting the naturally gabled or arched configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Prine, SR.
  • Publication number: 20110048651
    Abstract: An awning control system provides automatic retraction of an extended awning upon detection of awning motion in multiple dimensions caused by windy conditions. The awning control system includes a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS)-based accelerometer for motion-based auto-retraction. A single, combined motion sensor/controller module may be located in the motor head and connected to switches and a 12V power source through wires routed along or within the awning framework. The control system operates by gauging the vertical, horizontal (inward/outward), and lateral motion of the leading edge or lead rail of the awning when in a fully or partially extended position. When persistent motion or gust exceeds preset thresholds, the control system will automatically engage the motor to retract the awning. The control system provides full automatic retraction of the awning unless halted or interrupted by additional user input. Manual switching also controls the extension and retraction of the awning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Goth
  • Patent number: 7871017
    Abstract: Awning of the type that is to be mounted on or in a facade or a wall of a building or on a vehicle, comprising a frame and sunshade means in the form of a screen which, in mounted condition, is movable with respect to the facade or wall. With the frame a spraying installation is integrated for dispersing a spray from the frame. The spraying installation comprises at least one nozzle mounted in the frame for dispersing the spray mainly under the screen. Furthermore, impeller means may be provided for effecting an improved dispersion of the spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Alcre (Best) B.V.
    Inventor: Petrus Egbertus Wilhelmus Van Zutven
  • Publication number: 20100307694
    Abstract: A device for fastening an awning fabric to a winding roller with a welt rail comprises two claw elements swingable against each other, which are transferable into a beyond-dead-centre position for the fastening device to snap into and become jammed in the welt rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Schmitz-Werke GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Martin DIECKMANN
  • Publication number: 20100032106
    Abstract: An awning can include a support member, an extension member, and an adjustment device. The extension member can have a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The first end of the extension member can coupled with an edge of a cloth. The adjustment device can include at least two positioning frames coupled to the support member and a Y-shaped support frame disposed between the positioning frames. The Y-shaped support frame can have an upper fork, a lower fork, and a base coupled to the second end of the extension member. The adjustment device can be configured to pivotally move the extension member upward and downward. The longitudinal axis of the extension member can be disposed at a range of angular positions relative to a horizontal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Publication number: 20100000689
    Abstract: A corner canvas is formed such that when seen in a development, it has a right-angled trapezoidal form consisting of a rectangular canvas main body and a right-angled triangular canvas extension. A canvas take-up shaft is formed by an outer roller slidably and rotatably fitted on an inner shaft. When the canvas is to be developed, a folded swing arm is parallel-rotated obliquely forward and a front bar is pushed out to an obliquely forward corner space, thereby the corner space is covered. When the canvas is to be taken up, the swing arm is rotated obliquely rearward and the front bar is parallel-moved obliquely rearward, whereupon the outer roller is moved rearward while rotating to take up the corner canvas, and thereby the canvas extension is taken up by the exposed inner shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Osamu ITO
  • Patent number: 7641259
    Abstract: In a rain shelter control system for vehicular doorways, an electronic key ECU causes exterior signal transmitters to periodically transmit request signals. When a portable device receives the request signal in an arrival range of the request signals, the portable device generates a response signal responsive to the request signal. When a receiver receives the response signal from the portable device, the electronic key ECU operates to automatically open any of rain shelters near the portable device, so that a holder of the portable device and passengers fold their umbrellas under the opened rain shelters, so that they can get into a vehicle without being exposed to rain. Besides, the electronic key ECU operates to automatically open the rain shelter when they get off the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Teshima, Kazuhiro Nakashima, Takeshi Kumazaki, Haruyuki Tsuzuki
  • Patent number: 7628194
    Abstract: A retractable awning includes a roller reversibly driven and mounted within a housing for support on a support structure and both inner and outer sets of pivotally interconnected support arms for supporting an awning canopy when extended. The inner set of support arms support the canopy beneath an inner segment of the canopy adjacent the support surface and are designed to deploy before the outer set of support arms with the outer set of support arms supporting the canopy beneath an outer segment of the canopy further away from the support surface than the inner segment. Both the inner and outer sets of support arms can be partially or fully deployed to regulate the extent to which the awning is extendible away from the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Carefree/Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventors: Robert Wagner, Jeffrey B. Rutherford, Scott P. Thompson, Erwin J. Gaudyn, Todd Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7604036
    Abstract: A connection system for a retractable awning for connecting the canopy of the awning to a support surface includes a rigid or semi-rigid cover and may or may not include a flexible strip of material secured thereto such that when the awning is fully retracted, the rigid or semi-rigid cover extends around a substantial portion of the awning canopy wrapped on a roll bar for the awning to protect the canopy from environmental elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Carefree/Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventors: Scott P. Thompson, Robert Wagner
  • Patent number: 7513289
    Abstract: A slide-lateral arm box awning system for motor homes and recreational vehicles having an extendable coach slider includes a encasement, a slider awning and a lateral arm awning. First and second roll bars are disposed within the encasement and attached respectively to the slider awning and the lateral arm awning within the encasement. Independent of operation of the roll bars enables independent operation of the slider awning and the lateral bar awning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Girard Systems
    Inventors: Vince Weddell, Robert G. Heitel
  • Publication number: 20090032100
    Abstract: An awning, equipped with pluralities of solar cell plates, is provided. The solar cell plates mounted awning can manually be positioned to follow the movement of the sun. The awning is comprised of a square metal frame that has multiple square sectional divisions. Solar cell plates are put on each division. Two wheels that rotate-ably attached on each corner of the upper end of the awning, two rails that are fixed to a part of wall above a window and two telescopic supporting arms connected both sides of the awing and the wall enables the awning to change the position according to movement of the sun. The owner of the house, who installed the awning, can enjoy the sunset outside the window while the awning absorbs the last of the sunlight to provide electricity for the appliances inside the room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Eugene Oak
  • Publication number: 20080128095
    Abstract: Awning of the type that is to be mounted on or in a facade or a wall of a building or on a vehicle, comprising a frame and sunshade means in the form of a screen which, in mounted condition, is movable with respect to the facade or wall. With the frame a spraying installation is integrated for dispersing a spray from the frame. The spraying installation comprises at least one nozzle mounted in the frame for dispersing the spray mainly under the screen. Furthermore, impeller means may be provided for effecting an improved dispersion of the spray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Petrus Egbertus Wilhelmus Van Zutven
  • Patent number: 7207369
    Abstract: A window awning mounting system suitable for a non-planar surface includes a housing containing a roll of awning. A forearm is provided and includes a header at one end thereof attached to a leading edge of the roll up awning. A bracket mounted on the non-planar surface is provided for securing and stabilizing one end of the forearm. A spring loaded tension arm having one end attached to the forearm is provided and an arm bracket, which is separate from the housing bracket, pivotally attaches both a second end of the forearm and a second end of the tension arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Girard Systems
    Inventor: Vince Weddell
  • Patent number: 7163042
    Abstract: An adjustable dustproof sunshade arrangement includes a wall base, a supporting arm and an adjustable joint including a supporting seat mounted at the wall base and an adjustment member pivotally connected with an inner end of the supporting arm in a longitudinal direction, wherein the adjustment member is pivotally connected to the supporting seat in a transverse direction such that the supporting arm is adapted to longitudinally and transversely shift with respect to the wall base. A fabric shelter has an inner edge attached to the wall base and an outer edge extended to attach to an outer end of the supporting arm to define a shading area under the fabric shelter, wherein the supporting arm is adapted to longitudinally and transversely shift with respect to the wall base to selectively adjust a position of the fabric shelter so as to maximize the shading area thereunder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Wanda Ying Li
  • Patent number: 7152652
    Abstract: A load detection system for lateral and vertical arm awnings generally includes a motorized roller with a fabric wound thereabout in a retracted position and extendable therefrom. Arms are provided for supporting the fabric in an extended position and at least one sensor is utilized for sensing strain due to extended awning loading and producing a load signal corresponding thereto. A controller is incorporated and responsive to the load signal for causing the motorized roller to retract and extend the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Girard Systems
    Inventor: Robert G. Heitel
  • Patent number: 7121314
    Abstract: An awning assembly is provided with a lock mechanism for maintaining the awning assembly in a desired position relative to a wall, or other suitable structure. The awning assembly includes support arms, a fabric roller tube that holds the awning fabric and a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism can include a pivot bracket located between the roller tube and the support arm, a disk gear provided on the end of the roller tube axle, a weather shield provided around at least a portion of the roller tube, a pivot rod selectably engageable with both the pivot bracket and the weather shield, a disk gear catch mounted on the weather shield and adapted to be selectably engaged with the disk gear, and a torsion spring mounted on the weather shield and adapted to bias the disk gear catch into engagement with the disk gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Dometic Corporation
    Inventors: Mike Hicks, Roberto Gutierrez, Brandon Moore, Thomas Hanson
  • Patent number: 7114543
    Abstract: A roller awning system is provided for a recreational vehicle having a slider. The system includes a housing for mounting on an outside wall of a recreational vehicle above the slider and a roll of awning is rotatably disposed within the housing and deployable from the topside of the roll in order to establish a pitch between the topside and an extended edge of the slider. This pitch promotes a moisture and debris runoff. A cover is attached to the housing for enclosing the awning roll with the slider in a retracted position and swingable for enabling deployment of the awing as the slider is extended. A wiper is provided and disposed on the leading edge of the cover for sweeping debris from the awning when the awning is rolled during retraction of the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Girard Systems
    Inventor: Robert G. Heitel
  • Patent number: 7073556
    Abstract: An awning slide system for a recessed cavity is provided which includes a tray for supporting an awning mechanism with the tray being sized for containment within the cavity which includes an open side for enabling an awning to be retractably extended therefrom. Hardware is provided for interconnecting the tray and a cavity surface in order to temporarily expose the awning mechanism outside the recess cavity for providing maintenance access thereto without inhibiting the mechanism from extending from the awing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Girard Systems
    Inventors: Vince Weddell, Robert G. Heitel
  • Patent number: 7073555
    Abstract: An awning slide system for a recessed cavity is provided which includes a tray for supporting an awning mechanism with the tray being sized for containment within the cavity which includes an open side for enabling an awning to be retractably extended therefrom. A slide is provided for interconnecting the tray and a cavity surface in order to temporarily expose the awning mechanism outside the recess cavity for providing maintenance access thereto without inhibiting the mechanism from extending from the awing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Girard Systems
    Inventor: Vince Weddell
  • Patent number: 6874558
    Abstract: An awning including a canvas shaft, a canvas wounded onto the canvas shaft, and a sleeve enclosing the canvas shaft. A stationary support means carries the sleeve. An arrangement for adjusting an inclination of the sleeve by rotation contains one lateral sleeve carrier which is connected to a respective lateral holder and which can be rotated relative to the holder about the awning-canvas-shaft axis. An actuating element, which can be moved serves for adjusting the inclination of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Paul Voss GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Reiner Mester, Wolfgang Voss
  • Patent number: 6874559
    Abstract: A roll awning having a cover member journalled within an enclosure. An aperture is provided in the enclosure and an awning fabric extends from the cover member through the aperture. The aperture is movable so that it follows the portion of the awning fabric extending through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Dometic Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Hicks
  • Patent number: 6798158
    Abstract: A awning control circuit and assembly including an ambient thermistor and a heated thermistor for sensing wind speed. A microprocessor determines the present wind speed by referencing values of the thermistors to a stored lookup table. When the wind speed meets or exceeds a threshold value, the microprocessor causes one or more awnings to retract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Dometic Corporation
    Inventor: David K. Evans
  • Publication number: 20040177566
    Abstract: An all-season awning system 10 is provided with an aesthetically pleasing protective valance 12 for use with associated permanent building structures 14. The awning system includes a peripheral frame 20 carrying a substantially planar main body portion 12, an elongate header member 24, first and second transverse support members 26, 28, and an elongate lateral support member 30 forming a planar of substantially rectangular front face surface 74 covered substantially entirely by a fabric valance member 32. The fabric valance member is carried on selected portions of the peripheral frame 20 using an attachment means including an elongate tube carried within a fold of the valance and received into a corresponding slot formed in an attachment member coupled with the lateral support member. The fabric valance member is selectively removable from the underlying peripheral frame as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: CREST PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventor: John Michael Allin
  • Patent number: 6782936
    Abstract: An automatic lateral arm awning system for a recreational vehicle includes awning material having a first and a second end, a roller secured to the material first end for wrapping said awning material thereabout and a header secured to the material second end. A frame is provided for enclosing the roller and awning material and sealing with the header in order to prevent wind-generated noise upon driving of the recreational vehicle. A pair of spring loaded arms interconnecting the frame and said header for urge the header away from the frame upon rotation of the roller in one direction and an electric motor, disposed within the roller, rotates the roller. The awning material unrolls from the roller and extends outwardly from the frame upon rotation of the roller in the one direction and wraps around said roller upon rotation of the roller in an opposite direction. Awning material stretch is accommodated in order to insure sealing between said header and said frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Girard Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Girard, Howard Jelinek
  • Patent number: 6782904
    Abstract: A rain shield device includes a housing for attaching onto various vehicles, and a shield extendible out of the housing for shielding the upper portions of the doors of the vehicles and for allowing the drivers and the passengers to easily open or receive the umbrella while boarding or moving out of the vehicles. The shield may be extended out of the housing with two links and two racks and a motor. A shaft is rotatably received in the housing for winding and receiving the shield, and may be rotated relative to the housing by a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Tseng Ping Tien
  • Patent number: 6739371
    Abstract: An awning installing device includes a main body having first and second opposing major surfaces, and has a given width and appropriate thickness and length. The first major surface is adapted to be brought into contact with a façade wall onto which an awning is to be installed, and the awning is to be mounted on the second major surface. A groove is formed in the main body to open at the second major surface and extend along the entire length of the main body. A bracket for supporting the awning has a portion which is movable in and along the groove to a desired location where it can be fixed. The main body is provided with a plurality of securing holes. Screws can be screwed through selected ones of the securing holes into the wall for securing the main body. End securing members which close the both ends of the groove are used to secure the ends of the main body to walls extending perpendicularly to the façade wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Hiroo Mukai