Adjustable awning

Abstract

An adjustable support for an awning has first and second attachment points for mounting to a building structure on both sides of an opening, such as a door or window opening. Each of the attachment points receive a complimentary pivotable fastener, which can be locked into a fixed position. An elongate top rail is mounted on the building above the door or window opening, and supports an upper side of the awning. Two arms are connected by a cross bar that supports a lower side of the awning. Each of the two arms include the complimentary pivotable fastener on one end for engaging the attachment points. As such, the awning is positionable in a plurality of angles relative to the building structure by pivoting the fasteners in the attachment points and locking the fasteners at the desired position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/421,437, filed Apr. 23, 2003.

The invention relates to an adjustable support apparatus for an awning, particularly designed for mounting the awning at varying angles above a door or window. In addition, the support apparatus can be easily adjusted to accommodate awnings of various sizes.

Awnings are popular features on both residential and commercial building structures due to their many benefits. In addition to enhancing the visual appearance of a building, awnings mounted above windows can lower energy costs by reducing the amount of sunlight entering through the windows to keep the interior cool. Likewise, awnings positioned above doors, decks and patios provide shade and shelter to those outside of the building.

Doors, windows, decks and patios, particularly those on custom made houses, are constructed in a variety of shapes and sizes. Furthermore, consumers demand awnings in various sizes as the subjective tastes of individuals vary. As such, prior art nonadjustable awning supports required the user to measure the door or window over which the awning was to be mounted, and custom make the awning to fit the precise specifications. Therefore, there is a need for an awning that can be mass produced and adjusted by the user to conform to his or her particular door or window.

Consumers also have different preferences with regard to the angle at which the awning is positioned relative to the building structure. In addition, a particular user may want to adjust the angle at which the awning is positioned depending on the time of year, or even the time of day. For example, during hot summer months a user may want to have the awning positioned in a sharp downward angle to reduce the amount of sunlight entering through the window, while during cold winter months it will generally be desirable to have the awning angled higher to maximize the amount of sunlight allowed to enter through the window. Prior art awning supports have not allowed for positioning the awning in a variety of different heights and angles relative to the building structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a support apparatus for mounting an awning on a building structure in which the position of the awning can be easily adjusted to a variety of different heights and angles relative to the building structure.

It is another object of the invention to provide a support apparatus for an awning that can be adjusted to accommodate awnings of various sizes.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing an adjustable support for an awning having first and second attachment points for mounting to a building structure. Each of the attachment points receive a complimentary pivotable fastener, which can be locked in a fixed position. An elongate rail is mounted on the structure, and supports an upper side of the awning. Two arms are connected by a cross bar that supports a lower side of the awning. Each of the two arms include the complimentary pivotable fastener on one end for engaging the attachment points. As such, the awning is positionable in a plurality of angles relative to the building structure by pivoting the fasteners in the attachment points and locking the fasteners at the desired position.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the total length of each of the two arms is adjustable so the awning is positionable in a plurality of angles relative to the building structure and the support can accommodate awnings of varying size.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the two arms include a first rod telescopically positioned within a second rod having a greater diameter. The first rod defines a plurality of spaced-apart apertures and the second rod defines at least one aperture, whereby a total length of each of the arms is adjustable by aligning the aperture of the second rod with any one of the plurality of apertures of the first rod and positioning a single fastening member therethrough.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first rod defines six spaced-apart apertures.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the attachment points include a camel-back hinge, and the complimentary fastener includes a protruding member sized to fit within the hinge. The protruding member defines a bore therein for receiving a locking member inserted through the hinge and the bore. The protruding member is pivotable within the hinge and can be locked into place by tightening the locking member.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the support includes third and fourth attachment points. The third attachment point is mounted on the structure above the first attachment point, and the fourth attachment point is mounted on the structure above the second attachment point and horizontally aligned with the third attachment point.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the attachment points are positioned vertically on opposite sides of an opening in the structure. Each attachment point on one side of the opening is horizontally aligned with an attachment point on the other side of the opening.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the structure opening is for a door or window.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the rail is C-shaped and defines an area therein for positioning the upper side of the awning.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the invention includes a support rafter connected to the cross bar and the rail for supporting the awning and preventing sagging.

According to a preferred method for mounting an awning on a structure at a predetermined height and angle according to the invention, an adjustable support is provided. The support includes first and second attachment points for mounting on the structure. The attachment points receive a complimentary pivotable fastener, which can be locked in a fixed position. The support includes an elongate rail that supports the upper side of the awning. First and second extendable arms are connected by a cross bar, which supports the lower side of the awning. Each of the first and second arms have the complimentary pivotable fastener on one end thereof to engage one of the attachment points. The rail is mounted on the structure at a predetermined height above an opening defined by the structure. The attachment points are mounted on the structure on opposite sides of the opening. Each of the pivotable fasteners is positioned in one of the attachment points. The fasteners are pivoted such that the arms are positioned at the desired angle relative to the structure, and the pivotable fasteners are locked in place. In addition, the arms can be extended or retracted to accommodate the awning.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as the invention proceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view of a preferred awning support according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a more detailed perspective view of the preferred awning support shown in FIG. 1, showing the awning in phantom;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the awning support of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the awning support of FIG. 1, showing adjustment of the angle of the awning in phantom;

FIG. 5 is another side elevation of the preferred awning support of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is yet another side elevation of the preferred awning support of FIG. 1, showing the arms extended to accommodate a larger awning relative to FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the awning support according to the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a side elevation of the awning support of FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE

Referring now specifically to the drawings, a preferred awning support according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1, and shown generally at reference numeral 10. The awning support 10 is preferably mounted above a door “D” of a building structure “B”, however, the awning support 10 can be used in other applications, such as with windows, decks and patios.

As shown in FIG. 2, the awning support 10 comprises a top rail 11 on the surface of the building “B”, preferably above the header 14 Preferably, the top rail 11 is positioned parallel with the top edge of the door “D.” Two extendable arms 15, 16 are connected by a cross bar 17 at one end and releasably connected to attachment points 18, 19 mounted on the surface of the building “B” on opposite sides of the door “D” proximate the doorjamb 13. The arms 15, 16 are preferably parallel to each other.

As shown in FIG. 2, the top rail 11 comprises a flat section 11a for mounting to the building “B” above the door. Flat section 11a defines five horizontally aligned apertures 11b that receive fasteners, such as screws 12, that are driven into the building “B” above the header 14 to attach the top rail 11 to the building “B”. The top rail 11 also includes a C-shaped member 11c that defines an area therein for positioning and holding the upper end of an awning 20. As shown in FIG. 3, a rod 21 positioned within the upper end of the awning 20 is inserted inside C-shaped member 11c. Preferably, the top rail 11 is approximately 44 inches long and accommodates the width of a standard door. The top rail 11 is preferably made of aluminum. The top rail 11 can be mounted at any desired height above the door “D”.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the attachment points 18, 19 are preferably camel-back hinges. The hinges 18, 19 are horizontally aligned with each other and positioned on opposite sides of the door opening, proximate the door jamb 13. The user mounts the hinges 18, 19 and the top rail 11 at desired heights such that the support 10 can accommodate the user's particular awning 20 at the desired angle.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the extendable arms 15, 16 are connected at one end by an elbow connector 28, 29, respectively, to the cross bar 17. The cross bar 17 supports the lower end of the awning 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the arms 15, 16 each comprise two segments 15a, 15b and 16a, 16b, respectively. Both arms 15, 16 are identical so only one will be described in full detail.

Preferably, arm segment 15a is a rod having a slightly smaller diameter than segment 15b, and defines a series of series of six apertures 30. Segment 15b defines a single aperture 31. As shown in FIG. 3, segment 15a is telescopically positioned within segment 15b, and positioned such that the aperture 31 of segment 15b is aligned with a particular aperture 30 of segment 15a in order to obtain a desired total length of the arm 15. A fastener such as a nut and bolt 32 is positioned through the aligned apertures 30, 31 to lock the segments 15a, 15b together. To adjust the length of the arm 15, the nut and bolt 32 is removed and the aperture 31 of segment 15b is realigned with a different aperture 30 on segment 15a.

The arms 15, 16 have protruding members 33, 34, respectively, affixed at the ends opposite of the cross bar 17. Each of the protruding members 33, 34 define a bore therein, and are sized and shaped to be received within the camel back hinges 18, 19. The protruding members 33, 34 are rounded and can pivot within the hinges 18, 19. As shown in FIG. 3, the members 33, 34 are locked into a particular position by inserting a locking member such as a nut and bolt 35 through hinges 18, 19 respectively, and the bores defined by the members 33, 34, and tightening the nut and bolt 35. In addition, the awning support 10 may include a support rafter extending from the mid-point of the cross bar 17 to the mid-point of the top rail 11 to provide additional support to the awning 20 and prevent sagging.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate how the adjustable nature of the awning support 10 allows the user to position the awning 20 at a variety of heights and angles, and accommodates awnings of various sizes. FIG. 4 demonstrates how the angle of a single awning 20 can be adjusted at will. The arms 15, 16 are engaged with the hinges 18, 19, respectively, and extend perpendicularly to the building “B.” The angle of the awning 20 is adjusted upward, shown in phantom, by loosening the locking member 35, and pivoting the protruding members 33, 34 in the hinges 18, 19 upward to move the arms 15, 16 to the desired angle in relation to the building “B.” The arms 15, 16 are extended to support the awning 20 in its new position, shown in phantom, and locking member 35 is retightened in the hinges 18, 19 to fix the arms 15, 16 in place. While FIG. 4 illustrates two possible angles, there is virtually no limit to the number of angles at which the awning 20 can be positioned.

FIGS. 5 and 6 demonstrate how the length of the arms 15, 16 can be adjusted to accommodate awnings of different size. In FIG. 5, the support 10 is supporting an awning 20′. In FIG. 6, the arms 15, 16 of support 10 have been extended to support a larger awning 20″.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the invention, in which there are two pairs of vertically spaced apart hinges 18, 18′ and 19, 19′ mounted on opposite sides of the door “D.” Lower tier hinges 18, 19 are horizontally aligned with each other, and upper tier hinges 18′, 19′ are horizontally aligned with each other. As shown in FIG. 8, the height of the awning 20′″ can be easily adjusted by removing the arms 15, 16 from the lower tier hinges 18, 19 and repositioning them in the upper tier hinges 18′, 19′. While FIG. 7 shows two hinges 18, 18′ and 19, 19′ on each side of the door opening, any number of hinges can be utilized provided that there are an equal number of hinges on each side of the door “D.”

An awning support according to the invention is described above. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation—the invention being defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An adjustable support for an awning comprising:

(a) first and second attachment points for mounting on a structure, said attachment points adapted for receiving a complimentary pivotable fastener and having means for locking said complimentary pivotable fastener in a fixed position;

(b) an elongate rail for mounting to a structure, said rail having means for supporting an upper side of an awning; and

(c) first and second arms connected by a cross bar, said cross bar for supporting a lower side of the awning, each of said first and second arms having said complimentary pivotable fastener on one end thereof for engaging one of said attachment points, whereby the awning is positionable in a plurality of angles relative to the building structure by pivoting said fasteners in said attachment points and locking said fasteners at a desired position.

2. An adjustable support for an awning according to claim 1, further comprising means for adjusting a total length of each of said first and second arms, whereby the adjustable support can accommodate awnings of varying size by adjusting the length of said first and second arms.

3. An adjustable support for an awning according to claim 1, wherein each of said first and second arms comprises a first segment telescopically positioned within a second segment, said first segment defining a plurality of spaced-apart apertures and said second segment defining at least one aperture, whereby a total length of each of said arms is adjustable by aligning the aperture of said second segment with any one of said plurality of apertures of said first segment and positioning a single fastening member therethrough.

4. An adjustable support for an awning according to claim 3, wherein said first segment defines six spaced-apart apertures.

5. An adjustable support for an awning according to claim 1, wherein said elongate rail and said attachment points are releasably mounted to the building structure, whereby the awning is positionable at a plurality of heights on the structure.

6. An adjustable support for an awning according to claim 1, wherein each of said attachment points comprise a camel-back hinge, and said complimentary fastener comprises a protruding member sized to fit within said hinge, said protruding member defining a bore therein for receiving a locking member inserted through said hinge and said bore, whereby said protruding member is pivotable within said hinge and can be locked into place by tightening said locking member.

7. An adjustable support for an awning according to claim 1, wherein the structure defines an opening over which the elongate rail is mounted, and said first and second attachment points are mounted below the rail on opposite sides of the opening.

8. An adjustable support for an awning according to claim 7, wherein said opening comprises an opening for a door or window.

9. An adjustable support for an awning according to claim 7, wherein said first and second attachment points are horizontally aligned.

10. An adjustable support for an awning according to claim 9, further comprising third and fourth attachment points, said third attachment point mounted on the structure above said first attachment point and said fourth attachment point mounted on the structure above said second attachment point and horizontally aligned with said third attachment point.

11. An adjustable support for an awning according to claim 10, wherein each of said complimentary fasteners releasably engages one of said attachment points, whereby the awning is positionable in a plurality of heights and angles relative to the building structure by positioning the fasteners in different attachment points.

12. An adjustable support for an awning according to claim 1, wherein said rail is C-shaped and defines an area therein for positioning the upper side of the awning.

13. An adjustable support for an awning according to claim 1, further comprising a support rafter connected to said cross bar and said rail for supporting the awning and preventing sagging.

14. A method for mounting an awning on a structure at a predetermined height and angle comprising the steps of:

(a) providing an adjustable support for the awning comprising: (i) first and second attachment points for mounting on the structure, said attachment points adapted for receiving a complimentary pivotable fastener and having means for locking said complimentary pivotable fastener in a fixed position, (ii) an elongate rail for mounting to the structure, said rail having means for supporting an upper side of the awning, and (iii) first and second extendable arms connected by a cross bar, said cross bar for supporting a lower side of the awning, each of said first and second arms having said complimentary pivotable fastener on one end thereof for engaging one of said attachment points, whereby the awning is positionable in a plurality of angles relative to the building structure by pivoting said fasteners in said attachment points and locking said fasteners at a desired position;

(b) mounting the rail on the structure at a predetermined height above an opening defined by the structure;

(c) mounting the first and second attachment points on the structure on opposite sides of the opening;

(d) positioning each of the pivotable fasteners in one of the attachment points; and

(e) pivoting the fasteners such that the arms are positioned at a desired angle relative to the structure, and locking the fasteners in place.

15. A method for mounting an awning according to claim 14, further comprising the step of adjusting a total length of each of said arms to accommodate the awning.