PVC KEDER WELDED TO VINYL AWNING CANOPY

Abstract

An awning keder includes an awning bead extending along a length of the keder that is sized for insertion into a keder rail, and a connecting panel coupled with the awning bead and extending along the length of the keder. The awning bead and the connecting panel are integrated into a one-piece keder. The one-piece component does not require additional assembly or alteration before welding onto a vinyl canopy, thereby cutting down on production time. The keder is also more durable and less susceptible to expansion or shrinkage resulting from environmental changes.

Claims

1. An awning keder comprising: an awning bead extending along a length of the keder, the awning bead being sized for insertion into a keder rail; and a connecting panel coupled with the awning bead and extending along the length of the keder, wherein the awning bead and the connecting panel are integrated into a one-piece keder.

2. An awning keder according claim 1, wherein the awning bead and the connecting panel are formed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

3. An awning keder according claim 1, wherein the awning bead is substantially cylindrical in cross-section.

4. An awning keder according claim 1, wherein the connecting panel extends from a center of the awning bead.

5. An awning keder according claim 1, wherein the awning bead and the connecting panel are joined at a proximal end of the connecting panel.

6. An awning keder according claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary bead spaced from the awning bead.

7. An awning keder according claim 6, wherein the auxiliary bead is integrated with the awning bead and the connecting panel as part of the one-piece keder.

8. An awning keder according claim 6, wherein the awning bead and the connecting panel are joined at a proximal end of the connecting panel, and wherein the auxiliary bead and the connecting panel are joined at a distal end of the connecting panel.

9. An awning comprising: a vinyl canopy; and an awning keder including: an awning bead extending along a length of the keder, the awning bead being sized for insertion into a keder rail, and a connecting panel coupled with the awning bead and extending along the length of the keder, wherein the awning bead and the connecting panel are integrated into a one-piece keder, wherein the vinyl canopy is secured to the connecting panel.

10. An awning according to claim 9, wherein the vinyl canopy is welded to the connecting panel.

11. An awning according to claim 9, further comprising an auxiliary bead spaced from the awning bead.

12. An awning keder according claim 11, wherein the auxiliary bead is integrated with the awning bead and the connecting panel as part of the one-piece keder.

13. A method of assembling an awning comprising: (a) providing an awning keder with an awning bead extending along a length of the keder and a connecting panel coupled with the awning bead and extending along the length of the keder, wherein the awning bead and the connecting panel are integrated into a one-piece keder; and (b) securing a vinyl canopy directly to the connecting panel.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein step (a) comprises extruding the one-piece keder from PVC.

15. A method according to claim 13, wherein step (b) comprises welding the vinyl canopy to the connecting panel.

16. A method according to claim 13, further comprising providing the awning keder with an auxiliary bead coupled with the connecting panel and spaced from the awning bead.

17. A method according to claim 16, further comprising connecting a light attachments to the auxiliary bead.

18. A method according to claim 13, further comprising inserting the awning bead into a rail of an awning roller tube or into a vehicle mounting rail.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] These and other aspects and advantages will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a prior art keder assembly;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the awning keder;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a side view of the awning keder;

[0018] FIG. 4 is an end view of the awning keder;

[0019] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary application of the awning keder; and

[0020] FIGS. 6 and 7 show the awning keder including an auxiliary bead.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] With reference to FIGS. 2-4, the awning keder 10 of the described embodiments includes an awning bead 12 extending along a length of the keder 10. The awning bead 12 is sized for insertion into a typical keder rail (see, e.g., FIG. 1).

[0022] The awning keder 10 also includes a connecting panel 14 coupled with the awning bead 12 and extending along the length of the keder 10. The awning bead 12 and the connecting panel 14 are integrated into a one-piece keder.

[0023] With particular reference to FIG. 3, the awning bead 12 may be substantially cylindrical in cross-section, and the connecting panel 14 may extend from a center of the awning bead 12. The awning bead 12 and the connecting panel 14 are joined at a proximal end of the connecting panel 14.

[0024] In some embodiments, the one-piece keder included the awning bead 12 and the connecting panel 14 is formed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The one-piece keder may be formed by extrusion or may be molded.

[0025] A canopy 16 (FIGS. 5-7) such as a vinyl canopy or other suitable material canopy can be welded directly to the awning keder 10 using a known welding press roller. The heating element set point (which is not the temperature at the actual contact weld) may be between 700-730° C. at a welding speed of 50-65 ft/min. The press roller pressure is defined by factory air line pressure and weld cylinder size, which is constant.

[0026] Since the awning keder 10 of the described embodiments does not include a bead wrapped in fabric, the exposed PVC material is directly attached to another object, such as the wall, the awning roll, etc. The one-piece structure provides the added benefit of being able to weld the awning keder anywhere on the fabric canopy and not necessarily near an edge of the fabric. FIG. 5 shows an exemplary application with the awning keder 10 secured to the canopy 16 with a wall side 18 on one side of the awning keder 10 and a valance side 20 on an opposite side of the awning keder 10. The awning keder is secured in a middle of the canopy 16.

[0027] FIGS. 6 and 7 show an alternative embodiment where the awning keder 10′ includes an auxiliary bead 22 spaced from the awning bead 12. The auxiliary bead 22 is integrated with the awning bead 12 and the connecting panel 14 as part of the one-piece keder. In some embodiments, the auxiliary bead 22 may be configured for receiving the light attachment such as an LED light strip for illuminating behind and under the awning roll. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the auxiliary bead 22 is joined to the connecting panel 14 at an end opposite from the awning bead 12 (i.e., a distal end of the connecting panel 14).

[0028] The awning bead 12 is configured to be slid into a rail of the awning roller tube to attach the canopy 16 to an awning roller. In the embodiment with the awning bead 12 and the auxiliary bead 22, the awning bead is configured for attaching to a mounting rail attached to the vehicle, and the auxiliary bead is intended for receiving an LED light strip or the like for illuminating behind and under the awning roll.

[0029] The one-piece awning keder does not require additional assembly or alteration before welding onto the final canopy. The awning keder advantageously cuts down on production time, is more durable, and is stable over environmental changes such that the keder will not shrink or expand. The use of PVC material provides for a rigid keder that threads nicely and will remain captured in the track and similarly will not expand to damage the track. The awning keder of the described embodiments does not need fabric or additional treatment for protection.

[0030] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.