FLEXI-STRIP CONNECTING AWNING SHIELD TO AWNING RAIL

Abstract

An awning shield connector connects an awning shield to a structure. The awning shield connector includes an elongated strip of PVC material with a first bead along one side of the elongated strip and shaped to engage an awning rail on the structure, and a second bead along an opposite side of the elongated strip and shaped to engage the awning shield. A third bead for a light strip or the like is positioned between the first and second beads and extends along a length of the elongated strip.

Claims

1. An awning shield connector configured to connect an awning shield to a structure, the awning shield connector comprising an elongated strip of PVC material including a first bead along one side of the elongated strip and shaped to engage an awning rail on the structure, a second bead along an opposite side of the elongated strip and shaped to engage the awning shield, and a third bead positioned between the first and second beads and extending along a length of the elongated strip.

2. An awning shield connector according to claim 1, wherein the first, second and third beads form an integral part of the elongated strip.

3. An awning shield connector according to claim 1, wherein the first and second beads are positioned along outermost sides of the elongated strip.

4. An awning shield connector according to claim 3, further comprising a planar extension section between the first and second beads, wherein the third bead extends from a stem connected to the planar extension section.

5. An awning shield connector according to claim 4, wherein the stem and thereby the third bead are angled relative to the planar extension section.

6. An awning shield connector according to claim 1, further comprising a light strip assembly detachably connected to the third bead.

7. An awning shield connector according to claim 6, wherein the light strip assembly comprises a first channel securing a light strip, and a second channel sized to fit over the third bead.

8. An awning shield connector comprising: a first bead extending along one side of the connector; a second bead extending along an opposite side of the connector, the first and second beads defining outermost sides of the connector; a planar extension section extending between the first bead and the second bead; and a third bead disposed between the first and second beads and extending along a length of the connector.

9. An awning shield connector according to claim 8, wherein the first bead, the second bead, the planar extension, and the third bead are integrally formed.

10. An awning shield connector according to claim 9, wherein the first bead, the second bead, the planar extension, and the third bead define an elongated strip formed of PVC material.

11. An awning shield connector according to claim 8, wherein the third bead extends from a stem connected to the planar extension section.

12. An awning shield connector according to claim 11, wherein the stem and thereby the third bead are angled relative to the planar extension section.

13. An awning shield connector according to claim 8, further comprising a light strip assembly detachably connected to the third bead.

14. An awning shield connector according to claim 13, wherein the light strip assembly comprises a first channel securing a light strip, and a second channel sized to fit over the third bead.

15. A method of connecting an awning shield to a structure with an awning shield connector, the awning shield connector including an elongated strip of PVC material with a first bead along one side of the elongated strip, a second bead along an opposite side of the elongated strip, and a third bead positioned between the first and second beads and extending along a length of the elongated strip, the method comprising: (a) sliding the first bead into a channel in an awning rail on the structure; and (b) sliding the second bead into a channel in the awning shield.

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein step (b) is practiced before step (a).

17. A method according to claim 15, further comprising (c) sliding a light strip assembly over the third bead.

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the light strip assembly comprises a first channel at one end and a second channel at an opposite end, and wherein step (c) is practiced by sliding the first channel over the third bead.

19. A method according to claim 18, further comprising securing a light strip in the second channel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] These and other aspects and advantages will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 shows an awning shield connected between an awning and a structure;

[0015] FIG. 2 shows the awning shield connector connected to an awning shield;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the awning shield connector secured between the awning shield and an awning rail; and

[0017] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the awning shield connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] With reference to FIG. 1, an awning shield 10 may be connected at a proximal end of an awning 12. As the awning 12 retracts, the shield 10 automatically rolls up around the fabric to protect it against the elements. A shield connector serves to connect the awning shield 10 to the vehicle or other structure S.

[0019] With reference to FIGS. 2-4, an awning shield connector 14 of the described embodiments is connected between the awning shield 10 and the vehicle or structure S. The awning shield connector 14 is provided in the form of an elongated strip preferably of PVC material. The connector 14 is extruded using known methods and is cut to desired lengths.

[0020] The connector 14 includes a first bead 16 along one side of the elongated strip that is shaped to engage the awning rail on the structure S. A second bead 18 is disposed along an opposite side of the elongated strip and is shaped to engage the awning shield 10. A third bead 20 is positioned between the first and second beads 16, 18 and extends along a length of the elongated strip.

[0021] In a preferred construction, the awning shield connector 14 is formed as a single piece of PVC material, and as such, the first, second and third beads 16, 18, 20 form an integral part of the elongated strip. As shown, the first and second beads 16, 18 are positioned along outermost sides of the elongated strip. A planar extension 22 exists between and connects the first and second beads 16, 18. In some embodiments, the third bead 20 extends from a stem 24 connected to the planar extension section 22. The stem 24 and thereby the third bead 20 may be angled relative to the planar extension section 22.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, a light strip assembly 26 may be detachably connected to the third bead 20. The light strip assembly 26 may be provided with a first channel 28 that secures a light strip 30 and a second channel 32 that is sized to fit over the third bead 20. The light strip assembly 26 serves to create illumination under the awning roller area and works when the canopy is open or closed. With the third bead 20 oriented at an angle, e.g., a 45 degree angle, a greater illumination area is created.

[0023] Due to the use of PVC material, the awning shield connector 14 of the described embodiments more easily and more effectively slides into corresponding channels in the awning rail and the awning shield. That is, to connect the awning shield 10 to the structure S, the first bead 16 may be slid into a channel in the awning rail on the structure S. Similarly, the second bead 18 is slid into a channel in the awning shield 10. These steps may be conducted in any order. The light strip assembly 26 is slid over the third bead 20. The PVC material is stable over environmental temperatures, so the connector can remain captured in the tracks/channels and will not expand to damage the tracks/channels.

[0024] 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.