Awning bead and staple system

Abstract

An improved system of virtually seamless connected awning sections with a consistent visual appearance between the sections. A recessed awning bead encased with the fabric covering material chosen for the awning is contoured to, and fit into, a novel channel in the awning frame members. The awning bead allows for uniform weathering and fading of all visible awning parts. Such an improved awning is more aesthetically pleasing because no part of the seam protrudes above the plane of the awning surface. A narrowed neck of the channel in the awning frame member maintains the awning bead within the channel and thus slightly below the exterior awning surface in order to maintain a consistent surface between panel sections.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is entitled to the benefit of Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 11 / 091,112 titled “Perma-Stitch Awning Staple System” filed on Mar. 23, 2005 by inventor Kennon Kyle McKinney, the technical disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, and to the benefit of the Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 555,228 filed on Mar. 23, 2004.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT [0003] Not Applicable INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC [0004] Not Applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0005] 1. Field of the Invention [0006] The present invention relates generally to the manufacturing and installation of commercial and residential awnings and fabric framing structures. More specifically, the present invention allows awnings and other fabric framing structures such as canopies,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018] The disclosed method of assembling discreet sections of awnings or other fabric framing structures creates a seam between the discreet sections that is consistent in appearance to the other fabric panel seams in each section. The method includes a novel recessed bead apparatus that is encased with the same material as that chosen for the fabric covering material which allows it to weather consistently with the rest of the fabric. Also, the recessed bead fits completely and securely within the fabric retention channel within the framing members and does not protrude above the surface of the fabric covering material. This affords seams that are inconspicuous and consistent in appearance.

[0019] Also, the disclosed method includes a novel framing member channel that is shaped to allow easier application of retention staples and improved retention of the fabric covering material. The channel is shaped so that the fabric covering material, which is typically stored in rolls, will contact the walls of the channel and prevent the formation of void spaces. Also, the channel features longitudinal grooves to assist in the trimming of excess fabric covering material. Once the material has been attached within the channel and before the bead is inserted, the excess material is trimmed from the channel. The grooves afford a clean, strait cut by providing a guide for the tip of the trimming knife to follow.

Problems solved by technology

This difference of materials creates an uneven appearance due to the different weathering characteristics.

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