Awning bracket

Abstract

Technologies and implementations for facilitating a stabilizing attachment of an awning to a structure. The technologies and implementation may include an awning bracket, where the awning bracket may comprise of a substantially rectangular plate. The substantially rectangular plate may have two ends that may form substantially an elongated U-shape. The one of the ends may include a hole configured to facilitate attachment of the awning bracket to a support strut.

Description

AWNING BRACKETCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial number 63 / 612,357, filed on December 19, 2023, titled AWNING BRACKET, which is incorporate herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.BACKGROU N D

[0002] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the approaches described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0003] Awnings have become an essential component of outdoor living spaces, providing shade, protection from the elements, and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of buildings and recreational vehicles. As the demand for awnings continues to grow, the need for reliable and efficient attachment systems has become increasingly important.

[0004] However, current awning attachment systems often fall short in terms of stability, security, and adjustability. Many existing systems require complex installation procedures, are difficult to adjust, or compromise the structural integrity of the supporting structure. Furthermore, these systems can be aesthetically unpleasing, obtrusive, or incompatible with certain types of structures or awning materials.

[0005] All subject matter discussed in this section of this document is not necessarily prior art and may not be presumed to be prior art simply because it is presented in this section. Plus, any reference to any prior art in this description is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that such prior art forms parts of the common general knowledge in any art in any country. Along these lines, any recognition of problems in the prior art are discussed in this section or associated with such subject matter should not be treated as prior art, unless expressly stated to be prior art. Rather, the discussion of any subject matter in this section should be treated as part of the approach taken towards the particular problem by the inventor(s). This approach in and of itself may also be inventive. Accordingly, the foregoing summary is illustrative only and not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects,embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.SU M MARY

[0006] Described herein are various illustrative apparatus and systems for facilitating a stabilizing attachment of an awning to a structure. Some example apparatus may include a substantially rectangular plate having a first end, a middle, and a second end. Some example apparatus may include the first end and the second end being at substantially at right angles to the middle and substantially parallel to each other. Some example apparatus may include a hole disposed at the first end, where the hole may be configured to attach the bracket to a support strut. Some example apparatus may include a number of holes disposed along the length of the middle, where the number of holes may be configured to attach to an awning attachment fixture.

[0007] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.BRI EF DESCRI PTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] The subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an awning bracket system, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of an awning bracket system, in accordance with another embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view an awning bracket system, in accordance with another embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 illustrates a detailed isometric view of an awning bracket, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0013] Figure 5 illustrates a detailed engineering drawing of an awning bracket, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0014] Figure 6 illustrates a detailed fabrication drawing of one or more holes disposed in an awning bracket, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0015] Figure 7 illustrates a detailed dimensional drawing of an awning bracket, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0016] Figure 8 illustrates an isometric view of an awning bracket system, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0017] Figure 9 illustrates a side view of an awning bracket system shown in Figure 8.

[0018] Figure 10 illustrates a front view of an awning bracket system shown in Figure 8.

[0019] Figure 11 illustrates an isometric view of an awning bracket, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0020] Figures 12A and 12B illustrate an awning attachment bracket as may be utilized with one or more embodiments.DETAI LED DESCRI PTION

[0021] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

[0022] This disclosure is drawn, inter alia, to apparatus, and systems related to an awning bracket that may be configured to facilitate a stabilizing attachment of an awning. The awning bracket and / or system may facilitate providing a secure, enhanced support, functionality, adjustable, and / or aesthetically pleasing connection between the awning and a supportingstructure and / or awning installation. As a result, the awning bracket and / or the awning bracket system may facilitate adaptability, ease of use, adjustability, and / or durability.

[0023] The present disclosure system may facilitate a versatile, robust, and user-friendly solution for mounting retractable awnings.

[0024] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be utilized in conjunction with a supporting apparatus such as, but not limited to a support apparatus available from SkyLift™ Roof Riser Hardware of Salem, Oregon. In this non-limiting example, the support apparatus available from SkyLift™ may be referred to as a "riser" similar to the apparatus disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 399,263, filed February 17, 2012, having the title Elevated Roof, and U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 741,353, filed June 16, 2015, having the title Elevated Roof, and PCT Patent Application PCT / US23 / 62848, filed February 17, 2023, having the title MODULAR STABILIZING SUPPORT FOR ELEVATED STRUCTURES. All three applications 13 / 399,263, 14 / 741,353, and PCT / US23 / 62848 are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. Additionally, the various embodiments may be utilized in conjunction with structural collars such as, but not limited to, stabilizing support structural collar system disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,795,694, titled STABILIZING SUPPORT STRUCTURAL COLLAR SYSTEM and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 686,083, filed August 22, 2024, titled: ADJUSTABLE STABILIZING SUPPORT STRUCTURAL COLLAR SYSTEM, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an awning bracket system, in accordance with an embodiment. In Figure 1, an awning bracket system 100 may include a riser 102 and an awning bracket 104. The awning bracket 104 may comprise of a substantially rectangular plate having a first end 106, a middle 108, and a second end 110. Shown in Figure 1, a hole 112 may be disposed substantially at a center of the first end 106. In Figure 1, a number of holes 114 may be disposed along the length of the middle 108. As will be described, the number of holes 114 may be configured to attach to an awning attachment fixture.

[0026] In Figure 1, the hole 112 located at the first end 106 may be configured to facilitate attachment of the awning bracket 104 to the riser 102. The attachment may be facilitated by a wide variety of methodologies such as, but not limited to, a bolt, screw, weld, glue, etc. The number of holes 114 along the length of the middle 108 may be configured to facilitate the attachment of an awning attachment bracket (shown in Figures 12A and 12B). Additionally, in the one or more embodiments shown in Figure 1, the first end 106 may be longer than thesecond end 110. Accordingly, the awning bracket 104 may be attached to the riser 102 in such a manner where the second end 110 may be above the riser 104 (i.e., where the second end 106 may be attached to the riser 102).

[0027] The awning bracket system 100 shown in Figure 1 may be attached to a load bearing structure of a house (e.g., load bearing wall) via the riser 102. Some examples of the riser 102 may be found in patent applications 13 / 399,263, 14 / 741,353, and PCT / US23 / 62848. Additionally, the awning bracket 104 may be attached to the riser 102, where the awning bracket 104 may extend from the top of the riser 102, in accordance with one embodiment. As a result, the awning bracket system 100 may facilitate the attachment of an awning (not shown) to a structure (e.g., building or house) with increased structural integrity, versatility, robustness, and a user-friendly solution for mounting awnings.

[0028] It is contemplated within the scope of the disclosure that the material for the awning bracket 104 may include a wide variety of material such as, but not limited to, metals (e.g., steel, aluminum, copper, brass, etc.), plastics (e.g., polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, etc.), ceramics (e.g., silicon nitride, alumina, etc.), and / or fiber reinforced material (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced polymer, glass fiber reinforced polymer, aramid fiber reinforced composites, basalt fiber reinforced polymer, etc.). Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect.

[0029] Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of an awning bracket system, in accordance with another embodiment. In Figure 2, an awning bracket system 200 may include a riser 202 and an awning bracket 204. Similar to the awning bracket 104 shown in Figure 1, the awning bracket 204 has a first end 206, a middle 208, and a second end 210. As shown in Figure 2, the awning bracket 204 may be configured to be attachable to the riser 202 in an alternate manner than the awning bracket system 100 (shown in Figure 1).

[0030] In Figure 2, the first end 206 may be configured to attach to the riser 202 at an attachment end 220 of the riser 202. Alternative to the awning bracket system 100 shown in Figure 1, the second end of the riser 210 may be located along a main body 222 of the riser 202 and may be configured to approximately abut the main body 222 of the riser 202. Accordingly, the hole 112 (shown in Figure 1) and / or its proximate location may be configured to facilitate the attachment of the awning bracket 204, where when the first end 206 (i.e., longer end) is attached to the riser 202 at the attachment end 220, the second end 210 (i.e., shorter end) may be configured to abut the main body 222 of the riser 202. As a result, the embodiment of theawning bracket system 200 may facilitate the attachment of an awning (not shown) to a structure (e.g., building or house) with increased structural integrity, versatility, robustness, and a user-friendly solution for mounting awnings.

[0031] In Figure 2, the awning bracket 204 may include a variety of holes such as, but not limited to, the variety of holes described with respect to Figure 1. Accordingly, the it may be contemplated within the scope of the claimed subject matter that the awning bracket 204 (shown in Figure 2) may be substantially similar to the awning bracket 104 (shown in Figure 1), which may be utilized in a variety of orientations appropriate for the variety of applications. It should be understood that the riser 202 may be a variety of thicknesses and / or lengths. Accordingly, the location of the hole (shown in Figure 3) may be determined based, at least in part, on a diameter of the main body 222 of the riser 202 (i.e., thickness). Additionally, and / or alternatively, the length of the middle 208 may be determined based, at least in part, on a length of the main body 222 of the riser 202. Accordingly, the various embodiments of the claimed subject matter may be adjustable in a wide variety of manners and / or ranges, and the claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect.

[0032] Additionally, in Figure 2, the awning bracket system 200 may include a roof 224 and a structural support collar 226. The roof 224 may facilitate a more detailed understanding of the claimed subject matter. At least some examples of the structural collar 226 and / or its applications may be found in U.S. Patent No. 11,795,694 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 686,083.

[0033] Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view an awning bracket system, in accordance with another embodiment. In Figure 3, an awning bracket system 300 may include a riser 302, an awning bracket 304. The awning bracket 302 may include a first end 306, a middle 308, and a second end 310. Disposed at the first end 306 may be a hole 312. The riser 302 may have an attachment end 320 and a main body 322.

[0034] Shown in Figure 3, the hole 312 may be located off center of the first end 306. The location of the hole 312 may be based, at least in part, on the length of the second end 310. The length of the second end 310 may be, based at least in part, on a variety of applications such as, but not limited to, strength requirements of the awning, awning bracket, awning attachment bracket, awning bracket system, and / or so forth. Additionally, in Figure 3, the length of the awning bracket (e.g., the middle 308) may be based, at least in part, on the length of the riser 302. Accordingly, the various embodiments of the claimed subject matter may be adjustable in awide variety of manners and / or ranges, and the claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect.

[0035] Figure 4 illustrates a detailed isometric view of an awning bracket, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0036] Figure 5 illustrates a detailed engineering drawing of an awning bracket, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0037] Figure 6 illustrates a detailed fabrication drawing of one or more holes disposed in an awning bracket, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0038] Figure 7 illustrates a detailed dimensional drawing of an awning bracket, in accordance with one or more embodiments. In order to describe the claimed subject matter in a real-world setting, some approximate dimensions may be described and shown in Figure 7. However, it is to be understood that these dimensions are only examples to facilitate a more thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter and should not be construed as limiting the claimed subject matter in any way. Additionally, as previously described and should be appreciated, the material included in Figure 7 is to provide an example, and accordingly, the claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect.

[0039] Figure 8 illustrates an isometric view of an awning bracket system, in accordance with one or more embodiments. In Figure 8, an awning bracket system 800 may include a riser 802 and an awning bracket 804. The awning bracket 804 may comprise of a substantially rectangular plate having a first end 806, a middle 808, and a second end 810. Shown in Figure 8, an attachment mechanism (i.e., bolt 812) may be utilized to attach the awning bracket 804 to the riser 802 at an attachment end 820 of the riser 802 via a hole (not shown) at the first end 806. In Figure 8, a number of holes 814 may be disposed along the length of the middle 808.

[0040] In Figure 8, the second end 810 may be configured to substantially encircle a main body 822 of the riser 802, in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown in Figure 8, the second end 810 may be configured to be slid along the main body 822 of the riser 802 (e.g., the second end 810 may be a flange including a hole, which is described and shown in Figure 11). As a result, the awning bracket system 800 having the awning bracket 804 may facilitate further structural stability for attachment of an awning to a structure.

[0041] Figure 9 illustrates a side view of an awning bracket system shown in Figure 8.

[0042] Figure 10 illustrates a front view of an awning bracket system shown in Figure 8.

[0043] Figure 11 illustrates an isometric view of an awning bracket, in accordance with one or more embodiments. In Figure 11, an awning bracket 1104 may comprise of a substantially rectangular plate having a first end 1106, a middle 1108, and a second end 1110. Shown in Figure 1, a hole 1112 may be disposed substantially at the first end 1106 (i.e., at a first flange). As previously described, the location of the hole 1112 may be based, at least in part, on attachment to a riser and / or dimensions of a riser, in accordance with one or more embodiments. In Figure 11, a number of holes 1114 may be disposed along the length of the middle 1108. In Figure 11, the second end 1110 may include a hole 1116 (i.e., disposed in the flange). The hole 1116 may be configured to substantially encircle or partially encircle a body of a riser, as previously described (e.g., see Figure 8). The dimension of the hole 1116 may be based, at least in part, on the dimensions of the riser (e.g., the body of the riser). As a result, the one or more embodiments of the awning bracket 1104 may facilitate further structural stability for attachment of an awning to a structure.

[0044] Figures 12A and 12B illustrate an awning attachment bracket as may be utilized with one or more embodiments. Shown in Figure 21A, an awning attachment bracket 1202 may include a number of attachment holes 1204. As shown, the number of attachment holes 1204 may facilitate attachment of the awning attachment bracket 1202 to one or more embodiments of the awning bracket disclosed and claimed herein. Shown in Figure 12B, the awning attachment bracket 1202 may be shown having attachment bracket / fixture 1206, which may be configured to hold an awning.

[0045] It should be appreciated that all of the holes described herein may be varied to facilitate attachment to the various components. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect. Additionally, various embodiments may have been described with respect to an awning, however, it should be appreciated that the one or more embodiments may be utilized for various purposes such as, but not limited to, attaching an air conditioner, solar panel, satellite dish, and so forth. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect.

[0046] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[0047] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intendedas "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

[0048] Reference in the specification to "an implementation," "one implementation," "some implementations," or "other implementations" may mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with one or more implementations may be included in at least some implementations, but not necessarily in all implementations. The various appearances of "an implementation," "one implementation," or "some implementations" in the preceding description are not necessarily all referring to the same implementations.

[0049] While certain exemplary techniques have been described and shown herein using various methods and systems, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various other modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted, without departing from claimed subject matter. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation to the teachings of the claimed subject matter without departing from the central concept described herein. Therefore, it is intended that claimed subject matter is not limited to the particular examples disclosed, but that such claimed subject matter also may include all implementations falling within the scope of the appended claims, and equivalents thereof.

Claims

ClaimsWHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. An awning support bracket comprising: a substantially rectangular plate having a first end, a middle, and a second end, the first end and the second end being at substantially at right angles to the middle and substantially parallel to each other; a hole disposed at the first end, the hole configured to attach the bracket to a support strut; and a plurality of holes disposed along the length of the middle, the plurality of holes configured to attach to an awning attachment fixture.

2. The awning support bracket of claim 1, wherein the substantially rectangular plate comprises the substantially rectangular plate made of one or more metal, plastic, ceramic, and / or fiber reinforced material.

3. The awning support bracket of claim 1, wherein the hole comprises the hole disposed at the first end based, at least in part, on the dimensions of the support strut.

4. The awning support bracket of claim 1, wherein the hole comprises the hole configured to accommodate one of a bold and / or a screw based, at least in part on, an attachment end of the support strut.

5. The awning support bracket of claim 1, wherein the second end comprises the second end having a hole configured to at least partially encircle a body of the support strut.

6. The awning support bracket of claim 5, wherein the hole comprises the hole having a dimension based, at least in part, on a dimension of the support strut.

7. The awning support bracket of claim 1, wherein the support strut comprises a secondary roof riser.

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