System for anchoring an awning structure

Abstract

The present invention comprises two side frames (4) configured to be anchored to two fastening devices (2) anchored to a ceiling or wall. Each fastening device (2) comprises a support with two opposing end sections: a first end section (5) and a second end section (6) on which a locking mechanism (3, 3') is mounted. Each of the side frames (4) includes two opposing projections: a first rounded projection (7) configured to fit into the groove (5a) of the support, and a second projection (8) configured to be hooked onto and immobilised in the locking mechanism (3, 3'). The major advantage of the anchoring system of the invention is that the installer does not have to support the weight of the awning structure (1) during the time between installation and fastening thereof.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] ANCHORING SYSTEM FOR AN AWNING STRUCTURE

[0003] Object of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to an anchoring system for a retractable awning structure, where the awning structure comprises a cassette or housing with an encapsulated fabric for protection against the elements; the object of the invention is to solve the problem of installing the awning structure on a wall or ceiling. The anchoring system of the invention is applicable to any awning structure, especially for installations on ceilings.

[0005] Technical problem to be solved and background of the invention

[0006] Currently, there are different awning structures that are configured to be fixed to a wall or ceiling surface, using fixing devices that support the entire weight of the awning structure.

[0007] On the other hand, there are anchoring systems that allow the weight of the awning structure to be supported and held against the wall during installation, before permanently anchoring the awning structure to the fixing devices, with the advantage that the installer does not have to support the weight of the awning structure during the installation process.

[0008] The situation is different when the installation is carried out on a ceiling surface, where the installer does have to hold and support the weight of the awning structure during the time of its installation until it is anchored to the fixing devices.

[0009] Patent EP2599931 discloses an extendable awning assembly provided with a mounting device that allows it to be easily and quickly attached to a wall or ceiling surface.

[0010] Description of the invention

[0011] In order to achieve the objectives and avoid the drawbacks mentioned in the previous sections, the invention proposes an anchoring system for an awning structure comprising two side frames that are configured to be anchored to two fixing devices that are configured to be fixed to a wall or ceiling surface.

[0012] Each of the fixing devices comprises a support formed by a main body and two opposing end sections: first and second; where the first end section includes a groove, while the second end section includes a channel arranged in an alignment parallel to the groove and also parallel to the extension of the awning structure when mounted on the two fixing devices.

[0013] The anchoring system of the invention further comprises a locking mechanism mounted on the second end section of each support that forms part of the fixing device.

[0014] In turn, each of the side frames of the awning structure includes two opposing projections: a first projection that is configured to fit into the groove of the support that is part of the fixing device, and a second projection that is configured to hook and be immobilized by the locking mechanism installed in the second end section of the support.

[0015] The first and second projections of each side frame fit together opposite each other between the two opposite end sections of the respective fixing device support; the entire awning structure is anchored onto the two fixing device supports with the participation of the locking mechanism.

[0016] The locking mechanism comprises a latch that is fitted within the channel of the second end section of the fastening device support; wherein said latch is guided and has linear mobility in a direction that is perpendicular to the alignment in which said channel is located.

[0017] The latch is attached to screws; part of these screws are threaded into parallel threaded holes in the latch. These screws, in turn, are inserted and guided into holes located in the second end section of the fastening device. When the latch moves, it pulls these screws along with it; the screws have heads that fit into countersunk holes in the second end section of the fastening device's support. Elastic elements, fitted around the screws, are located between the latch and the bottom of the support channel.These elastic elements are configured to maintain the latch in an active locking position in which an extreme portion of the latch protrudes out of the channel of the fastening device, so that this extreme portion of the latch is configured to engage the second projection of the side frame when the anchoring system is locked.

[0018] The active locking position of the latch is limited by the screw heads that stop against the bottom of the countersunks located in the second end sections of the fixing device supports.

[0019] Each of the elastic elements rests at one end on the bottom of the channel of the second end section of the support, while a second end of the elastic element, opposite the first end, rests on the bottom of a concentric recess that interrupts the continuity of a part of the threaded hole of the latch in which the respective screw is attached.

[0020] The anchoring system of the invention comprises means for securing the active locking position of the latch when each side frame is anchored to the respective fixing device. These fixing means comprise one or more threaded elements that are engaged in second threaded holes in the second end section of the support, which are arranged parallel to the first holes. End sections of these threaded elements abut the latch in its active locking position, and these end sections may be housed within recesses located in the latch.

[0021] In another embodiment of the locking mechanism, different from that described above, it comprises a pivoting latch anchored on the second end section of the fastening device support. The pivoting latch comprises a first part and a second part converging into an intermediate fin that includes a rounded rib embedded within a channel located in the second end section of the support. An end portion of the first part of the pivoting latch rests on a portion of the second end section of the support with an interposed elastic element to maintain the pivoting latch in its active locking position. An end portion of the second part of the pivoting latch is configured to engage the second projection of the side frame in the active locking position of the pivoting latch.

[0022] In all embodiments of the invention, the extreme portion of the latch includes a recess into which a raised edge of the second projection of the side frame fits and abuts in the active locking position; wherein the coupling between the raised edge and the recess of the latch is a coupling that is configured to reinforce the locking of the canvas structure by preventing the latch from retracting to an inactive position.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, the first projection of the side frame has a rounded configuration that fits into the groove having a curved section, which is located in the first end section of the fastening device support.

[0024] The anchoring system of the invention simplifies the installation of the awning structure, especially when it is attached to the ceiling, and above all provides safety because the installer does not have to support the weight of the awning structure during the installation process. The installer only needs to mount the awning structure onto its fixing devices and then secure it to said devices, with the significant advantage that during the interval between installation and securing, the installer does not have to support the weight of the awning structure.

[0025] The anchoring system of the invention is applicable to any awning structure, especially in installations to ceiling surfaces, so the advantages are more relevant as the dimensions of the awning structure increase, since the weight to be supported by the installer also increases.

[0026] Next, to facilitate a better understanding of this descriptive report and forming an integral part thereof, a series of figures are included in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the object of the invention has been represented.

[0027] Brief description of the figures Figure 1.- Shows a perspective view of an awning structure fixed to a roof by means of a fixing device that is part of an anchoring system that is the object of the invention.

[0028] Figures 2a to 2f.- These represent profile views showing the different stages of assembling the awning structure onto a roof using the anchoring system of which the fixing device is a part.

[0029] Figure 3.- Shows a profile view of the awning structure fixed to a wall using the anchoring system.

[0030] Figure 4.- Represents a perspective view of the fixing device with an enlarged detail showing an anchoring device, by means of which the fixing of the awning structure to the fixing device is ensured.

[0031] Figure 5.- Shows a profile view similar to that shown in Figure 3, with a different embodiment of the invention.

[0032] Description of an example of embodiment of the invention

[0033] Considering the numbering adopted in figures 1 to 4, the anchoring system of an awning structure 1 comprises at least two fixing devices 2, each of which integrates a locking mechanism 3 (first embodiment), by means of which an interlocking position of the awning structure 1 is ensured on the two fixing devices 2 that are configured to be fixed on a ceiling surface T (figures 1, 2a to 2f) or on a wall surface P (figure 3).

[0034] The awning structure 1 includes two side frames 4 that are located at opposite ends of said awning structure 1, while by means of said side frames 4 the assembly of the awning structure 1 is anchored onto the two fixing devices 2.

[0035] For this purpose, each fixing device 2 comprises a support formed by a main body 20 and two opposing end sections: first 5 and second 6; wherein the first end section 5 includes a groove 5a of curved cross-section, while the second end section 6 includes a channel 6a arranged in an alignment parallel to the groove 5a and also parallel to the extension of the awning structure 1 when mounted on the fixing devices 2. The locking mechanism 3 is mounted on the second end section 6 of the support. Each of the frames 4 includes two opposing projections: a first rounded projection 7 that is configured to fit into the groove 5a of the fixing device 2, and a second projection 8 that is configured to engage with the locking mechanism 3 installed on the second end section 6 of the fixing device 2.

[0036] Thus, when the awning structure 1 is mounted on the two fixing devices 2, the first rounded projection 7 and the second projection 8 of each side frame 4 fit opposite each other between the two opposite end sections 5, 6 of the support of the respective fixing device 2, so that the first rounded projection 7 of the side frame 4 fits into the groove 5a of the support of the fixing device 2, while the second projection 8 of the side frame 4 is linked to the locking mechanism 3 in order to immobilize the assembly of the awning structure 1 on each of the supports of the fixing devices 2.

[0037] The locking mechanism 3, as shown more clearly in Figure 4, comprises a latch 9 that is fitted within the channel 6a of the second end section 6 of the fastening device support 2, such that said latch 9 is guided and has linear mobility in a direction that is perpendicular to the alignment in which said channel 6a is located.

[0038] The latch 9 is attached to screws 10, such that a portion of the screws is threaded into parallel threaded holes in the latch 9. In turn, these screws 10 are engaged and guided in first holes 11 located in the second end section 6 of the fastening device 2, such that when the latch 9 is moved, it pulls these screws 10 with it. The screws 10 have heads housed in countersunk holes located in the second end section 6 of the fastening device 2 support; these countersunk holes being a continuation of the holes 11, which are aligned with the threaded holes of the latch 9 into which the screws 10 are threaded.

[0039] On the other hand, between the latch 9 and the bottom of the channel 6a of the support are located elastic elements 12 coupled around the screws 10. These elastic elements 12 tend to maintain the latch 9 in an active locking position in which an extreme portion of the latch 9 protrudes outside the channel 6a of the fixing device 2; where the second projection 8 of the side frame 4 engages this extreme portion of the latch 9 when the anchoring system is locked, i.e., when the canvas structure 1 is anchored onto the two fixing devices 2 attached to the wall surface P (Figure 3) or ceiling surface T (Figures 2e, 2f). In this embodiment of the invention, the elastic elements 12 comprise, for example, springs.

[0040] It should be noted that the active locking position of the latch 9 is limited in principle by the heads of the screws 10 that stop against the bottom of the countersunks of the second end sections 6 of the supports of the fixing devices 2.

[0041] Each of the elastic elements 12 abuts at a first end against the bottom of the channel 6a of the second end section 6 of the support, while a second end of the elastic element 12, opposite the first end, abuts against the bottom of a concentric recess 13 that interrupts the continuity of a part of the threaded hole of the latch 9 in which the respective screw 10 is coupled by threading.

[0042] The inactive position of latch 9 is achieved by moving it against the resistance of the elastic elements 12, so that in this inactive position, latch 9 can abut against the bottom of the channel 6a of the support of the fixing device 2, while in this inactive position it does not engage the second projection 8 of the side frame 4 on the extreme portion of said latch 9.

[0043] The extreme portion of the latch 9 includes a recess 9a into which a raised edge 8a of the second projection 8 of the side frame 4 fits and abuts in the active locking position, thus ensuring better locking of the canvas structure 1 by preventing any possibility of the latch 9 returning to its inactive position.

[0044] On the other hand, to ensure the fixation of the active locking position of the latch 9 when each side frame 4 is anchored on the respective fixing device 2, two threaded elements 14 are provided which are coupled in some second holes 16 of the second end section 6 of the support arranged parallel to the first holes 11, so that some end sections of said threaded elements 14 stop the latch 9 in its locking position, said end sections of the threaded elements 14 being housed within some recesses 15 located in the latch 9.

[0045] Thus, when the latch 9 is in its active locking position, the threaded elements 14 are fitted into the second holes 16 of the support of the fixing device 2 until the end sections of said threaded elements 14 reach the recesses 15 of the latch 9, at which point the latch 9 is immobilized and cannot move against the resistance of the elastic elements 12.

[0046] The supports of the fixing devices 2 are fixed to the wall surface P or ceiling T in a conventional manner, for example, by means of bolts 17 and nuts 18 attached to said bolts 17 that pass through through holes 19 located in the main bodies 20 of the supports that form part of the fixing devices 2.

[0047] As shown in figure 2f, the screws 10 and the threaded elements 14 are manipulated through a tool 22, in order to be able to turn them in the correct direction.

[0048] With this arrangement described, the installation of the awning structure 1 is described below, which is mounted on the two fixing devices 2 previously fixed to the wall P or ceiling T, as clearly shown in figures 2a to 2f.

[0049] First, the first 7 rounded protrusions of the side frames are fitted into place.

[0050] 4 of the awning structure 1 in the respective grooves 5a of the first end sections

[0051] 5 of the two supports of the fixing devices 2.

[0052] Secondly, the entire canvas structure 1 is rotated in a direction 21 around the articulated connection defined by the tongue-and-groove coupling between the first rounded projections 7 of the side frames 4 and the grooves 5a of the first end sections 5 of the supports. The canvas structure 1 is rotated until the second projections 8 of the side frames 4 come into contact with the latches 9, which are then pushed and displaced by this contact against the resistance of the elastic elements 12.

[0053] Thirdly, continuing with the rotation of the canvas structure assembly 1, a moment arrives when the second projections 8 of the side frames 4 pass over the latches 9, whereupon said latches 9 regain their active locking position by the action of the elastic elements 12, and then the raised edges 8a of the second projections 8 of the side frames 4 fit against the recesses 9a of the extreme portions of the latches 9. Finally, as referred to above, the threaded elements 14 are fitted into the second holes 16 of the supports that form part of the fixing devices 2 until the extreme sections of said threaded elements 14 reach the recesses 15 of the latches 9, at which point said latches 9 are completely immobilized without being able to move against the resistance of the elastic elements 12.

[0054] In a second embodiment of the invention as shown in Figure 5, the anchoring system comprises a locking mechanism 3' different from that described in the first embodiment,

[0055] The new locking mechanism 3' of this second embodiment of the invention comprises a tilting latch 9' that is anchored on the second end section 6 of the fixing device support 2.

[0056] For this purpose, the tilting latch 9' comprises a first part and a second part that converge into an intermediate fin that includes a rounded rib 23 that is embedded within a channel 6a' located in the second end section 6 of the support, such that an end portion of the first part of the tilting latch 9' rests on a part of the second end section 6 of the support with the interposition of an elastic element 12' (rubber plug), while an end portion of the second part of the tilting latch 9' is configured to engage in said end portion the raised edge 8a of the second projection 8 of the side frame 4 in the anchoring and locking position of the awning structure 1.

[0057] As in the first embodiment of the invention, in this second embodiment the pivoting latch 9' also includes a recess 9a' into which the raised edge 8a of the second projection 8 of the side frame 4 fits and abuts in the active locking position, thus ensuring the locking of the canvas structure 1 and preventing any possibility of the pivoting latch 9' returning to its inactive position. This recess 9a' is located at the extreme portion of the second part of the pivoting latch 9'.

[0058] During the rotation phase of the awning structure 1 towards the locked position, the second projection 8 of the frame 4 comes into contact with the extreme portion of the second part of the tilting latch 9', whereupon this tilting latch 9' will tilt against the resistance of the elastic element 12', reaching a moment in which the second projection 8 of the frame 4 goes beyond the extreme portion of the second part of the tilting latch 9', at which point it will recover its locked and resting position achieved by the action of the elastic element 12'.

[0059] Thus, in both embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of the latch 9, 9' of the locking mechanism 3, 3' is fitted and coupled within the channel 6a, 6a' of the second end section 6 of the support that forms part of the fixing device 2, so that in both embodiments of the invention, in the active locking position, the raised edge 8a of the second projection 8 of the side frame 4 abuts the recess 9a, 9a' located in the end portion of the latch 9, 9'.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Anchoring system for an awning structure, where the awning structure (1) comprises two side frames (4) that are configured to be anchored to two fixing devices (2); characterized in that: - each of the fixing devices (2) comprises a support formed by a main body (20) and two opposing end sections: first (5) and second (6); wherein the first end section (5) includes a groove (5a), while the second end section (6) includes a channel (6a, 6a') arranged in an alignment parallel to the groove (5a) and also parallel to the extension of the awning structure (1) when mounted on the two fixing devices (2); - comprises a locking mechanism (3, 3') mounted on the second end section (6) of each support that is part of the fastening device (2); - each of the side frames (4) includes two opposing projections: a first projection (7) which is configured to fit into the groove (5a) of the bracket which forms part of the fixing device (2), and a second projection (8) which is configured to engage and be immobilized by the locking mechanism (3) installed on the second end section (6) of the bracket; wherein the first projection (7) and the second projection (8) of each side frame (4) fit opposite each other between the two opposite end sections (5, 6) of the bracket of the respective fixing device (2); the awning structure assembly (1) being anchored onto the two brackets of the fixing devices (2) with the participation of the locking mechanism (3, 3'). 2.- Anchoring system for an awning structure, according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking mechanism (3) comprises a latch (9) that is fitted within the channel (6a) of the second end section (6) of the support of the fixing device (2); wherein said latch (9) is guided and has linear mobility in a direction that is perpendicular to the alignment in which said channel (6a) is located. 3.- Anchoring system for an awning structure, according to claim 2, characterized in that the latch (9) is coupled to screws (10); where a portion of the screws is threaded into parallel threaded holes in the latch (9); where said screws (10) are coupled and guided in first holes (11) located in the second end section (6) of the fastening device (2); and where the displacement of the latch (9) drags with it said screws (10), which have heads housed in countersunks located in the second end section (6) of the support of the fastening device (2). 4.- Anchoring system for an awning structure, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the latch (9) and the bottom of the channel (6a) of the support there are located elastic elements (12) that are coupled around the screws (10); wherein said elastic elements (12) are configured with the tendency to keep the latch (9) in an active locking position in which an extreme portion of the latch (9) protrudes outside the channel (6a) of the fixing device (2); and wherein said extreme portion of the latch (9) is configured to engage the second projection (8) of the side frame (4) when the anchoring system is locked. 5.- Anchoring system for an awning structure, according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the active locking position of the latch (9) is limited by the heads of the screws (10) that stop against the bottom of the countersunks located in the second end sections (6) of the supports of the fixing devices (2). 6.- Anchoring system for an awning structure, according to any one of the preceding claims 4 or 5, characterized in that each of the elastic elements (12) abuts at a first end against the bottom of the channel (6a) of the second end section (6) of the support, while a second end of the elastic element (12), opposite the first end, abuts against a bottom of a concentric recess (13) that interrupts the continuity of a part of the threaded hole of the latch (12) in which the respective screw (10) is coupled.

7. An anchoring system for an awning structure, according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that it comprises means for fixing the active locking position of the latch (9) when each side frame (4) is anchored onto the respective fixing device (2); wherein said fixing means comprise at least two threaded elements (14) that are coupled into second threaded holes (16) of the second end section (6) of the support, which are arranged in parallel to the first holes (11); and where some extreme sections of said threaded elements (14) stop on the latch (9) in its active locking position.

8. Anchoring system for an awning structure, according to claim 1, characterized in that: - the locking mechanism (3') comprises a tilting latch (9') that is anchored on the second end section (6) of the support of the fixing device (2); wherein said tilting latch (9') comprises a first part and a second part that converge into an intermediate fin that includes a rounded rib (23) that is embedded within the channel (6a') located in the second end section (6) of the support; - an extreme portion of the first part of the tilting latch (9') rests on a part of the second extreme section (6) of the support with the interposition of an elastic element (12') tending to keep the tilting latch (9') in its active locking position; - an extreme portion of the second part of the tilting latch (9') is configured to engage the second projection (8) of the side frame (4) in the active locking position of the tilting latch (9'). 9.- Anchoring system for an awning structure, according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the extreme portion of the latch (9, 9') includes a recess (9a, 9a') into which a raised edge (8a) of the second projection (8) of the side frame (4) fits and abuts in the active locking position; wherein the coupling between the raised edge (8a) and the recess (9a, 9a') of the latch (9, 9') is a coupling that is configured to reinforce the locking of the canvas structure (1) by preventing the latch (9, 9') from retracting to an inactive position. 10.- Anchoring system for an awning structure, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first projection (7) of the side frame (4) has a rounded configuration that fits into the groove (5a) which has a curved section, which is located in the first end section (5) of the support of the fixing device (2).

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