CA3009275C - Awning - Google Patents

Abstract

An awning for covering an underlying area, the awning being mountable to a protruding structure protruding from a building, the protruding structure defining a free end opposed to the building and an undersurface, the awning comprising: at least one support element, the support element including a substantially elongated support arm and a hook element mounted to the support and defining a hook recess for receiving the free end of the cantilevered structure thereinto; and a cover element secured to the support arm and having at least part thereof provided between the hook element and a support arm distal end. When the awning is operatively mounted to the protruding structure, the protruding structure is received at the free end in the hook recess, the support arm abuts against the undersurface at a support arm proximal end, and the cover element extends above the underlying area.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION
AWNING
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of construction and is more specifically concerned with an awning.
BACKGROUND

[0002] In northern countries, it is sometimes desirable to have a temporary or collapsible structure that can be user selectively mounted, for example, above a parking space during the winter season for protecting a vehicle from the weather elements, and easily disassembled and stowed away in a relatively compact format during the warmer seasons.

[0003] It is further desirable to have such a structure that is more specifically adapted to be mounted where it is relatively difficult to install one of those well known temporary car shelters that are generally represented by a skeletal assembly of tubular members over which a flexible and waterproof polyethylene fabric cover is attached.

[0004] One particular instance where one of those well known temporary car shelters is difficult, if not impossible, to install effectively is over a sloped parking space that is at least partially extending under the platform of a balcony of a residential home. This particular configuration of a parking space thus extending partially under a balcony is often encountered integrated to duplex residential homes having a front end wall located relatively close to the access street thereof.

Such shelters are also sometimes forbidden by city bylaws.

[0005] Against this background, there exists a need in the industry to provide an improved shelter. An object of the present invention is therefore to provide such a shelter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In a broad aspect, the invention provides an awning for covering an underlying area, the awning being mountable to a protruding structure protruding from a building, the protruding structure defining a free end opposed to the building and an undersurface, the awning comprising: at least one support element, the support element including a substantially elongated support arm defining substantially longitudinally opposed support arm proximal and distal ends, the support element also including a hook element mounted to the support arm between the support arm proximal and distal ends, the hook element defining a hook recess opening towards the support arm proximal end and configured and sized for receiving the free end of the cantilevered structure thereinto; and a cover element secured to the support arm and having at least part thereof provided between the hook element and the support arm distal end. When the awning is operatively mounted to the protruding structure, the protruding structure is received at the free end in the hook recess, the support arm abuts against the undersurface at the support arm proximal end, and the cover element extends above the underlying area, at least part of the underlying area being further from away from the building than the protruding structure.

[0007] There may also be provided an awning wherein the hook element defines a hook element lower portion, a hook element upper portion and a hook element intermediate portion extending therebetween, the hook element upper, intermediate and lower portions delimiting the hook recess so that when the protruding structure is received in the hook recess, the protruding structure is between the hook element upper and lower portions.

[0008] There may also be provided an awning wherein the hook element upper portion is removably secureable to the hook element intermediate portion at an adjustable distance from the hook element lower portion.

[0009] There may also be provided an awning wherein the hook element upper portion is plate shaped and the hook element intermediate portion defines a plurality of spaced apart adjustment slots each at a respective predetermined distance from the hook element lower portion, the hook element upper portion being selectively insertable in each one of the adjustment slots to adjust a distance between the hook element upper and lower portions to vary a height of the hook recess.

[0010] There may also be provided an awning wherein the hook element defines a support member in the hook element lower portion, the support arm being supported by the support member when the awning is operatively mounted to the protruding structure.

[0011] There may also be provided an awning wherein the support arm abuts against the cantilevered structure at the free end when the awning is operatively mounted to the protruding structure.

[0012] There may also be provided an awning wherein the support element includes an angle adjustment element for adjusting an angle between the support arm and the protruding structure.

[0013] There may also be provided an awning wherein the angle adjustment element includes a wedge positionable at various positions along the support arm between the arm proximal end and the hook element so that the wedge extends between the support arm and the undersurface.

[0014] There may also be provided an awning wherein the angle adjustment element includes an adjustment member defining an adjustment member upper end, the adjustment member being movable relative to a remainder of the support arm so that the adjustment member upper end protrudes at a variable height above the remainder of the support arm and abuts against the undersurface when the awning is operatively mounted to the protruding structure.

[0015] There may also be provided an awning wherein the adjustment member includes a threaded screw element threadedly engaged in a threaded aperture defined in the remainder of the support element.

[0016] There may also be provided an awning wherein the adjustment member is provided at the support arm proximal end.

[0017] There may also be provided an awning comprising a plurality of the support elements extending laterally spaced apart from each other and each including a respective support arm and hook element, the cover element being secured to all of the support arms.

[0018] There may also be provided an awning further comprising an inter-arm element, the support arms being all secured to the inter-arm element.

[0019] There may also be provided an awning wherein the support arms are all secured to the inter-arm element at the support arm distal end.

[0020] There may also be provided an awning wherein the hook upper portion is provided in the hook recess with a downwardly facing resilient element resiliently deformable when the hook element is secured to the protruding structure.

[0021] There may also be provided an awning further comprising a gutter mounted to the hook element to extend along the free end when the awning is operatively mounted to the protruding structure.

[0022] There may also be provided an awning further comprising a post mounted to the hook and extending above the support arm, the cover element extending between the post and the support arm.

[0023] There may also be provided an awning further comprising an auxiliary support mounted to the hook and supporting the cover element at a location intermediate the post and support arm.

[0024] There may also be provided an awning wherein the cover element is acutely angled relative to the horizontal when the awning is operatively mounted to the protruding structure.

[0025] There may also be provided an awning wherein the cover element is substantially plate-shaped and substantially rigid.

[0026] There may also be provided an awning wherein the cover element includes a fabric.

[0027] There may also be provided an awning wherein the support arm and the hook element are longitudinally movable relative to each other to vary a distance between the hook element and the support arm distal end.

[0028] There may also be provided an awning wherein the hook element is removably mounted to the support arm.

[0029] In another broad aspect, there is provided, in combination, a building having a protruding structure protruding therefrom, the protruding structure defining a free end opposed to the building and an undersurface; and an awning mounted to the protruding structure for covering an underlying area, the awning comprising at least one support element, the support element including a substantially elongated support arm defining substantially longitudinally opposed support arm proximal and distal ends, the support element also including a hook element mounted to the support arm between the support arm proximal and distal ends, the hook element defining a hook recess opening towards the support arm proximal end and receiving the free end of the protruding structure thereinto;
and a cover element secured to the support arm and having at least part thereof provided between the hook element and the support arm distal end; wherein the support arm abuts against the undersurface at the support arm proximal end;
and the cover element extends above the underlying area, at least part of the underlying area being further from away from the building than the protruding structure.

[0030] In the combination, the awning may have all the characteristics mentioned hereinabove. In some embodiments, the protruding structure is a balcony and/or a cantilevered structure. For example, the underlying area is part of a parking space for a vehicle.

[0031] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the awning of the present invention is relatively easily user scalable in width so as to be adapted to cover a large span, for example adjacent parking spaces extending partially under a wide balcony. The awning is further adjustable in length so as to allow, for example, a pickup truck having a raised cargo box or load to have at least its front hood and driver cabin protected from the elements.

[0032] Furthermore, the awning of the present invention may be relatively easily assembled and mounted on the plafform edge of balcony for the winter season, and disassembled or removed during the warmer seasons if desired. The ease of installation and removal of the awning is further facilitated by the relatively simple and intuitive shape configurations of its various lightweight elements. Hence, in some embodiments, no special skills or tools are required to install and remove the awning.

[0033] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the awning of the present invention may be disassembled to form a relatively small and compact group of elements that can be efficiently packed in a relatively small rectangular box for economical and convenient handling, transport, marketing, and stowage purposes at home such as in a home garage, a small backyard shed or the like.

[0034] Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] FIGURE 1, in a side elevational view, illustrates an awning according to an embodiment of the present invention, here shown removably mounted on a platform edge portion of a balcony;

[0036] FIGURE 2, in a top perspective view, illustrates the awning in FIG. 1;

[0037] FIGURE 3, in a bottom perspective view, illustrates the awning in FIG.
1;

[0038] FIGURE 4, in a top perspective exploded view, illustrates the awning in FIG. 1;

[0039] FIGURE 5, in a side elevational view, illustrates an embodiment of a hook element part of the awning of FIGS. 1 to 4, according to the present invention;

[0040] FIGURE 6, in a side elevational view, illustrates another embodiment of a hook element, according to the present invention;

[0041] FIGURE 7, in a side elevational view, illustrates yet another embodiment of a hook element, according to the present invention;

[0042] FIGURE 8, in a side elevational view, illustrates yet another embodiment of a hook element, according to the present invention;

[0043] FIGURE 9, in a side elevational view, illustrates yet another embodiment of a hook element, according to the present invention, here shown provided with a gutter element attached to an underside portion thereof;

[0044] FIGURE 10, in a front elevational view, illustrates an embodiment of a support member part of the awning of FIGS. 1 to 4, according to the present invention;

[0045] FIGURE 11, in a front elevational view, illustrates another embodiment of a support member, according to the present invention;

[0046] FIGURE 12, in a perspective view, illustrates a support arm part of the awning of FIGS. 1 to 4;

[0047] FIGURE 13, in a top plan view, illustrates an assembly including a pair of support arms connected to one another through a plurality of link members;

[0048] FIGURE 14, in a side elevational view, illustrates the assembly in FIG.
12;

[0049] FIGURE 15, in an end elevational view, illustrates the assembly in FIG.
12;

[0050] FIGURE 16, in a top perspective, exploded view, illustrates an awning according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] FIGURE 17, in a side elevational view, illustrates the awning in FIG.
16, here shown in an assembled state and removably mounted on a platform edge portion of a balcony;

[0052] FIGURE 18, in a cross-sectional view, illustrates a cover element secured to a support arm with a hole locking nut grommet, all part of the awning of FIGS. 1 to 4;

[0053] FIGURE 19, in a cross-sectional view, illustrates a cover element secured to a support arm with a cable tie;

[0054] FIGURE 20, in a perspective view, illustrates a telescopic gutter element attached along underside portions of a plurality of hook elements part of the awning of FIGS. 1 to 4;

[0055] FIGURE 21, in a perspective view, illustrates yet another embodiment of an awning according to the present invention, here shown removably mounted on a platform edge portion of a balcony;

[0056] FIGURE 22, in a side elevational view, illustrates part of a hook element, part of the awning of FIG. 21;

[0057] FIGURE 23, in a top plan view, illustrates another part of the hook element;

[0058] FIGURE 24, in a top plan view, illustrates an alternate embodiment of the part of the hook element in FIG. 23;

[0059] FIGURE 25, in a partial top exploded perspective view, illustrates an assembly of a hook element and a support arm, according to the embodiment in FIG. 21;

[0060] FIGURE 26, in a side elevational view, illustrates the awning in FIG.
21, here shown provided with additional cover support structures;

[0061] FIGURE 27, in a top perspective view, illustrates the awning in FIG.
26;

[0062] FIGURE 28, in a cross-sectional view, illustrates an attachment arrangement between two perpendicular members of the cover support structures;

and

[0063] FIGURE 29, in a partial side elevational view, illustrates the awning in FIG.
21, here shown provided with an angle adjustment element for adjusting the angle of a support arm relative to the balcony.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] The term "substantially" is used throughout this document to indicate variations in the thus qualified terms. These variations are variations that do not materially affect the manner in which the invention works and can be due, for example, to uncertainty in manufacturing processes or to small deviations from a nominal value or ideal shape that do not cause significant changes to the invention. These variations are to be interpreted from the point of view of the person skilled in the art.

[0065] Directional terminology, such as upper, lower, proximal and distal, refers to the orientation relative to an upstanding building to which the proposed awning is attached. Proximal elements are closer to the building. This terminology is used for clarity reasons and should not be used to restrict the scope of the claims.

[0066] FIGS. 1 to 4 inclusively illustrate various aspect of an embodiment of a awning 10 removably mountable to a protruding structure protruding from a building, the protruding structure defining a free end opposed to the building and an undersurface 208. For example, in some embodiments, the protruding structure is a protruding structure. However, in other embodiments, the protruding structure is supported at its distal end by posts or other similar structures. The awning 10 is usable to cover an underlying area 210. It should be noted that in some embodiments, a similar awning according to the invention may be permanently mounted to the protruding structure. For example, the protruding structure takes the form of a balcony 200 or a similar support structure and the free end takes the form of a platform edge portion 202 of the balcony 200.

[0067] The awning 10 comprises at least one support element 12. Each support element 12 includes a substantially elongated support arm 40 defining substantially longitudinally opposed support arm proximal and distal ends 41 and 43. Each support element 12 also includes a hook element 24 mounted, either removably or permanently, to the support arm 40 between the support arm proximal and distal ends 41 and 43. The hook element 24 defines a hook recess 26 opening towards the support arm proximal end 41 and configured and sized for receiving the free end of the protruding structure thereinto. A cover element 46 is secured to the support arm 40 and has at least part thereof provided between the hook element 24 and the support arm distal end 43.

[0068] When the awning is operatively mounted to the protruding structure, the protruding structure is received at the free end in the hook recess 26, the support arm 40 abuts against the undersurface 208 at the support arm proximal end 41, and the cover element 46 extends above the underlying area 210, at least part of the underlying area being further from away from the building than the protruding structure.

[0069] In some embodiments, each support element 12 includes a support member 14. As best illustrated in various embodiments in FIGS. 10 and 11, the support member 14 has for example a substantially elongated configuration extending horizontally and defines at least one support member recess 16. The at least one support member recess 16 is disposed in a spaced apart relationship along a support member lower edge portion 18 thereof. Furthermore, the at least one support member recess 16 extends at least partially upwardly therefrom and transversally throughout.

[0070] The support member 14 further defines at least two support arm engaging recesses 20. Each one in the at least two support arm engaging recesses 20 is disposed in a spaced apart relationship relative to one another along a support member upper edge portion 22 of the support member 14. Each one in the at least two support arm engaging recesses 20 extends at least partially downwardly therefrom and transversally throughout.

[0071] At least one in the at least two support arm engaging recesses 20 is disposed on an opposite side of the at least one support member recess 16 relative to the others in the at least two support arm engaging recesses 20 so as to at least partially balance the distribution of the at least two support arm engaging recesses 20 on each side thereof.

[0072] The number of hook elements 24 corresponds to a number of the support member recess 16. Each one in the at least one hook element 24 has for example a substantially C-shaped configuration defining a sidewardly extending hook recess 26 that is suitably configured and sized for freely horizontally engaging the platform edge portion 202 of the balcony 200, as illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 5 for example, each one in the at least one hook element 24 defines a hook element intermediate portion 28 extending substantially vertically, a hook element upper portion 30 and a hook element lower portion extending substantially parallelly horizontally from the opposed upper and lower ends, respectively, of the hook element intermediate portion 28, and proximally relative to the awning 10, towards the building. The hook element upper, intermediate and lower portions 30, 28 and 32 delimitate the hook recess 26 so that the protruding structure is received at the free end between the hook element upper and lower portions 30 and 32.

[0074] Each one in the at least one hook element 24 defines a hook element recess 34 extending at least partially downwardly along an upper edge portion of the hook element lower portion 32 and transversally throughout thereof. The hook element recess 34 is configured and sized for substantially freely engaging transversally upwardly and in a saddle like fashion a corresponding one of the support member recesses 16.

[0075] Each one of the at least one support element 12 further includes one or more support arms 40 in corresponding number relative to the at least two support arm engaging recesses 20. Referring to FIG. 12, each support arm 40 has a substantially elongated configuration and a cross-section configured and sized for substantially freely slidably engaging transversally a corresponding one in the at least two support arm engaging recesses 20 as seen in FIG. 3 for example. Each support arm 40 is engaged generally horizontally and in a side by side relationship relative to one another in a corresponding one of the support arm engaging recesses 20. The hook element 24 is thus removably mounted to the support arm 40 in these embodiments, although in other embodiments the hook element 24 and support arm 40 are permanently mounted to each other.

[0076] As best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, each one in the plurality of support arms 40 thus engaged in a corresponding one in the at least two support arm engaging recess 20 defines a support arm distal portion 42 and a support arm proximal portion 44 extending distally and proximally respectively, relative to the support member 14, with each support arm 40 thus maintained in a substantially cantilever configuration over at least a portion of the underlying area 210.
For example, and non-limitingly, the underlying area is a parking space extending at least partially in front of the balcony 200.

[0077] The awning 10 further comprises at least one cover element 46. The at least one cover element 46 is for example suitably configured and sized for extending laterally across on top of all support arm distal portions 42 of the awning so as to form a typically substantially water proof cover thereon. In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 4 for example, the awning 10 further comprises a plurality of attachment elements 48 adapted for securing the at least one cover element 46 on top of the plurality of support arms 40.

[0078] Thus, as seen in FIG. 1, with the at least one support element 12 engaged in a spaced apart relationship along the platform edge portion 202 of the balcony 200, and the at least one cover element 46 secured on top of the plurality of support arms 40 using the plurality of attachment elements 48, the awning 10 is formed. Hence a vehicle 204 parked in a parking space at least partially located under the balcony 200 may have, for example, at least its front hood, windshield and part of the roof thereof protected from the weather elements such as the heat of the sun, rain, freezing rain, snow and/or hail.

[0079] It should be noted that the support arm 40 and hook element 24 may be mounted to each other in some embodiments in any other suitable manner.
However, the above-described structure may be assembled without the use of tools and relatively quickly, which is advantageous in some embodiments. Also, the proposed awning 10 may be used in other contexts than in the context of covering parking spaces. For example, the proposed awning may be used to cover a terrace or a piece of grass during the summer, and left in place or removed during winter.

[0080] It is important to note that the awning 10 of the present invention is in some embodiments relatively easily user scalable in width so as to be adapted to cover a large span of underlying area 210, such as adjacent parking spaces extending partially under a wide balcony. The awning 10 is further adjustable in length in some embodiments, so as to allow, to cover an underlying area 210 that extends more or less away from the protruding structure. Adjustment in length is caused by the fact that the support arm 40 and the hook element 24 are longitudinally movable relative to each other.

[0081] Furthermore, the awning 10 of the present invention may be relatively easily assembled and mounted on the balcony 200 for the winter season, and disassembled or removed during the warmer seasons. The ease of installation and removal of the awning is further facilitated by the relatively simple and intuitive shape configurations of its various lightweight elements. Hence, no special skills or tools are required to install and remove the awning.

[0082] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the awning 10 of the present invention may be disassembled to form a relatively small and compact group of elements that can be efficiently packed in a relatively small rectangular box for economical and convenient handling, transport, marketing, and stowage purposes at home such as in a home garage, a small backyard shed or the like.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, in some embodiments of the present invention, the awning 10 includes at least one set 51 of three support elements 12 assembled and engaged in an equidistant spaced apart relationship along the platform edge portion 202 of the balcony 200 and over a parking space of a vehicle 204 (not shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4).

[0084] In some other embodiments of the present invention, the awning 10 includes a plurality of sets 51 in corresponding number with the number of side by side parking spaces under the balcony 200. Each one in the plurality of sets 51 is separated by one of the support element 12 assembled and engaged in an equidistant spaced apart relationship along the platform edge portion 202 of the balcony 200 and between the sets 51. Thus, the awning 10 may conveniently span multiple adjacent parking spaces under a same balcony 200, with a protection provided above a conventional distance separating two vehicles 204 parked in adjacent parking spaces.

[0085] As best illustrated in FIG. 5, in some embodiments of the present invention, the hook element recess 34 is for example located along the hook element lower portion 32 at a substantially centered position relative to the hook element upper portion 30, so as to provide a stable support of the support member 14 when the hook element 24 is engaged along the platform edge portion 202 of the balcony 200.

[0086] In some embodiments of the present invention, as best illustrated in FIGS.
2, 3 and 4, the plurality of support arms 40 are each located longitudinally parallel relative to one another.

[0087] In some other embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG.
16, the plurality of support arms 40 are disposed in a substantially dovetail configuration wherein the support arm distal portions 42 are each at least slightly more spaced apart relative to one another than the support arm proximal portions 44. Thus the support arm distal portions 42 may provide enhanced support to a relatively wide cover element 46.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 1, in some embodiments of the present invention, the awning 10 further comprises an anchor element 50 adapted for securing the hook element 24 and, thus, the awning 10, to the balcony 200.

[0089] In some other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG.1, the anchor element includes a loop element 52 extending through an aperture 54 defined through the hook element 24 and around a fixed member 206 attached to the platform edge portion 202 of the balcony 200, such as a guardrail or the like.

[0090] In some other embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the anchor element 50 includes a threaded screw element 56 threadedly engaged in a threaded aperture 58 defined and extending vertically throughout a longitudinal portion of the hook element lower portion 32.

[0091] In the presently described embodiment of an anchor element 50, the threaded screw element 56 and threaded aperture 58 combination is located substantially adjacent a proximal end of the hook element lower portion 32.
Furthermore, the lower end of the threaded screw element 56 may be provided with one of a hex-key head 60, as illustrated in FIG. 7 for hook element 24", a hex-bolt head or, more conveniently, a handle 62, as illustrated in FIG. 6 for hook element 24'.

[0092] Yet in some other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 8 for for hook element 241", the anchor element 50 includes a wedge shaped member 64 adapted to resiliently engage between the hook element lower portion 32 and the undersurface 208 of the the platform edge portion 202 of the balcony 200.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, in some embodiments, the awning 10 further comprises a resilient element 70 extending along at least a lower edge portion of the hook element upper portion 30. The resilient element 70 is adapted for resiliently engaging an upper surface portion 209 of the platform edge portion of the balcony 200. The resilient element 70 may be made of rubber, rigid foam, a polymeric material, or the likes.

[0094] In some embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG.
16, the awning 10 further comprises an angle adjustment element for adjusting an angle between the support arm 40 and the protruding structure. For example, the angle adjustment element takes the form of a wedge 66 positionable at various positions along the support arms 40 between the support arm proximal end 41 and and the hook element 24 so that the wedge 66 extends between the support arms 40 and the undersurface 208. For example, the wedge 66 is resiliently engaged between an upper surface portion of each one of the support arm proximal portions 44 and and the undersurface 208 of the platform edge portion 202 of the balcony 200.

[0095] The wedge 66 is user selectively adjustable between an adjustment element first position, wherein the wedge 66 is substantially adjacent the support member 14, and an adjustment element second position wherein the wedge 66 is adjacent the support arm proximal end 41. Thus, the wedge 66 allows a user to selectively adjust the relative angle of the plurality of support arms 40 relative to the typically horizontal plane of the balcony 200 through a pivotal movement of the support arms 40 at their junction with the support member 14.

[0096] In some embodiments the angle adjustment element includes a plurality of wedges 66 (not shown in the drawings) in corresponding number with the plurality of support arms 40. Each one in the plurality of wedges 66 is configured and sized so as to have its pointing end directed towards the support member 14.

[0097] Alternatively in some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the awning angle adjustment element is a substantially elongated wedge 66 having a sufficient length dimension to extend transversally across all of the support arm proximal portions 44. The wedge 66 has a wedge shaped cross-section wherein its pointing end is oriented towards the support member 14. For example, the wedge 66 is made of a one piece element made of metal, rubber, a polymeric material, wood or the likes. Thus, the awning may be used for covering a sloped parking space extending partially under a balcony, which is a common North American parking space configuration for duplex residential buildings constructed in proximity to its access street.

[0098] FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 illustrate an alternate embodiment of an angle adjustment element that includes an adjustment member 76 defining an adjustment member upper end 77. The adjustment member 76 is movable relative to the support arm 40 so that the adjustment member upper end 77 protrudes at a variable height above the support arm 40 and abuts against the undersurface 208 when the awning 10 is operatively mounted to the protruding structure

[0099] For example, the adjustment member 76 takes the form of a threaded screw element 78 threadedly engaged in a threaded aperture 80 provided, for example at the support arm proximal end 41, and extending vertically throughout, a longitudinal portion of each one of the support arm proximal portion 44, or through any other proximally located portion of the support element 12.

[00100] It is to be noted that, in the drawings, the threaded aperture 80 is not illustrated as defined through the support arm proximal potion 44, but rather through a link member 82 connecting a pair of parallel support arms 40. This particular arrangement of link members 82 and pairs of support arms 40 will be described further below through a description of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[00101] The angle adjustment element is user selectively adjustable between an adjustment element first position, wherein the adjustment member upper end 77 is threadedly retracted in the threaded aperture 80, and an adjustment element second position, wherein the adjustment member upper end 77 is threadedly distanced upwardly away relative to the threaded aperture 80. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the angle adjustment element allows a user to selectively adjust the relative angle of the plurality of support arms 40 relative to the typically horizontal plane of the balcony 200 through a pivotal movement of the support arms 40 at their junction with the support member 14. The lower end of the threaded screw element 78 may be provided with one of a hex-key head, a hex-bolt head or, more conveniently, a handle 62, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[00102] In some embodiments of the present invention, the awning 10 further comprises at least one link member 82 extending transversally between oppositely facing longitudinal side edge portions of the at least two adjacent support arms 40, for providing additional structural strength to the awning 10 once it is assembled and mounted on a balcony 200. As exemplified in the drawings, the support arms 40 may be linked in pairs through a plurality of link members 82 extending there between. Greater numbers of thus parallels linked support arms 40 are also possible.

[00103] Referring to FIGS. 9, 17 and 20, in some embodiments of the present invention, the awning 10 further comprises a gutter element 84 attached to underside portions of the awning 10 and extending substantially the whole lateral width thereof. Typically, the gutter element 84 is located substantially in register under the laterally extending junction between the proximal edge 86 of the at least one cover element 46 and the platform edge portion 202 of the balcony 200, for collecting and redirecting laterally off a side of the awning 10 any rain and melted snow water that is dripping through the junction.

[00104] Referring more particularly to FIG. 20, in some embodiments, the gutter element 84 is a length adjustable telescopic gutter element adapted for allowing a user to selectively extend an adjustable extension portion 88 thereof so as to transfer the rain and melted snow water further away laterally relative to a side edge portion of the awning 10. Thus, the length adjustable telescopic gutter element may be useful for avoiding water from falling too close to a side door of a vehicle 204 parked under the awning 10. The gutter element 84 may be mounted to the hook element 24, or to any other suitable portion of the awning 10.

[00105] The at least one cover element 46 may a substantially rigid panel, or plate-shaped element, as illustrated in the drawings, or a suitably attached flexible sheet cover. If a rigid panel is used, the latter is for example a relatively light and rigid panel made of, for example, fiberglass, an aluminum sheet, wood, a polymeric material, or a composite panel made of two or more of these materials.
Other types of material are also possible. If a flexible sheet cover is used, the latter may be preferably made of a polyethylene, rip-stop weave fabric cover that is UV-treated and waterproof.

[00106] Referring more particularly to FIG. 9, in some embodiments of the present invention, each one of the at least one hook element 24m' further includes a hook element forward portion 90. The hook element forward portion 90 extends forwardly relative to the hook element intermediate portion 28 and longitudinally in register with the longitudinal axis of the hook element lower portion 32. The hook element forward portion 90 defines at least one hook element forward portion recess 92 extending at least partially downwardly and transversally through along an upper edge portion thereof.

[00107] Furthermore, the awning 10 further comprises a transversal support arm 94 engaged transversally and extending across each one of the hook element forward portion recess 92 of the at least one hook element 24. The transversal support arm 94 is for example removably attached to each one of the at least one hook element 24 using a suitable attachment mean such a suitably configured clamp, cable tie, such as those commercialized under the name Ty-Rap (TM), or the likes (not shown in the drawings) for providing additional structural strength to the overall assembly of the awning 10. The transversal support arm 94 therefore implements an inter-arm element, the support arms 40 being all secured to the inter-arm element, here indirectly through the hook element 24.

[00108] Referring more particularly to FIG. 17, in some embodiments of the present invention, the awning 10 includes a plurality of cover elements 46.
Each one in the plurality of cover elements 46 has a sufficient width dimension for extending transversally across the at least two support arms 40, and a sufficient length dimension so as to at least partially overlap one another in a roof tile fashion over the whole length dimension of the support arm distal portion 42.
The plurality of the cover elements 46 thus overlapping in a roof-style fashion allows a user to selectively adjust the length of the support arm distal portion 42 by longitudinally sliding the at least two support arms 40 relative to the support member 14. Thus it is not required to cut to a custom length or add more cover elements 46 so as to fully cover the support arm distal portion 42 of each one of the support arm 40 in the awning 10.

[00109] Referring more particularly to FIG. 9, in some embodiments of the present invention, each one in the plurality of attachment elements 48 may be, for example, cable tie 96 adapted to extend as a loop through a pair of apertures defined through the at least one cover element 46 and around one of the support arms 40. Alternatively, as seen in FIG. 16, each one in the plurality of attachment elements 48 may be a U-bolt 100 with plate 102 adapted to extend through a pair of apertures 104 defined through the at least one cover element 46 and around one of the support arms 40. Alternatively, as seen in FIG. 18, each one in the plurality of attachment elements 48 may a hole locking nut grommet 106 adapted to extend through corresponding apertures 108 defined through the at least one cover element 46 and a corresponding one of the support arms 40 or link member 82. Obviously, combinations of the various types of known attachment elements 48 described above may be used. Other types of known attachment elements 48 are also within the scope of the present invention.

[00110] In some embodiments of the present invention, the hook elements 24 and support members 14 may be advantageously made of metal plate cut-outs having suitable thickness dimension and rigidity characteristics. The support arms 40 may be advantageously represented by stock tubular members having a square or rectangular cross-section and made of a relatively light and rigid metal. The metal plate and tubular members used in the manufacture of the awning 10 may be for example made of a suitable rust-proof or painted steel or aluminum. Other sufficiently rigid materials may be used.

[00111] FIGS. 21 to 25 inclusively illustrate various aspects of an awning 110 according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. The presently described awning 110 is substantially similar to the embodiments of the awning described further above.

[00112] The awning 110 generally comprises at least two support elements 112 removably and adjustably engageable in a spaced apart relation along a plafform edge portion 202 of a balcony 200 or a similar support structure. The awning further comprises at least one cover element 46 attached to, and configured to extend between, a distal portion of each one of the at least two awning support elements 112 so as to provide protection from precipitation thereunder.
Referring more particularly to FIG. 25, each support element 112, here shown in an exploded perspective view, generally includes a hook element 124, a support member 114 and a support arm 140.

[00113] Referring more particularly to FIGS. 21 and 29, likewise the hook element 24 of the awning 10 described further above, the hook element 124 has a substantially C-shaped configuration and includes a pair of hook element first components 126 and a hook element second component 128. The hook element first components 126 define the hook element lower and intermediate portions, while the hook element second component 128 defines the hook element upper portion.

[00114] Referring more particularly to FIGS. 22 and 25, each one in the pair of hook element first component 126 is represented for example by a plate member having, in a side elevational view, a substantially L-shaped configuration defining a first component intermediate portion 130 extending substantially vertically, and a first component lower portion 132 from a lower end of the first component intermediate portion 130 generally perpendicular thereto.

[00115] In this embodiment, the hook element upper portion, defined by the hook element second component 128 is removably securable to the hook element intermediate portion, defined by the hook element first components 126, at an adjustable distance from the hook element lower portion, also defined by the hook element first components 126. For example, the first component intermediate portion 130 defines a plurality of adjustment slot 134 extending substantially distally inwardly relative to a proximal edge portion 136 thereof.
Furthermore, each adjustment slot 134 is at a respective predetermined distance from the second element lower portion 132 and hook element second component 128 is selectively insertable in each one of the adjustment slots 134 to adjust a distance between the hook element upper and lower portions to vary a height of the hook recess 125 (seen in FIG. 21). The adjustment slot 134 selected for insertion of the hook element second component 128 is typically spaced apart from the upper edge 138 of the first component lower portion 132 a distance that is substantially equivalent to a typical vertical thickness of a platform edge portion 202 of a balcony 200.

[00116] In some embodiments, the first component lower portion 132 defines at least one support member engaging aperture 142 extending transversally therethrough. The at least one support member engaging aperture 142 is located proximally relative to the first component intermediate portion 130.
Furthermore, at least one in the at least one support member engaging aperture 142 is spaced apart from the upper edge 138 of the first component lower portion 132 a distance that is substantially equivalent to the diameter of the support arm 140.

[00117] Each adjustment slot 134 and each support member engaging aperture 142 of each one in the pair of hook element first component 126 are laterally in register relative to one another, respectively, when both hook element first components 126 in the pair are parallelly aligned in a side-by-side relation, as best illustrated in FIG. 25.

[00118] Referring to FIG. 23, the hook element second component 128 has for example a substantially plate-like configuration defining a second component distal end portion 144 and a second component proximal end portion 146 extending proximally from the second component distal end portion 144. The second component distal end portion 144 has a vertical thickness dimension suitably sized for slidably engaging in a snug-fit relation the at least one adjustment slot 134.

[00119] Furthermore, the second component distal end portion 144 has a transversal dimension that is sufficient to engage the at least one adjustment slot 134 of each one in the pair of hook element first components 126 when both hook element first components 126 are parallelly spaced apart a distance substantially equivalent to the diameter of the support arm 140.

[00120] Furthermore, the second component distal end portion 144 defines a recess 150 extending longitudinally inwardly centrally from the distal end 152 of the second component distal end portion 144 followed with expanding laterally into a pair of individual branches 154 so as to give a substantially Y-shaped overall configuration to the recess 150.

[00121] Each one in the pair of individual branches 154 is suitably sized and configured for receiving in a snug-fit relation the lateral cross-section between the first component distal edge 156 and the proximalmost end of the at least one adjustment slot 134 of a respective one in the pair of hook element first component 126. Each one in the pair of individual branches 154 is further suitably sized and configured so as to slidably engage and maintain therein a respective one in the pair of hook element first components 126 in a parallelly spaced apart relation relative to one another a distance that is substantially equivalent to the diameter of the support arm 140.

[00122] Furthermore, the opening 158 between the distal end 152 of the second component distal end portion 144 and the individual branches 154 of the Y-shaped recess 150 has a sufficient width dimension for allowing each one in the pair of hook element first component 126 to be sequentially inserted in position one after the other in its respective individual branch 154.

[00123] A best illustrated in FIG. 25, the support member 114 has an elongated configuration that is suitably sized and configured for slidably engaging through corresponding support member engaging apertures 142 of parallelly disposed hook element first components 126 spaced apart by the diameter of the support arm 140. For example, as illustrated in the figures, the support member 114 is a metal bolt 160 and wing-nut 162 combination so as to allow a person to manually mount the awning 110 on a platform edge portion 202 of a balcony 200 without the use of tools.

[00124] The support arm 140 is an elongate member having a square or rounded cross-section. For example, the support arm 140 is an elongate tubular member made of a suitably rigid metal.

[00125] Referring more particularly to FIGS. 22 and 25, in some embodiments, the first component lower portion 132 defines two or more support member engaging apertures 142 extending transversally therethrough and at predetermined distances from the upper edge 138 of the first component lower portion 132, wherein each predetermined distance substantially corresponds to one of an industry standard diameter of the support arm 140. The support arm is supported by the support member 114 when the awning is operatively mounted to the protruding structure. In some embodiments, the support arm 140 abuts against the cantilevered structure at the free end when the awning 10.

[00126] Thus, as best illustrated in FIGS 21 and 26, depending on the diameter of the support arm 140, the latter is maintained in some embodiments in a parallelly abutting relation against a typically planar undersurface 208 of the balcony 200.

[00127] Referring more particularly to FIG. 29, in some embodiments, the awning 110 further includes an angle adjustment element 176 at the proximal end of the support arm 140. The angle adjustment element 176 includes a balcony contacting portion 164 in abutment relation with the undersurface 208 of the balcony 200.
The balcony contacting portion 164 is selectively movable between a retracted and an extended position wherein the balcony contacting portion 164 distances the proximal end 166 of the support arm 140 further away from the balcony 200 than in the retracted position.

[00128] Thus, a user may selectively adjust the forwardly upward angle of the support arm 140 so as to provide more space above a vehicle 204 parked in a sloped parking space under the forward portion of the awning 110, as illustrated through a previously described embodiment of the invention in FIG. 1.

[00129] As exemplified in FIG. 29, the angle adjustment element 176 may be represented by a threaded hand knob 168 engaged in a threaded bore element 170 oriented toward the undersurface 208. Other known equivalent adjustment elements are also possible.

[00130] Furthermore, the first component lower portion 132 defines two or more support member engaging apertures 142 extending transversally therethrough wherein each support member engaging aperture 142 is at a sufficient distance from the upper edge 138 of the first component lower portion 132 to allow the distal portion 172 of the support arm 140 to at least slightly pivot upwardly relative to the support member 114.

[00131] Thus, as observed in FIG. 29, each support element 112 of the awning 110 may be substantially firmly secured to the platform edge portion 202 of a balcony 200 through three points of contacts therebetween.

[00132] These three contact points are impinging substantially opposing forces between spaced apart portions of the platform edge portion 202, namely, through the hook element second component 128, the balcony contacting portion 164 of the angle adjustment element 176, and a longitudinal contact point 174 along the support arm 140 as the latter is forcibly urged there against by a pivot action of the angle adjustment element 176 via the support member 114.

[00133] Thus, a non-obvious result is obtained by the present invention in that its assembly simultaneously provides a means to adjust the angle of its awning 110 relative to an underlying area 210 (as illustrated in FIG. 1), and a means to further firmly secure the awning 110 to the platform edge portion 202 of the balcony 200.
This non-obvious advantage can also be present in the previously described embodiment of a awning 10.

[00134] In some embodiments, the first component intermediate portion 130 defines two or more adjustment slots 134 distributed in a spaced apart relation along the proximal edge portion 136 of each one in the pair of first component intermediate portion 130. The two or more adjustment slots 134 are distributed therealong so as to allow the support element 112 to be adjustably engaged along platform edge portions 202 having various thickness dimensions.

[00135] Referring, for example, to FIG. 25, in some embodiments, the hook element 124 may further include additional transversal apertures 178 in each hook element first component 126, in cooperation with bolt 160 and wing-nut 162 combinations, to further secure the sturdiness of the hook element 124, including the support arm 140 between the pair of hook element first components 126.

[00136] Referring to FIGS. 22, 26 and 27, in some embodiments, each one in the pair of hook element first components 126 further includes at least one top tube engaging slot 180 extending vertically downwardly from a top end 182 of the first component intermediate portion 130. The at least one top tube engaging slot is sized and configured for slidably engaging a tubular member downwardly thereon.

[00137] Furthermore, the awning 110 further includes in some embodiments a proximal support frame 184 having suitably sized and configured posts 191 having lower ends 186 engageable in selected top tube engaging slots 180 defined in the hook element 124 for supporting a proximal portion of the cover element 46 so as to provide the latter with a forwardly downward slope attitude to its top surface.
Hence, little or no precipitation such as rain, snow and/or ice may significantly accumulate on top of the awning 110. In other words, in such embodiments, the cover element 46 is acutely angled relative to the horizontal when the awning is operatively mounted to the balcony 200.

[00138] Still referring to FIGS. 22, 26 and 27, in some embodiments, each one in the pair of hook element first components 126 further includes at least one pair of oblique tube engaging slots 188 extending parallelly at an oblique downward and proximally oriented angle from a distal edge portion 156 of each first component intermediate portion 130. The at least one pair of oblique tube engaging slots is sized and configured for slidably engaging a tubular member thereon such that the latter projects substantially forwardly upwardly therefrom.

[00139] Furthermore, the awning 110 further includes an auxiliary support frame 190 having suitably sized and configured tubular ends 186 engageable in selected pairs of oblique tube engaging slots 188 so as to provide an intermediate support along a portion of a forwardly distally slope surface of the cover element 46.

[00140] The cover element 46 may be a flexible and water resistant cover, as illustrated in dashed lines in FIGS. 21, 26 and 27, or a rigid cover made of one or more rigid panels 46, as illustrated through a previously described embodiment of the invention in FIGS. 4 and 16. The presently described embodiment of the cover element 46 may be attached to the distal portions of the at least two support elements 112 through similar attachment means as the ones in the previously described embodiments of the awning 10. For example, pairs of attachment strings (not shown in the figures) provided along underside surface portions of the cover element 46 or other means such as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19.

[00141] As exemplified in the figures, the proximal and intermediate support frames 184 and 190 may advantageously represent an assembly of elongated tubular members 192 and posts 191 joined to one another using any known means such as L and T-shaped tubular junctions, cable ties 50 extending through suitable junction apertures 194 of the tubular members 192, as exemplified in FIG.
28, or any other known equivalent tubular junction means.

[00142] Referring to FIG. 24, in some embodiments, all the hook element second component 128 of the awning 110 may be represented by one piece, elongated plate member 196 defining spaced apart recesses 150 along a proximal edge 198 thereof.

[00143] In some embodiments, the awning 110 may further include anchor elements such as cable ties or the like, for securing selected support elements 112 thereof to an adjacent portion of a guardrail 212 of the balcony 200, as exemplified through a previously described embodiment of the invention in FIG. 17.

[00144] A method of mounting the awning 110 along the platform edge portion 202 of a balcony 200 will now be described. In a first step, position a hook element second component 128 on top of the edge portion 202 such that its recess 150 is located proximally of the edge limit thereof.

[00145] In a second step, engage each one in a pair of hook element first component 126 in a respective one of the individual branches 154 of the recess 150 via a suitably selected one among the at least one adjustment slot 134 thereof such that the upper edge 138 of each first component lower portion 132 is substantially parallelly in proximity to the undersurface 208 of the edge portion 202 of the balcony 200.

[00146] In a third step, engage longitudinally parallelly a support arm 140 between the first component lower portions 132 so as to have a forward portion thereof having a length dimension that is for example at least slightly greater than a proximalward portion thereof relative to the pair of hook element first components 126.

[00147] In a fourth step, engage and secure thereth rough a support member 114 extending transversally through corresponding apertures among the at least one support member engaging apertures 142 so as to secure the support arm 140 in a substantially proximalward to forward orientation relative to the balcony 200.

[00148] In a fifth step, repeat steps one to four above so as to engage a sufficient number of support elements 112 in a spaced apart relation along the edge portion 202 of the balcony 200 to cover a lateral dimension that is substantially equivalent to the lateral dimension of the cover element 46.

[00149] In a sixth step, covering and securing to the forward portions of the support arms 140, relative to the edge portion 202 of the balcony 200, the cover element 46 so as to provide protection from precipitation thereunder.

[00150] In some embodiments, the method further includes applying a forwardly upward attitude to selected support arms 140 via the angle adjustment element 176 provided at the proximal end 166 of each support arm 140.

[00151] In some embodiments, prior to the sixth step, the method further includes attaching an elongated head frame member 193 extending transversally through the distal end 152 of each support arm 140 so as to provide additional support to the cover element 46 therebetween. The head frame member 193 therefore represents an inter-arm element provided at the support arm distal end secured to all the support arms 140.

[00152] In some embodiments, prior to the sixth step, the method further includes slidably engaging tubular ends 186 of a proximal support frame 184 in selected top tube engaging slots 180 so as to provide a distally downward slope attitude to the cover element 46.

[00153] In some embodiments, the method further includes slidably engaging tubular ends 186 of an intermediate support frame 190 in selected pairs of oblique tube engaging slots 188 so as to provide an intermediate support along a portion of a forwardly downward slope attitude of the cover element 46.

[00154] In some embodiments, the method further includes securing selected awning support elements 112 to an adjacent portion of a guardrail 212 of the balcony 200 via an anchor element.

[00155] In some embodiments, the step of engaging the support member 114 through a corresponding pair of support member engaging apertures 142 may be executed prior to the step of engaging the support arm 140 between the pair of hook element first components 126.

[00156] Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be readily appreciated that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention.
Accordingly, the scope of the claims should not be limited by the exemplary embodiments, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims (49)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS

1. An awning for covering an underlying area, the awning being mountable to a protruding structure protruding from a building, the protruding structure defining a free end opposed to the building and an undersurface, the awning comprising:
- at least one support element, the support element including a substantially elongated support arm defining substantially longitudinally opposed support arm proximal and distal ends, the support element also including a hook element mounted to the support arm between the support arm proximal and distal ends, the hook element defining a hook recess opening towards the support arm proximal end and configured and sized for receiving the free end of the cantilevered structure thereinto; and - a cover element secured to the support arm and having at least part thereof provided between the hook element and the support arm distal end;
- wherein, when the awning is operatively mounted to the protruding structure, the protruding structure is received at the free end in the hook recess, the support arm abuts against the undersurface at the support arm proximal end, and the cover element extends above the underlying area, at least part of the underlying area being further from away from the building than the protruding structure.

2. The awning as defined in claim 1, wherein the hook element defines a hook element lower portion, a hook element upper portion and a hook element intermediate portion extending therebetween, the hook element upper, intermediate and lower portions delimiting the hook recess so that when the protruding structure is received in the hook recess, the protruding structure is between the hook element upper and lower portions.

3. The awning as defined in claim 2, wherein the hook element upper portion is removably securable to the hook element intermediate portion at an adjustable distance from the hook element lower portion.

4. The awning as defined in claim 3, wherein the hook element upper portion is plate shaped and the hook element intermediate portion defines a plurality of spaced apart adjustment slots each at a respective predetermined distance from the hook element lower portion, the hook element upper portion being selectively insertable in each one of the adjustment slots to adjust a distance between the hook element upper and lower portions to vary a height of the hook recess.

5. The awning as defined in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the hook element defines a support member in the hook element lower portion, the support arm being supported by the support member when the awning is operatively mounted to the protruding structure.

6. The awning as defined in claim 5, wherein the support arm abuts against the cantilevered structure at the free end when the awning is operatively mounted to the protruding structure.

7. The awning as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the support element includes an angle adjustment element for adjusting an angle between the support arm and the protruding structure.

8. The awning as defined in claim 7, wherein the angle adjustment element includes a wedge positionable at various positions along the support arm between the arm proximal end and the hook element so that the wedge extends between the support arm and the undersurface.

9. The awning as defined in claim 7, wherein the angle adjustment element includes an adjustment member defining an adjustment member upper end, the adjustment member being movable relative to a remainder of the support arm so that the adjustment member upper end protrudes at a variable height above the remainder of the support arm and abuts against the undersurface when the awning is operatively mounted to the protruding structure.

10. The awning as defined in claim 9, wherein the adjustment member includes a threaded screw element threadedly engaged in a threaded aperture defined in the remainder of the support element.

11. The awning as defined in claim 9 or 10, wherein the adjustment member is provided at the support arm proximal end.

12. The awning as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a plurality of the support elements extending laterally spaced apart from each other and each including a respective support arm and hook element, the cover element being secured to all of the support arms.

13. The awning as defined in claim 12, further comprising an inter-arm element, the support arms being all secured to the inter-arm element.

14. The awning as defined in claim 13, wherein the support arms are all secured to the inter-arm element at the support arm distal end.

15. The awning as defined in any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein the hook upper portion is provided in the hook recess with a downwardly facing resilient element resiliently deformable when the hook element is secured to the protruding structure.

16. The awning as defined in any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a gutter mounted to the hook element to extend along the free end when the awning is operatively mounted to the protruding structure.

17. The awning as defined in any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a post mounted to the hook and extending above the support arm, the cover element extending between the post and the support arm.

18. The awning as defined in claim 17, further comprising an auxiliary support mounted to the hook and supporting the cover element at a location intermediate the post and support arm.

19. The awning as defined in claim 17 or 18, wherein the cover element is acutely angled relative to the horizontal when the awning is operatively mounted to the protruding structure.

20. The awning as defined in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the cover element is substantially plate-shaped and substantially rigid.

21. The awning as defined in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the cover element includes a fabric.

22. The awning as defined in any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the support arm and the hook element are longitudinally movable relative to each other to vary a distance between the hook element and the support arm distal end.

23. The awning as defined in any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the hook element is removably mounted to the support arm.

24. In combination, a building having a protruding structure protruding therefrom, the protruding structure defining a free end opposed to the building and an undersurface; and an awning mounted to the protruding structure for covering an underlying area, the awning comprising - at least one support element, the support element including a substantially elongated support arm defining substantially longitudinally opposed support arm proximal and distal ends, the support element also including a hook element mounted to the support arm between the support arm proximal and distal ends, the hook element defining a hook recess opening towards the support arm proximal end and receiving the free end of the protruding structure thereinto; and - a cover element secured to the support arm and having at least part thereof provided between the hook element and the support arm distal end;
- wherein - the support arm abuts against the undersurface at the support arm proximal end; and - the cover element extends above the underlying area, at least part of the underlying area being further from away from the building than the protruding structure.

25. The combination as defined in claim 24, wherein the hook element defines a hook element lower portion, a hook element upper portion and a hook element intermediate portion extending therebetween, the hook element upper, intermediate and lower portions delimiting the hook recess so that the protruding structure is received at the free end between the hook element upper and lower portions.

26. The combination as defined in claim 25, wherein the hook element upper portion is removably securable to the hook element intermediate portion at an adjustable distance from the hook element lower portion.

27. The combination as defined in claim 26, wherein the hook element upper portion is plate shaped and the hook element intermediate portion defines a plurality of spaced apart adjustment slots each at a respective predetermined distance from the hook element lower portion, the hook element upper portion being selectively insertable in each one of the adjustment slots to adjust a distance between the hook element upper and lower portions to vary a height of the hook recess.

28. The combination as defined in any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the hook element defines a support member in the hook element lower portion, the support arm being supported by the support member.

29. The combination as defined in claim 28, wherein the support arm abuts against the cantilevered structure at the free end.

30. The combination as defined in any one of claims 24 to 29, wherein the support element includes an angle adjustment element for adjusting an angle between the support arm and the protruding structure.

31. The combination as defined in claim 30, wherein the angle adjustment element includes a wedge between the support arm and the undersurface, the wedge being selectively positionable at various positions along the support arm between the arm proximal end and the hook element.

32. The combination as defined in claim 30, wherein the angle adjustment element includes an adjustment member defining an adjustment member upper end, the adjustment member being movable relative to a remainder of the support arm so that the adjustment member upper end protrudes at a variable height above the remainder of the support arm, the adjustment member upper end abutting against the undersurface.

33. The combination as defined in claim 32, wherein the adjustment member includes a threaded screw element threadedly engaged in a threaded aperture defined in the remainder of the support element.

34. The combination as defined in claim 32 or 33, wherein the adjustment member is provided at the support arm proximal end.

35. The combination as defined in any one of claims 24 to 34, comprising a plurality of the support elements extending laterally spaced apart from each other and each including a respective support arm and a respective hook element receiving the free end of the protruding structure thereinto, the cover element being secured to all of the support arms.

36. The combination as defined in claim 35, further comprising an inter-arm element, the support arms being all secured to the inter-arm element.

37. The combination as defined in claim 36, wherein the support arms are all secured to the inter-arm element at the support arm distal end.

38. The combination as defined in any one of claims 25 to 37, wherein the hook upper portion is provided in the hook recess with a downwardly facing resilient element abutting against the protruding structure.

39. The combination as defined in any one of claims 24 to 38, further comprising a gutter mounted to the hook element and extending along the free end.

40. The combination as defined in any one of claims 24 to 39, further comprising a post mounted to the hook and extending above the support arm, the cover element extending between the post and the support arm.

41. The combination as defined in claim 40, further comprising an auxiliary support mounted to the hook and supporting the cover element at a location intermediate the post and support arm.

42. The combination as defined in claim 40 or 41, wherein the cover element is acutely angled relative to the horizontal.

43. The combination as defined in any one of claims 24 to 42, wherein the cover element is substantially plate-shaped and substantially rigid.

44. The combination as defined in any one of claims 24 to 42, wherein the cover element includes a fabric.

45. The combination as defined in any one of claims 24 to 44, wherein the support arm and the hook element are longitudinally movable relative to each other so that the support arm protrudes to a varying extent from the protruding structure.

46. The combination as defined in any one of claims 24 to 45, wherein the hook element is removably mounted to the support arm.

47. The combination as defined in any one of claims 24 to 46, wherein the protruding structure is a balcony.

48. The combination as defined in any one of claims 24 to 47, wherein the protruding structure is a cantilevered structure.

49. The combination as defined in any one of claims 24 to 48, wherein the underlying area is part of a parking space for a vehicle.