GB2518293A

GB2518293A - An awning winch

Info

Publication number: GB2518293A
Application number: GB1413868.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Doug Godwin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-09-16
Filing date: 2014-08-05
Publication date: 2015-03-18
Anticipated expiration: 2034-08-05
Also published as: GB2518293B; GB201413868D0; GB201316417D0

Abstract

An awning winch 1, for connecting awnings to habitations 10 such as caravans, comprising a winch body 2, bracing means 7,8,9, a motor assembly (3, Fig 7), and a cable 4 freely extendible from the winch body 2 and having a free end adapted to connect to an awning, preferably through the use of a hook 12. The motor assembly, which may comprise a cable reel 5 and motor arrangement (3, Fig 7), being adapted to pull on the cable 4 to bring the free end of the cable towards the winch body 2. The bracing means may be a bracket, or a linearly extensible leg 7 that can be moved between a stored position within the body 2, and an extended position wherein the winch may be held in position between two opposed surfaces. The motor (3, Fig7) preferably utilises a rechargeable battery as a power source, but may also be connected to an external power source via a plug. A user control panel (11, Fig 8), possibly remotely operated, may be utilised to operate the winch 1, and the arrangement may also have a pole 10 to allow the end of the cable 4 to be guided.

Description

An awning winch

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an awning winch for mounting detachable awnings.

In particular, the present invention relates to awning winches for assisting in the fitting or mounting of awnings which are detachably mountable to caravans, travel trailers or recreational vehicles.

Background

A caravan or recreational vehicle is a vehicle which can be lived in, and which is normally intended to be moved frequently between temporary sites such as campsites. Caravans and RV5 usually include kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping facilities. The use of these vehicles, which can either be integral with a motive unit (an RV or Recreational Vehicle), or towed behind a car or truck (a caravan), is a popular alternative to camping, as the facilities are normally more sophisticated and offer a greater degree of comfort than those available if camping in a tent, and there is generally more room.

The main body of both caravans and trailers is necessarily of limited width, as these are intended to travel on public roads, and so the body has to fit within lane width restrictions, and be able to fit round corners. This generally results in an elongate layout of limited internal width compared to a normal fixed or static dwelling. One way in which extra living room can be created is for an awning to be attached to the side of an RV or caravan when halted at a camping location. Awnings are generally attached along at least the top edge of the caravan or RV, and for a fully enclosed awning also along the front and rear edges of one side. In use, the awning extends outwards from the side of the caravan to increase the usable living width. The awning is detached and packed away when on the move.

Awnings are usually fitted to a rail that runs from one lower corner at one end of one side, up the edge, along the top edge, and down the edge at the other end to the opposite lower corner on the same side. To fit the awning, one edge of the awning is fed into the rail at one end and along the rail to the other end, and once fully through the rail, the main body of the awning is then extended outwards from the side of the caravan or RV to form an enclosed space. Feeding the edge of the awning into the rail is a relatively complex and fiddly task and can take some time as a user may need to move repeatedly from one end to the other in order to make sure feeding proceeds smoothly and there are no bunches or kinks in the awning as it feds through the rail.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: GB2487091 describes and shows a winch system having an elastic cord 18 extendible or retractable using a winch handle and means to attach the distal end of the cord to an awning bead. The method of attaching the awning comprises the steps of winding an elastic cord 18 around a winch system having a spindle, a ratchet mechanism and a handle, and threading the distal end of the elastic cord 24 through the caravan awning rail, the distal end of the cord is connected to an awning bead 30. Rotating the handle of the winch system pulls the cord back along the length of the awning rail using the torque of the cord.

EP2256270 describes and shows a system for assisting the installation and de-installation of an awning 28 of a caravan 10, motor home or similar vehicle. The awning has an elongated bead for being received in and retained by a channel 22 and the channel extends along a side surface of the caravan, motor home or similar vehicle. The system comprises a line 34 for transmitting pulling and pushing forces to the elongated bead and the line defines a first end portion, a second end portion and a length therebetween exceeding the length of the channel. The first end portion is releasably connected to an end of the elongated bead of the awning. The system has a winch 24 for driving the line into or out of the inner space of the housing via the feed through aperture. The system defines an extension mode in which the first end portion of the line is driven through the channel by the winch in a direction away from the housing while the second end portion is accommodated in the inner space of the housing, and a retraction mode in which the first end portion of the line is driven through the channel by the winch in a direction towards the housing while the line is rolled-up in the inner space of the housing.

DE20316545 describes and shows an awning for fitting to a caravan or to a free standing structure, e.g. chalet, container etc. that has horizontal guides 3 fitted to the structure and supporting horizontal bars 4 which are pulled out of the guides to support the awning. The front edge of the awning is secured to a bracing bar 8 to which can be fitted ground support struts. The awning is secured between two horizontal bars via loops and can be reinforced by cross struts sewn into the awning.

The awning folds onto the structure into a compact unit for storage and transport.

The horizontal guides are locked in both the extended and retracted positions.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an awning winch which goes some way to overcoming the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public or industry with a useful choice.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an awning winch for assisting in connecting an awning to a habitation, comprising: a winch body; a motor assembly connected to the winch body and having an associated cable freely extendible from the winch body, the cable having a free end adapted to connect to an awning, the motor assembly adapted to pull on the cable to bring the free end of the cable towards the winch body; and a bracing means holds the awning winch in position relative to the habitation.

The fact that the awning winch is braced in position and motor driven allows an awning connected to the free second end of the cable to be pulled into position through an awning guide with less time and effort on the part of a user who would otherwise be required to position the awning in the guide by hand. Advantageously this enables a single user to arrange an awning without the help of another person.

Furthermore the awning winch provides a safe and effective way of deploying the awning that avoids a user have to exert themselves in order to manually pull the awning through the awning guide.

The bracing means may comprise a bracket suitable for attachment to the habitation or dwelling. For example the bracket may be fixed to the habitation or dwelling by at least one screw, bolt, clamp or clip thereby attaching the awning winch to the habitation or dwelling. In this way the awning winch can be securely fixed to the habitation or dwelling and held in place during use.

In some embodiments the bracket may comprise two parts, having a first part for attachment to the habitation and a second part attached to the awning winch wherein the first and second parts engage so as to join the awning winch to the habitation by means of the interconnecting bracket.

Typically the awning winch may be positioned at or near to an end of the awning guide so that the cable is correctly aligned with the awning guide when in use.

In some embodiments the awning winch may include an adjustable stay that can be positioned to alter the angle at which the cable enters and exits the casing so as to ensure it corresponds with the orientation of the awning guide on the habitation. For example the adjustable stay may comprise a swing arm that can be positioned so as to guide the cable as it enters and exits the casing.

In some other embodiments the bracing means may comprise a leg that can be moved between a stored position where the leg is substantially located within the body, and a brace position where the leg can be extended and manipulated to hold the awning winch in position between two opposed substantially immovable surfaces.

Use of a leg as the bracing means offers an uncomplicated way to ensure that the awning winch can be braced in position.

The leg may be a linearly extendible leg that extends from the winch body. A linearly extendible leg further simplifies the assembly and allows the forming of an elongate item that can be easily positioned and braced between two opposed surfaces or points.

The awning winch may further comprise a grip pad located on the body on the opposite side to the leg. The grip pad offers a high friction surface that helps to prevent the awning winch slipping when braced.

The leg may extend so that the awning winch has an overall length of between 300mm and 500mm. These dimensions are optimal for bracing the awning winch between a caravan underside and the ground, which allows the awning winch to be braced under the caravan at a corner close to one end of an awning guide which runs around the outside of the caravan or other dwelling.

Preferably the winch body and motor assembly are contained within a casing having an opening for the cable. In preferred embodiments the casing is a strong, durable, lightweight outer shell that contains all parts of the awning winch so as to prevent any item becoming caught in the winch in use as well as protecting any parts from damage. Advantageously this enhances safety of the device and reduces sound emitted by the motor.

In some embodiments the casing may include insulation so as to reduce any sound caused by the motor.

The casing may be formed from a synthetic plastic such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).

The casing includes an opening through which the cable can freely extend to or from the winch. Ideally the opening is circular.

Preferably the opening has rounded edges so as to allow the cable to freely extend and retract without being inhibited in any way. Furthermore the rounded edges to aid in preventing the cable from becoming worn during use.

The motor assembly may comprise a cable reel and a motor. The motor may be adapted to rotate the cable reel to wind the cable onto the reel. This arrangement is simple and helps to prevent the cable snagging or tangling when wound and unwound.

The awning winch may further comprise a battery to power the motor. This allows the awning winch to be used independently.

The awning winch may further have a plug to connect the battery to an external power source to recharge the battery. This allows multiple uses over extended periods with out the need to change the batteries.

The awning winch may further have a plug to connect the motor to an external power source. This allows the awning winch to be used without draining the batteries.

The awning winch may further comprise a user control panel to control the awning winch so that the awning winch can be activated remotely.

Typically the user control panel includes a button, switch or lever to activate and deactivate the winch.

In some preferred embodiments the awning winch may include a holder so that the user control panel can be connected to and detached from the awning winch.

The holder may be arranged on an outer portion of the awning winch, such as the casing so as to be easily accessed when required.

Advantageously the user control panel allows a user to position themselves away from the winch and still operate the winch, which can be advantageous if they are also guiding an awning in the guide and hands-on guidance is needed at a location remote from the winch.

In preferred embodiments a hook may be connected to the free end of the cable, the hook adapted to connect to an awning. This offers the simplest way of connecting the cable to an awning.

The awning winch may further comprise a pole. One end of the pole may be adapted for connection to the free end of the cable so that a user can use the pole to guide the cable. The pole can be used to guide the cable through an awning guide so that the cable lies within the guide. This helps to provide smooth and unobstructed attachment of the awning within the guide when the free end of the cable (connected to the awning) is brought towards the awning winch body in use.

Brief Descrir1ion of Figures Figure 1 shows a rear view of an awning winch fitted to a side panel of a caravan; Figure 2 shows a top view of the awning winch attached to the side panel of the caravan; Figure 3 show a front view of an awning winch fitted to a side panel of a caravan; and Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an awning winch according to an embodiment of the present invention, having a cylindrical body with a handle and cable reel extending from the body, a bracing leg extending from a lower end of the body, and a bracing pad at the top end of the body; Figure 5 shows the winch of figure 4 with the bracing leg retracted within the body; Figure 6 shows a perspective exploded view of the awning winch according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a guide pole also shown that can clip when not in use to the side of the body; Figure 7 shows a cutaway side view of the awning winch according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 8 shows a second embodiment of a user control panel.

Detailed Description

The awning winch of the present invention is used to assist in connecting detachable awnings to dwellings. Although an embodiment of the winch is described below in relation to temporary dwellings such as caravans and RVs, the awning winch could also be used for attaching awnings to more permanent structures and the invention should not be taken as limited to detachable awnings for caravans and RV5 only.

The word dwelling' is used as a generic word that should be taken as applicable to inclusive of all these types of structures, both permanent and temporary.

The awning winch 1 is used to assist in pulling the edge of an awning into and through an awining guide 18 which is connected to a face of dwelling such as a caravan 16 so that the edge of the awning and the guide 18 are co-located and so that the body of the awning can extend outwards from the guide (and therefore the caravan) once the awning is fitted.

An awning winch 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in the figures ito 3. The awning winch 1 has a rectangular casing 15 that contains the winch body (not shown) and motor (not shown). In this way the before mentioned parts of the awning winch 1 are contained so as to prevent items becoming caught in the winch and so as to prevent damage to the parts.

The casing or part of the casing is displaceable to as to gain access to the winch body and motor for repair and replacement.

The awning winch 1 is attached to a caravan 16 at a location that corresponds to the position of the awning guidel8. The awning winch 1 is arranged on a lower, rear portion of the caravan side panel.

The casing 15 provides a rectangular box in which the parts of the awning winch 1, namely the motor and the winch body, are contained.

The casing 15 has an opening 17 through which the cable 4 enters and exist the casing 15. The opening 17 is round.

A hook 12 is provided on a distal end of the cable 4 (not shown) so as to allow the awning winch 1 to be readily connected to the awning (not shown) so that the awning can be pulled through the awning guide 18.

The casing 15 includes vents 19 to allow circulation of air about the motor and winch body so as to prevent overheating during use.

Figures 4 to 7 show a second embodiment of the present invention.

The awning winch 1 has a winch body 2 that is generally cylindrical. The awning winch 1 has a motor assembly connected to the winch body 2, the motor assembly having a motor 3, a cable 4 and a reel 5, the cable 4 wound around the reel 5 so that the cable 4 can be freely extended from the winch body 2. The outer or free end of the cable 4 is adapted to connect to an awning in use via a hook 12 on the end of the cable which co-operatively connects with an eye or similar on the awning. When the motor 3 is activated, the reel 5 is turned to either wind or unwind the cable 4 to or from the reel 5. If the cable 4 is extended, the motor 3 drives the reel 5 to wind up the cable 4. Winding up the cable 4 pulls the cable in towards the winch body 2. A bracing leg 7 is linearly extendible from on end of the cylindrical winch body 2, generally along the axis of the cylindrical body. The leg is activated by buttons or levers on a handle 13 that extends from the body 2. The leg 7 has a foot 8 which extends generally perpendicularly from the leg 7 and which in use forms a surface which is placed against the ground or a similar surface. The other end of the body 2 has a grip pad 9. Both the foot 8 and pad 9 are formed from a hard, high-friction material such as rubber or similar. In use, the foot is placed against the ground underneath a corner of a caravan or RV (which is held a short distance above the ground by the chassis and wheels of it's structure). The leg 7 is extended so that the awning winch 1 is braced in position between the underside of the RV or caravan and the ground. The leg can be retracted to remove the awning winch 1. Ideally, the awning winch 1 is braced in position close to an end of a guide channel which is connected to and which runs around the ends and top edge of on side of a caravan or RV. Once braced in position, the cable 4 is fed through the channel from the end near the awning winch ito the other end. A pole 10 is provided to assist a user with this, the free end of the cable connected to one end of the pole so that a user can manipulate the pole and move the cable through the channel. Once the cable 4 is fully through the channel so that the free end extends from the other or far end of the channel, the free end of the cable 4 is connected to an awning, generally at an inner corner. The motor 3 is activated to wind up the cable by turning the reel 5. This pulls the cable 4 back through the channel, which pulls the awning into and through the channel to position the inner edge of the awning along the length of the channel.

Once this inner edge is positioned along the length of the channel, the awning can be extended from the side of the caravan or RV to form an enclosed internal space.

The motorised and braced awning winch allows the awning to be pulled into position through an awning guide with less time and effort on the part of a user who would otherwise be required to position the awning within the guide by hand.

In the embodiment described above, the leg can extend so that the awning winch has an overall length of between 300mm and 500mm. These dimensions are optimal for bracing the awning winch between a caravan or RV underside and the ground, which allows the awning winch to be braced under the caravan or RV at a corner close to one end of an awning guide which runs around the outside of the caravan or other dwelling. The bracing leg as described above extends linearly from the winch body.

However, the bracing leg could also be folded out of the winch body.

The motor assembly as described above has a cable reel. However, it may be preferred that the cable extends linearly, and in this alternative arrangement the cable is pulled through/between a pair of rotating reels or similar to bring the free end towards the winch body.

In the embodiment described above, the motor can be powered by either an internal battery such as baftery 14, or an external power source (either a separate battery or by plugging the awning winch into a mains or separate power source such as caravan or vehicle power supply). The internal battery if used is advantageously rechargeable when plugged into an external power supply.

The motor 3 is activated via a control panel 11 which has controls to allow a user to activate the reel 5 to either reel in or unreel the cable 4. This control panel 11 is removably mounted to the winch body 2 so that a user can detach it and remotely operate the awning winch. This allows a user to move away from the winch body 2 to a potential trouble spot where the awning may be getting snagged in the guide or similar and to sort this out while still activating the motor which may help with their untangling efforts.

Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the user control panel 11 in the form a fob arranged on a keyring. The fob has buttons to control retraction of the cable in order to pull the awning through the awning guide.

The awning winch could also be adapted for use with an awning and guide on a building. The leg, foot and pad could be arranged so that bracing takes place with the awning winch angled between a horizontal floor and a vertical wall, for example.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. An awning winch for assisting in connecting an awning to a habitation, comprising: a winch body; a motor assembly connected to the winch body and having an associated cable freely extendible from the winch body, the cable having a free end adapted to connect to an awning, the motor assembly adapted to pull on the cable to bring the free end of the cable towards the winch body; and a bracing means holds the awning winch in position relative to the habitation.
2. An awning winch according to claim 1 wherein the winch body and motor assembly are contained within a casing having an opening for the cable.
3. An awning winch according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the bracing means is a bracket.
4. An awning winch as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the bracing means is a leg that can be moved between a stored position where the leg is substantially located within the body, and a brace position where the leg can be extended and manipulated to hold the awning winch in position between two opposed substantially immovable surfaces.
5. An awning winch as claimed in claim 4 wherein the leg is a linearly extendible leg that extends from the winch body.
6. An awning winch as claimed in claim 5 further having a grip pad located on the body on the opposite side to the leg.
7. An awning winch as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the leg can extend so that the awning winch has an overall length of between 300mm and 500mm.
8. An awning winch as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the motor assembly comprises a cable reel and a motor, the motor adapted to rotate the cable reel to wind the cable onto the reel.
9. An awning winch as claimed in any preceding claim having a battery to power the motor.
10. An awning winch as claimed in claim 9 further having a plug to connect the battery to an external power source to recharge the battery.
ii. An awning winch as claimed in any one of claims ito 9 further having a plug to connect the motor to an external power source.
12. An awning winch as claimed in any preceding claim further having a user control panel so as to allow the awning winch to be remotely activated.
13. An awning winch according to claim 12 wherein the user control panel can be connected to and detached from the awning winch to remotely activate the motor.
i4. An awning winch as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a hook is connected to the free end of the cable, the hook adapted to connect to an awning.
15. An awning winch as claimed in any preceding claim further having a pole, one end of the pole adapted for connection to the free end of the cable so that a user can use the pole to guide the cable.
16. A winch assembly substantially as herein described with reference to the figures.