GB2599427A

GB2599427A - Awning

Info

Publication number: GB2599427A
Application number: GB2015592.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lawless Max
Original assignee: Dometic Sweden AB
Current assignee: Dometic Sweden AB
Priority date: 2020-10-01
Filing date: 2020-10-01
Publication date: 2022-04-06
Anticipated expiration: 2040-10-01
Also published as: GB202015592D0; CN216921602U; DE102021210817B4; GB2599427B; DE102021210817A1

Abstract

An awning, in particular for connecting to the side of a vehicle such as a caravan or motorhome is disclosed. An awning wall panel comprises an upper portion 38, 40; a lower portion 42, 44; a pair of fastener assemblies 36, 38 releasably connecting the lower portion to the upper portion; and a gusset 20 secured to the upper portion and to the lower portion. Release of the fasteners into an open configuration permits the gusset panel to move into an extended configuration such that a distance between the upper portion and the lower portion increases, and securing of the fasteners into a closed configuration connects the upper portion to the lower portion such that the gusset panel is concealed in a pocket 46 of the wall panel. The pocket may be provided between the pair of fasteners when closed.

Description

Awning

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to awnings, and in particular to awnings for connecting to the side of a vehicle such as a caravan or motorhome. The invention relates to an awning panel having a height adjustment system, to an awning including such an awning panel and to a method of adjusting a height of an awning.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

It is known to attach an awning to a side of a vehicle such as a caravan or motorhome. Such awnings are designed to increase the living space or to create an additional shelter beside the vehicle.

Static awnings have a similar structure to a tent or free standing shelter and, additionally, include a panel that connects to an awning rail on the vehicle. It will be appreciated that caravans, motorhomes and other leisure vehicles are of varying heights. As such, the awning rail may be disposed at various heights above the ground when the vehicle is parked, dependent on the type and size of vehicle.

Typically, with prior art systems, it is necessary for a user to select and purchase the correct size of awning for their vehicle. This is important so that the awning connects correctly to the awning rail and so that side panels of the awning extend to the ground to provide the necessary shelter. It is, however, relatively easy for a user to purchase the wrong size of awning, due to the large number of different sizes that are available to fit different sizes of vehicles.

It will also be appreciated that, due to the large variation in the sizes of leisure vehicles, when a user changes their vehicle, for example sells their old vehicle and purchases a new vehicle, the user's awning may not fit the new vehicle. Accordingly, the user must then purchase a new awning. With new awnings costs several -2 -hundreds of pounds, this can be a costly purchase Finally, as there are a large number of different sized awnings available, stockists or sellers of awnings must stock a large number of different sized awnings to cater to their customers' requirements.

Against this background it is desirable to provide an improved awning that addresses at least one of the disadvantages of current awnings, whether referred to herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention provides an awning wall panel comprising: an upper portion; - a lower portion; a pair of fastener assemblies releasably connecting the lower portion to the upper portion; and a gusset panel secured to the upper portion and to the lower portion, wherein release of the fasteners into an open configuration permits the 20 gusset panel to move into an extended configuration such that a distance between the upper portion and the lower portion increases, and securing of the fasteners into a closed configuration connects the upper portion to the lower portion such that the gusset panel is concealed in a pocket of the wall panel.

The provision of a gusset panel allows a height of the wall panel to be varied or adjusted to accommodate differences in a height of the awning. The gusset panel may also allow the wall panel to accommodate uneven or sloping ground such that a minimal gap is maintained between a bottom edge of the wall panel and the ground.

An interior space of the pocket for receiving the gusset panel is preferably disposed between the pair of fastener assemblies. In preferred embodiments the upper -3 -portion comprises an outer upper panel of flexible sheet material and an inner upper panel of flexible sheet material, and the lower portion comprises an outer lower panel of flexible sheet material and an inner lower panel of flexible sheet material. A first fastener assembly preferably releasably connects the outer upper panel to the outer lower panel and a second fastener assembly preferably releasably connects the inner upper panel to the inner lower panel. A part of each of the outer upper panel, inner upper panel, outer lower panel and inner lower panel may form side walls of the pocket.

In some embodiments the gusset panel may have a partially extended configuration in which the second fastener assembly is in the closed configuration and the first fastener assembly is in the open configuration.

In preferred embodiments each of the pair of fastener assemblies comprises a zip.

The gusset panel preferably comprises a flexible sheet material.

The gusset panel may be substantially triangular. In other embodiments the gusset panel may be generally rectangular.

In preferred embodiments the wall panel comprises a top edge, a bottom edge and two opposite side edges. In these embodiments the upper portion preferably extends between the top edge and the pair of fastener assemblies, the lower portion preferably extends between the bottom edge and the pair of fastener assemblies, and the gusset panel preferably extends across a full width of the wall panel between the side edges. The pair of fastener assemblies is preferably disposed closer to the top edge than to the bottom edge.

In some embodiments a first one of the side edges is longer than a second one of the side edges. In these embodiments, release of the fasteners into an open configuration preferably permits the gusset panel to extend such that a length of said first side edge increases and a length of said second side edge does not -4 -increase.

In some embodiments the wall panel further comprises an opening, and the pair of fastener assemblies is preferably disposed between the opening and the top edge of the wall panel. The pair of fastener assemblies is preferably disposed closer to the opening than to the top edge.

A second aspect of the invention provides an awning for securing to a vehicle, the awning comprising a roof panel and at least one wall panel according to the first aspect of the invention.

The awning preferably further comprises an inflatable support structure.

The roof panel preferably comprises a securing member for connection to an awning rail of the vehicle. An edge of the wall panel or an edge of each of the wall panels is preferably secured to the roof panel.

A third aspect of the invention provides an awning kit comprising: a support structure; a roof panel including a securing member configured to secure the roof panel to an awning rail of a vehicle; and at least one wall panel according to the first aspect of the invention, the wall panel or each wall panel further comprising a fastener at a top edge of the wall panel for connection to an edge of the roof panel.

The support structure is preferably an inflatable support structure. The inflatable support structure may have a single inflation point.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides an assembly comprising: a recreational vehicle including an awning rail; and an awning according to the second aspect of the invention, the roof panel of the awning being secured to the awning rail of the vehicle. -5 -

The recreational vehicle may be a caravan or motorhome.

A fifth aspect of the invention comprises a method of erecting an awning comprising: inflating a support structure of the awning; securing a roof panel of the awning to an awning rail of a recreational vehicle; securing a top edge of a wall panel according to the first aspect of the invention to the roof panel; moving both fastener assemblies into the open configuration; and securing a bottom edge of the wall panel to the ground.

The method may further comprise, after securing a bottom edge of the wall panel to the ground, moving one or both of the fastener assemblies into the closed configuration.

Preferred and/or optional features of each aspect and embodiment described above may also be used, alone or in appropriate combination, in the other aspects and embodiments also.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an awning according to the present invention attached to a caravan; Figure 2 is a plan view from a side of the awning of Figure 1, with an adjustment mechanism of the awning in a closed configuration; Figure 3 is a plan view from a side of the awning of Figure 1, with an adjustment mechanism of the awning in an open configuration; -6 -Figure 4 is a perspective view of a part of the awning of Figure 1, showing the adjustment mechanism of the awning in a closed configuration; Figure 5 is a detailed view of a part of the adjustment mechanism of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the adjustment mechanism, showing the adjustment mechanism in its closed configuration; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a part of the awning of Figure 1, showing the adjustment mechanism of the awning in an open configuration; Figure 8 is a detailed view of a part of the adjustment mechanism of Figure 7, in a partially open configuration; Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the adjustment mechanism, showing the adjustment mechanism in its open configuration; Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of an adjustment mechanism of a further embodiment of the invention, showing the adjustment mechanism in its closed configuration; Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the adjustment mechanism of Figure 10, showing the adjustment mechanism in a fully open configuration; and Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the adjustment mechanism of Figure 10, showing the adjustment mechanism in a partially open configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows an awning 10 according to the present invention secured to a recreational vehicle 2. In this example the recreational vehicle is a caravan, but in -7 -other embodiments the recreational vehicle may be a motorhome, campervan, panel van or sport utility vehicle (SUV) for example. In yet further embodiments the awning 10 may be secured to any suitable supporting structure. This type of awning 10 may be referred to as a static awning.

The awning 10 comprises a support structure 12, a roof panel 14 and at least one wall panel 16. A rear edge 18 of the roof panel 14 includes a securing member for connection to an awning rail of the recreational vehicle 2. In some embodiments the awning rail comprises a keder rail.

The support structure 12 of the awning 10 is inflatable and preferably has a single inflation point. The roof panel 14 may be permanently secured to the support structure 12 or, alternatively, the roof panel 14 may be releasably attached to the support structure 12. In this embodiment the roof panel 14 is dual pitch, but it will be appreciated that the roof panel 14 may be of any suitable size and configuration.

The roof panel 14 does, however, preferably comprise a flexible panel of a suitable sheet material.

In this example the awning 10 comprises three wall panels 16; a front wall panel 16a and two side wall panels 16b. The front wall panel 16a includes a top edge, a bottom edge and two opposite side edges. The top edge of the front wall panel 16a is secured to a front edge of the roof panel 14. Similarly, each of the side wall panels 16b includes a top edge, a bottom edge and two opposite side edges. The top edge of each side wall panel 16b is secured to a respective side edge of the roof panel 14. Each of the side edges of the front wall panel 16a may be secured to a front side edge of a respective one of the side wall panels 16b. Accordingly, in some examples, each of the top edge and side edges of the wall panels 16 may include a fastener such as a zip.

In some embodiments the awning 10 may additionally comprise a rear wall panel.

The rear wall panel includes a top edge, a bottom edge and two opposite side edges. The top edge of the rear wall panel is secured to or proximate the rear edge 18 of -8 -the roof panel 14. Side edges of the rear wall panel may secure to rear side edges of the side wall panels.

Each of the wall panels 16 preferably comprises a flexible panel of a suitable sheet material.

The bottom edge of each of the wall panels 16 may include a mounting feature for securing the bottom edge of the wall panel 16 to the ground. The mounting feature may include an aperture for receiving a peg. The aperture may be formed in the wall panel itself or by a loop of a strap or cord. The wall panel 16 may comprise a skirt portion that extends over or from the bottom edge of the wall panel 16 to cover the mounting feature. The skirt portion may additionally span a gap between the bottom edge of the wall panel and the ground.

It will be appreciated that the awning rail may be disposed at different heights above the ground, dependent on the type and size of recreational vehicle. Accordingly, a distance between the rear edge 18 of the roof panel 14 of the awning 10 and the ground may also vary. To accommodate this variation, or at least some of this variation, the mounting feature may allow the wall panel 16 to be secured to the ground with a gap between the bottom edge of the wall panel 16 and the ground. In particular, securing straps may extend between the bottom edge of the side wall and pegs secured in the ground. The skirt portion may then be provided to cover this gap.

The size or height of the gap that may be achieved in this way is, however, limited.

In some embodiments the height of this gap may be around 15 cm. At increased heights the size of skirt portion that is required becomes too great, such that the skirt portion looks untidy or becomes a trip hazard when the wall panel is fully pegged down (such that the bottom edge of the wall panel is in contact with the ground). The variation in height of the awning for connection to the awning rail that is achieved in this way is, therefore, limited. -9 -

To achieve a greater height variation the wall panels 16 according to the present invention comprise a gusset panel 20. The gusset panel 20 is moveable between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. The gusset panel 20 is disposed between an upper portion 22 of the wall panel 16 and a lower portion 24 of the wall panel 16. In particular, an upper edge of the gusset panel 20 is connected to the upper portion 22 of the wall panel 16 and a lower edge of the gusset panel 20 is connected to the lower portion 24 of the wall panel 16. With the gusset panel 20 in the collapsed configuration there is a first distance between at least a part of the upper portion 22 and at least a part of the lower portion 24. With the gusset panel 20 in the extended configuration there is a second distance between at least a part of the upper portion 22 and at least a part of the lower portion 24, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

In this embodiment the gusset panel 20 is made from a flexible sheet of material. In the extended configuration the sheet of material of the gusset panel 20 has a substantially planar configuration. When the gusset panel 20 is in the extended configuration the gusset panel 20 lies in a plane generally parallel to and generally co-planar with the planes of the upper portion 22 and lower portion 24 of the side wall 16. In the collapsed configuration the sheet of material of the gusset panel 20 includes one or more folds, creases or ruffles.

In the illustrated example the gusset panel 20 is part of a side wall panel 16b. The gusset panel 20 has a generally triangular shape, and includes a base edge 26, two side edges 28, 30 and an apex 32. The base edge 26 is aligned with the longer side edge or rear side edge of the side wall panel 16b. The apex 32 is disposed proximate the shorter side edge or front side edge of the side wall panel 16b. The side edges 28, 30 of the gusset panel 20 therefore extend in a direction generally across the wall panel 16 between the two side edges of the wall panel 16.

When the gusset panel 20 is in the collapsed configuration (Figure 2) there is a first distance or height between a bottom edge of the side wall 16 and the rear edge 18 of the roof panel 14. This corresponds to a first height (Hi) of the rear side edge of -10 -the wall panel 16. When the gusset panel 20 is in the extended configuration (Figure 3) there is a second distance or height between a bottom edge of the side wall 16 and the rear edge 18 of the roof panel 14. This corresponds to a second height (H2) of the rear side edge of the wall panel 16. The second height (H2) is greater than the first height (H1). The difference between the first height (H1) and the second height (H2) may be around 15 cm.

To retain the gusset panel 20 in the collapsed configuration and to fix the height of the rear side edge of the side wall 16 (between the bottom edge of the side wall 16 and the rear edge 18 of the roof panel 14), at the lower height (H1), the side wall 16 further comprises fastener assemblies 34, 36 configured to releasably secure the upper portion 22 of the side wall 16 directly to the lower portion 24 of the side wall 16. The gusset panel 20, and first and second fastener assemblies 34, 36 together form an adjustment mechanism or height adjustment feature of the wall panel 16.

Referring now to Figures 4 to 9, in this example the upper portion 22 of the side wall 16 comprises an inner upper panel 38 and an outer upper panel 40, and the lower portion 24 of the side wall 16 comprises an inner lower panel 42 and an outer lower panel 44.

A first, upper side edge 28 of the gusset panel 20 is connected to the upper portion 22 of the side wall 16 between the inner upper panel 38 and the outer upper panel 40. A second, lower side edge 30 of the gusset panel 20 is connected to the lower portion 24 of the side wall 16 between the inner lower panel 42 and the outer lower panel 44.

A first fastener assembly 34 releasably connects the outer upper panel 40 to the outer lower panel 44. A second fastener assembly 36 releasably connects the inner upper panel 38 to the inner lower panel 42. In particular, the first fastener assembly 34 releasably connects a lower edge of the outer upper panel 40 to an upper edge of the outer lower panel 44, and the second fastener assembly 36 releasably connects a lower edge of the inner upper panel 38 to an upper edge of the inner lower panel 42.

In this embodiment each of the fastener assemblies 34, 36 comprises a zip. A first part of the zip of the first fastener assembly 34 is connected to the lower edge of the 5 outer upper panel 40 and a second part of the zip of the first fastener assembly 34 is connected to the upper edge of the outer lower panel 44. A first part of the zip of the second fastener assembly 36 is connected to the lower edge of the inner upper panel 38 and a second part of the zip of the second fastener assembly 36 is connected to the upper edge of the inner lower panel 42. The zips preferably include 10 an end stop proximate the apex 32 of the gusset panel 20 such that the zips do not fully separate.

The fastener assemblies 34, 36 extend across the wall panel 16 in a direction between the two side edges of the wall panel 16. In some embodiments the two fastener assemblies may be of different lengths. A length of the first fastener assembly 34 may be shorter than a length of the second fastener assembly 36.

Referring to Figures 4 to 6, when the fastener assemblies 34, 36 are closed (i.e. the zips are closed and the slider body of each of the zips is proximate the base edge 26 of the gusset panel 20), the outer upper panel 40 is directly connected to the outer lower panel 44 and the inner upper panel 38 is directly connected to the inner lower panel 42. The gusset panel 20, in its collapsed configuration, is contained within a pocket 46 defined between the first and second fastener assemblies 34, 36. In this example the pocket 46 is formed by at least a lower region of the outer upper panel 40, a lower region of the inner upper panel 38, an upper region of the outer lower panel 44 and an upper region of the inner lower panel 42. With the first and second fastener assemblies 34, 36 in a closed configuration the gusset panel 20 is therefore concealed within an interior space of the pocket 46 between, on an outer side, the first fastener assembly 34, the outer upper panel 40 and the outer lower panel 44, and, on an inner side, the second fastener assembly 36, the inner upper panel 38 and the inner lower panel 42.

-12 -Referring to Figures 7 to 9, when the fastener assemblies 34, 36 are open (i.e. the zips are open and the slider body of each of the zips is at or near the end stop proximate the apex 32 of the gusset panel 20), there is a gap between the lower edges of the inner upper panel 38 and the outer upper panel 40 and the upper edges of the inner lower panel 42 and the outer lower panel 44. The gusset panel 20 extends to span this gap.

In this example, because the gusset panel 20 is generally triangular, there is a greater gap between the upper portion 22 and the lower portion 24 of the wall panel 16 proximate the longer side edge (rear side edge) of the wall panel 16 than between the upper portion 22 and the lower portion 24 of the wall panel 16 proximate the shorter side edge (front side edge) of the wall panel 16. It will be appreciated that when an awning 10 needs to be adjusted to connect to a particular height of awning rail, it is only a rear edge or rear height than needs to be adjusted or varied. A height of the awning at a front edge, furthest from the recreational vehicle, may stay the same. In fact, it is desirable for the height of a front of the awning to be fixed so that only one size of front wall panel is required. Accordingly, a generally triangular gusset panel 20 allows a height of a side wall panel 16b at a rear side edge (longer side edge proximate the vehicle) to be varied, while maintaining a fixed height at a front side edge (shorter side edge furthest from the vehicle). It will be appreciated that in varying the height of the rear side edge in this way the pitch or angle of the roof panel 14 will also vary.

The rear side edge of the wall panel 16 therefore has a first height (H1) when the fastener assemblies 34, 36 are closed, and a second height (H2) when the fastener assemblies 34, 36 are open and the gusset panel 20 is extended. In some situations the height of the awning rail above the ground may be between these two heights. In these circumstances, when the rear edge 18 of the roof panel 14 is connected to the awning rail and the bottom edge of the wall panel 16 is secured to the ground, the gusset panel 20 will not be fully extended, at least in parts.

When the gusset panel 20 is in a partially extended configuration, it is desirable to -13 -at least partially hide the gusset panel 20 and to maintain some degree of tension between the upper and lower portions 22, 24 of the wall panel. One solution is to allow the fastener assemblies 34, 36 to be partially closed, so as to draw the upper and lower portions 22, 24 of the wall panel 16 towards each other. In embodiments in which the fastener assemblies 22, 24 comprise zips this may be achieved by allowing the zips to be partially closed and providing means to lock the zip in one or more partially closed configurations. In particular, the side wall may include locking elements spaced apart along the length of the zip for engaging with a pull tab connected to the zip slider body. A disadvantage of this is that tensile forces may not be distributed evenly through the wall panel 16.

Referring to Figures 10 to 12, in one embodiment, a dimension of the inner upper panel 138 is greater than a dimension of the outer upper panel 140, and a dimension of the inner lower panel 142 is greater than a dimension of the outer lower panel 144. In particular, a distance between the top edge of the wall panel 116 and a lower edge of the inner upper panel 138 is greater than a distance between the top edge of the wall panel 116 and a lower edge of the outer upper panel 140. Similarly, a distance between the bottom edge of the wall panel 116 and an upper edge of the inner lower panel 142 is greater than a distance between the bottom edge of the wall panel 116 and an upper edge of the outer lower panel 144.

When the fastener assemblies 134, 136 are both closed (Figure 10) the gusset panel 120 is retained and concealed in a pocket 146, as in the previous embodiment described above. In this configuration the tensile forces in the outer upper panel 140 and the outer lower panel 144 are greater than in the inner upper panel 138 and the inner lower panel 142.

To fully expand the gusset panel 120 both of the fastener assemblies 134, 136 are opened (Figure 11). In this configuration a gap between the two parts of the first 30 fastener assembly 134 is greater than a gap between the two parts of the second fastener assembly 136.

-14 -Once the rear edge of the roof panel of the awning has been secured to the awning rail and the bottom edge of the wall panel has been secured to the ground, if the gusset panel 120 is no longer taut, the second fastener assembly 136 may be closed to partially conceal the gusset panel 120 from one side of the side wall 116 (Figure 12).

At least a part of one or both of the inner upper panel 138 and the inner lower panel 142 may be elastic so that the panel or panels may be stretched to close the second fastener assembly 136 if necessary.

In some embodiments the wall panel 16, 116 includes an opening such as a door or a window. The opening may be closable with a suitable closure sub-panel. In these embodiments the fastener assemblies 34, 36, 134, 136 are preferably disposed between a top edge of the opening and the top edge of the wall panel 16, 116. In this way the opening is disposed in the lower portion 24 of the wall panel.

The fastener assemblies 34, 36, 134, 136 are preferably disposed closer to the top edge of the opening than to the top edge of the wall panel 16, 116. This has the advantage that the fastener assemblies 34, 36, 134, 136 may be reached easily by a user without needing to stand on a step or similar.

To erect an awning 10 according to the present invention a user firstly erects the support structure 12. This preferably comprises inflating an inflatable support structure. The support structure 12 is secured to the ground in the desired location next to a recreational vehicle 2. The rear edge 18 of the roof panel 14 is then connected to the awning rail of the vehicle 2 The next step is to attach one or more wall panels 16, 116 to the support structure 12 and roof panel 14. For those wall panels 16, 116 that include an adjustment mechanism or height adjustment feature according to the present invention a first step in attaching the wall panel 16, 116 is to open both of the fastener assemblies 34, 36, 134, 136. With the fastener assemblies 34, 36, 134, 136 open the gusset panel 20 120 can be moved into its extended configuration. A top edge of the wall -15 -panel 16, 116 can then be secured or attached to the roof panel or to an upper part of the support structure. A lower edge or bottom edge of the wall panel 16, 116 is secured to the ground.

If, after securing the wall panel 16, 116 to the roof panel or to an upper part of the support structure and to the ground, the gusset panel 20, 120 is not fully extended, a further step in the method is preferably to close the second, inner fastener assembly 36, 136. This conceals the gusset panel from an interior of the awning 10 and may increase tension in the wall panel 16, 116.

The wall panels 16, 116 are preferably held as taut as possible during use. Accordingly, if the height of the awning rail is sufficiently low, a further step in the method may include additionally closing the first, outer fastener assembly 34, 134. This fully conceals the gusset panel 20, 120 in the pocket 46, 146 and may further increase tension in the wall panel 16, 116.

Fully opening the gusset panel 20, 120 prior to securing the wall panel 16, 116 to the rest of the awning structure and to the ground has the advantage that the user is not pulling against excessive tensile forces in the wall panel while attaching the wall panel 16, 116 to the roof panel 14, support structure 12 and/or ground. The ability to close one or both of the fastener assemblies 34, 36, 134, 136 after securing the wall panel 16, 116 to the rest of the awning 10 may, however, improve the appearance of the wall panel 16, 116 (such that a user does not see a gusset panel 20, 120 that is not taut) and allows the wall panel 16, 116 to be adjusted to be as taut as possible to avoid unnecessary or unwanted deflections in the wall panel 16, 116.

In the above embodiments the awning had an inflatable support structure; however, in other embodiments the support structure may be of any suitable type and may have a rigid poled (e.g. metal) or flexible pole structure (glass fibre). The adjustment mechanism of the present invention is most suited for use in awnings having inflatable support structures, however it is envisaged that a similar adjustment -16 -mechanism may be incorporated into side walls of awnings having other support structures.

In the above embodiments the fastener assemblies 34, 36 included a zip. In other 5 embodiments the fastener assemblies may comprise other suitable fasteners such as press studs, hooks, buttons, or hook and loop material, for example.

In the above embodiments the gusset panel was part of a side wall panel and the gusset panel was generally triangular. In other embodiments the gusset panel may be of any suitable shape. For example, the gusset panel may be rectangular. A rectangular gusset panel may, for example, be provided in a rear wall panel or a front wall panel of an awning. A gusset panel may generally have the shape of a trapezium, or any other suitable quadrilateral shape.

Although in the above embodiments the gusset panel comprised a flexible sheet material, in other embodiments the gusset panel may comprise a plurality of rigid or substantially rigid segments.

Other modifications and variations not explicitly disclosed above may also be contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

-17 -CLAIMS1. An awning wall panel comprising: an upper portion; a lower portion; a pair of fastener assemblies releasably connecting the lower portion to the upper portion; and a gusset panel secured to the upper portion and to the lower portion, wherein release of the fasteners into an open configuration permits the 10 gusset panel to move into an extended configuration such that a distance between the upper portion and the lower portion increases, and securing of the fasteners into a closed configuration connects the upper portion to the lower portion such that the gusset panel is concealed in a pocket of the wall panel.
2. An awning wall panel as claimed in Claim 1, wherein an interior space of the pocket for receiving the gusset panel is disposed between the pair of fastener assemblies.
3. An awning wall panel as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2, wherein the upper portion comprises an outer upper panel of flexible sheet material and an inner upper panel of flexible sheet material, and the lower portion comprises an outer lower panel of flexible sheet material and an inner lower panel of flexible sheet material.
4. An awning wall panel as claimed in Claim 3, wherein a first fastener assembly 25 releasably connects the outer upper panel to the outer lower panel and a second fastener assembly releasably connects the inner upper panel to the inner lower panel.
5. An awning wall panel as claimed in Claim 3 or Claim 4, wherein a part of each of the outer upper panel, inner upper panel, outer lower panel and inner lower panel form side walls of the pocket.
6. An awning wall panel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each of the pair of fastener assemblies comprises a zip.
7. An awning wall panel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the gusset panel comprises a flexible sheet material.
8. An awning wall panel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the gusset panel is substantially triangular.
9. An awning wall panel as claimed in any preceding claim when dependent on Claim 4, wherein the gusset panel has a partially extended configuration in which the second fastener assembly is in the closed configuration and the first fastener assembly is in the open configuration.
10. An awning wall panel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the wall panel comprises a top edge, a bottom edge and two opposite side edges, and the upper portion extends between the top edge and the pair of fastener assemblies, the lower portion extends between the bottom edge and the pair of fastener assemblies, and the gusset panel extends across a full width of the wall panel between the side edges.
11. An awning wall panel as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the pair of fastener assemblies is disposed closer to the top edge than to the bottom edge.
12. An awning wall panel as claimed in Claim 10 or Claim 11, wherein a first one of the side edges is longer than a second one of the side edges, and release of the fasteners into an open configuration permits the gusset panel to extend such that a length of said first side edge increases and a length of said second side edge does not increase.
13. An awning wall panel as claimed in any one of Claims 10 to 12, further comprising an opening, and wherein the pair of fastener assemblies is disposed -19 -between the opening and the top edge of the wall panel, closer to the opening than to the top edge.
14. An awning for securing to a vehicle, the awning comprising a roof panel and at least one wall panel according to any one of Claims 1 to 13.
15. An awning as claimed in Claim 14, further comprising an inflatable support structure.
16. An awning as claimed in Claim 14 or Claim 15, wherein the roof panel comprises a securing member for connection to an awning rail of the vehicle and an edge of the wall panel or each of the wall panels is secured to the roof panel.
17. An awning kit comprising: - a support structure; a roof panel including a securing member configured to secure the roof panel to an awning rail of a vehicle; and at least one wall panel as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 12, the wall panel or each wall panel further comprising a fastener at a top edge of the wall panel for connection to an edge of the roof panel.
18. An awning kit as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the support structure is an inflatable support structure.
19. An assembly comprising: a recreational vehicle including an awning rail; and an awning as claimed in any one of Claims 14 to 16, the roof panel of the awning being secured to the awning rail of the vehicle.
20. An assembly as claimed in Claim 19, wherein the recreational vehicle is a caravan or motorhome.
21. A method of erecting an awning comprising: inflating a support structure of the awning; securing a roof panel of the awning to an awning rail of a recreational vehicle; securing a top edge of a wall panel according to any one of Claims 1 to 13 to the roof panel; moving both fastener assemblies into the open configuration; and securing a bottom edge of the wall panel to the ground.
22. A method of erecting an awning as claimed in Claim 21, further comprising, after securing a bottom edge of the wall panel to the ground, moving one or both of the fastener assemblies into the closed configuration.