Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
POWER TRACK ASSEMBLY AND ACCESSORY BASE THEREFORE
BACKGROUND
Field of the Invention
[0001] Present embodiments generally pertain to an awning assembly with
powered
service for electrical accessories. More particularly, present embodiments
relate to, without
limitation, a rotatable awning assembly with a power track formed in the
assembly for
connection of various electrically powered accessories.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] The use of awnings on recreational vehicles and fixed structures,
for example on
homes, has increased in part due to a desire to increase the functionality of
outdoor living
spaces beneath and around these awnings. Various attempts have been made to
improve
functionality of outdoor living spaces created in part by outdoor awnings. In
doing so, a host
of problems have arisen.
[0003] For example, it would be desirable to use powered accessories in
the outdoor living
space. However, use of electrically powered accessories has been difficult for
a multitude of
reasons. One problem has been related to the use of electrical wiring or power
cords for the
accessories. Some prior art devices have utilized awning hems to conceal
wiring from the
RV to the extended end of the awning. Other prior art or solutions have
utilized separate
joist-like structures within the awning framework to position lights once the
awning has been
extended. Other solutions have involved multiple power cords running to
accessories.
However, it may not be desirable to run a multitude of wires which may be a
tripping hazard
or delay storing of the awning for example, if windy conditions or weather
changes rapidly.
[0004] Additional problems have involved pathways for the wires while
accommodating
the extension and retraction of the awning assembly. While some attempts have
been made
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to conceal the wire in the awning hem, the rolling of the awning and wire
therein may cause
undesirable thickening of the awning edges when rolled.
[0005] Accordingly, it would be desirable to overcome these and other
deficiencies to
provide an awning assembly which allows the use of powered accessories to
increase the
functionality of the outdoor living space provided in part by the awning. It
would also be
desirable to provide additional function under and around the shaded area of
the awning.
[0006] The information included in this Background section of the
specification, including
any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is
included for technical
reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the
scope of the
invention is to be bound.
SUMMARY
[0007] According to some embodiments, an awning roller assembly is
provided. The
structure provides an awning roller tube having a first end and a second end
with a powered
groove extending between the ends, in full or in part The powered groove
includes a
plurality of tracks having at least one electrical conductor in each track. An
accessory base is
provided for connection with a plurality of powered accessories, including but
not limited to,
lights, fans or audio-video equipment. The accessory base provides electrical
connection
between the powered groove and the accessory to provide improved function in
the outdoor
living space beneath and around the awning.
[0008] According to some embodiments, the power track awning assembly
comprises an
awning roller tube and awning canopy which is capable of being wrapped about
the awning
roller tube as the awning roller tube moves between a first position and a
second position, the
awning roller tube having a first end and a second end, a power groove
extending between
the first end and the second end, at least one track having first and second
conductors
disposed in the power groove, an accessory base disposed in the power groove,
the accessory
base having a first contact in electrical communication with the at least one
track and a
second contact in electrical communication with the at least one track.
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[0009] Optionally, the power track awning assembly further comprising a
third contact on
the accessory base. An electrical strip may be located in said powered groove
and in
electrical communication with the third contact. The contact between the third
contact and
said electrical strip may preclude movement of the awning roller tube. The
third contact
being one of a spring and a solid contact. The power groove may further have
at least one
first retainer rib for retaining the at least one track. The power groove may
have at least one
second retainer rib for retaining a second track. The power track awning
assembly may
further comprise at least one third locating rib for locating an electrical
strip. The at least one
track may be formed of co-extruded materials wherein one of the co-extruded
materials is
electrically conductive. The at least one track may alternatively be formed by
adding the
conductors to at least one track body during formation of the at least one
track body. As a
further alternative, the at least one track may be formed by independently
forming at least one
body and the conductors and subsequently joining said at least one body with
said
conductors. The power track awning assembly may further comprise an opening
extending
into the power groove. The accessory base may have a power head. The power
head may
have a first dimension which is less than a dimension of the opening. The
power head may
have a second dimension which is greater than a dimension of the opening. The
power track
awning assembly may further comprise a powered accessory connected to the
accessory base.
The powered accessory may be at least one of a light, a fan and a speaker. The
power track
awning assembly may further comprise a rotating conductor allowing electrical
wiring to pass
between a fixed structure to a rotating structure of the powered awning roller
assembly. The
power track awning assembly further comprises at least one circuit for
providing power to the
at least one track of the power groove. The power groove may not be powered
when the
awning is retracted. Alternatively, the power groove may be powered when the
awning is
extended.
[0010] According to alternative embodiments, a power track awning assembly
comprises
an awning roller having an awning canopy extending to an awning bar, a
plurality of arms are
capable of extending and retracting, the plurality of arms are mounted
adjacent to the awning
roller at a first end and to the awning bar at a second end, an extrusion is
connected to the
awning bar and having a power groove formed therein, the power groove
receiving at least
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one track having a first conductor and a second conductor, the power groove
capable of
receiving an accessory base and being in electrical communication with the
first and second
conductors.
[0011] Optionally, the power track awning assembly may further comprise
wiring
extending between a power source and the extrusion through the plurality of
arms. The
extrusion having at least one retaining channel. The retaining channel may be
capable of
mounting the extrusion to the awning bar. The power track awning assembly may
further
comprise at least one control circuit.
[0012] According to some embodiments, a power track awning assembly
comprises an
awning roller tube and a canopy, the canopy connected to a roller tube at one
end, a first
hardware assembly and a second hardware assembly at lateral edges of the
canopy. At least
one of the first hardware assembly and the second hardware assembly may have a
power
groove, the power groove including at least one track having a first conductor
and a second
conductor extending through the at least one track.
[0013] Optionally, the power groove may receive an accessory base. The
accessory base
may be in electrical communication with the first and second conductors. The
accessory base
may be positioned in the power groove. The power track awning assembly may
further
comprise an accessory in electrical communication with said accessory base.
The accessory
may be one of a light, a fan, an audio accessory and a video accessory. The
power groove
may be formed on an extended arm. The power groove may have a plurality of
locating ribs.
The plurality of locating ribs may engage the at least one track. The at least
one track may be
two tracks. The power groove may be formed in one of a top arm and a base arm.
The
hardware component may be an awning arm. The awning arm may be a channel
shaped
structure. The hardware component may be connected to an awning roller tube.
The power
track awning assembly may further comprise a power-in feed cover in electrical
communication with the at least one track. The awning assembly may comprise a
roller tube.
The awning assembly may comprise a cassette type awning.
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[0014] According to some embodiments, a power track awning assembly
comprises an
awning which is extendably and retractably supported by an awning hardware
assembly
comprising a plurality of arms, at least one of said arms having a power
groove located
thereon, at least one track having first and second conductors extending
through the power
groove, the power groove capable of receiving an accessory base which may be
in electrical
communication with the conductors.
[0015] According to some embodiments, a power track awning assembly
comprises an
awning roller tube and a canopy, the canopy connected to a roller tube at one
end, a first
hardware assembly and a second hardware assembly at lateral edges of the
canopy, at least
one of said first hardware assembly and said second hardware assembly having a
power
groove, the power groove including at least one track having a first conductor
and a second
conductor extending through the at least one track.
[0016] Optionally, the power groove receives an accessory base. The
accessory base may
be in electrical communication with the first and second conductors. The
accessory base may
be positioned in the power groove. The power track awning assembly may further
comprise
an accessory in electrical communication with the accessory base. The
accessory may be one
of a light, a fan, an audio accessory and a video accessory. The power groove
may be formed
on an extended arm. The power groove may have a plurality of locating ribs.
The plurality
of locating ribs may engage the at least one track. The at least one track may
be two tracks.
The power groove may be formed in one of a top arm and a base arm. The
hardware
component may be an awning arm. The awning arm being a channel shaped
structure. The
hardware component may be connected to an awning roller tube. The power track
awning
assembly may further comprise a power-in feed cover in electrical
communication with the at
least one track. The awning assembly may comprise a roller tube. The awning
assembly
may comprise a cassette type awning.
[0017] According to some embodiments, a power track awning assembly
comprises an
awning which is extendably and retractably supported by an awning hardware
assembly
comprising a plurality of arms, at least one of the arms may have a power
groove located
thereon, at least one track having first and second conductors extending
through the power
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
groove, the power groove capable of receiving an accessory base which may be
in electrical
communication with the conductors.
[0018] According to some embodiments, there is provided an accessory base
for use with
a powered accessory, comprising: a flange having a body, a first side and a
second side;_a
first contact and a second contact, each having a first end and a second end,
said first and
second contacts extending into said flange; a power head spaced from said body
at said first
side of said flange; said power head having a first dimension (di) and a
second dimension (d2)
wherein said second dimension is longer than said first dimension, one of said
first and
second dimensions being capable of fitting into a power groove of an adjacent
component
and the other of said first and second dimensions being capable of retaining
said power head
in said power groove when said power head is rotated about a rotation axis
that is normal to
both said first dimension and second dimension; said first contact and said
second contact
extending from opposite sides of said power head, along the second dimension,
and one of
said first contact or said second contact extending further away from the
rotation axis than the
other of said first contact or said second contact, such that respective
lengths of the first and
second contacts are unequal along the second dimension; at least one portion
of said flange
being movable to disengage said adjacent component; and said flange being
connectable to a
powered accessory for powering by said power groove.
[0019] Optionally, the first contact and the second contact are
substantially L-shaped. The
flange may have a first flange body and a second flange body. One of the first
and second
flange body may be movable relative to the other. The outer flange body may be
biased to
engage a track housing, a hardware assembly, awning roller tube or a cassette
awning
assembly. The accessory base may further comprise tabs extending from the
outer flange
body for engagement of the component. The accessory may be a light, a fan, or
comprise at
least one of audio or video. At least one track may be disposed within an
awning assembly or
a track housing. The power groove may comprise at least one track including a
first and a
second conductor.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-29
[0020] According to some embodiments, there is provided an accessory base
for use with
a powered accessory, comprising: a flange having a first side and a second
side; a grip to aid
rotation of said flange about a rotation axis; a power head extending from
said flange; a first
contact extending from said power head and a second contact extending from
said power
head, said first and second contacts extending into said flange, said first
and second contacts
being the only contacts of the accessory base for electrical communication;
said power head
having a first dimension (di) which is less than a second dimension (d2), said
first dimension
allowing passage through a power groove; said first contact and said second
contact
extending from opposite sides of said power head, along the second dimension,
and one of
said first or second contacts extending further away from the rotation axis
than the other of
said first or second contacts, such that respective lengths of the first and
second contacts are
unequal along the second dimension; wherein said power head and first and
second contacts
rotate in only one direction for electrical communication; and a conduit
housing disposed at
one of said first side and said second side of said flange.
[0021] Optionally, the conduit housing may have an elbow shape. The second
side and
the first side may be at non-parallel angles or may be parallel. The accessory
base may
further comprise a cavity in said body. The accessory base may further
comprise conductors
disposed within the cavity and extending from the first and second contacts
through the
conduit housing. The accessory base the accessory base may be mountable in an
awning
roller tube, a hardware assembly, a cassette awning assembly and a track
housing. The flange
may have an outer flange body and an inner flange body. One of the outer and
inner flange
bodies may move relative to the other of the outer and inner flange bodies.
[0022] According to still other embodiments, there is provided a power
track assembly for
powering an accessory, comprising: a track housing having at least one opening
defining a
power groove, said track housing capable of mounting on a surface of an
interior or an
exterior of a recreational vehicle; at least one power track located in said
track housing; a first
conductor and a second conductor disposed in said at least one power track; at
least one
accessory base disposed in said at least one opening, said at least one
accessory base having
first and second accessory base contacts, which are the only accessory base
contacts, said first
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-29
and second accessory base contacts in electrical communication with said first
and second
conductors to power the accessory connected to said at least one accessory
base; said power
groove configured to receive said at least one accessory base and allow
rotation solely in one
direction for said electrical communication with said first and second
conductors based on a
direction of said first and second accessory base contacts when inserted into
said power
groove.
[0023] Optionally, the power track assembly may further comprise a first power-
in feed
cover connected to the track housing. The power-in feed cover at one end of
the track
housing may be in electrical communication with the first and second
conductors in the
power track. The power track assembly may further comprising at least one
track end cap.
The track housing may be extruded. The track housing may have a plurality of
retaining ribs
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-29
to locate the at least one power track. The power track assembly, the at least
one opening
receiving the accessory base in a first orientation and retaining said
accessory base in a
second orientation. The power track assembly may further comprise the
accessory base
having a first accessory base contact and a second accessory base contact. The
accessory
base may be connected to the at least one track at a first side of the
accessory base and the
accessory base being connected to the second side of the accessory base. The
track housing
may be one of linear, curved or a combination. The accessory base may have a
tab which
extends into the opening defining the power groove.
[0024] According to some embodiments, there is provided a power track
awning
assembly, comprising: a power groove in a track housing; at least one power
track with first
and second conductors extending through said at least one power track; an
accessory base
comprising a power head and a first contact and a second contact each
extending from said
power head, said first and second contacts being the only contacts of the
accessory base for
electrical communication with said at least one power track; said power head
capable of at
least one orientation to fit within said power groove; said power head
extending from a
flange, said flange being connectable to a powered accessory; said first
contact and said
second contact in electrical communication with said first and second
conductors; said first
and second contacts having an opposite end which is electrically connectable
to said powered
accessory; said power groove configured to receive said accessory base and
allow rotation
solely in one direction for said electrical communication of said first and
second contacts
based on a direction of said first and second contacts when inserted into said
power groove.
[0025] Optionally, the first and second contacts may be substantially L-
shaped. The power
track awning assembly may further comprise a wire conductor extending from the
first and
second contacts and connectable to the powered accessory. The power head may
have a first
dimension which is less than a width of the power groove and a second
dimension which is
greater than a width of the power groove. The power head may be rotatable
within the power
groove to engage the first and second contacts with the first and second
conductors. The at
least one track may be first and second tracks. The flange may having an outer
grip. The
outer grip may aid rotation of the accessory base relative to the power
groove. The outer grip
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Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
may also define a shoulder to move the outer grip surface along the flange to
disengage tabs
from the track housing.
[0026] A power track assembly for powering an accessory comprises: a track
housing
having at least one opening to receive at least one accessory base; said track
housing capable
of being mounted on a wall or a ceiling; at least one track disposed within
said track housing,
said at least one track having first and second conductors; said at least one
accessory base
disposed in said track housing, said at least one accessory base having first
and second
contacts in electrical communication with said first and second conductors of
said at least one
track, said first and second contacts being the only contacts for electrical
communication with
the first and second conductors; a power groove configured to receive said at
least one
accessory base and allow rotation solely in one direction for said electrical
communication of
said first and second contacts based on a direction of said first and second
contacts when
inserted into said power groove.
[0027] A power track assembly for powering an accessory, comprises: a track
housing
having at least one opening to receive at least one accessory base; said track
housing capable
of being mounted on a wall or a ceiling; at least one track disposed within
said track housing,
said at least one track having first and second conductors; said at least one
accessory base
disposed in said track housing, said at least one accessory base having first
and second
contacts in electrical communication with said first and second conductors of
said at least one
track, said first and second contacts being the only contacts for electrical
communication with
the first and second conductors; said at least one opening configured to allow
rotation of an
accessory base in only a single direction in order to make electrical
communication between
first and second contacts of the accessory base and said first and second
conductors of said
track, respectively.
[0028] All of the above outlined features are to be understood as exemplary
only and
many more features and objectives of a power track awning assembly may be
gleaned from
the disclosure herein. Therefore, no limiting interpretation of this summary
is to be
understood without further reading of the entire specification, claims and
drawings, included
herewith.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] In order that the embodiments may be better understood, embodiments
of the
power track awning assembly will now be described by way of examples. These
embodiments are not to limit the scope of the claims as other embodiments of
the power track
awning assembly will become apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art
upon reading
the instant description. Non-limiting examples of the present embodiments are
shown in
figures wherein:
[0030] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary recreational vehicle
having a power
track awning assembly having various accessories located therein;
[0031] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an assembled power track awning
assembly;
100321 FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of the power track awning
assembly;
[0033] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a power-in feed cover shown in FIG.
3;
[0034] FIG. 5 is a section view of the power track awning roller assembly;
[0035] FIG. 5A is a detailed section view of the power track awning roller
tube assembly;
[0036] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the first and second tracks of the
assembly of FIG. 2;
[0037] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the assembled accessory base
including the power
head;
[0038] FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 7;
[0039] FIG. 9 is a side view of an alternate cassette awning assembly;
[0040] FIG. 9A is a side detail view of an extrusion utilized with the
cassette awning of
FIG. 9;
[0041] FIG. 10 a side view of an exemplary wire routing through a hardware
assembly;
[0042] FIG. 11 is an exemplary control logic flow chart for use of the
power track awning;
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
[0043] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the power
track awning
assembly;
[0044] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of an exemplary hardware component of
an
exemplary hardware assembly having a power track;
[0045] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of one component of the hardware
assembly of FIG.
13;
[0046] FIG. 15 is a section view of the exemplary hardware component having
a power
groove;
[0047] FIG. 16 is a section view of FIG. 15 further comprising at least one
power track;
[0048] FIG. 17 is an additional section view of FIG. 16 further comprising
an accessory
base for powering an accessory disposed in the power groove;
100491 FIG. 18 a perspective view of the track housing and accessory base;
[0050] FIG. 19 is an end view of FIG. 18;
[0051] FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the accessory base;
[0052] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the accessory base;
[0053] FIG. 22 is a first side view of the accessory base;
[0054] FIG. 23 is a second side view of the accessory base;
[0055] FIG. 24 a section view of the accessory base removed from the track
housing;
[0056] FIG. 25 a perspective view is depicted of the accessory base in two
orientations;
and,
[0057] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the track housing and accessory
base with an
additional accessory.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0058] It is to be understood that the power track awning assembly is not
limited in its
application to the details of construction and the an-angement of components
set forth in the
following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable
of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.
Also, it is to be
understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose
of description
and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising,"
or "having"
and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed
thereafter and
equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the
terms
"connected," "coupled," and "mounted," and variations thereof herein are used
broadly and
encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In
addition, the terms
"connected" and "coupled" and variations thereof are not restricted to
physical or mechanical
connections or couplings.
[0059] Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like numerals
indicate like
elements throughout several views, there are shown in FIGS. 1-26 various
embodiments of
the power track awning assemblies. The assemblies may include an awning roller
tube
having a power groove extending axially between a first end and a second end
of the tube,
either in full or in part. The power groove includes at least one track having
first and second
conductors which are in electrical communication with an accessory mount or
base. The
accessory base provides electricity to each of various electrically powered
accessories which
may be utilized with the power track awning assembly. The power track awning
assembly
allows for rotation of the awning tube despite the tube being rotatable
between fixed ends of
the assembly. Alternatively, the power track awning assembly may include an
awning bar
wherein an extrusion has a power groove including at least one track and
conductors for
electrical communication with an accessory base powering an accessory, for
example for use
in a cassette-type awning. In still further embodiments, a hardware assembly
is provided
with a power groove for powering accessories from the awning assembly
hardware.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a recreational
vehicle (RV) 10 is
depicted. The exemplary RV includes a drive and a transmission, not shown, as
well as at
least one sidewall 12 and a roof 14. It should be understood that although an
RV is referred
to in the exemplary embodiments, one skilled in the art should understand that
the use of the
awning with a power track is not limited to these drivable vehicles. The term
"RV" is also
meant to include towable structures, sometimes called campers, homes and other
stationary
structures as well as boats or other marine applications for example which use
canopy
structures which may or may not be retractable, commercial vehicles,
agricultural vehicles,
horse trailers, and temporary structures such as those used at sports events,
(tailgating), flea
markets. All of these structures are considered to be usable with the power
track awning
assemblies of the present embodiments.
[0061] An awning assembly 20 is connected to the sidewall 12 and/or the
roof 14 of the
vehicle 10. In further embodiments, the awning assembly 20 may be retractable
within the
sidewall 12 so as to reduce the airflow interference of the assembly while the
vehicle 10 is
being operated.
[0062] The awning assembly 20 includes an awning or canopy 22 and hardware
assembly
28 defined by at least one first arm 24 and at least one second arm 26. The
awning hardware
assembly 28 is utilized, according to the instant embodiment, to connect the
awning assembly
20 to the sidewall 12 of the vehicle 10. The hardware assembly 28 allows for
support of the
canopy 22 in an extended position (shown) or in a retracted position. The
hardware assembly
28 also provides a pathway for wiring from a power source to the awning roller
tube to power
an accessory or power the awning motor. The awning assembly 20 is exemplary
and other
variations may be utilized. Also, the roller tube assembly may be movable as
shown, or may
be fixed to the sidewall 12. Further, for example, according to some
embodiments, a cassette
style awning may be utilized.
[0063] The depicted awning assembly 20 further includes a power track
awning assembly
30 which moves inwardly and outwardly with corresponding retraction or
extension of the
canopy 22 to provide the sheltered or shaded area beneath the awning assembly
20. The
awning assembly 20 may be a manually operated assembly requiring manual
rotation to
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Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
extend or retract the canopy 22. Alternatively, the awning assembly 20 may be
an automated
system such as by electrical, air, hydraulic or other fluid power systems to
cause extension or
retraction of the canopy 22.
[0064] The power track awning assembly 30 is shown in extended position
with various
accessories 32 located therein. For example, the power track awning assembly
30 depicts a
pair of pendant track lights 32 depending from the awning roller tube which
provide
illumination for the area beneath the awning assembly 20. While pendants are
shown, other
types of lights may be utilized and this description should not be considered
limiting.
Additionally, a fan accessory 34 is shown spaced from the pendant lights 32.
The fan
accessory 34 creates an air flow beneath the awning assembly 20 which aids to
provide a cool
feeling in the area and move air so as to reduce the amount of insects in the
area beneath the
awning. These accessories 32, 34 are merely examples and not limiting as
various other
accessories may be utilized such as audio-video equipment for example,
wireless speakers,
television 36, or the like, all of which may be powered by the power track
awning assembly
30 and all of which are collectively referred to as accessories.
[0065] Referring now to FIG. 2, the power track awning assembly 30 is shown
in
isometric view removed from the awning canopy 22 (FIG. 1) and hardware
assembly 28.
The power track awning assembly 30 includes an awning roller tube 50 having a
first end 40
and a second end 42. Rotation of the roller tube 50 is provided between fixed
top castings 44,
46 and bushing structures which allow for rotation of end caps 48, 49 and the
roller tube 50.
A rotatable conductor 60 (FIG. 3) is provided at one of the first and second
ends 40, 42 of the
power track awning assembly 30 to provide electrical power for a power groove
52. The
power groove 52 extends between the first end 40 and the second end 42 of the
power track
awning assembly 30 and may extend continuously through the entire roller tube
50 or may
extend partially between the first end 40 and the second end 42. Additionally,
a single power
groove 52 is depicted however, multiple grooves may be utilized in alternate
embodiments.
For example, multiple grooves may be used which are axially aligned. Also,
multiple
grooves may be used which are spaced apart circumferentially about the awning
roller tube.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
[0066] An accessory base 54 is depicted in the groove 52 and makes powered
connection
for various accessories. The accessories may be connected to the base 54, to
provide power
from the groove 52 to any of the accessories for example, 32, 34, 36 (FIG. 1).
[0067] At the first end 40 of the power track awning assembly 30 is a power
wire 41 with
a connector. The wire 41 in the exemplary embodiment provides power to a motor
which
causes rotation of the roller tube 50 and end caps 48, 49. At the opposite
end, a second wire
43 is depicted extending from the second top casting 46 and provides power for
the power
groove 52 and accessories connected to the accessory base 54. The wires 41, 43
are
connected to additional wiring which runs through the hardware 28 and
therefore, remains
substantially hidden from view and from possibility of entangling with other
structures or
during the use of the awning assembly 20 (FIG. 1). For example, with brief
reference to FIG.
10, an exemplary routing is shown wherein the wiring is shown passing through
the hardware
assembly. The wiring is depicted as a broken line and raised from the hardware
assembly 28,
but in actual use is positioned within the hardware assembly 28. Specifically,
in the depicted
arrangement, the hardware 28 includes a first arm 24 which mounts to a
sidewall 12 of an RV
or fixed structure. A second arm 26 is pivotally connected to the first arm 24
and a third
arm 27 is pivotally connected to the second arm 26. The hardware assembly 28
may further
comprise a strut 29 or alternatively may comprise an adjustable arm assembly
31 which
allows height adjustment of the ends of roller tube 50 and awning 22. The
wiring extends
through the third arm 27, through the second arm 26 and to the first arm 24
where it may
extend upwardly or downwardly. The arms 24, 26 and 27 of the hardware assembly
28 may
be closed cross-section structures or may be open or a combination thereof
[0068] Referring now to FIG. 3, an exploded isometric view of the power
track awning
assembly 30 is depicted. The awning tube 50 has a rod 51 with a torsion spring
53 wrapped
thereabout which extends coaxially through the tube 50. This torsion spring 53
serves to
assist the motor in closing the canopy 22, and helps to control awning
extension. The rod 51
is connected to a rotating conductor 60 which extends through the end cap 49.
The rotating
conductor 60 allows for transmission of electrical voltage and current from
the fixed part of
the assembly 30, which is the top casting 46, into the rotating portion of the
assembly 30,
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
including the roller tube 50 and to the tracks 70, 72. This precludes wrapping
or binding of
electrical wires. The end cap 49 is connected at a second end 42 of the power
track awning
assembly 30. The first end 40 of the assembly 30 includes the end cap 48 and
top casting 44
which are connected to a motor assembly that extends into the tube 50.
[0069] In this view, the tube 50 is shown with the power groove 52
extending axially
through the tube 50 from the first end 40 toward the second end 42. As
previously described,
the groove 52 may extend completely through the tube 50 in the axial direction
or may extend
partially. Further, while one groove 52 is shown, multiple grooves 52 may be
utilized in
extending from a first end 40 toward a second end 42. Additionally or
alternatively, multiple
grooves 52 may be spaced circumferentially about the tube 50.
[0070] Exploded from the power groove 52 are first and second tracks 70,
72. The tracks
provide conductors 84, 85 (FIG. 5A) which are engaged by the accessory base 54
to provide
power to an accessory attached to the roller tube 50. Two tracks 70, 72 are
shown but the
tracks may be formed as a single structure and located within groove 52.
[0071] According to the instant embodiment, the power groove 52 extends
completely
through the roller tube 50. The groove 52 is covered at ends by the covers 61,
63. One of
covers 61, 63 may be cosmetic in function serving to create a symmetrical
appearance with
the opposite cover 61, 63. The other of covers 61, 63 may be a power-in feed
cover which
transfers power from the rotating conductor 60, and functions as a plug to
power the track
conductors 84, 85 within the tracks 70, 72. Additionally, the exemplary
rotating conductor
60 is further shown and described in co-pending U.S. non-provisional patent
application
14/278,036, titled "Rotatable Awning with Illumination", filed May 15, 2014 by
Taylor.
[0072] With reference now to FIG. 4, an isometric view of a power-in feed
cover 63 is
shown. For purpose of orientation, the depicted side of the cover 63 faces the
interior of the
roller tube 50 (FIG. 3) and groove 52 (FIG. 3) and is positioned within the
groove 52 of the
awning roller tube 50. The cover 63 is positioned at an end of the groove 52
adjacent to
roller cap 49, for example, on one side and the tracks 70, 72 (FIG. 3) on the
other side, in an
16
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-10-18
axial direction. The cover 63 includes a housing 64 which may be formed of
various
materials which are molded, cast or otherwise formed of non-conductive
materials.
Extending from the housing 64 is first and second cover conductors 65, 66. The
conductors
65, 66 define portions of a circuit which provides electrical communication
between the
rotating conductor 60 and the tracks 70, 72 having conductors 84, 85 (FIG. 5A)
therein.
Thus, the cover 63 functions to provide a power-in feed to the tracks 70, 72.
Also, located on
the housing 64 is a third cover conductor 67 (see also FIG. 5A) which provides
a sensor for
detecting the presence of accessories. The conductor 67 comes in contact with
third
conductor strip 89 (Fig 5A). When conductor 67 comes in contact with strip 89
it completes a
circuit to ground. This grounding action communicates to an awning controller
or other
circuit for purpose of decision making chart 200 (FIG. 11) that an accessory
32 is installed in
the power groove 52. If an accessory in not present, then the ground circuit
is open and the
awning is allowed to roll up. If the ground circuit is closed, the awning is
not allowed to roll
up. Thus, the system functions as a safety device. The conductors 65, 66, 67
may be formed
of various materials including, but not limited to, copper, brass or other
electrically
conductive material types.
[0073] Referring now to FIG. 5, a section view of the power track awning
assembly 30 is
depicted. In this view, the roller tube 50 is shown. Additionally, a plurality
of axial grooves
55 are shown in the tube 50 for connection of the canopy 22 (FIG. 1) to the
roller tube 50.
The tube 50 includes the power groove 52 formed integrally with the tube 50.
The tube 50
may be extruded of various materials including, but not limited to, aluminum
which has
lightweight but high strength characteristics.
[0074] With additional reference to FIG. 5A, within the power groove 52 are
the first and
second tracks 70, 72. The tracks 70, 72 are retained in position by a
plurality of locating ribs
74, 76. The ribs 74, 76 locate the tracks in desired positions within the
groove 52 and inhibit
undesirable movement. Specifically, the first track 70 is retained by at least
one first locating
rib 74. In the exemplary embodiment, there are two ribs 74, 75 which locate
the first track 70
in a desired position within the groove 52. Similarly, with regard to the
second track 72, at
17
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
least one retaining rib 76 is utilized to locate the track 72. In the
exemplary embodiment, the
track 72 is positioned with two retaining ribs 76, 77.
[0075] With reference still to the detailed section view of FIG. 5A, of the
roller tube
assembly 30, accessory base 54 is disposed within the groove 52. The accessory
base 54
includes a power head 95 which extends into the groove 52. The power head 95
includes a
pair of contacts 93, 94 which also engage conductors 84, 85 in the tracks 70,
72 to complete a
circuit and any of the exemplary power accessories 32, 34, 36 which are
mounted to the
accessory base 54.
[0076] Also shown in this view is a conductor or electrical strip 89. As
with the tracks,
70, 72, the electrical strip 89 is located with a rib 75a, adjacent to rib 75.
The electrical strip
89 is engaged by a third contact 96 extending from power head 95, as well as
third cover
conductor 67 and provides a safety feature. According to some embodiments, the
third
contact 96 may be a spring contact while according to other embodiments, the
contact 96 may
be a solid contact. Since the canopy 22 (FIG. 1) wraps about the roller tube
50 when the
awning assembly 20 is stowed, the accessory base 54, including any accessory,
should be
removed from the power groove 52 before the canopy 22 is wrapped. The
electrical strip 89
and third contact 96 inhibit operation of the awning motor when the accessory
base 54 is
disposed in the groove 52. As a result, the awning assembly 20 cannot be
stowed when an
accessory is located in the power groove 52, inhibiting damage to the awning
assembly 20 or
the accessory.
[0077] Referring now to FIG. 6, the first and second tracks 70, 72 are
depicted removed
from the power groove 52. Each track 70, 72 has an extrusion body 71, 73 which
is generally
U-shaped. Extending from near one end of the U-shaped extrusion bodies 71, 73
are ribs 78,
79 and 81, 82. The extrusion bodies 71, 73 further comprise arms 80 which,
when viewed in
FIG. 5A, limit vertical movement by engaging the ribs 74, 76. Each of the
extrusion bodies
71, 73 further defines a cavity 83 wherein conductors 84, 85 are located. The
conductors 84,
85 provide power to the accessory base 54 (FIG. 5A) when the base is moved to
a preselected
position. The extrusion bodies 71, 73 further comprise a plurality of
laterally extending ribs
86, 87 which space the tracks 70, 72 from the walls of the power groove 52.
18
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
[0078] One skilled in the art should be aware that while two tracks 70, 72
are shown, the
instant embodiment should not be limited. For example, a single track
structure may be
formed which houses and separates both conductors 84, 85 and therefore such
embodiment is
also considered within the scope of the instant disclosure. Further the at
least one track, or
two tracks 70, 72, may be formed in a plurality of manners. In one embodiment,
the
extrusion bodies 71, 73 may be coextruded with a metal defining the conductors
84, 85. The
conductors 84, 85 may be formed of copper, brass or other conductors according
to the non-
limiting description. The extrusion bodies 71, 73 are generally non-conductive
so as to
insulate the conductors 84, 85 from touching other components of the groove 52
or any part
of the roller tube 50. For example, the extrusion bodies 71, 73 may be formed
of polymerics
or plastimerics including but not limited to vinyl, polyethylene, HDPE, LDPE
and like
materials. It is desirable that these materials be non-conductive. According
to a second
embodiment, the conductors 84, 85 may be pre-formed and added to the extrusion
bodies 71,
73 when the bodies are formed, such as by extrusion, molding, casting or other
forming
process. According to a third embodiment, the conductors 84, 85 may be joined
in manual or
automated fashion after the extrusion bodies 71, 73 are formed independently.
[0079] As with the description of the power groove 52, the tracks 70, 72
may be formed of
various lengths. The length may depend upon the length of the groove 52 and
may extend for
the entire length of the roller tube 50 or may extend some length less than
the length of the
roller tube 50. Additionally, more than one groove 52 may be formed in the
tube 50 and
therefore, more than one pair of tracks 70, 72 may be formed to be positioned
in the tube 50.
[0080] Referring now to FIG. 7 an isometric view of an accessory base 54
is depicted.
The base 54 comprises a flange 90 including at least one aperture 92 for
connection of the
accessory base 54 to an accessory, such as the accessories 32, 34, 36
previously depicted in
FIG. 1. The base 54 may be formed to be interchangeable with various
accessories. The
flange 90 is shown as a square shape with two apertures 92. However, the
flange 90 may be
formed of various shapes corresponding to the shapes utilized for the
corresponding shapes of
the accessories and therefore, this depicted embodiment is not limiting.
Extending through a
lower surface of the flange 90 are first and second contacts 93, 94 which
extend into a power
19
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
head 95 and turn so as to extend outwardly from the power head 95. The power
head 95 has
a first dimension di and a second dimension d2. The first dimension di is less
than an
opening dimension in the power groove 52 so that the head may be inserted into
the groove
52. The second dimension d2 extends between the first and second contacts 93,
94 and is
greater than di. The second dimension d2 is greater than the opening dimension
of the power
groove 52 so that when rotated, the power head 95 and accessory base 54 are
locked into
position within the power groove 52. Further, when the rotation of the power
head 95 and
accessory base 54 occurs, the first and second contacts 93, 94 engage the
conductors 84, 85
of the tracks 70, 72. Thus, with reference again to FIGS. 5-7, one skilled in
the art will
understand that the various ribs 74, 75, 75a, 76, 77 of the power groove 52
and the extrusions
71, 73 provide a locating functionality for the tracks 70, 72 and more
importantly, the
conductors 84, 85 so that the contacts 93, 94 may be reliably installed into
the power grooves
52 and engage the conductors 84, 85. Extending from the power head 95 is a
third contact
96. The third contact 96 engages an electrical strip 89 (FIG. 5A) extending
through the
power groove 52. When the contact 96 engages the electrical strip 89, a
circuit is defined
such that the motor of the awning assembly 20 cannot rotate the awning roller
tube 50. Thus,
any accessory that is installed, for example accessory 32, should not be
damaged due to
inadvertent starting of the awning roller 50. However, when the accessory base
54, and
necessarily accessory connected to the base 54, is removed and the third
contact 96
disengages the electrical strip 89 (FIG. 5A), the awning assembly 20 may be
rotated from the
extended position shown in FIG. 1 to a closed and stowed position without risk
of damaging
any accessories.
[0081] Referring now to FIG. 8, an exploded isometric view of the accessory
base 54 is
depicted. The flange 90 is exploded from the first and second contacts 93, 94.
It should be
clear to one skilled in the art that the contacts 93, 94 extend through the
flange structure 90
and depend outwardly so as to pass from the flange 90 and out from the power
head 95. The
power head 95 is also shown to be formed of two pieces 95a, 95b which are
fastened together
and allow for ease of assembly of the right angle contacts 93, 94.
Additionally, the third
contact 96 is shown which extends from a hole in the power head cover 95b so
that the spring
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
contact 96 may engage the electrical strip 89 (FIG. 5A) within the power
groove 52 (FIG.
5A) and complete the safety portion of the circuit previously described.
[0082] Referring now to FIG. 9, a side isometric view of an alternate
cassette awning
assembly 120 is depicted. One skilled in the art will understand that cassette
awnings differ
from that of the previous embodiments wherein the roller about which a canopy
122 wraps is
located at a fixed end of the roller assembly 130, for example against a wall
of a stationary
structure such as a house or commercial building or alternatively, a side wall
of the RV 10
(FIG. 1). The roller assembly 130 is generally fixed in the instant embodiment
and at an
opposite end is defined by an extending bar 131 which moves toward or away
from the fixed
rotating awning assembly 130. Between the bar 131 and the roller assembly 130,
is a
hardware assembly 128 which comprises pairs of first and second foldable arms
124, 126.
These arms 124, 126, defining the hardware assembly 128, provide support for
the awning or
canopy 122 extending from the roller assembly 130 to the bar 131. This is a
general
description of a cassette awning and other constructions may differ, and
therefore this should
be considered a non-limiting description of merely one embodiment which may be
utilized in
combination with an extrusion 151.
[0083] With further reference now to the detail view of FIG. 9A, the
extrusion body 151 is
formed of an arm which may be tapered or angled relative to the bar 131 or may
depend
vertically, downwardly from the bar 131. According to other embodiments, the
extrusion 151
may be formed to extend outwardly and generally parallel or at a slight
descending angle
relative to the ground. The extrusion 151 may have a plurality of retaining
channels 157 for
either retaining portions of the awning 122 or other accessory products which
may be
desirably used with the cassette awning 120. Toward a lower end of the
extrusion 151 is a
power groove 152 which comprises an opening as in the previous embodiment for
retaining
at least one track having at least first and second conductors 184, 185.
According to instant
embodiments, two tracks 170, 172 are shown wherein the power groove 152
further
comprises ribs 174, 175 and 176, 177 to retain the tracks 170, 172 in position
and properly
locate the tracks 170, 172 therein.
21
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
[0084] The tracks 170, 172 comprise bodies as previously described with
ribs which also
aid to locate the tracks 170, 172 within the power groove 152. The tracks 170,
172 further
comprise conductors 184, 185 which are engaged by an accessory base as with
the previous
embodiment. Thus, the extrusion 151 provides a system for providing power
through the
awning assembly 120 and to the power groove 152 such that powered accessories
may be
utilized when the awning 120 is in an extended position.
[0085] As with the previous embodiment, it would be desirable to route
wiring which
extends between the extrusion 151 and the RV 10 (FIG. 1) or fixed structure
through the
hardware assembly 128. Accordingly, wiring may run through the arms 124, 126
to the bar
131 wherein the wiring may be routed from the bar 131 to the power groove 152
and through
a power head (not shown) to an accessory.
[0086] Referring now to FIG. 11, a control logic flow chart 200 for use of
the power track
awning is depicted. The use of the awning by itself is controlled in part by
an awning switch
210 which is in electrical communication with a controller, circuit or other
arrangement
which allows for input and output based on preselected criteria to determine
whether or not to
supply power to the power track for powering an accessory 32. The awning
switch 210,
according to one embodiment, may be a three position switch, for example with
a neutral
center position and first and second temporary positions meaning the switch
must be held to
either extend or retract the awning. The awning may also be retracted with the
switch 210.
When the switch 210 is disposed in a manner to retract 212 the awning, the
awning motor
214 is powered to retract the awning at 215. When the awning is retracted, the
power groove
52 is disabled. That is, the tracks 70, 72 are not powered.
[0087] Alternatively, if the awning switch 210 is moved to a position so as
to extend the
awning, the awning motor 214 rotates and causes the awning to extend 216. As
the awning
extends, the system 200 is continually determining whether the awning is fully
retracted. A
determination is made as to whether the motor amperage exceeds a preselected
level. When
the amperage exceeds the preselected amount, this represents a condition
wherein the awning
is fully extended causing the motor 214 amperage to rise above a desirable
range. If the
answer is no, the motor 214 continues to extend the awning. If the amperage
exceeds the
22
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
preselected amount 218, the motor 214 backs the roller up some amount or
reverses from
some preselected time period at 220. At this time, power is supplied to the
track of the
groove 52 at 226.
[0088] Once the awning is extended, the power track may be enabled for
operation. This
means that power is provided to the power groove 52 and may be controlled by a
second
switch 230. The second switch 230 controls power to the accessory 232. In one
position, the
power switch 220 may provide power to the accessory at 232. In a second
position, power is
not provided to the accessory at 234 but instead is available once the power
switch 220 is
actuated.
[0089] Referring now to Fig. 12, an alternate embodiment of a power track
awning
assembly 30 is provided. Similar to the previous embodiment, the awning
assembly 20 is
connected to a side wall 12 of a recreational vehicle (RV) 10. The side wall
12 is connected
to a vehicle roof 14 so that the awning assemblies may be extended, as shown
in the figure, or
retracted. In this embodiment, the hardware assembly 328 utilizes a power
groove in order
to power various accessory devices as distinguished from the roller tube
having the power
groove in the previous embodiments. The power groove of the instant embodiment
may be
located along various components of the hardware assembly.
[0090] The awning assembly 20 includes an awning or canopy 22 and first
and second
hardware assemblies 328 which connects the awning assembly 20 to the side wall
12 of
vehicle 10. The hardware assembly 328 supports the canopy 22 in the extended
position
(shown) and collapses to a compact, nested stack arrangement when the awning
assembly 20
is retracted for road travel or when weather conditions preclude extended use
of the awning
assembly 20. In the retracted position, the hardware assemblies 328 are
generally positioned
in a vertical arrangement at lateral edges of the canopy 22 and along sidewall
12 of the RV
10. In the extended position depicted, portions of the hardware assemblies 328
extend
outwardly from the RV sidewall 12.
[0091] The hardware assembly 328 also provides a path for wiring from a
power source
within the RV 10 to power the awning roller tube or to power an accessory
which may be
23
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
utilized with the awning assembly 20, as depicted in FIG. 10 for routing power
to the power
groove 352 (FIG. 14).
[0092] The hardware assembly 328 includes a plurality of arms wherein at
least one of the
arms includes the power groove 352 (FIG. 14). The hardware assemblies 328 form
a four bar
linkage comprising a first base arm 324, a second top arm 326, a third
extending arm 327 and
a fourth arm assembly 331 which may allow for pitch adjustment. While the
present
embodiment is depicted, one skilled in the art will realize that the power
groove 352 may be
utilized with other types of awning hardware and therefore, the instant
embodiment is merely
descriptive and not to be considered limiting.
[0093] The first base arm 324 is connected to the RV sidewall 12 and is
channel-shaped
having an open top which is capable of receiving a nested storage of the
additional arms
described in the following description of the hardware assembly. The first
base arm 324 may
be of a length so as to receive the additional arms in a compact nested
arrangement so that
those additional linkage arms do not extend from the bottom end of the first
base arm 324.
The channel shape is generally u-shaped and may have squared corners or
rounded corners.
Other shapes however may be utilized.
[0094] The first base arm 324 is straight and elongated and may be formed
in various
manners, including but not limited to an extrusion process. The first base arm
324 may be
formed of a high strength lightweight material such as aluminum or aluminum
alloy, among
other materials. The channel shape comprises a main wall, a first side wall,
and a second side
wall defining the channel. The channel opening is outwardly facing so that the
channel may
receive the additional assembly arms when the awning assembly 20 is retracted.
[0095] The hardware assembly 328 further comprises a second top arm 326
which is
pivotally connected to the first base arm 324 and extends at a second end to a
third extended
arm 327. The top arm 326 may also be formed of a high strength lightweight
material such
as aluminum alloy and may be formed in various fashions including, but not
limited to, an
extrusion process. Extending outwardly from the first base arm 324 is the
adjustable arm
assembly 331 which may allow adjustment of awning pitch, and the third
extended arm 327.
24
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
The third extended arm 327 may also be formed in various shapes including, but
not limited
to, a channel shape and provides for connection of various accessories such as
the fan
accessory 34 or a light accessory 32. Other audio or audio video accessories
may be utilized
in addition to the accessories depicted where such accessories may or may not
need electrical
communication for powering the device.
[0096] The adjustable arm assembly 331 extends from the base arm 324 and
provides the
capability to raise or lower corners of the awning assembly 20 disposed away
from the RV
sidewall 12. This adjustment of the comers allows independent raising or
lowering of either
end of the roller tube 50. Each adjustable arm assembly 331 includes a first
member 333 and
a second member 335 which slide relative to one another. Therefore, each
adjustable arm
assembly 331 may be adjusted to move and may be adjusted between an extended
position
and a collapsed position. Although the depicted embodiment provides for manual
adjustment, it is contemplated that other mechanisms may be provided to
provide automated
adjustment. A lock or clamp may be provided to limit relative motion between
the members
333, 335 when the adjustable arm assembly 331 is set at a desired
configuration. The locked
or secure position may be engaged, for example when extended, collapsed, or
any position
therebetween. Additionally, the unlocked position allows for manual adjustment
to a desired
configuration, at which time the lock may be engaged. The lock may be embodied
by a lock
knob, clamp, fastener-nut, latch, other movement limiting structure or
combinations thereof
While an adjustment arm assembly 331 is described which is shown to have pitch
adjustment
capability for the awning roller tube, one of ordinary skill in the art may
recognize that
various other adjustable functions may be provided by adjustable arm assembly.
Therefore,
the adjustment arm assembly 331 should not be considered solely limited to
pitch adjustment.
[0097] The hardware assembly 328 may further comprise a strut 329 which
extends
between the first base arm 324 and a second top arm 326. The strut 329
supports the second
top arm 326 when the awning is in an extended or deployed position. The strut
329 further
provides damping force for example, in windy conditions or during heavy rains.
The strut
329 may be a gas strut, fluid strut or other suitable structure wherein the
inner end of the stmt
329 is connected to the base arm 324 and the outer end connects to the second
top arm 326.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
The strut 329 may be provided with pivoting joints, such as pivotable ball end
joints, or other
connectors so that the strut 329 pivots and may be received within the base
arm 324 when the
awning assembly 20 is retracted. The joints or ends of the strut 329 may
connect to a
mounting bracket or other similar structure which is connected to the base arm
324 by
various types of fasteners including, but not limited to, rivets or screws.
[0098] The strut 329 applies a force on the assembly 20 to provide an
opposed force to
any force which may be applied by water collecting on the canopy 22 or
alternatively wind
blowing against the canopy 22. For example, the strut 329 may also allow a
corner of the
awning assembly 320 to lower if the adjustable arm assembly 331 is unlocked or
unsecured.
Alternatively, when the loading of the water or wind is gone, the strut 329
allows the awning
assembly 20 to return the lowered corner into the desired position.
[0099] Referring now to FIG. 13, an isometric detail view of the hardware
328 is depicted.
The hardware assembly 328 is shown in more detail to aid in understanding.
While one
specific embodiment is shown for purpose of description, one skilled in the
art should realize
that the specific hardware assembly shown is not limiting and that other
assemblies may be
utilized with a power groove 352 (FIG. 14) described further herein.
[00100] The hardware assembly 328 includes the base arm 324 which connects the
assembly 328 to a building or the RV sidewall 12 (FIG. 12). Further, the base
arm 324 is
shaped in a channel form to receive other components of the hardware assembly
328. At the
upper end of the base arm 324 is the pivotally connected second top arm 326.
The second top
arm 326 pivots between the extended position shown corresponding to an
extending awning
canopy 22 and a retracted position wherein the top arm 326 is located within
the base arm
324 and the canopy 22 is retracted.
[00101] Extending from a lower portion of the base arm 324 is the arm assembly
331
including a first member 333 and a second member 335. The end of the second
member 335
farthest from the base arm 324 is connected to a third extended arm 327. In
the instant
embodiment, the third extended arm 327 includes the power groove 352 (FIG. 14)
wherein
the accessories 32, 34, 36 (FIG. 1) may be positioned. The third arm 327 is
also channel
26
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
shaped so that an open upper end of the arm 327 pivots toward the base arm 324
as the
awning assembly 20 is retracted. As this occurs, the top arm 326 is hidden
between the third
arm 327 and the base arm 324.
[00102] The first and second members 333, 335 are slidable in an axial
direction of the
members relative to one another. When the arm assembly 331 is extended, the
position of the
end of the power track awning assembly 30 may be varied relative to the
opposite end (not
shown) of the power track awning assembly 30. Similarly, the members 333, 335
may be
retracted to vary the pitch of the power track awning assembly 30 and the
canopy 22. This
functionality may also be provided at the opposite hardware assembly 328 so
that the pitch of
the canopy 22 may be changed to allow for drainage, for example, or allow of
uneven
deployment or retraction of the awning assembly 20. Once a desired position is
achieved, in
the extended configuration, the arm assembly 331 may be locked in various
manners, for
example a knob-lock assembly or other fastening structure.
[00103] Referring now to Fig. 14, an isometric view of the third extended arm
327 is
depicted. A power groove 352 is shown formed with the extended arm 327 in the
instant
embodiment, as opposed to within the roller tube as in previous embodiments.
The extended
arm 327 includes a first end 351 and a second end 353. The cross-sectional
shape of the arm
327 is channel-shaped having an open top 355 and side walls 356, 357 which
meet at a base
359. One skilled in the art should realize that the power groove 352 may be
formed on
various of the arms 324, 326, 327, 331. The description of extended arms 327
is merely
exemplary and should not be considered limiting.
[00104] Extending along the bottom surface of the base 359 is the power groove
352. The
power groove 352 extends along the longitudinal length of the extended arm 327
between the
first and second ends 351, 353. The power groove 352 is depicted as extending
the entire
length between the first and second ends 351, 353 but in alternative
embodiments, may
extend a partial length or in still further embodiments, may extend the entire
length of the
extended arm 327 but be formed in a discontinuous manner so that multiple
power grooves
352 are located along the arm 327. Additionally, while the power groove 352 is
shown on
the third extended arm 327, the groove 352 may also be located on other
components of the
27
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
hardware assembly 328 or alternatively, may be located on other forms of
awning assemblies
for example the cassette style of FIGS 9, 9A. For example, the power groove
may be added
to arms 124, 126.
[00105] Referring now to Fig. 15, an end view of the extended arm 327 is
depicted. The
arm 327 comprises the first side wall 356 and second side wall 357 as well as
the base 359, as
previously described. The base 359 may be curved as depicted, or may be a
substantially flat
structure, according to other embodiments. The first and second side walls
356, 357 may
have a flat or curved surface and may also be stepped as shown.
[00106] Additionally, the power groove 352 is shown depending from the lower
surface of
the base 359. The power groove 352 is comprised of a first L-shaped wall 354
and a second
reverse L-shaped wall 358 providing a gap between lower most ends of the walls
351, 353
wherein a hand accessory base may be positioned.
[00107] As with the previous embodiment, the power groove 352 includes a
plurality of
locating ribs 374, 375, 376, 377. These locating ribs are utilized to locate
and retain the first
and second tracks 70, 72 (Figs. 6, 16) which may be positioned within the
power groove 352.
The tracks 70, 72 may be formed as separate tracks or may alternatively be
formed as a single
track having multiple conductors as previously described. The additional
locating rib 375a
may be used to locate an electrical conductor strip 89 (FIG. 5A) in the same
manner as
previously described.
[00108] Referring now to FIG. 16, the section view of FIG. 15 is shown with
the tracks 70,
72. The tracks 70, 72 are inserted in the power groove 352 at lateral sides
and adjacent to the
inner surfaces of the sidewalls 354, 358. As with the previous embodiments,
the tracks 70,
72 have a plurality of locating ribs which interact with the walls 354, 358
and the locating
ribs 374, 375. 376, 377 of the power groove 352.
[00109] Referring now to FIG. 17, an additional section view is depicted of
the power
groove 352 and the extended arm 327. An accessory base 54 is shown disposed
within the
power groove 352. As in the previous embodiment, the base 54 fits within the
power groove
28
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
352 in one orientation and when rotated, for example 90 degrees, the base 54
is precluded
from removal. In the depicted arrangement, the base 54 is rotated so as to
engage the
conductors within the tracks 70. 72 (FIG. 16). The base 54 may be used to
power various
accessories depicted.
[00110] Referring now to FIG. 18, a perspective view of a track housing 402
and accessory
base 454 is depicted. The accessory base 454, or alternate embodiments, may be
used with
various components including, but not limited to, the awning roller tube, the
hardware
assembly or the track housing 402, which may be mounted on a wall or ceiling
within an RV
or other fixed or mobile structure. The accessory base 454 may be moved
through the track
housing 402 to a desired location and to provide power to an accessory 32, 34,
36 which may
include a fan, light, audio/video equipment such as a TV, monitor, smart
tablet and/or
speaker. The accessory base 454 provides a structure and path for low voltage
power passing
through the track housing 402 for powering the accessory 32, 34, 36. The track
housing 402
includes a power groove 452 which is defined by one or more openings 453
extending
longitudinally between the ends of the track housing 402. An indicating
feature 405 may also
extend longitudinally along the track housing 402. The indicating feature 405
provides a
feature which indicates to an installer which edge or side of the track
housing 402 should be
up and which edge or side should be down. In some embodiments, the indicating
feature 405
may be a groove or alternatively a rib. Still further, in some embodiments,
the indicating
feature 405 may also be engaged by the accessory base 454.
[00111] The track housing 402 of the instant embodiment is shown as a linear
structure
with first and second longitudinal ends. However, the structure is not limited
to linear
segments, as the structure may be curved or formed of a plurality of linear
segments, plurality
of curved segments or a combination thereof The track housing 402 includes end
caps 448,
449 which close the track housing 402 ends and prevent removal of the
accessory base 454
from the longitudinal ends of the track housing 402.
[00112] Additionally, the accessory base 454 can be rotated within the track
housing 402.
The position which is depicted locks the accessory base 454 in a specific
position relative to
the track housing 402. However, by rotating the accessory base 454 about 90
degrees, the
29
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
accessory base 454 may be removed from the track housing 402, as will be
discussed later.
This rotation for engagement or disengagement from a power groove, is similar
to previously
described embodiments used to engage or disengage conductors 84, 85.
[00113] Referring now to FIG. 19, a rear exploded perspective view of the
accessory base
454 and track housing 402 is depicted. In this view, the end caps 448, 449 are
exploded from
the longitudinal ends of the track housing 402. These structures may be
fastened or otherwise
connected by detents or other retaining structure to the track housing 402 at
longitudinal ends
thereof The power-in feed cover 463 is positioned at the end of the track
housing 402 or in
the alternative, may be utilized with an awning roller tube as described
within the previous
embodiments. The power-in feed cover 463 includes conductors 465, 466 which
may be in
the form of blades providing a circuit with conductors located within the
track housing 402.
The power-in feed cover 463 receives low voltage power through at least one
conductor or
power wire 441. The power passes through the power-in feed cover 463 and the
conductors
or blades 465, 466 to the conductors 484, 485 (FIG. 24) within the track
housing 402. The
power-in feed cover 463 may be shaped to engage and/or fit between or around
locating ribs
located within the track housing 402 so that the power-in feed cover 463 is
located properly
within the track and seated for tightening with fasteners or other fastening
structures.
[00114] Referring now to FIG. 20, an end view of the accessory base 454 is
shown
positioned in the track housing 402. The conductor power wire 441 is depicted
extending
from the track housing 402, and specifically the power-in feed cover 463 which
is not visible
in this view. The accessory base 454 is defined by a flange 490 having a body
491 and
optionally, a conduit housing 445. In the previous embodiment, contacts are
extended
through the flange 90 to provide power. However, if wire conductors are
preferable to
engage an accessory, a conduit housing 445 may be desirable for use with the
body 491 to
allow passage of wires between the contacts within the body 491 and the
powered accessory.
The body 491 is formed of a first, outer flange body 496 and a second, inner
flange body 492.
According to some embodiments, the inner flange body 492 is fixed relative to
the outer
flange body 496 so that the outer flange body 496 can move along the outer
surface of the
inner flange body 492. However, in alternative embodiments, it is possible
that an inner
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
flange body 492 may be moveable relative to the outer flange body 496. The
movement of
the outer flange body 496 provides a way for the flange 490 to engage the
track housing 402.
[00115] The outer flange body 496 also includes a grip 497. The grip 497 of
the instant
embodiment is formed of a plurality of curves or scallops 498, disposed
between
protuberances 489, such that the scallops 498 provide locations wherein user
fingers may be
positioned to apply torque and rotate the flange 490 during removal.
Alternatively, during
insertion, a user may grasp the inner flange body 492 and insert the power
head 495 (FIG. 21)
into the opening 453 (FIG. 18), and may or may not utilize the grip 497.
[00116] Additionally, the grip 497 creates a shoulder 499 so that the outer
flange body 496
may be moved, relative to the inner flange body 492, away from the track
housing 402.
[00117] As will be described later, the outer flange body 496 is biased in a
direction toward
the track housing 402 so that when force is removed from the shoulder 499, the
natural
position of the outer flange body 496 is toward or engaging the track housing
402.
[00118] The flange 490 includes a first side which is toward the body 491 and
track
housing 402 at an interface between the body 491 and track housing 402. The
flange 490
also includes a second side which is spaced away from the track housing 402
and located at
an end surface of the conduit housing 445. Alternatively, the second side may
be located at
the end of the body 491 if the optional conduit housing 445 is not utilized.
The accessory
base 454 receives low voltage power from the track housing 402 and electrical
components at
the first side 444 (FIG. 21) of the flange 490 and transmits the low voltage
power to the
second side 446 (FIG. 21) which may be the downwardly facing surface of the
conduit
housing 445.
[00119] Referring now to FIG. 21, a perspective view of the accessory base 454
is shown.
The accessory base 454 is shown in an orientation wherein the structure would
be mounted to
the track housing 402 on a wall or in a power groove of an awning roller tube.
At the left
hand side of the figure, is the conduit housing 445. The conduit housing 445
is connected to
the body 491 of the flange 490. According to some embodiments, the conduit
housing 445
31
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
may be formed as an elbow which provides a mounting surface at second side 446
which is
turned 90 degrees from a first side 444 of the body 491 that engages the track
housing 402 or
an awning roller tube surface. The conduit housing 445 may alternatively be
formed in a
manner so that the conductor wire may pass straight through rather than
turning 90 degrees as
depicted in the instant embodiment. In such embodiment, the first side 444 and
second side
446 would be parallel or optionally may be at some angle other than 90 degrees
depending on
the needed orientation of the accessory. The conduit housing 445 is shown
including three
fasteners which clamp together two halves that define the conduit housing 445.
The first and
second housing halves 447, 450 include a lip 451 at the second side 446. This
provides a
mounting position for brackets or other structures which may be connected to
the conduit
housing 445 and need power. The two halves 447, 450 of the conduit housing 445
are
formed with a hollow opening or path 488 for the conductor wire to pass from
the body 491
through the conduit housing 445 to an accessory utilizing low voltage power.
[00120] The inner flange body 492 is positioned adjacent to the conduit
housing 445. At
the end of the inner flange body 492 closest to the conduit housing 445, there
is a molded
indicator 489. The indicator 489 is molded in the form of an arrow or a point
to indicate to a
user the correct direction of orientation of the accessory base 454 when
mounted in a track
housing 402 or in an awning roller tube. Various shapes may be utilized to
represent the
indicator 489 with the goal being to notify the user of the correct position
and orientation of
the accessory base 454. The indicator 489 is desirable because of the polarity
of the power
and that according to some embodiments a contact 493 is longer than 494. The
contacts 493,
494 must be oriented correctly for proper polarity and operation.
[00121] Moving to the right of the indicator 489, the inner flange body 492
extends
horizontally in the orientation depicted. Each of the four walls extend into
the outer flange
body 496. The inner flange body 492 and outer flange body 496 have
corresponding shapes
that allow the inner flange body 492 to fit within the outer flange body 496.
The outer flange
body 496 and inner flange body 492 are generally square shaped in cross
section. However,
this is an exemplary embodiment and alternative shapes may be used so that one
of the flange
bodies 496, 492 may move relative to the other. This construction allows for
the outer flange
32
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
body 496 to slide along the inner flange body 492. The outer flange body 496
may move
from the position depicted horizontally, toward the left in the depicted
orientation, toward the
indicator 489. When the grip structure 497 engages the indicator 489, the
outer flange body
496 is stopped from further motion. Alternatively, internal stops or other
structures may be
utilized to limit the movement of the outer flange body 496.
[00122] At the right hand end of the outer flange body 496 is at least one tab
487. The tab
487 extends beyond the edge of the outer flange body 496 closest to a power
head 495. In
some embodiments, when the power head 495 is disposed in the awning roller
tube, the
hardware assembly or the track housing 402, the tab 487 may extend into the
opening 453
(FIG. 18) of the power groove 452 (FIG. 18). This inhibits rotation of the
accessory base 454
relative to the track, awning or hardware. In some other embodiments, the tab
487 may be
positioned to engage a groove, for example the indicating feature 405 (FIG.
18) in the track
housing 402, so that the accessory base 454 has positive engagement with track
housing 402
and also cannot move or twist once the tab 487 engages the indicating feature
405. In
alternate embodiments, the structure may be reversed so that a tab or rib
extends from the
track housing 402, awning roller tube or hardware assembly and a groove or
other female
engagement part may be formed on the body 491 to resist twisting or movement
of the
accessory base 454 once positioned positively in the track housing 402.
[00123] Also shown in the depicted view, at the right hand end of the
accessory base 454 is
the power head 495 having the first and second contacts 493, 494. As in the
previous
embodiment, the contacts 493, 494 are generally L-shaped. Further, the power
head 495 is
uncentered and therefore one of the contacts 493 is longer than the other
contact 494 so as to
have the appropriate geometry for engagement with conductors 484, 485 (FIG.
24) within the
track housing 402.
[00124] Referring now to FIGS. 22 and 23, the function of the grip 497 and
shoulder 499
may be depicted to describe the function. With reference first to FIG. 22, the
track housing
402 is shown adjacent to the accessory base 454. The outer flange body 496 is
engaging the
track housing 402 due to the outer flange body 496 being biased toward the
track housing
402. The grip 497 extends from the outer flange body 496 defining the shoulder
499. In
33
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
order to disengage the accessory base 454 from the track housing 402, the
outer flange body
496 is pulled away by gripping the shoulder 499 from the track housing 402 as
shown by the
large arrow in FIG. 23. According to some instant embodiments, this movement
is against a
biasing force internal to the body 491. As shown in FIG. 23, with the outer
flange body 496
moved, the tabs 487 are shown adjacent to the surface of the track housing
402. Once the
outer flange body 496 is moved to the position shown in FIG. 23, the grip 497
may be
utilized to rotate the accessory base 454 about a horizontal axis extending
through the inner
and outer flange bodies 492, 496 and through the track housing 402. As
described
previously, once rotated, the accessory base 454 may be removed from the track
housing 402.
[00125] Referring now to FIG. 24, a section perspective view of the accessory
base 454 is
shown where the accessory base is removed from the track housing 402. As shown
in the
depicted embodiment, the accessory base 454 is sectioned revealing the
interior of the
assembly. The body 491 is shown formed with the inner flange body 492
extending into the
outer flange body 496. The power head 495 is shown extending into the outer
flange body
496 and abutting the inner flange body 492. Extending from the power head 495
are the first
and second contacts 493, 494 which engages the track conductors 484, 485. As
shown in the
view, the opening 453 of the power groove 452 is sized such that the dimension
d2 of the
power head 495 is greater than the dimension of the opening 453. However, with
brief
reference to FIG. 7 and 19, the power head 495 has a second dimension di which
is less than
the dimension of opening 453 so that when the accessory base 454 is rotated,
the power head
495 will fit through the opening 453 of the power groove 452 and once
positioned therein,
subsequent rotation of the accessory base 454 and power head 495 causes
engagement of the
contacts 493, 494 with conductors 485, 484, respectively.
[00126] Also depicted in the embodiment are the structures which allow
movement of one
portion of the flange body relative to the other. As previously noted, in some
embodiments
the outer flange body 496 moves relative to the inner flange body 492.
However, alternate
embodiments may be utilized wherein the inner structure moves relative to the
outer or more
generally, that a first structure moves relative to a second structure.
34
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
[00127] Within a cavity of the body 491, a spring 455 is positioned therein.
As previously
described, the outer flange body 496 is biased relative to the inner flange
body 492. In the
depicted embodiment, the structure is biased in the right hand direction so
that the outer
flange body 496 engages the track housing 402. Various biasing structures may
be utilized to
bias one of the flange bodies toward or away from the other. In the instant
embodiment, the
spring 455 is positioned on a mount 457 at one end and seat 459 on the
opposite end. The
mount 457 is molded integrally with the inner flange body 492 and the seat 459
is formed
with the outer flange body 496 and extends through an opening in the inner
flange body 492.
In this construction, one of the flange bodies may move relative to the other
in guided fashion
and also be biased. Due to the section shown only one spring is shown. However
multiple
springs may be used to equalize the force acting within the body 491.
[00128] The power head 495 may be fastened or otherwise connected to the inner
flange
body 492 so that movement of the outer flange body 496 does not affect the
power head 495.
[00129] As depicted additionally in the embodiment, the track housing 402 is
shown in
section view. The track housing 402 includes at least one track 470, 472. The
tracks 470,
472 may be the same as the previous embodiments such that the locating tabs or
ribs 405 may
be used on either or both of the track housing 402 and/or the tracks 470, 472.
Additionally,
located within the tracks are conductors 484, 485.
[00130] Referring now to FIG. 25, a perspective view is depicted of the
accessory base 454
in two orientations. In the upper orientation, the power head 495 is oriented
so that a long
dimension of the power head 495 in the measured d2 direction (FIG. 24) is
positioned to move
into the power groove 452. Once inserted, the accessory base 454 is rotated
some arcuate
distance. In the exemplary embodiment, the rotation is 90 degrees as shown in
the lower
embodiment of the accessory base 454 of FIG. 25. This moves the contacts 493,
494 from
extending horizontally to extending vertically and allows engagement with the
conductors
484, 485 (FIG. 24) of the track housing 402.
[00131] Referring now to FIG. 26, a track housing 402 and accessory base 454
are shown
with an additional accessoiy, for example a speaker 37. A speaker of the
embodiment may
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
be, for example, a Bluetooth speaker requiring power to operate without an
amplifier. The
accessory base 454 is shown connected to a bracket 500. The bracket 500
provides for
rotation of the speaker 37 at the bolted connection about a horizontal axis
502. Additionally,
the structure may be formed to allow for rotation about a vertical axis. With
brief reference
to FIG. 24, the bracket 500 may include a post which engages a swivel point
504 and allows
for rotation about the vertical axis so that the speaker 37 may be adjusted
about two axes to
improve listening enjoyment. Additionally, such bracket structure may be
utilized for a fan,
light or other audio/video needs for accessory embodiments previously
described, and other
such power accessories which may not be described but are included within the
scope of the
present description.
[00132] While several inventive embodiments have been described and
illustrated herein,
those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other
means and/or
structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one
or more of the
advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications
is deemed to
be within the scope of the invent of embodiments described herein. More
generally, those
skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions,
materials, and
configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual
parameters,
dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific
application or
applications for which the inventive teaching(s) is/are used. Those skilled in
the art will
recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation,
many
equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is,
therefore, to be
understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only
and that,
within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive
embodiments may
be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive
embodiments of
the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system,
article, material, kit,
and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more
such features,
systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems,
articles, materials,
kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the
inventive scope of
the present disclosure.
36
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
[00133] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the
specification and in the
claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean
"at least one."
The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification and in the claims,
should be
understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e.,
elements that are
conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.
[00134] Multiple elements listed with "and/or" should be construed in the same
fashion,
i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may
optionally be present
other than the elements specifically identified by the "and/or" clause,
whether related or
unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting
example, a
reference to "A and/or B", when used in conjunction with open-ended language
such as
"comprising" can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including
elements other
than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other
than A); in
yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements);
etc.
[00135] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, "or" should be
understood to
have the same meaning as "and/or" as defined above. For example, when
separating items in
a list, "or" or "and/or" shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the
inclusion of at least
one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and,
optionally,
additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such
as "only one of"
or "exactly one of," or, when used in the claims, "consisting of," will refer
to the inclusion of
exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term "or"
as used herein
shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. "one or
the other but not
both") when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of,"
"only one of," or
"exactly one of" "Consisting essentially of," when used in the claims, shall
have its ordinary
meaning as used in the field of patent law.
[00136] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase "at
least one," in
reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at
least one element
selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not
necessarily
including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within
the list of elements
and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This
definition also
37
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements
specifically identified
within the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether
related or
unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting
example, "at least
one of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B," or, equivalently
"at least one of A
and/or B") can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including
more than one,
A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in
another
embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A
present (and
optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at
least one,
optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including
more than one,
B (and optionally including other elements); etc.
[00137] It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the
contrary, in any
methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of
the steps or acts
of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or
acts of the method
are recited.
[00138] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional
phrases such as
"comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," "involving,"
"holding,"
"composed of," and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to
mean including
but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of' and
"consisting essentially
of' shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.
[00139] The foregoing description of several methods and an embodiment of the
invention
has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise steps and/or forms disclosed, and obviously many
modifications
and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended
that the scope of the
invention and all equivalents be defined by the claims appended hereto.
38
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-08-21
