Abstract:
An awning configured to transform and can be opened, closed, or partially open. The awning attaches to the side of a building or structure and is supported with posts. The awning includes rectangular rafters with a J cross-sectional shape formed at the edge of one of the long sides, rectangular rafters with an L cross-sectional shape formed at the edge of one of the long sides, two ledgers which are each functionally connected to opposing short sides of the rectangular rafters at the face of the ledgers, and means to axially rotate the rafters about the length of the rafters up to 90 degrees.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure is in the technical field of building or structural attachments. More particularly, the present disclosure focuses on an awning configured to transform. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Currently, awnings can to attach to the side of a building or structure and provide shelter. The shelter provided includes shade and protection from elements such as rain, sleet, and snow. Typically the awning is positioned to protect an opening in the building or structure, such as a doorway. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure describes an apparatus which can attach to the side of a structure or stand alone on posts. The apparatus is an awning configured to transform, which can provide a variable amount of shelter. The apparatus comprises: a plurality of rectangular rafters with a J cross-sectional shape formed at the edge of one of the long sides and an L cross-sectional shape formed at the opposing long side edge; two ledgers which are each functionally connected to opposing short sides of the rectangular rafters at the face of the ledgers; and means to axially rotate the rafters about the length of the rafters up to 90 degrees. 
     The plurality of rectangular rafters with a J cross-sectional shape formed at the edge of one of the long sides and an L cross-sectional shape formed at the opposing long side edge comprise: a rectangular side panel with a J cross-sectional shape side formed at the edge of one of the long sides and an L cross-sectional shape side formed at the opposing long side edge; and an axle with a cross-section which matches the J cross-sectional shape, runs axially along the J side of the side panel, and is secured to the side panel at the J side. The rafters are paired so that each rafter forms a mirror opposite to its paired rafter, except for the end rafters. Each pair of rafters empties precipitation into a shared rafter gutter which drains to a ledger gutter. The first end rafter has a slightly greater height than the paired rafters and the opposing end rafter has a slightly lesser height than the paired rafters. 
     In one embodiment, the rafters further comprise bumpers which are attached to the side panels. The bumpers serve to reduce vibration, noise, and rattling. 
     In another embodiment, the rafters further comprise insulation attached to the side panels. 
     In another embodiment, the rafters further comprise an alignment pin in the center of each side panel to prevent side panel bulging. 
     The ledgers comprise: a base with two long sides, two short sides, and two faces; a gutter which runs along the length of the long side of the base; and openings with bushings or bearings which functionally connect to each axle. 
     The functional connection between the rafters and the ledgers comprises an A-strut which is integrated with a gutter. The A-strut gutter accepts drainage from the rafters and sends it to a ledger gutter. 
     In another embodiment, the ledgers further comprise a cap on top of each ledger and a cap at each end of each ledger. The caps provide environmental protection to the ledgers. 
     Means to axially rotate the rafters about the length of the rafters up to 90 degrees comprise: a plurality of connecting rods with a hole to match the cross-sectional shape of the axles, each connecting rod being functionally attached to the end of one axle; a first linkage rod for each ledger which is able to transfer force to the first of each paired rafter via the connecting rods and axles; a second linkage rod for each ledger which is able to transfer force to the second of each paired rafter via the connecting rods and axles; means to exert force upon the first linkage rod; and means to exert force upon the second linkage rod. The means to exert force can be electro-mechanical or mechanical. Electro-mechanical means can be an electric motor or the like. The electric motor can be powered with solar energy, a battery, an AC connection to a house, or the like. Mechanical means can be a hand crank, cable-actuator combination, or the like. 
     One end of the apparatus can be functionally connected to a building or structure. On the end opposing the building or structure, the apparatus is elevated with sticks, rods, poles, posts or the like, which are functionally connected to the bottom of the ledgers. Alternately, the entire apparatus is free-standing and elevated with sticks, rods, poles, posts or the like, which are functionally connected to the bottom of the ledgers. 
     In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a screen functionally attached to the top of the unit. The screen can prevent unwanted leaves, bugs, debris, etc. from affecting the apparatus. 
     In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a wind sensor. The wind sensor could be used to control whether the apparatus is open, closed, or partially open. 
     The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, which are incorporated into this section by reference. A more complete understanding of embodiments on the present disclosure will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as the realization of additional advantages thereof, by consideration of the following detailed description of one or more embodiments. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawings that will first be described briefly. 
     The following detailed description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or the following detailed description of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the apparatus with the rafters open. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the apparatus with the rafters closed. 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the apparatus with the rafters partially open. 
         FIG. 4  shows a top view of the apparatus with the rafters partially open. 
         FIG. 5  shows the apparatus further comprising a screen. 
         FIG. 6  is an A-strut detail with no rafters. 
         FIG. 7  is an A-strut detail with the rafters open. 
         FIG. 8  is a detail of a strut cap connection to a ledger. 
         FIG. 9  is an alignment pin side-view detail. 
         FIG. 10  is an alignment pin perspective view detail. 
         FIG. 11  is a detail of an alignment pin clearance hole for a rafter in an open position. 
         FIG. 12  shows an axle connection detail. 
         FIG. 13  is a J-end rafter detail. 
         FIG. 14  is an L-end rafter detail. 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded view of the apparatus attached to a wall. 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded view of the apparatus on posts. 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-section side-view with the rafters closed. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective cut-out view with the rafters open. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Some awnings are designed to be retractable or removable in order compensate for extreme weather conditions. However, retracting or removing an awning can be time consuming. Furthermore, retracting or removing an awning completely eliminates the ability for the awning to provide shelter while retracted or removed. Hence, a need exists for an apparatus to provide a variable amount of shelter. The amount of variable shelter is determined by the user&#39;s needs for shelter, which may include the need for shade or protection from precipitation. 
     The present disclosure describes an apparatus which fulfills the need for a variable amount of shelter which can be attached to the side of a building or structure. The apparatus is an awning configured to transform and can be opened, closed, or partially open. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the apparatus with the rafters open. The apparatus shown is a transforming awning  100 . Rectangular rafters with a J cross-sectional shape  101  formed at the edge of one of the long sides and an L cross-sectional shape  102  formed at the opposing long side edge are shown in pairs, except for the rafters at the ends. The rafters are functionally connected to ledgers  104 . Attached to the side of the ledgers  104  are means to open or close the rafters including linkages  106 , connecting rods  107 , and electric motors  108 . Also shown is J-rafter housing  1301  and L-rafter housing  1401 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the apparatus with the rafters closed. The elements are the same as cited in  FIG. 1  with the addition of end rafter housing  109  and structural angle  1205 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the apparatus with the rafters partially open. The elements are the same as cited in  FIG. 1  with the addition of structural angle  1205 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a top view of the apparatus with the rafters partially open. The elements are the same as cited in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 5  shows the apparatus further comprising a screen. The apparatus shown is an awning configured to transform  100 . A J-rafter  101  formed at the edge of one of the long sides and an L-rafter  102  formed at the opposing long side edge are shown in pairs, except for the rafters at the ends. The rafters are functionally connected to ledgers  104 . Attached to the side of the ledgers  104  are means to open or close the rafters  105  including linkages  106 , connecting rods  107 , and electric motors  108 . A screen  501  attaches to the top of the awning configured to transform  100 . Posts  502  are shown elevating the awning configured to transform  100 . Also shown is J-rafter housing  1301  and L-rafter housing  1401 . 
       FIG. 6  is an A-strut detail with no rafters. An A-strut  601  is inside a strut cap  602  and extends beyond the strut cap  602 . Also shown is alignment pin clearance hole  1001 . 
       FIG. 7  is an A-strut detail with the rafters open. An A-strut  601  is inside a strut cap  602 . A J-rafter  101  is positioned inside an L-rafter  102 . 
       FIG. 8  is a detail of a strut cap connection to a ledger. A ledger fastener  801  connects the strut cap  602  to a ledger  104 . A fill plate  802  has a bumper strip (not shown) to prevent rattling of the L-rafter  102  shown in the open position. Also shown are axles  1201  and axle bushings  1513 . 
       FIG. 9  is an alignment pin side-view detail. An alignment pin  901  is used to prevent rafters from rattling and in alignment with side of A strut. Also shown are the A-strut  601 , and strut cap  602 . 
       FIG. 10  is an alignment pin perspective view detail. The alignment pin  901  is used to prevent rafters from rattling. Shown below the alignment pin  901  is an alignment pin clearance hole  1001  for clearance of the alignment pin  901  when the apparatus is open. A bumper  1002  is also shown to prevent rattling. Also shown are J-rafter  101 , L-rafter  102 , and A-strut  601 . 
       FIG. 11  is a detail of an alignment pin clearance hole for a rafter in an open position. The alignment pin clearance hole  1001  is located near the bottom of the A-strut  601 . Also shown is strut cap  602 . 
       FIG. 12  shows an axle connection detail. Attached to the side of the ledger  104  is means to open or close the rafters including linkages  106 , connecting rods  107 , and electric motors  108 . Axles  1201  extend through the ledgers  104  and the linkages  106 . An axle fastener  1202  is used at the end of each axle  1201  to fasten the axle to the apparatus. A spacer  1203  offsets each linkage  106  from the ledger  104 . Also shown is a structural angle  1205  for mounting the apparatus on a post. 
       FIG. 13  a J-end rafter detail. A J-rafter  101  is held within a J-rafter housing  1301  when the apparatus is open. A button snap  1305  is used to secure an optional screen (not shown). Also shown is a ledger fastener  801 . 
       FIG. 14  is an L-end rafter detail. An L-rafter  102  is held within an L-rafter housing  1401  when the apparatus is open. A button snap  1305  is used to secure an optional screen (not shown). Also shown is a ledger fastener  801 . 
       FIG. 15  is an exploded view of the apparatus attached to a wall. Shown are a gutter  1516 , downspout  1517 , hole cover  1518 , filler block with bumper strip  1519 , axle washer  1512 , axle bushing  1513 , bumper strip  1515 , axle end cap  1602 , L-rafter  102 , linkage  106 , A-strut  601 , strut cap  602 , ledger fastener  801 , fill plate  802 , axle  1201 , axle fastener  1202 , spacer  1203 , button snap  1305 , ledger  1501 , wall  1502 , wall angle bracket  1503 , wall fastener  1504 , ledger fastener  1505 , flashing  1506 , ledger bottom fastener  1507 , standoff tube  1508 , and ledger bottom cap  1511 . In this embodiment, the ledger  1501  is an L-shaped piece of metal fastened to a wall  1502  at the ledger&#39;s  1501  top and bottom. At the ledger  1501  top, a wall angle bracket  1503 , wall fastener  1504 , and ledger fastener  1505  are used to secure the ledger  1501  to the wall  1502 . Flashing  1506  prevents precipitation from getting between the apparatus and the wall  1502 . At the ledger  1501  bottom, a ledger bottom fastener  1507  and standoff tube  1508  are used to secure the ledger  1501  to the wall  1502 . A button snap  1305  is used to secure an optional screen (not shown). 
       FIG. 16  is an exploded view of the apparatus on posts. Shown are L-rafter  102 , ledger  104 , linkage  106 , A-strut  601 , strut cap  602 , post  502 , ledger fastener  801 , fill plate  802 , axle  1201 , axle fastener  1202 , spacer  1203 , structural angle  1205 , button snap  1305 , axle washer  1512 , axle bushing  1513 , bumper strip  1515 , gutter  1516 , downspout  1517 , hole cover  1518 , filler block with bumper strip  1519 , axle end cap  1602 , side piece  1603 , top cap  1604 , and fastener  1607 . 
       FIG. 17  is a cross-section side-view with the rafters closed. Shown are J-rafter  101 , L-rafter  102 , A-strut  601 , strut cap  602 , ledger fastener  801 , axle  1201 , structural angle  1205 , L-rafter housing  1401 , and bumper strip  1519 . 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective cut-out view with the rafters open. Shown are J-rafter  101 , L-rafter  102 , A-strut  601 , strut cap  602 , ledger fastener  801 , fill plate  802 , bumper strip  1515 , gutter  1516 , and bumper strip  1519 . 
     For the purposes of this disclosure, a pergola is not required to support any plant growth. 
     While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the disclosed or illustrated embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover numerous other modifications, substitutions, variations and broad equivalent arrangements that are included within the spirit and scope of the following claims.