Patent Publication Number: US-7213869-B1

Title: Hold down

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   1. Technical Field 
   This document relates to a hold down. 
   2. Background Art 
   When a recreational vehicle (“RV”), such as a camper, travel trailer, or motor home, is parked, an awning may be extended therefrom. In the “patio position” of the awning, each awning support arm extends diagonally downward so that its lower end is coupled to the side of the RV. In order to provide better access and to keep people from running into the diagonally extended awning support arms, RV owners try to place the awning in the “carport position”. In the carport position, the lower end of each awning support arm abuts the ground and is often coupled to the ground by stakes during windy conditions for example. However, it is not possible/effective to drive stakes into the ground when the RV is parked on concrete, asphalt, gravel, sand, rocky terrain, snow-covered terrain, frozen terrain, and the like for example, so RV owners are forced to maintain the awning in the inconvenient/unsafe patio position. 
   SUMMARY 
   In an aspect, this document features a hold down for securing an RV awning in position that may include a weight associated with a coupling mechanism that is configured to removably couple to a foot of an awning support arm assembly. 
   Implementations may include one or more of the following. The weight may comprise a thickness that separates a top surface and a bottom surface. The coupling mechanism may comprises one of: a latch assembly coupled to the top surface of the weight, the latch assembly comprising a spring-biased catch; a spring-clip coupled to the top surface of the weight; a pair of spaced apart threaded rods extending outwardly from the top surface of the weight and a pair of threaded fasteners; a pair of spaced apart hinge pins extending outwardly from the top surface of the weight; a pair of spaced apart threaded holes defined in the top surface of the weight and a pair of threaded fasteners; a first securing track extending inwardly from a side face of the weight and defined in the top surface of the weight; a second securing track on the top surface of the weight; and a mounting bracket on the top surface of the weight. The hold down may also include a friction pad coupled to or integrally joined with one of a portion of the bottom surface of the weight, portions of the bottom surface of the weight, and the entire bottom surface of the weight. The friction pad may be one of compressible, ribbed, dimpled, and a combination thereof. The hold down may further include one of: a first retaining collar comprising a plurality of cleats, the first retaining collar removably coupled with a bottom portion of the weight; and a second retaining collar comprising a grid work, the second retaining collar removably coupled with a bottom portion of the weight. The weight may include one of: a first container having a lid pivotally coupled there to, the first container removably storing a material to achieve a desired hold down weight; a second container having a screw on lid, the second container removably storing a material to achieve a desired hold down weight; and an adjustable weight system comprising a plurality of flat weights stacked in layers to achieve a desired hold down weight. The weight may include a reversible base and the coupling mechanism may include a latch assembly comprising a spring-biased catch, the latch assembly coupled to the weight. The reversible base may include one of at least one friction pad and at least one integral, dimpled pad on one side thereof and one of at least one cleated area and at least one grid work area on an opposing side thereof. The hold down may further include a carry handle assembly. The carry handle assembly may include one of: a D-shaped handle and a securing chain, the securing chain coupled to both the handle and one of the latch assembly and the weight; and a strap handle coupled to one of the latch assembly and the weight. 
   In another aspect, this document features an RV awning and hold down system that may include: an awning assembly having at least one support arm assembly disconnected from a side of an RV, the at least one support arm assembly comprising a foot; and at least one hold down comprising a weight associated with a coupling mechanism, the coupling mechanism removably coupled to the foot of the at least one support arm assembly. 
   Implementations may include one or more of the following. The foot may include a bar and the coupling mechanism may include one of: a latch assembly coupled to the weight, the latch assembly comprising a spring-biased catch, wherein the spring-biased catch is removably coupled with the bar of the foot; and a spring-clip coupled to the weight, wherein the spring-clip is removably coupled with the bar of the foot. The foot may include opposing protruding flanges, each flange defining a through hole, and the coupling mechanism may include one of: a pair of spaced apart threaded rods extending outwardly from the weight and a pair of threaded fasteners, wherein the threaded rods extend through the holes in the flanges of the foot and the threaded fasteners are removably coupled on the threaded rods; a pair of spaced apart hinge pins extending outwardly from the weight, wherein the hinge pins extend through the holes in the flanges of the foot and are folded over; a pair of spaced apart threaded holes defined in the weight and a pair of threaded fasteners, wherein the holes in the flanges are aligned with the threaded holes in the weight and the threaded fasteners are removably coupled into the threaded holes in the weight; a first securing track defined in the weight of the hold down, wherein the foot is removably coupled into the first securing track; and a second securing track on the weight of the hold down, wherein the foot is removably coupled into the second securing track. The awning assembly may include a pair of support arm assemblies disconnected from a side of an RV and the at least one hold down may include a pair of hold downs. 
   In still another aspect, this document features a method for holding an RV awning in position that may include: disconnecting at least one support arm assembly of the awning assembly from a side of an RV; and removably coupling a foot of at least one support arm assembly to a coupling mechanism associated with a weight of a hold down. 
   Implementations may include one or more of the following. Removably coupling a foot of the at least one support arm assembly to a coupling mechanism associated with a weight of a hold down may include one of: coupling a bar of the foot with a spring-biased catch of a latch assembly coupled to the weight of the hold down; inserting a bar of the foot into a spring-clip coupled to the weight of the hold down; inserting a pair of spaced apart threaded rods extending outwardly from the weight of the hold down through corresponding holes in opposing protruding flanges of the foot and securing a fastener on each threaded rod; inserting a pair of spaced apart hinge pins extending outwardly from the weight of the hold down through corresponding holes in opposing protruding flanges of the foot and folding over the hinge pins; aligning a pair of spaced apart threaded holes defined in the weight of the hold down with corresponding holes in opposing protruding flanges of the foot and securing a fastener into each threaded hole; and inserting the foot into one of a securing track defined in the weight of the hold down and a securing track on the weight of the hold down. 
   These and other implementations may have one or more of the following advantages. A canopy may be safely, simply, and easily secured in or removed from the carport position on virtually any surface (e.g., concrete, asphalt, wood, rocky surfaces, or other hard surfaces, as well as on dirt, sand, snow, or other softer surfaces) during virtually any weather conditions. Hold down implementations may provide more convenience and versatility than the conventional tent stakes, screw in rods or stakes with ropes, and the like. Hold down implementations may be of a size and weight to be easily utilized by an operator and carried along during travel in any RV. 
   The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Implementations will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended DRAWINGS, where like designations denote like elements, and: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a hold down implementation; 
       FIGS. 2–4  are perspective views of an RV awning and hold down assembly implementation during an RV awning holding method implementation; 
       FIGS. 5–6  are portions of views of the RV awning and hold down assembly of  FIGS. 3–4  respectively enlarged for magnification purposes; 
       FIGS. 7–18  are perspective views of alternative hold down implementations respectively; and 
       FIGS. 19–20  are exploded perspective and side views respectively of components of the hold down implementation of  FIG. 18 . 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Structure 
   There are a variety of hold down implementations. Notwithstanding, with reference to  FIG. 1  and for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure, hold down  10  is an example of a hold down implementation. Hold down  10  may include weight  12 , friction pad  14 , and latch assembly  16 . 
   Weight  12  may be any object used principally to exert a force by virtue of its gravitational attraction to Earth, especially an object used to hold something else down. Weight  12  may be of a size and weight to be easily carried along during travel in any RV and/or easily lifted by a person, while still being able to hold an RV awning in position. Weight  12  may have a slightly tapering right rectangular frusto-pyramidal shape. Weight  12  may have a thickness that separates a top face and a bottom face. For the attachment of latch assembly  16  as described hereinafter, the top face of weight  12  may have either a pair of spaced apart, threaded holes formed therein or a pair of spaced apart, upright, threaded rods extending outwardly therefrom. 
   Friction pad  14  may be configured to prevent slippage or skidding of hold down  10  when in use on hard surfaces, such as concrete, asphalt, wood, and the like surfaces that RV&#39;s typically park on. Friction pad  14  may be coupled to or integral with the bottom face of weight  12 . Friction pad  14  may be compressible and/or ribbed. Friction pad  14  may cover the entire bottom face of weight  12  or only a portion or portions of the bottom face of weight  12 . 
   Latch assembly  16  may be configured to removably couple to a foot of a lower arm of an awning support arm assembly. Latch assembly  16  may include latch bracket  18 , extension bracket  20 , catch  22 , and pin  24 . 
   Latch bracket  18  may be coupled to or integral with the top face of weight  12 . For example, if latch bracket  18  includes a pair of spaced apart, through holes and weight  12  has a pair of spaced apart, upright, threaded rods, latch bracket  18  may be coupled to the top face of weight  12  by inserting the threaded rods through the corresponding through holes and then securing a nut, a wing nut, a thumb nut, a threaded knob, or the like on each threaded rod. Alternatively, if latch bracket  18  includes a pair of spaced apart, through holes and weight  12  has a pair of spaced apart, threaded holes, latch bracket  18  may be coupled to the top face of weight  12  by aligning the threaded holes with the corresponding through holes and then securing a bolt, a thumb screw, a screw knob, or the like into each threaded hole. 
   Extension bracket  20  is configured to guide bar  50  of foot  46  into a latching relationship with catch  22 . Extension bracket  20  protrudes from latch bracket  18  and has a beveled top portion and a pair of opposing, offset arms. Catch  22  may be pivotally connected between the opposing arms of extension bracket  20  by pin  24 , and catch  22  may include a thumb release lever, which may be quickly and conveniently moved to release bar  50  of foot  46 , and an opposing hook-shaped portion configured to connect around bar  50  of foot  46 . A spring normally biases catch  22  closed as shown in FIGS.  1  and  5 – 6 . Thus, catch  22  allows bar  50  of foot  46  to be moved in contact with catch  22  and catch  22  automatically latches or grips bar  50  of foot  46 . 
   2. Other Implementations 
   As mentioned earlier, many additional hold down implementations are possible. 
   Although there are a variety of hold down implementations, for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure and referring to  FIG. 7 , hold down  60  is an example of a hold down implementation. Hold down  60  is similar to hold down  10  as previously described. The principal difference between them, other than the shape of their respective weights, relates to their coupling mechanisms. In particular, the coupling mechanism may include a pair of spaced apart, upright, threaded rods  64  extending from the top face of weight  62  in conjunction with wing nuts  66 . Foot  46  may be removably coupled to the top face of weight  62  by inserting threaded rods  64  through corresponding opposing through holes  48  of foot  46  and then securing wing nut  66  or some other nut, thumb nut, threaded knob, or the like on each threaded rod  64 . 
   Although there are a variety of hold down implementations, for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure and referring to  FIG. 8 , hold down  70  is an example of a hold down implementation. Hold down  70  is similar to hold down  10  as previously described. The principal difference between them, other than the shape of their respective weights, relates to their coupling mechanisms. In particular, the coupling mechanism may include a pair of spaced apart, threaded holes  74  defined in the top face of weight  72  in conjunction with screw knobs  76 . Foot  46  may be removably coupled to the top face of weight  72  by aligning threaded holes  74  with corresponding opposing through holes  48  of foot  46  and then securing screw knob  76  or some other bolt, thumb screw, or the like into each threaded hole  74 . 
   Although there are a variety of hold down implementations, for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure and referring to  FIG. 9 , hold down  80  is an example of a hold down implementation. Hold down  80  is similar to hold down  10  as previously described. The principal difference between them, other than the shape of their respective weights, relates to their coupling mechanisms. In particular, the coupling mechanism may include a pair of spaced apart, upright, hinge pins  84  extending from the top face of weight  82 . Foot  46  may be removably coupled to the top face of weight  82  by inserting hinge pins  84  through corresponding opposing through holes  48  of foot  46  and then folding over hinge pins  84 . 
   Although there are a variety of hold down implementations, for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure and referring to  FIG. 10 , hold down  90  is an example of a hold down implementation. Hold down  90  is similar to hold down  10  as previously described. The principal difference between them, other than the shape of their respective weights, relates to their coupling mechanisms. In particular, the coupling mechanism may include spring-clip  94  extending from the top face of weight  92 . Foot  46  may be removably coupled to the top face of weight  92  by inserting bar  50  of foot  46  into spring-clip  94 . 
   Although there are a variety of hold down implementations, for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure and referring to  FIG. 11 , hold down  100  is an example of a hold down implementation. Hold down  100  is similar to hold down  10  as previously described. The principal difference between them, other than the shape of their respective weights, relates to their coupling mechanisms. In particular, the coupling mechanism of hold down  100  may include securing track  104  extending inwardly from a side face of weight  102  and defined in the top face of weight  102 . Securing track  104  may include a flanged channel, wherein sidewalls of the channel have inwardly protruding flange members formed on exposed ends thereof for receiving the flanges of foot  46 . Thus, foot  46  may be removably coupled to weight  102  by inserting foot  46  into securing track  104 . Notwithstanding, the inwardly protruding flange members of securing track  104  may each include an elongated slot there through corresponding with holes  48  in foot  46 , the elongated slot allowing for variations in the spacing/width between holes  48  in foot  46 . Retaining pins may then be inserted through the slots into holes  48  in foot  46  to further keep foot  46  in securing track  104 . Alternatively, a spring clip may be mounted in the base of the channel of securing track  104  which may removably couple with foot  46  to further keep foot  46  in securing track  104 . Furthermore, the securing track may be on the top face of weight  102 . 
   Although there are a variety of hold down implementations, for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure and referring to  FIG. 12 , hold down  110  is an example of a hold down implementation. Hold down  110  is similar to hold down  100  as previously described. The principal difference between them relates to their coupling mechanisms. In particular, the coupling mechanism of hold down  110  may include mounting bracket  114  on the top face of weight  112 . Mounting bracket  114  may include a flanged channel, wherein sidewalls of the channel have an inwardly protruding flange member formed on exposed ends thereof for supporting the flanges of foot  46 . The inwardly protruding flange members of mounting bracket  114  may each include an elongated slot there through corresponding with holes  48  in foot  46 , the elongated slots allowing for variations in the spacing/width between holes  48  in foot  46 . Bolts  116  and nuts  118  may then be inserted through the slots into holes  48  in foot  46  and secured by nuts  118  to keep foot  46  on mounting bracket  114 . 
   Although there are a variety of hold down implementations, for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure and referring to  FIG. 13 , hold down  120  is an example of a hold down implementation. Hold down  120  is similar to hold down  10  as previously described. The principal difference between them relates to their weights. In particular, the weight may include container  122  which has lid  124  pivotally coupled thereto by hinge  126 . Container  122  forms a cavity for removably storing a cheap material such as sand  128  or some other ballast material such as dirt, water, stone, and the like to achieve a desired hold down weight. 
   Although there are a variety of hold down implementations, for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure and referring to  FIG. 14 , hold down  130  is an example of a hold down implementation. Hold down  130  is similar to hold down  120  as previously described. The principal difference between them relates to their weights. In particular, the weight may include container  132  which has screw on lid  134 . Container  132  forms a cavity for removably storing a cheap material such as water  138  or some other ballast material such as dirt, sand, stone, and the like to achieve a desired hold down weight. 
   Although there are a variety of hold down implementations, for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure and referring to  FIG. 15 , hold down  140  is an example of a hold down implementation. Hold down  140  is similar to hold down  10  as previously described. The principal differences between them relate to their respective weights and coupling mechanisms. In particular, hold down  140  is an adjustable weight system comprised of base  142  having a pair of spaced apart, upright, threaded guide rods  144  extending from the top face of base  142 . A plurality of flat weights  146  each with a pair of spaced apart guide through holes  147  may be stacked in layers to achieve the desired hold down weight. Foot  46  may be removably coupled to the top face of the last weight  146  by inserting threaded rods  144  through corresponding opposing through holes  48  of foot  46  and then securing threaded knob  148  or some other nut, thumb nut, wing nut, or the like on each threaded rod  144 . 
   Although there are a variety of hold down implementations, for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure and referring to  FIG. 16 , hold down  150  is an example of a hold down implementation. Hold down  150  is similar to hold down  10  as previously described. The principal differences between them, other than the shape of their respective weights, relate to the addition of retaining collar  154 . In particular, the bottom portion of weight  152  is configured to removably rest in retaining collar  154 . Retaining collar  154  includes a plurality of pointed spikes or cleats  156  which provide additional stability on turf, lawn areas, other grassy surfaces, or the like for example. 
   Although there are a variety of hold down implementations, for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure and referring to  FIG. 17 , hold down  160  is an example of a hold down implementation. Hold down  160  is similar to hold down  150  as previously described. The principal differences between them, other than the shape of their respective weights, relate to the addition of retaining collar  164 . In particular, the bottom portion of weight  162  is configured to removably rest in retaining collar  164 . Retaining collar  164  includes grid work  166  which provides additional stability in soft sand, loose dirt, unstable wet soil, or the like for example. 
   Although there are a variety of hold down implementations, for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure and referring to  FIGS. 18–20 , hold down  170  is an example of a hold down implementation. Hold down  170  is similar to hold downs  10 ,  120 , and  130  as previously described. The principal difference between them, other than the shape of their respective weights, relates to their weights, versatility, and ease of use. In particular, weight  172  may include container  174  which has lid  176  and reversible base  184  coupled thereto. Container  122  forms an internal cavity for either removably storing a cheap material such as sand, dirt, water, stone, and the like, or for permanently storing a material such as cement, to achieve a desired hold down weight. Notwithstanding, weight  172  may not have container  174  and lid  176 , but may be a solid piece formed at least in part of a heavy/weighted material. Weight  172  may also include external bottom cavity  178  and guide spline  180  with hole  182  therein. Reversible base  184  may include central through hole  186  that aligns with hole  182  and is secured by bolt  196  or some other fastener, as well as a pair of integral, dimpled pads  188  separated by central guide slot  190  on one side and a pair of integral, spiked or cleated areas  192  separated by central guide slot  194  on the opposing side. Dimpled pads  188  provide additional stability on hard surfaces, such as concrete, asphalt, wood, and the like surfaces that RV&#39;s typically park on, while cleated areas  192  provide additional stability on turf, lawn areas, other grassy surfaces, or the like for example. Notwithstanding, reversible base  184  may have as one side a pair of grid work areas similar to grid work  166  which would provide additional stability in soft sand, loose dirt, unstable wet soil, or the like for example. Hold down  170  also may include carry handle assembly  198  which may include D-shaped handle  200  and securing chain  202  coupling it to either latch assembly  16  or weight  170 . Handle  200  may be removably inserted into latch assembly  16  similar to bar  50  of foot  46  when a user desires to carry hold down  170 . Alternatively, a strap handle (e.g., a nylon strap handle) may be employed instead which may be coupled to either latch assembly  16  or weight  170 . 
   Although there are a variety of hold down implementations, for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure any of the previously discussed components may be combined together to form other hold down implementations. For example, there could be multiple coupling mechanisms (whether the same or different) on the same hold down implementation. 
   Further implementations are within the CLAIMS. 
   3. Specifications, Materials, Manufacture, Assembly 
   It will be understood that hold down implementations are not limited to the specific components disclosed herein, as virtually any components consistent with the intended operation of a hold down implementation might be utilized. Accordingly, for example, although particular hold downs, weights, friction pads, latch assemblies, latch brackets, extension brackets, catches, holes, pins, hinge pins, threaded rods, threaded guide rods, wing nuts, screw knobs, threaded knobs, spring clips, securing tracks, containers, lids, hinges, retaining collars, cleats, grid works, and other components are disclosed, such components may comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, class, measurement, concentration, material, weight, quantity, and/or the like consistent with the intended operation of a hold down implementation. Implementations are also not limited to uses of any specific components, provided that the components selected are consistent with the intended operation of a hold down implementation. 
   Accordingly, the components defining any hold down implementation may be formed of any of many different types of materials or combinations thereof that can readily be formed into shaped objects provided that the components selected are consistent with the intended operation of a hold down implementation. For example, the components may be formed of: rubbers (synthetic and/or natural) and/or other like materials; glasses, such as fiberglass, carbon-fiber, aramid-fiber, and/or other like materials; polymers such as plastic, impact resistant plastic, PVC plastic, ABS plastic, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polypropylene, nylon, phenolics, Delrin®, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; composites and/or other like materials; metals, such as zinc, magnesium, titanium, copper, iron, steel, stainless steel, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; alloys, such as aluminum, and/or other like materials; cement, concrete, bricks, sand, dirt, water, stone, and/or other like materials; any other suitable material; and/or any combination thereof. 
   Furthermore, the components defining any hold down implementation may be purchased pre-manufactured or manufactured separately and then assembled together. However, any or all of the components may be manufactured simultaneously and integrally joined with one another. Manufacture of these components separately or simultaneously may involve extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming, injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting, milling, drilling, stamping, cutting, welding, soldering, riveting, punching, and/or the like. If any of the components are manufactured separately, they may then be coupled with one another in any manner, such as with adhesive, a weld, a fastener (e.g. a bolt, a nut, a screw, a nail, a rivet, a pin, and the like), wiring, any combination thereof, and/or the like for example, depending on, among other considerations, the particular material forming the components. Other possible steps might include sand blasting, polishing, powder coating, zinc plating, anodizing, hard anodizing, and/or painting the components for example. 
   4. Use 
   Implementations are particularly useful in securing an RV awning in position. In describing the use of hold down implementations, with reference to  FIGS. 2–6  and for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure, hold down  10  is shown in use with RV  30 . 
   Generally, RV  30  may comprise awning assembly  32  which may include canopy  34  of generally rectangular configuration and roller or roll bar  36  onto which the outer edge of canopy  34  is secured. The inner edge of canopy  34  is connected to a side or top edge portion of RV  30 . A pair of awning brace assemblies  38  located near the sides of canopy  34  each comprise two brace members which telescope with respect to one another. Awning brace assemblies  38  extend from the side of RV  30  to support arm assemblies  40  and/or roll bar  36  and hold support arm assemblies  40  in the extended positions and tension canopy  34 . In a retracted position, awning brace assemblies  38  are stowed parallel with support arm assemblies  40 , either nesting therein or on one side thereof. The top ends of a pair of support arm assemblies  40  are operatively connected at opposite axial ends of roll bar  36  to allow roll bar  36  to rotate relative to the pair of support arm assemblies  40 . Support arm assemblies  40  generally vertically support roll bar  36  in both the retracted canopy position shown in  FIG. 2  and the extended canopy position shown in  FIGS. 3–4 . Each support arm assembly  40  comprises upper arm  42  and lower arm  44  which telescope with respect to one another, and the length of which can be adjusted. In the extended position where canopy  34  is unrolled from roll bar  36 , bottom foot  46  connected to each lower arm  44  is selectively pivotably connected to the side of RV  30  with support arm assemblies  40  pivoted away from the side of RV  30  when canopy  34  is in the patio position or disconnected from the side of RV  30  and aligned vertically to serve as support legs when canopy  34  is in the carport position as shown in  FIGS. 3–4 . Each foot  46  includes a pair of opposing protruding flanges extending from each side of lower arm  44  and bar  50  extending transversely across lower arm  44 . Each protruding flange may define hole  48  therein. 
   Accordingly, hold down  10 , or for that matter hold downs  120 ,  130 ,  150 , and  170 , may be used for securing RV awning assembly  32  of RV  30  in position in the following manner. First, canopy  34  may be placed in the carport position with canopy  34  unrolled from roll bar  36  and each bottom foot  46  disconnected from the side of RV  30  so that support arm assemblies  40  may serve as support legs as depicted in  FIGS. 2–3 . Second, bar  50  of foot  46  may be placed into a latching relationship with catch  22  of latch assembly  16  of hold down  10  as depicted in  FIG. 4 . As specifically depicted in  FIGS. 5–6 , the latching of bar  50  by catch  22  may be accomplished by using extension bracket  20  to guide bar  50  into a latching position with catch  22 , moving each support arm assembly  40  to push bar  50  against catch  22 , and using bar  50  to force catch  22  clockwise until bar  50  moves within the hook-shaped portion of catch  22  with the spring automatically moving catch  22  counterclockwise to connect around bar  50 . In this manner, canopy  34  may be secured in its convenient/safe carport position during windy conditions for example no matter where RV  30  is parked, whether on concrete, asphalt, gravel, sand, rocky terrain, snow-covered terrain, frozen terrain, and the like for example. When RV  30  is ready to be moved, the installed hold downs  10  may be removed and canopy  34  brought back to its retracted position by reversing the foregoing steps. 
   While the use of hold down  10 , or for that matter hold downs  120 ,  130 ,  150 , and  170 , has been described in a particular sequence of steps with reference to the drawing figures, it will be understood that the use of hold downs  10 ,  120 ,  130 ,  150 , and  170 , is not limited to the specific order of steps as disclosed. Any steps or sequence of steps of the use of hold downs  10 ,  120 ,  130 ,  150 , and  170  indicated herein are given as examples of possible steps or sequence of steps and not as limitations, since various processes and sequences of steps may be used to secure RV awning assembly  32  in position. For example, an operator does not always have to use a pair of either hold downs  10 ,  120 ,  130 ,  150 , and  170 , but may use only one hold down  10 ,  120 ,  130 ,  150 , and  170  if desired and leave one support arm assembly  40  coupled to the side of RV  30 . 
   Furthermore, other hold down implementations may be used in similar manners to secure RV awning assemblies. 
   By way of example and not by way of limitation, hold down  90  may be used for securing RV awning assembly  32  of RV  30  in position in a manner similar to those for hold downs  10 ,  120 ,  130 ,  150 , and  170  as previously described. The principal differences between them relate to the coupling of foot  46  of support arm assembly  40 . In particular, foot  46  may be removably coupled to hold down  90  by inserting bar  50  of foot  46  into spring-clip  94 . 
   By way of example and not by way of limitation, hold downs  60 ,  140 , and  160  may be used for securing RV awning assembly  32  of RV  30  in position in manners similar to that for hold downs  10 ,  120 ,  130 ,  150 , and  170  as previously described. The principal differences between them relate to the coupling of foot  46  of support arm assembly  40 . In particular, each foot  46  may be removably coupled to hold downs  60 ,  140 , and  160  by inserting threaded rods  64  and threaded guide rods  144  of hold downs  60  and  160  and  140  respectively through the corresponding holes  48  defined through the opposing protruding flanges of foot  46  and then securing wing nut  66 , threaded knob  148 , or some other nut, thumb nut, or the like on each threaded rod  64  or threaded guide rod  144 . 
   By way of example and not by way of limitation, hold down  80  may be used for securing RV awning assembly  32  of RV  30  in position in manners similar to that for hold downs  60 ,  140 , and  160  as previously described. The principal differences between them relate to the coupling of foot  46  of support arm assembly  40 . In particular, foot  46  may be removably coupled to hold down  80  by inserting hinge pins  84  through corresponding opposing through holes  48  of foot  46  and then folding over hinge pins  84 . 
   By way of example and not by way of limitation, hold down  70  may be used for securing RV awning assembly  32  of RV  30  in position in manners similar to that for hold downs  60 ,  140 , and  160  as previously described. The principal differences between them relate to the coupling of foot  46  of support arm assembly  40 . In particular, foot  46  may be removably coupled to hold down  70  by aligning threaded holes  74  with corresponding opposing through holes  48  of foot  46  and then securing screw knob  76  or some other bolt, thumb screw, or the like into each threaded hole  74 . 
   By way of example and not by way of limitation, hold downs  100  and  110  may be used for securing RV awning assembly  32  of RV  30  in position in manners similar to that for hold downs  10 ,  120 ,  130 ,  150 , and  170  as previously described. The principal differences between them relate to the coupling of foot  46  of support arm assembly  40 . In particular, each foot  46  may be removably coupled to hold downs  100  and  110  by inserting foot  46  into securing tracks  104  and  114 .