Patent Publication Number: US-8113259-B2

Title: Side shade for an awning

Description:
FIELD 
     The present invention relates to side shades for awnings and more particularly to a vertically adjustable, removable side shade system for a retractable awning. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may or may not constitute prior art. 
     Retractable awnings have been in use for many years, both on buildings and on mobile structures such as such as recreational vehicles and mobile homes. Typically, a retractable awning includes a cloth panel awning sheet that is securely attached along one edge to a roller mounted on an axle. The axle is in turn attached to a mounting bracket attached to the building or mobile structure. An opposite edge of the cloth panel of the awning is securely attached to a projecting support bar. Scissor arms support the support bar as the support bar extends out and the cloth panel unrolls from the roller to the cloth panel&#39;s full projection. Generally the roller is mounted at a slightly higher elevation than the final elevation for the support bar, so the fully extended cloth panel projects out from the building or mobile structure at a slight downward angle. Retractable awnings not only provide shade and protection from the elements they can be retracted for storage during heavy winds and/or when one wants to move a movable structure with an attached awning. 
     However, retractable awnings only provide shade when the cloth panel of the awning is located between the sun and the area to be shaded. If the sun is high in the sky there is usually not a problem with the awning providing shade. However, when the sun is lower in the sky there can be a problem with the awning not providing suitable shade. For instance if the awning is mounted on a south-facing surface and the sun is low in the sky to the east (rising) or low in the sky to the west (setting) the cloth panel of the awning can be out of position and will not block the sun&#39;s rays. 
     There have been attempts to overcome this problem by adding side panels to a retractable awning. There are various forms of slidable curtains or panels that snap into place that have been disclosed. These curtains and snapped panels leave openings between the cloth panel of the awning and the side curtain/panel. These openings allow the sun&#39;s rays to penetrate below the awning. In addition these curtains and snapped panels are difficult to mount/assemble or disassemble. Since one cannot retract a retractable awning with these curtains or panels in place a side panel that is difficult to disassemble poses a problem when the winds rise quickly and one needs to retract the awning quickly. Finally, the curtains and snapped panels currently in use are cumbersome to store. Accordingly, there is a need for a side shade system that is easy to mount, easy to remove, easy to store and does not leave openings that allow the sun&#39;s rays to penetrate. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention provides a side shade system for an awning having a mounting member, a projected edge support and at least one lateral support between the mounting member and the projecting side. The side shade is operable to be vertically adjustably connected to the lateral support of the awning such that no vertical gap exists between the fabric panel and the at least one lateral support of the awning. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention the awning has a predominantly horizontal panel, an attachment support, a projected edge support and at least one lateral support. The side shade includes a fabric panel having a first vertical side and a stiffening member connected to the first vertical side of the fabric panel. A mounting member having a top end, a bottom end and a vertical groove extending between the top end to the bottom end is removably connectable to the awning near the attachment support of the awning. At least a portion of the stiffening member and the first vertical side of the fabric panel is slidingly disposed within the vertical groove of the mounting member. A locking member is also disposed in the vertical groove of the mounting member and is releasably connectable to the mounting member. When assembled and attached to the awning the fabric panel of the side shade is vertically adjustably positionable above or below a lateral side of the predominantly horizontal panel of the awning so that there is no vertical gap between the panel of the awning and the fabric panel of the side shade through which direct light can penetrate. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention the awning has a predominantly horizontal panel and an attachment support. The side shade includes a fabric panel having a first vertical side. A mounting member having a top end and is removably connectable to the awning near the attachment support of the awning. At least a portion of the first vertical side of the fabric panel is connected to a lateral support of the awning. When assembled and attached to the awning the fabric panel of the side shade is vertically adjustably positionable above or below a lateral side of the predominantly horizontal panel of the awning so that there is no vertical gap between the panel of the awning and the fabric panel of the side shade through which direct light can penetrate. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention the awning has a predominantly horizontal panel, an attachment support, a projected edge support and at least one lateral support. The side shade includes a fabric panel having a first vertical side, a second vertical side and a top portion. The second vertical side of the fabric panel is removably connectable to the awning near the projected edge support of the awning. A stiffening member is connected to the first vertical side of the fabric panel. A mounting member having a top end, a bottom end, a hook near the top end and a vertical groove extending between the top end to the bottom end is removably connectable to the awning by the hook near the attachment support of the awning. At least a portion of the stiffening member and the first vertical side of the fabric panel is slidingly disposed within the vertical groove of the mounting member. A locking member is also disposed in the vertical groove of the mounting member and is releasably connectable to the mounting member by a wing bolt. When assembled and attached to the awning the fabric panel of the side shade is vertically adjustably positionable above or below a lateral side of the predominantly horizontal panel of the awning so that there is no vertical gap between the panel of the awning and the fabric panel of the side shade through which direct light can penetrate. 
     In another the awning has a predominantly horizontal panel, an attachment support, a projected edge support and a pair of opposed lateral supports between the mounting member and the projecting side. A pair of support arms running along each of the lateral supports, respectively, supports the awning. The side shade includes a fabric panel having a first vertical side and a second vertical side and a stiffening member connected to and integral with the first vertical side of the fabric panel. A mounting member having a top end, a bottom end and a vertical groove from the top end to the bottom end is operative to be removably connected to either the first lateral support of the awning or the second lateral support of the awning near the attachment support of the awning. The first vertical side of the fabric panel slidingly engages within the vertical groove of the mounting member such that the first vertical side of the side shade can slide vertically up and down inside the groove. A locking member mechanism adjustably located in the vertical groove of the mounting member allows vertical adjustment of the first vertical side of the side shade within the vertical groove of the mounting member. When assembled and attached to the awning the fabric panel of the side shade is vertically adjustable in relation to the predominantly horizontal panel of the awning so that there is no vertical gap between the panel of the awning and the fabric panel of the side shade through which direct light can penetrate. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention the awning has a predominantly horizontal panel, an attachment support, a projected edge support and a pair of opposed lateral supports between the mounting member and the projecting side. A pair of support arms running along each of the lateral supports, respectively, supports the awning. The side shade includes a fabric panel having a first vertical side and a second vertical side and a stiffening member connected to and integral with the first vertical side of the fabric panel. A mounting member having a top end, a bottom end and a pulley attached near the top end is operative to be removably connected to either the first lateral support of the awning or the second lateral support of the awning near the attachment support of the awning. A cord having a first end and a second end is fitted through the pulley and the first end of the cord is connected to the first vertical side of the side shade such that pulling or releasing the second end of the cord allows the first vertical side of the side shade to be vertically adjusted in relation to the mounting member. When assembled and attached to the awning the fabric panel of the side shade is vertically adjustable in relation to the panel of the awning so that there is no vertical gap between the panel of the awning and the predominantly horizontal panel fabric panel of the side shade through which direct light can penetrate. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention the awning has a predominantly horizontal panel, an attachment support, a projected edge support and a pair of opposed lateral supports between the mounting member and the projecting side. A pair of support arms running along each of the lateral supports, respectively, supports the awning. A pulley is attached to the awning either on one of the support arms or on a connection for the awning to a support structure. The side shade includes a fabric panel having a first vertical side and a second vertical side and a stiffening member connected to and integral with the first vertical side of the fabric panel. The first vertical side of the side shade is connected to a mounting member. A cord having a first end and a second end is fitted through the pulley and the first end of the cord is connected to the mounting member such that pulling or releasing the second end of the cord allows the first vertical side of the side shade to be vertically adjusted in relation to the awning. When assembled and attached to the awning the fabric panel of the side shade is vertically adjustable in relation to the predominantly horizontal panel panel of the awning so that there is no vertical gap between the panel of the awning and the fabric panel of the side shade through which direct light can penetrate. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention the awning has a predominantly horizontal panel, an attachment support, a projected edge support and a pair of opposed lateral supports between the mounting member and the projecting side. A pair of support arms running along each of the lateral supports, respectively, supports the awning. The side shade includes a fabric panel having a first vertical side and a second vertical side and a stiffening member connected to and integral with the first vertical side of the fabric panel. The first vertical side of the side shade is connected to a mounting member. The mounting member is attached to the awning such that, when assembled and attached to the awning the predominantly horizontal panel fabric panel of the side shade prevents direct light from penetrating horizontally under the awning from the side of the awning to which the side shade is attached. 
     In another aspect of the present invention the awning is a retractable awning. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention the fabric panel of the side shade can roll up around the mounting member for easy storage. 
     In still another aspect of the present invention the mounting member has a hook at an upper end to allow the mounting member to be removably mounted to the awning. 
     In still another aspect of the present invention the mounting member has a cord loop at an upper end to allow the mounting member to be removably mounted to the awning. 
     In still another aspect of the present invention the cord is connected to the side shade by a clip. 
     In still another aspect of the present invention the mounting member includes a cleat to secure the second end of the cord. 
     The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an awning and an embodiment of a side shade in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of an embodiment of the first vertical side of the side shade in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a side view of one embodiment of the second vertical side of the side shade in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a side view of another embodiment of the second vertical side of the side shade in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of an embodiment of a side shade in accordance with the present invention mounted on an awning; 
         FIG. 3A  is front view of an embodiment of a side shade in accordance with the present invention showing a mounting member, stiffening member and frictional lock according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is top cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a side shade in accordance with the present invention showing a mounting member, stiffening member and frictional lock according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is side view of another embodiment of a side shade in accordance with the present invention mounted on an awning showing just the portion of the side-shade and awning near the mounting portion of the awning; 
         FIG. 5  is side view of yet another embodiment of a side shade in accordance with the present invention mounted on an awning showing just the portion of the side-shade and awning near the mounting portion of the awning; and 
         FIG. 6  is side view of still another embodiment of a side shade in accordance with the present invention mounted on an awning showing just the portion of the side-shade and awning near the mounting portion of the awning. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components, in  FIG. 1  an awning assembly is generally indicated by reference number  10 .  FIG. 1  depicts a retractable awning but the present invention can be used on any suitable awning assembly. The awning assembly  10  of  FIG. 1  includes a plurality of mounting brackets  12 , a torsion bar  14 , at least two connecting brackets  16 , and a spindle  18  on an axle  20 . The awning assembly also includes a fabric panel  22 , first and second scissor support arms  24  and  26 , respectively, and a projected edge support  28 . The awning attachment support has the mounting brackets  12  attached to a suitable mounting structure and fixedly connected to the torsion bar  14 . The axle  20  connects to the torsion bar  14  by the connecting brackets  16  and the spindle  18  is able to spin on the axle  20 . The first and second scissor support arms  24  and  26  are connected at one end each to the mounting brackets  12  and at the other end each to the projected edge support  28 . The fabric panel  22  is attached at one end to the spindle  18  and at another end to the projected edge support  28 . When the awning is in the retracted, stored position the fabric panel  22  is rolled on the spindle  18 , the first and second scissor support arms  24  and  26  are scissored and folded and the projected edge support  28  is retracted close to the spindle. 
     To deploy the fabric panel  22  and extend the awning assembly  10 , an operator would engage an electric motor (not shown) or use a hand crank (also not shown) to extend the first and second scissor support arms  24  and  26 . As first and second scissor support arms  24  and  26  extend, they push the projected edge support  28  away from the attachment supporting structure, which in turn unrolls the fabric panel  22  from the spindle  18 . When the first and second scissor support arms  24  and  26  are fully extended they cantileveredly support the projected edge support  28  and the fabric panel  22 . Generally the first and second scissor support arms  24  and  26  extend at a slightly downwardly inclining angle so that the projected edge support  28  is slightly lower than the spindle  18 . This allows rain or other debris to more easily roll off the extended fabric panel  22  of the awning  10 . The extended fabric panel  22 , if interposed between the sun and an object below provides shade for the object. To retract the awning assembly  10  an operator would again engage the electric motor (not shown) or hand crank (also not shown) to retract the first and second scissor support arms  24  and  26 , thereby retracting the projected edge support  28 . The axle  20  or spindle  18  usually include some type of torsional spring retraction mechanism to roll the fabric panel  22  back up on the spindle as the projected edge support  28  retracts. 
     Also in  FIG. 1  a side shade is generally indicated by reference number  30 . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  2 A,  2 B, and  3  the side shade  30  includes a fabric panel  32  having a first vertical side  34  and a second vertical side  36 . In another embodiment of the present invention the fabric panel  32  has a first vertical side  34  and the other side ends in a point, so the fabric panel is triangularly shaped. In various other embodiments of the present invention the fabric panel is rectangular, square, oval or other quadrilateral shapes. 
     In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3  a stiffening member  38  is sewn into a fold of the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32 . The stiffening member  38  extends the entire length of the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  as shown in  FIG. 2 . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 2  the stiffening member  38  is a rod with a circular cross section and is made of plastic. Other embodiments of the present invention include stiffener members  38  with other cross-sectional shapes such as square, rectangular, hexagonal or triangular and materials such as metal (including aluminum, steel, copper, and brass), fiberglass and other composite materials. The stiffening member  38  keeps the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  straight and does not allow the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  to sag. 
     In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 A, and  3  a second stiffening member  40  is sewn into a fold of the second vertical side  36  of the fabric panel  32 . The second stiffening member  40  extends the entire length of the second vertical side  36  of the fabric panel  32  as shown in  FIG. 2A . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 2A  the second stiffening member  40  is a rod with a circular cross section and is made of plastic. Other embodiments of the present invention include second stiffener members  40  with other cross-sectional shapes such as square, rectangular, hexagonal or triangular and materials such as metal (including aluminum, steel, copper, and brass), fiberglass and other composite materials. The second stiffening member  40  keeps the second vertical side  36  of the fabric panel  32  straight and does not allow the second vertical side  36  of the fabric panel  32  to sag. 
     In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 B, and  3  the second vertical side  36  of the fabric panel  32  also includes a hole or aperture  44  in the upper corner of the fabric panel  32 . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 B, and  3  the hole or aperture  44  includes a reinforcing grommet. In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 A, and  3  a cord  46  is looped through the hole or aperture  44  and reinforcing grommet. In the embodiment of the present invention shown in the figures the cord  46  is an elastic cord  46 , but the present invention includes embodiments where the cord  46  is rope, twine, wire, or chain. In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 2B , where the second vertical side  36  of the fabric panel  32  includes a hole or aperture  44  in the upper corner of the fabric panel, the second vertical side  36  of the fabric panel  32  does not include the second stiffening member  40  as the second vertical side  36  of the fabric panel  32  will hang naturally from an attachment at the hole or aperture  44 . In other embodiments of the present invention (as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 ) where the second vertical side  36  of the fabric panel  32  includes a hole or aperture  44  in the upper corner of the fabric panel, the second vertical side  36  of the fabric panel  32  also includes the second stiffening member  40 . 
     In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 2A  the second vertical side  36  of the fabric panel  32  also includes a hole or aperture  42  in the lower corner of the fabric panel  32 . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 2B  the hole or aperture  42  includes a reinforcing grommet. In one embodiment of the present invention (not shown) a cord is looped through the hole or aperture  42  and reinforcing grommet. In this embodiment of the present invention the cord is an elastic cord, but the present invention includes embodiments where the cord is rope, twine, wire, or chain. In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 2A , where the second vertical side  36  of the fabric panel  32  includes the hole or aperture  42  in the lower corner of the fabric pane, the second vertical side  36  of the fabric panel  32  also includes the second stiffening member  40 . 
     In one embodiment of the present invention the side shade  30  includes a mounting member  50 . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  3 A and  3 B the mounting member  50  is an extruded aluminum bar formed with a substantially rectangular cross section, as shown in  FIG. 3B . In other embodiments of the present invention the mounting member  50  has square, circular or elliptical cross sections and is made of either another metal (such as stainless steel, galvanized steel, brass or cast iron) or is made of fiberglass, plastic or some composite material. In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  3 A and  3 B the mounting member  50  has a top end  52 , a bottom end  54 , and a vertical groove  56  extending from the top end  52  to the bottom end  54 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  3 A and  3 B. The vertical groove  56  is open at both the top end  52  and the bottom end  54  of the mounting member  50 , has a lateral opening  57  along one side of the mounting member  50 , making the mounting member  50  substantially shaped like a C channel bar. The first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  with the stiffening member  38  slides into the vertical groove  56  of the mounting member  50  from the top end  52  or the bottom end  54  of the mounting member  50 . 
     In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  3 A and  3 B a hook  62  is attached to the top end  52  of the mounting member  50 . The hook  62  is made of the same material as is the mounting member  52 , in this case aluminum. The hook  62  includes a substantially straight portion  64  and a curved portion  66 . The substantially curved portion  66  of the hook  62  inscribes an arc sized to fit over the axle  20  of the awning  10  when the awning  10  is fully extended. In the In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3  the hook  62  is welded to the mounting member  50  on a side opposite the lateral opening  57  of the vertical groove  56 . In other embodiments of the present invention the hook  62  is attached to the mounting member  50  on a side adjacent the lateral opening  57  of the vertical groove  56  and is attached by other fastenings such as screws, bolts, solder or adhesive or is integrally formed with the mounting member  50 . The hook  62  fits over the axle  20  of the awning  10  to hold the mounting member  50  in place relative to the awning  10 . 
     A locking member  58  is disposed inside the vertical groove  56  of the mounting member  50 . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  3 A and  3 B the locking member  58  is a doughnut shaped metal ring sized to fit within the cross section of the vertical groove  56  but the locking member  58  is large enough to not fit through the lateral opening  57  of the vertical groove  56 . The locking member  58  has a threaded hole or aperture into which a wing bolt  60  is threaded. The head of the wing bolt  60  is wider than the lateral opening  57  of the vertical groove  56 . In this embodiment of the present invention the locking member  58  and wing bolt  60  are made of stainless steel, but in other embodiments of the invention the locking member  58  and wing bolt  60  can be galvanized steel, brass or plastic. The locking member  58  is slidingly disposed within the vertical groove below the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  with the stiffening member  38 . When the wing bolt  60  is tightened, the locking member  58  and wing bolt  60  compress against the sides of the lateral opening  57  of the vertical groove  56  and lock in place. The locking member  58  thereby vertically supports the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  and the stiffening member  38 . In other embodiments of the present invention the locking member  58  and wing bolt  60  are replaced by other locking member/securing member combinations, such as: a nut acting as the locking member and a wing bolt acting as the securing member; a round headed bolt acting as the locking member and a wing nut acting as the securing member; a flat metal plate with a threaded hole or aperture acting as the locking member and a wing bolt acting as the securing member, or some other suitable attachment. 
     The operator chooses how high to position the fabric panel  32  and stiffening member  38  in relation to the mounting member by adjusting the vertical position of the locking member  58  and wing bolt  60 . The higher the locking member  58  is positioned in the groove  56 , the higher the locking member  58  will hold the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  and stiffening member  38 . 
     To mount the side shade  30  an operator hangs the hook  62  of the mounting member  50  on the awning assembly  10 . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3  the operator hangs the hook  62  over the axle  20 . However, in other embodiments of the present invention the hook  62  can mount on one of the mounting brackets  12 , the torsion bar  14 , a connecting bracket  16 , or the spindle  18  as necessary. Also, in other embodiments of the present invention the mounting member  50  could also mount to any of the mounting bracket  12 , torsion bar  14 , connecting bracket  16 , spindle  18  or axle  20  by any suitable mounting means other than the hook  62 . 
     The operator next attaches the second vertical side  36  of the fabric panel  32  by looping the cord  46  around a projecting screw, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . In other embodiments of the present invention the second vertical side  36  of the fabric panel  32  attaches to the projected edge support  28  or one of the first or second scissor support arms  24  or  26  by means of a hook, projecting rod, screw or other suitable projecting mechanism onto which the operator can slip the cord  46 , the hole or aperture  42  or the hole or aperture  44  (depending on how the fabric panel  32  is configured). In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3  the elastic cord  46  provides horizontal tension in the fabric panel  32  of the side shade  30  and helps hold the side shade  30  in place. 
     When the side shade  30  is properly mounted the top portion of the fabric panel  32  of the side shade  30  is at least vertically even with, if not vertically above, the fabric panel  22  of the awning. This will prevent the formation of any side vertical gap between the side shade  30  and the awning  10 . If the top portion of the fabric panel  32  is too low and a vertical gap exists between the side shade  30  and the awning  10 , the operator loosens the wing bolt  60  and raise the locking member  58 , thereby raising the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  and the stiffening member  38  in the groove  56  of the mounting member  50 . When the fabric panel  32  is at the proper height, the operator tightens the wing bolt  60  and locks the locking member  58 , the fabric panel  32  and the stiffening member  38  in place. Conversely, if the top portion of the fabric panel  32  is too high and the side shade  30  does not provide adequate side shading, the operator loosens the wing bolt  60  and lowers the locking member  58 , thereby allowing the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  and the stiffening member  38  to move and be lowered in the groove  56  of the mounting member  50 . Again, when the fabric panel  32  is at the proper height, the operator tightens the wing bolt  60  and locks the locking member  58 , the fabric panel  32  and the stiffening member  38  in place. If the operator so chooses he can also raise or lower the fabric panel  32  for aesthetic reasons, such as making the lower edge of the fabric panel perfectly horizontal or angled to match the downward angle of inclination of the awning. 
     When the operator wants to remove the side shade, the operator removes the cord  46  from the projecting screw. The operator then unhooks the hook  62  of the mounting member  50  from the axle  20  of the awning  10  and proceeds to roll the fabric panel  32  around the mounting member  50  for storage. Rolling the fabric panel  32  around the mounting member  50  allows the side shade  30  to store more neatly and take up less space than if the fabric panel was not rolled around the mounting member  50 . 
     In another embodiment of the present invention the side shade  30  includes a mounting member  70 . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 4  the mounting member  70  is an extruded aluminum bar formed with a substantially rectangular cross section. In other embodiments of the present invention the mounting member  50  has square, circular or elliptical cross sections and is made of either another metal (such as stainless steel, galvanized steel, brass or cast iron) or is made of fiberglass, plastic or some composite material. In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 ,  4  the mounting member  50  has a top end  71 , a bottom end  73  and end caps at each of the top end  71  and bottom end  73 . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 4  the end caps are plastic, but in other embodiments of the present invention include the end caps that are aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, brass, cast iron, fiberglass, or composite material. 
     A pulley  72  is attached near the top end  52  of the mounting member  70 . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 4  the pulley  72  is made of aluminum and has a pulley wheel supported on a rotating axis by a u-shaped guard section. The u-shaped guard section is attached by a swivel to an oval mounting plate. The oval mounting plate is attached to the mounting member  70  by a screw that passes through the mounting plate of the pulley  72  and screws into a threaded hole or aperture in the top end  71  of the mounting member  70 . Other embodiments of the present invention include pulleys of different configurations and mounting arrangements. 
     A hook  75  is attached to the top end  71  of the mounting member  70 . The hook  75  is made of the same material as is the mounting member  52 , in this case aluminum. The hook  75  includes a substantially straight portion  77  and a curved portion  79 . The curved portion  77  of the hook  79  inscribes an arc sized to fit over the axle  20  of the awning  10  when the awning  10  is fully extended. In the In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3  the hook  75  is welded to the mounting member  70  on a side opposite the pulley  72 . In other embodiments of the present invention the hook  75  is attached to the mounting member  70  on a side adjacent the pulley  72  and is attached by other fastenings such as screws, bolts, solder or adhesive or is integrally formed with the mounting member  50 . The hook  75  fits over the axle  20  of the awning to hold the mounting member  70  in place relative to the awning  10 . 
     The mounting member also has a cleat  82  attached at the lower end of the mounting member. In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 4  the cleat  82  is stainless steel, has a pair of opposed arms and has two holes in a mid-positioned mounting section. The cleat  82  is attached to the mounting member  70  by a pair of screws that pass through the two holes in the mid-positioned mounting section of the cleat and thread into threaded holes in the bottom end  73  of the mounting member  70 . 
     A cord  74  having a first end  76  and a second end  78  runs through the pulley  72 , passing over and around the wheel of the pulley  72  and held in place by the u-shaped guard section of the pulley. In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 4  the cord  74  is a woven nylon line. In other embodiments of the present invention the cord  74  is various other flexible members such rope, wire, light chain, heavy string, or the like. 
     A clip  80  is fixedly attached to the first end  76  of the cord  74 . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 4  the clip  80  is an alligator clip and the first end  76  of the cord  74  is tied to the clip. In other embodiments of the present invention the clip is various other types of clips or clamps such as a pony clip, a spring clamp or the sort. The clip  80  removably clips to the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  (which includes the stiffening member  38 ). 
     To mount the side shade  30  an operator hangs the hook  75  of the mounting member  70  on the awning assembly  10 . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 4  the operator hangs the hook  75  over the axle  20 . However, in other embodiments of the present invention the hook  75  mounts on one of the mounting brackets  12 , the torsion bar  14 , a connecting bracket  16 , or the spindle  18  as necessary. The mounting member  70  could also mount to any of the mounting bracket  12 , torsion bar  14 , connecting bracket  16 , spindle  18  or axle  20  by any suitable mounting means other than the hook  75 . 
     The operator next attaches the second vertical side  36  of the fabric panel  32  by looping the cord  46  around a projecting screw. In other embodiments of the present invention the second vertical side  36  of the fabric panel  32  attaches to the projected edge support  28  or one of the first or second scissor support arms  24  or  26  by means of a hook, projecting rod, screw or other suitable projecting mechanism onto which the operator can slip the cord  46 , the hole or aperture  42  or the hole or aperture  44  (depending on how the fabric panel  32  is configured). In this embodiment of the present invention the elastic cord  46  provides horizontal tension in the fabric panel  32  of the side shade  30  and helps hold the side shade  30  in place. 
     The operator chooses how high to position the fabric panel  32  and stiffening member  38  by pulling the cord  74  to raise the fabric panel  34  and stiffening member  38  in relation to the mounting member  70  or releasing the cord  74  to lower the fabric panel  34  in relation to the mounting member  70 . If the operator needs to make a larger adjustment, the operator repositions the clip  80  upwards or downwards on the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  34  and then again pull or release the cord  74 . The operator ties off the second end  78  of the cord  74  to the cleat  82  to hold the cord  74 , and therefore also the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  34 , in place. 
     When the side shade  30  is properly mounted, the top portion of the fabric panel  32  of the side shade  30  is at least vertically even with, if not vertically above, the fabric panel  22  of the awning. This will prevent the formation of any side vertical gap between the side shade  30  and the awning  10 . If the top portion of the fabric panel  32  is too low and a vertical gap exists between the side shade  30  and the awning  10 , the operator unties the second end  78  of the cord  74  from the cleat  82  and pulls on cord  74  to raise the first end  76  of the cord, thereby raising the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  and the stiffening member  38  in relation to the mounting member  70  and awning  10 . When the fabric panel  32  is at the proper height, the operator reties the second end  78  of the cord  74  to the cleat  82  to hold the fabric panel  32  and the stiffening member  38  in place. Conversely, if the top portion of the fabric panel  32  is too high and the side shade  30  does not provide adequate side shading, the operator unties the second end  78  of the cord  74  from the cleat  82  and releases the cord  74  to lower the first end  76  of the cord, thereby lowering the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  and the stiffening member  38  in relation to the mounting member  70  and awning  10 . Again, when the fabric panel  32  is at the proper height, the operator reties the second end  78  of the cord  74  to the cleat  82  to hold the fabric panel  32  and the stiffening member  38  in place. If the operator so chooses he can also raise or lower the fabric panel  32  for aesthetic reasons, such as making the lower edge of the fabric panel perfectly horizontal or angled to match the downward angle of inclination of the awning. 
     When the operator wants to remove the side shade, the operator removes the cord  46 , hole or aperture  42  or hole or aperture  44  of the second vertical side  36  of the fabric panel  32  from the connection to the projected edge support  28  or one of the first or second scissor support arms  24  or  26 . The operator then unhooks the hook  62  of the mounting member  70  from the awning and proceeds to roll the fabric panel  32  around the mounting member  70  for storage. Rolling the fabric panel  32  around the mounting member  70  allows the side shade  30  to store more neatly and take up less space than if the fabric panel was not rolled around the mounting member  70 . 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention the side shade  30  includes a mounting member  90 . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 5  the mounting member  90  is an extruded aluminum bar formed with a substantially rectangular cross section. In other embodiments of the present invention the mounting member  90  has square, circular or elliptical cross sections and is made of either another metal (such as stainless steel, galvanized steel, brass or cast iron) or is made of fiberglass, plastic or some composite material. In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 5  the mounting member  90  has a top end  91 , a bottom end  93 , and a vertical groove extending from the top end  91  to the bottom end  93 . The vertical groove in mounting bar  90  is similar to the vertical groove  56  in mounting bar  50  of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  3 A and has a lateral opening along one side of the mounting member  90 , making the mounting member substantially shaped like a C channel bar. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  the lateral opening is narrower than the combination of the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  and the stiffening member  38  so that when the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  with the stiffening member  38  slides into the vertical groove of the mounting member  90 , from the top end  91  or the bottom end  93  of the mounting member  90 , the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  with the stiffening member  38  is held in place by the lateral opening and a pair of end caps on the top end  91  and the bottom end  93  of the mounting member  90 . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 5  the end caps are plastic, but other embodiments of the present invention have aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, brass, cast iron, fiberglass, or composite material end caps. In other embodiments of the present invention the mounting member  90  does not have a groove and the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  does slide not include a stiffening member  38 . Instead first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  is attached to a lateral support of the mounting member  90  by other fastening means, such as screws or adhesive. 
     The mounting member also has a cleat  96  attached at the bottom end  93  of the mounting member  90 . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 5  the cleat  96  is stainless steel, has a pair of opposed arms and has two holes in a mid-positioned mounting section. The cleat  96  is attached to the mounting member  90  by a pair of screws that pass through the two holes in the mid-positioned mounting section of the cleat and thread into threaded holes in the bottom end  93  of the mounting member  90 . 
     A pulley  92  is attached to one of the connecting brackets  16  of the awning  10 . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 5  the pulley  92  is made of aluminum and has a pulley wheel supported on a rotating axis by a u-shaped guard section. The u-shaped guard section is attached by a swivel to an oval mounting plate. The oval mounting plate is attached to the connecting bracket  16  by a screw that passes through the mounting plate of the pulley  92  and screws into a threaded hole in the connecting bracket  16 . Other embodiments of the present invention include pulleys of different configurations and embodiments where the pulley is connected to a mounting bracket  12 , the torsion bar  16 , the spindle  18  or the axle  20  of the awning. 
     A cord  94  having a first end  98  and a second end  99  is attached to the mounting member. In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 5  the cord  94  is a woven nylon line. In other embodiments of the present invention the cord  94  is various other flexible members such rope, wire, light chain, heavy string, or the like. The first end  98  of the cord is tied to a bracket that is screwed to the mounting member  90 . The bracket is located slightly below the top end  91  of the mounting member  90 . 
     To mount the side shade  30  the operator runs the second end  99  of the cord  94  through the pulley  92 , passing the cord  94  over and around the wheel of the pulley  92  to be held in place by the u-shaped guard section of the pulley. The operator ties the second end  99  of the cord  94  to the cleat  96 , thereby securing the mounting member  90  to the awning. 
     The operator next attaches the second vertical side  36  of the fabric panel  32  by looping the cord  46  around a projecting screw. In other embodiments of the present invention the second vertical side  36  of the fabric panel  32  attaches to the projected edge support  28  or one of the first or second scissor support arms  24  or  26  by means of a hook, projecting rod, screw or other suitable projecting mechanism onto which the operator can slip the cord  46 , the hole or aperture  42  or the hole or aperture  44  (depending on how the fabric panel  32  is configured). In this embodiment of the present invention the elastic cord  46  provides horizontal tension in the fabric panel  32  of the side shade  30  and helps hold the side shade  30  in place. 
     The operator chooses how high to position the fabric panel  32  and mounting member by pulling the cord  94  to raise the fabric panel  34  and mounting member  90  in relation to the awning  10  or releasing the cord  94  to lower the fabric panel  34  and mounting member  90  in relation to the awning  10 . 
     When the side shade  30  is properly mounted, the top portion of the fabric panel  32  of the side shade  30  is at least vertically even with, if not vertically above, the fabric panel  22  of the awning. This will prevent the formation of any side vertical gap between the side shade  30  and the awning  10 . If the top portion of the fabric panel  32  is too low and a vertical gap exists between the side shade  30  and the awning  10 , the operator unties the cord  94  from the cleat  96 , and pulls on the cord  94  to raise the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  and the mounting member  90  in relation to the awning  10 . When the fabric panel  32  is at the proper height, the operator reties the cord  94  to the cleat  96  to hold the fabric panel  32  and the mounting member  90  in place. Conversely, if the top portion of the fabric panel  32  is too high and the side shade  30  does not provide adequate side shading, the operator unties the cord  94  from the cleat  96  and releases the cord  94  to lower the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  and the mounting member  90  in relation to the awning  10 . Again, when the fabric panel  32  is at the proper height, the operator reties the cord  94  to the cleat  96  to hold the fabric panel  32  and the mounting member  90  in place. If the operator so chooses he can also raise or lower the fabric panel  32  for aesthetic reasons, such as making the lower edge of the fabric panel perfectly horizontal or angled to match the downward angle of inclination of the awning. 
     When the operator wants to remove the side shade, the operator removes the cord  46 , hole or aperture  42  or hole or aperture  44  of the second vertical side  36  of the fabric panel  32  from the connection to the projected edge support  28  or one of the first or second scissor support arms  24  or  26 . The operator then unties the cord  94  from the cleat  96 , pulls the cord  94  all of the way through the pulley  92  to remove the mounting member  90  from the awning and proceeds to roll the fabric panel  32  around the mounting member  90  for storage. Rolling the fabric panel  32  around the mounting member  90  allows the side shade  30  to store more neatly and take up less space than if the fabric panel was not rolled around the mounting member  90 . 
     In still another embodiment of the present invention the side shade  30  includes a mounting member  100 . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 6  the mounting member  100  is an extruded aluminum bar formed with a substantially rectangular cross section. In other embodiments of the present invention the mounting member  100  has square, circular or elliptical cross sections and is made of either another metal (such as stainless steel, galvanized steel, brass or cast iron) or is made of fiberglass, plastic or some composite material. In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 6  the mounting member  100  has a top end  101 , a bottom end  103 , and a vertical groove extending from the top end  101  to the bottom end  103 . 
     The vertical groove in mounting bar  100  is similar to the vertical groove  56  in mounting bar  50  of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  3 A and has a lateral opening along one side of the mounting member  100 , making the mounting member substantially shaped like a C channel bar. The lateral opening is narrower than the combination of the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  and the stiffening member  38  so that when the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  with the stiffening member  38  slides into the vertical groove of the mounting member  100 , from the top end  101  or the bottom end  103  of the mounting member  90 , the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  with the stiffening member  38  is held in place by the lateral opening and a pair of end caps on the top end  101  and the bottom end  103  of the mounting member  90 . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 6  the end caps are plastic, but other embodiments of the present invention have aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, brass, cast iron, fiberglass, or composite material end caps. In other embodiments of the present invention the mounting member  100  does not have a groove and the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  does slide not include a stiffening member  38 . Instead first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  is attached to a lateral support of the mounting member  100  by screws, adhesive or other fastening. 
     The mounting member  100  has a plurality of loops  102  attached from the top end  101  of the mounting member  100  downwards towards the bottom end  103  of the mounting member  100 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     A hook  104  is attached to one of the connecting brackets  16  of the awning  10 . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 6  the hook  104  is extruded aluminum and is attached to the connecting brackets by a pair of screws. Other embodiments of the present invention include hooks  104  made of different materials such as cast aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, brass or cast iron and where the hook  104  is connected to either a mounting bracket  12 , the torsion bar  16 , the spindle  18  or the axle  20  of the awning. 
     To mount the side shade  30  the operator hangs one of the plurality of loops  102  on the hook  104 . The operator next attaches the second vertical side  36  of the fabric panel  32  by looping the cord  46  around a projecting screw. In other embodiments of the present invention the second vertical side  36  of the fabric panel  32  attaches to the projected edge support  28  or one of the first or second scissor support arms  24  or  26  by means of a hook, projecting rod, screw or other suitable projecting mechanism onto which the operator can slip the cord  46 , the hole or aperture  42  or the hole or aperture  44  (depending on how the fabric panel  32  is configured). In this embodiment of the present invention the elastic cord  46  provides horizontal tension in the fabric panel  32  of the side shade  30  and helps hold the side shade  30  in place. The operator chooses how high to position the fabric panel  32  and mounting member by choosing which loop  102  to hang on the hook  104 , thereby adjusting the height of the mounting member  100  and fabric panel  32  relative to the awning  10 . 
     When the side shade  30  is properly mounted, the top portion of the fabric panel  32  of the side shade  30  is at least vertically even with, if not vertically above, the fabric panel  22  of the awning. This will prevent the formation of any side vertical gap between the side shade  30  and the awning  10 . If the top portion of the fabric panel  32  is too low and a vertical gap exists between the side shade  30  and the awning  10 , the operator lifts the mounting member  100  and removes the loop  102  from the hook  104  and then hangs the mounting member  100  on a loop  102  lower on the mounting member  100 , thereby raising the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  and the mounting member  100  in relation to the awning  10 . Conversely, if the top portion of the fabric panel  32  is too high and the side shade  30  does not provide adequate side shading, the operator lifts the mounting member  100  and removes the loop  102  from the hook  104  and then hangs the mounting member  100  from a loop  102  higher on the mounting member  100 , thereby lowering the first vertical side  34  of the fabric panel  32  and the mounting member  90  in relation to the awning  10 . If the operator so chooses he can also raise or lower the fabric panel  32  for aesthetic reasons, such as making the lower edge of the fabric panel perfectly horizontal or angled to match the downward angle of inclination of the awning. 
     When the operator wants to remove the side shade, the operator removes the cord  46 , hole or aperture  42  or hole or aperture  44  of the second vertical side  36  of the fabric panel  32  from the connection to the projected edge support  28  or one of the first or second scissor support arms  24  or  26 . The operator then lifts the mounting member  100 , unhooks the loop  102  from the hook  104  to remove the mounting member  100  from the awning and proceeds to roll the fabric panel  32  around the mounting member  100  for storage. Rolling the fabric panel  32  around the mounting member  100  allows the side shade  30  to store more neatly and take up less space than if the fabric panel was not rolled around the mounting member  100 . 
     While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the appended claims.