Patent Publication Number: US-9834952-B1

Title: Awning assembly

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     None. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Present embodiments relate to a retractable awning assembly. More specifically, present embodiments relate to, without limitation, a retractable awning assembly which utilizes a gear motor structure wherein the motor is positioned in and supported by the awning arm. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Retractable awnings are utilized to create a shaded space and create additional usable area outside a recreational vehicle (RV), building, marine vehicle or other mobile or fixed structure such as a building or other commercial or residential structure. By creating a shaded area, users may add to the usable square footage of the RV or building wherein they would otherwise not be able to do so. 
     Various prior art roller awnings utilize a torsion spring assembly in order to assist in the retraction of the awning. However, the torsion spring and related assembly adds weight to the structure. It is a common desire, especially in the RV industry, to reduce the weight of products in order to improve the fuel efficiency of the vehicle and/or reduce the weight in order to decrease the complexity of the mounting accessories needed for the awning. 
     It is also desirable to reduce the bulk or size of the end covers of the awning arm. These structures may limit the distance between the awning assembly and a sidewall of an RV or building structure. 
     It would be desirable to provide an awning assembly which reduces the weight of the awning assembly and eliminates the need for a torsion spring. Further, it would also be desirable to provide a structure which reduces mounting complexity of the awning motor. Still further, it would be desirable to provide an assembly which reduces or eliminates the need for back-driving brake. 
     The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention is to be bound. 
     SUMMARY 
     Present embodiments are related to an awning assembly having an angled gear motor. The angled gear motor including a drive assembly which may include a motor and a drive, which may be an angled gear type transmission in some embodiments. The motor is disposed within and fully supported by the awning arm. This in turn reduces the size required for the end cap structure at the end of the awning arm. A transmission connected to the motor has an output or drive shaft which drives rotation of an awning roller tube. By using this assembly, the need for a torsion spring to aid with the retraction of the awning is eliminated and thus, provides a weight saving feature for the awning assembly. Further, the transmission eliminates the need for an additional back-brake. 
     According to some embodiments, an awning assembly comprises a first awning hardware having a first plurality of arms, a second awning hardware having a second plurality of arms, a canopy configured to extend or retract from a roller tube having a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, an inner edge and an outer edge. A motor may be disposed within one of the arms. An angled transmission may be operably connected to the motor, the angled transmission disposed at an end of the one of the arms, the motor and the angled transmission may be configured to rotatably extend or retract the canopy. 
     Optionally, the angled transmission may comprise a worm, a worm gear and a plurality of gears. The worm may be disposed in a worm housing and the worm gear may be disposed in a gear housing. The worm may extend from the motor. The drive shaft may extend from the angled transmission. The roller tube may be operably connected to the drive shaft. The roller tube may further comprise an end cap engaging the drive shaft. The awning assembly may further comprise a joint connected to the drive shaft. The awning assembly may further comprise an arm tab disposed at an end of the one of the arms and a flange tab engaging the arm tab. The awning assembly further comprising a cover extending over the angled transmission at the end of the one of the arms. The motor and the angled transmission may be connected or may be being integrally manufactured. The roller tube may be configured to rotate adjacent to a sidewall. Alternatively, the roller tube may be configured to move toward and away from a sidewall. 
     According to some embodiments, an awning assembly comprises a canopy having a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, an inner edge and an outer edge. A first hardware and a second hardware may each comprise at least one arm which may be configured to extend and retract with the canopy. A motor may be disposed at least partially within and supported by at least one of the arms, an angled gear transmission may be disposed at an end of the at least one of the arms, and the angled gear transmission may be driven by the motor and extend and retracting the canopy. 
     Optionally, the angled gear transmission may comprise a worm, a worm gear and a gear box. The awning assembly may further comprise a manual override on one of the worm gear and the gear box. The angled gear transmission may be disposed at an end of one of the hardware. The angled gear transmission may comprise a drive shaft extending from the gear box. One of the worm gear or a motor shaft may extend from the at least one of the arms. The awning assembly may further comprise a cover disposed over the angled gear transmission, the cover located at an end of the at least one arm. The motor and the angled gear transmission may be formed together or may be formed separately and joined during manufacture. The awning assembly may be a cassette awning or may be a moving roller tube-type awning. 
     According to some embodiments, an awning assembly comprises a first awning hardware having a first plurality of arms and a second awning hardware having a second plurality of arms. A canopy may have an inner edge and an outer edge extending between the first hardware and the second hardware and a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A motor may be supported by one of the arms and connected to the one of the arms by a motor flange. The motor may be one of partially in the arm, fully in the arm or spaced from and aligned with the arm. An angled transmission may be operably connected to the motor, the angled transmission disposed at an end of the one of the arms, the motor and the angled transmission configured to rotatably extend or retract the canopy. The awning assembly may further comprise a roller tube operably connected to the motor and the angled transmission. The roller tube may be configured to move with the first and second hardware during extension or retraction of the canopy. Alternatively, the roller tube is operated at a sidewall. The motor flange and the one of the arms may include tabs for locating the motor. The awning assembly may further comprise a joint between the transmission and the roller tube. 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. All of the above outlined features are to be understood as exemplary only and many more features and objectives of the various embodiments may be gleaned from the disclosure herein. Therefore, no limiting interpretation of this summary is to be understood without further reading of the entire specification, claims and drawings, included herewith. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention is provided in the following written description of various embodiments of the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and defined in the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the embodiments may be better understood, embodiments of an awning assembly will now be described by way of examples. These embodiments are not to limit the scope of the claims as other embodiments of the awning assembly will become apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the instant description. Non-limiting examples of the present embodiments are shown in figures wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an awning assembly in an extended position; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an awning assembly in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of an awning assembly; 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of one example of an angled gear motor; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the awning assembly and angled gear motor in a partially exploded view; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of the awning hardware and angled gear motor with some features removed; 
         FIG. 7  is an upper perspective view of the angled gear motor and an exploded transmission; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment comprising a joint disposed between an awning roller tube and the angled gear motor; and, 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment wherein the roller has a fixed position and the rotation of the roller tube occurs at the sidewall. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It is to be understood that an awning assembly is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The described embodiments are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. 
     Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout several views, there are shown in  FIGS. 1-9  various embodiments of an awning assembly. Present embodiments provide a motor for an awning assembly, wherein the motor is positioned in the awning hardware. Specifically, the motor may be supported by the awning hardware. The awning assembly may also have an angled transmission connected to the motor. The transmission and motor provide rotating movement of the awning roller tube. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a recreational vehicle (RV)  10  is depicted. The exemplary RV includes a drive and a transmission, not shown, as well as at least one sidewall  12  and a roof  14 . It should be understood that although an RV  10  is referred to in the exemplary embodiments, one skilled in the art should understand that the use of the embodiments described herein is not limited to these drivable vehicles. The term “RV” is also meant to include towable structures, sometimes called campers, homes and other stationary structures as well as boats or other marine applications, for example which use canopy structures which may or may not be retractable, commercial vehicles, agricultural vehicles, horse trailers, and temporary structures such as those used at sports events, (tailgating), flea markets. Further, the embodiments may also be used with fixed structures having such shade canopies and therefore, the term RV is not limited to mobile structures but may also include fixed structures. All of these structures are considered to be usable with the awning assembly attachment of the present embodiments. 
     An awning assembly  20  is connected to the sidewall  12  and/or the roof  14  of the vehicle  10 . In other embodiments, the awning assembly  20  may be retractable within the sidewall  12  so as to reduce the airflow interference of the awning assembly  20  while the vehicle  10  is being operated. The awning assembly  20  may be defined by various structures such as roller type awning, cassette awning or other types. 
     The awning assembly  20  includes an awning or canopy  22  and hardware assemblies  24 ,  26  defined by at least one first arm  28  and at least one second arm  30 . The awning hardware assembly  24  is utilized, according to the instant embodiment, to connect the awning assembly  20  to the sidewall  12  of, for non-limiting example, the vehicle  10  or other fixed of mobile structure. The hardware assembly  24  allows for support of the canopy  22  in an extended position (shown) or in a retracted position ( FIG. 2 ). The hardware assemblies or hardware  24 ,  26  support a movable awning bar  40 . The awning bar  40  may be embodied by a roller tube in some embodiments which rotates to either extend or retract the awning canopy  22  or a non-rotating bar of circular or non-circular cross-section. In the non-rotating embodiment, the roller tube may be fixed in position at the sidewall to extend and retract the canopy, and accordingly, the non-rotating bar is located near the leading edge of the canopy which extends and retracts as discussed in further embodiments. Optionally, the hardware assembly  24  may also provide a pathway for wiring from a power source to the awning bar  40  to drive a motor or alternatively, for example may be routed through a hem in the canopy  22 . Other wiring pathways may also be used however. 
     The canopy  22  includes an inner edge closer to the sidewall of an RV or fixed structure sidewall. The canopy  22  also includes an outer edge or leading edge further from the RV or fixed structure sidewall. Extending between the inner and outer edges are first and second lateral edges. 
     The awning bar  40  may be circular in cross-sectional shape in some embodiments. The awning bar  40 , depicted as a roller tube, may include a first end and a second end with end caps. The awning bar  40  may be rotatably supported at or near ends to allow rotation for extension and retraction of the awning canopy  22 . However, as will be described further, the present embodiments need not be limited to roller tube embodiments, as other types of awnings may be utilized. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 1 , the awning assembly  20  includes the awning canopy  22  and the first and second hardware assemblies  24  and  26 . In this embodiment, each of the hardware assemblies are generally formed the same and therefore only hardware assembly  24  will be described. However, these hardware assemblies  24 ,  26  may be different and may also be embodied in differing forms from that which is depicted. The hardware assembly  24  supports the canopy  22  in the extended position (shown) and collapses to a compact, nested stack arrangement when the awning assembly  20  is retracted for road travel or when weather conditions preclude extended use of the awning assembly  20 . In the retracted position, the hardware assemblies  24 ,  26  are generally positioned in a vertical arrangement near lateral edges of the canopy  22  and along sidewall  12  of the RV  10 . In the extended position depicted, portions of the hardware assemblies  24 ,  26  extend outwardly from the RV sidewall  12 . 
     The hardware assembly  24  may include a plurality of arms  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  defining a four bar linkage comprising a first base arm  28 , a second top arm  30 , a third extending arm  32  and a fourth adjustable arm  34  which may allow for pitch adjustment. The hardware assemblies  24 ,  26  may comprise of one or more supports including a first arm  28  which is mounted to the sidewall  12  ( FIG. 1 ). The second arm  30  is pivotally connected to and extends from the first arm  28 . In the exemplary embodiment, the second arm  30  may extend from the upper end, however this is not limiting and merely one example of a configuration which may be utilized. The second arm  30  may be further sized so as to be nested in a nested arrangement with either or both of the first arm  28  and a third arm  32  which may be pivotally connected to an opposite end of the second arm  30  and spaced from the first arm  28 . One or more struts  36  may be utilized to control movement of the second and third arms  30 ,  32 . Additionally, an adjustable arm  34  may be utilized to position and adjust the extended configuration of the awning hardware assemblies  24 ,  26 . 
     The weight of the awning assembly  20  in an extended position may cause one or more members of the hardware, for example strut  36  or arm  34 , to vary in size, and result in the awning sagging. Further, this variation may be used to adjust the pitch of the awning canopy  22 . 
     The first base arm  28  is connected to the RV sidewall  12  and may be channel-shaped having an open top which is capable of receiving a nested storage of the additional arms described in the following description of the hardware assembly  24 . The first base arm  28  may be of a length so as to receive the additional arms in a compact nested arrangement so that those additional linkage arms do not extend from the bottom end of the first base arm  28 . The channel shape is generally u-shaped and may have squared corners or rounded corners. Other shapes however may be utilized. 
     The first base arm  28  may be straight and elongated and may be formed in various manners, including but not limited to an extrusion process. The first base arm  28  may be formed of a high-strength, lightweight material such as aluminum or aluminum alloy, among other materials such as for non-limiting example roll formed steel which may be stronger. The channel shape comprises a main wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall defining the channel. The channel opening is outwardly facing so that the channel may receive the additional assembly arms when the awning assembly  20  is retracted. 
     With the awning hardware  24 ,  26  is shown in the example depicted, the awning arm  28  is represented and is generally channel shaped. The channel shape may be used for various reason including, but not limited to, the nesting of the one or more hardware arms. The awning arm  28  may also include a wire cover  35  ( FIG. 3 ) providing a route wherein the wiring  51 , including conductors for the awning motor  52  ( FIG. 3 ). The wire cover  35  may be formed integrally or may be removable from the first arm  28 . As the wiring  51  for the motor  52  ( FIG. 3 ) may be routed within the first arm  28 , and since it is desirable to inhibit damage to such wiring, the wiring  51  may be run beneath the wire cover  35  without damaging of the due to the movement of the other arms in this area. Further, while the wiring  51  is shown generally centered in the awning arm  28 , it may be alternatively moved to a different location and further may or may not be retained by wire guides or other retaining structures, to set position or otherwise limit movement in the arm  28 . Thus the second arm  30  and third arm  32  may be nested in the first arm  28 , or within each other, and the wiring be clear of those moving components of the awning assembly  20 . Other methods of routing the wiring may be utilized including cable ties or other features to retain the wiring in such a way that it is not inhibiting movement of other components of the awning assembly while also providing power to the awning motor  52  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     Referring still to  FIG. 1 , the second arm  30  is pivotally connected to the first base arm  28  and extends at a second end to a third extended arm  32 . The top arm  30  may also be formed of a high-strength, lightweight material such as aluminum alloy or steel and may be formed in various fashions including, but not limited to, an extrusion process. The wiring may follow this routing through the second arm  30  and through the third arm  32 . 
     Extending outwardly from the first base arm  28  is the adjustable arm  34  which may allow adjustment of awning pitch, and the third extended arm  32 . The third arm  32  and/or the adjustable arm  34  may also be formed in various shapes including, but not limited to, a generally channel shape. 
     The adjustable arm  34  extends from the base arm  28  and provides the capability to raise or lower corners of the awning assembly  20  disposed away from the RV sidewall  12 . This adjustment of the corners allows independent raising or lowering of either end of the awning arm  30 . Each adjustable arm  34  includes a first member and a second member which slide relative to one another to adjust total length. Therefore, each adjustable arm  34  may be adjusted to move and may be adjusted between an extended position and a collapsed position. Although the depicted embodiment provides for manual adjustment, it is contemplated that other mechanisms may be provided to provide automated adjustment. A lock or clamp may be provided to limit relative motion between the members when the adjustable arm  34  is set at a desired configuration. The locked or secure position may be engaged, for example when extended, collapsed, or any position there between. Additionally, the unlocked position allows for manual adjustment to a desired configuration, at which time the lock may be engaged. The lock may be embodied by a lock knob, clamp, fastener-nut, latch, other movement limiting structure or combinations thereof. While an adjustment arm  34  is described, which is shown to have pitch adjustment capability for the awning bar  40 , one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that various other adjustable functions may be provided by adjustable arm  34 . Therefore, the adjustment arm  34  should not be considered solely limited to pitch adjustment. Still further, arm  34  may alternatively be defined in a rigid construction. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second members of the arm  34  may be foldable. In other embodiments, the members may be slidable in an axial direction of the members relative to one another. Similarly, the members may be retracted to vary the pitch of the awning assembly  20  and the canopy  22 . This functionality may also be provided at the opposite hardware assembly  26  so that the pitch of the canopy  22  may be changed to allow for drainage, for example, or allow of uneven deployment or retraction of the awning assembly  20 . Once a desired position is achieved, in the extended configuration, the adjustable arm  34  may be locked in various manners, for example a knob-lock assembly or other fastening structure. 
     The hardware assembly  24  may further comprise a biasing element such as the strut  36  which extends between the first base arm  28  and a second top arm  30 . The strut  36  supports the second top arm  30  when the awning assembly  20  is in an extended or deployed position. The strut  36  further provides damping force for example, in windy conditions or during heavy rains. The strut  36  may be a gas strut, fluid strut or other suitable structure, such as a biasing element, spring, elastic element or other force applying and/or damping structure wherein the inner end of such structure is connected to the base arm  28  and the outer end connects to the second top arm  30 . The strut  36  may be provided with pivoting joints, such as pivotable ball end joints, or other connectors so that the strut  36  pivots and may be received within the base arm  28  when the awning assembly  20  is retracted. The joints or ends of the strut  36  may connect to a mounting bracket or other similar structure which is connected to the base arm  28  by various types of fasteners including, but not limited to, rivets or screws. 
     The strut  36  applies a force on the awning assembly  20  to provide an opposed force to any force which may be applied by water collecting on the canopy  22  or alternatively, wind blowing against the canopy  22 . For example, the strut  36  may also allow a corner of the awning assembly  20  to lower if the adjustable arm  34  is unlocked or unsecured. Alternatively, when the loading of the water or wind is gone, the strut  36  allows the awning assembly  20  to return the lowered corner into the desired position. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the awning assembly  20  in a retracted position. Shown used with the non-limiting embodiment of an RV, the awning assembly  20  is retracted against the sidewall  12 . Further shown in the depicted embodiment, the hardware assemblies  24 ,  26  is in a nested arrangement wherein the various arms are folded and or slidable positioned against and/or within one or more of the arms. 
     Also, shown is the roller tube embodiment of the awning bar  40 . The roller tube  40  is positioned between the hardware assemblies  24 ,  26 . The ends of the hardware assemblies  24 ,  26  each include at least one cover wherein ends of the awning bar  40  are located. The at least one cover  38 . As opposed to prior art covers, the instant at least one cover  38  is generally smaller in size which is advantageous for multiple reasons. First, the smaller size reduces weight which is desirable. Second, the smaller size provides less interference with the sidewall  12  of the RV or other structure. 
     In order to provide the at least one cover  38  in a smaller size, the motor is moved to within the hardware assembly  24 . As a result, the at least one cover  38  need only hide the transmission rather than the transmission and the motor as in prior art devices. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an exploded perspective view of the hardware and an angled gear motor is depicted. The hardware assembly  24  is shown wherein one of the arms defining the hardware assembly  24  is exploded. The hardware assembly  24  comprises a base arm  28  which is connected to a sidewall as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The hardware assembly  24  also comprises the second arm  30  which is pivotally connected to the base arm  28  and the third arm  32  (exploded) which is connected to the second arm  30  in both a sliding and pivotal connection at a lower position not shown. The third arm  32  is shown exploded from the hardware  24  from a retracted position. The third arm  32  may be channel-shaped or otherwise have a hollow or partially hollow interior wherein an angled gear motor  50  may be positioned. The hardware assembly  24  also comprises the at least one cover  38 . In the depicted embodiment, there are two cover structures  38 ,  39  which surround the angled gear motor  50  and specifically a transmission  54 . The cover  38  may also cap the end of the hardware assembly  24  wherein the angled gear motor  50  is positioned in the third arm  32 . 
     Also shown within the third arm  32  are arm tabs  33 . A motor  52  may comprise flange tabs  69  ( FIG. 4 ) which are located by the arm tabs  33  and also aid to return the motor  52  in the desired position relative to the arm  32 , or hardware assembly  24  more generally. The tabs  33 ,  69  in combination provide a function of locating the gear motor  50  as well as supporting/transferring load from the gear motor to the hardware assembly  24 . 
     The roller tube  40  is also depicted in the embodiment. An end cap  41  is shown connected to the roller tube  40  and operably engaging the angled gear motor  50 . During operation, the angled gear motor  50  may be driven electrically to cause the roller tube  40  to rotate for either extension or retraction as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     A cable  51  is shown extending from the motor  52  and when the motor  52  is positioned in the hardware assembly  24 , the cable  51  extends through the arm  32 . The cable  51  may comprise one or more conductors for powering and controlling the motor operation. The cable  51  having this architecture may be routed through the hardware  24  to protect the cable  51  from fraying or the like. Further, the wire cover  35  may also be provided to guide the cable  51  within the arm  32  and protect the cable  51  during movement of arm  32 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a front perspective view of the angled gear motor  50  is depicted. Various characteristics may be considered in the selection of the gear motor  50 . Some non-limiting characteristics which may be used to size the gear motor  50  include desired torque at a roller tube  40 , rotational speed of the roller tube  40 , and gear motor  50  size. The angled gear motor  50  comprises the motor  52  and a transmission  54 . The transmission  54  comprises worm  80 , a worm gear  82  and a gear box  55  having a plurality of gears  58  therein. The motor  52  may be a 12 volt DC motor which may have, for example, a 400 in-lbs stall torque and 300 in-lbs operational torque and may drive an RPM of 25 RPM at an output drive shaft  60  However, this is merely one embodiment and others may be utilized depending on size and weight characteristics of the awning assembly, as well as other design characteristics which may vary. The motor  52  has a drive shaft which may be connected to or integrally formed with a worm gear or other gear structure which operably engages the transmission  54 . According to the instant embodiment, the motor  52  drives a worm  80  which extends from the motor  52  and is in a worm housing  56 . The worm  80  drives a worm gear  82  which in turn drives gears  58  in the gear box  55 . The worm  80  may be formed on a motor shaft or may be connected by, for example, placing a worm over the motor shaft, and may be fixed to the motor shaft for rotation with the motor  52 . As the worm  80  and the worm gear  82  rotates, a plurality of gears  58  on the interior of the gear box  55  causing rotation of an output drive shaft  60 . The output drive shaft  60  rotates causing rotation of roller tube  40  ( FIG. 3 ). The above design characteristics may also be measured at the drive shaft  60  rather than the roller tube  40 . In some embodiments, the shaft  60  may extend from the roller tube  40  into the gear box  55 . The gear architecture, gear sizes and ratios may be sized and adjusted depending on the desired speed and torque at the shaft  60 . Additionally, the transmission may include a joint to compensate for off axis operation of the roller tube wherein the roller tube is not aligned with the drive shaft of the transmission  54 . 
     The motor  52  and the transmission  54  may be manufactured as a single structure or may be joined together as shown by fasteners  59 . Either embodiment is considered within the scope of the present claims. Further the angled gear motor  50  may comprise an angled transmission which receives an input in one direction and provides an output in a second direction which is non-coaxial and/or non-parallel to the first direction. In this embodiment, the worm  80  receives input in a direction at least in part determined by the motor  52  and the gear box  55  provides an output at drive shaft  60  in a second direction, which according to some embodiments is generally a right angle, although such angle should not be considered limiting. 
     Also depicted, positioned along the motor  52 , is a flange  66 . The flange  66  is utilized to position the motor  52  within the hardware  24  ( FIG. 3 ) and specifically, within the third arm  32  ( FIG. 3 ) of the hardware  24 . In this way, the angled gear motor  50  is supported by the hardware  24  and specifically the motor  52  is fully or at least partially disposed within the hardware  24  so that the axis of the motor  52  is coaxial with or longitudinally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the hardware  24  or arm  32  and may or may not be located within hardware  24  or arm  32 . In other words, the motor  52  may be supported by the arm by being fully or partially within the arm  32  or may be supported by the arm but spaced from and aligned with the hardware  24  or arm  32 , for example aligned with but spaced from the arm. The flange  66  may be formed as part of the motor or motor housing, or may be formed separately and attached to the motor  52  or to another part to which the motor is connected. The flange  66  may have one or more fastening apertures  67 , which allow for connection of the flange to the hardware  24 . The flange  66  may also have a curved outer surface  68  which approximates the curved surface of the third arm  32  so that the flange  66  can fit against the curved inner surface of the third arm  32  and minimize wasted space therein. Further, this allows load support for the motor  52  by the hardware  24 . The flange  66  allows for support by the third arm  32  and bracing of the angled gear motor  50  both against the third arm  32  for added strength and rigidity. The flange  66  may have one or more flange tabs  69  which engage corresponding arm tabs  33  located within the third arm  32  to position the angled gear motor  50  for subsequent fastening through the third arm  32  and the flange  66 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view of the angled gear motor  50  and the hardware  24  is depicted with the cover  38  exploded to reveal the angled gear motor  50 . As depicted, the angled gear motor  50  is disposed within the hardware  24 , as shown. The motor  52  ( FIG. 4 ) is disposed or positioned within the third arm  32  of the hardware  24 . This may be fully disposed as shown wherein only the worm  80  or motor shaft extend from the arm  32  or alternatively that the motor  52  is at least partially positioned within the arm  32 . Accordingly, the worm  80  ( FIG. 6 ) which is on the back side of the structure depicted, extends upwardly from a mounting bracket  70  positioned at the end of the hardware  24 . The transmission  54  is disposed on top of the mounting bracket  70 . Further, the flange  66  may be formed with the bracket  70  or may be otherwise connected to the bracket  70  in some embodiments. 
     Further shown in this view, the output drive shaft  60  of the gear box  55  is shown extending through an end cap  41  of the roller tube  40 . A joint, for non-limiting example a universal joint, may be employed to allow for variation of alignment and/or increased angular deflection between the roller tube  40  and the hardware  24 . At an opposite end of roller tube  40  is a second end cap  43  which has a pivoting connection relative to the hardware  26 . When the angled gear motor  50  is driven at one end of the roller tube  40 , the opposite end cap  43  rotates with tube  40  and about connection with hardware  26 . This may or may not utilize such joint as at between the roller tube  40  and the hardware  24 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the angled gear motor  50  is shown adjacent to the roller tube  40 . The third arm  32  ( FIG. 5 ) of the hardware  24  ( FIG. 5 ) receives the motor  52 . The motor  52  extends downwardly into the third arm  32  of the hardware  24  until the mounting bracket  70  engages the end of the hardware  24 . One of the flange tabs  69  is depicted in the embodiment. The flange tabs  69  may be used to retain and locate the gear motor  50  within the hardware  24  prior to the fastening of the angled gear motor  50  therein. This also provides a load support function. Above the mounting bracket  70  is the transmission  54  having the first, worm gear housing portion  55   a , the second gear housing portion  55   b , and the worm housing  56 . The worm housing  56  and the worm gear housing portion  55   a  may be formed together as shown or may be formed separated and joined or connected together. Extending through the worm housing  56  is the worm  80  with a fastener or other torque applying structure  72  which functions as an override structure, for example if there is no power. The torque applying structure  72  may be a nut which is engaging the motor  52  or drive shaft  60  either directly or indirectly through the gear box  55  to cause rotation of the roller tube  40 . The nut may be threadably attached to the worm  80  or the motor shaft or both and may be fixed relative thereto for example by a pinned or other connection. The torque applying structure  72  in some embodiments may extend from the worm  80  or may be connected thereto within or exterior from the worm housing  56 . The torque applying structure  72  allows for application of torque to manually rotate the worm  80  and thereby manually rotate the gears  58  ( FIG. 4 ) within the gear box  55  to extend or retract the roller tube  40 . The term “manual” may apply to manual turning through the use of hand tools such as a socket or wrench or alternatively, may include the use of power hand tools for an automated movement. The automated power tools may include, for example, a drill or other rotary driver to which a socket may be connected for engagement of the torque applying structure  72 . While the override structure is shown on the worm  80 , the override functionality may also be applied to worm gear  82  and at the gear box  55 . 
     The output drive shaft  60  is also shown extending from the gear box housing  55 , specifically the second portion  55   b . In other embodiments, the drive shaft may extend from the roller tube  40  and into the gear box housing  55 . The end cap  41  is removed and the roller tube  40  is shown only to provide reference for positioning and structure. The output drive shaft  60  may have a threaded portion  74  and a key  76  so that the key  76  can provide torque input to the roller tube  40  and the threaded portion  74  may retain the angled gear motor  50  connected to the roller tube  40 . 
     The drive shaft  60  may extend through the end cap  41 . The end cap  41  may have a hole  45  which is shaped or keyed to correspond to the drive shaft key  76 . The threaded portion  74  may extend to an inner side of the end cap  41  and be connected thereto by a nut or other fastener. In this embodiment, the torque of the drive shaft  60  is transferred to the end cap  41  which is connected to the roller tube  40 . Thus, the drive shaft  60  may be directly connected to the end cap  41  or roller tube  40 . In the alternative, the drive shaft  60  may also be indirectly a connected for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to, a joint, such as a universal joint to allow for misalignment between the drive shaft and the roller tube  40 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a further exploded perspective view of the angled gear motor  50 . The gear box  55 , designated by housing portions  55   a ,  55   b  is also exploded so that the gear box housing second housing portion  55   b  is spaced apart and the fasteners removed. As shown herein, the gear box  55  is formed of the two or more housing portions  55   a ,  55   b  which are fastened together by a plurality of fasteners and contain the plurality of gears  58 . The fasteners may comprise screws, bolts or alternatively may be clipped together using clips or other fastening structure such as rivets. Various types of connections may be utilized. However, in other embodiments, the gear box housing  55   a ,  55   b  may be formed of a single structure which fully encloses all of the gears and is formed of a single part. 
     The second gear housing portion  55   b  may include a plurality of gears  58 , which is exploded from the gear box housing  55   b . In the exemplary embodiment, the structure includes a sun gear is centrally located between three planetary pinion gears. The carriage  90  includes planetary gears  86 ,  87 ,  88  which rotate about a sun gear  89 . The drive shaft  60  is connected to the carriage  90  and driven by the carriage  90 . While one carriage  90  and one set of planetary gears  86 ,  87 ,  88  are shown, other embodiments may be provided wherein two or more carriages, sets of planetary gears and sun gears may be provided so that the torque or speed at the drive shaft  60  may be varied to meet one or more desirable characteristics. In operation, the plurality of gears  58 , specifically sun gear  89 , receive an input speed from the worm gear  82 . This causes rotation and orbiting of the planetary gears  86 ,  87 ,  88  and rotation of the carriage  90 . The plurality of gears including the carriage  90  reduce the speed from the worm gear  82  but increase torque at the drive shaft  60 . The worm gear  82  drives rotation of the sun gear  89  which in turn rotates planetary gears  86 ,  87 ,  88  that thereby rotate carriage  90  which connects to drive shaft  60 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , an alternative embodiment is provided wherein the drive shaft  60  is connected to a joint  94 . The joint  94  according to some embodiments may be a universal joint which allows for some misalignment between the drive shaft and the roller tube  40  generally. During operation of the awning assembly, it is possible that that one end of the roller tube moves toward or away from the sidewall  12  ( FIG. 1 ) faster than the other end. As a result, this may result in undesirable forces on the gears of the transmission  54  and may result in binding of the transmission or undue loading on the motor  52 . 
     The instant joint  94  may be embodied, in some embodiments by a universal joint. The joint  94  has a first yoke  95  which is connected to a second yoke  96  by a journal cross, center block or other central connector. The connection allows pivoting of the joint  94  about two perpendicular axes. The second yoke  96  may be connected to the end cap  41  or the roller tube  40  directly or indirectly so that torque is transferred to drive rotation of the roller tube  40 . In some embodiment, the end cap  41  may be formed with the second yoke  96  and so that the second yoke  96  extends therefrom. By extending from the end cap  41 , the second yoke  96  may extend from an exterior surface or may extend from interior structure which defines a portion of the end cap  41  or is connected thereto. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a further embodiment of an awning assembly  120  is provided. The embodiment depicts an alternate awning assembly  120  which may provide for the roller tube  140  to be in a fixed location relative to the sidewall  12  and rotate at that location to extend or retract an awning canopy  122 . At the leading edge of the canopy  122  is an awning bar  142  which may be of various cross-sectional shapes. As can be seen, this cassette-type awning assembly does not move the roller tube  140  from one position to another. 
     The awning assembly  120  includes a first hardware  124  and second hardware  126 . Each hardware or hardware assembly includes two arms  130 ,  132 . The first arm  130  is pivotally connected to a base portion  133  of the assembly  120  and the second arm is pivotally connected to the first arm  130 . The first and second arms  130 ,  132  move through a horizontal plane to extend or retract the awning canopy  122 . 
     To one side of the awning assembly  120  is a gear motor which is not shown due to the covering parts. An arm  128  is shown positioned adjacent to the sidewall  12 . The arm  128  receives the motor as described previously. The motor may be partially housed in the arm  128  or may be fully housed therein. At the upper end of the arm  128 , the motor may be connected to the transmission which is also covered in this view by the covers  138 ,  139 . 
     The transmission conveys torque from the motor to the roller tube  140  either directly or indirectly to rotate the roller tube and extend or retract the canopy  122 . 
     While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the invent of embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure. 
     All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms. The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. 
     Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc. 
     As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law. 
     As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc. 
     It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited. 
     In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures. 
     The foregoing description of methods and embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise steps and/or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention and all equivalents be defined by the claims appended hereto.