Patent Publication Number: US-7708046-B1

Title: Awning wind deflector

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates to a removably attached wind deflector for protecting a rolled up awning structure mounted on to a side of a recreational vehicle (RV) from head winds, while traveling at high speed. The shape and the flexibility of the deflector structure causes the wind flow smoothly away from the rolled awning without disrupting and blow out of the awning flap 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Rolled up awnings in general are well known in the art for use in canopies recreation vehicles for providing shade, space and the pleasure of enjoying outdoor environment. Presently, there is no specific device or apparatus which can provide protection against blow out of the rolled up awning flap. Usually a wrapper is used to wrap around the rolled up awning to protect from head winds. 
   A further problem is that when traveling at high speed of about 75 mph the fittings holding the awning are subjected to intermittent pressure and impact which results in wear and tear to the fittings and the supporting structure. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,782,936, issued Aug. 31, 2004 to Girard et al, describes a protective frame cover for enclosing the roller and awning material and sealing with the header in order to prevent wing-generated noise during driving. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,111, issued Mar. 9, 1993 to Hanemaayer, describes an awning having a recess into which the awning material is enclosed in a fully retracted position. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,530,389, issued Jul. 23, 1985 to Quinn et al is drawn to a roll control mechanism of a retractable awning assembly. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,924,895, filled May 15, 1990 to Bailie, describes an awning cover for protecting the fabric of the awning when rolled into the stored portion of the awning, therebetween to hold the awning cover in place. 
   None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus a roll up awning wind deflector for protecting the awning and the attachment structure from the wind gusts is desired. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with the present invention, a wind deflector is removably mounted at the windward end of the rolled up awning for deflecting wind around and away from a recreation vehicle rolled up awning. The wind deflector comprises a disk-shaped flange at one end and an elongated stem at the other end. The wind deflector having a circular opening therethrough for slidably engaging around the rolled up awning structure. The flanged end of the wind deflector having a sloping flange facing the windward direction for smoothly diverting the wind away from the recreation vehicle. 
   Additionally, the disk-shaped flanged structure of the wind deflector includes a vertical flat edge for abutting against the body of the recreational vehicle for providing stability to the wind deflector structure. 
   It is an object of the invention to provide a longitudinal radial slit along the wind deflector structure for easily and removably mounting the wind deflector around the rolled up awning structure. 
   It is another object of the invention to fixedly attach the wind deflector structure to the rolled up awning structure by the use of a stainless steel hose clamp, around the elongated stem of the wind deflector by tightening screws which would simply require a screw driver as additional tool. 
   It is still another object of the invention to use flexible material for the wind deflector structure, such as urethane and/or polyurethane elastomer. This flexible material is of light weight and provides a smooth flow around the deflector structure due its flexibility and reduces the noise generated by the head winds while traveling at high speeds. 
   Additionally the disk-shaped flanged portion comprises an internal circular groove around the circular opening for gripping cap portion at the end of the rolled up awning structure. 
   The summary of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specifications and drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a recreational vehicle with an externally mounted rolled up awning structure having a wind deflector structure mounted thereon according to an embodiment of my invention. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of the wind deflector structure facing the windward direction, according to an embodiment of my invention 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a sectional side view of my present invention properly installed, facing forward into the wind for traveling. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view showing my present invention from a side view. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of my present invention mounted around the rolled up awning structure in the locked travel position. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the flow of eddies around the wind deflector structure of the preferred embodiment of my invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   My invention provides an apparatus for diverting wind from the leading edge of the awning, preventing air from entering between the canvas and the roller tube. Referring now to  FIGS. 1-6  of the drawings wherein I designate identical parts and components by the same reference numerals throughout the specification.  FIG. 1  illustrates the location and the positioning of the wind deflector structure attached at the windward end of the rolled up awning structure mounted on to the side of the recreational vehicle. 
   Now referring to  FIG. 2 , I illustrate a front view (showing the section taken along A-A of  FIG. 3 ) of my invention the wind deflector  30  having a circular shape with a flat edge  34  for abutting against the side of the RV  10 . The wind deflector comprising a circular opening  31  for mounting around the rolled up awning structure  15  and a radial slit  32  for ease of mounting on to the rolled up awning  15  by flexed opening the radial slit  32 . 
   Now referring to  FIG. 3 , I illustrate a side view showing the section taken along B-B of  FIG. 2 , includes an inner circumferential groove  33  for snuggly fitting over the cap  50  of the rolled up awning as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The flange  34  is provided with a smooth sloping cross-section having a thicker section around and at the opening  31  for providing rigidity to the deflector structure and a thinner section at the outer circumferential edge for deflecting the head winds away smoothly from the RV. 
   Now referring to  FIG. 4 , I illustrate a perspective view showing my present invention from a side view. This view illustrates the positioning of the wind deflector  30  with respect to roller  20 , awning fabric  25 , a clamp  35 , a rod  40  for supporting the rolled up awning structure and bracket  45  attached to the body of the RV. 
   Now referring to  FIG. 5 , I illustrate a detailed view showing the mounting of the wind deflector on to the rolled up awning. The flexible wind deflector having a inner circumferential groove  33  which fits over the end cap  50  of the rolled up awning structure and the stem portion of the wind deflector  30  extends over and around the rolled awning fabric  25  which is wound over the roller  20 . A clamp  35  as shown positioned around the stem of the wind deflector for fixedly attaching the wind deflector to the rolled up awning. 
   Now referring to  FIG. 6 , I illustrate the probable flow of eddies around the wind deflector structure  30 , as how the eddies flow around the windward face  55  and away from the leeward face  56  due to head winds encountered while traveling at high speeds. 
   Those skilled in the art will appreciate that I have described a particular embodiment of my invention. Alteration, modification and improvements thereto will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only and the invention is to be limited by the following claim and equivalents thereto.