Patent Document

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     None. 
     REFERENCE TO SEQUENTIAL LISTING, ETC 
     None. 
     CLAIM TO PRIORITY 
     None. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Present embodiments relate to an awning for a recreational vehicle (RV), for a building or for marine use. More specifically, present embodiments are related to an awning with integrated lighting. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     There are various types of retractable awning assemblies that are mounted to recreational vehicles and buildings. These awnings provide a sheltered area which is shaded and provides an outdoor living space which is especially desirable for people who utilize recreational vehicles regularly and those who have outdoor patios which are highly used. 
     The awning assemblies typically have structures which are mounted to the wall of the RV or building structure. Awning assemblies typically have a roller assembly which is retracted when the awning is not in use and which is extended when the awning is utilized to provide a shaded, sheltered area. 
     In low light conditions such as at dusk or in the evenings, it may become undesirable to continue use of the sheltered area defined under and around the awning assembly because of lack of lighting. Users must typically rely on porch lights from a building or alternate lighting which may be found on an RV, such as by installing the primary lights to the awning or from within the RV by opening a door. This may be undesirable at times wherein bugs would enter the RV due to the open door. 
     One additional problem with providing lighting is that the awning is movable from an extended to a retracted position as previously discussed and lighting must not inhibit the extension or retraction of the awning assembly. Moreover, any electrical connections which would be needed to operate the lighting must not bind or tangle during the extension and retraction process. 
     Accordingly, there is need in the art for an awning with integrated lighting. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to some embodiments, a connector element for an awning rail assembly with integrated illumination, comprises a connector having a head which is one of hollow or solid, the connector further comprising a neck extending from the head, the head engaging an awning, the connector further comprising a luminaire mount, at least one luminaire disposed in the luminaire mount, the at least one luminaire electrically connected to a power supply. The connector may be located near an inner edge of an awning. The connector may be located spaced away from an inner edge of the awning. 
     According to some alternate embodiments, a retractable awning assembly with integrated illumination, comprises a retractable awning having a first inner edge, a second outer edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, an awning support structure having at least a first arm and a second arm corresponding to the first side edge and the second side edge, a roller assembly about which the retractable awning rolls, an awning rail fixedly mounted opposite the roller assembly, the rail having a retaining channel, a connector received by the retaining channel, the connector having a head disposed in the retaining channel and a neck extending from the head, a luminaire mount connected to the connector, at least one luminaire mounted to the luminaire mount, the awning engaging at least one of the connector and the awning rail. The retractable awning assembly wherein the neck may be linear. The retractable awning assembly wherein the neck is curvilinear. The retractable awning assembly wherein said luminaire mount is channel shaped. The retractable awning assembly wherein the luminaire mount further comprises at least one retaining bead. The retractable awning assembly further comprising a polyrope structure formed in the first inner edge. The retractable awning assembly wherein the first inner edge is received by the retaining channel. The retractable awning assembly wherein the luminaire is oriented at an angle to a vertical. The retractable awning assembly wherein the luminaire is oriented one of toward or away from an inner edge of the awning. The retractable awning assembly wherein the retaining channel has a semi-circular cross-section. The retractable awning assembly wherein the retaining channel has an alternative u-shaped cross-section. The retractable awning assembly wherein the connector further comprises a second retaining channel. The retractable awning assembly wherein the luminaire mount depends from the connector. The retractable awning assembly wherein the luminaire mount depends from between the head and the second retaining channel. 
     A retractable awning assembly with integrated illumination including a retractable awning, an awning support structure supporting sides of said awning, a roller assembly which rolls said awning into a first retracted position and a second extended position, said assembly comprises an awning rail having a first wall mount and a first retaining channel, a connector having a second retaining channel and a luminaire mount, the connector indirectly connected to the first retaining channel by the awning and spaced from the awning rail a preselected distance, a luminaire disposed in the luminaire mount. The retractable awning assembly wherein the luminaire mount comprises at least one rib for retaining the luminaire in position within the luminaire mount. The retractable awning assembly further comprising at least one wire conductor extending from the luminaire and the luminaire mount toward a switch circuit. The retractable awning assembly wherein the switch circuit is a hard switch. The retractable awning assembly wherein the switch circuit includes a remote control. The retractable awning assembly wherein the switch circuit includes both a hard switch and a remote control. The retractable awning assembly further comprising a solar collector for charging a power supply electrically connected to the luminaire. 
     An awning rail assembly with integrated illumination comprises an awning rail for connection to a wall, the rail having a retaining channel, a connector disposed in the retaining channel, the connector having a head which is one of hollow, solid or partially hollow, the connector further comprising a neck extending from the head, the head one of capturing an awning in the retaining channel or receivably retaining said awning, the connector further comprising a luminaire mount, at least one luminaire disposed in the luminaire mount, the at least one luminaire electrically connected to a power supply. The awning rail assembly wherein the connector is spaced from the awning rail. The awning rail assembly wherein the luminaire is disposed in at least one orientation. The awning rail assembly further comprising a power switch electrically connected to the luminaire. The awning rail assembly wherein the luminaire is an LED strip. The awning rail assembly wherein the LED strip is a plurality of connected strips. The awning rail assembly further comprises a power supply. The awning rail assembly further comprises at least one conductor wire extending from an end of the luminaire mount. The awning rail assembly further comprising a wire cover at an end of the luminaire mount. The awning rail assembly wherein the connector is adjustable about a horizontal axis to adjust the luminaire mount position. The awning rail assembly wherein the luminaire mount includes a plurality of parallel luminaires. The awning rail assembly wherein the plurality of parallel luminaires are oriented in same direction. The awning rail assembly wherein the plurality of parallel luminaires are oriented in different directions. The awning rail assembly further comprising at least one cap disposed on the luminaire mount. The awning rail assembly wherein the at least one cap is one of translucent, semi-translucent or opaque. 
     An awning assembly with integrated lighting, comprises an awning assembly having an awning material with an inner edge, an outer edge and first and second side edges, a roller housing which receives the awning material and about which the awning material wraps, the roller housing being generally cylindrical in shape and having end caps at axial ends of the housing, a slot extending longitudinally through the roller housing, a luminaire engaging the slot and providing illumination under the awning assembly when the awning assembly is in an extended position. The awning assembly wherein the luminaire is positioned in the slot. The awning assembly further comprising a connector disposed in the slot. The awning assembly wherein said luminaire is positioned in a luminaire mount of the connector. The awning assembly further comprising a cap near ends of the luminaire mount. The awning assembly further comprising a lens disposed over the luminaire within the luminaire. The awning assembly further comprising wiring disposed in the slot for powering the luminaire. The awning assembly wherein the wiring one of routes into said roller housing or extends exterior to said roller housing to an end of said slot. The awning assembly wherein the light is directed downward and toward a sidewall. The awning assembly wherein the light is directed downward and away from a sidewall. 
     An awning assembly with integrated lighting comprises a roller assembly connected to an awning and rollable from a first retracted position to a second extended position, the roller assembly including a housing and at least one end cap, an accessory slot extending along the housing and end cap in a longitudinal direction, the accessory slot receiving one of the luminaire or a connector having the luminaire. 
     An awning assembly comprises an awning having a first side edge an opposed second side edge, a first inner edge and a second outer edge, a pocket formed of a transparent material between the first inner edge and the second outer edge, a luminaire disposed in the pocket, at least one wire extending to a hem formed in the awning and toward the inner edge of the awning. The awning assembly wherein the pocket extends parallel to the outer edge. The awning assembly wherein the pocket extends perpendicular to the outer edge. The awning assembly wherein the pocket extends at an angle between the side edges. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the embodiments may be better understood, embodiments of the awning with integral lighting 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 with integral lighting 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 one possible exemplary embodiment of an awning assembly. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of an awning rail assembly with integrated lighting. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of an awning rail assembly with integrated lighting. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective assembly view of a third embodiment of an awning rail assembly with integrated lighting. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an awning rail assembly with integrated lighting. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of an alternate awning embodiment with a pocket for receiving a luminaire. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective end view of a roller assembly having accessory slots to integrate various lighting embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of an alternate connector with adjustment for the luminaire position. 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of a further alternative connector and awning rail to adjust the luminaire position. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of an alternative luminaire mount. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of a further alternative luminaire mount. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic view of a circuit for use with the awning lights. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It is to be understood that the awning assembly with integral lighting 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 invention is 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 numeral indicate like elements throughout several views, there are shown in  FIGS. 1 through 12  various embodiments of awning assemblies which include an integrated lighting on the awning assembly. The assembly is retractable or extendable despite the luminaire. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a recreational vehicle  10  is depicted. The RV includes a drive and transmission, not shown, as well as a sidewall  12  and a roof  14 . An awning assembly  20  is connected to one of the sidewall  12  or the roof  14  of the vehicle  10 . In further embodiments, the awning assembly  20  may be retractable within the sidewall so as to reduce the airflow interference of the assembly while the vehicle  10  is being operated. 
     The awning assembly  20  includes an awning or canopy  22 , at least one first arm  24  and at least one second arm  26 . The awning or canopy  22  includes a first side edge  32 , a second side edge  34 , a first inner edge  36  and a second outer edge  38 . The awning  22  is exemplary and other variations may be utilized. The assembly  20  further includes a roller assembly  30  which moves inwardly and outwardly with corresponding retraction or extension of the awning  22  to provide the sheltered or shaded area beneath the awning assembly  20 . The roller assembly  30  may be a manual assembly requiring manual rotation to extend or retract the canopy  22 . Alternatively the roller assembly  30  may be an automated system such as by electrical, air, hydraulic or other fluid power systems to cause extension or retraction of the canopy  22 . The awning assembly  20  further comprises an awning rail assembly  40  which is utilized according to the instant embodiment to connect the awning assembly  20  to the sidewall  12  of the vehicle. 
     It should be understood that although an RV is referred to in the exemplary embodiments, one skilled in the art should understand that the use of the awning with lighting is not limited to these vehicles. The awnings may be used with homes other stationary structures as well as boats or other marine application 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) and flea markets. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exploded perspective view of a portion of an exemplary awning rail assembly  40  is depicted. An awning rail  42  is positioned against a structural or RV sidewall  12  ( FIG. 1 ). The awning rail  42  includes an upstanding wall or wall mount  44  and a retaining channel  46  connected thereto. Alternatively, the mount  44  may be directed downwardly or alternatively the channel  46  may be located at various positions thereon. As a further alternative, the mount wall  44  may be curved or other shapes other than linear. A variety of awning rail shapes are known in the art and well within the scope of the present disclosure. The wall mount  44  may be fastened to the sidewall  12  of the RV or building by fasteners, suction devices, or adhesive or any combination thereof. The retaining channel  46  is generally circular in shape with a relief opening  47  which allows the awning  22  to extend therefrom upon assembly. The retaining channel  46  while circular in the exemplary embodiment may be various alternate shapes such as a U-shaped channel, square with the relief opening  47  or other polygonal shape. 
     According to some embodiments, a connector  50  may be positioned within the retaining channel  46  or according to other embodiments the awning  22  may be captured within the retaining channel by the connector  50 . The instant embodiment utilizes a connector  50  which is positioned within the retaining channel  46 . The connector  50  includes a head  52  and a neck  56  extending from the head  52 . The connector  50  may be formed in an extrusion process, for example, for ease of manufacture. The extrusion or connector  50  may be rigid or soft. For example, if a rigid extrusion is desired, the material may be, for example, PVC Polypropylene or other polymeric with ultraviolet and embrittlement resistant characteristics. Alternatively, for example, a flexible extrusion  50  may be desired made of santoprene or other soft extruding materials. These are non-limiting examples as other materials may be used by one skilled in the art. The head  52  is generally circular in shape corresponding in size to the retaining channel  46  so that the head  52  may be positioned therein. The head  52  may be solid or hollow. According to the exemplary embodiment, the head  52  is hollow defining an opening  54 . The head  52  has a first terminating end and extends circularly to adjacent the first end. The neck  56  is curvilinear continues extending from the head  52  such that the curvilinear shape of the neck  56  passes by the first terminating end of the head  52 , forming a gap or relief opening  57  therebetween. 
     The neck  56  extends to a luminaire mount  60  which has a first sidewall  62  and a second opposed sidewall  64 . A joining wall  66  connects ends of the walls  62 ,  64  defining the luminaire mount  60 . The wall  64  is connected to the neck  56  to form the connector  50 . The first and second walls  62 ,  64  have at least one retaining bead  68 . In the exemplary embodiment, two opposite beads  68  are utilized to retain a luminaire strip  70 . The luminaire strip may be formed of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and is electrically connected to a circuit  90  ( FIG. 11 ) by at least one wire  72 . The LED strip  70  may vary in length depending on the desired length of illumination. The LED strip  70  may be a water proof, water resistant or a standard LED which may be used with or without a lens to inhibit weather contaminants from negatively affecting operation of the LED strip  70 . The strip  70  is retained within the mount  60  toward the wall  66  by retaining beads  68 . Although this design is depicted, alternate methods of retaining the luminaire  70  may be utilized and the exemplary embodiment should not be considered limiting. Alternatively, the luminaire strip  70  may be adhered to the luminaire mount  60  with adhesives or fixatives rather than requiring use of the beads  68 . Additionally, or example, one or more pairs of retaining beads  68  may be utilized to retain caps or lens structures  78  on the luminaire mounts  60 . One pair may be used to retain a luminaire strip  70  in place while a second pair of beads  68  may be utilized to retain a cap  78 . Alternatively, a single pair of opposed beads  68  may retain both the LED strip  70  and the cap or lens  78  in position. As alluded to above, the caps  78  may be a variety of lengths and may be translucent, semi-translucent or opaque. The caps  78  include at least one leg which engages beads  68  to retain the cap on the extrusion or connector  50 . These caps  78  may or may not be used with all of the embodiments shown and described herein. 
     The luminaire mount  60  is oriented at an angle to the vertical. When installed, the mount is at an angle to the vertical and may be adjusted by rotation of the connector  50  within the retaining channel  46  as described further herein. Such rotation may be limited by the awning and by the neck  56  engagement with the lower portion of the retaining channel  46 . Alternatively, the luminaire mount  60  may be fixed relative to the awning rail and as a further addition may be directed horizontally or vertically downward to provide lighting under the awning assembly  20  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     The awning  22  is captured within the opening  54  of the head  52 . The awning  22  is sewn or otherwise formed to have a pocket at a first inner end, in the instant embodiment. The pocket  28  may be formed by folding an end of the awning over and forming a loop or pocket  28 . The loop or pocket structure  28  is retained by sewing or otherwise connecting the awning to itself. Within the pocket  28  is a polyrope structure  80  which fills the pocket  28  and has a diameter size to fit within the opening  54  of the connector  50 . The pocket  28 , including the polyrope  80  is slidably positioned through the connector  50  so that awning  22  extends from the relief opening  57 . The diameter of the polyrope  80  is formed to be greater than the size of the relief opening  57 , inhibiting removal of the polyrope  80  and awning pocket  28  except by axial sliding motion. For example, the polyrope  80  is about (¼″) one-quarter inch in diameter but may be within an exemplary and non-limiting range of ⅛ to about 5/16 inch and more preferably, for non-limiting example, 3/16 to about ¼ inch. The polyrope may be formed of butyl-rubber, rope or other flexible materials. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an alternate embodiment of the awning rail assembly  140  is depicted wherein an awning rail  42  is provided. Similar to the prior embodiment, the awning rail  42  includes retaining channel  46  and a wall mount  44 . The relief opening  47  is defined between ends of the retaining channel  46  which is generally circular in cross-section except for the relief  47 . Adjacent to the awning rail  42  is the awning  22 . The awning has a pocket  28  as defined by looping the inner end of the awning  22  back to attach upon itself. The pocket  28 , as depicted in the  FIG. 3  may or may not be sewn or affixed together so as to receive a connector  150 . 
     According to this second embodiment, the connector  150  includes a head  152  and a neck  156  which extends linearly from the head  152 . The head  152  is formed with a solid material so that the entire connector may be extruded during manufacture. Other manufacturing methods may be utilized however. The head  152  is received within the pocket  28  of the awning  22 . These may or may not be sewn or affixed together through the neck  156 . These pieces are slidably received within the retaining channel  46  and extend from the awning rail  42  through the relief opening  47 . The head  152  is circular in shape and of a size to fit within the retaining channel  46  while further having the awning pocket  28  formed around the head  152 . 
     A luminaire mount  60  extends from the neck  156  and has a three wall design as with the previous embodiment. The luminaire mount  60  may take a variety of forms however and therefore the exemplary embodiment is not limiting. The luminaire  70  is exploded from the mount  60  but as with previous embodiments may be mounted between the walls  62 ,  64 . According to the current embodiment, the luminaire  70  is directed downwardly so as to provide direct lighting. 
     According to an alternate embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the connector  150  may be spaced from the rail  42 . For example, the connector  150  may be sewn into the awning  22  some distance from the rail  42  rather than received by the rail channel  46 . Such manner is discussed below and shown in  FIG. 4 . Any of the embodiments of the connectors described within this disclosure may be sewn directly into the awning  22  or may be connected to the awning by way of a polyrope or other rope like materials which is sewn into the awning  22 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4  an assembled perspective view of a further alternative embodiment is depicted. According to this embodiment, the connector  250  is spaced from the awning rail  42  and merely connected by way of awning material stretched between the awning rail  42  and connector  250 . As described in previous embodiments, the awning rail  42  includes a wall mount  44  and retaining channel  46 . Again, the retaining channel  46  of the exemplary embodiment is generally circular in cross-section however alternate shapes may be utilized, for example pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonal. 
     A polyrope structure  80  captures a portion of the awning  22  within the retaining channel  46 . According to one embodiment, the awning  22  may be wrapped around the polyrope  80  and the combined rope  80  and awning material  22  slidably positioned through the relief opening  47  of the retaining channel  46 . Since the rope  80  and awning  22  combination have a larger diameter than the relief opening  47 , the awning  22  and rope  80  are captured within the retaining channel  46 . Further portions of the awning  22  extend from the first retaining channel  46  to the connector  250 . The connector  250  includes a retaining channel  252  which receives the awning  22  and a polyrope  80 . As with the first retaining channel  46 , the combination of polyrope  80  and awning  22  have a diameter greater than the distance of a relief opening  247  in the connector  250 . Thus the rope  80  and awning  22  are retained in the second channel  252 . Depending from the second retaining channel  252  is a luminaire mount  260 . Alternatively, this hollow second retaining channel may be considered a head with a neck joining the luminaire mount  260 . This embodiment is similar to those of the previous figures and receives luminaire  70 . According to the instant embodiment, the mount may direct luminaire strip  70  toward the RV as shown, or away from the RV as in previous embodiments. Optionally, a positioning leg  76  may be formed on the connector  250  by extrusion in order to direct the light in various directions. Such positioning leg  76  may be formed in a variety of manners and may or may not be used with any of the connectors depicted in the disclosure in order to provide an additional means of directing light. As with previous embodiments, this may be a luminaire strip formed of LEDs for example. At least one stitch or hem  25  is located between the awning rail  42  and the connector  250 . This stitch  25  inhibits the connector from hanging loosely below the upper portion of the awning  22 . Alternatively, the awning may be affixed with adhesive or welding rather than the at least one stitch depicted. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a still further embodiment of the awning rail assembly  340 . An awning rail  42  is configured at one end of the depicted assembly. The awning rail  42  is similar to those recently described. A connector  350  includes a head  352 , a neck  354  and a second retaining channel  356 . The connector  350  may be an extruded structure and further includes a luminaire mount  360 . The head  352  is a solid material and is circular in cross-section to be received within the correspondingly shaped retaining channel  46 . The extrusion or connector  350  may be formed of a single piece of material as previously described or may be formed of two or more materials in a co-extrusion process. For example, the head  352  and neck  354  may be formed of polyrope or butyl material. Additionally, the second retaining channel  356  may be formed of a more rigid material such as PVC, polypropylene or other polymeric with ultraviolet and embrittlement characteristics. However, these are non-limiting examples. As with previous embodiments the diameter of the head  352  is greater than the dimension of the relief opening  47  so that the connector  350  is retained within the channel. The neck  354  extends linearly from the head  352  to the second retaining channel  356  which is also circular in shape. The polyrope material  80  is again utilized within a pocket  28  of the awning  22  such that the combination of the polyrope and awning pocket  28  may be slidably received within the retaining channel  356 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a further alternative embodiment of the awning rail assembly  440  is depicted. The awning rail assembly  440  includes an awning rail  42  similar to the previously described embodiments. Adjacent to the awning rail  42  is an awning  22  which may receive a polyrope  80  so that the polyrope is fitted within the awning  22  in order to capture or retain the awning within the retaining channel  46  of the awning rail  42 . As with the previous embodiments, a relief opening  47  is utilized in the retaining channel  46  to allow the awning  22  to extend from the awning rail  42 . Although the instant embodiment depicts the use of the polyrope  80  to capture the awning  22  within the awning rail  42 , alternative embodiments may be utilized such as the connector structures described previously which may also capture or retain the awning  22  within the retaining channel  46 . 
     The awning  22  of the instant embodiment further comprises a pocket  422 . 
     The pocket  422  extends between a first-side edge and a second-side edge of the awning  22  and may or may not extend the full width of the awning  22  depending on the length of light strip  70  utilized. The pocket  422  may be formed of a transparent material which is sewn or otherwise affixed to the awning  22  and does not hinder roll-up of the awning  22  from the extended to the retracted position. The pocket  422  allows for insertion of the light strip  70  there thru. The wiring for the light strip may extend from the pocket end and through a side wall to which the awning rail  42  is connected. 
     In one embodiment, the pocket  422  is located closely to the rail awning  42  so that the wiring need only run a short distance to a side wall of an RV or building to which the awning is connected. Thus the problems associated with running wiring thru a hem of an awning is alleviated and also problems associated with roll-up of the wiring are also alleviated. However, such embodiment is not limiting as the pocket  422  and light strip  70  may be moved to various locations between the inner and outer ends of the awning  22 . 
     It should also be understood that alternate embodiments may orient the pocket  422  in manners other than that which is shown. For example, the pocket  422  may be oriented in a plurality of manners. As shown, the pocket  422  extends between first and second sides of the awning. However, alternate lengths may be utilized. Further, alternate orientations may be used such that the pocket  422  may extend between inner and outer ends and further at angles therebetween as shown in broken lines. 
     Additionally, according to this embodiment, a method of moving wire for powering the light strip  70  is shown. For example, the wire may be located within a hem along side edges of the awning  22 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an alternative embodiment is depicted in perspective view. A roller assembly  30  is utilized with the awning assembly  20  to extend or retract the awning material  22 . As previously indicated, this may be done manually or automatically through use of a motor. The roller assembly  30  includes a roller housing  120  and an end cap  122 . A slot  124  extends in an axial direction of the roller housing  120  and through the end cap  122 . The accessory slot allows positioning of a luminaire strip  70  and wiring to power and control the luminaire strip  70  without interfering with the awning or canopy material  22  when the structure is rolled during retraction or extension. The wiring may extend fully through the slot and through the end cap externally or may be routed along the slot to a suitable position for further routing into the roller and elsewhere through the awning assembly components. 
     As a further embodiment, depicted in the figure, a connector (for example  FIG. 5 ) may be positioned within the slot  124 . The connector and such embodiment would likely be extruded of a soft material to allow positioning through the slot  124 . The luminaire  70  would then be positioned in the luminaire mount  60 . In such construction, caps or lenses  78  could be utilized with the luminaire mount  60 . It should be understood by one skilled in the art that any of the connectors depicted in the embodiment described herein might be utilized with the roller housing  120 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , an alternative embodiment of a connector  550  is depicted. The connector  550  includes a head  552  and a neck  556  which extend to a luminaire mount  560 . The head  552  includes a plurality of ribs or teeth  553 . The ribs or teeth  553  may be utilized to engage corresponding ribs or teeth  148  located in a retaining channel of an alternative awning rail  142  ( FIG. 9 ). This would allow for rotation of the connector  550  into different positions relative to opposing teeth  148  ( FIG. 9 ) so that the luminaire mount  560  may be aimed to various positions. Alternatively, rather than teeth or ribs, an interference fit may be made between the connector and the retaining channel and may be adjustably rotated until a desirable light path is found wherein friction retains the luminaire mount at the desired position. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 9 , a further alternative connector  650  is shown having a head  652  including a plurality of teeth  653 . As with the previous embodiment, these teeth or ribs may engage teeth  148  at various positions so as to retain the connector at a desired location to aim the luminaire mount  660 . Thus, the various connectors previously discussed may be utilized with teeth or ribs for adjustment to various angular positions. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , an alternate embodiment is depicted having a luminaire mount  760  including structures to allow parallel mounting of light strips  70 . The parallel mounts  760  may form two or more rows of luminaire strips  70 . The strips  70  may be aligned in the vertical direction or they may be offset from one another in the vertical direction along the width direction of the awning  22 . 
     Additionally, and with reference now to  FIG. 11 , an alternative luminaire mount  860  is depicted where the two or more rows are offset angularly so as to provide lighting in different directions as opposed to that shown in  FIG. 10 . The lighting  70  may be directed downwardly or upwardly or both so as to provide direct lighting in a downward direction and upward to provide indirect reflective lighting from the awning under-surface. As a further alternative, any of the previously described luminaire mounts may also be directed upwardly to illuminate the under-surface of the awning or in a reverse direction from that which is depicted so as to illuminate the side wall of the RV or building and provide indirect lighting for the area in such a manner. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , a schematic view of an exemplary circuit  90  for powering the device is shown. A power supply  92  is shown which may be a battery which is connected for charging to an RV engine. Alternatively, the power supply  92  may be typical 120V supply which is used in many homes and buildings or may be a low voltage, such as 12V, DC source typical in homes and RVs. The power supply  92  is electrically connected to a switch  94  which is manually operated to power on and power off the luminaire  70 . Additionally or as an alternative to the switch  94 , the circuit  90  may include a remote operation for powering the light  70 . According to such embodiment, a remote  96  is shown for wireless communication with a receiver  98 . The remote may communicate by RF, infrared, Bluetooth or other known wireless communication standards. Disposed between the switch  94  and the receiver  98  is a driver  95  which may provide various functionality of the LED luminaire  70 . The driver  95  may vary providing fixed illumination, dimming functionality of the LED  70  or vary the color of the light bar  70  or some combination of these functions. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 12 , a solar collector  93  may additionally be utilized with the circuit  90 . The solar collector  93  is shown in connection with the power supply  92 , for example to charge one or more batteries in the RV, building, or marine vehicle. The solar collector  93  is an optional embodiment and therefore is not required for use as previously described but could be used to provide a self-sufficient system for powering the luminaire  70 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 12 , a solar collector  93  may additionally be utilized with the circuit  90 . The solar collector is shown in connection with the power supply  92 , for example to charge one or more batteries in the RV, building, or marine vehicle. The solar collector is an optional embodiment and therefore is not required for use as previously described but could be used to provide a self-sufficient system for powering the luminaire  70 . 
     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, Section 2111.03. 
     The foregoing description of several methods and an embodiment of the invention 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.

Technology Category: 2