Field of the invention

The present invention relates to an awning system for a recreational vehicle.

Background to the invention

Recreational vehicles are normally provided with a one or more windows. It is often desired to provide a window with a window decoration screen, such as a blind or shade, on an interior side of the window for preventing direct sunlight to shine through the window which may heat up an interior of the recreational vehicle. A disadvantage of such known window decoration screens is that substantially the entire window needs to be covered to block all direct sunlight. This significantly darkens the interior of the vehicle. Moreover, even with the windows open, the exchange of air through the window opening is obstructed by the screens that cover the window.

Summary of the invention

An object of the invention is to provide a system for improved sun shielding of an recreational vehicle. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an awning system for a recreational vehicle.

According to the invention, there is provided an awning system for a recreational vehicle. The awning system comprises a window frame having a window opening. A window panel is, e.g. pivotally, arranged in the window frame. The window panel is arranged to selectively be in a closed state closing the window opening, or in an opened state, e.g. pivotally, extending outwardly from the recreational vehicle. The awning system comprises a flexible sun- shielding sheet, which sheet is extendable from a rolled-up or folded-up state in which the sheet is rolled or folded on a carrier, to an extended state in which the sheet is at least partly unrolled or unfolded from the carrier. The carrier is arranged to be mounted at or near an interior side of the window frame, e.g. above the window opening. The carrier can be arranged to be mounted at or near an interior side of the window frame interiorly of the recreational vehicle, e.g. above the window opening. A free end of the sun-shielding sheet is provided with coupling means configured and arranged for coupling to the window panel when in the opened state. The free end of the sun-shielding sheet can be coupled to the window panel on an interior side of the window panel, i.e. the side of the window panel on the inside of the recreational vehicle. The sun-shielding sheet can thus extend substantially parallel to the window panel on an interior side of the window panel. Hence, when the window panel is in the opened state, e.g. pivoted outwardly from the recreational vehicle, the sun shielding sheet coupled to the window panel extends through the window opening to create an awning for the recreational vehicle. Herein the sun shielding sheet coupled to the window panel can extends from the roller bar to the free end through the window opening to create an awning for the recreational vehicle. This way air ventilation of the recreational vehicle is maintained, while the sun-shielding sheet creates a sun shade that prevents direct sunlight to shine into the interior of the vehicle.

The sun-shielding sheet, in the extended state, can extends on a side of the window panel facing towards the interior of the recreational vehicle. This allows for easy operation of the awning system from the inside of the recreational vehicle.

Moreover, the awning system can provide a shadow zone exterior of the recreational vehicle. For example, the awning system can create a shaded seating area adjacent to the recreational vehicle, to allow people to sit outside the vehicle whilst shielded from the sun. A pivot angle of the window panel can adjusted to an orientation of the window opening relative to the sun to create a desired shadow zone. With the window panel pivoted outward and the free end coupled to the window panel, the sun-shielding sheet extends in the extended state from an interior to an exterior of the recreational vehicle. In the rolled-up state the free end of the sun-shielding, or at least a grab portion thereof, may be positioned at or near an edge of the window opening. This allows that the sheet is operable from the interior as well as from the exterior of the recreational vehicle. The sun-shielding sheet can be extended and coupled to the window panel whilst the window panel is in the opened or closed state. When coupled to the window panel in the closed state, the window panel may be opened, e.g. pivoted outwardly from the recreational vehicle, while the coupling between the coupling means and the window panel is maintained. A width of the sun- shielding sheet may at least substantially correspond to, or be slightly narrower than, a width of the window panel or window opening. Thus, the sheet can extend through the window opening, and yet provide maximum shade surface area. The recreational vehicle may include a mobile accommodation, caravan, camper, boat, or the like.

Optionally, the carrier comprises a roller bar, wherein the sun shielding sheet is extendable from a rolled-up state in which the sheet is rolled on the roller bar, to an extended state in which the sheet is at least partly unrolled from the roller bar. The roller bar is arranged to be mounted at or near an interior side of the window frame, e.g. interiorly of the recreational vehicle, e.g. above the window opening. Rolling the sun shielding sheet onto the roller bar provides a very compact storage of the sun-shielding sheet in the rolled-up state. Moreover, in this way, the sun shielding sheet is maintained wrinkle free for clean appearance.

Optionally, the window panel is hingedly connected to the window frame. The window panel can be connected to the window frame at a top side of the window opening. A bottom side of the window panel can be moved outwardly from the recreational vehicle in order to pivot the window panel outwardly. The window panel can be pivoted about a pivot axis. The pivot axis can be at the top side of the window opening. Rain or falling leaves for example are deflected away and are prevented from falling directly into the interior of the recreation vehicle when the window is pivoted outward. Further, the window panel is located at an outward facing side of the sun- shielding sheet, which protects the sheet from weather conditions such as rain when the window panel is pivoted outwardly.

Optionally, at least one window stay is connected between the window panel and the window frame for supporting the window panel in an opened position. The window stay can be arranged for selectively supporting the window panel in one of a plurality of different opened states, e.g. different pivoting angles. Optionally, at least one window stay is connected between the sun-shielding sheet and the window frame. Hence, operation of the window panel can be integrated in the awning.

Optionally, the awning system comprises driving means for driving the window panel between the opened and closed states. The driving means can include one or more actuatable window stays. The driving means may comprise electrical driving means, such as an electromotor, e.g. mounted to the window stay. The driving means may be operable by a user, for example by means of touch interface such as a remote control. Moreover, the driving means may comprise a spring, such as a helical spring or gas spring. The driving means may connect the window frame, e.g. at an upper side thereof, to the window panel, e.g. at a lower side thereof. This way the window panel can be pivoted by means of the driving means in the window opening. The driving means may also connect the sun-shielding sheet, e.g. the free end thereof, to the window frame, e.g. an upper or lower side thereof, for driving the sun-shielding sheet. This way, driving of the sun-shielding sheet can open and close the window panel.

Optionally, the awning system comprises a sensor unit for measuring a weather parameter, which sensor unit is connected to the driving means for driving the window panel or the sheet. The driving means may drive the window panel or sheet automatically in dependence of the measured weather parameter. For example, the sensor unit may comprising a precipitation sensor and/or light sensor for measuring a precipitation parameter and/or a light parameter, wherein the window panel or sheet is operated automatically by the driving means to open or close (at least to an extent) the window panel or sheet in dependence of the measured precipitation and/or light parameter. The sensor unit may for example be a rain sensor. The sensor unit can e.g. be arranged to automatically bring the awning system to an extended state, with the window panel in an opened state, when the light parameter exceeds a threshold and/or to automatically bring the awning system to a retracted state, with the window panel in the closed state, when the light parameter is below a threshold. The sensor unit can e.g. be arranged to automatically bring the awning system to an extended state when the precipitation parameter exceeds a threshold and/or to automatically bring the awning system to a retracted state when the precipitation parameter is below a threshold.

Optionally, the awning system comprises a locking means for locking the window panel in the opened state. This way the window panel can be fixed in a desired orientation with respect to the sun and with respect to the recreational vehicle when in the opened state.

Optionally, the window panel is provided with a latch for locking the window in the closed state. The coupling means can be configured and arranged for coupling to the latch. Existing window panels can thus be provided with the sun-shielding sheet to create the awning system. Alternatively, a dedicated coupling structure may be provided on the window panel, wherein the coupling means of the sun- shielding sheet and the coupling structure of the window panel are mutually arranged to couple to one another.

Optionally, the latch is provided at or near a bottom side of the window panel opposite the top side of the window opening. The sun shielding sheet can accordingly be extended from the carrier or roller bar which is provided above the window opening at a top side of the window opening towards the latch at or near the bottom side of the window panel. This way a large portion of the window panel can be covered with the sun shielding sheet to create a shadow zone.

Optionally, the latch comprises a shaft rotatable around a latching axis, which latching axis extends substantially transverse to the panel. The coupling means can be arranged and configured for coupling to the shaft of the latch. This allows operation of the latch while the coupling means is coupled to the shaft. The coupling means may for example comprise hooking means for hooking around the shaft.

Optionally, the free end of the sun- shielding sheet is provided with a spreading bar. The spreading bar extends in a direction substantially parallel to the window panel for spreading the sun- shielding sheet across the window panel. The spreading bar prevents the sun-shielding sheet to fold or divert away from the window panel. This allows for optimal coverage of the window panel by the sun-shielding sheet, when the sheet is coupled to the window panel. Moreover, the spreading bar provides an even distribution of a tensile force over the free end, which tensile force is applied when rolling and/or unrolling or folding and/or unfolding of the sun shielding sheet. This prevents damage to the sun-shielding sheet and ensures appropriate rolling and unrolling or folding and/or unfolding of the sheet on the rolling bar.

Optionally, the awning system comprises a roll-up, or fold-up spring for providing a tensile force in a roll-up or fold-up direction of the sun-shielding sheet. Said tensile force keeps the sun-shielding sheet tight in the extended state for reducing flapping of the sheet when exposed to wind. Moreover, the spring allows for easy operation of the sun- shielding sheet, in particular it facilitates roll-up or fold-up of the sun-shielding sheet.

Optionally, the awning system comprises a brake mechanism for damping the rolling and unrolling, or folding and/or unfolding, of the sun- shielding sheet. The brake mechanisms can also be arranged for locking the sun-shielding sheet in the extended state. Optionally, the awning system is arranged to steplessly roll and unroll, or fold and unfold, the sun- shielding sheet from the carrier, e.g. the roller bar, for fine adjustment of the sun shielding sheet.

Optionally, the awning system comprises a guide arranged for guiding the sun-shielding sheet around an edge of the window opening. The guide reduces abrasion of the sun- shielding sheet at said edge during rolling and unrolling, or folding and unfolding, of the sheet as well as during tilting of the window panel. Moreover, the guide ensures appropriate rolling and folding as well as unrolling and unfolding of the sun-shielding sheet and facilitates. The guide may comprise a guiding bar or guiding roll. The guide can extend parallel to the roller bar.

Optionally, the carrier, e.g. the roller bar, is provided in a first housing. The first housing is arranged to be mounted, at east partially, above the window opening, e.g. interiorly of the vehicle. Thus, the carrier, e.g. the roller bar, can be protected from damaging.

Optionally, the awning system comprises a window decoration screen foldably or rollably provided in a second housing, and arranged to be extended across the window opening. In addition to the sun-shielding sheet, it can be desired to cover the window opening with the decoration screen when the window open. It can for example be desirable to include an insect screen to prevent insects from entering the interior of the recreational vehicle, while simultaneously having the window and sun-shielding sheet out to block direct sunlight and retain air ventilation. The decoration screen may for example include an insect screen, a blind or net curtain. The second housing of the decoration screen may be provided at a side of the window opening in the interior of the recreational vehicle, wherein the decoration screen is extendable from the housing across the window opening. Optionally, the first housing is integral with the second housing. The sun- shielding sheet and the decoration screen being integrated in a single housing provides a compact and versatile set up that can be mounted in existing recreational vehicles. With this set up, an awning can be deployed for creating shadow as well as a decoration screen for covering the window opening.

Optionally, the carrier, e.g. the roller bar, is provided in the, e.g. integral, housing above the window decoration screen with respect to the window opening. This creates a compact set up wherein, in the extended state of the sun-shielding sheet and the decoration screen, the sun-shielding sheet is positioned behind the decoration screen, i.e. positioned between the window panel and the window decoration screen.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided an awning arranged to be mounted at or near a window of a recreational vehicle, the window comprising a window frame having a window opening and a window panel, e.g. pivotally, arranged in the window frame. The window panel is arranged to be in a closed state closing the window opening, or in an opened state, e.g. pivotally, extending outwardly from the recreational vehicle. The awning comprises a flexible sun-shielding sheet, which sheet is extendable from a rolled-up or folded-up state in which the sheet is rolled or folded on a carrier, to an extended state in which the sheet is at least partly unrolled or unfolded from the carrier. The carrier is arranged to be mounted on or near an interior side of the window frame, e.g. interiorly of the vehicle, e.g. above the window opening, wherein a free end of the sun-shielding sheet is provided with coupling means which coupling means are configured and arranged for coupling to the window panel when in the opened state.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a recreational vehicle including an awning system or awning according to a previously described aspect of the invention. In another aspect of the invention is provided a method for operating an awning on a recreational vehicle. The method includes providing a recreational vehicle having a window comprising a window frame having a window opening and a window panel, e.g. pivotally, arranged in the window frame, wherein the window panel is arranged to selectively be in a closed state closing the window opening, or in an opened state, e.g. pivotally, extending outwardly from the recreational vehicle. The method includes providing a flexible sun-shielding sheet, which sheet is extendable from a rolled-up or folded state in which the sheet is rolled or folded on a carrier, e.g. aroller bar, to an extended state in which the sheet is at least partly unrolled or unfolded from the carrier, the carrier being mounted on or near an interior side of the window frame, e.g. above the window opening. The method includes coupling a free end of the sun shielding sheet to the window panel when in the opened state.

It will be appreciated that all features and options mentioned in view of the awning system apply equally to the awning, recreational vehicle and method, and vice versa. It will also be clear that any one or more of the above aspects, features and options can be combined.

Brief description of the figures

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a cross-section of an awning system;

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a cross-section of an awning system;

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of an awning system.

Detailed description Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a cross-section of an awning system 100 according to the invention. In this example, a window panel 1 is pivotally provided in a window opening 3 of a recreational vehicle. The window panel 1 is provided with a latch 5 for locking the window panel 1 in a closed state. Here, the window panel is hingedly connected to a window frame 7 at a top side of the window opening 3. In Figure 1, the window panel 1 shown in its open state wherein the window panel 1 is pivotally extending outwardly from the recreational vehicle. The awning system 100 further comprises a sun-shielding sheet 9. The sun-shielding sheet 9 is extendable from a rolled-up state in which the sun- shielding sheet is rolled on a carrier, here a roller bar 11, to an extended state in which the sun-shielding sheet is at least partly unrolled from the roller bar 11 for providing a sun shade. Alternatively, the sun-shielding sheet may be folded, e.g. pleated, on a carrier. The roller bar 11 is mounted to an interior side of the recreational vehicle, for example to an interior side of the window frame 7. The sun-shielding sheet 9 is partly unrolled from roller bar 11. Coupling means (not shown) at a free end 13 of the sun- shielding sheet are coupled to window panel 1 in the opened state. As seen in Figure 1, the sun-shielding sheet 9 extends substantially parallel to the window panel 1 on an inside of the window panel 1, i.e. on a side of the window panel 1 facing the interior of the recreational vehicle. The window panel 1, here, being in the open state, causes the sun-shielding sheet 9 to reach through the window opening 3 between the roller bar 11 which is mounted interiorly of the vehicle and the coupling means at the free end 13 coupled to the window panel 1 exteriorly of the vehicle. In this example, the free end 13 of the sun-shielding sheet is coupled to an interior side of the window panel 1. The coupling means may for example comprise hooking means, suction means and/or adhesive means for coupling to the window panel. For example, the coupling means may comprise a suction cup, which can be coupled to the window panel at various locations. This provides great freedom in positioning the sun-shielding sheet relative to the window panel. Additionally or alternatively, the coupling means may comprise a hook for hooking around a structure of the window panel, such as a latch or edge of the window panel. Also, the coupling may be established by means of a velcro coupling, a snap coupling, and/or magnetic coupling, etc.. In Figure 1, the coupling means are coupled the latch 5, but the window panel 1 may be provided with a dedicated coupling structure for coupling with the coupling means of the sun-shielding sheet. The coupling means may for example be arranged for coupling to a lower edge of the window panel. The window panel 1 may be pivoted by a user to position the window panel at a desired pivot angle with respect to the recreational vehicle and with respect to the sun to create a shadow zone.

The window panel 1 may be secured in a desired position with dedicated means, to prevent the window panel 1 from falling closed. To facilitate rolling and unrolling of the sun-shielding sheet 9 on and off the roller bar 11, a guide 15 is provided near an edge 17 of the window frame 7 for guiding the sun-shielding sheet 9. The guide 15 prevents abrasion of the sun shielding sheet along the said edge 17. The guide 15 comprises a guiding roll which extends parallel to the roller bar 11.

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a cross section of an awning system 100. In Figure 2, the roller bar 11 is provided in a first housing 18. In Figure 2, below the roller bar 11, a foldable decoration screen 21 is also provided. The foldable decoration screen 21 is, for example in pleated form, provided in a second housing 19. The second housing can be separate from the first housing 18. Alternatively, the first housing 18 can be integral with the second housing 10. The decoration screen 21 is extendable from a folded state in which the decoration screen 21 is folded up in the housing 19 to an extended state in which the decoration screen 21 covers at least a part of the window opening 3. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the decoration screen 21 is foldable in a portion of the housing 19A above the window opening 3 as well as in a portion of the housing 19B below the window opening 3. A guiding frame 23 extends between the housing portions 19A,19B. The sun-shielding sheet 9 can be partly unrolled from the roller bar 11 and guided along the edge 17, or guidel5, of the window frame 7. At or near the free end of the sun-shielding sheet 9, coupling means are provided 25, for example a hooking means for hooking to the latch 5 of the window panel 1. Here, the sun- shielding sheet 9 runs behind the decoration screen 21 when seen from the interior of the recreational vehicle. In particular, the sun-shielding sheet 9 runs between a the window frame 7 and the decoration sheet 21.

The latch 5 protrudes from the window panel 1 in a direction perpendicular to the window panel 1 to be conveniently operated by a user. The decoration screen 21, in the extended state, and the latch can be arranged at a mutual distance such that the latch does not interfere with the decoration screen 21. Further, in this example, the coupling means 25 of the awning system is adapted to hook around the latch 5 wherein the coupling means does not extend beyond the latch 5 perpendicular to the window panel. This way, when the window panel 1 is closed, i.e. put in the closed state, the coupling means and the sun- shielding sheet, do not interfere with the decoration screen. In other words, the decoration screen and the sun-shielding sheet can both be in their extended state even when the window panel 1 is closed.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an awning system according to the invention seen from an exterior of a recreational vehicle. Figure 3 shows a spreading bar 27, which is arranged to spread the sun- shielding sheet in a direction parallel to the window panel 1.

Herein, the invention is described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein, without departing from the essence of the invention. For the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, alternative embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described in these separate embodiments are also envisaged.

In the examples, the window panel is pivotally connected to the window frame. It will be appreciated that alternative movements of the window panel are also possible.

In the examples, the window panel pivotally connects to the window frame at a top side. It will be appreciated that the window panel may also pivotally connect to the window frame at a side or bottom.

In the examples, the sun- shielding sheet connects to a latch of the window panel. It will be appreciated that the sun- shielding sheet can also connect to the window panel via other means. For example, coupling means of the sun-shielding sheet can include gripping means arranged to grip an edge, such as a lower edge, of the window panel; or suction means arranged to removably stick to the window panel; or sticking means arranged to removably stick to the window panel, such as a tape or sticky surface; or hooking means including a hook and loop system, such as velcro; or magnetic means arranged for magnetically coupling the coupling means to the window panel.

However, other modifications, variations, and alternatives are also possible. The specifications, drawings and examples are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than in a restrictive sense.

For the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described.

In the claims, any reference sign placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words ‘a’ and ‘an’ shall not be construed as limited to ‘only one’, but instead are used to mean ‘at least one’, and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage.