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Channel cover

Channel cover description/claims

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of awnings and other framed, fabric structures, and more particularly to the field of framing members having an open channel therein used to construct such structures.

An awning is an architectural fabric projection that is typically attached to the side of a building to provide cover for individuals passing near the building, or to provide cover or protection for the building itself such as providing cover for windows in the building, or to provide a surface for displaying a message such as a business name or advertising. The awning includes a frame and a fabric covering for the frame that is secured to the frame.

The frame can be formed from frame members that may be extruded aluminum or other formed structural frame members. FIG. 1 illustrates a known frame member 10. Typically, each frame member 10 is an elongated shape having a top side, two side walls, and a bottom wall. In some cases, the top side may include a lengthwise or longitudinally formed opening that provides access to a channel 18 within an interior space of the frame member. The fabric 12 may be inserted through the opening into the channel and secured therein with a fastener 14, such as a staple or screw. The channel may have a web extending between the two side walls that provides a platform for securing the fabric 12.

Where a channel is provided, a channel cover 16 may be inserted into the channel after the fabric is secured. The channel cover 16 is typically an elongated extrusion as shown in FIG. 1. The channel cover may assist in retaining the fabric within the channel, may seal the channel opening, thereby preventing rainwater from leaking through the awning or from degrading the fabric fasteners. The channel cover may also be aesthetically desirable to conceal staples or other fasteners used to fasten the fabric in the channel opening so that the awning has a clean, finished appearance.

A known channel cover is shaped as shown in FIG. 1, having an upper cap, a lower cap, and two parallel side bars connected or reinforced by a web positioned generally parallel to and intermediately between the upper and lower caps. Another known channel cover similar to that of FIG. 1 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,352 that also has parallel sides but is not reinforced by an intermediate web. Also known is a channel cover having notched sides but a solid cross-section as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,926,605.

So that awnings may be fashioned having a range of silhouettes, frame members are commercially available in a variety of shapes and sizes having cross-sections that differ from the cross-section illustrated in FIG. 1. Depending on the frame member, the size and shape of the channel may vary, and the size and shape of the opening providing access to the channel may vary. Conventional channel covers are typically designed to mate only with a particular frame member or with frame members made by a particular manufacturer, but not other frame members.

From the above, it is apparent that a need exists for a universal channel cover that will fit a variety of channel openings in frame members having a range of shapes and sizes.

A channel cover is disclosed herein that meets the above mentioned need. The channel cover includes an upper member or segment having an interior surface, a first side member or segment extending from the interior surface of the upper member, a second side member or segment opposite the first side member extending from the interior surface of the upper member at a first distance from the first side member, and a lower member or segment having an interior surface, the first member attaching to the interior surface of the lower member, and the second side member attaching to the interior surface of the lower member at a second distance from the first member. The first and second members converge towards each other as they extend from the upper member towards the lower member, whereby the side members define a hollow interior channel.

In an exemplary embodiment, the side members remain spaced apart at the lower surface at a second distance which is different from, and preferably less than, the first distance. In another exemplary embodiment, the side members converge together such that they contact each other at the interior surface of the lower member.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the channel cover includes upper and lower portions and first and second side portions, the first and second side portions converging towards each other as they extend from the upper portion towards the lower portion, the upper and lower portions and the first and second side portions defining a solid center or core instead of defining a hollow interior channel.

Other systems, devices, features, and advantages of the disclosed channel cover will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, devices, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

Many aspects of the disclosed channel cover can be better understood with reference to the attached drawings, FIGS. 1-3. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis is instead placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals do not need corresponding parts throughout the several views. While several embodiments are described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alterations, modifications, and equivalents.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art channel cover inserted into an aluminum extrusion or other formed structural frame member.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the channel cover of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the channel cover of FIG. 2 inserted into an aluminum extrusion or other formed structural frame member.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the channel cover of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of yet another exemplary embodiment of the channel cover of the present disclosure.

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

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