U.S. patent application number 11/434337 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-05 for awning bead and staple system.
Invention is credited to Kennon Kyle McKinney.
Application Number | 20060219374 11/434337 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46324481 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060219374 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McKinney; Kennon Kyle |
October 5, 2006 |
Awning bead and staple system
Abstract
An improved system of virtually seamless connected awning
sections with a consistent visual appearance between the sections.
A recessed awning bead encased with the fabric covering material
chosen for the awning is contoured to, and fit into, a novel
channel in the awning frame members. The awning bead allows for
uniform weathering and fading of all visible awning parts. Such an
improved awning is more aesthetically pleasing because no part of
the seam protrudes above the plane of the awning surface. A
narrowed neck of the channel in the awning frame member maintains
the awning bead within the channel and thus slightly below the
exterior awning surface in order to maintain a consistent surface
between panel sections.
Inventors: |
McKinney; Kennon Kyle;
(Pasadena, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CARSTENS & CAHOON, LLP
P O BOX 802334
DALLAS
TX
75380
US
|
Family ID: |
46324481 |
Appl. No.: |
11/434337 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11091112 |
Mar 29, 2005 |
|
|
|
11434337 |
May 15, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
160/395 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 10/0633 20130101;
E04H 15/642 20130101; E04H 15/644 20130101; E04F 10/02
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
160/395 |
International
Class: |
A47H 13/00 20060101
A47H013/00 |
Claims
1. An improved awning system having a fabric covering material
applied over a tubing framing structure, wherein the improvement
comprises: a frame member having at least one longitudinal channel,
said channel having an inner surface and a narrowed channel neck,
one edge of said fabric covering material being fixedly attached to
said inner surface; and a bead for insertion into said channel of
said frame member such that, when inserted into said channel, said
bead is positively retained in said channel and no part of said
bead protrudes above the plane defined by the opening of said
channel neck.
2. The improvement of claim 1 wherein said inner surface of said
channel has at least one groove running longitudinally along said
channel, said groove serving as a guide to assist in trimming said
fabric covering material.
3. The improvement of claim 1 wherein said inner surface of said
channel has at least one groove running longitudinally along said
channel, said groove providing increased gripping strength for
improved retention of said fabric covering material.
4. The improvement of claim 1 wherein the material for said bead is
selected from the group consisting of PVC, foam cord, hose, rope,
and said covering material.
5. The improvement of claim 1 wherein said bead is encased with the
same material as said fabric covering material to allow said bead
and said fabric covering material to weather at approximately the
same rate and thus maintain a consistent aesthetic appearance as
said system ages.
6. The improvement of claim 1 wherein said fabric covering material
is fixedly attached to said inner surface using an attachment
method that is selected from the group consisting of nails, screws,
tacks, glue, heat tacking, and staples.
7. The improvement of claim 1 wherein said frame member is
aluminum.
8. The improvement of claim 1 wherein said frame member is a
composite of steel and aluminum.
9. The improvement of claim 1 wherein the cross-section of said
channel is essentially circular, said circular shape allowing for
easier attachment of rolled fabric covering material.
10. The improvement of claim 1 wherein the cross-section of said
bead approximates the shape of the cross-section of said
channel.
11. An improved bead for use in awning and other fabric framing
structures, said bead for use in filling the gap present in the
channel of a frame member wherein at least one edge of a fabric
covering material is fixedly attached, said improvement comprising:
a core selected from the group consisting of PVC, foam cord, hose,
rope, and said covering material; and an outer encasement, said
encasement being fixedly attached to said core and sized to fit
into said channel such that, when inserted into said channel, said
bead is positively retained in said channel and no part of said
awning bead protrudes above the plane defined by the opening of
said channel neck.
12. The improvement of claim 11 wherein said bead is
compressible.
13. The improvement of claim 11 wherein said encasement is said
fabric covering material, so as to allow said bead and said fabric
covering material to weather at approximately the same rate and
thus maintain a consistent aesthetic appearance as said awning or
other fabric framing structure ages.
14. an improved frame member extrusion for use in awnings and other
fabric framing structures, said improvement comprising: at least
one longitudinal channel, said channel having an inner surface and
a narrowed channel neck, said inner surface for fixedly attaching a
fabric covering material; and at least one longitudinal groove in
said inner surface of said channel, said groove serving as a guide
to assist in trimming said fabric covering material.
15. The improvement of claim 14 wherein said groove provides
increased gripping strength for improved retention of said fabric
covering material by increasing the surface area of said inner
surface.
16. The improvement of claim 14 wherein the cross-section of said
channel is essentially circular, said circular shape allowing for
easier attachment of rolled fabric covering material.
17. The improvement of claim 14 wherein said frame member extrusion
is aluminum.
18. The improvement of claim 14 wherein said frame member extrusion
is a composite of steel and aluminum.
19. A method for creating a multiple-section framing structure
system with inconspicuous seams utilizing the improved awning
system of claim 1 such that said system appears to be one
continuous unit, said method comprising the steps of: a. forming
the frame members to establish the desired shape of said framing
structures, with the outer frame members of each of the
multiple-sections that will eventually be conjoined oriented such
that said outer frame member channels will be in contact between
the conjoined sections; b. stretching a fabric covering material
over said framing structure; c. fixedly attaching the ends of the
panels of said covering material in the channels of said frame
members of said framing structure; d. trimming the excess of said
covering materials from said channels by inserting the tip of a
trimming knife into the groove in said channel and sliding said
knife the length of said covering material; e. inserting said bead
encased with said covering material into the gap remaining in said
channels; and f. fixedly attaching the outer frame members of said
multiple-sections to be conjoined.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is entitled to the benefit of
Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/091,112 titled
"Perma-Stitch Awning Staple System" filed on Mar. 23, 2005 by
inventor Kennon Kyle McKinney, the technical disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference, and to the benefit of the
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/555,228 filed on Mar.
23, 2004.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] Not Applicable
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
DISC
[0004] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] 1. Field of the Invention
[0006] The present invention relates generally to the manufacturing
and installation of commercial and residential awnings and fabric
framing structures. More specifically, the present invention allows
awnings and other fabric framing structures such as canopies, boat
coverings, displays, signs, and the like to be manufactured and
installed as a series of individual sections while presenting the
appearance of a single, continuous assembly without obvious
seams.
[0007] 2. Description of Related Art
[0008] Traditional awnings and fabric framing structures consist of
forming a rigid frame to the desired, often arcuate, shape. Over
the rigid frame are stretched panels of a fabric material. The
fabric panels are typically held in place by staples that are
driven into a channel present in the rigid framing members. To hide
the staples and seal the channel from the elements, a PVC bead is
often pressed into the channel to fill the exposed gap. The PVC
bead protrudes from the channel and extends well beyond the plane
of the fabric panel. This results in an inconsistent appearance
between the panels of fabric material due to the high visibility of
the PVC bead. Also, the inconsistent appearance is further
accentuated as the fabric panels weather due to exposure to the
elements. This is because the fabric panels weather at a different
rate than the PVC bead. Attempts have been made to attach fabric to
the top surface of the PVC bead, but all this has done is further
exaggerate the seam and make it even more visible. Also, the
typical framing members feature essentially square channels which
make it somewhat difficult to retain fabric panel material that has
been stored in rolls. Essentially, when the fabric material is
unrolled and placed in the channel the square bottom edges result
in relatively large void spaces beneath the curving fabric that
increase the difficulty in applying the retaining staples.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,926,605 ('605 patent) discloses a
construction assembly for fabric closures such as awnings. FIG. 1
illustrates an embodiment of this invention. This patent provides
for framing members of different outer shapes, with an essentially
square inner channel wherein staples are driven so as to secure the
outer fabric panels to the framing member. Once stapled, an
elongated trim pad ("bead") is pressed into the channel to cover
the staples and provide a tight seal over the channel. The
disclosed elongated trim pad has coplanar longitudinal slots that
engage in the opening of the channel for retention of the pad while
the remainder protrudes above the surface of the fabric covering
material. This patent is distinguished because the trim pad
protrudes above the surface of the fabric covering material. Also,
the trim pad is of a material different than that of the fabric
covering material. This will cause the trim pad to weather at a
rate different than that of the fabric covering material which will
only serve to increase the visibility of the seams. In addition,
this patent is distinguishable because it discloses an essentially
square channel in the framing member which makes it more difficult
to apply the staples necessary to retain the fabric covering
material.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. D309,351 ('351 patent) is a design patent that
discloses an ornamental design for a combined frame extrusion and
spline for framing awnings. FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of
this invention. The disclosed extrusion features a framing member
with a square channel, within which the fabric awning material is
retained by a spline ("bead") that is pressed into the channel and
is retained by the two coplanar longitudinal slots in the spline.
This patent is distinguished by the spline because it protrudes
above the surface of the fabric surface. Also, this patent is
distinguished by the square shaped channel present in the framing
member.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,131 ('131 patent) discloses a fabric
awning assembly, method of assembling a fabric awning assembly, and
a novel divider bead for spanning the joints between awning frame
sections. FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of this invention. The
disclosed divider bead fits between two framing members whose
channels have been rotated such that they face each other when the
framing sections are joined. This patent is distinguished because
the novel divider bead protrudes above the surface of the fabric
covering material and is of a different material such that it will
weather at a rate different than that of the fabric covering
material.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,033 ('033 patent) discloses a method of
joining fabric framing structures. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment
of this invention. Because this patent is from the same inventor,
it features the same frame extrusion and spline as the '351 patent.
This patent is distinguished because it claims a method of joining
the framing structures. Also, the spline featured extends above the
surface of the fabric covering material. The framing member also
features a square shaped channel.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,695 ('695 patent) discloses a channeled
extrusion for framing and holding flexible coverings, such as
awnings and other fabric framing structures. FIG. 5 illustrates an
embodiment of this invention. This patent is distinguished because
it merely discloses various channeled extrusions, each with an
essentially square fabric attachment cavity. No means, other than
staples, for retaining the fabric covering material is
mentioned.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,400 ('400 patent) discloses a composite
framing member and the method of producing it. FIG. 6 illustrates
an embodiment of this invention. The disclosed framing member
features a square shaped channel for accepting the fabric covering
material and the requisite fabric retention staples. This patent is
distinguished because it applies to the manufacture of a framing
member with a square shaped channel. Also, the bead featured in the
drawing protrudes above the surface of the fabric covering
material, making the seam highly visible.
[0015] The Fabric ZipStrip.RTM. manufactured by Steel Stitch
Corporation is a commercially available PVC bead used to fill the
channel void space of a framing member after the fabric covering
material has been stapled to the channel. FIG. 7 illustrates an
embodiment of this product. The PVC bead utilized to make the
ZipStrip.RTM. is similar to the beads disclosed in the previously
mentioned prior art in that it features two coplanar longitudinal
slots that serve to positively engage within the opening of the
channel in the framing member. The outer surface of the
ZipStrip.RTM. is covered with a strip of fabric covering material,
which is sewn directly to the outer surface. This product is
distinguished because the ZipStrip.RTM. bead, once installed,
protrudes well above the surface of the fabric covering material,
making the seam highly visible. Also, the stitching used to retain
the fabric greatly increases the bead's visibility.
[0016] Nothing in the prior art addresses the problems associated
with providing an awning and fabric framing structure with
consistent, inconspicuous seams that, when combined with additional
fabric framing structures, presents the appearance of being one,
continuous, consistent unit. Therefore, a need exists for a method
of conjoining separate fabric framing structure sections such that
they appear to be one continuous unit with consistent,
inconspicuous seams. Further, a need exists for a framing member
channel that is shaped to provide for easier application of
retention staples and increased gripping and retention of the
fabric covering material. Further, a need exists for a retention
bead that sits completely within the void space within the framing
member's fabric covering material retention channel and does not
protrude above the surface of the fabric covering material. And
further, a need exists for a retention bead that weathers and wears
at the same rate as the fabric covering material so as to make the
seam between the two inconspicuous. The present invention fills
these needs and other needs as detailed more fully in the remainder
of the specification.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of
the prior art by providing a method of conjoining discreet sections
of awnings and other fabric framing structures in such a manner so
as to give the sections the appearance of a single, continuous unit
with inconspicuous seams. Prior art designs typically feature a
flexible bead that is pressed into the channel space in the framing
members to fill the gap between stapled sections of the fabric
covering material. This prior art bead is highly visible because it
protrudes above the surface of the fabric covering material and is
of a different material than the fabric panels. This difference of
materials creates an uneven appearance due to the different
weathering characteristics.
[0018] The disclosed method of assembling discreet sections of
awnings or other fabric framing structures creates a seam between
the discreet sections that is consistent in appearance to the other
fabric panel seams in each section. The method includes a novel
recessed bead apparatus that is encased with the same material as
that chosen for the fabric covering material which allows it to
weather consistently with the rest of the fabric. Also, the
recessed bead fits completely and securely within the fabric
retention channel within the framing members and does not protrude
above the surface of the fabric covering material. This affords
seams that are inconspicuous and consistent in appearance.
[0019] Also, the disclosed method includes a novel framing member
channel that is shaped to allow easier application of retention
staples and improved retention of the fabric covering material. The
channel is shaped so that the fabric covering material, which is
typically stored in rolls, will contact the walls of the channel
and prevent the formation of void spaces. Also, the channel
features longitudinal grooves to assist in the trimming of excess
fabric covering material. Once the material has been attached
within the channel and before the bead is inserted, the excess
material is trimmed from the channel. The grooves afford a clean,
strait cut by providing a guide for the tip of the trimming knife
to follow.
[0020] Accordingly, it is one general object of the invention to
provide a retention bead that weathers at the same rate and appears
visibly consistent with the fabric covering material. It is another
general object of the invention to provide a retention bead that
sits completely within the channel of the framing member and does
not protrude above the surface of the fabric covering material. It
is another general object of the invention to provide an improved
means of inserting and retaining the fabric covering material
within the framing member channel. It is yet another general object
of the invention to provide an improved means for trimming the
excess fabric covering material from within the framing member
channel. The invention accordingly comprises the features described
more fully in the remainder of the specification, and the scope of
the invention will be indicated in the claims. Further objects of
the present invention will become apparent in the following
detailed description read in light of the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0021] J The present invention will be more fully understood by
reference to the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments of the present invention when read in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers refer to
like parts throughout the views, wherein:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art construction
assembly for closures and awnings that utilizes a traditional
square shaped channel and retention bead that protrudes above the
surface of the fabric covering material;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a prior art ornamental
design for a combined frame extrusion and spline for framing
awnings;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art fabric
awning assembly and protruding divider bead used in conjoining two
discreet sections of an awning assembly;
[0025] FIG. 4 is perspective view of a prior art apparatus for
conjoining parallel structural members of two discreet sections of
an awning assembly, with the framing members shown in conjunction
with the protruding bead;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a prior art channeled
extrusion illustrating the essentially squared inner channel
surface for attaching and retaining the fabric covering
material;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art composite
frame member illustrating the essentially squared inner channel
surface for attaching and retaining the fabric covering material by
using staples and a protruding bead;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a prior art commercial
product known as a "Fabric ZipStrip.RTM." which utilizes fabric
material sewn to the outer surface of a conventional bead;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a single sheet of fabric covering material
attached to the inner channel of the framing member and being
positively retained by the use of a flexible bead encased in the
same material as the fabric covering;
[0030] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
present invention illustrating the attachment and retention of two
sheets of fabric covering material within the frame member channel
using staples and an recessed bead;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
present invention illustrating only the channel of the frame
member;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
present invention illustrating only the recessed bead;
[0033] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
present invention illustrating the recessed bead in the shape of an
octagon;
[0034] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
present invention illustrating the recessed bead in the shape of a
trapezoid;
[0035] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
present invention illustrating the recessed bead in the shape of a
pentagon;
[0036] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the cross-section of the
seam between two discreet sections of a fabric structure, conjoined
so as to present a seam appearance similar to that created by the
novel recessed bead; and
[0037] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of two discreet sections of an
awning structure utilizing an embodiment of the present invention
to present a consistent seam appearance, conjoined using the
methods disclosed.
[0038] Where used in the various figures of the drawing, the same
reference numbers designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore,
when the terms "top," "bottom," "first," "second," "upper,"
"lower," "height," "width," "length," "end," "side," "horizontal,"
"vertical,"and similar terms are used herein, it should be
understood that these terms have reference only to the structure
shown in the drawing and are utilized only to facilitate describing
the invention.
[0039] All figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic
teachings of the present invention only; the extensions of the
figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and
dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiment will be
explained or will be within the skill of the art after the
following teachings of the present invention have been read and
understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional
proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, and
similar requirements will likewise be within the skill of the art
after the following teachings of the present invention have been
read and understood.
REFERENCE NUMBERS
[0040] 800 awning bead and staple system [0041] 802 bead [0042] 804
core [0043] 806 encasement [0044] 808 channel [0045] 810 framing
member [0046] 812 groove [0047] 814 staple [0048] 816 fabric
covering material [0049] 1500 center seam [0050] 1600 awning
system
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0051] Turning now to the drawings in which like reference numbers
represent like parts throughout the several views of the drawings,
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 8 details one embodiment of the awning bead
and staple system 800 in which only one sheet of fabric covering
material 816 is attached using the novel bead 802 and channel 808
disclosed herein. In a typical awning installation, the framing
members 810 are measured and bent to an arcuate shape prior to
installation. Once bent, the chosen fabric covering material 816 is
stretched across the framing members 810 and fixedly attached to
the inner surface of the channel 808 using an attachment means such
as nails, screws, tacks, glue, heat tacking (melting of the
covering material to the inner channel surface), or staples 814.
The longitudinal groove 812 on the inner surface of the channel 808
serves as a guide for trimming excess fabric covering material 816
from the channel 808. After the fabric covering material 816 has
been attached and tensioned over the framing members 810, the tip
of a trimming knife is inserted into the groove 812 and slid the
length of the fabric covering material 816. This affords a clean,
straight cut on the edge of the fabric covering material 816 prior
to bead 802 insertion. Finally, a flexible bead 802 is inserted
into the channel 808 such that it fills the remaining void space of
the channel 808 and does not protrude above the top surface of the
fabric covering material 816.
[0052] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment
of the present invention in which two sheets of fabric covering
material 816 are attached using the novel bead 802 and channel 808
disclosed herein. The sheets of fabric covering material 816 are
inserted, one at a time, such that the inserted edge of each sheet
wraps almost completely around the inner surface of the channel 808
without extending beyond the opposite side of the channel 808
opening. Once inserted, the fabric covering material 816 is fixedly
attached to the inner surface of the channel 808 using an
attachment means such as previously mentioned. The longitudinal
groove 812 on the inner surface of the channel 808 further serves
to increase the gripping strength of the channel by allowing some
of the fabric covering material 816 to extend into the groove 812.
Once attached, a flexible bead 802 is inserted into the channel 808
such that it fills the remaining void space of the channel 808 and
does not protrude above the top surface of the fabric covering
material 816.
[0053] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a framing member 810 of
an embodiment of the present invention. The channel 808 illustrated
is essentially circular, but can be any other shape as long as the
channel opening is narrower than the overall width of the channel
808. Formed in the inner surface of the channel 808 are grooves 812
that run longitudinally with respect to the channel 808 surface.
With respect to FIGS. 8 and 9, each groove 812 is intended to act
as a guide for the tip of a fabric trimming knife. This provides
for a clean, straight cut on the edge of the attached fabric
covering material 816 in order to remove the excess from the
channel 808 prior to bead 802 insertion. Also, this grove 812 has
the added benefit of providing increased gripping strength by
allowing a portion of the fabric covering material 816 to extend
into the groove 812. For instance, if an adhesive is utilized as an
attachment means between the fabric covering material 816 and the
inner surface of the channel 808, the adhesive will tend to gather
in the groove 812 as well which will further increase the gripping
strength. Thus, the groove 812 also increases the surface area of
the inner surface of the channel 808 which consequently increases
the friction between the inner channel 808 surface and the inserted
fabric covering material 816.
[0054] With respect to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, a circular inner surface
of the channel 808 allows for easier installation of the fabric
covering material 816. The typical awning fabric utilized as a
covering material tends to be quite stiff. Because it is usually
stored in rolls, this imparts a natural tendency for the material
to want to curl when unrolled. To leverage this natural tendency
for the covering material to curl, an essentially circular channel
808 is provided. Thus, the natural curl will tend to cause the
fabric covering material 816 to lay flat against the inner surface
of the channel for easier insertion of staples 812 or other
attachment means.
[0055] The framing member 810 is constructed from metal, preferably
aluminum. Aluminum is chosen because it is lightweight, rigid,
corrosion resistant, easily formable, and relatively inexpensive.
Also, aluminum readily accepts metal staples 814 (such as steel or
stainless steel) that are typically used to retain the covering
material 816. The framing member 810 can also be manufactured from
other more rigid materials, such as galvanized steel, for use in
areas with high wind loads. When galvanized steel is used, an
aluminum insert is typically added to the inner surface of the
channel 808 to allow for the ability to utilize staples to retain
the fabric covering material 816. It is further possible to
substitute other materials for the framing member 810 depending
upon the structural requirements of a particular awning or other
fabric framing structure.
[0056] As demonstrated by the prior art, a typical bead used in
awning and framing structure manufacture has somewhat of a "T"
shaped cross-section with coplanar longitudinal slots to provide
positive retention in the opening of a framing member's channel.
FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention which is
a novel bead 802 with a circular shaped cross-section. With respect
to FIGS. 8 and 9, the bead 802 can have essentially any shaped
cross-section providing that it can sit entirely within the channel
808 of the framing member 810 and not protrude beyond the top
surface of the fabric covering material 816. Ideally, the bead 802
will be the same cross-sectional shape as the channel 808. However,
that is not a necessity. For instance, it is possible to utilize an
octagonal bead 802 (as illustrated in FIG. 12) inside an
essentially circular channel 808 as long as the diameter of the
bead 802 is sufficient to positively engage the entire inner
surface of the channel 808. An octagonal bead 802 in a circular
channel 808 can actually improve the sealing effect of the bead 802
due to the increased pressure points on the tips of the edges. In
addition, the bead 802 should not protrude above the surface of the
fabric covering material 816.
[0057] In the preferred embodiment, and with respect to FIGS. 11
through 14, the bead 802 consists of a flexible core 804 and an
encasement 806. The core 804 can be made from a semirigid yet
flexible material such as PVC, foam cord, rope, or even a roll of
the same fabric as that chosen for the fabric covering material
816. This affords the bead 802 a certain amount of strength and
compressibility to allow the bead 802 to pass, with force, through
the channel 808 opening and for the channel 808 opening to still
physically retain the bead 802. Around the core 804 is an
encasement 806 material. In the preferred embodiment, the
encasement 806 material is the same as the fabric covering material
816 chosen for the outer face of the fabric framing structure. The
encasement 806 is attached to the core 804 by any suitable means,
such as adhesive or heat welding. If the same fabric covering
material 816 is chosen for the encasement 806, this will ensure
that both the encased bead 802 and the fabric covering material 816
weather and wear at the same rate and present the same visible
appearance. If the core 804 is made from the same material as that
chosen for the fabric covering material 816, then an encasement 806
is not necessary as long as the core 804 is the proper diameter to
fit snuggly within the channel 808.
[0058] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an awning system 1600
comprised of two independent sections of an arching awning
constructed using the awning bead and staple system according to
the present invention. FIG. 15 illustrates a cutaway view of the
center seam 1500 between the two awning sections. With reference to
FIG. 16, a fabric covering material 816 is stretched over several
framing members 810. On side facing the fabric covering material
816, the framing members 810 have channels 808 for receiving an
awning bead 802. The fabric covering material 816 may be any
material known in the art to provide a covering over frame members
810. Standard tubing without a channel can be used to create the
frame in sections where there is no fabric covering material 816
seam which requires anchoring to the frame.
[0059] In the center region of the awning system 1600 of FIG. 16,
the fabric covering material 816 is drawn tightly together using an
embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 15. With
reference to FIG. 8, the outer two framing members 810 are
assembled by placing and securing the edge of the fabric covering
material 816 into the channel 808 of each framing member 810 and
rotating each of said framing members 810 such that the respective
channels 808 are facing and the fabric covering material 816 enters
the seam from the top. In this manner, the two sections of fabric
covering material 816 are abutted tightly against each other. FIG.
15 shows that the awning bead 802 is not necessary when used in
this configuration. However, the addition of an awning bead 802
would provide increased gripping strength for the fabric covering
material 816.
[0060] It will now be evident to those skilled in the art that
there has been described herein an improved computer-based learning
system that through a combination of repetitive narrative solutions
and multiple choice questions greatly facilitates trainee learning,
improving significantly the retention of information over existing
training methods.
[0061] Although the invention hereof has been described by way of a
preferred embodiment, it will be evident that other adaptations and
modifications can be employed without departing from the spirit and
scope thereof. For example, some of the steps in the system
procedure could be conducted mechanically in addition to those
conducted electrically. The terms and expressions employed herein
have been used as terms of description and not of limitation; and
thus, there is no intent of excluding equivalents, but on the
contrary it is intended to cover any and all equivalents that may
be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
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