Awning retention device

Abstract

An awning retention device for securing a recreational vehicle awning supported by a nested arm support structure. The device includes an elongate member, a first hook section coupled with the elongate member at a first end and configured to at least partially surround an upper portion of the nested arm awning support structure, and a second bent section coupled with the elongate member at a second end and configured to secure the awning retention device to a lower portion of the nested arm awning support structure.

1 . An awning retention device for securing a recreational vehicle awning supported by a nested arm support structure, the device comprising: 
 an elongate member;    a first hook section coupled with the elongate member at a first end and configured to at least partially surround an upper portion of the nested awning support arm structure; and    a second bent section coupled with the elongate member at a second end and configured to secure the awning retention device to a lower portion of the nested awning support arm structure.    
   
   
       2 . The awning retention device of  claim 1 , wherein the first hook section is bent relative to the elongate member at an angle of between approximately 10 and 45 degrees.  
   
   
       3 . The awning retention device of  claim 2 , wherein the first hook section is bent relative to the elongate member at an angle of approximately 28 degrees.  
   
   
       4 . The awning retention device of  claim 1 , wherein the first hook section includes: 
 a first transverse section oriented substantially orthogonal to the elongate member;    a second transverse section generally parallel to the first transverse section; and    a diagonal section oriented substantially orthogonal to the first and second transverse sections and connecting the first and second transverse sections.    
   
   
       5 . The awning retention device of  claim 4 , further comprising a retention bend oriented to extend toward the nested support arm structure from the second transverse section.  
   
   
       6 . The awning retention device of  claim 4 , further comprising a retention bend oriented substantially orthogonal to the second transverse section.  
   
   
       7 . The awning retention device of  claim 5 , wherein the retention bend is oriented at an angle in the range of approximately 30 to 90 degrees relative to the second transverse section.  
   
   
       8 . The awning retention device of  claim 4 , wherein the diagonal section is oriented at an angle of between approximately 10 and 45 degrees from the elongate member.  
   
   
       9 . The awning retention device of  claim 4 , wherein the diagonal section is oriented at an angle of approximately 28 degrees from the elongate member.  
   
   
       10 . The awning retention device of  claim 1 , further comprising a protective coating substantially covering the first hook section.  
   
   
       11 . The awning retention device of  claim 1 , further comprising a protective coating substantially covering the second bent section.  
   
   
       12 . The awning retention device of  claim 1 , wherein the second bent section includes a third transverse section oriented generally orthogonal to the elongate member.  
   
   
       13 . The awning retention device of  claim 12 , further comprising a retention bend oriented to extend toward the nested support arm structure.  
   
   
       14 . The awning retention device of  claim 13 , wherein the retention bend is substantially orthogonal to the third transverse section.  
   
   
       15 . The awning retention device of  claim 13 , wherein the retention bend is oriented at an angle in the range of approximately 30 to 90 degrees relative to the third transverse section.  
   
   
       16 . The awning retention device of  claim 13 , further comprising a secondary fastener connected to the elongate member and configured to at least partially wrap around the nested arm support structure.  
   
   
       17 . A method of securing a recreational vehicle awning supported by a nested arm support structure during transport, the method comprising: 
 enclosing an upper section of the nested support arm structure with a hook section, coupled with a first section of an elongate member;    bending the elongate member downward, thereby causing the hook section to press the nested support arm structure together; and    securing a bent section coupled with the elongate member, distal from the hook section, behind a lower section of the nested support arm structure.    
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the first hook section is bent relative to the elongate member at an angle of between approximately 10 and 45 degrees.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the first hook section is bent relative to the elongate member at an angle of approximately 28 degrees.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the bent section includes a retention bend configured to retain the bent section behind the lower section of the nested support arm structure.