Connector with Integrated Lighting

Abstract

Embodiments of a connector with integrated lighting are provided. The connector may be used with an awning assembly of an RV, for non-limiting example. The connector includes a retaining channel having a relief opening from which an awning canopy may extend. The retaining channel may be directly connected to a luminaire mount or may be connected to the luminaire mount by the connector. The connector may be mounted to a rail on an RV or sidewall of other structures.

1 . An awning connector with illumination, comprising:
 a retaining channel which receives a polyrope and awning material wrapped about said polyrope;   a relief opening having a dimension which is less than a diameter of said polyrope to retain said polyrope and said awning material therein;   a luminaire mount connected to said retaining channel; and,   a luminaire located within said luminaire mount.   
     
     
         2 . The awning connector with illumination of  claim 1 , said awning material extending to an awning rail. 
     
     
         3 . The awning connector with illumination of  claim 2 , said awning rail having a second retaining channel thereon. 
     
     
         4 . The awning connector with illumination of  claim 3 , said retaining channel of said connector spaced from said second retaining channel. 
     
     
         5 . The awning connector with illumination of  claim 1 , said connector being extruded. 
     
     
         6 . The awning connector with illumination of  claim 1 , said luminaire mount directing light of said luminaire downwardly. 
     
     
         7 . The awning connector with illumination of  claim 1  further wherein said luminaire mount is one of directly connected to said retaining channel or further comprising a connection by a neck. 
     
     
         8 . A lighting connector assembly, comprising:
 an awning rail having a first retaining channel;   a first polyrope disposed in said first retaining channel;   a canopy extending about said first polyrope within said first retaining channel;   a connector spaced from said awning rail;   said connector having a second retaining channel which receives said canopy and a second polyrope;   said connector also having a luminaire mount connected to said second retaining channel.   
     
     
         9 . The lighting connector assembly of  claim 8 , said awning rail further comprising a wall mount. 
     
     
         10 . The lighting connector assembly of  claim 8 , said first and second retaining channels each having a relief opening. 
     
     
         11 . The lighting connector assembly of  claim 10 , said canopy extending from one of said relief openings. 
     
     
         12 . The lighting connector assembly of  claim 10 , said canopy extending from a first one of said relief openings to a second one of said relief openings. 
     
     
         13 . The lighting connector assembly of  claim 8 , said luminaire mount including luminaires. 
     
     
         14 . The lighting connector assembly of  claim 12 , said luminaire mount directing light downward. 
     
     
         15 . An awning light connector assembly, comprising:
 an awning rail having a first retaining channel;   a connector spaced from said awning rail, said connector having a second retaining channel and a luminaire mount;   an awning and a first polyrope located in said first retaining channel;   said awning and a second polyrope located in said second retaining channel;   said luminaire mount housing at least one luminaire therein.   
     
     
         16 . The awning light connector assembly of  claim 15 , said at least one luminaire being a light emitting diode. 
     
     
         17 . The awning light connector assembly of  claim 15 , said at least one luminaire illuminating an area below said awning. 
     
     
         18 . The awning light connector assembly of  claim 15 , said second retaining channel connected to said luminaire mount. 
     
     
         19 . An awning assembly with lighting, comprising:
 an awning assembly having an awning roller;   an awning rail having a retaining channel;   a connector having a connector retaining channel;   an awning material and a first polyrope disposed in said retaining channel;   said awning material extending to said connector retaining channel and extending about a second polyrope therein; and,   said connector further comprising a luminaire mount, a luminaire disposed in said luminaire mount and directing light to an area below said awning material.   
     
     
         20 . The awning connector with illumination of  claim 19 , wherein said luminaire is an LED strip. 
     
     
         21 . The awning connector with illumination of  claim 19 , wherein said connector is spaced from said awning rail. 
     
     
         22 . The awning connector with illumination of  claim 19 , said awning material extending from said awning rail to said awning roller. 
     
     
         23 . A lighting connector for an awning assembly comprising:
 a retaining channel having a relief, said retaining channel capable of receiving a polyrope and an awning canopy;   a linear neck extending from said retaining channel;   a luminaire mount connected to said neck; and,   a luminaire disposed in said luminaire mount;   said retaining channel being directly connected to an awning rail retaining channel