Importance

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Abstract

A frame assembly, such as for an awning or canopy, includes a master rib having identical keyways running the longitudinal length of the rib. Each keyway is defined by an opposing pair of sidewalls extending lengthwise in the longitudinal direction. The sidewalls are each formed integrally with a plurality of threadlines extending in the longitudinal direction which face opposite from and are offset in the depthwise direction by a given pitch from those of the other sidewall, so as to form threadable surfaces for a screw to be threaded therein. A cleat member has a body portion with a depthwise bore so that a threaded screw can be inserted depthwise and project from its lower end into the keyway and the master rib. The cleat member can be fastened to the master rib at any position along its longitudinal length. The cleat member preferably has a mating cleat which projects from the lower end into the keyway, or brackets against the sides of the master rib wall, so as to guide and hold the cleat member firmly in position. The cleat member can then be fastened to a lateral arm, cross rib, angle rib, hinged member, or other frame part. The frame assembly is used to construct an awning support system or a canopy system without any need for welding at the installation site, and can be readily disassembled and reassembled. In a further embodiment, the keyway is provided with smooth walls and a self-tapping or similar screw forms threads in the walls as the screw is advanced into the keyway.

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First Claim