The present invention relates to shading systems that are comprised of multiple individual and independent shading units mounted over at least one wire.

The present invention relates to shading systems that are comprised of multiple individual and independent shading units mounted over at least one wire.

A timber frame structure includes a plurality of support posts. A first mounting surface extends between a first pair of the plurality of support posts and a second mounting surface extends between a second pair of the plurality of support posts. A plurality of arches is mounted to the structure at the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface. Each of the plurality of arches is self-supporting and comprises a first curved rafter and a second curved rafter connected at a key beam.

A timber frame structure includes a plurality of support posts. A first mounting surface extends between a first pair of the plurality of support posts and a second mounting surface extends between a second pair of the plurality of support posts. A plurality of arches is mounted to the structure at the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface. Each of the plurality of arches is self-supporting and comprises a first curved rafter and a second curved rafter connected at a key beam.

The structure includes a panel and upper and lower mounting units. The panel includes plate members, a rectangular frame spacer, and a core member. Right and left frame parts of the spacer are configured as straight tubular side spacers. Each of the upper and lower mounting units includes: a fixing plate to be fixed onto the upper or lower frame part of a building; mounting members connected inside respective upper or lower end portions of the side spacers such that the mounting members are slidable in an upward/downward direction; and coupling members coupling the mounting members to the fixing plate. Each of the coupling members runs, in a rightward/leftward direction, through an associated one of the mounting members and the fixing plate to couple the associated mounting member rotatably with respect to the fixing plate.

The structure includes a panel and upper and lower mounting units. The panel includes plate members, a rectangular frame spacer, and a core member. Right and left frame parts of the spacer are configured as straight tubular side spacers. Each of the upper and lower mounting units includes: a fixing plate to be fixed onto the upper or lower frame part of a building; mounting members connected inside respective upper or lower end portions of the side spacers such that the mounting members are slidable in an upward/downward direction; and coupling members coupling the mounting members to the fixing plate. Each of the coupling members runs, in a rightward/leftward direction, through an associated one of the mounting members and the fixing plate to couple the associated mounting member rotatably with respect to the fixing plate.

Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for solar awnings or canopies that include rigid solar modules, for example photovoltaic cells or panels. The awnings have solar modules or panels stacked together substantially vertically (e.g., each module is oriented vertically with respect to the next module). The solar modules in the stack are interconnected to each other, such that each solar module is connected electrically and mechanically to adjacent solar modules. The first solar module in the stack of modules is fixed to one end of the base of the awning. The base of the awning is typically mounted to a building, vehicle, mobile home, or other appropriate structure. The last solar module in the stack is attached to a lead arm of the awning. The lead arm moves back and forth (e.g., away and toward) from the base of the awning to enable the expansion or retraction of the awning.

Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for solar awnings or canopies that include rigid solar modules, for example photovoltaic cells or panels. The awnings have solar modules or panels stacked together substantially vertically (e.g., each module is oriented vertically with respect to the next module). The solar modules in the stack are interconnected to each other, such that each solar module is connected electrically and mechanically to adjacent solar modules. The first solar module in the stack of modules is fixed to one end of the base of the awning. The base of the awning is typically mounted to a building, vehicle, mobile home, or other appropriate structure. The last solar module in the stack is attached to a lead arm of the awning. The lead arm moves back and forth (e.g., away and toward) from the base of the awning to enable the expansion or retraction of the awning.

A shading apparatus with panels, such as, for example solar panels, connected to a spindle assembly rotatable about a vertical axis. Two or more panels are arranged in a series and connected to the spindle assembly and each panel is rotatable on a horizontal-longitudinal axis and form an array configured to provide a shade canopy. Certain embodiments include a payload area, such as, for example, a seating platform which may be either affixed or releasably attachable to the spindle assembly and/or central pole and rotatable about the vertical axis as a carousel.

A shading apparatus with panels, such as, for example solar panels, connected to a spindle assembly rotatable about a vertical axis. Two or more panels are arranged in a series and connected to the spindle assembly and each panel is rotatable on a horizontal-longitudinal axis and form an array configured to provide a shade canopy. Certain embodiments include a payload area, such as, for example, a seating platform which may be either affixed or releasably attachable to the spindle assembly and/or central pole and rotatable about the vertical axis as a carousel.