A method and system for creating a shaded area using retractably mounted photovoltaic cells is disclosed that utilizes an energy and shade producing canopy of retractable photovoltaic cells or panels that is deployed to create shade and electricity when desired and retracted when not in use.

There is described a canopy system comprising two or more parallel elongated rods, one or more canopy pieces having two parallel edges, two or more elongated bars connected to each of the two or more parallel elongated rods and attached to each of the two parallel edges of the one or more canopy pieces, and at least one connection mechanism attached to each of the elongated rods having a connector that is capable of being suspended from a support. The elongated rods may include at least one lower cavity having two channels each configured to detachably and slidably receive each of the elongated bars. The lower cavity may have a groove that is configured to detachably and slidably receive an accessory. The elongated rods each may include at least one upper cavity configured to detachably and slidably receive each connection mechanism and a second accessory.

There is described a canopy system comprising two or more parallel elongated rods, one or more canopy pieces having two parallel edges, two or more elongated bars connected to each of the two or more parallel elongated rods and attached to each of the two parallel edges of the one or more canopy pieces, and at least one connection mechanism attached to each of the elongated rods having a connector that is capable of being suspended from a support. The elongated rods may include at least one lower cavity having two channels each configured to detachably and slidably receive each of the elongated bars. The lower cavity may have a groove that is configured to detachably and slidably receive an accessory. The elongated rods each may include at least one upper cavity configured to detachably and slidably receive each connection mechanism and a second accessory.

Various embodiments of an awning roller assembly is provided. The structure provides an awning roller tube having a first end and a second end with a powered groove extending between the ends, in full or in part. The powered groove includes a plurality of tracks having at least one electrical conductor in each track. An accessory base is provided for connection with a plurality of powered accessories, including but not limited to, lights, fans or audio-video equipment. The accessory base provides electrical connection between the powered groove and the accessory to provide improved function in the outdoor living space beneath and around the awning.

Aspects of the present disclosure provide retractable canopies, kits of parts for assembling retractable canopies, and methods for assembling and operating retractable canopies. The retractable canopies provide tracks extending in a longitudinal direction and transversely spaced apart. A support extends in a transverse direction between the tracks and is moveably coupled to the tracks via mounts to the tracks. The mounts include engagement members, such as wheels, to engage with the tracks. The engagement members may be biased transversely away from the support (e.g. toward the track), thereby permitting the engagement members to adjust their transverse positions relative to the support as the support moves along the track.

A deployable canopy apparatus includes canopy rails having a first, free end and a second end proximal to a spool rod. The canopy rails include a channel and a slit extending along the length of the canopy rail. A canopy is secured to the spool rod and secured to a translating member that extends between the canopy rails. The canopy has a first and a second side defining a loop housed in the canopy rails through the slits. Retaining members extend through the canopy loops and are secured within the canopy rail channels. A translation drive assembly is configured to translate the first translating member between the first and second ends of the canopy rails and spool or unspool the canopy from the spool rod.

A tent apparatus includes foot pipes, at least two beam members, girders, pulleys, cloth tubes, and a canopy. A first beam member and a second beam member are fastened perpendicular to a first pair of foot pipes and a second pair of foot pipes opposing each other respectively. The girders including internal guide rails are fastened perpendicular to the beam members. The pulleys traverse the internal guide rails of the girders. Each pulley includes a handle and wheel members in rolling communication with an internal guide rail, and a receptor member to receive and connect a cloth tube. The canopy is positioned over the cloth tubes. The canopy, attached to one of the beam members and in sliding communication with the girders, is stretched across the upper ends of the two pairs of foot pipes when the pulleys are rolled within the internal guide rails of the girders.

Aspects of the present disclosure provide retractable canopies, kits of parts for assembling retractable canopies, and methods for assembling and operating retractable canopies. The retractable canopies provide tracks extending in a longitudinal direction and transversely spaced apart. A support extends in a transverse direction between the tracks and is moveably coupled to the tracks via mounts to the tracks. The mounts include engagement members, such as wheels, to engage with the tracks. The engagement members may be biased transversely away from the support (e.g. toward the track), thereby permitting the engagement members to adjust their transverse positions relative to the support as the support moves along the track.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a retractable shade system. In one example implementation, the system includes a shade comprised of a body of rollable material. The system also includes one or more retraction systems configured to selectively retract the shade from an unrolled state to a rolled-up state. The retraction systems include springs, a motorized retraction device, and/or a manual retraction device.

A power track assembly is provided which may be used with an accessory base (454) therefore. The power track assembly includes a track housing (402) having at least one track (470) with first and second conductors (484, 485). The conductors provide power to the accessory base which may be connected to an accessory (32, 34, 36, 37) requiring power for operation. The accessory base (454) may also be used with power tracks in a roller tube awning assembly (20), a cassette awning assembly (120), or hardware assembly (328).