A method and device for halting the extension or retraction of a retractable awning comprises a sensor coupled to a processor that commands awning extension and retraction. The sensor senses a motion parameter, such as acceleration, which is associated with extension or retraction motion of a retractable awning and generates corresponding respective extension or retraction motion parameter signals. The processor calculates an acceleration rate of change and/or a tilt angle from the motion parameter signals received from the sensor, and halts awning extension or retraction by generating and sending a stop signal when the acceleration rate of change or tilt angle meets at least one predetermined criterion.

An arm mechanism includes a first arm, which is hollow, a second arm, and a connection portion for mutually rotatably connecting the first arm and the second arm. A connection portion 15 includes a rotary shaft extending in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of a first arm 11 and a second arm 12, a friction portion for generating a frictional force against rotation of the rotary shaft, and a biasing member which is housed in the first arm, has an end portion facing away from the rotary shaft and connected to the first arm, has an end portion facing the rotary shaft and connected to the second arm via a connection member, and generates a contraction force which is increased with an increase in angle between an axis of the second arm and an axis of the first arm by rotation of the rotary shaft.

An awning assembly and method of construction that includes a first main member rotatably coupled to a vertical track at a first end of the first main member; a second main member pivotally coupled to and at a second end of the first main member; a first supplemental member rotatably and slidably connected to the vertical track at a first end of the first supplemental member; a second supplemental member having a first end pivotally coupled to and at a second end of the first supplemental member. The second supplemental member has a second end pivotally coupled to the second main member. The first main member includes first, second, and third cross-sections spaced the second cross-section comprising slot that allows for the passage of the first supplemental member through the first main member, wherein the first cross-section differs from the second cross-section.

An awning assembly is provided which provides a push and lock assembly thereby removing the need for additional fastening structures. This also provides for improved assembly of the structures.

An energy harvesting wind sensor is provided for an awning assembly. The device is self-powering in that energy is converted from wind to electrical in order to power the sensor and a transmitter which signals a receiver to retract the awning assembly if a preselected threshold is met or exceeded. Since the system converts wind energy to electrical energy, wiring is not needed to extend along the moving or rotating parts of the awning assembly.

An awning assembly and method of construction is disclosed herein. The awning assembly comprising a first main arm for coupling to a dwelling, a second main arm rotatably coupled to the first main arm at a first end and supportingly coupled to a roll bar at a second end, the roll bar coupled to a canopy, and a hard wire connection housed within the first main arm for coupling to a power source. The awning assembly further comprising a detachable attachment module coupled to the first end of the second main arm and functionally coupled to the hard wire connection, the detachable attachment module comprising a plurality of electrical components, the plurality of electrical components comprising at least one of a microphone, a heating element, an input/output port, an image capture device, a speaker, an illumination source, and a transceiver.

An awning assembly includes a frame having a U-shaped recess, and first and second support arms having first end portions pivotably mounted within the recess. The assembly further includes a shaft, and an awning supported on the shaft. The first and second support arms have second end portions connected to the awning or to the shaft. The awning is movable by the support arms between a retracted position and an extended position. When the awning is in the retracted position, the awning is in a rolled-up or collapsed configuration and the second end portions of the support arms and the awning are disposed within the recess. When the awning is moved from the retracted position to the extended position, the second end portions of the support arms pivot out of the recess and unfurl the awning.

An adjustment coupler includes a first clutch member and a second clutch member. In embodiments, the first clutch member may be rotationally fixed with respect to the second clutch member when a torque applied thereto is less than a predetermined amount. When the torque is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount, the first clutch member may rotate with respect to the second clutch member. In other embodiments, the first clutch member may be rotationally fixed to the second clutch member.

An awning arm is provided in which internal components are concealed and in which tension is adjustable. The arm includes an elbow that includes an outer knuckle that includes a top tang and a bottom tang, the tangs rotatably engaged to a circular encasement of an inner knuckle via a plurality of bushings. Two hubs are concealed by the encasement and the tangs, the hubs secured within the two tangs. A webbing is secured within the hubs, a pull upon the webbing urging the rotation of the hubs and consequently the outer knuckle and the elbow as a whole. Arm extrusions are attached to the outer and inner knuckles, with the rotation of the elbow causing the bending and straightening of the arm. Components that prevent the arm from overextending are concealed within the elbow.

An awning arm is provided in which internal components are concealed and in which tension is adjustable. The arm includes an elbow that includes an outer knuckle that includes a top tang and a bottom tang, the tangs rotatably engaged to a circular encasement of an inner knuckle via a plurality of bushings. Two hubs are concealed by the encasement and the tangs, the hubs secured within the two tangs. A webbing is secured within the hubs, a pull upon the webbing urging the rotation of the hubs and consequently the outer knuckle and the elbow as a whole. Arm extrusions are attached to the outer and inner knuckles, with the rotation of the elbow causing the bending and straightening of the arm. Components that prevent the arm from overextending are concealed within the elbow.