An accessory base is provided which may be used with a power track assembly. The accessory base is connected to a power track assembly and a powered accessory so that the powered accessory is powered by the power track. The accessory base may also be used with power tracks in a roller tube awning assembly, a cassette awning assembly, hardware assembly, or a track which may be mounted to a surface.

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.

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).

A control device for lighting elements to be mounted on a roller covering installation, which includes a support structure constraining the covering installation to an outer fixed structure, a rotatable tubular shaft supported by the structure, a covering to be rolled and unrolled on the tubular shaft, and a plurality of lighting elements applied to at least one component of the roller covering, includes a casing, configured to be inserted and accommodated in the tubular shaft, and having therein a power supply for the lighting elements, a control unit for the lighting elements, which can be connected wirelessly and/or wired to the lighting elements of the roller covering installation, and a receiver connected to and/or incorporated in the control unit for receiving control signals from the outside and control the lighting elements accordingly.

Various embodiments of an awning roller assembly are provided. The structure provides awning hardware (28) having a powered groove (52) extending through one or more hardware components. The powered groove includes at least one track (70, 72) having electrical conductors (84, 85) therein. An accessory base (54) is provided for connection with a plurality of powered accessories (32, 34, 36, 37), 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.

A bimini system for use with a support structure includes a bimini assembly transformable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The bimini assembly includes a frame and a cover affixed to the frame. A gathering system includes a gathering mechanism associated with the cover. The gathering mechanism is movable to at least one of fold and gather the cover as the bimini assembly transforms from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

A method for configuring a motorized drive device for a solar protection home automation unit includes a step of triggering the rolling-up of a screen from an unrolled position, in which the screen is relaxed, towards a rolled-up position. This method further includes a step of measuring a magnitude of an electrical current passing through an electric motor using a measurement device, a step of determining a first maximum value of the measured magnitude, indicative of a position of breakage of the arms of a screening device, and a step of determining a lowered end-of-travel position of the screen. The lowered end-of-travel position of the screen corresponds to a measured-magnitude value lower than the first maximum value. The lowered end-of-travel position of the screen lies before the position of breakage of the arms of the screening device, in the direction of unrolling of the screen.

A bimini system for use with a support structure includes a bimini assembly transformable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The bimini assembly includes a frame and a cover affixed to the frame. A gathering system includes a gathering mechanism associated with the cover. The gathering mechanism is movable to at least one of fold and gather the cover as the bimini assembly transforms from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

A bimini system for use with a support structure includes a bimini assembly transformable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The bimini assembly includes a frame and a cover affixed to the frame. A gathering system includes a gathering mechanism associated with the cover. The gathering mechanism is movable to at least one of fold and gather the cover as the bimini assembly transforms from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

An awning adjustment device with variable speed and direction control serves to automatically open and close eclectic types of awnings by way of an elongated rod terminating at a hook. The hook detachably couples to an awning handle or crank mechanism. A motor powers the rod, so as to rotate the rod in variable speeds, directions, and durations. The rotational speed of the rod is either controlled by a user, or controlled by a rotation counter to variably increase or decrease the rotation of the rod, so as to prevent damaging the awning by rotating too fast. The control portion comprises a power on switch, a power off switch, a pause switch, a directional switch, and a speed switch. The motor operatively couples to at least one electrical power source through a power cord, or a battery to receive electrical power for operating the device.