A boat lift with hydraulically or mechanically actuated arms which self-installs a fitted three-dimensional boat cover on a powerboat. The control logic of the system allows for cover operation only when the lift is raised. A spring-tensioned roller keeps the cover tight and self-rolls the cover on the roller when the actuated arms are pivoted forward. The roller is hidden behind the boat in cover-on position. A slip clutch prevents the torsion spring from being over tightened. The forward position of the roller is adjusted by adjusting the hydraulic cylinder length. The rearward position of the roller is adjusted by limiting the retracted position of the hydraulic cylinder. A non-hydraulic embodiment actuates the cover when the lift is operated.

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).

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.

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.

An innovative foldable self-supporting retractable awning system has been developed to address the limitations of traditional fixed and mounted awning designs. The key features include a versatile, column-like structure that can transition between a compact closed state and a fully deployed shading configuration without requiring permanent wall or structural attachments. The system consists of a retractable awning, a mechanical structure with a movable rod and arm assembly, and an electronic control system. This allows the awning to be positioned as needed to provide shading for vehicles, outdoor seating areas, and other spaces. The design incorporates safety features like wind sensors and obstacle detection to automatically adjust the awning based on environmental conditions. This novel approach offers increased flexibility and convenience compared to conventional awning solutions, making it well-suited for a wide range of residential and commercial applications.

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 system and a method for a deployable awning that detects impending storms or other weather events and automatically deploys from a structure to extend out and cover vehicles to protect them from damage due to the storm or other weather event. In one embodiment, a method includes determining that an activating event has occurred. The activating event includes a storm or other weather event. Upon determining that the activating event has occurred, the method includes automatically deploying an awning from a stored configuration inside an awning housing to a deployed configuration such that the awning covers a coverage area of a ground surface adjacent to a location where the awning housing is mounted.

An apparatus, including: a Bimini assembly (100) with a fixed portion (104) and a retractable portion (106); a coil spring (110) secured to the retractable portion and configured to urge the retractable portion to coil when the coil spring is not in a fully extended position; and a stabilizing feature configured to selectively hold the retractable portion in a retractable portion fully extended position.