Provided is an awning system comprising: a) two vertical tracks; b) two arms, with each arm attached at a first end to one of the vertical tracks, the arm configured to move in a vertical direction and pivot in relation to the track, each arm further configured to be extendible; c) a cross-bar, with each end of the cross-bar attached to a second end of one of the arms; d) a piece of fabric attached at one end to the cross-bar; and e) a holder placed on top of the tracks for holding a second end of the fabric; wherein the awning fabric is configured to be adjusted in both the vertical and the horizontal direction; wherein a user can move the arms vertically and extend the arms to adjust a position of the fabric. Provided is a retractable canopy system comprising: a) a track; b) a frame movably attached to the track; c) a support attached to the frame; d) a connector movably attached to the support, e) two or more rods attached to the connector; f) a canopy piece attached to the rods; wherein the awning is configured to have a stowed and deployed position that are obtained by moving the frame against the track.

A lateral arm assembly and method of operation includes first and second articulating arms comprising first and second ends, the first ends of the articulating arms are mounted upon assembly to a support surface at separate lateral locations. The first ends each comprise separate pivoting mounting structures for forming a first pivotal connection with the first and second articulating arms. The lateral arm assembly also comprises a roller tube having spaced lateral ends supporting respective end brackets that provide a second pivotal connection to the second ends of the articulating arms. The roller tube supports a canopy coupled to a roller shaft, wherein one of the end brackets further supports a device that drives the roller shaft for furling and unfurling the canopy.

Disclosed is a retractable lighting fixture having a retractable LED lighting layer. One or more optical layers (40, 240A/B, 340A/B, 440) may optionally be provided over the LED lighting layer (30, 230, 330, 430). The optical layer(s) and the LED lighting layer may optionally be movable relative to one another between at least being in an expanded spaced relation to one another and a compressed relation to one another. One or more LEDs (34, 134, 234A/B, 334A/B, 434) on the LED lighting layer may be individually controllable and such LEDs (34, 134, 234A/B, 334A/B, 434) may be selectively extinguished when they are in a retracted position.

A lateral arm assembly and method of operation includes first and second articulating arms comprising first and second ends, the first ends of the articulating arms are mounted upon assembly to a support surface at separate lateral locations. The first ends each comprise separate pivoting mounting structures for forming a first pivotal connection with the first and second articulating arms. The lateral arm assembly also comprises a roller tube having spaced lateral ends supporting respective end brackets that provide a second pivotal connection to the second ends of the articulating arms. The roller tube supports a canopy coupled to a roller shaft, wherein one of the end brackets further supports a device that drives the roller shaft for furling and unfurling the canopy.

Provided is an awning system comprising: a) two vertical tracks; b) two arms, with each arm attached at a first end to one of the vertical tracks, the arm configured to move in a vertical direction and pivot in relation to the track, each arm further configured to be extendible; c) a cross-bar, with each end of the cross-bar attached to a second end of one of the arms; d) a piece of fabric attached at one end to the cross-bar; and e) a holder placed on top of the tracks for holding a second end of the fabric; wherein the awning fabric is configured to be adjusted in both the vertical and the horizontal direction; wherein a user can move the arms vertically and extend the arms to adjust a position of the fabric. Provided is a retractable canopy system comprising: a) a track; b) a frame movably attached to the track; c) a support attached to the frame; d) a connector movably attached to the support, e) two or more rods attached to the connector; f) a canopy piece attached to the rods; wherein the awning is configured to have a stowed and deployed position that are obtained by moving the frame against the track.

The present disclosure describes a retractable awning assembly. The retractable awning assembly may include a plurality of roller tube sections, at least two torsion bar sections, a pair of spring-loaded arms, a fabric cover, a plurality of front bar sections, a pair of end caps, a plurality of mounting brackets, and a plurality of hood sections. Methods of assembling the same are provided.

Provided is an awning system comprising: a) two vertical tracks; b) two arms, with each arm attached at a first end to one of the vertical tracks, the arm configured to move in a vertical direction and pivot in relation to the track, each arm further configured to be extendible; c) a cross-bar, with each end of the cross-bar attached to a second end of one of the arms; d) a piece of fabric attached at one end to the cross-bar; and e) a holder placed on top of the tracks for holding a second end of the fabric; wherein the awning fabric is configured to be adjusted in both the vertical and the horizontal direction; wherein a user can move the arms vertically and extend the arms to adjust a position of the fabric. Provided is a retractable canopy system comprising: a) a track; b) a frame movably attached to the track; c) a support attached to the frame; d) a connector movably attached to the support, e) two or more rods attached to the connector; f) a canopy piece attached to the rods; wherein the awning is configured to have a stowed and deployed position that are obtained by moving the frame against the track.

An awning system includes an awning and a connection system for connecting the awning to a mounting structure. The awning includes a roller tube and an accessory element coupled to the roller tube. The connection system includes a receiving member and an adapter. The receiving member is coupled to the mounting structure and defines a receiving groove extending along an extension path. The adapter includes an engaging section coupled to the receiving groove and a receiving section coupled to the awning. A normal force between a contact area of the engaging section and the receiving groove increases when the engaging section rotates in one direction about the extension path such that the adapter is in a self-locked condition within the receiving groove.

An awning system includes lighting units integrated with support arms thereof. The lighting units are configured to direct light emitted thereby primarily toward a canopy thereof when the canopy is fully deployed.

A connection system for connecting an accessory element to a mounting structure, in particular for connecting a fabric of an awning, tent or sun sail to a mounting structure such as a wall of a building or an outer surface of a vehicle. The connection system includes a receiving member provided on the mounting structure and defining a receiving groove extending along an extension path, and an adapter having an engaging section and a receiving section. The engaging section is configured such that an engagement with the receiving groove is caused by an insertion movement of the engaging section into the receiving groove, the insertion movement having at least a translatory component in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension path.