An expandable and retractable photovoltaic structure includes a base that provides support to permit mounting of the photovoltaic structure solely from the base. Photovoltaic panels are arranged adjacently between the base and a lead element when the photovoltaic structure is in an open configuration. The photovoltaic structure is supported by scissor link mechanisms, coupled to the base at one end and the lead support element at the other end. The scissor link mechanisms consist of scissor links pivotally coupled together to form a moveable successive chain of the scissor links. The photovoltaic panels are attached to the scissor links, via side frames, so that as the lead arm moves away from the base the scissor link mechanisms expand to deploy the photovoltaic structure in an open configuration, and as the lead arm moves towards the base, the scissor link mechanisms retract the photovoltaic structure to place the photovoltaic structure in the closed configuration.

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.

An expandable and retractable photovoltaic structure includes a base that provides support to permit mounting of the photovoltaic structure solely from the base. Photovoltaic panels are arranged adjacently between the base and a lead element when the photovoltaic structure is in an open configuration. The photovoltaic structure is supported by scissor link mechanisms, coupled to the base at one end and the lead support element at the other end. The scissor link mechanisms consist of scissor links pivotally coupled together to form a moveable successive chain of the scissor links. The photovoltaic panels are attached to the scissor links, via side frames, so that as the lead arm moves away from the base the scissor link mechanisms expand to deploy the photovoltaic structure in an open configuration, and as the lead arm moves towards the base, the scissor link mechanisms retract the photovoltaic structure to place the photovoltaic structure in the closed configuration.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.