Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety blind that operates without a cord. More specifically, there is no danger of safety accidents because a lifting cord inserted into a fabric tube of a leather cord is not exposed to the outside, the lifting and tilting operation of an entire slat can be easily and simply performed by operating a lower slat, and a driving unit can be applied to Venetian blinds, roll blinds, and various blinds.

Abstract: A sunshade system of vehicle roof includes a sunshade formed from a fabric material including a plurality of pleats arranged across a lateral sunshade width and extending along a sunshade length. At least one sunshade guide extends along a length of the sunshade and retains a lateral width edge of the fabric material, and guides the sunshade along a path between a stowed position and an extended position. The sunshade has a variable sunshade width along the sunshade length in the extended position by expansion and relaxation of the plurality of pleats.

Abstract: A multi-functional retractable JEEP® top includes a support frame affixed to a top opening of an existing JEEP®, a top layer deployment section selectively biased between wound and unwound positions, a bottom layer deployment section disposed subjacent to the top layer deployment section and independently biased between wound and unwound positions, a controller for manipulating the top layer deployment section and the bottom layer deployment section upon receiving a user input, and a power source communicatively coupled to the controller. Each of the top layer deployment section and the bottom layer deployment section span across at least one portion of the top opening of the existing JEEP®.

Abstract: An electric window shade apparatus for a vehicle is proposed, the electric window shade apparatus being configured to receive power directly from a motor. An electric window shade apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a shade module configured to be unwound or wound automatically by a driving force so as to move with respect to a window glass; and a driving module providing the driving force to the shade module by an operation of a cable wound on at least one drum driven by a motor.

Abstract: Retractable awning with a cloth shaft, a cloth attached by one end thereof to the cloth shaft and winding onto and unwinding from the cloth shaft, at least one pulling cable connected by its one end to the free end of the cloth, at least one mast, and a cable winch disposed on the mast and featuring a cable drum, wherein the cable winch is connected to the other end of the pulling cable and is designed to retract and to unwind the pulling cable, characterized in that the cable winch is designed as a load balancer featuring a conical cable drum.

Abstract: A break-out door sensor system is provided. In one aspect, the system includes: a door; a sensor located on the door; a trigger connected to the door and located proximate to the sensor and configured to move to an actuating position, and when in the actuating position, the trigger contacts the sensor causing the sensor to emit a signal, the trigger being biased away from the actuating position; and a camming surface on the trigger, wherein dimensions of the trigger and the trigger's location on the door with respect to the sensor including the location and dimensions of the camming surface are selected to cause the trigger to move to the actuating position when the camming surface moves against door guide forming a channel and the trigger moves out of the channel.

Abstract: The display device includes a rollable display panel configured to display an image; a display-panel roller, the display panel being fixed thereto, the roller being elongate; a support frame, the display-panel roller being rotatably coupled to the frame; a drive motor configured for rotating the display-panel roller with respect to the support frame, wherein a rotation of the display-panel roller allows roll-up of the panel around the roller or unroll-down of the panel from the roller; and an elastic unit configured to configured to provide an elastic force to assist in rolling up the display panel around the display-panel roller. This allows reduction of a size or capacity of the motor.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a flexible display member, a fastening member overlapping the display member in a plan view, a housing unit including a first case member and a second case member configured to contain respective opposite portions of the display member, and a hinge unit including a body member coupled to the fastening member to be rotatable in the plan view, a first moving member connecting a portion of the body member to the first case member, and a second moving member connecting an opposite portion of the body member to the second case member.

Abstract: An opening and closing mechanism for a roll-up cargo door for a truck is intended to decrease injuries to the people who load and unload items from box trucks and semi-trailers. The mechanism allows the user to open and close the overhead roll-up door of these trucks while standing firmly and safely on the ground at the rear corner of the truck. The door opening and closing mechanism is in the form of a loop of material that is attached to a lower portion of the roll-up door and a guide disposed near the top of the door frame. The loop is disposed along one of the vertical frame members of the door so that it is out of the way of the cargo hold when the door is open.

Abstract: A screen system for use with a sliding panel of a window or door to screen an opening as the sliding panel or door is opened. The screen is attached to the edge of the sliding panel adjacent the opening, and is wound onto a spindle. The spindle is rotatably mounted adjacent the screen opening so that the screen can be unwound from or wound onto the spindle. A cord is connected between the sliding panel and the spindle pulley via an idler pulley. The spindle is caused to rotate to wind the screen onto the spindle as the sliding panel is slid towards the closed position. While the screen is wound off the spindle, the cord is wound onto the spindle pulley and vice versa. A tension adjustment arrangement is provided for adjusting the tension in the cable as the screen is wound and unwound from the spindle.

Abstract: An electronic device has a front surface, a rear surface opposite to the front surface, and a first lateral surface connecting the front surface and the rear surface. The electronic device includes a first spindle, the flexible screen, and a functional element. The first spindle is rotatably provided at the first lateral surface, and can be rotated between a first position and a second position. The flexible screen is bent around the first spindle and can move as the first spindle is rotated. The functional element is provided at the first spindle. At the first position, the functional element faces the first lateral surface; at the second position, the functional element faces the front surface.

Abstract: A display device, includes a display panel including a first region, a bendable region, and a second region arranged in sequence. The display device further includes a panel support unit including a first support plate for supporting the first region, a form varying support unit for supporting the bendable region, and a second support plate for supporting the second region. The display device additionally includes an elastic support unit including a first guide line provided on a lateral side of the first support plate, a second guide line provided on a lateral side of the second support plate, a first rolling member rotatably coupled to the first guide line, a second rolling member rotabably coupled to the second guide line, and an elastic body including a first end portion fixed to the first rolling member and a second end portion fixed to the second rolling member.

Abstract: A rollo assembly comprises a rollo screen having opposed forward and rearward edges and two opposed side edges extending in a longitudinal direction. A biased winding shaft supports the rollo screen at the rearward edge thereof. An operating beam connects to the forward edge of the rollo screen. Two guide members extend in said longitudinal direction and each define a guide channel for guiding an operating beam end. Near to each of the operating beam ends a first end of an elongate flexible drive member is connected, wherein each drive member, starting from a position near to the respective operating beam end, firstly extends in the longitudinal direction away from the winding shaft, next around a reversal member and finally in the longitudinal direction towards the winding shaft. Each drive member has a second end which has a stationary position. The reversal member is driven in said longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A flexible screen material can be cut out of square, or part of the screen frame can be formed out of square such that when the screen is fitted to the screen frame, there is less sagging.

Abstract: A rollable display is disclosed. In one aspect, the display includes a flexible display panel having first and second opposing ends and a jig connected to the first end of the flexible display panel. The flexible display panel is configured to be rolled around the jig. The display also includes a handle connected to the second end of the flexible display panel, a housing configured to accommodate the flexible display panel when rolled around the jig and a support unit connecting the handle to the housing. The support unit includes a frame guide having a track groove defined in a surface of the frame guide and a support frame. The support frame has a first end rotatably connected to one of the handle or the housing and a second end slidably connected to the track groove of the frame guide.

Abstract: A roller blind system for a rear window of a motor vehicle, having a roller blind, a roller blind shaft rotatable about a main axis and a sheet-like structure which, in a stowed state, is wound on the roller blind shaft and which, in a functional state, is partially unwound from the roller blind shaft, and having an shelf for arranging in the rear region of the motor vehicle. The shelf has front and rear shelf portions separated from one another by a passage slot through which the sheet-like structure is moved during a movement from the stowed state into the functional state. The two shelf portions are connected to one another via a trough body and the roller blind shaft is arranged within the trough body and is rotatably mounted by bearing blocks which are fastened to, or are an integral part of, the trough body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for covering a surface (3), comprising: (a) a cover (10), each longitudinal edge of which is provided with a roll (12) formed by a core (12c) contained in a tubular sheath (12t) provided with a strip (12b) along the length thereof, said strip being attached to at least one surface of the cover; (b) a rotatably mounted drum (2) that can wind or unwind the cover (10), said drum (2) being mounted on a longitudinal translation mechanism comprising rails (6) arranged either side of said surface (3); and (c) a system for continuously locking the roll (12) of the longitudinal edges of the cover (10) in the rails (5), and unlocking said roll from same, during the translation of the drum, characterized in that the core (12c) of the roll is attached to the tubular sheath (12t) in such a way as to prevent it from sliding along the sheath.

Abstract: A sunshade device includes a pair of rails disposed so as to have a gradually decreasing spacing therebetween, a windup device disposed between proximal ends of the pair of rails, a shade configured to be drawn from and housed in the windup device, a stay attached to a short side edge of the shade, a pair of shafts respectively inserted into the stay so as to move along a longitudinal direction thereof at both ends of the stay, and a pair of runners respectively provided so as to move along the pair of rails and coupled to the pair of shafts. Provided at least on one end side of the stay is a rotation mechanism causing the stay to change its position upon reception of a force by which the shafts move along the longitudinal direction of the stay as the pair of runners move along the pair of rails.

Abstract: A pull bar is adapted for attachment to one end of a screen of a sunshade device beneath a sunroof of a vehicle. The pull bar includes an upper strip body and a lower strip body. The upper strip body is adapted to abut against an upper surface of the screen. The lower strip body is adapted to abut against a lower surface of the screen. The upper and lower strip bodies cooperatively define at least one air flow passage that extends through the upper and lower strip bodies to permit air to flow into or out of the vehicle.

Abstract: A sunshade apparatus includes: a light blocking sheet to block light at an opening of a vehicle and open the opening; a winding member to which a first edge of the sheet is fixed and which is capable of winding and unwinding the sheet; turning members disposed on both sides of the opening in the width direction; a single rope member adjustably engaged with a second edge of the sheet in the operating direction, extending from both end portions of the second edge respectively toward the light-blocking side in the operating direction, and turning at both of the turning members respectively toward the opening side in the operating direction, and whose both side terminals are respectively fixed to both end portions of the winding member to be capable of being wound and unwound by the winding member; and an urging member to urge the winding member to rotate.

Abstract: A rolling door having a door leaf and guides arranged on both sides, each of which includes a vertical portion and a spiral portion, wherein the door leaf is received in the spiral portions in the form of non-contacting winding layers when the rolling door is in the opened condition. A drive mechanism for operating the rolling door has a motor, a drive shaft and drive organs. The drive organs are arranged on both sides of the door leaf and the drive shaft establishes a driving connection between the drive organs. In one embodiment, the drive shaft is arranged in the central area of the spiral portions of the guides of both sides and extends from one side of the door to the other. Hereby a rolling door is obtained whose structural height in the area of the door lintel is reduced while maintaining a small installation depth.

Abstract: A retractable covering for an architectural opening includes a headrail in which a control system is mounted and a fabric suspended from the headrail. The fabric is mounted to be moved laterally between a rolled up retracted position and an extended position across the architectural opening. At least one roller about which the fabric can be wrapped is mounted at an end of the headrail for rotation about a vertical axis, and the system includes a flexible control element that is substantially horizontally disposed for moving the covering between extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A sunshade apparatus for a vehicle includes a shading sheet, which opens and closes a light transmitting portion of a vehicle roof, a pair of holding members, which retain the shading sheet, a winding member, which winds the shading sheet and the holding members. The shading sheet is retained at edge portions of the shading sheet, which extend in the shading sheet opening-closing directions by the holding members. The holding members are retained to the winding member in a manner so that winding in at one end in turn winds off the other end and movement direction thereof is reversed at a direction change member positioned at a distance from the winding member in the shading sheet opening-closing directions and the winding member includes a biasing member, which balances tensional force acting in the shading sheet opening-closing directions at one end and the other end of each holding member.

Abstract: A retractable covering for an architectural opening includes a headrail in which a control system is mounted and a fabric suspended from the headrail. The fabric is mounted to be moved laterally between a rolled up retracted position and an extended position across the architectural opening. At least one roller about which the fabric can be wrapped is mounted at an end of the headrail for rotation about a vertical axis, and the system includes a flexible control element that is substantially horizontally disposed for moving the covering between extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: Barrier systems and associated methods, including vapor and/or fire barrier systems, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a barrier system that includes a barrier coupled to a spool. The barrier is positioned to be wound onto and off of the spool as the barrier moves between a deployed position and a retracted position by a drive assembly. The system further includes a control system coupled to the drive assembly and configured to command operation of the drive assembly. The system still further includes a sensor operably coupled to the control system and positioned to sense barrier position as the barrier moves between the deployed and the retracted positions.

Abstract: A sunshade device includes a pair of shade guide rails across an indoor opening; a shade of which opposite side edges are guided by the shade guide rails; and a winding shaft rolling up the shade, wherein the opposite side edges of the shade are guided by the shade guide rails with the side edges being folded after a folding stroke whose folded width is gradually increased toward a front end of the shade when the shade is drawn out from the winding shaft, each of the opposite side edges of the shade is provided with a folded introduction part formed by folding a side edge portion of the shade and connecting the folded side edge portion to a main body portion of the shade, and the folded introduction part is formed in a predetermined length from the front end of the shade in an open/close direction of the shade.

Abstract: A sunshade assembly includes a housing having a top opening, a winding shaft mounted rotatably in the housing, a sunshade cloth wound around the winding shaft, a pull rod disposed outside the top opening, a frame body disposed below the housing, a gear rack mounted to the frame body and having a top end connected to the pull rod, and a clutch unit meshing with the gear rack and including a pusher that is operable to place the clutch unit in a non-clutching position, where the gear rack is freely movable to permit the sunshade cloth to be wound by the winding shaft, or a clutching position, where the clutch unit applies a retarding force to retard a movement of the gear rack, which prevents the winding shaft from winding the sunshade cloth but permits the pull rod to pull and stop the sunshade cloth at a desired position.

Abstract: There is provided a roll-up shade apparatus which can ensure a larger open dimension of a shade. The roll-up shade apparatus comprises a pair of first wire drums which travel and rotate in a wire wind-up direction or a wire feed direction when the shade is moved in the open direction or the closing direction, a pair of second wire drums which are coupled to a retractor so as to be rotatable together with the retractor, and which are rotatably provided at both sides of the retractor coaxially therewith so that a wire wind-up direction becomes opposite to a shade wind-up direction of the retractor, and a pair of wires suspended between the respective first and second wire drums so that the second wire drums rotate in a wire feed direction or in a wire wind-up direction when the first wire drums rotate in the wire wind-up direction or in the wire feed direction, respectively.

Abstract: A protection or shading system for a motor vehicle, in particular a wind deflector system for a convertible, with a base, a sheet-like structure entendable between an inoperative position and a functional position in an extension direction away from the base, a rigid end element fastened to the sheet-like structure, and an extension device fastened on one side to the base and on the other side to the end element. The extension device is designed so as to transfer the system from an inoperative state in which the sheet-like structure, the end element and the extension device are each in an inoperative position, into a functional state, in which the sheet-like structure, the end element and the extension device are each in a functional position.

Abstract: A high load operation industrial roll door, including a flexible door curtain windable about a top roll positioned above a door opening and provided with a drive system. The roll door includes a bottom beam fastened to the door curtain, and a biasing spring, for resisting movement of the door upon application of a load thereon, and a positive stop preventing movement of the biasing means beyond a predetermined point.

Abstract: A tensioned roller shade system for installation in an opening, such as a window or a skylight, comprises a frame, a roller tube rotatably mounted between side channels of the frame adjacent a first end of the frame, a conical, grooved spool mounted adjacent the roller tube, and a shade fabric is windingly received around the roller tube. A tensioning cord is operatively coupled between the spool and a fabric end of the shade fabric. The spool has a single groove, which wraps around the spool and windingly receives about the tensioning cord. A pulley is operatively coupled to the frame adjacent a second frame end and windingly receives the tensioning cord. The tensioning cord is adapted to bias the second fabric end toward the second frame end, such that the second fabric end of the shade fabric is adapted to move between the first and second frame ends as the roller tube is rotated.

Abstract: A self-contained tensioned roller shade system that can be easily installed in an opening, such as a window or a skylight. The roller shade system comprises a free-standing frame, a roller tube rotatably mounted between first and second side channels of the frame adjacent a first end of the frame, and a shade fabric is windingly received around the roller tube. A tensioning cord is operatively coupled between the roller tube and a second fabric end opposite the first fabric end, and is windingly received about the roller tube. A pulley is operatively coupled to the frame adjacent the second frame end and windingly receives the tensioning cord. The tensioning cord is adapted to bias the second fabric end toward the second frame end, the second fabric end of the shade fabric adapted to move between the first and second frame ends as the roller tube is rotated.

Abstract: A side window roller blind is provided. The roller blind includes a support rod having a free end connected to a tension bar. In order to prevent rattling noises, the ends of the tension bar are provided with rollers that contact the window pane such that the support rod is elastically bent during extension of the blind. In addition, the window blind is provided with aligning aids that prevent the tension bar from hitting on the slot edges during retraction of the blind, and from blocking additional retraction, due to vibrations about the longitudinal axis of the tension bar.

Abstract: A roll sunshade device, which includes a screen for shadowing an inner opening of a roof of a vehicle, a rotating body which is disposed ahead of the inner opening or behind the inner opening in a front-rear direction of the vehicle and rotates freely around an axis in a vehicle width direction, a turning member which is disposed at a predetermined distance from the rotating body in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and rotates freely around an axis in the vehicle width direction, and two circular wires which are disposed on both sides of the inner opening in the vehicle width direction, respectively and hung between the rotating body and the turning member, in which both edge portions of the screen in the vehicle width direction are supported by the two circular wires, respectively, and when the screen is slid in the front-rear direction of the vehicle from a state where the screen shadows the inner opening, the screen is folded along an outer circumferential surface of the turning member.

Abstract: A pneumatic automation system (1) is disclosed for mobile screens (2) comprising at least one of the mobile screens (2), a device for compressing a control fluid, a device for channeling and checking the control fluid, a device for pneumatically actuating a movement of the mobile screen (2) equipped with at least one sliding cursor (4) controlled by the control fluid and supplied by the compressing device through said channeling and checking means, and a device for connecting the cursor (4) with the mobile screen (2).

Abstract: A window roller blind that has a shade, the free end of which is connected to a pull rod. In order to guide movement of the pull rod during extension and retraction of the roller blind, a support rod is connected to pull rod by means of articulated connection.

Abstract: A sun shade apparatus of the present invention has a curtain capable of shielding a window portion of a door. The curtain can be stretched between a shielding state and an open state on the window portion. The apparatus has a motor, a cable provided so as to be capable of being forced out or drawn in by the operation of the motor, and a connector connecting the cable and the curtain to each other. The curtain is stretched with the operation for forcing out or drawing in the cable. The connector has a connection release mechanism that releases the cable and the curtain from the state of being connected when a load equal to or higher than a predetermined value is applied against the operation for forcing out or drawing in the cable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle roof (10) comprising at least one at least partially transparent roof part (14) that can be moved in order to at least partly open a roof opening (17), and a blind (20) which allows the movable roof part (14) to be covered from below at least in the closed position of the roof part (14). Said blind (20) is equipped with a blind web (22), an extensible hoop that is arranged at the front edge of the blind web (22), and a blind shaft (26) for winding up the blind web (22). The extensible hoop (24) is coupled to an electric driving motor via a dog so as to displace the extensible hoop along a guide. In order to make the vehicle roof more comfortable to operate, the extensible hoop (24) is removably coupled to a dog which is connected to the driving motor such that the blind (20) can be operated with the aid of the driving motor and can be displaced manually without being coupled to the driving motor.

Abstract: A roll-up window shade for motor vehicle windows is provided that has guide rails running at the side of the extended shade element. A linear push element is provided for each guide rail. Each push element is driven by a separate gear. Therefore, complicated guide tubes, which among other problems generate a lot of friction, are eliminated. A trunk cover has a guide rail on each side of the shade element. For driving the shade element, a push element is provided for each guide rail. The push element is constructed as a non-endless drive element. Each push element is driven by a separate motor and a separate gear. Electrical synchronization of the motors is not provided.

Abstract: A building having windows and a window arrangement to aid in the reduction of unwanted air movement in or out of windows or even doors. The window arrangement is configured to be combined with louvered or jalousie windows to minimize the flow of air from one side of the louvered or jalousie windows to the other side.

Abstract: A side window roll-up shade which has a pull rod attached to a movable edge of a roll-up shade material. The pull rod is carried by two support rods which are guided so that they can move vertically within the door body. At the bottom end of each support rod, a cable is attached, which runs either to a spring motor or to a cable pulley.

Abstract: A sun shade apparatus of the present invention has a pair of cables provided so as to be movable in outer tubes. A curtain has its opposite ends connected to ends of each cable and is stretched with the movement of the cables. At least one of the outer tubes is divided into a first tube and a second tube between which a length adjusting mechanism is interposed. The length adjusting mechanism consists of a first connecting member having a female thread formed therein, and a second connecting member having a male thread formed on its outer surface and having a cylindrical portion which is screwed into the female thread of the first connecting member. A fastening nut member which abuts against an end surface of the first connecting member is provided on the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A sunshade assembly comprises a flexible sunscreen having opposed longitudinal edges and opposed transversal edges, two opposed longitudinal guides for receiving therein and guiding corresponding ones of the opposed longitudinal edges of the sunscreen, a rotatable winding shaft configured for winding an unwinding the sunscreen at first one of its transversal edges, and an operating beam connected to the second one of the transversal edges of the sunscreen. Each of the opposed longitudinal edges of the sunscreen near to the second one of the transversal edges is provided with a wing folded inwards around a positioning member having a stationary position relative to said second transversal edge and extending into a corresponding one of said opposed longitudinal guides.

Abstract: A sideways rollup door with a horizontal side-rolling curtain includes a vertical roller that is shielded by a pliable shroud. The shroud is supported by a frame that includes a breakaway feature and/or readily replaceable frame elements. To access the roller for servicing, the frame elements allow the shroud to be selectively moved (without the use of tools) between an installed position and a retracted position. In some cases, the breakaway feature enables the shroud to break away in certain directions easier than others. In some embodiments, the shroud includes a seal that engages the curtain when the shroud is in the installed position.

Abstract: A tensioned roller shade system for installation in an opening, such as a window or a skylight, comprises a frame, a roller tube rotatably mounted between side channels of the frame adjacent a first end of the frame, a conical, grooved spool mounted adjacent the roller tube, and a shade fabric is windingly received around the roller tube. A tensioning cord is operatively coupled between the spool and a fabric end of the shade fabric. The spool has a single groove, which wraps around the spool and windingly receives about the tensioning cord. A pulley is operatively coupled to the frame adjacent a second frame end and windingly receives the tensioning cord. The tensioning cord is adapted to bias the second fabric end toward the second frame end, such that the second fabric end of the shade fabric is adapted to move between the first and second frame ends as the roller tube is rotated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a curtain device mounted on a shaft (2) about which said curtain (1) can be wound to an open position and unwound into a closed position, a drive wheel (7) fixed coaxially to said shaft (2) and cooperating with said curtain (1) such as to displace the latter between said two positions. The device comprises an oblong flexible control body (11), cooperating with the drive wheel (7), said body (11) being embodied to permit the displacement of the curtain (1) between the open position and the closed position thereof, independently of the slack formed in the curtain (1) and to be able to be displaced along at least one of the lateral edges (4) of the curtain (1) and act upon the region (8) of the latter as opposed to that arranged on the shaft (2).

Abstract: A display device includes a display part made of a roll-up sheet-like direct-view display element; a take-up part attached on one end of the display part, the take-up part allowing the display part to be rolled up; a pulling part attached on the other end of the display part, the pulling part allowing the display part to be roll out; and a holding part for holding the display part from behind. The holding part is formed of linkage, which can be stored on the rear surface of the display part when the display part is rolled up, and can be stretched across the rear surface of the display part when the display part is rolled out. This enables the holding part to be stretched across the rear surface of the display part when the display part is spread out so as to prevent the display part from swaying, thereby maintaining excellent display.

Abstract: A side window roller blind is provided. The roller blind includes a support rod having a free end connected to a tension bar. In order to prevent rattling noises, the ends of the tension bar are provided with rollers that contact the window pane such that the support rod is elastically bent during extension of the blind. In addition, the window blind is provided with aligning aids that prevent the tension bar from hitting on the slot edges during retraction of the blind, and from blocking additional retraction, due to vibrations about the longitudinal axis of the tension bar.

Abstract: A device for automatic tightening of blinds is disclosed, where the manipulation of the blinds is controlled through the aid of belts running between the outer lists of a window.

Abstract: Shade structures include awning fabrics carried by awning rolls from which they may be extended to provide shade to areas, and into which they may be retracted when shade is not needed. Closed systems are disclosed in which one or more awning fabrics can be extended through a single drive system. In particular embodiments, the shade structures cover large surface areas and include solar cells for the generation of photovoltaic power.