Abstract: Embodiments of a solar powered energy module are provided wherein a solar powered module maybe added to a building or vehicle which is self-powered and need not be connected to the existing power system of the building or vehicle. The solar powered energy module may be utilized to power an awning or other desirable features.

Abstract: An awning assembly is provided with a lock mechanism for maintaining the awning assembly in a desired position relative to a wall, or other suitable structure. The awning assembly includes support arms, a fabric roller tube that holds the awning fabric and a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism can include a pivot bracket located between the roller tube and the support arm, a disk gear provided on the end of the roller tube axle, a weather shield provided around at least a portion of the roller tube, a pivot rod selectably engageable with both the pivot bracket and the weather shield, a disk gear catch mounted on the weather shield and adapted to be selectably engaged with the disk gear, and a torsion spring mounted on the weather shield and adapted to bias the disk gear catch into engagement with the disk gear.

Abstract: An awning assembly is provided with a lock mechanism for maintaining the awning assembly in a desired position relative to a wall, or other suitable structure. The awning assembly includes support arms, a fabric roller tube that holds the awning fabric and a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism can include a pivot bracket located between the roller tube and the support arm, a disk gear provided on the end of the roller tube axle, a weather shield provided around at least a portion of the roller tube, a pivot rod selectably engageable with both the pivot bracket and the weather shield, a disk gear catch mounted on the weather shield and adapted to be selectably engaged with the disk gear, and a torsion spring mounted on the weather shield and adapted to bias the disk gear catch into engagement with the disk gear.

Abstract: An awning assembly having two ends is adapted to be mounted on a first structure that is extendable from a second structure for rotation about a longitudinal axis of rotation extending between the two ends, the awning assembly having a generally horizontal orientation when in use. An intermediate support for the awning assembly is adapted to be attached to the first structure at a location between the two ends of the awning assembly. The intermediate support includes a curved supporting surface that supports the awning. Alternatively, the intermediate support can include two brackets that are adapted to be spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of rotation of the awning assembly and at least two support rollers mounted at their opposite ends to the brackets so as to provide a supporting surface. The curved supporting surface and supporting rollers can comprise concave supporting surfaces that are generally congruent with the outer surface of the awning assembly.