Abstract: A device is disclosed that includes one or more ribs that allow a flexible device, such as an OLED display, to flex in a first direction but resist flexing in a second direction. The ribs may have stiffening elements attached to them that may lessen flexing in the first direction. Sensors may also be incorporated that signal the stiffening elements. The ribs and stiffening elements have application to a variety of display types such as cell phones, TVs, and movie screens.

Abstract: A retractable sun shade, comprising at least one fabric section affixed to a boom, the boom supported and slideably engaged to a track at an intermediate portion of the boom, the track supported by a frame, and at least one flexible drawing element affixed to the boom at the intermediate portion, for drawing the boom in a first direction along the track to extend the sun shade and for drawing the boom in an opposite direction along the track to retract the sun shade.

Abstract: Awning assemblies include at least one arm assembly. In accordance with example aspects, the arm assembly can include a first segment, a second segment pivotally connected to the first segment and a biasing member extending between portions of the segments with the biasing member being substantially hidden within an area defined by the first and second segments in a closed orientation. In accordance with further example aspects, a biasing member can be provided to resist rotation of a link member with respect to a mounting bracket with an adjustment device configured to adjust the compression of the biasing member. In accordance with yet further examples, the awning assembly can include a support leg and a pivot assembly connecting the support leg to a lead rail. The pivot assembly can include a stop member to limit a pivoting movement of the pivot assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable patio cover and storm protection device capable of remote operation which acts as a security screen that prevents access through a doorway or window to which it is coupled, reduces the amount of light able to pass through the doorway or window, and also acts as a storm barricade when in its closed or down/vertical position, and which acts as an awning or sun shade that provides shade for the area in front of the door or window to which it is coupled when it is in its open or up/horizontal position.

Abstract: An adjustable patio cover and storm protection device capable of remote operation which acts as a security screen that prevents access through a doorway or window to which it is coupled, reduces the amount of light able to pass through the doorway or window, and also acts as a storm barricade when in its closed or down/vertical position, and which acts as an awning or sun shade that provides shade for the area in front of the door or window to which it is coupled when it is in its open or up/horizontal position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for treating goods, such as, for example, fumigating and re-cooling perishable goods, such as fruit, using a tarp and floor seal. The apparatus encloses goods on a surface and includes a canopy that is substantially impermeable to flowable materials, such as gas, liquid, or a combination thereof; an upper perimeter for supporting an upper portion of the canopy; a lower perimeter for supporting a lower portion of the canopy, the lower perimeter to be placed in proximity to the surface; a support structure for supporting the upper perimeter and lower perimeters; and a gasket in communication with the lower perimeter, wherein the gasket is deformable to substantially seal the chamber by compressing the gasket against the surface. The apparatus may also include an intermediate support structure for providing support to the canopy and a conduit in communication with the chamber to supply cool air to the chamber.

Abstract: A portable fence supported awning includes a flexible sheet mounted on a frame that has a rear frame cross member and two sets of lateral frame members. The two sets of lateral frame members are attached to the fence and can support the awning in various positions to provide the desired cover. The lateral frame members can be pivoted into and the flexible sheet can be folded into a compact state for carrying and storage.

Abstract: A canopy assembly for sheltering a drive-up ordering station of a fast food restaurant can pivot out of the way when impacted by a vehicle and return automatically to a centered position. A centering feature mounted to a column supporting a roof structure engages a pivotal coupler to bias the roof to a center position. This feature includes a pivot post assembly extending across the cavity and through a pair of helical slots in the coupler. When a leading end of the roof assembly is struck by a vehicle, the coupler is rotated and the pivot post engages the slots so that the coupler translates upward. The coupler is biased by gravity to a centered position in which the top ends of the slots rest on the pivot post.

Abstract: A support apparatus for rollout awnings is provided for stabilizing the support legs of an awning for recreational vehicles, mobile homes and campers. A pair of post stabilizing members includes an inner member telescoping inside an outer member for varying the length of each post stabilizing member. The inner member and the outer member are of a linearly elongated cylindrical configuration. An L-shaped stake is positioned transversely and perpendicularly along the centerline of each post stabilizing member.

Abstract: A system for fixing sun protection cloths to produce shade on projecting balconies of houses wherein two guiding elements extending parallel to each other and set at different heights are used, the lower guiding element being borne by stretching or retaining devices fixed to the balcony guard-rail or to the said guard-rail hand rail. The stretching or retaining devices consist of a supporting base, a retaining arm so that it can move on the support base, the guiding element being pulled by the movement of said retaining arm. In another embodiment or as a complement, the supporting base can be made to pivot about the hand rail.

Abstract: A canopy assembly for sheltering a drive-up ordering station of a fast food restaurant can pivot out of the way when impacted by a vehicle and return automatically to a centered position. A centering feature mounted to a column supporting a roof structure engages a pivotal coupler to bias the roof to a center position. This feature includes a pivot post assembly extending across the cavity and through a pair of helical slots in the coupler. When a leading end of the roof assembly is struck by a vehicle, the coupler is rotated and the pivot post engages the slots so that the coupler translates upward. The coupler is biased by gravity to a centered position in which the top ends of the slots rest on the pivot post.

Abstract: An awning tension assembly and method allows the awning of a recreational vehicle to be secured during storms and gusty winds. The assembly is affixed to the ends of fluted awning roll bars and includes a clip which fits within a roll bar flute for securement. The assembly can be installed and adjusted to provide the requisite tension required and can be easily removed when no longer needed.

Abstract: An arched support assembly provides bracing of a fabric awning system and arching of the fabric awning to prevent water collection and increase headroom beneath the awning. The assembly includes an elongated arch member and a brace member that also includes a compressive element, such as a gas spring, to place the assembly under compression. To install the assembly, the arch member is seated at the wall beneath the awning and the brace member is mounted to a support structure of the awning system. The arch member and brace member are engaged at a pivotable point and are raised upwardly until the brace member and the arch member are under compression in a collinear disposition at the pivotable point.

Abstract: A top rail assembly (20) utilizes a support brace (22) and an awning mount groove (26) recessed in a rail body (24) to provide a strong top rail assembly (20) without using undue space or degrading aesthetics. The brace (22) extends between a side wall brace tab (72) and a roof brace tab (64) to reinforce the top rail body (24) and define a wire chase opening (76) between the brace (22) and a transition section (74) of the body (24). The groove (26) is recessed into the rail body (24) and is defined by two opposed legs (80, 82) and a bottom segment (84) which are integral to the rail body (24).

Abstract: A shade canopy structure has several substantially parallel, but laterally spaced rafter members, each rafter member having longitudinally extending tracks on its laterally opposite sides. The rafters define a plurality of laterally spaced openings. A plurality of cross beams extend laterally between adjacent rafter members and have their ends engaged in the track for sliding along the track. This forms a plurality of laterally spaced tiers of cross beams for each of the laterally spaced openings. A plurality of flexible, laterally spaced opaque sheets, each are extendible along one of the laterally spaced openings and each is attached to a tier of cross beams at spaced locations along the sheet so that each sheet may be independently drawn to an extended position and releasably latched in an extended position, or manually withdrawn to a retracted position.

Abstract: A tie-down system for a retractable awning is positioned within the interior of the roll bar of the awning and includes a tie-down cord that is extendable from the awning for connection to a ground anchoring system. The flexible cord is biased into a retracted position substantially within the roll bar by a spiral spring that is secured at one end to the interior of the roll bar and at another end to a roller that is adapted to be rolled along the length of the roll bar. The roller also has secured thereto, and adapted to be simultaneously wrapped therearound with the spiral spring, a flexible strap, the free end of which is connected to the cord so that the spiral spring and strap cause the anchoring cord to be biased toward a retracted position while allowing the cord to be extended against the bias of the spiral spring to an operative tie-down position.

Abstract: A manually unrolling awning assembly includes a supporting frame (1) and an awning (2) which can be rolled up and unrolled, wherein the supporting frame (1) has a fixed rear part (3) in which the cloth (2) can be rolled up on a roller (4), and a front part (5) which can be moved relative to this fixed rear part (3), and to which the foremost edge of the cloth (2) is fixed. The fixed part includes a locking element (16) on at least one end which is mounted in a displaceable manner on the fixed end (3) of the supporting frame (1) and which can cooperate with a catch (17), when the cloth (2) is entirely rolled up and in locking position, and which is fixed to the movable front part (5), in order to lock this catch (17), so that the front part (5) of the supporting frame (1) cannot move forward and, consequently, so that the cloth (2) cannot unroll. The locking element (16) can be moved manually from the above-mentioned locking position until the locked catch (17) is free.

Abstract: A shade canopy structure has several substantially parallel, but laterally spaced rafter members, each rafter member having longitudinally extending tracks on its laterally opposite sides. The rafters define a plurality of laterally spaced openings. A plurality of cross beams extend laterally between adjacent rafter members and have their ends engaged in the track for sliding along the track. This forms a plurality of laterally spaced tiers of cross beams for each of the laterally spaced openings. A plurality of flexible, laterally spaced opaque sheets, each are extendible along one of the laterally spaced openings and each is attached to a tier of cross beams at spaced locations along the sheet so that each sheet may be independently drawn to an extended position and releasably latched in an extended position, or manually withdrawn to a retracted position.

Abstract: There is provided a tensioning arrangement for an awning structure which includes a plurality of vertical support posts and at least one horizontal member extending between a pair of the posts and having an awning of a flexible sheet material secured at one end and having a free marginal edge at an opposed end thereof, the tensioning member being mounted in a moveable relationship to the horizontal member, the tensioning member having means for receiving the free marginal edge and means for removing the tensioning member with respect to the horizontal member to thereby apply tension to the flexible sheet material. Operation of the system permits one to quickly achieve a uniform tension and maintain the same.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a screen-rolling device, two fixing frames for mounting the screen-rolling device on the roof of a car and two support frames for mounting the screen-rolling device on the ground, wherein the screen-rolling device is designed to adjust and control stretching or rolling a canvas screen through a twisting spring set which can generate a twisting force along with the rotation of a movable tube, the fixing frames are designed to mount the screen-rolling device on the roof of a car, and the support frames are designed to mount the canvas screen of the screen-rolling device on the ground so as to form an outdoor sun shade.

Abstract: A sunshade arrangement includes first and second pairs of telescopically retractable spaced posts, first and second tubes respectively mounted to upper ends of the first and second pairs of posts, a reel assembly, and a screen. Each post includes a device for controlling telescopical movement.

Abstract: A canopy assembly for use at fast food restaurants or the like and beneath which vehicles normally drive. An over-height impact bar is carried by a frame of the canopy assembly and when struck, first energizes an alarm and then travels over a first lost motion distance enabling a driver to react to the alarm and stop the vehicle before it strikes the canopy. Should the driver not stop, the impact bar travels a second lost motion distance to cause a latch to be unlatched and permit the assembly to be swung by the oncoming vehicle clear of its path of movement.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable two-way awning for use with recreational type trailer vehicles. The awning is comprised of a number of roof panels made with two sheets of aluminum surrounding a polystyrene core. A hanger mechanism is bonded to each of the panels, and suspends them on an adapter rail that slidingly engages with a standard awning attachment rail. The roof panels mate together via a number of interlocking members disposed on their mating sides. The outer periphery of the roof assembly is surrounded with a number of extrusion members. Once the roof assembly is pivoted to a nearly horizontal position, it is supported at its front end by a number of adjustable height poles, two of which swing freely into a vertical position when the roof is initially erected. The awning requires no tools or caulking to set-up, and takes less than thirty minutes to either erect or dismantle. The awning is relatively light in weight, yet strong enough to withstand the harshest of weather conditions.

Abstract: An awning retractable by being wound onto a roller and associated with legs permitting it to be maintained in position above the area to be sheltered when unrolled. The roller (1) is hollow, and the legs (2, 3) of the awning, which are foldable so that in the folded state their length is about one-half that of the roller, are adapted to fit into the roller when the awning is rolled up. Instead of being permanently attached to a mounting wall for the awning, the roller is preferably fastened to the free edge of the awning so that it accompanies the unrolling thereof.

Abstract: A support frame for a moveable awning having horizontally spaced, cantilevered, extruded tubular frames having curved sections connected to the outer ends thereof and to the upper ends of horizontally spaced vertically extending, extruded tubular uprights. The extruded cantilevered frames, curved sections and extruded uprights all have an elliptical configuration in cross-section which are contiguous. The leading edge of the awning is connected to a trolley assembly having rollers engaging the exterior surfaces of the cantilevered frames, curved sections and uprights. By this construction and arrangement a continuous, smooth track is provided between the roof portion and wall portion to facilitate the extension of the awning and the retraction thereof to the stored position. Each curved section is of one-piece construction made of plastic and bendable when heated to obtain the proper curvature between the sloped cantilevered frames and the uprights.

Abstract: A generally arcuate shaped device having a unitary construction, including an arcuate main section, which contains a hook element at the distal end and a generally straight proximal end section with an aperture formed therein. The device, which is placed over roller tube in a circumferential fashion and wraps around the tube to a distance of approximately 50% of the tube's circumference in the limited area at each end of the tube where it connects, engages a groove having a distinct downward facing orientation at a point approximately 180.degree. from the place where the proximal end of the device would naturally come to rest.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an awning support brace for a retractable awning of the type having a remote edge supported by a plurality of retractable arms extending outwardly from a base; the stabilizer including a frame member having a pair of ends with a first pivot arrangement on one end and a second pivot arrangement on the other end, the first pivot arrangement being attachable to the remote edge and the second pivot arrangement being attachable to a secure location beneath the remote edge, the brace being arranged to minimize deflections caused by wind that would otherwise damage the base while permitting the arms to deflect in a manner to absorb forces caused by the wind.

Abstract: A tension rafter arrangement adapted to apply tension to an awning extending between a wall and an awning support comprises an extensible rafter having one end adapted to be pivoted at a wall. The rafter has a fitting for releasably holding it to the support. The pivoting arrangement enables pivoting of the rafter to a position so that the fitting is adjacent the wall. The fitting can be releasably held to the wall. The rafter has a tensioning arrangement with a mechanical advantage, and a link pivoting the rafter to the wall serves as a support to lift a stored awning. A roller support for the awning can rotate without affecting the tension of the awning.

Abstract: An adjustable awning structure which can be assembled for use or disassembled for shipping and storage has two sides. The size of one or both sides of the canvas can be adjusted. The supporting angle of one or both sides of the canavas can also be adjusted. After being disassembled, the whole structure can be reduced to a small bundle for shipping and storage. The awning finds particular use for a user who travels quite often. Moreover, since the structure has a considerable supporting strength, the size of the canvas can be suitably varied, if necessary.

Abstract: An improved upper bracket is provided for a retractable awning of the type which includes a flexible cover sheet anchored along one edge to a vertical support surface with the opposite edge of the cover sheet being secured to a roll bar adapted to be moved toward and away from the supporting surface so that the awning can be retracted or extended respectively. The roll bar has a pair of support arms connected at opposite ends thereof which are adapted to support the roll bar at a pre-selected elevation from the horizontal surface and a pair of brace members extendable from an upper bracket to an associated end of the roll bar to hold the roll bar in an extended position spaced from the vertical support surface. A lower bracket is also mounted on the vertical support surface beneath the upper bracket and is adapted to retain the distal end of an associated brace member as well as a lower end of an associated support arm when the awning is in its retracted position.

Abstract: An awning support assembly for an awning apparatus (20) mounted on a vehicle (24) includes a clamp assembly (60) attachable at any point along a support tube (30) of the awning apparatus. Clamp assembly (60) has two clamp members (62,64), each having hook-shaped ends (66,68) engageable within grooves or openings in support tube (30). The opposite adjacent ends of clamp members (62,64) when drawn together pull clamp assembly (60) against support tube (24). A telescoping compression member (34) is rotatably attached to clamp (60) to push outwardly on support tube (30). A lever (90) is manually operated to extend compression member (36) to impart a desired load on support tube (30). A telescoping leg support (38) is rotatably connected to clamp assembly (60) and is locked in desired extended position by movable rack (136) engaging fixed rack (134).

Abstract: A roll control mechanism of a retractable awning assembly includes spring clutches to operatively control the rotation of the roll bar in each of the two opposite rotational directions. Selective locking to prevent unrolling or extension of the canopy in one situation or to prevent the rolling or winding up of the canopy in another situation is achieved. A selector device for controlling the operation of the spring clutches is located on the support arm intermediate the top end connected to the roll bar and the bottom end adapted for contacting a support surface. Control of the roll control mechanism during set-up of the awning assembly is conveniently achieved. A support locking mechanism is also included within the selector device for fixing the length of two telescope support members of the support arm. Fixing the operative length occurs simultaneously as the roll control mechanism is controlled.

Abstract: A combined movable shutter and awning associated with a door assembly, doorway, or the like, in which the shutter is a roller shutter capable of extension and retraction movable between positions providing a security closure for the door assembly, doorway, or the like, when the guiding trackway assemblies are moved to a position alongside the doorway and providing an awning when the guiding trackway assemblies at each side of the shutter are moved to an outwardly extending relationship to the door assembly, doorway, or the like, and supported in a manner to provide an awning supported in a manner which enables access to the door assembly, doorway, or the like.

Abstract: A pliable awning system consisting of a head bar means adapted to be mounted on a building and the like for support and a front bar means adapted to be mounted on posts and the like with a pliable awning extending between the building and the posts; the awning having securing means fastened to both ends for securing said awning to said head bar means and said front bar means with adjustable means mounted on the front bar means for rendering the pliable awning taut.