Abstract: A rigid retractable patio or window awning includes a number of rigid panels disposed in a tiered relationship with each other. Each lower panel is slidably connected with its respective upper panel via a set of slides. The top panel remains stationary. An awning operating mechanism includes arms connected via swivel joints with the bottom panel. Each arm also is connected via a threaded nut with a drive screw. The awning is extended by rotating the drive screw, which causes the nuts to travel along the drive screw causing the arms to push the bottom panel outwardly and the bottom panel to pull along any intermediate panels. The awning is retracted by rotating the drive screw in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A sunshade apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a motor adapted to be rotated in both directions, a rope drum rotated by the motor, a pair of cables coupled to and wound around the rope drum, a pair of sliders connected to the pair of cables and moved by rotation of the rope drum, a pair of actuating bars pivotably coupled to the pair of sliders and tilted by relative movement of the sliders, a shade bar pivotably coupled to the other ends of the pair of actuating bars, a screen coupled to the shade bar, and a take-up shaft coupled to the other end of the screen and intended to elastically wind the screen. A drive assembly including the motor and the rope drum is mounted in a trunk to be isolated from an interior of an automobile, preventing transmission of noise from the assembly to the interior. The cables are maintained in tightened condition by a simple element, improving operational reliability of the apparatus.

Abstract: A motorized sun screen for covering a vehicle window has a base unit and a screen unit which includes a lower horizontal rod mounted rotatably on the base unit, an upper horizontal shaft and a screen with a bottom edge connected to the horizontal rod and a top edge connected to the horizontal shaft. Each of a pair of pivot arms has a lower end portion mounted pivotally on the base unit and an upper end portion slidably engaging the horizontal shaft. An extension spring has two ends connected respectively to the lower end portion of the pivot arms. A drive unit is mounted on the base unit and includes a motor with a rotatable drive shaft which is coupled to one end of the horizontal rod. The motor is operable in a first mode, wherein the motor permits the extension spring to contract, thereby causing the pivot arms to pivot away from each other to move the horizontal shaft upwardly and stretch the screen.

Abstract: An improved awning assembly for a recreational vehicle has the awning rolled around a roller tube. A lead rail is attached to an edge of the awning. Support arms are stowed and latched in the lead rail and pivot downwardly therefrom. A sliding and pivoting latch mechanism holds the lead rail in the retracted position. The support arms are attached to feet on the vehicle with a spring latch mechanism. Spring loaded rafter arms slide in a channel on the back of the lead rail and are positioned to tension the awning. The awning provides a compact and attractive assembly in the stowed position and is easily erected by one person.