Patent Publication Number: US-10316522-B2

Title: Residential awning canopy assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. non provisional application Ser. No. 15/470,331 that was filed on Mar. 27, 2017 and published on Sep. 28, 2017 under publication number US-2017-0275884 entitled RESIDENTAL AWNING CANOPY ASSEMBLY which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos.: 
     62/313,329 filed Mar. 25, 2016 entitled RESIDENTIAL AWNING CANOPY ASSEMBLY, relating to awning arms; and 
     62/313,336 filed Mar. 25, 2016 entitled AWNING CANOPY WALL ATTACHMENT ASSEMBLY; 
     The above-identified applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THIS DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to a residential awning canopy assembly, and more particularly an autonomous motorized shade for windows. 
     BACKGROUND 
     An awning is a welcome addition to a house, recreational vehicle, or other dwelling. The awning typically provides increased enjoyment of an outdoor area surrounding the dwelling. The awning can cast a shaded area that creates an escape from direct sunlight, thereby providing a space in which an occupant of the dwelling may relax. The shaded area created by the awning contributes to the relaxation of the occupant in that there is a perceived decrease in temperature and, thus, generally becomes more comfortable. The awning as well advantageously protects occupants underneath from precipitation. As illustrated in the prior art depicted in  FIG. 1 , traditional awning assemblies  10  have multi-component arm connectors  60  that are spaced from lateral edges  52 ,  54  of a traditional lead rail  50 , making the arm connectors prominent in the field of view of a user. The traditional assembly  10  allows the arm connectors  60  to both translate and rotate at all four connection points  62 . Arrows A illustrate the direction of the translation of the arm connectors  60  along the respective rails the closing of the assembly. While it should be appreciated that the opening would result in translation in the direction opposite the direction of arrows A and rotation in an opposite direction of the arm connectors from the closing rotation direction. 
     Known awning structures generally consist of a base  24  that is permanently affixed to the dwelling, and a canopy  42  that is removably attached to the base. Conventional awning structures are discussed in detail further in U.S. Pat. No. 6,971,433 assigned to Carefree/Scott Fetzer Company. U.S. Pat. No. 6,971,433 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes and attached hereto as an Appendix and part of this provisional application. Conventional motor driven awning structures are discussed in detail further in U.S. Pat. No. 8,960,256 assigned to Carefree/Scott Fetzer Company. U.S. Pat. No. 8,960,256 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
     SUMMARY 
     A first aspect of the present disclosure includes an awning comprising a case assembly comprising a housing and a lead rail, the housing configured to be mounted to a dwelling, a roller assembly mounted in the case assembly and including a roll tube rotatable relative to the case assembly, a lead rail assembly coupled to the lead rail, the lead rail assembly movable relative to the housing of the case assembly between an extended position and a retracted position, a canopy having a leading edge and a trailing edge, the leading edge being connected to the lead rail assembly and the trailing edge being connected to the roll tube and a spring arm assembly connecting the housing of the case assembly to the lead rail, the spring arms including a first arm and a second arm pivotable relative to one another, the spring arm assembly allowing the lead rail assembly to move between the extended position and the retracted position. 
     A second aspect of the present disclosure includes an awning system comprising a roll bar coupled to a motor and a torsion spring, said motor comprising a one-way drive mechanism. The awning system further comprising a canopy comprising a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the roll bar and the second end coupled to a lead rail. The awning system further includes first and second spring arms movably coupling the roll bar to the lead rail, wherein the first and second spring arms support the lead rail between an extended position and a retracted position and first and second gas springs are coupled to the first and second spring arms, respectively. The first and second gas spring bias the lead rail toward the extended position by applying a first force to the lead rail. Wherein the torsion spring biases the lead rail toward the retracted position by applying a second force to the lead rail via the canopy. The first force is greater than the second force. Wherein, the motor, absent actuation of said motor in an unwinding direction, prevents the roll bar from unwinding and the awning from extending via the one-way drive mechanism. Wherein responsive to being actuated in a winding direction, opposite the unwinding direction, the motor applies a roll bar force to the roll bar in tire winding direction via the one-way drive mechanism that extends the canopy, wherein the roll bar force in conjunction with the second force is greater than the first force. Responsive to being actuated in the unwinding direction, the motor regulates a rate of extension of the canopy via the one-way drive mechanism while the first force of the first and second gas springs extends the canopy. 
     A third aspect of the present invention includes an awning mounting kit comprising an awning and an anchor. The awning comprising a roll bar coupled to a canopy. The roll bar housed within a housing having a first end and a second end. The canopy extends out a front face of said housing. The housing further comprising first and second lateral slots extending along a rear face of the housing between and spaced from the first and second ends of the housing. The first and second lateral slots extend parallel to the roll bar, wherein the first slot comprises a recess and the second slot comprises a spring loaded retainer. The anchor is configured to mount the awning to a dwelling, the anchor having a long portion to be secured to the dwelling and a short portion comprising a latch. The long portion terminating in a mounting hook. The latch being configured to be received in the second slot and the mounting hook being configured to be received in the first slot. The latch configured to interface with the spring loaded retainer to lock the awning to the anchor, wherein the first slot is configured to rest upon and be rotatably coupled to the mounting hook, and wherein the second slot is configured to accept the latch as the awning is being rotated toward the anchor via the mounting hook in the first slot. Wherein the interaction of the latch and the spring loaded retainer is configured to cause the spring loaded retainer to rotate about a pivot point to an open position allowing the latch to pass under a hooked portion of the spring loaded retainer. The spring loaded retainer is configured to return to a resting position having retained the latch via the hooked portion. 
     A fourth aspect of the present invention includes an awning canopy mounting system, the system comprising a canopy having a leading edge and a trailing edge, wherein the leading edge of the canopy is provided with a first female mounting member and the trailing edge of the canopy is provided with a second female mounting member. The system further comprises a roll tube provided with a first male mounting member, the first male mounting member engaging the first female mounting member to secure the trailing edge to the roll tube, wherein the first female mounting member is uncoupleable from the male mounting member via the application of an unsnapping force. The system additionally comprises a lead rail assembly provided with a second male mounting member, the second male mounting member engaging the second female mounting member to secure the leading edge to the lead rail assembly, wherein the second female mounting member is uncoupleable from the second male mounting member via the application of a second unsnapping force. Further wherein, the roll bar and the lead rail comprise first and second projections that overlap the first and second male mounting members at first and second notches of the first and second female mounting members, respectively. 
     A fifth aspect of the present invention includes an awning control system comprising an awning and an awning control system. The awning comprising at least one of a roll bar coupled to a motor, a canopy coupled to the roll bar and a housing, the housing configured to be attached to a dwelling, and arms coupled to the roll bar, configured to move the awning between an extended and retracted position, or the roll tube, housed in the housing, coupled to a first end of the canopy and coupled to the motor, a lead rail coupled to a second end of the canopy, the lead rail movable relative to the housing between the extended position and the retracted position, and an arm assembly connecting the housing to the lead rail, the arm assembly allowing the lead rail assembly to move between the extended position and the retracted position. The status monitoring system comprising a processor and a transceiver, the status monitoring system is in electrical communication with the motor. The status monitoring system is configured to monitor an awning position and conditions around the awning and control a position of the awning between the extended and retracted positions. The status monitoring system having at least one sensor, wherein the sensor comprises at least one of an accelerometer, a light sensor, a temperature sensor, and a wind speed sensor. The at least one sensor communicating detected information to the status monitoring system during use. The transceiver for at least one of sending said detected information to a user on a secondary device and receiving executable instructions about the extension or retraction of the awning from said secondary device. 
     A sixth aspect of the present invention includes an awning support structure comprising a spring arm assembly configured to connect a housing to a lead rail, wherein the lead rail assembly is connected to a leading edge of a canopy. The lead rail movable relative to the housing between an extended position and a retracted position. A trailing edge of the canopy is connected to a roll tube housed in the housing. The spring arms assembly comprising at least a first spring arm. The first spring arm comprising a first arm comprising integrally formed first and second end pivots and a first spring hook, a second arm pivotable relative to the first arm, wherein the second arm includes integrally formed third and fourth end pivots and a second spring hook, wherein the third end pivot is rotatably coupled to the second end pivot Wherein the first end pivot is configured to be rotatably coupled to the housing, the fourth end pivot is configured to be rotatably coupled to the lead rail, and wherein the first and second spring hooks are configured to couple to first and second ends of a gas spring. 
     A seventh aspect of the present invention includes an awning support structure comprising a spring arm assembly. The spring arm assembly comprising a first arm having a first end and a second end, a second arm having a first end and a second end, the second end of the first arm pivotably connected to the first end of the second arm, a proximal end cap is pivotably connected to the first end of the first arm, and configured to removably connect to a housing, and a distal end cap is pivotably connected to the second end of the second arm, and configured to removably connect to a lead rail. Wherein the lead rail is connected to a leading edge of a canopy, the lead rail movable by the spring arm assembly relative to the housing between an extended position and a retracted position, a trailing edge of the canopy is connected to a roll tube housed in the housing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates upon consideration of the following description of the disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals, unless otherwise described refer to like parts throughout the drawings and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a traditional awning assembly; 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of an awning in accordance with a first example embodiment of the present disclosure in an extended position; 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective partially exploded view of the awning of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the awning of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of the awning of  FIG. 2A  in a retracted position and showing details of an anchor; 
         FIG. 4B  is a side elevation view of the anchor of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the awning of  FIG. 2A  showing further details of the anchor; 
         FIG. 6A  is a sectional view of the awning taken along lines  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5  showing an anchor in an unlatched position; 
         FIG. 6B  is a sectional view of the awning taken along lines  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5  showing an anchor in a latched position; 
         FIG. 6C  is a zoomed in view of the area defined in the box  660  of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 6D  is a magnified view of the area defined in the box  660  of  FIG. 6A  wherein a latch is being inserted into a spring loaded retainer; 
         FIG. 6E  is a magnified view of the area defined in the box  660  of  FIG. 6A  wherein a latch coupled to a spring loaded retainer; 
         FIG. 6F  is a magnified view of the area defined in the box  660  of  FIG. 6A  wherein a latch is being removed from a spring loaded retainer; 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates perspective zoomed in views of part of the case assembly in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of part of the awning of  FIG. 2A  showing details of a torsion spring; 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of part of the awning of  FIG. 2A  showing details of a drive assembly; 
         FIG. 8B  is a front perspective view of the one-way drive mechanism of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 8C  is a rear perspective view of the one-way drive mechanism of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 8D  is an exploded front perspective view of the one-way drive mechanism of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 8E  is an exploded rear perspective view of the one-way drive mechanism of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 8F  is a cross-section taken along lines  8 F- 8 F of  FIG. 8B  of a locked one-way drive mechanism; 
         FIG. 8G  is a cross-section taken along lines  8 F- 8 F of  FIG. 8B  of an unlocked one-way drive mechanism; 
         FIG. 8H  is a cross-section taken along lines  8 F- 8 F of  FIG. 8B  of a one-way drive mechanism when an awning is closed; 
         FIG. 8I  is a cross-section taken along lines  8 F- 8 F of  FIG. 8B  of a one-way drive mechanism when an awning is being opened; 
         FIG. 8J  is a cross-section taken along lines  8 F- 8 F of  FIG. 8B  of a one-way drive mechanism when an awning is being closed; 
         FIG. 8K  is a cross-section takers along lines  8 F- 8 F of  FIG. 8B  of a one-way drive mechanism when an awning is being closed manually; 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of part of the awning of  FIG. 2A  showing details of a roll tube and a canopy; 
         FIG. 9B  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  9 B- 9 B of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 9C  cross-sectional view taken along lines  9 C- 9 C of  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of part of the awning of  FIG. 2A  showing details of a portion of an arm; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of part of the awning of  FIG. 2A  showing details of a lead rail assembly and a canopy; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic of a status monitoring system for use with the awning of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 13  is a left side view of a fully extended awning assembly in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  is a left side view of the awning assembly of  FIG. 13  wherein a canopy is billowed; 
         FIG. 15  is a left side view of the awning assembly of  FIG. 13  wherein a canopy is partially billowed; and 
         FIG. 16  is a left side view of the awning assembly of  FIG. 13  wherein spring arms have been adjusted to a new canopy length. 
     
    
    
     Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     The apparatus components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the figures generally wherein like numbered features shown therein refer to like elements having similar characteristics and operational properties throughout unless otherwise noted. The present disclosure relates to a residential awning canopy assembly, and more particularly an autonomous motorized shade for windows that is locally powered. 
     An awning  100  according to one example embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 2A . As illustrated generally in  FIGS. 2A-2B , the awning  100  includes a case assembly  200  that mounts the canopy  402  to a dwelling (e.g., house, recreational vehicle, etc.). The case assembly  200  receives a roller assembly  300  around which a canopy assembly  400  can be wound. A lead rail  500  assembly is connected to the case assembly  200  by a pair of spring arm assemblies  600 . The awning  100  can be moved between an extended position (see, for example  FIG. 2A ) and a retracted position (see, for example,  FIG. 4A ). 
     In the extended position, the lead rail assembly  500  is spaced apart from the case assembly  200  and a canopy  402  of the canopy assembly  400  is unwound from the roller assembly  300  to provide a shaded area. In the retracted position, the lead rail assembly  500  abuts against the case assembly  200  to form an enclosed, compact housing and the canopy  402  is wound onto the roller assembly  300 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2B and 4A-6B , details of the case assembly  200  are shown. The case assembly  200  includes a housing  202  and an anchor  204 . As seen in the illustrated example embodiment of  FIGS. 4B and 5 , the anchor  204  is adapted to be fastened to the dwelling and has an L-shaped cross section that includes a long portion  206  and a short portion  208 . The long portion  206  is provided with a plurality of apertures  210  that are spaced along a longitudinal axis LA of the anchor  204 . A distal end  205   a  of the long portion  206  is provided with a mounting hook  212  that extends the length of the anchor  204  along the longitudinal axis LA. The short portion  208  extends at least one of transversely or perpendicularly to the long portion  206 . A distal end  207   a  of the short portion  208  is provided with a latch  214  that extends the length of the anchor  204  along the longitudinal axis LA. A proximal end  205   b  of the long portion  206  is coupled to the proximal end  207   b  of the short portion  208 . 
     The housing  202 , when coupled to the anchor  204 , extends along the longitudinal axis LA between a first end  216  and a second end  218  (see  FIG. 3 ). The housing  202  is provided with a front face  220  and a rear face  222  (see  FIGS. 6A-6B ) that each extend between the first end  216  and the second end  218 . The front face  220  has an opening  224 . The rear face  222  is provided with a first slot  226  and a second slot  228 . A termination location of the first slot  226  and the second slot  228  are spaced from the first end  216  and the second end  218  of the housing  202 , respectively. A spring loaded retainer  230  (see  FIGS. 6A-6F ) is provided in the second slot  228 . The housing  202  defines a space in which the roller assembly  300  is received via the opening  224  on the front face  220 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7A-9C , details of the roller assembly  300  are shown. The roller assembly  300  is rotatably mounted in the housing  202 . The roller assembly  300  includes a roll tube  302  that extends along the longitudinal axis LA between a first end  304  and a second end  306  when assembled within the housing  202  (see  FIG. 7A ). 
     An external surface  302   a  of the roll tube  302  is provided with a recess  308  in which a roll tube male mounting member  310  is provided (see  FIG. 9A ). The recess  308  and the roll tube male mounting member  310  extends substantially along the length of the roll tube  302 . First projections  312  are provided toward the first and second ends  304 ,  306  of the roll tube male mounting member  310 . A torsion spring  314  (see  FIG. 7B ) is received in the first end  304  of the roll tube  302 . The torsion spring  314  is secured to an interior surface  302   b  of the roll tube  302  and extends along the longitudinal axis LA. The torsion spring  314  is arranged to provide a rotational torque to the roll tube  302  in a winding direction, that is, a direction that will wind the canopy  402  around the roll tube to a closed position. A drive assembly  316  is provided at the second end  306  of the roll tube  302  (see  FIG. 8A ). The drive assembly  316  includes a one-way drive mechanism  318  that is selectively fixed to the interior surface  302   b  of the roll tube  302  (e.g., the one-way drive mechanism engages the roll tube when the roll tube rotates in the winding direction, but uncouples from the roll tube when the roll tube rotates in an unwinding direction). The drive assembly  316  further includes a motor  320  that is arranged to rotatably drive the one-way drive mechanism  318  about the longitudinal axis LA of the roll tube  302 . Power can be provided to the motor  320  via a battery that is recharged by solar panels, a hardwire connection, or any other suitable power source. In one example embodiment, such as when direct sunlight is readily available, solar panels function as a power source. In another example embodiments, the solar panels supply power to be stored in a battery. In another example embodiment, an auxiliary input connects to an additional solar panel or wall transformer power source to keep the battery charged when the awning  100  is installed in a location that receives sunlight below a threshold needed to charge the battery. In yet another example embodiment, the awning  100  is hard wired to a power source, such as to the power source of the dwelling. In one example embodiment, the solar panels function as a light sensor  704  (see  FIG. 12 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2B, 3, and 10 , details of the spring arm assemblies  600  are shown. Each spring arm assembly  600  includes a proximal end cap  602 , a distal end cap  604 , a first arm  606 , and a second arm  608 . The first and second arms  606 ,  608  are connected via a first joint  605 . The first and second arms  606 ,  608  each extend along a lateral axis LAT when extended between a first end  610  and a second end  612  of the spring arm assembly  600 . End pivots  614   a - 614   b  are provided at the first and the second ends  610 ,  612 , respectively. At least one spring hook  616   a - 616   b  is provided between the first end  610  and the second end  612 . The end pivots  614   a - 614   b  and the spring hooks  616   a - 616   b  are integrally formed with the respective spring arms  606 ,  608 . A first end  610   a  of the first arm  606  is pivotably attached to the proximal end cap  602  via the end pivot  614   a . A second end  612   a  of the second arm  608  is pivotably attached to the distal end cap  604  via the end pivot  614   b . A second end  610   b  of the first arm  606  and a first end  612   a  of the second arm  608  are pivotably attached to one another via a first joint  605 . In one example embodiment, a gas spring  618  is secured at opposite ends to the spring hook  616   a  of the first arm  606  and the spring hook  616   b  of the second arm  608 . The gas spring  618  is arranged to move linearly between a retracted position and an extend position when the first arm  606  and the second arm  608  pivot relative to one another about the joint  605 , and the end pivots  614   a ,  614   b  at the first and second ends  610 ,  612 , respectively. The respective arms  606 ,  608  of the spring arm assembly  600  bend toward each other when retracting. In one example embodiment, the respective arms  606 ,  608  bend along a plane transverse or parallel to the longitudinal axis LA to a closed position. 
     Additionally, the gas spring  618  is arranged to bias the first and second arms  606 ,  608  such that the first end  612   a  of the second arm  608  is spaced apart from the second end  610   b  of the first arm  606  (i.e., biasing the awning toward the extended position). The gas spring  618  can be damped such that the rate at which the gas spring  618  extends can be controlled. The first proximal end cap  602  is attached to a terminal end of the housing  202  at the first end  216  of the housing. The torsion spring  314  (see  FIG. 7B ) is secured to, and partially housed by, the first proximal end cap  602 . The second proximal end cap  602  is attached to the terminal end of the housing  202  at the second end  218  of the housing. The drive assembly  316  is partially housed in the second proximal end cap  602 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2B, 6A, 6B, 9C, and 11 , details of the lead rail assembly  500  are shown. The lead rail assembly  500  includes a lead rail  502  that extends along or transverse to a lateral axis LAT between a first end  504  and a second end  506 . The first distal end cap  604  is attached to the terminal end of the lead rail  502  at the first end  504  of the lead rail  502 . The second distal end cap  604  is attached to the terminal end of the lead rail  502  at the second end  506  of the lead rail. Thus, the spring arm assemblies  600  attach the lead rail assembly  500  to the housing  202  for movement relative to the housing between the extended position (e.g., as illustrated in  FIG. 2B ) and the retracted position (e.g., as illustrated in  FIG. 4A ). The lead rail  502  includes a front face  508  and a rear face  510  that each extend between the first end  504  and the second end  506 . The rear face  510  of the lead rail is provided with a lead rail male mounting member  512  (see  FIG. 9C ). The lead rail male mounting member  512  extends substantially along the length of the lead rail  502 . Second projections  514  (see  FIG. 11 ) are provided at the ends of the lead rail mounting member  512 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2B, 9A-9C, and 11 , details of the canopy assembly  400  are shown. In one example embodiment, the canopy assembly  400  includes a substantially rectangular shaped canopy  402 . In another example embodiment, the canopy assembly  400  includes other geometrically shaped canopies  402 . The canopy  402  includes a trailing edge  404  and a leading edge  106 . The trailing edge  404  is provided with a first female mounting member  408  (see  FIG. 9A ). First notches  410  (see  FIG. 9A ) are provided at the ends of the first female mounting member  408 . The roll tube male mounting member  310  engages in the first female mounting member  408  to attach the trailing edge  404  of the canopy  402  to the roll tube  302 . The first projections  312  of the roll tube male mounting member  310  are received in the first notches  410  to locate the trailing edge  404  of the canopy  402  relative to the roll tube  302 . Stated another way, the notches  410  assist in locating the canopy  402  along the lateral LA of the roll tube assembly  300 . 
     The leading edge  406  of the canopy  402  is provided with a second female mounting member  412 . Second notches  414  are provided at the ends of the second female mounting member  412  (see  FIG. 11 ). The lead rail male mounting member  512  engages in the second female mounting member  412  to attach the leading edge  406  of the canopy  402  to the lead rail  502 . Second projections  514  of lead rail mounting member  512  are received in the second notches  414  to locate the leading edge  406  of the canopy  402  relative to the lead rail  502 . In this embodiment, the canopy  402  is removable from the awning  100  without disassembly of the awning. The canopy  402 , having the first and second female mounting members  408 ,  412 , can be removed by unclipping said female mounting members from the roll tube  302  and the lead rail male mounting members  310 ,  512 , respectively. Allowing for easier canopy installation, removal, replacement, and/or repair. 
     Installation of the awning  100  onto a dwelling will now be described. In one example embodiment, the awning  100  is provided as a fully assembled unit with the exception of the anchor  204 , which is initially freely positionable relative to remainder of the awning  100  and the dwelling. Installation begins by placing the anchor  204  against a wall or other surface of the dwelling or recreational vehicle on which the awning  100  is to be installed with the long portion  206  being substantially parallel to the mounting surface and the mounting hook  212  pointing away from the ground. This placement also results in the short portion  208  of the anchor  204  being substantially parallel to the ground and the latch  214  pointing away from the dwelling (see  FIG. 4A ). Fasteners are driven through the apertures  210  (see, for example,  FIG. 5 ) provided on the long portion  206  and into the dwelling, thereby attaching the anchor  204  to the dwelling. Next, the awning  100  is positioned relative to the anchor  204  such that the rear face  222  of the housing  202  faces the dwelling (see, for example,  FIG. 4A ). The awning  100  is maneuvered relative to the anchor  204  to cause the mounting hook  212  to engage into the first slot  226 . With the mounting hook  212  engaged in the first slot  226 , the awning  100  is then rotated about the mounting hook  212  to cause the latch  214  to enter into the second slot  228  (see, for example,  FIGS. 6A-6E ). The latch  214  interfaces with the retainer  230  as the latch  214  enters the second slot  228 . As the awning  100  is rotated, the interfacing between the latch  214  and the retainer  230  automatically causes the retainer  230  to move from resting position position  230   a  to a locked condition  230   b  once the rear face  222  of the housing  202  is rotated to be substantially parallel with the long portion  206  of the anchor  204 . Thus, the awning  100  is quickly and reliably secured to the dwelling. The awning  100  is enabled once the battery is in place (e.g., connected to the awning) or a power source is connected, and a position of the awning is not overly tilted (e.g. 5° longitudinally (LA) or 15° laterally (LAT)). Responsive to the awning  100  being overly tilted, the user will be instructed to reinstall or remount the awning  100 . In one example embodiment, the awning  100  will remain in a disabled state after the power source is connected until the awning  100  is calibrated. The retainer  230  can be provided with a release mechanism that moves the retainer  230  to an unlocked condition  230   d  in order to allow for removal of the awning  100  from the dwelling. The awning  100  is located relative to the anchor  204  due to the dimensions of the first and second slot  226 ,  228 , which each terminate prior to reaching the first end  216  and the second end  218  of the housing  202 . Essentially, the first and second slots  226 ,  228  are each dimensioned to accept the mounting hook  212  and the latch  214 , respectively, while limiting movement along the longitudinal axis LA of the mounting hook  212  and the latch  214  relative to the first and second slots  226 ,  228 . 
     The spring loaded retainer  230  secures the housing  202  to the anchor  204 . The spring loaded retainer  230  rotates around a pivot point  232  (see  FIGS. 6C and 6F ) and has a user interaction point  262  that extends outside of the housing  202 . As in the illustrated example embodiment of  FIG. 6C-6F , the spring loaded retainer  230  comprises a spring front face  234  extending along a first axis  234   a  and the latch  214  comprises a latch front face  236  extending along a second axis  236   a  when the latch and the spring loaded retainer are aligned for assembly. In one example embodiment, the first axis  234   a  and the second axis  236   a  are substantially parallel. As the housing  202  pivots about the mounting hook  212  and is pushed in a locking direction  254 , the latch front face  236  and the spring front face  234  interact and the complementary nature of the first and second axis  234   a ,  236   a  causes the spring loaded retainer  230  to pivot from the resting position  230   a  to an opening position  230   c . In the opening position  230   c , a bottom spring surface  240   a  of the spring loaded retainer  230  is forced into contact with a top latch surface  242   a  of the latch  214 . Wherein, the spring loaded retainer  230  pivots until the top latch surface  242   a  passes underneath the bottom spring surface  240   a , at which point the spring loaded retainer, due to a pressure exerted to maintain the spring loaded retainer in the resting position  230   a , pivots into a locking position  230   b , as illustrated in  FIG. 6F . 
     In one example embodiment, the locking position  230   b  comprises a latch inner surface  242  interacting with a spring inner surface  240 . In another example embodiment, the latch inner surface  242  is positioned to extend along a latch inner axis set at an angle that is complementary to a spring inner axis on which the spring inner surface  240  extends, such that the latch  214  and the spring loaded retainer  230  are coupled together. In yet another example embodiment, the top latch surface  242   a  interacts with a spring extension surface  240   b  and the spring bottom surface  240   a  interacts with a latch extension surface  242   b . For example, responsive to a force being exerted on the housing  202  in a removal direction  250 , at least the latch inner surface  242  interacts with the spring inner surface  240  to prevent the housing from being removed from the anchor  204 . In one example embodiment, the latch  214  and the spring loaded retainer  230  are configured to abut each other when the latch is inserted into the second slot  228  and the spring loaded retainer is pushed into the locking position  230   b . Responsive to the user desiring to remove the housing  202  from the anchor  204 , the user exerts a force onto the user interaction point  262  in a spring release direction  252 . The force exerted by the user pivots the spring loaded retainer  230  away from the latch  214 , such that the latch inner surface  242  no longer interacts with the spring inner surface  240 , and the housing  202  can be easily removed from the anchor  204 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6F . Once the latch  214  is free from the spring loaded retainer  230 , the housing  202  can be rotated and then lifted off the mounting hook  212 , and the housing is then disassembled from the anchor. 
     Operation of the awning  100  will now be described. The awning  100  has autonomous function at the time of installation and can operate without the user downloading an application. In one example embodiment, disabling the awning  100  shuts down said autonomous function, and enabling the awning from disablement does not require recalibration. In the retracted position, the canopy  402  is wound about the roll tube  302 . The lead rail assembly  500  is received in the opening  224  provided on the housing  202  such that the front face  508  of the lead rail  502  is substantially flush with the front face  220  of the housing  202  (see, for example,  FIGS. 6A-6B ). In this position, the lead rail assembly  500  and the housing  202  cooperate to form an enclosure in which the folded spring arm assemblies  600  are received. The torsion spring  314  is arranged to apply a torque on the roll tube  302  in the winding direction such that tension is produced in the canopy  402  (see, for example,  FIG. 7B ). Further, responsive to the extension of the canopy  402 , the torque applied to the roll tube  302  by the torsion spring  314  is progressively increased by the “winding” caused by the roll tube revolutions during the unwinding on the canopy. The tension in the canopy  402  biases the lead rail  502  toward the rear face  222  of the housing  202 , essentially helping to maintain the awning  100  in the retracted position, as illustrated in  FIG. 4A . As noted above, the gas springs  618  are arranged to bias the awning  100  toward the extended position, as illustrated in  FIG. 2A . However, the torsion spring  314  and the gas springs  618  are selected such that force applied by the gas springs  618  to the roll tube  302  is greater than the torque applied by the torsion spring  314 . Stated another way, the force applied by the gas spring  618  cannot be overcome by the torsion spring  314  alone when the spring arm assembles  600  are extended. Stated yet another way, absent an additional force, the spring arm assemblies  600  will remain extended. 
     When it is desired to move the awning  100  into the retracted position, power is provided to the motor  320  to rotate the motor in the winding direction. The rotation of the motor  320  is transferred to the roll tube  302  via the one-way drive mechanism  318 , the force of the motor  320 , along with the force of the torsion spring  314 , overcomes the force of the gas springs  618  (e.g., the force applied via the spring arm assemblies  600  to the lead rail assembly), and the canopy  402  is wound onto the roll tube  302 . As the canopy  402  winds onto the roll tube  302 , the spring arm assemblies  600  begin to collapse and the lead rail assembly  500  begins to move back toward the dwelling. The motor  320  continues to rotate in the winding direction until the canopy  402  is fully wound onto the roll tube  302 , at which point the spring arm assemblies  600  are fully folded and the lead rail assembly  500  is received in the opening  224  of the housing  202 . In one example embodiment, the combined forces of the motor  320 , the gas spring  618 , and the torsion spring  314  are such that absent the motor rotating the winding direction, the canopy  402  will remain at the extension the canopy was at when the force provided by the motor ceased. The motor  320  will prevent the gas spring  618  from re-extending the arm assemblies  600  and thus the canopy  402 , by preventing the roll tube  302  from rotating in the unwinding direction. Additionally, the force generated by gas springs  618  will prevent the torque applied by the torsion spring  314  from fully retracting the canopy  320 . 
     When it is desired to move the awning  100  to the extended position, the motor  320  is actuated to allow the gas springs  618  to extend the canopy  402  (see, for example,  FIG. 8A ), thereby causing the motor to act as a break (e.g., slowing the extension of the awning  100 ) during the extension of the canopy  402 . The breaking function of the motor  320  is transferred from the motor  320  to the roll tube  302  via the one-way drive mechanism  318 . The one-way drive mechanism  318  applies the break force that prevents the gas springs  618  from extending the arm assemblies  600 , and thus the canopy  402 , abruptly, or too quickly for safety. As the roll tube  302  rotates in the unwinding direction, the canopy  402  is permitted to unroll from the roll tube  302  and the torsion spring  314  is “wound” generating additional torque in the winding direction with each rotation of the roll tube. Due to the biasing nature of the gas springs  618 , the spring arm assemblies  600  unfold out of the housing  202  to move the lead rail assembly  500  out relative to the housing  202  and away from the dwelling. The force provided by the torsion spring  314  and the arrangement of the spring arm assemblies  600  keeps the canopy  402  taut as the awning  100  moves to the extended position. The motor  320  continues to govern the unwinding of the canopy  402  until the awning  100  is moved to the fully extended position, at which point the canopy  402  is substantially unwound from the roll tube  302  such that shade and shelter is provided. In one example embodiment, the forces applied to the roll tube  302  by the torsion spring  314 , the gas spring  618 , and the motor  320  result in an awning  100  that can be moved by the application of a small force to the lead rail assembly  500 . In this example embodiment, the small force is a force below a force threshold, wherein the force threshold is between 20 N to 75 N. Stated another way, a differential between the force applied by the gas spring  618  in the unwinding direction and the force applied by the torsion spring  314  is substantially equal to the force threshold. 
     As shown in the illustrated example embodiments of  FIGS. 8A-8G , the one-way drive mechanism  318  comprises an outer hub  318   a , one or more dowel pins  318   b , an inner hub  318   c , and a retaining ring  318   d . Wherein, the dowel pins  318   b  interact with the inner and outer hubs  318   c ,  318   a  respectively, and the retaining ring  318   d  couples the inner hub  318   c  to the outer hub  318   a . In one example embodiment, such as when a locked functionality of the one-way drive mechanism  318  is activated, the inner hub  318   c  is held stationary by the motor  320 , which through the interaction of the dowel pins  318   b  and the outer hub  318   a , prevents the outer hub and thus the roll tube  302  from rotating in a first direction  319   a  (e.g., clockwise or the unwinding direction). In another example embodiment, such as when a freewheel functionality of the one-way drive mechanism  318  is activated, the inner hub  318   c  is held stationary, while the outer hub  318   a , and thus the roll tube  302  rotates in a second direction  319   b  (e.g., counter-clockwise, or in the winding direction). 
     In the example embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8H , responsive to the awning  100  being closed, the one-way drive mechanism  318  prevents the torque produced by the gas spring  618  of the spring arms  600  to overcome the torque produced by the torsion spring  314 . In the illustrated example embodiment, the gas springs  618  apply a force in a first torque direction  321   a  (e.g., clockwise) and the torsion spring  314  applies a force in a second torque direction  321   b  (e.g., counter-clockwise). In this example embodiment, the inner hub  318   c  is coupled to the motor  320 , and is thus dependent upon the motion of the motor, while the outer hub  318   a  is coupled to the roll tube  302 , and is thus dependent upon the motion of the roll tube. Further, when the awning  100  is closed, the motor  320  holds the inner hub  318   c  stationary, while the torque generated by the gas spring  618  is transferred to the outer hub  318   a . The outer hub  318   a  interacts with the dowel pins  318   b , which consequently pushes the dowel pins against the inner hub  318   c , preventing rotation of the outer hub. 
     In the example embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8I , responsive to the awning  100  opening, the motor  320  rotates the inner hub  318   c  in the same direction (e.g., in the first torque direction  321   a ) as the torque produced by the gas spring  618 . The torque from the gas spring  618  is applied to the outer hub  318   a , which applies the gas spring torque to the inner hub  318   c , via the dowel pins  318   b . In this example embodiment, the motor  320 , through the one-way drive mechanism  318  acts as a break on the gas springs  618 , and thus controls the awning  100  unfurling speed. 
     In the example embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8J , responsive to the awning  100  closing from the extended position, the motor  320  rotates the inner hub  318   c  in the same direction (e.g., in the second torque direction  321   b ) as the torque produced by the torsion spring  314 . The motor  320  applies torque to the inner hub  318   c , which is applied to the outer hub  318   a , via the dowel pins  318   b . In this example embodiment, the motor  320 , through the one-way drive mechanism  318  applies sufficient torque, in conjunction with the torsion spring  314 , to overcome the torque generated by the gas springs  618  on the outer hub, causing the awning  100  to close. 
     In the example embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8K , responsive to the awning  100  being closed manually from the extended position, the motor  320  prevents rotation of the inner hub  318   c  in the same direction (e.g., in the first torque direction  321   a ) as the torque produced by the gas springs  618  via interaction of the dowel pins  318   b  with the outer hub  318   a . The torque generated by the torsion spring  314  is applied to the outer hub  318   c , via the dowel pins  318   b . The dowel pins  318   b  do not act upon the inner hub  318   c  when the outer hub  318   a  is rotating in the second torque direction  321   b , thus, the outer hub  318   c  is free to rotate in the in the second torque direction  321   b , responsive to a force being applied to the awning  100  that is sufficient to overcome the gas springs  618 . 
     As illustrated in the example embodiment of  FIG. 8A , the one-way drive mechanism  318  has three status dependent modes of operation. For torque that is applied by the torsion spring  314  to the roll tube  302  in the winding direction, the one-way drive mechanism  318  actuates the connection between the roll tube  302  and the motor  320  to apply the threshold force to overcome the opposing force generated by the gas spring  618 . For torque that is applied by the gas springs  618  via the canopy  402  to the roll tube  302  in the unwinding direction, the one-way drive mechanism  318  maintains the coupling between the roll tube  302  and the motor  320 , thereby allowing the motor  320  to act as a brake and preventing uncontrolled unfurling of the awning  100 . For torque that is applied by the motor  320  to the roll tube  302  in the winding direction, the one-way drive mechanism  318  maintains the coupling between the roll tube  302  and the motor  320 , thereby allowing the motor to retract the awning  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , the awning  100  can be provided with a status monitoring system  700  that monitors awning conditions and environmental conditions to enhance the robustness of the awning  100 . The status monitoring system  700  comprises at least one of memory (e.g., random access memory, read only memory, etc.), a motherboard, a transceiver, a processor, or the like. In one example embodiment, the user supplements the status monitoring system  700  by downloading an application. The awning  100  will communicate with the application once the battery is locked into place or the awning is attached to the power source. In one example embodiment, the awning  100 , post calibration, will be in an unlocked/pairing mode for a connection timeframe (e.g., 12 hrs. from a time point of the calibration) and will auto-lock after the connection timeframe has passed. In this example embodiment, during the connection period, any user can connect to the awning  100 , and after the connection period ends the awning is locked and will not connect to any new users. In one example embodiment, during the connection period, a connected user can instigate locking of the awning  100  prior to the expiration of the connection period, and generate a PIN (e.g., a last four digits of a serial number associated with the awning). Additional users may enter the PIN to connect to the awning  100  during the locking period. The user, having connected to the awning  100 , can cause the awning to reenter the unlocked mode, so that additional users may connect to the awning. In one example embodiment, the application comprises a “My Awnings” area, where connected awnings are represented. In another example embodiment, the awning  100  will recalibrate after being manually disabled. 
     The application can be used to enable or disable the awning  100  (e.g., rather than manually). In this embodiment the application includes at least one of the following added features: a current awning status (e.g., a current temperature, a charge of a battery, current weather conditions, a position of the awning, and/or a tilt, a range, or a low-battery warnings), a force required to at least one of extend, stop, and retract the awning, performing a force calibration, updating firmware, an option to lock or unlock the awning, scheduling awning extensions and/or retractions, an option to reset the awning to Factory default, a service mode option (e.g., to disable the awning), Service extend/retract, adjusting one of a wind, a sun and/or a temperature sensitivity level, adjusting a maximum extension of the awning, and adjusting one of a wind extension parameter, a sun retraction parameter and/ or a sun extension delay parameter. In another example embodiment, responsive to the user selecting service mode when the awning  100  is extended, the application will alert the user that the awning is extended, and present the user with an option to cancel and retract awning prior to entering service mode. In this embodiment, service mode does not instigate a calibration absent a loss of connection to the power source. In yet another example embodiment, the user views an application setting screen of the application, but the user cannot make adjustments. 
     In one example embodiment, the status monitoring system  700  is integrated into the awning  100 , such as in the end cap  602 . In another example embodiment, the status monitoring system  700  comprises an element separate from the awning  100  that communicates via short range signals with transceiver enabled components in communication with the motor  320 . In one example embodiment, the status monitoring system  700  is in communication with the motor  320 . In another example embodiment, the status monitoring system  700  includes a three axis accelerometer  702  that is mounted on one of the spring arm assemblies  600  (see  FIG. 3 ). The accelerometer  702  can be configured to measure the angular position (e.g., along an x-axis, a y-axis and a z-axis) of the spring arm assemblies  600  during operation of the awning  100 . In one example embodiment, the awning  100 , using the accelerometer  702 , is calibrated at its installation location. Stated another way, the awning  100  is calibrated at its actual position, and will account for obstructions (e.g., the awning will limit its maximum extension so as to not hit the obstruction), angle of extension (e.g., the area under the canopy  402  that is actually shaded), and other variables. By measuring the angular position of the spring arm assemblies  600  during extension and retraction of the awning  100 , an operation profile is created that is based on the actual performance of the awning. Further, the operation profile detects an installation angle, which allows for self-calibration of the awning  100 , responsive to multiple variables (e.g., an angle of attachment, an area shaded compared to an amount of extension of the awning, a position of the lead rail  500  relative to the housing  202 , etc.). The accelerometer  702  can be programmed with information pertaining to the position of the spring arm assemblies  600  and the lead rail  500  when the awning  100  is in the fully retracted, fully extended positions, and partially retracted/extended positions. In one example embodiment, the information is used to negate or limit a need for limit switches (e.g., to prevent over extension) or an encoder, when identifying an intermediate extension position or limits of the full extension or retraction. Further, the information is used to determine an absolute location of the lead rail  500  at a plurality of locations between the extended and retracted positions, rather than relying on operation time and/or motor speed, which are linked to power supply. For example, absent the information, the absolute location, as opposed to a relative location, is not known, and the relative location can become progressively more inaccurate as time passes. 
     The accelerometer  702  can further be programmed to acknowledge kinesthetic communication to initiate an installation and/or removal mode, an example operation of which is discussed below. The status monitoring system  700  can further include the light sensor  704 , a temperature sensor  706 , a wind speed sensor  708 , and any other sensor that monitors conditions of the environment. In one example embodiment, the accelerometer  702  functions as the motion sensor to detect movement of the awning  100  due to the effects of wind. Additionally, the status monitoring system can include short range wireless interconnection (e.g., Bluetooth) and/or Wi-Fi connectivity  710  to allow a user to control the awning  100  wirelessly. The Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity  710  can also be used to pair the awning  100  with a home automation system and/or an application on a mobile device (e.g., a smart phone or computer). In one example embodiment, the status monitoring system  700  will remember prior users&#39; mobile devices, and will reconnect, even after the mobile device has left the range of the connectivity. Advantageously, Bluetooth connectivity is low energy, and thus imposes minimal drain on the battery or power source. Additionally, while multiple users can control the same awning  100 , merely a single user may be connected to the status monitoring system  700  at a time. Responsive to the user of the application selecting an extend or a retract option, the awning  100  will extend or retract, respectively, into the extended or retracted position, absent conditions that would hinder or obstruct extension or retraction. Responsive to the awning  100  being inhibited from extending or retracting, the awning  100  will be disabled and the application will display that the awning is disabled with a notification on the service screen “Extend/retract not completed. Check for obstruction.” In one example embodiment the application includes a “stop” button, that when actuated stops the awning  100  mid-extension or retraction. 
     The mobile device and/or home automation system communicates with the status monitoring system  700 , wherein the user can set configuring parameters for the awning  100 . The configuring parameters include identifying ideal temperatures, light intensities, etc. In one example embodiment, the user may identify a threshold amount of light and/or a threshold temperature in an area under the canopy  402  or through a window over which the awning resides (e.g., as detected by the light sensor  704 ). In another example embodiment, a preset threshold temperature or battery temperature range will be programmed into the awning  100 , and when the temperature or battery temperature leaves the threshold range, the awning will be disabled. The awning  100  is enabled once the battery temperature and/or the temperature returns to a temperature within the temperature range. When the light sensor detects a light intensity over a set threshold, the awning  100  will extend to provide shade, or conversely, responsive to the light sensor detecting a light intensity below the set threshold, retracting the awning. In one example embodiment, responsive to the light intensity remaining below the set threshold for a light duration (e.g., 10 minutes) the awning will retract. Conversely, responsive to the light intensity remaining above the set threshold for the light duration (e.g., 10 minutes) the awning will extend. When the temperature sensor  706  detects a temperature over a temperature threshold, the awning  100  will extend to provide shade, or conversely, responsive to the temperature sensor detecting a temperature below the temperature threshold, retracting the awning. In one example embodiment, the awning  100  extends (e.g., upon manual or application instruction, during calibration, etc.) unless said temperature is outside acceptable range, high wind or air motion is detected during extension, the battery does not have enough power, and/or something is in the way of the awning extending. In another example embodiment, responsive to the battery being in a low-powered state, the awning  100  retracts and enters a sleep mode to conserve energy. 
     In one example embodiment, the mobile device and/or home automation system allows a user to check a status of the awning  100 , such as a current power level, an awning extension or retraction amount, a temperature, light intensity near or under the awning, etc. Further, the mobile device and/or home automation system can be used by the user to troubleshoot during installation, removal, and use. In one example embodiment, the awning  100  will be configured to extend on its own at dawn, or in sunny conditions, and retract at dusk, as determined by a weather source in communication with status monitoring system  700 , the light sensor  704 , and/or the temperature sensor  706 . In another example embodiment, the awning  100  retracts in colder conditions, as determined by the weather source or temperature sensor  706 , when transfer of heat through a window, or to an area under the awning is desirable. In another example embodiment, the wind speed sensor  708  is constantly monitoring the wind speed while the awning  100  is extended, and responsive to a wind speed over a wind speed threshold being detected, the awning will retract. The wind speed threshold can be altered to account for motion of the dwelling. In yet another example embodiment, the user, using the application, will be presented with an icon indicating that the awning  100  has been disabled, and the reason that the awning has been disabled, such as manually, due to at least one of wind, snow, temperature, and/or battery power levels, or that the awning has been disable via the application (e.g., such as by the user selecting service mode). In another example embodiment, the awning  100  can be disabled due to a physical blockage preventing the awning from extending or retracting. The awning  100  will stop once a motor stall threshold is reached (e.g., between about 15 N-1000 N). In one example embodiment, the motor stall threshold is greater than the force threshold. 
     In one example embodiment, the status monitoring system  700  is connected via WIFI, or short range wireless signals (e.g., Bluetooth) to a remote sensing device. The remote sensing device can be placed at a first location inside the dwelling to provide a configurable light intensity at the first location, for example, on a desk or table. In one example embodiment, the awning  100  extends or retracts merely to maintain a light intensity, or a light intensity over or under a light threshold, at the first location. In this example, the awning  100  retracts or extends merely to the extent required to provide the desired parameters at the first location. Further, as the sun or other light source, moves relative to the remote sensing device, the awning  100  will adjust to maintain the desired parameters at the first location. In one example embodiment, the user sets parameters as to maximum extension, to determine the amount the awning  100  will extend. In another example embodiment, the user sets disable dates, which will disable programmed actions of the awning  100  during the disable dates. For example, the user may be travelling during the month of March, and will disable the awning  100  from March 1 st  to March 31 st . 
     One example operating profile of the status monitoring system  700  will now be explained. Specifically, as illustrated in the example embodiments of  FIGS. 13-16 , operation of the awning  100  on a windy day. In the event that the status monitoring system  700  senses excessively windy conditions, the status monitoring system  700  communicates with the motor  320  to begin rolling up the canopy  402  to move the awning  100  to the retracted position in order to prevent damage from occurring to the awning  100 . During this operation, an excessive wind gust may result in a “billow event” as illustrated In  FIG. 14 , which can cause the spring arm assemblies  600  to partially collapse, for example shorten by a collapse distance  501 . In one example embodiment, the gust will be detected by the wind speed sensor  708  of the awning  100 , and the awning will retract before the canopy  402  is caused to billow. 
     As soon as the wind gust terminates, as illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the canopy  402  will have excessive slack due to the partial collapse of the spring arm assemblies  600 . Due to the force exerted by the gas springs  618 , the spring arm assemblies  600  will naturally begin to move toward the extended position to take up the slack of the canopy  402 . However, because the gas springs  618  are damped, movement of the spring arm assemblies  600  is relatively slow and the slack of the canopy  402  is not immediately taken up by the movement of the spring arm assemblies  600 . Due to the arrangement of the drive assembly  316 , the one-way drive mechanism  318  decouples the roll tube  302  from the motor  320 , thereby allowing the torsion spring  314  to quickly rotate the roll tube  302  in the winding direction and immediately take up the canopy  402  slack, as illustrated in  FIG. 16 . Because the extent of the extension of the awning  100  is limited by the length of unrolled canopy  402 , the awning  100  will no longer be extended to the position that the awning  100  was in prior to the excessive wind gust, for example the awning will be shortened the collapse distance  501 . By combining the operation of the torsion spring  314 , the one-way drive mechanism  318 , and the motor  320 , the canopy  402  can be rolled in much more quickly than using a motor alone. In one example embodiment, the status monitoring system  700  is configured to roll up the canopy  402  only to the extent necessary to eliminate billowing. Further, either the status monitoring system  700  or the inherent billowing protection mechanism described above, will retract the canopy  402  until the amount of canopy exposed will no longer billow, either in a single process, such as with the status monitoring system, or in an iterative process, wherein successive billow events shorten the spring arm assemblies  600  until the awning  100  is retracted. Thus, the damage from billow events to the awning  100  is reduced. In one example embodiment, after the billow event, an extension reattempt of the awning  100  will be performed after a billow recovery timeframe (e.g., 20 minutes). Additional billow events restart the billow recovery timeframe. In addition to retraction due to the billow event, the canopy  402  will retract due to detection of a load detected (e.g., snow, ice, and/or rain). For example, if the z value associated with the awning  100  changes more than 5° for a load duration (e.g., 2 seconds) the awning will retract. In one example embodiment the awning  100  will reattempt to extend after the load duration has elapsed, absent another load detection, which would restart the load duration. 
     An additional example operating profile of the status monitoring system  700  will now be explained. When it is desired to install or remove the awning  100 , it may be desirable to temporarily disable to the motor  320 . The user can temporarily disable the motor  320  by placing the awning in installation/removal mode by communicating with the accelerometer  702  via the kinesthetic communication feature. For example, the accelerometer  702  can programmed to recognize that a preset number of knocks (e.g., three (3) to five (5) rapid knocks) in succession indicates that the user wishes to place the awning  100  in installation/removal/calibration mode. In an example embodiment, a knocking pattern is recognized based upon a window of signal characteristics including time and amplitude. For example, a time and amplitude above a certain threshold will be recognized as a defined input. Thus, prior to installation of the awning  100 , or any time thereafter, the user can disable the motor  320  by lightly striking the accelerometer  702  and/or the lead rail  500  (e.g., knocking three (3) to five (5) times in succession). Once the awning  100  is installed, the user can again lightly strike the accelerometer  702  three to five times in succession to enable the motor  320  and make the awning ready for use. In one example embodiment, such as when the awning  100  is in the extended position, responsive to a predetermined number of light strikes to one of the motor  320 , the lead rail  500 , and/or the accelerometer  702 , the awning will retract and jog twice (e.g., extending and retracting 1-2 inches) before disabling. 
     It would be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that a variety of contacts with the accelerometer  702  could be utilized to indicate the user wishes to place the awning  100  in installation/removal/calibration mode. Additionally, as in one example embodiment, during installation, removal, or calibration of the awning  100 , the status monitoring system  700  is instructed by the mobile device and/or home automation system to disable the motor  320 , such as by the user selecting an install/removal option. In another example embodiment, the user instructs the mobile device and/or home automation system to enable the motor  320  once installation/removal of the awning  100  is complete. In yet another example embodiment, the awning  100  indicates through a small retraction or extension, or some other noticeable action, that the awning is in an installation/removal/calibration mode, and completes a second noticeable action to indicate that the awning is in an enabled state post installation. In one example embodiment, the awning  100  will “jog” once (e.g., extending and/or retracting 1-2 inches) and then will countdown for a jog time period (e.g., 30 seconds) before beginning calibration. In another example embodiment, the motor will emit a squeal sound at a time interval (e.g., every couple of seconds) and become progressively more frequent the nearer to the time the calibration is beginning. In this embodiment, the squeal is generated by a lower power pulse width modulation (PWM) pulse, which generates an audible feedback. In yet another example embodiment, a countdown to calibration is displayed in the application. In yet another example embodiment, the user enables the awning  100  on the application by selecting calibration on a screen within the application. In this example embodiment, the calibration begins immediately and performs a full extension and retraction of the awning  100 . Prior to an awning being calibrated, the application limits the user&#39;s options to one of calibration, service extend, and/or service retract. The features of the status monitoring system  700  provide many additional functionality aspects beyond those explicitly addressed above. For example, the awning  100  can be programmed to automatically extend in sunny condition and retract at dusk. As another example, the awning  100  can be programmed to extend only as far as necessary to provide a desired level of shade and continually make adjustments to the level of extension of the canopy throughout the day in order to compensate for the position of the sun to maintain the desired level of shade. As yet another example, the accelerometer  702  can be programmed to know the positioning of the spring arm assemblies  600  when the awning is in the fully extended and the fully retracted positions. This permits the elimination of limit switches and the reliance on operation time and motor speed to determine the position of the lead rail, thereby improving awning operation. 
     The above described awning provides many additional advantages over known awnings. For example, the attachment of the end caps  602 ,  604  to the terminal ends of the housing  202  and lead rail  502  moves the spring arm assemblies  600  as far out of view from the window as possible, reduces the number of components, simplifies assembly, and reduces cost. As another example embodiment, the anchor  204  mounting system allows for the quick installation and removal of the awning  100  without tools. In yet another example embodiment, the male/female connections  310 ,  512 ,  408 ,  412  of the canopy  402  to the roll tube  302  and lead rail  502  further reduces the number of components and reduces assembly time. As an even further example, the single piece spring  600  arras again reduce components, simplifies assembly, and reduces cost. 
     In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings. 
     The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The disclosure is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued. 
     Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”, “having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected or in contact, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed. 
     The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.