Retractable awning and method

A roller tube assembly for use in a retractable awning, the roller tube assembly comprising:

• a flexible string light;
• a roller tube having a first end, a second end, an outer surface between the first and second ends, and a light mounting groove operable to receive the flexible string light, a portion of the outer surface defining an opening configured to receive at least a portion of the flexible string light through the opening for placement in the light mounting groove;
• and
• an electrical conductor communicating with the light mounting groove within the roller tube via an inner area within roller tube.

A retractable awning, which may be mounted to a structure, the retractable awning comprising:

• a roller tube assembly that includes:
• a roller tube having a first end, a second end, a rib storage groove to receive a retractable rib, and a light mounting groove to receive a string light, and
• a retractable rib coupled with the roller tube and extendable from a retracted position, at least partially within the rib storage groove, to an extended position;
• a covering positioned around the roller tube assembly;
• a first support arm coupled to the first end of the roller tube and the support;
• and
• a second support arm coupled to the second end of the roller tube and the support.

A retractable awning, which may be mounted to a structure, the retractable awning comprising:

• a flexible string light;
• a roller tube assembly that includes a roller tube having a first end, a second end, an outer surface between the first and second ends, and a light mounting groove to receive the flexible string light, a portion of the outer surface defining an opening communicating with the light mounting groove, the opening configured to receive at least a portion of the flexible string light through the opening for placement in the light mounting groove;
• a covering positioned around the roller tube assembly;
• an electrical conductor to provide an electrical path to the string light;
• a first support arm coupled to the first end of the roller tube and the support;
• and
• a second support arm coupled to the second end of the roller tube and the support.

A retractable awning operable to mount to a structure, the retractable awning comprising:

• a roller tube assembly that includes:
• a roller tube having a first end, a second end, a light mounting groove operable to receive a string light, and a rib storage groove operable to receive a retractable rib, and
• a retractable rib operable to couple with the roller tube and to extend from a retracted position, at least partially within the rib storage groove, to an extended position;
• a covering operable to couple to the structure and the roller tube assembly;
• a first support arm coupled to the first end of the roller tube and the support;
• and
• a second support arm coupled to the second end of the roller tube and the support.