Abstract: A protective device for use with a hanging planter includes a container that houses a shade. Both the container and the shade are connected to a main shaft that includes a runner. The shade is connected to the runner. When the runner is toward the top end of the container, the shade is housed by the container and is not deployed. When the runner is toward the bottom end of the container, the shade is deployed and extends outward of the container side-to-side.

Abstract: A retractable spray shield for agricultural use has a spray barrier; a clam-shell storage tube; a deployment and concealment drive having a motor, a drive shaft, and a quadrilateral linkage that in one direction deploys the spray barrier from the storage tube and in a second opposed direction conceals the spray barrier within the clam-shell storage tube. The quadrilateral linkage is defined by a rotating arm; a pushing arm coupled to the drive shaft; the bottom of the claim-shell storage tube, and a hinge plate supporting the spray barrier. The spray barrier has a generally triangular and flaccid liquid barrier film, a pair of framing legs coupled to opposed edges of the liquid barrier film, and a spring configured to operatively stretch the pair of framing legs apart from each other and thereby expand the barrier film toward a planar, generally triangular geometry when deployed.

Abstract: The umbrella with heater includes an umbrella, a heating subsystem, an air moving subsystem, a recharging subsystem, and one or more operator controls. The umbrella may be a collapsible cover adapted to keep rain, snow, and sunlight off of a user. The heating subsystem may produce warm air that may be released from a plurality of ribs of the umbrella during cold weather. The air moving subsystem may move the warm air into the plurality of ribs. The recharging subsystem may recharge a battery located within a handle of the umbrella. A canopy of the umbrella may comprise a waterproof coating. The one or more operator controls may be adapted for the user to enable and disable the heating subsystem, the air moving subsystem, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A sunshade umbrella with a hand-held portable rotatable base mechanism includes a base assembly, a support assembly arranged on the base assembly and a canopy assembly arranged on the support assembly. The base assembly includes an upper base plate and a lower base plate which are disposed in a center of the base assembly, and are fixedly fitted up and down. The support assembly includes a support column and a support tube. The support column is insertedly and fixedly connected to the upper and lower base plates, and the support tube is rotatably sleeved outside the support column.

Abstract: A quick connect system is provided for a shade structure. The system includes a hub and a rib. The hub has an upper portion, a lower portion, and a rib engagement section. The rib engagement section includes a groove. The groove includes an annular bearing zone, which may be disposed between two facing walls of the hub. The rib includes an elongate body having an inner end and an outer end, the inner end of the rib including a pivot member. The annular bearing zone is configured to support end portion of the pivot member of the rib.

Abstract: An arm-held umbrella includes an umbrella and an arm connector. One end of a supporting rod of the umbrella is mechanically connected with the arm connector so that the umbrella can rotate at a certain included angle relative to the length direction of the arm; the arm connector can be wrapped and fixed on the arm, and can also be used as a handle for holding umbrella by hand. Exactly, the umbrella attachable to the arm is “a multipurpose umbrella”, which can not only be attached to arm but also be held by hand. Especially, holding the umbrella under the state of bent arm meets various demands of people, for example, playing a mobile phone with both hands, cycling or taking photos while holding the umbrella.

Abstract: An umbrella drawing-in by winding includes an umbrella fabric, a frame, a shaft and retracting assemblies. The frame includes a notch, a runner and a rib support set. A top end of the rib support set is secured at a top end of the shaft via the notch. A bottom end of the rib support set is secured on the shaft via the runner. The umbrella fabric has folds and is secured on the frame. The retracting assemblies are secured on one side of the folds.

Abstract: A delta-shaped umbrella apparatus for shading or shielding a user from the rain includes a hub configured for receiving a handle. The hub has a plurality of spring receptacles, and a plurality of springs, with each spring having a coiled portion, a lower anchoring portion, and an upper anchoring portion. Each spring receptacle has a spring chamber configured to hold the coiled portion, at least one anchoring hole configured for the lower anchoring portion to be inserted therethrough, and a slot. A plurality of ribs are anchored to the plurality of springs' upper anchoring portions, and each slot is configured to allow the a rib to swing through a predetermined range of motion relative to the hub. The range of motion defines an arc extending from a position substantially parallel to the handle to a position substantially perpendicular to the handle.

Abstract: A robotic umbrella, comprising a base assembly, a support assembly coupled to the base assembly, one or more shading assemblies coupled to the support assembly, one or more processors and one or more memory devices. The robotic umbrella comprises computer-readable instructions stored in the one or more memory devices, accessed from the one or more memory devices which are executed by the one or more processors to: a) determine a geographical location of the robotic umbrella utilizing at least one of a wireless communication transceiver or a global positioning system (GPS) transceiver, or a combination thereof; and b) determine an orientation of a light source with respect to the robotic umbrella utilizing at least one of a compass, an accelerometer, a magnetometer or a gyroscope, or combination thereof. The robotic umbrella further comprises one or more distance sensors to calculate a distance from the robotic umbrella to the object.

Abstract: This application provides an umbrella including an umbrella frame, supporting members, rotating shafts, fixing members, and umbrella surfaces. The umbrella surfaces are installed at the umbrella frame through connections of the supporting members and the fixing members so as to form a layered structure with a beautiful appearance and good breathability and ventilation. Each of the supporting members has installation arms which can be directly installed at the umbrella rib through the rotating shaft. Each of the supporting members has a first supporting surface and a second supporting surface cooperating with the umbrella rib to achieve limitation, which can limit a rotation range of the supporting members and reduce members such as a bracket, a spring and so on. The structure is simpler, and the assembly is very convenient.

Abstract: A Folded Dome like Retractable Opening Structure and Method of the present invention is an hourglass in external appearance with a narrow waist and a mirrored double truncated flexible cone-like structure, with one primary truncated flexible cone-like structure on bottom intermediately supported and connected by one secondary truncated flexible cone-like structure on top. The retractable opening of the present invention is the truncated open end of the primary truncated flexible cone-like structure, where it is flexible to expand to open toward and contract to close away from its peripheral.

Abstract: An umbrella assembly is provided that includes a frame, a canopy, an extension and a base. The frame includes a post and top piece, a number of arms, a number of connectors, a lift ring and a locking pin. The post includes a number of rod members attached together in adjacent parallel space orientation with a top piece which rotatably attaches to each of a number of arms each arm having a number of arm rod members attached together in adjacent parallel space orientation. Each arm is rotatably attached to one end of a connector. The other end of each connector is rotatably attached to the lift ring. Raising and lowering the lift ring opens and closes the umbrella arms. The locking pin holds the lift ring in an upper position.

Abstract: An umbrella system includes a support pole connected to a rotating tube positioned around a center tube that extends between the support pole and a center support that is connected to an umbrella frame. The rotating tube has one or more helical grooves therein that are engaged by teeth of a hub which is connected to the umbrella frame. As the rotating tube is rotated, the hub is driven along the length of the rotating tube thereby opening and closing the umbrella frame. In one arrangement system includes a motor housing assembly including a plurality of batteries and a motor that includes a driven gear that meshes with a stationary gear which causes rotation of the rotating tube. The system also includes a counterbalance assembly positioned within the rotating tube. The counterbalance assembly includes at least one spring positioned within the rotating tube that provides a counterbalance force.

Abstract: A pole assembly which includes a pole, a hub being placed on the pole, the hub having a plurality of enclosed channels formed therein, a plurality of arm assemblies with each arm assembly having a vertical segment designed to fit within a respective channel and an arm extending outwardly from the vertical segment, and a finial designed to sit on top of an upper end of the pole, the finial having a spirit level incorporated therein.

Abstract: A motorized, weighted base for outdoor patio umbrellas that can be controlled by a smartphone via Bluetooth, is solar powered to not need recharging, and moves the umbrella automatically to keep the user in the shade.

Abstract: A device for extending the zone of protection of an umbrella. The device includes a curtain that can extend from a peripheral edge of an umbrella canopy. The curtain extends away from the canopy to envelope a user of the umbrella when the umbrella is in a deployed position. The curtain is selectively movable between a deployed position and a retracted position by a plurality of cords affixed to the curtain. In the retracted position, the curtain is compressed against the peripheral edge of the canopy. The plurality of cords passes through a cord lock, wherein the cord lock can prevent further movement of the curtain. The cord lock is operably connected to a switch disposed on a handle of the umbrella.

Abstract: In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, a dual handle umbrella is disclosed, wherein the umbrella comprises a pole that is operatively associated with a first upper user grasping handle for holding the umbrella upright, and wherein the umbrella further comprises a second lower handle spaced by a distance away from and below the first upper user grasping handle provided by an extension member. The extension member is adjustable to place the second lower handle at different distances away from the first upper user grasping handle, such that a person, who is shorter than the user can hold onto the umbrella by grasping the second lower handle. As such, a user can hold the first upper grasping handle, while a shorter person, e.g. a child, can simultaneously hold the second lower handle. Other advantages that are further understood from the disclosure will be apparent to the reader.

Abstract: An umbrella assembly is provided that includes a frame, a canopy, an extension and a base. The frame includes a post and top piece, a number of arms, a number of connectors, a lift ring and a locking pin. The post includes a number of rod members attached together in adjacent parallel space orientation with a top piece which rotatably attaches to each of a number of arms each arm having a number of arm rod members attached together in adjacent parallel space orientation. Each arm is rotatably attached to one end of a connector. The other end of each connector is rotatably attached to the lift ring. Raising and lowering the lift ring opens and closes the umbrella arms. The locking pin holds the lift ring in an upper position.

Abstract: The embodiments provide a vehicle covering apparatus and a vehicle cover. The vehicle covering apparatus includes a base, an upright member, an arm, an extension rod a coupler assembly and support line.

Abstract: A system to releasably attach an object to a vehicle interior is presented herein. The system includes a first, second and third module. The first module is configured to fasten to a portion of an interior vehicle body panel. The second module is configured to slidably couple to the first module. The third module is configured to rotatably couple to the second module, the third module has a connection point configured to allow the releasable attachment of the object.

Abstract: A system for providing weather protection including shading in an automated and selective manner. The system includes an enclosure with an inner chamber and an outlet to the inner chamber. The system also includes a canopy and a deploy and retract assembly, which includes a canopy support assembly supporting the canopy. The deploy and retract assembly operates to move the canopy support assembly to move the canopy into the inner chamber and out of the inner chamber. The system further includes a controller generating control signals to operate the deploy and retract assembly. Specifically, this assembly is configured to retract the canopy by moving the canopy support assembly to move the canopy through the outlet into the inner chamber and further is configured to deploy the canopy by moving the canopy support assembly to move the canopy through the outlet to be at least partially outside of the inner chamber.

Abstract: An adjustable, removable mesh canopy is adapted to fit umbrellas and parasols while providing a barrier to mosquitoes and other insects. A removable weight may be affixed to the bottom of the net to keep the net flush with the ground during movement and wind and to inhibit insect entry into the enclosed space. The top includes an adjustable drawstring opening which can be adjusted to fit umbrellas or parasols that vary in diameter. A closed seam runs down the side, and a resealable opening may be installed on the side of the net so that a user can temporarily extend a hand outside of the net through the opening.

Abstract: A retractable umbrella includes a canopy with supporting ribs and a shaft with a handle located on a proximal end thereof. Inside the shaft resides an electric motor and a gearing mechanism for power transmission. When activated, the electric motor actuates the gearing mechanism to extend and retrieve the canopy from and into the shaft.

Abstract: Devices and systems are described including a walking aid including a linear rod having a first end and a second end, a hand grip disposed in proximity to the first end of the linear rod, two or more extendable and retractable self-leveling load-bearing feet at the second end of the linear rod, at least one sensor configured to detect a parameter of a walking surface in proximity to the second end of the linear rod, and a controller including a microprocessor and circuitry, the controller operably coupled to the two or more extendable and retractable self-leveling load-bearing feet and the at least one sensor, and including circuitry configured to receive information regarding the detected parameter of the walking surface from the at least one sensor and circuitry configured to actuate at least one of the two or more extendable and retractable self-leveling load-bearing feet in response to the information regarding the detected parameter of the walking surface.

Abstract: A building management system comprises a measurement system for measuring a demand for resources inside the building and a collecting system for harvesting natural resources available outside the building. The building management system is further provided with a storage system for storing surplus resources and a sensor system for measuring resource availability outside the building and/or resources stored in the storage system. Further, a controller arranged to receive data from the measurement system, the sensor system and the storage system is provided. The controller controls the collecting system based on said data to tune the collection of resources by the collection system to a present and/or an expected demand for resources.

Abstract: A cantilever parasol has a mast, two main arms proceeding laterally from the mast and coupled to each other in a scissors-type manner, and a linkage of bars for supporting a cover. A first main arm extends from an upper mast bearing through a slit in the cover to a vertical arm of the linkage of bars. At least one sealing structure is provided for sealing the slit in the cover.

Abstract: A beach umbrella anchoring system comprising a restraining device or container for preventing the beach umbrella from being blown about by unexpected, sudden gusts of wind comprising a container, i.e., a beach bag for containing ballast or a weighting medium such as sand, dirt, small rocks and the like therein to anchor the umbrella, a beach umbrella having easily accessible storage areas in the form of at least one pocket attached to at least one seam found on the interior of the umbrella. The beach umbrella is provided with a support shaft having a tapered end so as to facilitate insertion of the shaft into beach bag and/or the sand on the beach to provide the sole support for the umbrella. If a container or beach bag containing sand or dirt is provided, the support shaft will pass through the same and into the sand on the beach.

Abstract: A system is provided for protective elements that include, but is not limited to, an umbrella having a complete double canopy with pleats, a medially expanding frame, and a moisture mitigation vessel. The frame's linkage system and expanding double canopy enable their combined covering structure to take a downwardly concave form when fully deployed. Rounded outer frame edges provide enhanced safety. When retracted around the umbrella's stick, frame and canopy assume the form of a three dimensional envelope tapered up and down from its mid-section, thereby concentrated at top and bottom by the stick. This configuration provides canopy and frame with improved ability to move in and out of the invention's stick mounted moisture mitigation vessel. With an internal liner of wicking material and multiple surface apertures, the vessel encourages controlled release of evaporated moisture from the enclosed canopy.

Abstract: An umbrella mount, and optional adaptor, a receiver for an umbrella pole and at least two pressure points that at least one strap and fastener can urge against a base support to securely position the mount.

Abstract: A system is provided for protective elements that include, but is not limited to, an umbrella having a complete double canopy with pleats, a medially expanding frame, and a moisture mitigation vessel. The frame's linkage system and expanding double canopy enable their combined covering structure to take a downwardly concave form when fully deployed. Rounded outer frame edges provide enhanced safety. When retracted around the umbrella's stick, frame and canopy assume the form of a three dimensional envelope tapered up and down from its mid-section, thereby concentrated at top and bottom by the stick. This configuration provides canopy and frame with improved ability to move in and out of the invention's stick mounted moisture mitigation vessel. With an internal liner of wicking material and multiple surface apertures, the vessel encourages controlled release of evaporated moisture from the enclosed canopy.

Abstract: A system is provided for protective elements including, but not limited to, a patio umbrella with complete double canopy, medially expanding frame, a system for deploying its integrated canopeum of insect netting, and a two segment mitigation vessel. The frame's rounded outer edges provide enhanced safety. When retracted around the umbrella's stick, the frame and canopy assume the form of a three dimensional envelope tapered vertically from its midsection, concentrated at top and bottom. Dedicated mechanisms are also provided for deploying an insect interdicting canopeum. Furthermore, a mitigation vessel provides protective storage for frame, canopy, and canopeum elements. With an internal liner of wicking material and multiple surface apertures; the system encourages controlled release of evaporated moisture from stowed elements.

Abstract: In order to provide a large parasol (2) with an improved binding system wherein the large parasol in its dosed state can be wrapped with preferably one or with several tying straps (1) in a spiral-like manner (3, 3) and wherein in the opened state of the parasol (2) a standby state of the one or several tying straps (1) is provided in such manner that the tying straps each are fixed with an end thereof to an upper attachment point (A, A?) at a canopy strut (5, 5?) of the parasol (2) and are releasably attached to a lower attachment point (B, B?) at the said canopy strut (5) so that also short statured persons are able to bind the parasol conveniently and correctly and that no wind damage occurs, it is proposed that between the upper and the lower attachment point (A, A?; B, B?) there is provided on one of the canopy struts (5, 5?) a further, middle attachment point (C, C?). The latter is configured as a damping means for the spirally wrapped tying straps (1) is in the dosed state of the parasol.

Abstract: An improved beach umbrella that includes a canopy, a cylindrical shaft with a point on the lower end, and one or more wedges that are attached to the shaft. The wedges act as anchors for the umbrella when placed into the ground to prevent the umbrella from being uplifted from the ground due to a strong force of wind.

Abstract: An umbrella holder having a base, a holder removably attachable to the base, and a plurality of stakes to secure the base to the ground. A top surface of the base has a section to store the holder when not in use. A bottom surface of the base has a plurality of stake holders to hold the stakes when not in use. The holder has two tubes attached by link arms to allow the two holders to be adjustable relative to each other. The base also has a central main hole and a plurality of auxiliary holes so that a pole can be inserted through at least one of the tubes and through the main hole so as to be perpendicular to the ground, or through one of the auxiliary holes so as to be non-perpendicular to the ground.

Abstract: A customization kit for a hand-held umbrella and methods fostering customization of such an umbrella are provided. In one disclosed embodiment, the method allows arranging in a baseline umbrella configuration one or more removable components for the umbrella. The removable component may be a component which is unblocked relative to a view of an external observer when the umbrella is in a closed condition. The method further allows configuring a customizing kit including an assortment of customizing components at least some of which are in a pre-finished condition, removing the removable component, and performing a customizing action in connection with the removable component resulting in a transformed umbrella look perceivable by the external observer when the umbrella is in the closed condition. In another embodiment, the customizing action may be accomplished with a replacement component manufactured by way of additive manufacturing.

Abstract: The present invention includes an umbrella anti-inversion apparatus comprising a removable cuff and a plurality of removable and adjustable straps. The cuff is attached around an umbrella shaft and the straps extend radially from the strap openings on the adjustable cuff to the umbrella tips to which they are connected. There are adjusting means incorporated on to the straps enabling easy modification of length thereby providing varied tension in each strap for effectively preventing undesirable displacement of the rib outer ends; thus providing a particular means for averting the inversion of an umbrella canopy in an open position from high winds and other weather events.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a compact portable lightweight strong umbrella stand that can be quickly and easily attached to different metal objects and that is configured to securely hold a relatively heavy umbrella such as a patio umbrella.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of beach umbrellas where as the dig-git Beach Umbrella Anchor provides a means of anchoring a beach umbrella into the beach sand in above average winds by means of an entrenching tool that would be attached to any standard beach umbrella with a maximum pole outer diameter of 1.40 inches as described in summary of invention.

Abstract: An umbrella has a central shaft, a crown, a runner, a plurality of ribs, and a plurality of stretchers. The crown is a polygon each side of which includes a pivot pin mounted in a perpendicular direction to pivotally connect the upper end of a respective one of the ribs to the crown. The runner is a polygon and has a pivot pin mounted to each side in perpendicular direction to pivotally connect the lower end of a respective one of the stretchers to the runner. When the umbrella is closed, each of the ribs and the stretchers is collapsed in a tangential angle to set at one side of the central shaft and the runner and is not interfered with by the central shaft and the runner.

Abstract: A compact umbrella has a hollow-cylindrical body forming a shell, wherein the shell is made of a solid material and is configured to accommodate the umbrella in a transport state of the umbrella, when the umbrella is closed and folded, as a protective umbrella shell and is further configured to operate in an operating position of the umbrella, when opened, as a handle shell or carrying handle.

Abstract: A lawn or patio umbrella with an integral lighting system that utilizes cold cathode ray tubes, light emitting diodes (LED's), or florescent lights, to provide relatively bright outdoor light for reading and other activities that require relatively high light intensities is provided. In one embodiment, a modular, electrically powered lawn or patio umbrella in which lighting systems, such as those utilizing cold cathode tubes, LED's, or florescent lights; cooling systems, such as those utilizing electric fans or misting systems; and motorized retraction systems; can be selectively interchanged is provided.

Abstract: Various aspects provide for disposing an umbrella over a table. In some cases, an umbrella may be coupled to a table. An umbrella may be disposed at a location other than a center of the table, which may provide for improved shelter from weather arriving at an angle (e.g., wind-driven rain, angled sunlight, and the like).

Abstract: The present application is directed towards a canopy system. The canopy system includes a canopy that is operably connected to a post and a base that is also operably connected to the same post.

Abstract: A sun-tracing sunshade apparatus includes a support, a first top shade member rotatably mounted on the support, a lateral shade member pivotally coupled to the first top shade member, a drive unit installed in the support and adapted for rotating the first top shade member relative to the support, a sun tracker electrically coupled with the drive unit and adapted for sensing the direction of the sun and providing a corresponding signal to the drive unit, and a push member mounted on the support and movable to touch the lateral shade member and to further bias the lateral shade member relative to the first top shade member. Thus, the first top shade member can be turned subject to the direction of sunlight to move the lateral shade member to the optimal shading position, providing excellent sun-shading effect. Further, when the lateral shade member is moved to the front side of the user, it can be lifted by the push member, avoiding hindering the user's sight.

Abstract: A mister-equipped umbrella to shield a user from precipitation, to provide protection from harmful UV rays, and to allow the user to activate a mister having a variable mist head to cool the user on a hot, sunny day. The mister-equipped umbrella generally combines an umbrella assembly and a mister assembly. The umbrella assembly includes a tube, a runner, a plurality of stretchers, a plurality of ribs each terminating in a top, a cover comprising at least one UV coating, and a handle that has an inner volume for storing batteries and an outer surface that may be insulated for gripping. The mister assembly comprises a fluid reservoir, a pump, and a variable mister head. In use, the user may manually adjust the variable mister head to configure a misting pattern and frequency of the mister.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an umbrella structure including at least one mushroom-shaped hub, a plurality of supporting members, and a main rod. Each mushroom-shaped hub has a hollow tubular body, two openings at two opposite ends respectively, and a cap portion located near a first opening and formed with a plurality of evenly distributed grooves which extend in the radial direction of the first opening. The supporting member has one end whose diameter is less than the diameter of the first opening but greater than the width of each groove and which therefore can pass through the first opening and be received in the cap portion. Thus, when the main rod penetrates the two openings, the end of each supporting member can be limited in position in the cap portion, and the remaining portion thereof can extend out of the cap portion and move along the groove accordingly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for an umbrella mechanism with an outer and inner shaft, a plurality of ribs connected with the outer shaft and a canopy supported by the plurality of ribs are provided. The plurality of ribs are configured into a substantially “V” shape when the umbrella mechanism is in a closed position, such that upon opening the umbrella into an open position, the plurality of ribs opens vertically before expanding horizontally, thus avoiding inadvertent contact of the umbrella with a user during the opening operation. The umbrella mechanism may be handheld or mounted to a structure such as a backpack, chair, table, patio or house, and may be operated by an enclosed motor. The motor may be powered by a battery, solar panel embedded into the canopy or an outside power source.

Abstract: An improved self-anchoring umbrella, the umbrella comprising a canopy and pole, a retractable auger disposed within the pole of the umbrella. The retractable auger is operated using an electric motor and portable power source, and a switch allowing a user to provide power to the electric motor which rotates a drive head with spiral teeth engaged within spiral grooves in the pole. The umbrella may further include a table portion, and extendable stabilizing legs disposed in the lower portion of the pole. When the auger portion is screwed into sand or other surface and the stabilizing legs are engaged with the surface, the invention provides a stable umbrella for outdoor recreation and other purposes.

Abstract: An animal umbrella that includes a thoracic vest having a releasably fastenable front seam, a neck hole, a first foreleg hole, a second foreleg hole, and a base unit centrally disposed atop a dorsal portion, with an umbrella unit having an elongated dome-shaped covering, the covering having a mount support centrally disposed in an arched top portion, wherein a hoop stand removably inserts through the mount support to releasably attach to the base unit and a lock member slidingly secures the canopy at a desired height above the base unit to shield a quadruped from inclement weather and, alternately, shade the quadruped from intense sunlight, as desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective element, especially a suspended protective element for using as a parasol or an umbrella, comprising a vertical pole, a protective cover element, and a holding structure connected to the vertical pole. The holding structure is rotatably mounted in relation to the vertical pole, and the rotational axis of the support extends at least approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vertical pole.