An intelligent shading object, comprises a plurality of shading elements, a shading element deployment mechanism, a support structure, and a base unit. A shading element deployment mechanism deploys a plurality of shading elements independently of each other. A support structure is coupled to the shading element deployment mechanism. A base unit is coupled to the support structure to provide stability to the support structure, the shading element deployment mechanism, and the plurality of shading elements.

An adjustable umbrella holder that most preferably includes three rotational joints, a quick connect, a base, an arm, and a connector that attaches to an umbrella. The joints are preferably configured to quickly and easily lock into a desired position. The quick connector permits the umbrella and a small portion of the umbrella holder to be detached from the rest of the umbrella holder so that a user can easily detach the umbrella and carry it around and then quickly and easily re-attach it. The umbrella holder can optionally feature different base types that can be attached for use in different environments.

An umbrella includes a canopy configured to switch between an open position and a closed position, and a mast coupled to the canopy and having an upper portion with an upper tubular housing, and a track carried on an outer surface of the upper tubular housing and extending longitudinally. The track includes interweaved recesses and ridges. The mast also includes a lower portion slidingly receiving the upper portion and having a lower tubular housing, and a locking device carried on an outer surface of the lower tubular housing and extending through the lower tubular housing to interface with the track of the upper portion to lock the lower portion and the upper portion together.

An umbrella includes a canopy configured to switch between an open position and a closed position, and a mast coupled to the canopy and having an upper portion with an upper tubular housing, and a track carried on an outer surface of the upper tubular housing and extending longitudinally. The track includes interweaved recesses and ridges. The mast also includes a lower portion slidingly receiving the upper portion and having a lower tubular housing, and a locking device carried on an outer surface of the lower tubular housing and extending through the lower tubular housing to interface with the track of the upper portion to lock the lower portion and the upper portion together.

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a portable shelter, whether being of the type having a floating canopy or an umbrella. The shelter includes a support including an upright. A canopy is supported by the support. The canopy includes an expandable frame, and a sheet of material supported by the frame. The frame includes retractable ribs supporting the sheet. The frame also includes a stretcher arrangement for stretching out each rib from the support. The stretcher arrangement includes a first stretcher for coupling between the support and the rib; and a second stretcher for coupling to the first stretcher.

A device comprising a walker and umbrella utilizes a disk having a plurality of apertures, a handle and a clamp. The clamp is configured to secure about a portion of the walker, or similar structure or be an integral portion thereof. The disk is capable of rotation and features a means for securing an umbrella to the disk.

A device comprising a walker and umbrella utilizes a disk having a plurality of apertures, a handle and a clamp. The clamp is configured to secure about a portion of the walker, or similar structure or be an integral portion thereof. The disk is capable of rotation and features a means for securing an umbrella to the disk.

A marine vessel intelligent shading system, including a marine vessel deck surface, a mounting assembly attached to the marine vessel deck surface, a base assembly having a first end attached to the mounting assembly, a first telescoping module connected to a base assembly, the first telescoping module being adjustable to a plurality of heights, and a core assembly module coupled to the first telescoping module. The marine vessel intelligent shading system further includes an expansion sensor module coupled to the core assembly module and the expansion sensor module includes one or more arm support assemblies, one or more arms and a shading fabric. The one or more arms are connected to the one or more arm support assemblies, and the shading fabric is coupled to the one or more arms.

A marine vessel intelligent shading system, including a marine vessel deck surface, a mounting assembly attached to the marine vessel deck surface, a base assembly having a first end attached to the mounting assembly, a first telescoping module connected to a base assembly, the first telescoping module being adjustable to a plurality of heights, and a core assembly module coupled to the first telescoping module. The marine vessel intelligent shading system further includes an expansion sensor module coupled to the core assembly module and the expansion sensor module includes one or more arm support assemblies, one or more arms and a shading fabric. The one or more arms are connected to the one or more arm support assemblies, and the shading fabric is coupled to the one or more arms.

A method of orienting an umbrella includes obtaining a current location for an umbrella and communicate the current location to one or more processors, capturing a current time of day via a clock in the umbrella and communicating the current time to the one or more processors, calculating an elevation angle and azimuth angle of a sun utilizing the current time and the location, capturing a reading from a compass in the umbrella to determine a directional heading or an angular heading for a top section of the umbrella, and rotating a core assembly and an upper assembly of the umbrella about a base of the umbrella. The method further comprises utilizing a sensor assembly to detect a location of a magnet in the base of the umbrella. The method further comprises includes aligning a top of umbrella with the magnet in the base of the umbrella.