The present invention relates to an easily assembled and disassembled shade-providing structure, such as may be mounted to a playground assembly. The shade-providing structure comprises an outer frame defining an interior space and a canopy that may be positioned in that interior space. The canopy has one or more rods around its periphery, such as may be inserted through one or more pockets in the canopy fabric. Each of the outer frame and the rod(s) has a set of apertures configured to receive a locking fastener and a set of apertures configured to receive a jack screw or similar tensioning device. Accordingly, to assembly the structure, one or more jack screws can be used to provide the canopy with a desired tension and then locking fasteners can be used to secure the canopy to the outer frame.

The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a sun shade assembly. Particularly, the assembly includes a sail that releasably attaches to a pair of ribs, providing shade to the user. At least one support arm can be used to reinforce the ribs. A mast provides height to the assembly and includes an anchor that allows the assembly to be secured into a support surface (e.g., sand). The ribs and support arms rotate about the mast, thereby self-adjusting the direction of sail in response to the wind blowing. The assembly further includes a tension adjuster that can be tightened or loosed to control the rotation of the ribs and support arms in response to wind conditions.

The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a sun shade assembly. Particularly, the assembly includes a sail that releasably attaches to a pair of ribs, providing shade to the user. At least one support arm can be used to reinforce the ribs. A mast provides height to the assembly and includes an anchor that allows the assembly to be secured into a support surface (e.g., sand). The ribs and support arms rotate about the mast, thereby self-adjusting the direction of sail in response to the wind blowing. The assembly further includes a tension adjuster that can be tightened or loosed to control the rotation of the ribs and support arms in response to wind conditions.

A flying umbrella assembly includes a flying drone that can fly through the air. An umbrella is removably attachable to the flying drone such that the umbrella can be flown above the ground. A tracking unit is carried by a user and the tracking unit broadcasts a tracking signal to the flying drone thereby facilitating the flying drone to fly within a pre-determined distance of the tracking unit. In this way the flying drone positions the umbrella over the user regardless if the user is stationary or in motion. A personal electronic device is in wireless communication with the flying drone. The flying drone receives the sun tracking data from the personal electronic device to optimally position the umbrella for shading the user.

A flying umbrella assembly includes a flying drone that can fly through the air. An umbrella is removably attachable to the flying drone such that the umbrella can be flown above the ground. A tracking unit is carried by a user and the tracking unit broadcasts a tracking signal to the flying drone thereby facilitating the flying drone to fly within a pre-determined distance of the tracking unit. In this way the flying drone positions the umbrella over the user regardless if the user is stationary or in motion. A personal electronic device is in wireless communication with the flying drone. The flying drone receives the sun tracking data from the personal electronic device to optimally position the umbrella for shading the user.

A bird feeder umbrella assembly for keeping bird seed in a bird feeder dry includes a pole that includes a first portion which slidably engages a second portion. A support foot is coupled to the pole to engage the ground for retaining the pole in a vertical orientation when the pole is inserted into the ground. A plurality of hooks is each coupled to and extends laterally away from the pole. A sleeve is coupled to the pole and the sleeve is aligned with the pole. A bird feeder is removably suspended from a respective one of the hooks for feeding birds. An umbrella is insertable into the sleeve having the umbrella extending over each of the hooks to protect the bird feeder from precipitation thereby inhibiting the bird feed from getting wet.

A bird feeder umbrella assembly for keeping bird seed in a bird feeder dry includes a pole that includes a first portion which slidably engages a second portion. A support foot is coupled to the pole to engage the ground for retaining the pole in a vertical orientation when the pole is inserted into the ground. A plurality of hooks is each coupled to and extends laterally away from the pole. A sleeve is coupled to the pole and the sleeve is aligned with the pole. A bird feeder is removably suspended from a respective one of the hooks for feeding birds. An umbrella is insertable into the sleeve having the umbrella extending over each of the hooks to protect the bird feeder from precipitation thereby inhibiting the bird feed from getting wet.

A shade and platform device configured to support and partially enclose and shelter a laptop, notebook computer, or other electronic or non-electronic item from sun exposure, allowing users to use their laptop, notebook computer or other electronic or non-electronic item outdoors while reducing screen glare and risk of the sheltered item overheating due to direct sun exposure. The platform component may contain functionality that enables it to fold into a carrying case for the shade, awning, canopy, or hood component. The shade, awning, canopy, or hood component may be collapsed, optionally detached from the platform component, and folded so that it can be compactly secured and stored within the platform case. Furthermore, the platform case may include an attachment element for a stand, such as a tripod, on which the platform case may be supported.

A shade and platform device configured to support and partially enclose and shelter a laptop, notebook computer, or other electronic or non-electronic item from sun exposure, allowing users to use their laptop, notebook computer or other electronic or non-electronic item outdoors while reducing screen glare and risk of the sheltered item overheating due to direct sun exposure. The platform component may contain functionality that enables it to fold into a carrying case for the shade, awning, canopy, or hood component. The shade, awning, canopy, or hood component may be collapsed, optionally detached from the platform component, and folded so that it can be compactly secured and stored within the platform case. Furthermore, the platform case may include an attachment element for a stand, such as a tripod, on which the platform case may be supported.

Disclosed herein are retractable umbrella frame devices comprising a base body structure at least partially surrounding a central axis structure. The central axis structure can be connected to a skeletal frame structure comprising a plurality of arms having a first end connected to the central axis structure and a second free end. The plurality of arms can be moveably connected to the central axis structure, such that the arms can be retracted into or extended from the base body structure. In some embodiments, the base body structure comprises open portions along its length. In some embodiments, the retractable umbrella frame devices further comprise one or more secondary support structures at least partially surrounding the base body structure. In some embodiments, the retractable umbrella frame devices can further comprise guide structures connected to the one or more secondary support structures and the arms of the skeletal frame structure.