An intelligent umbrella system, comprises one or more shading elements; a support assembly, coupled to the one or more shading elements, to provide support for the one or more shading elements; and a base assembly, coupled to the support assembly, to provide contact with a surface. The intelligent umbrella also includes one or more microphones to capture spoken or audio commands; one or more processors; one or more memory modules; and one or more wireless communication transceivers. The intelligent umbrella system includes computer-readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules that are executed by the one or more processors to convert the captured audio commands into audio files; and perform voice recognition on the converted audio files to generate instructions or commands based, at least in part, on the converted audio files.

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 intelligent umbrella system, comprises one or more shading elements; a support assembly, coupled to the one or more shading elements, to provide support for the one or more shading elements; and a base assembly, coupled to the support assembly, to provide contact with a surface. The intelligent umbrella also includes one or more microphones to capture spoken or audio commands; one or more processors; one or more memory modules; and one or more wireless communication transceivers. The intelligent umbrella system includes computer-readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules that are executed by the one or more processors to convert the captured audio commands into audio files; and perform voice recognition on the converted audio files to generate instructions or commands based, at least in part, on the converted audio files.

The Floating Shade is a tethered hovering cover made of lightweight film kept afloat by balloons. It can be easily set up to provide solid shade that temporarily blocks off sunlight.

A visor assembly may clip onto a mobile electronic device, and may broadly include: an attachment member securable to the device; at least one hinge secured to the attachment member; and a plurality of cascading shroud members, each pivotally coupled to the attachment member using the hinge. Adjacent shroud members are selectively interconnected. Rotational movement of a first shroud member from a retracted position to a first angular displacement, correspondingly drives a second shroud member to rotate in unison. Continued rotation of the first shroud member successively drives remaining shroud members to co-rotate, until it has been rotated to a second angular displacement, and the plurality of shroud members are each then deployed into a respective fully extended position. A friction fit at the interconnection between adjacent shroud members is sufficient to releasably inhibit movement resulting from only a weight of the shroud members and the orientation of the device.

A portable shelter includes a frame structure with a plurality of pole structures. In some embodiments, a pole structure includes telescopically movable pole portions and a spring-biasing mechanism configured to bias one pole portion away from the other. In some embodiments, a center hub structure of the portable shelter includes a locking mechanism for engaging one of the pole portions to interfere with telescopic movement of the pole structure. In some embodiments, a pole structure includes a flexible portion attached to a first rigid portion, and a second rigid portion that is movable relative to the first rigid portion. The second rigid portion is pivotable or telescopically movable between a first position in which the second rigid portion overlaps the first rigid portion such that the flexible portion is free to flex, and a second position in which the second rigid portion overlaps and restrains the flexible portion.

A weather shield apparatus includes a shield holder having a molded body panel with a curved shape providing ends joined to a lengthwise adjustable waist belt having a waist buckle, a support interface attached to a rear surface of the body panel, a support frame adapted to engage and extend upward from the support interface, the support frame having a cushion pad on a side facing the body panel, and a first weather shield assembly comprising a curved shield frame covered in waterproof sheet material, the curved shield frame having connector fittings projecting downward adapted to mate to compatible connector fittings at an uppermost extremity of the support frame.

A portable sunshade or sunshade kit can include an expandable screen, a support rod, a connection spool, and/or a carry case. The expandable screen can have an outer wire loop that tensions a screen material and allows the screen to be folded into a collapsed configuration. The support rod can have a ductile core and a rubberized coating around the ductile core that grips a support object such as a chair or railing. A connection spool attached to the screen material can include a channel sized to at least partially receive the support rod. The connection spool can be adhered to the screen material. The carry case can be sized to receive the expandable screen in the collapsed configuration, the support rod, and the connection spool for ease of transport.

A lightweight, easily portable, collapsible, and easy to assemble personal-use sunshade is designed for use at beaches or other expanses of loose or non-compacted sand, compacted soil or solid surfaces. The sunshade assembly comprises a frame assembly and a shade assembly pivotably coupled to it, with pivot locking means so that the shade can be positioned at any effective angle.

A collapsible canopy device includes an assembly including a water-resistant canopy operatively attached to a resilient, flexible metallic band extending around a perimeter of the water resistant canopy, the assembly having attached thereto at least one holder extendible from the assembly, wherein the assembly is reversibly collapsible via twisting and folding the assembly.