An article comprises a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon computer implementable instructions executable by a processor in a computing device to receive measurements from one or more environmental sensors of an intelligent shading device, analyze and compare received sensor measurements to preset user-defined weather-based thresholds, and generate and communicate alert messages to identify that user-defined weather-based thresholds have been met or exceeded.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a flexible canopy. In one embodiment, the flexible canopy includes a central shaft, a sliding collar, a plurality of supports, a plurality of tensioners, a tensioner connection hub, and a membrane. The sliding collar is slidably connected to and surrounds the central shaft. A first end of each of the supports is connected to the sliding collar, and a second end of each of the supports is connected to the membrane near the edge of the membrane. Each of the tensioners is connected at one end to a different one of the supports and at the other end to the tensioner connection hub. In one embodiment, the flexible canopy includes a handle connected to a first, lower end of the central shaft. In other embodiments, the first, lower end of the central shaft includes or is insertable into a base.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a flexible canopy. In one embodiment, the flexible canopy includes a central shaft, a sliding collar, a plurality of supports, a plurality of tensioners, a tensioner connection hub, and a membrane. The sliding collar is slidably connected to and surrounds the central shaft. A first end of each of the supports is connected to the sliding collar, and a second end of each of the supports is connected to the membrane near the edge of the membrane. Each of the tensioners is connected at one end to a different one of the supports and at the other end to the tensioner connection hub. In one embodiment, the flexible canopy includes a handle connected to a first, lower end of the central shaft. In other embodiments, the first, lower end of the central shaft includes or is insertable into a base.

An umbrella assembly is described. Manual movement of a knob away from a handle moves each rib and a canopy to a position outside of an inner hollow component of a frame such that the umbrella assembly is in an open and in-use position. In the open and in-use position, a shape of each rib of the set of ribs is curved. Elastic potential energy of a spring located within the inner hollow component of the frame retracts each rib and the canopy into the inner hollow component of the frame. Each rib has a bending resistance such that when each rib is retracted into the inner hollow component of the frame, a shape of each rib moves towards a planar shape.

An umbrella assembly is described. Manual movement of a knob away from a handle moves each rib and a canopy to a position outside of an inner hollow component of a frame such that the umbrella assembly is in an open and in-use position. In the open and in-use position, a shape of each rib of the set of ribs is curved. Elastic potential energy of a spring located within the inner hollow component of the frame retracts each rib and the canopy into the inner hollow component of the frame. Each rib has a bending resistance such that when each rib is retracted into the inner hollow component of the frame, a shape of each rib moves towards a planar shape.

The present invention is primarily directed to improvements of a support assembly having a versatile structure capable of use with a variety of different products, devices, etc. intended for outdoor and/or indoor use such as, but not limited to, furniture, and/or umbrella or shade structures. The support assembly includes a body, preferably having an elongated configuration and a plurality of connector structures fixedly connected in outwardly extending, collectively surrounding relation thereto. The plurality of connector structures movably and removably interconnect one or more inserts in overlying relation to an outer surface of the body and along a length thereof. When the body is structured to define a support pole for an umbrella assembly, the plurality of connectors extend outwardly from the one or more inserts in movable engagement with a canopy activating hub, thereby maintaining a spacing between the hub and the inserts, concurrent to travel of the hub along the length of the body.

The present invention is primarily directed to improvements of a support assembly having a versatile structure capable of use with a variety of different products, devices, etc. intended for outdoor and/or indoor use such as, but not limited to, furniture, and/or umbrella or shade structures. The support assembly includes a body, preferably having an elongated configuration and a plurality of connector structures fixedly connected in outwardly extending, collectively surrounding relation thereto. The plurality of connector structures movably and removably interconnect one or more inserts in overlying relation to an outer surface of the body and along a length thereof. When the body is structured to define a support pole for an umbrella assembly, the plurality of connectors extend outwardly from the one or more inserts in movable engagement with a canopy activating hub, thereby maintaining a spacing between the hub and the inserts, concurrent to travel of the hub along the length of the body.

An umbrella assembly can be assembled using L-shaped elongate members pivotably coupled with upper and lower hubs for supporting and actuating an umbrella cover. The L-shaped elongate members can be pivotably coupled together and paired such that a lateral portion of each of the elongate members extends opposite the other lateral portion within the pair and pivotably coupled with one of the upper hub and the lower hub. The lateral portions pivotably coupled within rib-receiving slots corresponding to one of the upper hub and the lower hub and secured within the rib-receiving slots by one of an upper hub cap and a lower hub cap.

An umbrella assembly can be assembled using L-shaped elongate members pivotably coupled with upper and lower hubs for supporting and actuating an umbrella cover. The L-shaped elongate members can be pivotably coupled together and paired such that a lateral portion of each of the elongate members extends opposite the other lateral portion within the pair and pivotably coupled with one of the upper hub and the lower hub. The lateral portions pivotably coupled within rib-receiving slots corresponding to one of the upper hub and the lower hub and secured within the rib-receiving slots by one of an upper hub cap and a lower hub cap.

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.