A personal umbrella assembly has a frame, a lighting apparatus coupled with the frame, and light control logic operatively coupled with the lighting apparatus. The light control logic is configured to receive an input signal and cause the lighting apparatus to display a light signal/pattern as a function of the input signal.

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.

An umbrella is provided that includes a hollow pole, a shade assembly, and a lift assembly. The shade assembly is coupled with an upper portion of the hollow pole. The shade assembly includes an upper hub, a lower hub, and a shade structure coupling the upper hub to the lower hub. The shade structure supports a shade member and the lower hub is moveable along the hollow pole. The lift assembly is disposed within the hollow pole. The lift assembly includes a gas spring and a cord. The cord has a first end coupled with the hollow pole and a second end coupled with the lower hub. When closing the umbrella, the cord applies a load to compress the gas spring. When opening the umbrella, the gas spring applies a load to the cord, to cause the lower hub to be moved upward.

An umbrella is provided that includes a hollow pole, a shade assembly, and a lift assembly. The shade assembly is coupled with an upper portion of the hollow pole. The shade assembly includes an upper hub, a lower hub, and a shade structure coupling the upper hub to the lower hub. The shade structure supports a shade member and the lower hub is moveable along the hollow pole. The lift assembly is disposed within the hollow pole. The lift assembly includes a gas spring and a cord. The cord has a first end coupled with the hollow pole and a second end coupled with the lower hub. When closing the umbrella, the cord applies a load to compress the gas spring. When opening the umbrella, the gas spring applies a load to the cord, to cause the lower hub to be moved upward.

An improved umbrella is provided including a collapsible support structure, a primary canopy disposed over the support structure and defining a number of holes and an upper opening therein, a secondary canopy operably secured to the primary canopy to overlap the number of holes and a tertiary canopy operably secured to the primary canopy to overlap the upper opening. The alignment of the secondary canopy and the tertiary canopy over the holes in the primary canopy enables the dissipation of high air pressure formed within the interior of the umbrella caused by winds contacting the umbrella while maximizing the structural integrity of the umbrella.

An improved umbrella is provided including a collapsible support structure, a primary canopy disposed over the support structure and defining a number of holes and an upper opening therein, a secondary canopy operably secured to the primary canopy to overlap the number of holes and a tertiary canopy operably secured to the primary canopy to overlap the upper opening. The alignment of the secondary canopy and the tertiary canopy over the holes in the primary canopy enables the dissipation of high air pressure formed within the interior of the umbrella caused by winds contacting the umbrella while maximizing the structural integrity of the umbrella.

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.

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.