A canopy support structure includes a support pole having a track, a three-dimensional array of hub pairs, and a plurality of articulating arms connecting the hub pairs. The track extends in a longitudinal direction along the support pole. The hubs of each hub pair are movable toward/away from each other during extension/retraction of the canopy support structure. A primary hub pair includes a first hub and a second hub, with each of the first hub and the second hub coupled to the support pole. At least one of the first hub and the second hub is slidably engaged with the track and movable along the support pole. The articulating arms include sets of scissor-connected primary articulating arms. Each of the hub pairs is pivotally connected to at least one other of the hub pairs by a respective set of the scissor-connected primary articulating arms.

An umbrella assembly having a post supporting first and second pivot joints to move relative to each other along the post, and a support strut and adjacent stabilizing struts pivotally coupled to the first and second pivot joints and supporting the collapsible frame assembly of a canopy. The collapsible frame assembly collapses between an opened configuration and a collapsed configuration with movement of the first and second pivot joints relative to each other.

A solar-powered umbrella has a cap structure that is connected by hinges to struts. The struts are relatively rigid and positioned above the umbrella shade and house solar panels. When the umbrella is opened and closed, the struts rotate via the hinges from an open to closed position. When the solar panels are exposed to the sun, light is converted to electrical energy to charge a rechargeable battery. The battery supplies power to one or more USB ports. A user can recharge an electronic device (e.g., smartphone or tablet computer) by connecting to a port of the umbrella using a cable.

A solar-powered umbrella has a cap structure that is connected by hinges to struts. The struts are relatively rigid and positioned above the umbrella shade and house solar panels. When the umbrella is opened and closed, the struts rotate via the hinges from an open to closed position. When the solar panels are exposed to the sun, light is converted to electrical energy to charge a rechargeable battery. The battery supplies power to one or more USB ports. A user can recharge an electronic device (e.g., smartphone or tablet computer) by connecting to a port of the umbrella using a cable.

An umbrella includes a base assembly, a core assembly connected to the base assembly, the core assembly including a skin covering, a tubular assembly; and an electronics housing and an arm expansion assembly connected to the core assembly to expand or retract one or more umbrella arms. The electronics housing includes an opening or a space through which the tubular assembly passes and the electronics housing is located underneath the skin covering. The electronics housing also includes one or more sensor assemblies to capture sensor measurements in an area surrounding the umbrella.

A foldable articulated arm including at least a first rod and a second rod connected together, each of which is configured for connection to the stem of a parasol, at least a third rod, connected to the second rod, and a fourth rod connected to the third rod; a first flexible element which connects the first rod with the third rod and a second flexible element which connects the fourth rod with the second rod; the first, second, third and fourth rods and the first and second flexible elements are a single piece; in particular, the second flexible element includes a first portion slidably constrained to the second rod and a second portion slidably constrained to the third rod.

The disclosure is directed at an umbrella including a canopy having a set of canopy portions; and a frame portion comprising a shaft portion; a sliding collar assembly coupled to the shaft portion and sliding along the shaft portion; and a set of ribs, each of the independent ribs attached to one of the set of canopy portions and to the sliding collar assembly, where each of the set of ribs move independently of each other when a high wind force is experienced by one of the canopy portions.

An umbrella having a quick release finial and a quick release cam cleat assembly is provided. The quick release finial includes a ball plunger assembly and a lever arm for applying force to release the ball plunger. The quick release cam cleat assembly includes a pivotable cam cleat and a pivotable gravity lock rocker arm.

A solar-powered umbrella has a cap structure that is connected by hinges to struts. The struts are relatively rigid and positioned above the umbrella shade and house solar panels. When the umbrella is opened and closed, the struts rotate via the hinges from an open to closed position. When the solar panels are exposed to the sun, light is converted to electrical energy to charge a rechargeable battery. The battery supplies power to one or more USB ports. A user can recharge an electronic device (e.g., smartphone or tablet computer) by connecting to a port of the umbrella using a cable.

A solar-powered umbrella has a cap structure that is connected by hinges to struts. The struts are relatively rigid and positioned above the umbrella shade and house solar panels. When the umbrella is opened and closed, the struts rotate via the hinges from an open to closed position. When the solar panels are exposed to the sun, light is converted to electrical energy to charge a rechargeable battery. The battery supplies power to one or more USB ports. A user can recharge an electronic device (e.g., smartphone or tablet computer) by connecting to a port of the umbrella using a cable.