An umbrella system includes a support pole connected to a rotating tube positioned around a center tube that extends between the support pole and a center support that is connected to an umbrella frame. The rotating tube has one or more helical grooves therein that are engaged by teeth of a hub which is connected to the umbrella frame. As the rotating tube is rotated, the hub is driven along the length of the rotating tube thereby opening and closing the umbrella frame. In one arrangement system includes a motor housing assembly including a plurality of batteries and a motor that includes a driven gear that meshes with a stationary gear which causes rotation of the rotating tube. The system also includes a counterbalance assembly positioned within the rotating tube. The counterbalance assembly includes at least one spring positioned within the rotating tube that provides a counterbalance force.

An opening and closing structure for an umbrella combining automatic and non-automatic modes including an electric mechanism, a cranking mechanism and a clutch structure is described herein. The electric mechanism includes a screw rod, a motor and a first transmission element. The motor is configured to drive rotation of the screw rod, and the first transmission element is mounted at the screw rod. The cranking mechanism includes a second transmission element and a cranking handle. The second transmission element is engaged with the first transmission element, and the second transmission element is connected with the cranking handle via the clutch structure. The invention overturns a conventional method of using an electric umbrella, and provides a manual lifting-and-lowering function under the premise of maintaining a electric lifting-and-lowering function, that is, in case of insufficient or no power supply, the umbrella can be opened and closed through the cranking handle.

An umbrella system includes a support pole connected to a rotating tube positioned around a center tube that extends between the support pole and a center support that is connected to an umbrella frame. The rotating tube has one or more helical grooves therein that are engaged by teeth of a hub which is connected to the umbrella frame. As the rotating tube is rotated, the hub is driven along the length of the rotating tube thereby opening and closing the umbrella frame. In one arrangement system includes a motor housing assembly including a plurality of batteries and a motor that includes a driven gear that meshes with a stationary gear which causes rotation of the rotating tube. The system also includes a counterbalance assembly positioned within the rotating tube. The counterbalance assembly includes at least one spring positioned within the rotating tube that provides a counterbalance force.

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 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.

A canopy deployment system provides a user with hands free use of a canopy while obtaining protection from elements. The deployment system integrates with a backpack that fastens to the user. The system controllably holds the canopy, and the user orients the canopy to a desired direction and angle without the use of hands. The user controls the orientation of the canopy by bending, twisting, and swiveling. The canopy is supported by a frame. The frame joins with a central rod. A ring moves along the central rod to release or restrict the frame, and thereby enable a deployed position and a collapsed position. A canopy container contains the canopy and central rod. A deploy cord and a collapse cord extend from the canopy container to actuate the deployed and collapsed positions. The canopy container positions inside a carry container, like a backpack that attaches to a user.

A canopy deployment system provides a user with hands free use of a canopy while obtaining protection from elements. The deployment system integrates with a backpack that fastens to the user. The system controllably holds the canopy, and the user orients the canopy to a desired direction and angle without the use of hands. The user controls the orientation of the canopy by bending, twisting, and swiveling. The canopy is supported by a frame. The frame joins with a central rod. A ring moves along the central rod to release or restrict the frame, and thereby enable a deployed position and a collapsed position. A canopy container contains the canopy and central rod. A deploy cord and a collapse cord extend from the canopy container to actuate the deployed and collapsed positions. The canopy container positions inside a carry container, like a backpack that attaches to a user.

An intelligent shading object comprises a base assembly and an umbrella support assembly. The umbrella support assembly is coupled to the base assembly and comprises a first processor and a first motor assembly. The first motor assembly rotates an umbrella support assembly about a vertical axis in response to commands and/or signals generated by the first processor. The umbrella assembly further comprises a stem assembly and a center support assembly, where the center support assembly further comprises a second processor, a second motor assembly, a lower assembly, an upper assembly, and a hinging assembly. The second processor communicates signals and/or commands to the second motor assembly and the second motor assembly drives the upper assembly to rotate with respect to the lower assembly via the hinging assembly.

A modular umbrella shading system includes a base module, a core module assembly and a first extension assembly, the first extension assembly connecting the base unit to the core umbrella assembly. A modular umbrella shading system further includes an arm expansion sensor module and a second extension assembly, the second extension assembly detachably connecting the core umbrella assembly to the arm expansion sensor module.

An automatically deploying shielding apparatus, or sun shade, includes a handle and a shade portion connected by a hub. The handle extends into the hub, with the shade portion having a flexible shade joined to a first support member and a second support member. The first support member and the second support member extend into the hub, and an elastic member extends from the first support member to the second support member. The elastic member is arranged to extend through the hub and the first support member and the second support member are coupled to the hub portion with the elastic member holding the first support member and the second support member under tension at a position substantially perpendicular to the handle. A rescue cord and notch may be provided as an alternative to the elastic member, or in the event of malfunction of the elastic member, for manual operation.