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 power conversion kit allows converting of a standard umbrella into a solar charging umbrella, which can then use solar power to charge electronic devices. The solar charging umbrella is self-sustained, capable of charging electronic devices in locations away from electrical outlets. The umbrella has a rechargeable battery that is recharged by sunlight. When charged, the umbrella's battery can charge devices when sunlight is not available. The umbrella supports simultaneous charging of higher power devices such as tablet computers.

An accessory is provided that includes power supply module, a first functional module, and a second functional module. The power supply module can be configured to be suspended beneath an overhead support, such as a hub of an umbrella. The first functional module is configured to affix to the power supply module and to be powered by the power supply module to provide a user directed function. The second functional module is configured to be detachably coupled to either the power supply module or the first functional module to receive power from the power supply module directly or through the first functional module.

A sliding seat assembly for an umbrella, the umbrella comprises a column, a traverse rod having a lower end, a tilted rod, an umbrella frame, an upper nest connected to the column, and one or more electrical assemblies disposed on the umbrella frame; the sliding seat assembly comprises a sliding seat slidable along the column with a front end and a rear end, and a battery; wherein, the battery is removably connected to the sliding seat, the battery is electrically connected to the one or more electrical assemblies through a circuit assembly. The present invention is simple and rational in structure. By mounting the battery on the sliding seat, it is easy to operate, and it is very convenient to assemble and disassemble. Moreover, it is convenient for machining, and the productive cost is low.

An umbrella includes a vertical support having a track carried on an outer surface of the vertical support, the track extending longitudinally, and a canopy configured to switch between an open state and a closed state. The umbrella also includes a sliding collar coupled to the vertical support and configured to slidingly engage the vertical support to control an angle of the canopy with respect to the vertical support, a first arm coupled between the sliding collar and the canopy, and a second arm coupled between the vertical support and the first arm. The sliding collar has a housing defining a recess, an activation button slidingly received by the recess of the housing and switching between an extended state and a retracted state, and a locking device carried by the housing. The locking device is configured to pivot about the housing to selectively engage the track in the extended state.

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 power conversion kit allows converting of a standard umbrella into a solar charging umbrella, which can then use solar power to charge electronic devices. The solar charging umbrella is self-sustained, capable of charging electronic devices in locations away from electrical outlets. The umbrella has a rechargeable battery that is recharged by sunlight. When charged, the umbrella's battery can charge devices when sunlight is not available. The umbrella supports simultaneous charging of higher power devices such as tablet computers.

A weight system for supporting a free-standing object comprising a container defining an interior chamber, the container comprising at least one side wall, a lower wall, and an upper wall, where the upper wall is configured to define a fill opening and a closure system comprising first and second closure portions. The first closure portion is arranged to define a first side of the fill opening. The second closure portion is arranged to define a second side of the fill opening. The closure system is arranged to allow the container to be configured in a closed configuration in which the first closure portion engages the second closure portion substantially to prevent access to the interior chamber through the fill opening and an open configuration in which the first closure portion is disengaged from the second closure portion to allow access to the interior chamber through the fill opening.

An umbrella has a column, an upper nest, a movable lower nest, a plurality of long rods, a plurality of short rods. The upper nest has a plurality of first slots spaced apart on a periphery of the upper nest, a plurality of first pins is disposed on the upper nest respectively; each long rod has a first rod-hanging hook on the top end thereof, each first rod-hanging hook hooks on the corresponding first pin; the lower nest has a plurality of second slots spaced apart on a periphery of the lower nest, a plurality of second pins are disposed on the lower nest respectively; each short rod has a second rod-hanging hook on the bottom end thereof, each second rod-hanging hook hooks on the corresponding second pin. The structure of the present invention is simple and reasonable, the machining is convenient and the cost is low.

A canopy support structure includes a plurality of hubs arranged in series, and a plurality of articulating arms connecting the plurality of hubs. At least one of the plurality of hubs is suspended from above by a support member. At least some of the plurality of hubs are movable toward and away from each other to operate the canopy support structure between expanded and retracted positions. The plurality of articulating arms include a plurality of primary ribs connected directly to the plurality of hubs. The plurality of articulating arms may also include a plurality of secondary ribs connected to some of the plurality of primary ribs, and a plurality of tertiary ribs coupled between the plurality of secondary ribs and other of the plurality of primary ribs.