Shading Device Arm and Blade Assemblies

公开(公告)号:
US20190208876A1
公开(公告)日:
2019-07-11
申请号:
US15/943596
申请日:
2018-04-02
授权日:
-
受理局:
美国
专利类型:
发明申请
简单法律状态:
失效
法律状态/事件:
撤回-视为撤回
IPC分类号:
A45B25/14 | A45B25/02 | A45B25/18
战略新兴产业分类:
-
国民经济行业分类号:
C4119
当前申请(专利权)人:
SHADECRAFT, INC.
原始申请(专利权)人:
SHADECRAFT, INC.
当前申请(专利权)人地址:
116 W. DEL MAR BLVD., 91105, PASADENA, CALIFORNIA
工商统一社会信用代码:
-
工商登记状态:
-
工商注册地址:
-
工商成立日期:
2016-02-01
工商企业类型:
-
发明人:
GHARABEGIAN, ARMEN SEVADA
代理机构:
-
代理人:
-
摘要:
A shading device includes a base assembly resting on a surface, a support assembly, the support assembly connected to the base assembly; and an expansion assembly, the expansion assembly connected to the support assembly. The shading device further includes one or more arm assemblies, the one or more arm assemblies coupled to the expansion assembly. The one or more arm assemblies including one or more shading arms, one or more shading fabric assemblies, and one or more shading fabric tubes. A shading fabric assembly further includes a first weighted rod, a second weighted rod and shading fabric. The first weighted rod of shading fabric assembly is positioned in an interior portion of a first shading fabric tube and the second weighted rod of shading fabric assembly is positioned in an interior position of a second shading fabric tube.
技术问题语段:
The patent is about current shading systems such as parasols, umbrellas, and shading systems. These systems use metal frames to support shading fabrics, which are very limited and do not provide much flexibility for the owners of the shading devices. The technical problem is that current shading systems have limited functionality and do not provide much flexibility for users.
技术功效语段:
The patent text describes a modular umbrella, parasol, or shading system with improved functionality and flexibility. The system includes mechanical assemblies and an intelligence housing for controlling the shading fabrics. The system also includes a power source and wireless charging assembly, as well as a protective housing for the arm support assemblies. The patent also describes various features such as lighting elements, coordinated music and lighting, and a modular arm or blade system. The technical effects of the patent include improved flexibility, customization options, and improved user experience.
权利要求:
1. A shading device, comprising: a base assembly resting on a surface; a support assembly, the support assembly connected to the base assembly; an expansion assembly, the expansion assembly connected to the support assembly; and at least one arm assembly coupled to the expansion assembly, the at least one arm assembly to comprise: a shading arm; an arm connector assembly configurable to be detachably connected to the shading arm; at least one shading fabric tube configurable to be inserted into the shading arm; a shading fabric assembly, a portion of the shading fabric assembly to be inserted in an interior section of the at least one shading fabric tube. 2. (canceled) 3. The shading device of claim 1, wherein the shading assembly further comprises a first fabric edge, a first rod, a second fabric edge, a second rod, and shading fabric, wherein the first rod encloses the first fabric edge and the second rod encloses the second fabric edge. 4. The shading device of claim 1, the shading arm further comprising one or more channels, the at least one shading fabric tube to be inserted into a channel of the one or more channels. 5. The shading device of claim 1, the shading arm further comprising one or more connection channels, the one or more connection channels to detachably connect to one or more connecting tubes of the arm connector assembly. 6. The shading device of claim 1, the shading arm further comprising one or more solar cells coupled to a top surface of the shading arm, the one or more solar cells to capture solar light to generate power for the shading device, and one or more lighting assemblies coupled to a bottom surface of the arm assembly. 7. A shading device, comprising: a base assembly; a support assembly, the support assembly connected to the base assembly; an expansion assembly, the expansion assembly connected to the support assembly; and at least one arm assembly, the at least one arm assembly coupled to the expansion assembly and the expansion assembly to automatically deploy the at least one arm assembly, wherein the at least one arm assembly to comprise: a shading arm; an arm connector assembly configurable to be detachably connected to the shading arm; at least one shading fabric tube configurable to be inserted into the shading arm; and a shading fabric assembly, a portion of the shading fabric assembly configurable to be inserted in an interior portion of the at least one shading fabric tube. 8. The shading device of claim 7, the arm connector assembly configurable to be attached to a linking assembly, the arm connector assembly further comprising a release assembly, the release assembly configurable to detach the arm assembly from the linking assembly in response to depressing the release assembly. 9. The shading device of claim 7, wherein the shading fabric assembly further to comprise a first fabric edge, a first rod, a second fabric edge, a second rod, and shading fabric, wherein the first rod encloses the first fabric edge and the second rod encloses the second fabric edge. 10. The shading device of claim 9, wherein the first rod of shading fabric assembly is positioned in an interior portion of at least one shading fabric tube. 11. The shading device of claim 7, the shading arm further to comprise one or more channels, the at least one shading fabric tube to be inserted into the one or more channels. 12. The shading device of claim 7, the shading arm further to comprise one or more connection channels, the one or more connection channels to detachably connect to one or more connecting tubes of the arm connector assembly. 13. The shading device of claim 7, the shading arm further to comprise one or more solar cells, the one or more solar cells to capture solar light to generate power for the shading device and one or more lighting assemblies coupled to a bottom surface of the arm assembly. 14. An arm assembly of a shading device, comprising: a shading arm; an arm connector assembly configurable to be detachably connected to the shading arm; a shading fabric tube configurable to be inserted into the shading arm; and a shading fabric assembly, a portion of the shading fabric assembly configurable to be inserted in an interior section of the shading fabric tube. 15. The arm assembly of claim 14, wherein the shading fabric assembly further comprises a first fabric edge, a first rod, a second fabric edge, a second rod and shading fabric, wherein the first rod encloses the first fabric edge and the second rod encloses the second fabric edge. 16. The arm assembly of claim 15, wherein the first rod of shading fabric assembly is positioned in an interior portion of the shading fabric tube. 17. The arm assembly of claim 14, the shading arm further comprising one or more channels, the shading fabric tube to be inserted into a channel of the one or more channels. 18. The arm assembly of claim 14, the shading arm further comprising one or more connection channels, the one or more connection channels to detachably connect to one or more connecting tubes of the arm connector assembly. 19. The arm assembly of claim 14, the shading arm further comprising one or more solar cells coupled to a top surface of the arm assembly, the one or more solar cells to capture solar light to generate power for a shading device and one or more lighting assemblies coupled to a bottom surface of the arm assembly. 20. The arm assembly of claim 14, the arm connector assembly configurable to be attached to a linking assembly, the arm connector assembly further comprising a release assembly, the release assembly configurable to detach the arm assembly from the linking assembly in response to depressing the release assembly.
技术领域:
-
背景技术:
[0002]Parasols, umbrellas and shading systems have limited functionality. Current parasols, umbrellas and shading systems utilize metal frames to support shading fabrics. Current shading fabrics and frame systems are very limited and do not provide shading device owners with much flexibility.
发明内容:
-
具体实施方式:
[0034]In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of claimed subject matter. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, systems and/or configurations are set forth, for example. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art having benefit of this disclosure that claimed subject matter may be practiced without specific details. In other instances, well-known features may be omitted and/or simplified so as not to obscure claimed subject matter. While certain features have been illustrated and/or described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes and/or equivalents may occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that appended claims are intended to cover any and all modifications and/or changes as fall within claimed subject matter. [0035]References throughout this specification to one implementation, an implementation, one embodiment, embodiments, an embodiment and/or the like means that a particular feature, structure, and/or characteristic described in connection with a particular implementation and/or embodiment is included in at least one implementation and/or embodiment of claimed subject matter. Thus, appearances of such phrases, for example, in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily intended to refer to the same implementation or to any one particular implementation described. Furthermore, it is to be understood that particular features, structures, and/or characteristics described are capable of being combined in various ways in one or more implementations and, therefore, are within intended claim scope, for example. In general, of course, these and other issues vary with context. Therefore, particular context of description and/or usage provides helpful guidance regarding inferences to be drawn. [0036]Likewise, in this context, the terms “coupled”, “connected,” and/or similar terms are used generically. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms. Rather, “connected” is used generically to indicate that two or more components, for example, are in direct physical, including electrical, contact; while, “coupled” is used generically to mean that two or more components are potentially in direct physical, including electrical, contact; however, “coupled” is also used generically to also mean that two or more components are not necessarily in direct contact, but nonetheless are able to co-operate and/or interact. The term “coupled” is also understood generically to mean indirectly connected, for example, in an appropriate context. In a context of this application, if signals, instructions, and/or commands are transmitted from one component (e.g., a controller or processor) to another component (or assembly), it is understood that messages, signals, instructions, and/or commands may be transmitted directly to a component, or may pass through a number of other components on a way to a destination component. For example, a signal transmitted from a motor controller or processor to a motor (or other driving assembly) may pass through glue logic, an amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog converter, another controller and/or processor, and/or an interface. Similarly, a signal communicated through a misting system may pass through an air conditioning and/or a heating module, and a signal communicated from any one or a number of sensors to a controller and/or processor may pass through a conditioning module, an analog-to-digital controller, and/or a comparison module, and/or a number of other electrical assemblies and/or components. [0037]The terms, “and”, “or”, “and/or” and/or similar terms, as used herein, include a variety of meanings that also are expected to depend at least in part upon the particular context in which such terms are used. Typically, “or” if used to associate a list, such as A, B or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, here used in the inclusive sense, as well as A, B or C, here used in the exclusive sense. In addition, the term “one or more” and/or similar terms is used to describe any feature, structure, and/or characteristic in the singular and/or is also used to describe a plurality and/or some other combination of features, structures and/or characteristics. [0038]Likewise, the term “based on,”“based, at least in part on,” and/or similar terms (e.g., based at least in part on) are understood as not necessarily intending to convey an exclusive set of factors, but to allow for existence of additional factors not necessarily expressly described. Of course, for all of the foregoing, particular context of description and/or usage provides helpful guidance regarding inferences to be drawn. It should be noted that the following description merely provides one or more illustrative examples and claimed subject matter is not limited to these one or more illustrative examples; however, again, particular context of description and/or usage provides helpful guidance regarding inferences to be drawn. [0039]Also as used herein, one or more parameters may be descriptive of a collection of signal samples, such as one or more electronic documents, and exist in the form of physical signals and/or physical states, such as memory states. For example, one or more parameters may include parameters, such as 1) how much an assembly (e.g., motor assembly) may move or be requested to move; 2) a time of day at which an image was captured, a latitude and longitude of an image capture device, such as a camera; 3) time and day of when a sensor reading (e.g., humidity, temperature, air quality, UV radiation) may be received and/or measurements or values of sensor readings; and/or 4) operating conditions of one or more motors or other components or assemblies in a balcony shading and power system. Claimed subject matter is intended to embrace meaningful, descriptive parameters in any format, so long as the one or more parameters comprise physical signals and/or states. [0040]Some portions of the detailed description which follow are presented in terms of algorithms or symbolic representations of operations on binary digital signals stored within a memory of a specific apparatus or special purpose computing device or platform. In the context of this particular specification, the term specific apparatus or the like includes a general purpose computer once it is programmed to perform particular functions pursuant to instructions from program software. In embodiments, a modular umbrella shading system may comprise a computing device installed within or as part of a modular umbrella system, intelligent umbrella and/or intelligent shading charging system. Algorithmic descriptions or symbolic representations are examples of techniques used by those of ordinary skill in the signal processing or related arts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally, considered to be a self-consistent sequence of operations or similar signal processing leading to a desired result. In this context, operations or processing involve physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although not necessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared or otherwise manipulated. [0041]It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to such signals as bits, data, values, elements, symbols, numbers, numerals or the like, and that these are conventional labels. Unless specifically stated otherwise, it is appreciated that throughout this specification discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,”“computing,”“calculating,”“determining” or the like may refer to actions or processes of a specific apparatus, such as a special purpose computer or a similar special purpose electronic computing device (e.g., such as a balcony shading and power system processor, controller and/or computing device). In the context of this specification, therefore, a special purpose computer or a similar special purpose electronic computing device (e.g., a balcony shading and power system processor, controller and/or computing device) is capable of manipulating or transforming signals (electronic and/or magnetic) in memories (or components thereof), other storage devices, transmission devices sound reproduction devices, and/or display devices. [0042]In an embodiment, a controller and/or a processor typically performs a series of instructions resulting in data manipulation. In an embodiment, a microcontroller or microprocessor may be a compact microcomputer designed to govern the operation of embedded systems in electronic devices, e.g., a balcony shading and power system processor, controller and/or computing device or single board computers, and various other electronic and mechanical devices coupled thereto or installed thereon. Microcontrollers may include processors, microprocessors, and other electronic components. Controller may be a commercially available processor such as an Intel Pentium, Raspberry Pi, other Linux-based computers, Motorola PowerPC, SGI MIPS, Sun UltraSPARC, or Hewlett-Packard PA-RISC processor, but may be any type of application-specific and/or specifically designed processor or controller. In an embodiment, a processor and/or controller may be connected to other system elements, including one or more memory devices, by a bus, a mesh network or other mesh components. In embodiments, a processor and/or controller may be connected to other devices also via power buses from either a rechargeable power source and/or a solar charging assembly. Usually, a processor or controller, may execute an operating system which may be, for example, a Windows-based operating system (Microsoft), a MAC OS System X operating system (Apple Computer), one of many Linux-based operating system distributions, a portable electronic device operating system (e.g., mobile phone operating systems), microcomputer operating systems, and/or a UNIX operating systems. Embodiments are not limited to any particular implementation and/or operating system. [0043]The specification may refer to an umbrella, a robotic shading system, or a parasol. In embodiments, each of these devices may be intelligent and/or automated. In embodiments, an umbrella, robotic shading system or a parasol may provide shade and/or coverage to a user from weather elements such as sun, wind, rain, and/or hail in an outdoor environment or outdoor portions of a structure (whether building, office and/or sports complexes). In embodiments, an umbrella, a robotic shading system or a parasol may be an automated, intelligent and/or employ artificial intelligence and/or machine learning. The device and/or apparatus may also be referred to as a sun shade, outdoor shade furniture, sun screen, sun shelter, awning, sun cover, sun marquee, brolly and other similar names, which may all be utilized interchangeably in this application [0044]FIG. 1A, 1B or 1C illustrates a modular umbrella or shading system according to embodiments. In embodiments, a modular umbrella system 100 comprises a base assembly or module 110, a first extension assembly or module 120, a core assembly module housing (or core umbrella assembly) 130, a second extension assembly or module 150, and an expansion sensor assembly or module (or an arm extension assembly or module) 160. In embodiments, a modular umbrella shading system 100 may not comprise a base assembly or module 110 and may comprise a table assembly or module 180 to connect to table tops, such as patio tables and/or other outdoor furniture. In embodiments, a table assembly or module 180 may comprise a table attachment and/or a table receptacle. In embodiments, a base module or assembly 110 may comprise a circular base component 112, a square or rectangular base component 113, a rounded edges base component 114, and/or a beach or sand base component 115. In embodiments, base components 112, 113, 114, and/or 115 may be interchangeable based upon a configuration required by an umbrella system and/or user. In embodiments, each of the different options for the base components 112, 113, 114, 115, and/or 180 may have a universal connector and/or receptacle to allow for easy interchangeability. [0045]In embodiments, a first extension assembly or module 120 may comprise a shaft assembly having a first end 121 and a second end 122. In embodiments, a first end 121 may be detachably connectable and/or connected to a base assembly or module 110. In embodiments, a second end 122 may be detachably connected and/or connectable to a first end of a core umbrella assembly or module 130. In embodiments, a first end 121 and a second end 122 may have a universal umbrella connector. In other words, a connector may be universal within all modules and/or assemblies of a modular umbrella system to provide a benefit of allowing backwards capabilities with new versions of different modules and/or assemblies of a modular umbrella shading system. In embodiments, a first extension assembly or module 120 may have different lengths. In embodiments, different length first extension assemblies may allow a modular umbrella shading system to have different clearance heights between a base assembly or module 110 and/or a core umbrella assembly or module 130. In embodiments, a first extension assembly or module 110 may be a tube and/or a shell with channels, grooves and/or pathways for electrical wires and/or components and/or mechanical components. In embodiments, a first extension assembly 110 may be a shaft assembly having an inner core comprising channels, grooves and/or pathways for electrical wires, connectors and/or components and/or mechanical components. [0046]In embodiments, a universal umbrella connector or connection assembly 124 may refer to a connection pair and/or connection assembly that may be uniform for all modules, components and/or assemblies of a modular umbrella system 100. In embodiments, having a universal umbrella connector or connection assembly 124 may allow interchangeability and/or backward compatibility of the various assemblies and/or modules of the modular umbrella system 100. In embodiments, for example, a diameter of all or most of universal connectors 124 utilized in a modular umbrella system may be the same. In embodiments, a universal connector or connection assembly 124 may be a twist-on connector. In embodiments, a universal connector 124 may be a drop in connector and/or a locking connector, having a male and female connector. In embodiments, a universal connector or connection assembly 124 may be a plug with another connector being a receptacle. In embodiments, universal connector 124 may be an interlocking plug receptacle combination. For example, universal connector 124 may be a plug and receptacle, jack and plug, flanges for connection, threaded plugs and threaded receptacles, snap fit connectors, adhesive or friction connectors. In embodiments, for example, universal connector or connection assembly 124 may be external connectors engaged with threaded internal connections, snap-fit connectors, push fit couplers. In embodiments, by having a universal connector or connection assembly 124 for joints or connections between a base module or assembly 110 and a first extension module or assembly 120, a first extension module or assembly 120 and a core assembly module or assembly 130, a core assembly module or assembly 130 and a second extension module or assembly 150, and/or a second extension module or assembly 150 and an expansion sensor module or assembly 160, an umbrella or shading object manufacturer may not need to provide additional parts for additional connectors for attaching, coupling or connecting different modules or assemblies of a modular umbrella shading system. In addition, modules and/or assemblies may be upgraded easily because one module and/or assembly may be switched out of a modular umbrella system without having to purchase or procure additional modules because of the interoperability and/or interchangeability. [0047]In embodiments, a core umbrella assembly or module 130 may be positioned between a first extension assembly or module 120 and a second extension assembly or module 150. In embodiments, core umbrella assembly or module 130 may be positioned between a base assembly or module 110 and/or an expansion and sensor module or assembly 160. In embodiments, a core umbrella assembly or module 130 may comprise an upper core assembly 140, a core assembly connector or mid-section 141 and/or a lower core assembly 142. In embodiments, a core assembly connector 141 may be a sealer or sealed connection to protect a modular umbrella system from environmental conditions. In embodiments, a core umbrella assembly or module 130 may comprise two or more motors or motor assemblies. Although the specification may refer to a motor, a motor may be a motor assembly with a motor controller, a motor, a stator, a rotor and/or a drive/output shaft. In embodiments, a core umbrella assembly 130 may comprise an azimuth rotation motor 131, an elevation motor 132, and/or a spoke expansion/retraction motor 133. In embodiments, an azimuth rotation motor 131 may cause a core umbrella assembly 130 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise about a base assembly or module 110 or a table connection assembly 180. In embodiments, an azimuth rotation motor 131 may cause a core umbrella assembly 130 to rotate about an azimuth axis. In embodiments, a core umbrella assembly or module 130 may rotate up to 360 degrees with respect to a base assembly or module 130. [0048]In embodiments, an elevation motor 132 may cause an upper core assembly 140 to rotate with respect to a lower core assembly 142. In embodiments, an elevation motor 130 may rotate an upper core assembly 140 between 0 to 90 degrees with respect to the lower core assembly 142. In embodiments, an elevation motor 130 may rotate an upper module or assembly 140 between 0 to 30 degrees with respect to a lower assembly or module 142. In embodiments, an original position may be where an upper core assembly 140 is positioned in line and above the lower core assembly 142, as is illustrated in FIG. 1. [0049]In embodiments, a spoke expansion motor 133 may be connected to an expansion and sensor assembly module 160 via a second extension assembly or module 150 and cause spoke or arm support assemblies in a spoke expansion sensor assembly module 160 to deploy or retract outward and/or upward from an expansion sensor assembly module 160. In embodiments, an expansion extension assembly module 160 may comprise a rack gear and spoke connector assemblies (or arms). In embodiments, a spoke expansion motor 133 may be coupled and/or connected to a hollow tube via a gearing assembly, and may cause a hollow tube to move up or down (e.g., in a vertical direction). In embodiments, a hollow tube may be connected and/or coupled to a rack gear, which may be connected and/or coupled to spoke connector assemblies. In embodiments, movement of a hollow tube in a vertical direction may cause spoke assemblies and/or arms to be deployed and/or retracted. In embodiments, spoke connector assemblies and/or arms may have a corresponding and/or associated gear at a vertical rack gear. [0050]In embodiments, a core assembly or module 130 may comprise motor control circuitry 134 (e.g., a motion control board 134) that controls operation of an azimuth motor 131, an elevation motor 132 and/or an expansion motor 133, along with other components and/or assemblies. In embodiments, the core assembly module 130 may comprise one or more batteries 135 (e.g., rechargeable batteries) for providing power to electrical and mechanical components in the modular umbrella system 100. For example, one or more batteries 135 may provide power to motion control circuitry 134, an azimuth motor 131, an expansion motor 133, an elevation motor 132, a camera 137, a proximity sensor 138, a near field communication (NFC) sensor 138. In embodiments, one or more batteries 135 may provide power to an integrated computing device 136, although in other embodiments, an integrated computing device 136 may also comprise its own battery (e.g., rechargeable battery). [0051]In embodiments, the core assembly 130 may comprise a separate and/or integrated computing device 136. In embodiments, a separate computing device 136 may comprise a Raspberry Pi computing device, other single-board computers and/or single-board computing device. Because a modular umbrella shading system has a limited amount of space, a single-board computing device is a solution that allows for increased functionality without taking up too much space in an interior of a modular umbrella shading system. In embodiments, a separate computing device 136 may handle video, audio and/or image editing, processing, and/or storage for a modular umbrella shading system 100 (which are more data intensive functions and thus require more processing bandwidth and/or power). In embodiments, an upper core assembly 140 may comprise one or more rechargeable batteries 135, a motion control board (or motion control circuitry) 134, a spoke expansion motor 133 and/or a separate and/or integrated computing device 136. [0052]In embodiments, a core assembly connector/cover 141 may cover and/or secure a connector between an upper core assembly 140 and a lower core assembly 142. In embodiments, a core assembly connector and/or cover 141 may provide protection from water and/or other environmental conditions. In other words, a core assembly connector and/or cover 141 may make a core assembly 130 waterproof and/or water resistant and in other environments, may protect an interior of a core assembly from sunlight, cold or hot temperatures, humidity and/or smoke. In embodiments, a core assembly connector/cover 141 may be comprised of a rubber material, although a plastic and/or fiberglass material may be utilized. In embodiments, a core assembly connector/cover 141 may be comprised of a flexible material, silicone, and/or a membrane In embodiments, a core assembly connector/cover 141 may be circular and/or oval in shape and may have an opening in a middle to allow assemblies and/or components to pass freely through an interior of a core assembly connector or cover 141. In embodiments, a core assembly connector/cover 141 may adhere to an outside surface of an upper core assembly 140 and a lower core assembly 142. In embodiments, a core assembly connector/cover 141 may be connected, coupled, fastened and/or have a grip or to an outside surface of the upper core assembly 140 and the lower core assembly 142. In embodiments, a core assembly connector and/or cover 141 may be connected, coupled, adhered and/or fastened to a surface (e.g., top or bottom surface) of an upper core assembly and/or lower core assembly 142. In embodiments, a core assembly connector/cover 141 may cover a hinging assembly and/or reparation point, springs, and wires that are present between an upper core assembly 140 and/or a lower core assembly 142. [0053]In embodiments, a core assembly or module 130 may comprise one or more cameras 137. In embodiments, one or more cameras 137 may be capture images, videos and/or sound of an area and/or environment surrounding a modular umbrella system 100. In embodiments, a lower core assembly 142 may comprise one or more cameras 137. In embodiments, a camera 137 may only capture sound if a user selects a sound capture mode on a modular umbrella system 100 (e.g., via a button and/or switch) or via a software application controlling operation of a modular umbrella system (e.g., a microphone or recording icon is selected in a modular umbrella system software application). [0054]In embodiments, a core assembly 130 may comprise a power button to manually turn on or off power to components of a modular umbrella system. In embodiments, a core assembly or module 130 may comprise one or more proximity sensors 138. In embodiments, one or more proximity sensors 138 may detect whether or not an individual and/or subject may be within a known distance from a modular umbrella system 100. In embodiments, in response to a detection of proximity of an individual and/or subject, a proximity sensor 138 may communicate a signal, instruction, message and/or command to motion control circuitry (e.g., a motion control PCB 134) and/or a computing device 136 to activate and/or deactivate assemblies and components of a modular umbrella system 100. In embodiments, a lower core assembly 142 may comprise a proximity sensor 138 and a power button. For example, a proximity sensor 138 may detect whether an object is within proximity of a modular umbrella system and may communicate a message to a motion control PCB 134 to instruct an azimuth motor 131 to stop rotating a base assembly or module. [0055]In embodiments, a core assembly or module 130 may comprise a near-field communication (NFC) sensor 139. In embodiments, a NFC sensor 139 may be utilized to identify authorized users of a modular umbrella shading system 100. In embodiments, for example, a user may have a mobile computing device with a NFC sensor which may communicate, pair and/or authenticate in combination with a modular umbrella system NFC sensor 139 to provide user identification information. In embodiments, a NFC sensor 139 may communicate and/or transmit a signal, message, command and/or instruction based on a user's identification information to computer-readable instructions resident within a computing device and/or other memory of a modular umbrella system to verify a user is authenticated and/or authorized to utilize a modular umbrella system 100. [0056]In embodiments, a core assembly or module 130 may comprise a cooling system and/or heat dissipation system 143. In embodiments, a cooling system 143 may be one or more channels in an interior of a core assembly or module 130 that direct air flow from outside a modular umbrella system across components, motors, circuits and/or assembles inside a core assembly 130. For example, one or more channels and/or fins may be coupled and/or attached to components, motors and/or circuits, and air may flow through channels to fins and/or components, motors and/or circuits. In embodiments, a cooling system 143 may lower operating temperatures of components, motors, circuits and/or assemblies of a modular umbrella system 100. In embodiments, a cooling system 143 may also comprise one or more plates and/or fins attached to circuits, components and/or assemblies and also attached to channels to lower internal operating temperatures. In embodiments, a cooling system 143 may also move hot air from electrical and/or mechanical assemblies to outside a core assembly. In embodiments, a cooling system 143 may be fins attached to or vents in a body of a core assembly 130. In embodiments, fins and/or vents of a cooling system 143 may dissipate heat from electrical and mechanical components and/or assemblies of the core module or assembly 130. [0057]In embodiments, a separate, detachable and/or connectable skin may be attached, coupled, adhered and/or connected to a core module assembly 130. In embodiments, a detachable and/or connectable skin may provide additional protection for a core assembly module against water, smoke, wind and/or other environmental conditions and/or factors. In embodiments, a skin may adhere to an outer surface of a core assembly 130. In embodiments, a skin may have a connector on an inside surface of the skin and core assembly 130 may have a mating receptacle on an outside surface. In embodiments, a skin may magnetically couple to a core assembly 130. In embodiments, a skin may be detachable and removable from a core assembly so that a skin may be changed for different environmental conditions and/or factors. In embodiments, a skin may connect to an entire core assembly. In embodiments, a skin may connect to portions of an upper core assembly 140 and/or a lower core assembly 142. In embodiments, a skin may not connect to a middle portion of a core assembly 130 (or a core assembly cover connector 141). In embodiments, a skin may be made of a flexible material to allow for bending of a modular umbrella system 100. In embodiments, a base assembly 110, a first extension assembly 120, a core module assembly 130, a second extension assembly 140 and/or an arm extension and sensor assembly 160 may also comprise one or more skin assemblies. In embodiments, a skin assembly may provide a cover for a majority of all of a surface area one or more of the base assembly, first extension assembly 120, core module assembly 130, second extension assembly 150 and/or arm extension sensor assembly 160. In embodiments, a core assembly module 130 may further comprise channels on an outside surface. In embodiments, a skin assembly may comprise two pieces. In embodiments, a skin assembly may comprise edges and/or ledges. In embodiments, edges and/or ledges of a skin assembly may be slid into channels of a core assembly module 130. In embodiments, a base assembly 110, a first extension assembly 120, a second extension assembly 140 and/or an arm expansion sensor assembly 160 may also comprise an outer skin assembly. In embodiments, skin assemblies for these assemblies may be uniform to present a common industrial design. In embodiments, skin assemblies may be different if such as a configuration is desired by a user. In embodiments, skin assemblies may be comprise of a plastic, a hard plastic, fiberglass, aluminum, other light metals (including aluminum), and/or composite materials including metals, plastic, wood. In embodiments, a core assembly module 130, a first extension assembly 120, a second extension assembly 150, an arm expansion sensor assembly 160, and/or a base assembly 110 may be comprised of aluminum, light metals, plastic, hard plastics, foam materials, and/or composite materials including metals, plastic, wood. In embodiments, a skin assembly may be provide protection from environmental conditions (such as sun, rain, and/or wind). [0058]In embodiments, a second extension assembly 150 connects and/or couples a core assembly module 130 to an expansion assembly sensor module (and/or arm extension assembly module) 160. In embodiments, an expansion sensor assembly module 160 may have universal connectors and/or receptacles on both ends to connect or couple to universal receptacles and/or connectors, on the core assembly 130 and/or expansion sensor assembly module 160. FIG. 1 illustrates that a second extension assembly or module 150 may have three lengths. In embodiments, a second extension assembly 150 may have one of a plurality of lengths depending on how much clearance a user and/or owner may like to have between a core assembly module 130 and spokes of an expansion sensor assembly or module 160. In embodiments, a second extension assembly or module 150 may comprise a hollow tube and/or channels for wires and/or other components that pass through the second extension assembly or module 150. In embodiments, a hollow tube 249 may be coupled, connected and/or fixed to a nut that is connected to, for example, a threaded rod (which is part of an expansion motor assembly). In embodiments, a hollow tube 249 may be moved up and down based on movement of the threaded rod. In embodiments, a hollow tube in a second extension assembly may be replaced by a shaft and/or rod assembly. [0059]In embodiments, an expansion and sensor module 160 may be connected and/or coupled to a second extension assembly or module 150. In embodiments, an expansion and sensor assembly or module 160 may be connected and/or coupled to a second extension assembly or module 150 via a universal connector. In embodiments, an expansion and sensor assembly or module 160 may comprise an arm or spoke expansion sensor assembly 162 and a sensor assembly housing 168. In embodiments, an expansion and sensor assembly or module 160 may be connected to a hollow tube 249 and thus coupled to a threaded rod. In embodiments, when a hollow tube moves up and down, an arm or spoke expansion assembly 162 opens and/or retracts, which causes spokes/blades 164 of an arm extension assembly 163. In embodiments, arms, spokes and/or blades 164 may detachably connected to the arm or spoke support assemblies 163. [0060]In embodiments, an expansion and sensor assembly module 160 may have a plurality of arms, spokes or blades 164 (which may be detachable or removable). Be
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