WO2010098735A1

WO2010098735A1 - Outdoor shading device

Info

Publication number: WO2010098735A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/001242
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wanda Ying Li
Original assignee: Wanda Ying Li
Priority date: 2009-02-27
Filing date: 2009-02-27
Publication date: 2010-09-02

Abstract

An outdoor shading device includes an awning, a supporting frame and an audio device. The supporting frame includes an awning frame supporting the awning and at least a supporting shaft to support the awning frame and the awning thereabove to define a shading area under the awning. The audio system includes a housing mounted on the supporting frame, an audio device and a control device. The audio device includes one or more speakers supported in the portable housing and an audio input operatively coupling with the speakers such that when the audio input sends audio signals to the speakers, the speakers are adapted for producing audio sound as an additional function for the outdoor shading device. The control device is operatively connected to the speakers to selectively operate and control the speakers.

Description

Title

Outdoor Shading Device

Background of the Present Invention

Field of Invention The present invention relates to an outdoor shading device, and more particularly to an umbrella accessory which is adapted to detachably mount to a conventional outdoor shading device so as to provide an add-on function for the conventional outdoor shading device without altering its original structure.

Description of Related Arts Outdoors umbrellas are set up in many places such as in beach areas, in patio areas, in campsites or in domestic gardens etc. They are usually used for shading sunlight in the daytime. A conventional outdoors umbrella usually comprises an umbrella base, a supporting stem upwardly extended therefrom, a foldable awning frame which comprises a plurality of awning supporting arms radically and outwardly extended from an upper end portion of the supporting stem, and a fabric- made awning securely and foldably mounted on the awning supporting arms.

Users would always like to listen to the music at their leisure such that the users usually carry a portable music player. However, such portable music player cannot be mounted to the outdoor shading device. In other words, most of the users prefer the outdoor shading device with built-in audio system. Actually, mounting an audio system on the outdoors umbrella is a challenging task. Not to mention the problems arise when one tries to design the mechanical connection between the audio system and the outdoors umbrella without interfering its smooth folding action, it is the problem as how to provide the audio system with enough and convenient power source which simply possesses the main difficulty in designing a practical audio system.

Since the outdoors umbrellas, as the name implies, are designed for use in outdoors, existence of an electrical power source cannot be guaranteed. Even through there are electrical sources exist, a tedious connection between the audio system and the electrical source is unavoidable in that long wires have to be used. For some cases, the audio systems may be compatible with portable dynamos, however, bring a bulky dynamo with the outdoor shading device is not really a wise decision. Once the electrical connection the audio system is broken, the user is unable to replace the audio system. In other words, once the audio system is malfunction, the mood of all the participants may be ruined.

As a matter of fact, the very purpose of using outdoors umbrella is to shade vigorous sunlight. Therefore, it would be more economical, more convenient and more environmentally friendly if one were able to detachably add an additional audio system to any conventional outdoor shading device for providing an add on function thereto without alternating the original structure of the outdoor shading device.^"

In addition, people usually use the conventional outdoor shading device for a wide variety of outdoor activities. For example, people may use the outdoor shading device during camping for providing some sort of shielding from sunlight. Very often, when people are using the outdoor shading device in outdoor environment, they need something more, apart from shading, to accomplish their intended activities. For instances, they require light during night time and they may need fans when the weather is too hot. As a result, they may bring their own light and fans to the intended activities and this may create great trouble to them.

Therefore, this is the main disadvantage to conventional outdoor shading device in that a typical outdoor activity usually requires a wide range of electrical appliances, such as lighting devices, audio devices, or ventilating devices for providing extra support to the activities being held. Thus, users of the conventional outdoor shading device usually need to bring their own electrical appliances and plan in advance as to how to securely locate those electrical appliances. For example, they have to plan in advance as to how to mount lighting devices onto the outdoor shading device.* They also have to consider how to get power to light up all the electrical appliances.

As a matter of fact, there exist some outdoor shading devices which comprise some sorts^ of built-in electrical appliances such as lighting devices. However due to power availability, mounting limitation and ease of control, there are currently very few, if not no, comprehensive outdoor shading device which is capable of providing electrical appliances other than lighting } devices. In worse situations, one may need to prepare a lot of batteries for powering up all of the electrical appliances.

Another problem, however, may exist. Since the outdoors umbrellas have to support many electrical appliances with proper electrical connection, it becomes more difficult for the usual folding or unfolding^' mechanisms to operate. In short, the electrical appliances may actually affect the operation of the outdoor shading devices so as to defeat the very purpose of having those outdoor shading devices.

Furthermore, even if one incorporates a wide variety of electrical appliances onto the outdoor shading device, and manages to acquire the necessary power, one may face control problem for these electrical appliances, in that different electrical appliances may require different control switches and electrical connections. As a result, the user of the present may feel that it is difficult and inconvenient to comprehensively control all the electrical appliances of the outdoor shading device. Actually, some outdoor shading devices with lighting and entertainment systems are developed. Almost all of these existing outdoor shading devices utilize conventional electrical power source to activate either the lighting or entertainment system. In other words, for each of those outdoor shading devices, an external power source is necessary to provide electrical power to the lighting or entertainment system.

Some outdoor shading devices have a solar energy arrangement which can convert the solar energy to electrical energy which can be used for either the lighting fixture or electronic devices. Even though the solar energy arrangement is convenient and environmentally friendly, it may not provide sufficient energy during the nighttime without sunlight or when there is not enough sunlight, and the lighting fixture or electronic devices may not under their best working condition without sufficient electrical energy. Also, the solar energy arrangement may somewhat decrease the aesthetic value of the outdoor shading device. When the lighting or entertainment system is integrated into an accessory device of the outdoor shading device, the problem presented above can most likely be solved. More specifically, for example, a battery unit can be installed in the accessory device to provide electrical power to the lighting or entertainment system. Also, an accessory device can usually be detached from the outdoor shading device and if there is a built-in rechargeable battery system, it can be recharged when the accessory device is detached from the outdoor shading device. Thus, the accessory device providing entertainment and illumination functions is highly preferable and how to securely fasten the accessory device onto the outdoor shading device is important.

Summary of the Present Invention

A main object of the present invention is to provide a portable audio system for an outdoor shading device, wherein the portable audio system is adapted to detachably mount to a conventional outdoor shading device so as to provide an add-on function for the conventional outdoor shading device without altering its original structure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable audio system for an outdoor shading device, wherein no electric wire is required to electrically connect the audio system with the outdoor shading device. In other words, the portable audio system provides an independent power supply such that the audio system does not require any power supply from the outdoor shading device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable audio system for an outdoor shading device, wherein the audio system is adapted to detachably mount to any type of outdoor shading device having an elongated shaft. Therefore, the user is able to mount the portable audio system from one outdoor shading device to another outdoor shading device easily.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable audio system for an outdoor shading device, wherein the portable audio system does not significantly alter the original structure of the outdoors umbrella, so as to minimize the manufacturing and marketing costs of the portable audio system incorporating with the outdoor shading device. Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable audio system for an outdoor shading device, wherein no complicated mechanical and electrical processes are involved in installing and mounting the portable audio system on the outdoor shading device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable audio system for an outdoor shading device, wherein the portable audio system further provides an added lighting function for providing illumination.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an outdoor shading device which comprises a built-in electro-control device, which is capable of providing one-stop comprehensive control to a wide variety of electrical appliances installed onto the outdoor shading device in an on- off manner, so as to minimize the hassle of separately controlling the electrical appliances by different controllers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an outdoor shading device which comprises a built-in electro-control device, which is capable of optimally coordinating a plurality of electrical appliances on the outdoor shading device so as to optimally and comprehensively controlling the operation thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an outdoor shading device comprising a built-in electro-control device, which is capable of fitting into a wide variety of outdoor shading device adopting different sources of electrical power.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an outdoor shading device which comprises a built-in electro-control device which does not affect the normal operation of the outdoor shading device so as to facilitate a widespread application of the present invention.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an outdoor shading device comprising an audio system which is capable of generating a wide range of audio signal from different signal sources, such as a MP3 player. Another object of the present invention is to provide an outdoor shading device comprising an audio system, wherein the audio system can be comprehensively controlled by a control device conveniently positioned on the outdoor shading device so as to maximize the ease of operation of the audio system on the outdoor shading device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an outdoor shading device comprising an audio system which can be powered by a wide range of electrical power source so as to maximize the situation in which the audio system could be utilized for optimal entertainment while the outdoor shading device is erected.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an outdoor shading device comprising an audio system, wherein the audio system is securely mounted onto the outdoor shading device without affecting the operation of the outdoor shading device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable accessory device with a pair of adjustable retainers for adjusting the size of a mounting slot, wherein each adjustable retainer has a retention arm adapted for biasing against an outer surface of a supporting shaft of an outdoor shading device until the supporting shaft thereof being fitted at the mounting slot so as to substantially mount the portable accessory device at the outdoor shading device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable accessory device with a built-in audio system and/or a light fixture to provide entertainment and/or illumination function when a user enjoys a shading area under the outdoor shading device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable accessory device with a pair of retention arms adapted for selectively adjusting the size of the mounting slot with respect to the supporting shaft of the outdoor shading device, such that the accessory device can be mounted at the outdoor shading device shafts with different sizes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable accessory device with the audio system and/or lighting fixture built in, wherein the portable accessory device comprises a rechargeable battery unit which provides electrical power to the audio system and/or lighting fixture, and can be recharged from an external electrical power source. Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable accessory device, wherein the accessory device comprises a first and a second housing body defining the mounting slot when the first and second housing bodies are coupled with each other, and the mounting slot has a size for a supporting shaft of the outdoor shading device fitting therewithin.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a rechargeable battery arrangement for a shading device, wherein the rechargeable battery arrangement is detachably mounted to the structure of the shading device to electrically connect with an electrical arrangement thereof so as to provide electrical energy to electrical arrangement, such as an audio/video system or an illumination system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a rechargeable battery arrangement for a shading device, wherein the electrical arrangement is coupled with the awning frame and an electrical terminal is extended from the electrical device to the supporting shaft in a pre-wiring manner. Therefore, the user is able to attach the rechargeable battery arrangement to the shading device to direct connect with the electrical arrangement of the shading device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a rechargeable battery arrangement for a shading device, wherein the rechargeable battery arrangement is detachably mounted on an operation housing of the shading device, wherein the battery unit can be conveniently detached and recharged by using an external electrical power source.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a rechargeable battery arrangement for a shading device, wherein the battery unit of the rechargeable battery arrangement can be disengaged from the supporting shaft by pressing a releasing button located on the operation housing. Therefore, the user is able to easily and quickly operate the attaching/detaching operation of the rechargeable battery arrangement. Another object of the present invention is to provide a rechargeable battery arrangement for a shading device, wherein the battery unit of the rechargeable battery arrangement can be disengaged from the supporting shaft by pressing a releasing button located on the battery unit.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a rechargeable battery arrangement for a shading device, wherein the battery unit of the rechargeable battery arrangement can be disengaged from the supporting shaft by sliding a releasing button towards one direction.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a rechargeable battery arrangement for a shading device, wherein the battery unit of the rechargeable battery arrangement can be mounted on the supporting shaft by a plurality of mounting screws. Another object of the present invention is to provide a rechargeable battery arrangement for a shading device, which does not require altering the original structural configuration of the shading device so as to reduce the manufacturing cost of the shading device incorporating with the rechargeable battery arrangement.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a rechargeable battery arrangement for a shading device, wherein no expensive or mechanical structure is required to employ in the present invention in order to achieve the above mentioned objects. Therefore, the present invention successfully provides an economic and efficient solution not only for providing a simple electrical configuration of the outdoor shading device but also for enhancing the practice use of the shading device. These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of a portable audio system for an outdoor shading device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a partially schematic view of the portable audio system according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the portable audio system according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the first and second housing bodies being pivotally coupled with each other via a pivot hinge.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the adjustable retainer according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 illustrates an alternative mode of the pivot hinge according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the first and second housing bodies being detached with each other via a pivot hinge.

Fig. 6 illustrates an alternative mode of the adjustable retainer according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 illustrates the portable audio system of the present invention being mounted to the supporting shaft of the outdoor shading device.

Fig. 8 illustrates the portable audio system of the present invention being mounted to the upper portion of the awning shaft of the outdoor shading device. Fig. 9 illustrates the portable audio system of the present invention being mounted to the lower portion of the supporting shaft of the outdoor shading device.

Fig. 10 is a top perspective view of an audio system for an outdoor shading device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a bottom view of the audio system according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a partially sectional view of the audio system according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the audio housing of the audio system according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the detachable locker and the adjustable retainer of the audio system according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 illustrates an alternative mode of the adjustable retainer according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 16 illustrates another alternative mode of the detachable locker and the adjustable retainer of the audio system according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17 is a bottom view of an audio system according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the first and second housing bodies being pivotally coupled with each other via a pivot hinge.

Fig. 18 is a sectional view of the adjustable retainer according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 19 illustrates an alternative mode of the pivot hinge according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the first and second housing bodies being detached with each other via a pivot hinge.

Fig. 20 illustrates an alternative mode of the adjustable retainer according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 21 is a bottom view of an audio system according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 22 illustrates the audio system of the present invention being mounted to the supporting shaft of the outdoor shading device. Fig. 23 illustrates the audio system of the present invention being mounted to the upper portion of the awning shaft of the outdoor shading device.

Fig. 24 illustrates the audio system of the present invention being mounted to the lower portion of the supporting shaft of the outdoor shading device.

Fig. 25 is a perspective view of an outdoor shading device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 26 is a schematic diagram of the outdoor shading device according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 27 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation arrangement according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the control device according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 29 is a slight alternative of the control device according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 30 is a sectional side view of the functional umbrella hub according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 31 is a schematic diagram of the electro-control device according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 32A to Fig. 32C are schematic diagrams of different combinations of electrical appliances according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 33 is an alternative form of the supporting frame of the outdoor shading device according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 34A and Fig. 34B are schematic diagrams of the outdoor shading device according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating that the control device can be mounted on different position.

Fig. 35 is a perspective view a portable accessory device for an outdoor shading device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 36 is a schematic view of the portable accessory device for the outdoor shading device according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 37 is a sectional view of the first housing body of the portable accessory device for the outdoor shading device according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 38 is a schematic view of the portable accessory device for an outdoor shading device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the V-shaped configuration of the adjustable retainer.

Fig. 39 is a schematic view of the portable accessory device for an outdoor shading device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the adjustable retainer being bent with the C-shaped configuration.

Fig. 40 is a sectional view of the portable accessory device for an outdoor shading device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 41 is a schematic view of the outdoor shading device incorporating with the portable accessory device. Fig. 42 is a schematic view of an alternative outdoor shading device incorporating with the portable accessory device.

Fig. 43 illustrates an alternative mode of the housing of the portable accessory device for the outdoor shading device according to the above embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 44 illustrates the portable accessory device mounting to the awning frame of the outdoor shading device via the housing according to the above embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 45 illustrates the portable accessory device mounting to the awning frame of the canopy via the housing according to the above embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 46 is a schematic diagram of a second alternative mode of the portable accessory device according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 47 is a schematic representation of an outdoor shading device incorporating with the rechargeable battery arrangement according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 48A is a schematic representation of the rechargeable battery arrangement of the outdoor shading device according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the releasing button is located at an operation housing.

Fig. 48B is sectional view of the rechargeable battery arrangement of the outdoor shading device according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 49 A and 49B illustrate a first alternative mode of the locking arrangement according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the releasing button is located at a rechargeable battery unit.

Figs. 5OA and 5OB illustrate a second alternative mode of the locking arrangement according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the releasing button is located at the rechargeable battery unit in a slidable manner.

Fig. 51 illustrates a third alternative mode of the locking arrangement according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the rechargeable battery unit is securely fastened by a plurality of mounting screws. Fig. 52 illustrates an alternative mode of the umbrella frame in which above mentioned locking arrangements can be installed.

Fig. 53 is a perspective view of an outdoor shading device with a rechargeable battery arrangement according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 54 is an exploded perspective view of the rechargeable battery arrangement for the outdoor shading device according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 55 is a perspective view illustrating an outdoor AV display arrangement for the outdoor shading device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 56 is a perspective view of the connection between the AV display and the supporting arm according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating the way to adjust the position of the AV display.

Fig. 57 is a block diagram illustrating electronic configuration of the AV display according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 58 is a perspective view illustrating the outdoor AV display arrangement for the outdoor shading device according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating the speaker being supported by the awning arms.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, an audio system for an outdoor shading device is illustrated, wherein the audio system is adapted to detachably mount to the supporting shaft 1 of the outdoor shading device. As shown in Fig. 7 the audio system of the present invention is embodied as a portable audio system detachably mounted to a supporting shaft IA of the outdoor shading device. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the portable audio system of the present invention can be detachably mounted to the upper and lower portions of the supporting shaft IB of the outdoor shading device.

According to the preferred embodiment, the portable audio system comprises a portable housing 10, a detachable locker 20 and an audio device 30. As shown in Fig. 3, the portable housing 10 comprises a first housing body 11 and a second housing body 12 defining a mounting slot 101 when the first and second housing bodies 1 1, 12 are coupled with each other, wherein the mounting slot 101 has a size for the supporting shaft 1 of the outdoor shading device fitting therewithin. The detachable locker 20 comprises a first locker 21 provided at the first housing body 11 and a second locker 22 which is provided at the second housing body 12 and is releasably locked with the first locker 21 so as to detachably lock up the second housing body 11 with the first housing body 12.

The audio device 30 comprises two or more speakers 31 supported in the first and second housing bodies 11, 12 of the portable housing 10 respectively and an audio input 32 operatively coupling with the speakers 31 such that when the audio input 32 sends an audio signal to the speakers 31, the speakers 31 are adapted for producing audio sound as an additional function for the outdoor shading device.

As shown in Fig. 3, the first and second housing bodies 11, 12 are two identical half circular bodies pivotally coupling with each other via a pivot hinge 13, wherein each of the first and second housing bodies 11, 12 has two biasing surfaces 111, 121 arranged when the biasing surfaces 1 11 of the first housing body 11 engage with the biasing surfaces 121 of the second housing body 12 respectively, the portable housing 10 is formed to have a donut shape and to define the mounting slot 101 at a center of the portable housing 10. The portable audio system further comprises a lighting device for providing illumination under the portable housing 10. The lighting device comprises a plurality of illuminators 51 spacedly supported in the outer circumferential portion of the first and second housing bodies 11, 12 and electrically coupling with the audio device 30'. Accordingly, each of the illuminators 51 is a LED having a head portion protruded from the bottom sides of the first and second housing bodies 1 1, 12 and a tail portion electrically connecting to the audio device 30.

The first locker 21 comprises a first locking latch 211 outwardly protruded from one of the biasing surfaces 1 1 1 of the first housing body 11. The second locker 22 comprises a second locking latch 221 movably supported in the second housing body 12 to align with a locking hole 210 on the respective biasing surface 121 of the second housing body 12, wherein when the first locking latch 211 is engaged with the second locking latch 221 through the locking hole 210, the second housing body 12 is locked up with the first housing body 11.

Accordingly, the second locker 22 further comprises a resilient element 222 supported in the second housing body 12 for applying an urging force against the second locking latch 221 so as to normally retain the second locking latch 221 being locked up with the first locking latch 21 1, and a lock actuator 223 coupling with the second locking latch 221 and actuating the second locking latch 221 to disengage with the first locking latch 211. The resilient element 222 is a compression spring having two ends coupling with an inner wall of the second housing body 12 and the second locking latch 221 to apply the urging force against the second locking latch 221. The lock actuator 223 is coupled with the second locking latch 221 such that when the lock actuator 223 is actuated, the second locking latch 221 is driven to move to disengage with the first locking latch 221 so as to unlock the second housing body 12 from the first housing body 11. Once the lock actuator 223 is released from its actuated position, the resilient element 222 drives the second locking latch 221 backs to its original position.

According to the embodiment, there are two speakers 31 spacedly mounted in the first and second housing bodies 11, 12 for generating the audio sound in stereo manner. Accordingly, the portable housing 10 has an audio outlet formed at a bottom side of each of the first and second housing bodies 11, 12, wherein the speakers 31 are aligned with the audio opening for outputting the audio sound through the audio outlet.

The audio input 32 comprises an auxiliary input 321 provided on the portable housing for communicatively connecting a portable music player to receive the audio signal therefrom, such that the audio signal is transmitted to the speakers 31 for music broadcasting. Preferably, the auxiliary input 321 is provided on the outer surface of the first housing body 11 for the user to connect the portable music player to the speakers 31.

The audio input 32 further a wireless receiver 323 supported in the portable housing 10 to electrically connect with the speakers 31 and a wireless transmitter 324 which is wirelessly linked with the wireless receiver 323 and is adapted for connecting with the portable music player to wirelessly sending the audio signal from the portable music player to the speakers 31 for music broadcasting. Accordingly, the wireless receiver 323 is a FM receiver and the wireless transmitter 324 is a FM transmitter such that the wireless receiver 323 and the wireless transmitter 324 form a wireless link to wirelessly send the audio signal from the portable music player to the speakers 31. Therefore, when the wireless transmitter 324 is tuned automatically or manually to match the radio, frequency of the wireless receiver 323, the audio device 30 is wirelessly connected with the portable music player. Accordingly, the portable housing 10 further comprises a device holder 14 provided at the first housing body 11 for detachably holding the portable music player in position, wherein the device holder 14 comprises a plurality of holder arms 141 spacedly extended from a top side of the first housing body 11 to define a holding compartment for securely receiving the portable music player therein.

The audio device 30 further comprises a control device 33 which is provided at the portable housing 10, comprising a control circuitry 331 operatively connecting to the speakers 31 to selectively operate and control the speaker and a display screen 332 electrically connected to the control circuitry 331 for displaying an operation status thereof. It is worth to mention that the control circuitry 331 is also operatively connected to the wireless receiver 323 to operate and control the wireless receiver 323. Accordingly, a remote controller can be incorporated to remote control the audio device 30. The control device 33 further comprises a radio broadcasting circuit 333 for receiving radio wave as the audio signal, such that the control device 33 transmits the audio signal to the speakers 31 for radio broadcasting. In other words, the user is able to listen to the music from his or her portable music player or to the radio through the portable audio system of the present invention. The audio device 30 further comprises a power supply 35 supported by the portable housing 10 to electrically connect with the speakers 31 and the control device 33. As shown in Fig. 2, the power supply 35 comprises a solar energy collector 351 for collecting solar energy and a rechargeable battery 352 supported in one of the first and second housing bodies 11, 12 for storing electrical energy converted from the solar energy, such that the audio device 30 does not require any electrical power from the outdoor shading device. Alternatively, the power supply 35 can be electrically connected to the power source of the outdoor shading device, especially the outdoor shading device incorporating with a solar energy.

As shown in Fig. 1, the solar energy collector 351 comprises a plurality of solar collecting panels provided on a top side of the portable housing 10 for solar energy collection. It is worth to mention that the user is able to charge the rechargeable battery 352 by facing the solar energy collector 351 towards the sunlight such that the portable housing 10 is adapted to be mounted at the supporting shaft 1 of the outdoor shading device as an add-on speaker without any electrical connection to the outdoor shading device.

As shown in Fig. 3, the speakers 31 are supported in the first and second housing bodies 11, 12 respectively, wherein an electric cable 311 are extended between the two corresponding biasing surfaces 111, 121 of the first and second housing bodies 11, 12 to electrically connect the speakers 31 with each other. Accordingly, the electric cable 311 not only electrically connects the speakers 31 with each other but also limits a pivot angle between the first and second housing bodies 11, 12. The portable audio system, according to the preferred embodiment, further comprises an adjustable retainer 40 for adjusting the size of the mounting slot 101 for the supporting shaft 1 of the outdoor shading device. The adjustable retainer 40 comprises a retention arm 41 having a pusher surface 410 facing towards the mounting slot 101 and a control portion 411 rotatably coupling with the second housing body 12 such that when the control portion 411 is driven to rotate, the pusher surface 410 is adjustably move to adjust the size of the mounting slot 101. As shown in Fig. 4, the control portion 411 of the retention arm 41 has an outer threaded portion engaging with an inner threaded portion of a sidewall of the second housing body 12. The adjustable retainer 40 further comprises a compression spring 42 coaxially mounted at the retention arm 41 for applying an urging force against the retention arm 41 to push the pusher surface 410 away from the mounting slot 101. In other words, when the control portion 411 of the retention arm 41 is rotated to move the pusher surface 410 towards the mounting slot 101 ', the compression spring 42 is being compressed. Fig. 5 illustrates an alternative mode of the pivot hinge 13'. As shown in Fig. 5, the first housing body 11' is pivotally coupled with the second housing body 12' via a pivot hinge 13'. The pivot hinge 13' comprises a pivot shaft 131 ' provided at the first housing body 11' and a detachable coupler 132' which is extended from the second housing body 1 1 ' and is detachably coupled with the pivot shaft 131' to pivotally connect the second housing body 12' with the first housing body 11 '. Therefore, once the detachable coupler 132' couples with the pivot shaft 131 ', the first and second housing bodies 11 ', 12 are pivotally moved with respect to the pivot shaft 131 '. In other words, the pivot hinge 13' not only pivotally connects the first and second housing bodies 1 1 ', 12' with each other but also detachably mounts the first and second housing bodies 1 1 ', 12' with each other.

The adjustable retainer 40' comprises a retention arm 41 ', having a pusher surface 410' facing towards the mounting slot 101 ', slidably mounted the first housing body 11' and an adjustable locker 42' controllably driving the retention arm 41 ' at a position that when the retention arm 41' is driven towards mounting slot 101', the pusher surface 410' is arranged for biasing against an outer surface of the supporting shaft 1 of the outdoor shading device until the supporting shaft 1 thereof being fitted at the mounting slot 101 ' so as to substantially mount the portable housing 10' at the outdoor shading device.

As shown in Fig. 6, The adjustable retainer 42' comprises a compression spring supported in the first housing body 11 ' for applying a pushing force against the retention arm 41' so as to normally push the pusher surface 410' towards the mounting slot 101 '.

In addition, since the first housing body 11 ' can be detached from the second housing body 12' via the pivot hinge 13', the electric cable 311 should be omitted. In order to electrically connect the speakers 31' at the first and second housing bodies I F, 12', an electric plug 311 ' is extended from the corresponding biasing surface 111 ' of the first housing body 1 1 ' and is electrically coupled with the speaker 31' thereat. An electric socket 312' is extended from the corresponding biasing surface 121 ' of the second housing body 12' and is electrically coupled with the speaker 31 ' thereat, wherein the electric plug 311 ' is electrically coupled to the electric socket 312' when the first and second housing bodies 11 ', 12' are coupled with each other via the pivot hinge 13'. Referring to Figs. 10 and 11 of the drawings, an audio system for an outdoor shading device is illustrated, wherein the audio system is adapted to detachably mount to the supporting shaft Al of the outdoor shading device. As shown in Fig. 22 the audio system of the present invention is detachably mounted to the supporting shaft AlA of the outdoor shading device. As shown in Figs. 23 and 24, the audio system of the present invention is detachably mounted to the upper and lower portions of the awning shaft AlB of the outdoor shading device.

According to the preferred embodiment, the audio system comprises an audio housing AlO, a detachable locker A20 and an audio device A30. The audio housing AlO comprises a first housing body Al l and a second housing body A12 defining a mounting slot AlOl when the first and second housing bodies Al 1, A12 are coupled with each other, wherein the mounting slot AlOl has a size for the supporting shaft Al of the outdoor shading device fitting therewithin. The detachable locker A20 comprises a first locker A21 provided at the first housing body

Al l and a second locker A22 which is provided at the second housing body A12 and is releasably locked with the first locker A21 so as to detachably lock up the second housing body Al l with the first housing body A 12.

The audio device A30 comprises one of more speakers A31 supported in the audio housing AlO and an audio input A32 operatively coupling with the speaker A31 such that when the audio input A32 sends an audio signal to the speaker A31, the speaker A31 is adapted for producing audio sound as an additional function for the outdoor shading device.

According to the embodiment, the first housing body Al l, having a U-shaped structure, has two inner guiding walls Al I l defining a guiding channel Al 12 therebetween. The second housing body A 12, having a corresponding elongated shape, has two outer guiding walls Al 21 engaging with the inner guiding walls Al I l of the first housing body Al l. When the first and second housing bodies Al l, Al 2 are mounted with each other, the audio housing Al 1 is formed to have a donut shape and to define the mounting slot AlOl at a center of the audio housing AlO.

The guiding channel Al 12 has a closed end defining the mounting slot AlOl thereat and an opened end arranged when the second housing body A12 is slidably mounted to the first housing body Al l along the guiding channel AlOl through the opened end thereof, the mounting slot AlOl is formed at the closed end of the guiding channel Al 12. In other words, the mounting slot AlOl is formed by the closed end of the guiding channel Al 12 and the inner side of the second housing body A12. The audio housing AlO further comprises two first sliders Al 31 indent along the inner guiding walls Al 11 of the first housing body Al 1 respectively and two corresponding second sliders A 132 protruded along the outer guiding walls A121 of the second housing body Al 2 respectively such that when the second sliders A 132 are slidably engaged with the first sliders Al 31 respectively, the second housing A12 is slidably mounted to the first housing Al 1. According to the embodiment, there are two speakers A31 spacedly mounted in the first housing body Al l for generating the audio sound in stereo manner. The audio input A32 comprises an auxiliary input A321 provided on the audio housing for communicatively connecting a portable music player to receive the audio signal therefrom, such that the audio signal is transmitted to the speakers A31 for music broadcasting. Preferably, the auxiliary input A321 is provided on the outer surface of the first housing body Al l for the user to connect the portable music player to the speakers A31. The audio input A32 further a wireless receiver A323 supported in the audio housing AlO to electrically connect with the speakers A31 and a wireless transmitter A324 which is wirelessly linked with the wireless receiver A323 and is adapted for connecting with the portable music player to wirelessly sending the audio signal from the portable music player to the speakers A31 for music broadcasting. Accordingly, the wireless receiver A323 is a FM receiver and the wireless transmitter A324 is a FM transmitter such that the wireless receiver A323 and the wireless transmitter A324 form a wireless link to wirelessly send the audio signal from the portable music player to the speakers A31. Therefore, when the wireless transmitter A324 is tuned automatically or manually to match the radio frequency of the wireless receiver A323, the audio device A30 is wirelessly connected with the portable music player. Accordingly, the audio housing AlO further comprises a device holder A 14 provided at the first housing body Al l for detachably holding the portable music player in position, wherein the device holder Al 4 comprises a plurality of holder arms A141 spacedly extended from a top side of the first housing body Al l to define a holding compartment for securely receiving the portable music player therein. The audio device A30 further comprises a control device A33 which is provided at the audio housing AlO, comprising a control circuitry A331 operatively connecting to the speakers A31 to selectively operate and control the speaker and a display screen A332 electrically connected to the control circuitry A331 for displaying an operation status thereof. It is worth to mention that the control circuitry A331 is also operatively connected to the wireless receiver A323 to operate and control the wireless receiver A323. Accordingly, a remote controller can be incorporated to remote control the audio device A30.

The control device A33 further comprises a radio broadcasting circuit A333 for receiving radio wave as the audio signal, such that the control device A33 transmits the audio signal to the speakers A31 for radio broadcasting. In other words, the user is able to listen to the music from his or her portable music player or to the radio through the audio system of the present invention.

The audio device A30 further comprises a power supply A35 supported in the audio housing AlO to electrically connect with the speakers A31 and the control device A33. Accordingly, the power supply A35 can be a rechargeable battery or a replaceable battery such that the audio device A30 does not require any electrical power from the outdoor shading device. Alternatively, the power supply A35 can be electrically connected to the power source of the outdoor shading device, especially the outdoor shading device incorporating with a solar energy.

The audio system further comprises a lighting device A50 for providing illumination under the audio housing AlO. The lighting device A50 comprises a plurality of illuminators A51 spacedly supported in the outer circumferential portion of the first housing body Al l and electrically coupling with the control device A33. Accordingly, each of the illuminators A51 is a LED having a head portion protruded from the bottom side of the first housing body Al l and a tail portion electrically connecting to the control device A33. As shown in Figs. 13 to 14, the first locker A21 comprises two toothed-locking tracks

A211 provided at the inner guiding walls Al I l of the first housing body Al l respectively.

Accordingly, each of the toothed-locking tracks A211 is formed at the respective inner guiding wall

Al I l of the first housing body Al l at a position close to the opened end of the guiding channel A112.

The second locker A22 comprises two locking arms A221 outwardly extended from the outer guiding walls A121 of the second housing Al 2 and a lock actuator A222 actuating the locking arms A221 not only to engage with the toothed-locking tracks 211 respectively for locking up the second housing body A12 with the first housing body Al 1 but also to disengage with the toothed- locking tracks A211 respectively for releasing the second housing body 12 with the first housing body Al l so as to allow the second housing body A12 being detached from the first housing body Al l.

As shown in Fig. 14, each of the locking arms A221 has an inner pivot end A2211 pivotally mounted in the second housing body A12 and an outer locking end A2212 outwardly protruded from the respective outer guiding wall A121 of the second housing body A12 through a locking hole A2210 to selectively engage with the respective toothed-locking track A211. Therefore, when the inner pivot end A2211 of each of the locking arm A221 is moved pivotally, the outer locking end A2212 of the locking arm A221 is driven to pivotally move to engage or disengage with the tooth-locking track A211. The lock actuator A222 comprises two actuating legs A2221 movably mounted in the second housing body A 12 to engage with the locking arms A221 respectively and a control pusher A2222 which is extended from the actuating legs A2221 to an exterior of the second housing body A12 and is arranged in such a manner that when the control pusher A2222 is depressed, the actuating legs A2221 are pushed to pivotally move the locking arms A221 at a position that the locking ends A2212 of the locking arms A221 are moved into an interior of the second housing body A12 through the locking holes A2210 so as to disengage the locking ends A2212 of the locking arms A221 with the toothed-locking tracks A211 respectively.

Accordingly, a bottom portion of the lock actuator A222 has a U-shaped structure defining the two actuating legs A2221 extending downwardly to couple with the locking arms A221. The upper portion of the locking actuator A222 has an elongated structure defining the control pusher A2222 extending upwardly to protrude out of the second housing body Al 2 through a through pushing hole A2220, wherein when the control pusher 2222 is depressed, the two actuating legs A2221 are driven downwardly to pivotally move the two locking arms A221 respectively.

In order to pivotally move the locking arms A221 to engage/disengage with the toothed- locking tracks A211 respectively, each of the actuating legs A2221 has a straight biasing portion A2221A and a curved releasing portion A2221B that the locking arms A221 are normally engaged with the curved releasing portions A2221B of the actuating legs A2221 to retain the locking ends A2212 of the locking arms A221 engaging with the toothed-locking tracks A21 1 respectively. When the control pusher A2222 is depressed to move the actuating legs A2221, the locking arms A221 are engaged with the straight biasing portions A2221A of the actuating legs A2221 to pivotally move the locking ends A2212 of the locking arms A221 into the interior of the second housing body A12 through the locking holes A2210 so as to disengage the locking ends A2212 of the locking arms A221 with the toothed-locking tracks A211 respectively.

Accordingly, the straight biasing portion A2221A of the actuating leg A2221 is integrally extended from the curved releasing portion A2221B thereof such that when the actuating legs A2221 are driven to moved downwardly by the depression of the control pusher A2222, the locking arms A221 are moved from the curved releasing portion A2221B of the actuating legs A2221 to the straight biasing portion A2221A thereof so as to pivotally move the locking ends A2212 of the locking arms A221 to disengage with the toothed-locking tracks A211 respectively.

As shown in Fig. 14, the second locker A22 further comprises two first resilient elements A223 mounted at two free ends of the actuating legs A2221 for applying an urging force against the control pusher A222 to retain the control pusher A222 in a normal position and two second resilient elements A224 provided at the two locking arms A221 for applying a pushing force against the locking arms A221 with respect to sidewalls of the locking holes A2210 so as to retain the locking ends A2212 of the locking arms A221 to engage with the toothed-locking tracks 211 respectively.

The first resilient elements A223 are two compression springs mounted at the free ends of the actuating legs A2221 and held at the bottom wall of the second housing body A 12, wherein the first resilient elements A223 normally apply the urging force against the lock actuator A222 to retain the locking arms A221 being normally engaged with the curved releasing portions A2221B of the actuating legs A2221. In other words, after the control pusher A222 is depressed, the first resilient elements A223 apply an upward pushing force to the lock actuator A222 so as to push the locking arms A221 back to engage with the curved releasing portions A2221B of the actuating legs A2221 from the straight biasing portion A2221A thereof.

The second resilient elements A224 are two spring pieces mounted at the two locking arms A221 close to the locking ends A2212 thereof respectively, wherein the second resilient elements A224 normally apply the urging force against the locking arms A221 to push the locking ends thereof to engage with the toothed-locking tracks A211 respectively. Therefore, after the locking arms A221 is returned back to engage with the curved releasing portions A2221B of the actuating legs A2221, the second resilient elements A224 will push the locking arms A221 to pivotally moved back to engage with the toothed-locking tracks A21 1 respectively.

As shown in Fig. 14, the audio system further comprises an adjustable retainer A40 for adjusting the size of the mounting slot AlOl for the supporting shaft Al of the outdoor shading device, wherein the adjustable retainer A40 comprises a retention arm A41, having a pusher surface A410 facing towards the mounting slot AlOl, slidably mounted the second housing body A 12 and an adjustable locker A42 controllably driving the retention arm A41 at a position that when the retention arm A41 is driven towards mounting slot AlOl, the pusher surface A410 is arranged for biasing against an outer surface of the supporting shaft Al of the outdoor shading device until the supporting shaft Al thereof being fitted at the mounting slot AlOl so as to substantially mount the audio housing AlO at the outdoor shading device.

According to the preferred embodiment, the retention arm A41 comprises a pusher head A411 defining the pusher surface A410 thereat and a driving arm A412, having a toothed track A4121, extended from the pusher head A411. The pusher head A411 is extended out of the second housing body A12 at the inner side thereof such that when the pusher head A411 is moved in the second housing body A12, the size of the mounting slot AlOl is adjustably enlarged. In other words, when the pusher head A411 is moved out of the second housing body A 12, the size of the mounting slot AlOl is substantially reduced.

It is worth to mention that when the supporting shaft Al of the outdoor shading device has a circular cross section, the pusher surface A410 is formed as a curved surface corresponding to the curvature of the outer surface of the supporting shaft Al of the outdoor shading device such that when the pusher surface A410 is engaged with the outer surface of the supporting shaft Al of the outdoor shading device, the audio housing AlO can be securely mounted around the supporting shaft Al of the outdoor shading device. In other words, when the supporting shaft Al of the outdoor shading device has a flat outer surface, the pusher surface A410 is formed to have a flat surface to substantially bias against the flat outer surface of the supporting shaft Al of the outdoor shading device.

The adjustable locker A42 has a control portion A421 extended out of the second housing body A12 through a through hole A420 and a gear portion A422 which is extended from the control portion A421 and is engaged with the toothed track A4121 of the driving arm A412 such that when the control portion A421 of the adjustable locker A42 is rotated, the driving arm A412 is slidably moved to selectively drive the pusher head A411 towards the mounting slot AlOl for selectively adjusting the size of the mounting slot AlOl with respect to the supporting shaft Al of the outdoor shading device.

As shown in Fig. 14, the adjustable locker A42 has an elongated circular shape defining an upper portion as the control portion A421 and a mid-portion as the gear portion A422 such that when the control portion A421 of the adjustable locker A42 is rotated, the gear portion A422 is driven to rotate so as to drive the driving arm A412 to move. For example, when the control portion A421 of the adjustable locker A42 is rotated at a clockwise direction, the driving arm A412 is driven to move to push the pusher head A41 1 towards the mounting slot AlOl so as to reduce the size thereof. When the control portion A421 of the adjustable locker A42 is rotated at a counter clockwise direction, the driving arm A412 is driven to move to pull the pusher head A411 away from the mounting slot AlOl so as to maximize the size thereof. Therefore, the user is able to adjustably control the size of the mounting slot AlOl by turning the control portion A421 of the adjustable locker A42 to mount or detach the audio housing AlO at the supporting shaft Al of the outdoor shading device.

Fig. 15 illustrates an alternative mode of the adjustable retainer A42A according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 14, the adjustable locker A42 is transversely positioned with respect to the retention arm A41, wherein the control portion A421 of the adjustable locker A42 is extended through a top panel of the second housing body A12. The alternative mode of the adjustable retainer A42A has the same structure of the adjustable retainer A42 except a transmission gear A423A. As shown in Fig. 15, the adjustable locker A42A is parallely positioned with respect to the retention arm A41A wherein the control portion A421A of the adjustable locker A42A is extended through a through hole A420A on a side panel of the second housing body A12A. The transmission gear A423A has a first gear portion A4231A engaging with the toothed track A4121A of the retention arm A41A and a second gear portion A4232A engaging with the gear portion A422A of the adjustable locker A42A such that when the control portion A421A of the adjustable locker A42A is rotated, the driving arm A412A is driven to move via the transmission gear A43A to move the position of the pusher surface A410A of the pusher head A41 IA.

Fig. 16 illustrates another alternative of the detachable locker A20B and the adjustable retainer 4OB of the audio system. The detachable locker A20B comprises a first locker A21B provided at the first housing body AI lB and a second locker A22B which is provided at the second housing body A12B and is releasably locked with the first locker A21B so as to detachably lock up the second housing body AI lB with the first housing body A12B.

The first locker A21B contains two locking slots A21 IB formed at the inner guiding walls H lB of the first housing body AlOB respectively at a position close to the opened end of the guiding channel Al 12B.

The second locker A22B comprises two ball-shaped locking elements A221B movably provided at the outer guiding walls A121B of the second housing body A12B respectively and a lock actuator A222B actuating the locking elements A221B not only to engage with the locking slots A21 IB respectively for locking up the second housing body A12B with the first housing body AI lB but also to disengage with the locking slots A211B respectively for releasing the second housing body A12B with the first housing body Al IB so as to allow the second housing body A12B being detached from the first housing body AI lB.

The lock actuator A222B has two sidewalls A2221B and two indentions A2222B formed thereon, wherein when the locking elements A221B are biased against the sidewalls A2221B of the lock actuator A222B, locking portions of the locking elements A221B are protruded from the outer guiding walls A121B of the second housing body A12B through two locking holes A2210B to engage with the locking slots A211B respectively so as to lock up the second housing body A12B with the first housing body AI lB.

When the lock actuator A222B is pressed until the locking elements A221B are retained at the indentions A2222B of the locking actuator A222B respectively, the locking portions of the locking elements A221B are moved into an interior of the second housing body A12B through the locking holes A2210B so as to disengage the locking elements A221B with the locking slots A21 IB respectively. In other words, the two locking elements A221B are normally biased against the two sidewalls A2221B of the lock actuator such that the locking portions of the locking elements A221B are protruded from the outer guiding walls A 12 IB of the second housing body A12B through two locking holes A2210B to engage with the locking slots A21 IB respectively. When the lock actuator A222B is slid to align the two indentions A2222B with the two locking holes A2210B respectively, the locking elements A221B are disposed at the indentions A2222B respectively. Therefore, the locking portions of the locking elements A221B are moved into an interior of the second housing body A12B to disengage with the locking slots A211B respectively. As shown in Fig. 16, the lock actuator A222B further has a control portion A2223B extended through the second housing body A12B for the user to press on the control portion A2223B to unlock the second housing body A12B from the first housing body Al IB.

In order to retain the locking elements A221B at the locking position, the second locker A22B further comprises a first resilient element A23B mounted in the second housing body A12B for applying an urging force against the lock actuator A222B so as to normally retain the locking elements A221B being biased against the sidewalls A2221B of the lock actuator A222B. Accordingly, the first resilient element A23B is a compression spring having two ends biasing against an inner wall of the second housing body A12B and the lock actuator A222B respectively. Therefore, after the control portion A2223B of the lock actuator A222B is pressed to dispose the locking elements A221B at the indentions A2222B respectively, the first resilient element A23B applies the urging force to push the lock actuator A222B back to its original position that the locking elements A221B are biased against the sidewalls A2221B of the lock actuator A222B.

As shown in Fig. 16, the audio system further comprises an adjustable retainer A40B for adjusting the size of the mounting slot AlOlB for the supporting shaft Al of the outdoor shading device, wherein the adjustable retainer comprises a retention arm A41B, having a pusher surface A410B facing towards the mounting slot AlOlB, slidably mounted the second housing body AlOB and an adjustable locker A42B controllably driving the retention arm A41B at a position that when the retention arm A41B is driven towards mounting slot AlOlB, the pusher surface A410B is arranged for biasing against an outer surface of the supporting shaft Al of the outdoor shading device until the supporting shaft Al thereof being fitted at the mounting slot so as to substantially mount the audio housing AlOB at the outdoor shading device. Accordingly, the adjustable locker A42B comprises a compression spring supported in the second housing body AlOB for applying a pushing force against the retention arm A41B so as to normally push the pusher surface A410B towards the mounting slot AlOlB. It is worth to mention that the size of the mounting slot AlOlB is automatically fitted for the size of the supporting shaft Al of the outdoor shading device by the self-adjustment of the retention arm A41B via the adjustable locker A42B.

As shown in Fig. 17, an audio system of another embodiment illustrates an alternative mode of the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the audio system comprises an audio housing AlO', a detachable locker A20' and an audio device A30'. Accordingly, the audio device A30' of the second embodiment has the same configuration of the audio device A30 of the first embodiment.

The audio housing AlO' comprises a first housing body Al 1 ' and a second housing body Al 2' defining a mounting slot AlOl ' when the first and second housing bodies Al l', A 12' are coupled with each other, wherein the mounting slot AlOl' has a size for the supporting shaft Al of the outdoor shading device fitting therewithin.

The detachable locker A20' comprises a first locker A21 ' provided at the first housing body Al l ' and a second locker A22' which is provided at the second housing body A12' and is releasably locked with the first locker A21' so as to detachably lock up the second housing body Al l ' with the first housing body A 12'. As shown in Fig. 17, the first and second housing bodies Al 1 ', A 12' are two identical half circular bodies pivotally coupling with each other via a pivot hinge A13', wherein each of the first and second housing bodies Al l ', A12' has two biasing surfaces Al H ', A121' arranged when the biasing surfaces Al 11 ' of the first housing body Al 1 ' engage with the biasing surfaces A121' of the second housing body A 12' respectively, the audio housing AlO' is formed to have a donut shape and to define the mounting slot A 101 ' at a center of the audio housing AlO'.

The audio system further comprises a lighting device A50' for providing illumination under the audio housing AlO'. The lighting device A50' comprises a plurality of illuminators A51 ' spacedly supported in the outer circumferential portion of the first and second housing bodies Al l ', A 12' and electrically coupling with the audio device A30'. Accordingly, each of the illuminators A51 ' is a LED having a head portion protruded from the bottom sides of the first and second housing bodies Al l ', A12' and a tail portion electrically connecting to the audio device A30'.

The first locker A21 ' comprises a first locking latch A211 ' outwardly protruded from one of the biasing surfaces Al 1 F of the first housing body Al l '. The second locker A22' comprises a second locking latch A221' movably supported in the second housing body A12' to align with a locking hole A210' on the respective biasing surface A121 ' of the second housing body A12', wherein when the first locking latch A211 ' is engaged with the second locking latch A221 ' through the locking hole A210', the second housing body A12' is locked up with the first housing body Al l '.

Accordingly, the second locker A22' further comprises a resilient element A222' supported in the second housing body A12' for applying an urging force against the second locking latch A221' so as to normally retain the second locking latch A221' being locked up with the first locking latch A211 ', and a lock actuator A223' coupling with the second locking latch A221 ' and actuating the second locking latch A221 ' to disengage with the first locking latch A211 '. The resilient element A222' is a compression spring having two ends coupling with an inner wall of the second housing body A 12' and the second locking latch A221' to apply the urging force against the second locking latch A221'. The lock actuator A223' is coupled with the second locking latch A221 ' such that when the lock actuator A223' is actuated, the second locking latch A221 ' is driven to move to disengage with the first locking latch A221 ' so as to unlock the second housing body A 12' from the first housing body Al l'. Once the lock actuator A223' is released from its actuated position, the resilient element A222' will drive the second locking latch A221 ' backs to its original position.

The audio system, according to the embodiment, further comprises an adjustable retainer A40' for adjusting the size of the mounting slot AlOl' for the supporting shaft Al of the outdoor shading device. The adjustable retainer A40' comprises a retention arm A41 ' having a pusher surface A410' facing towards the mounting slot AlOl ' and a control portion A411 ' rotatably coupling with the second housing body A 12' such that when the control portion A411' is driven to rotate, the pusher surface A410' is adjustably move to adjust the size of the mounting slot AlOl'. As shown in Fig. 18, the control portion A411' of the retention arm A41 ' has an outer threaded portion engaging with an inner threaded portion of a sidewall of the second housing body A 12'. The adjustable retainer A40' further comprises a compression spring A42' coaxially mounted at the retention arm A41' for applying an urging force against the retention arm A4F to push the pusher surface A410' away from the mounting slot AlOl'. In other words, when the control portion A411' of the retention arm A41 ' is rotated to move the pusher surface A410' towards the mounting slot Aid', the compression spring A42' is being compressed.

As shown in Fig. 17, the speakers A31' are supported in the first and second housing bodies Al l ', A12' respectively, wherein an electric cable A311 ' are extended between the two corresponding biasing surfaces A1 H', A121 ' of the first and second housing bodies Al 1 ', Al 2' to electrically connect the speaker A31 ' with each other. Accordingly, the electric cable A311 ' not only electrically connects the speakers A31 ' with each other but also limits a pivot angle between the first and second housing bodies Al l', A12'. Fig. 19 illustrates an alternative mode of the pivot hinge Al 3D. As shown in Fig. 19, the first housing body Al l' is pivotally coupled with the second housing body A 12' via a pivot hinge A13D. The pivot hinge A13D comprises a pivot shaft A131D provided at the first housing body Al F and a detachable coupler A132D which is extended from the second housing body Al F and is detachably coupled with the pivot shaft Al 3 ID to pivotally connect the second housing body A 12' with the first housing body Al l'. Therefore, once the detachable coupler A132D couples with the pivot shaft A13 ID, the first and second housing bodies Al 1 ', A12 are pivotally moved with respect to the pivot shaft Al 3 ID. In other words, the pivot hinge Al 3D not only pivotally connects the first and second housing bodies Al l ', A12 with each other but also detachably mounts the first and second housing bodies Al 1 ', A 12 with each other.

The adjustable retainer A40D comprises a retention arm A41D, having a pusher surface A410D facing towards the mounting slot AlOF, slidably mounted the first housing body Al F and an adjustable locker A42D controllably driving the retention arm A41D at a position that when the retention arm A41D is driven towards mounting slot AlOF, the pusher surface A410D is arranged for biasing against an outer surface of the supporting shaft Al of the outdoor shading device until the supporting shaft Al thereof being fitted at the mounting slot AlOF so as to substantially mount the audio housing AlO' at the outdoor shading device. As shown in Fig. 20, The adjustable locker A42D comprises a compression spring supported in the first housing body Al l' for applying a pushing force against the retention arm A41D so as to normally push the pusher surface A410D towards the mounting slot AlOF.

In addition, since the first housing body Al l' can be detached from the second housing body A12' via the pivot hinge A13D, the electric cable A3 I F should be omitted. In order to electrically connect the speakers A31 ' at the first and second housing bodies Al 1 ', A12', an electric plug A3 HD is extended from the corresponding biasing surface AI l F of the first housing body Al F and is electrically coupled with the speaker A3 F thereat. An electric socket A312D is extended from the corresponding biasing surface A 12 F of the second housing body A 12' and is electrically coupled with the speaker A31 ' thereat, wherein the electric plug A311 D is electrically coupled to the electric socket A312D when the first and second housing bodies Al F, A12' are coupled with each other via the pivot hinge Al 3D.

As shown in Fig. 21, an audio system of another embodiment illustrates an alternative mode of the second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the audio system comprises an audio housing AlO", a detachable locker A20" and an audio device A30". Accordingly, the audio device A30" of the third embodiment has the same configuration of the audio devices A30, A30' of the first and second embodiments and the alternatives thereof.

The audio housing AlO" comprises a first housing body Al l" and a second housing body A 12" defining a mounting slot AlOl" when the first and second housing bodies Al l", A 12" are coupled with each other, wherein the mounting slot AlOl" has a size for the supporting shaft Al of the outdoor shading device fitting therewithin.

The detachable locker A20" comprises a first locker A21" provided at the first housing body Al l" and a second locker A22" which is provided at the second housing body A 12" and is releasably locked with the first locker A21" so as to detachably lock up the second housing body Al l" with the first housing body A 12".

As shown in Fig. 21, the first and second housing bodies Al l", A 12" are two identical half circular bodies pivotally coupling with each other via a pivot hinge A 13", wherein each of the first and second housing bodies Al l", A 12" has two biasing surfaces Al 11", Al 21" arranged when the biasing surfaces Al H" of the first housing body Al l" engage with the biasing surfaces A121" of the second housing body A 12" respectively, the audio housing AlO" is formed to have a donut shape and to define the mounting slot AlOl" at a center of the audio housing AlO".

The audio system further comprises a lighting device A50" for providing illumination under the audio housing AlO". The lighting device A50" comprises a plurality of illuminators A51 " spacedly supported in the outer circumferential portion of the first and second housing bodies Al l", A 12" and electrically coupling with the audio device A30". Accordingly, each of the illuminators A51" is a LED having a head portion protruded from the bottom sides of the first and second housing bodies Al 1", A12" and a tail portion electrically connecting to the audio device A30". The first locker A21" contains a first locking channel A211" formed at the first housing body Al l", wherein the first locking channel A211" has an opening formed at one of the biasing surfaces Al 11 ' of the first housing body Al l".

The second locker A22" contains a second locking channel A221" formed at the second housing body A 12", wherein the second locking channel A221" has an opening formed at the corresponding biasing surface A 121 ' of the second housing body A 12" to align with the opening of the first locking channel A211" when the biasing surfaces Al I l", A121" of the first and second housing bodies Al l", A 12" are engaged with each other. In other words, when the first and second housing bodies Al l", A 12" are coupled with each other, the first locking channel A21 1" is coaxially aligned with the second locking channel A212". The second locker A22" further comprises an elongated locking shaft A222" rotatably extended from the second locking channel A212" to the first locking channel A211" to lock up the second housing body A 12" with the first hosing body Al l". Accordingly, each of the first and second locking channels A211", A221" has an inner threaded portion wherein the locking shaft A222" has a corresponding outer threaded portion arranged in such a manner that when the locking shaft A222" is rotatably extended from the second locking channel A212" to the first locking channel A21 1", the second housing body A 12" is locked up with the first hosing body Al l".

It is worth to mention that the detachable locker A20" of the third embodiment can be incorporated with the audio housing AlO of the first embodiment that the first locking channel A211" of the first locker A21" contains two portions formed at the first housing body Al 1 while the second locking channel A212" of the second locker A22" can be formed at the second housing body A12 to coaxially align between the two portions of the first locking channel A211" such that the locking shaft A222" is rotatably extended to portions of the first locking channel A211" through the second locking channel A221" to lock the second housing body A12 to the first housing body Al 1.

The audio system further comprises an adjustable retainer A40" for adjusting the size of the mounting slot AlOl" for the supporting shaft Al of the outdoor shading device, wherein the adjustable retainer A40" comprises a first foaming element A41" provided at the first housing body Al l" at the mounting slot AlOl" and a second foaming element A42" provided at the second housing body A 12" at the mounting slot AlOl" and arranged when the first and second housing bodies Al l", A 12" are engaged with each other, the first and second foaming elements A41", A42" are adapted for biasing against the outer side of the supporting shaft Al of the outdoor shading device to securely retain the audio housing AlO" around the supporting shaft Al of the outdoor shading device. It is worth to mention that when the supporting shaft Al of the outdoor shading device is sandwiched between the first and second foaming elements A41", A42", the first and second foaming elements A41 ", A42" are self-deformed to fit the size of the supporting shaft A 1 of the outdoor shading device, so as to hold the audio housing AlO" at the supporting shaft Al of the outdoor shading device by means of frictional force. Preferably, the first and second foaming elements A41", A42" are two arc shaped elements to encircle with the supporting shaft Al of the outdoor shading device.

It is worth to mention that the audio housing AlO, AlO', AlO", the detachable locker A20, A20', A20", the audio device A30", and the adjustable retainer A40, A40', A40" of the first to third embodiments and their alternatives are interchangeable that the first and second foaming elements A41", A42" of the adjustable retainer A40" can be used in the first embodiment of the present invention while the detachable locker A20' can be used in the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 25 to Fig. 28, and Fig. 30 and Fig. 31 of the drawings, an outdoor shading device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, in which the outdoor shading device comprises a supporting frame BlO, an awning frame B20, a ventilation arrangement B30, and a connector head B60.

The awning frame B20 comprises a functional umbrella hub B21 suspendedly supported by the supporting frame BlO, a plurality of awning arms B22 radially and outwardly extended from the functional umbrella hub B21 , and an awning B23 supported by the awning arms B22 to define a shading area under the awning B23.

The functional umbrella hub B21 further comprises a functional appliance for electrically connecting with the connector head B60, wherein the functional appliance comprises is embodied as a wide range of electrical appliances adapted for being installed onto the outdoor shading device, such as the ventilation arrangement B30. The ventilation arrangement B30 comprises a ventilation power unit B31 supporting at the functional hub B21, a driving rotor B32 rotatably and coaxially mounted at an outer wall of the functional umbrella hub B21 to electrically couple with the ventilation power unit B31, and a plurality of fan blades B33.

The plurality of fan blades B33 is spacedly mounted to the driving rotor B32 such that when the driving rotor B32 is driven to rotate, the fan blades B33 are swinging for creating airflow under the awning arms B 12 within the shading area, so as to provide a ventilating effect as an additional function for the outdoor shading device.

According to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention, the umbrella frame BlO comprises a hollow supporting shaft BI l adapted for securely standing on a ground surface for suspendedly supporting the awning frame B20 and the ventilation arrangement B30. On the other hand, the awning frame B20 further comprises an upper housing B24 suspendedly supported by the hollow supporting shaft Bl 1, in which the awning frame B20 is radially extended from the upper housing B24 for moving between a folded position and an unfolded position. When the awning frame B20 is in the folded position, the awning frame is pivotally folded towards each other to form a compact structure of the outdoor shading device, and when the awning frame B20 is in the unfolded position, the awning frame B20 is radially, outwardly and pivotally extended to shade sunlight in the shading area defined by the awning B23.

Moreover, the awning frame B20 further comprises a plurality of awning supporting member B25 each of which is movably extended from the functional umbrella hub B21 to the respective awning arms B22 for movably supporting the awning frame B20 to move between the folded position and the unfolded position.

In order to control an operation of the ventilation arrangement B30, the outdoor shading device further comprises a control device B40 supported at the supporting frame BlO to electrically control the ventilation arrangement B30, wherein the control device B40 comprises a control switch B41 operatively connected to the ventilation power unit B31 to adjustably control the operation parameters, such as rotational speed, of the driving rotor B32 so as to control the operation of the driving rotor B32 for generating an optimal airflow of the outdoor shading device.

Thus, the hollow supporting shaft BI l of the supporting frame BlO has an upper portion Bi l l coupling with the awning frame B20, wherein the ventilation arrangement B30 further comprises an extending cable B34 electrically extending from the control device B40 to the ventilation power unit B31 through the supporting shaft BI l so as to conceal the extending cable B34 in a hidden manner. As a result, the extending cable B34 is physically protected and aesthetically hidden by the hollow supporting shaft Bl 1 so as to maintain the maximum lift span and optimal aesthetic appearance of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 26 to Fig. 27 of the drawings, each of the fan blades B33 is made of soft fabric material so that when the driving rotor B32 is in an idle position, the fan blades are suspended at the functional umbrella hub B21, and when the driving rotor B32 is in an operative rotating position, the fan blades B31 are swinging by means of centrifugation force for creating the ventilating effect in the shading area. Thus, one may appreciate that since the fan blades B33 are made of soft fabric materials, they do not interfere with the normal operation of the outdoor shading device because their shape is changeable for fitting the folding and unfolding operation of the outdoor shading device. In order to effectively and efficiently create adequate degree of airflow within the shading area, the driving rotor B32 further comprises a plurality of angled blade hinges B321 securely attaching inner ends of the fan blades B33 respectively at a predetermined angle, such that when the driving rotor B32 is driven to rotate, the fan blades B33 are inclinedly swinging with respect to the driving rotor B32 so as to create an effective and efficient airflow within the shading area. The ventilation power unit B31 comprises a ring-shaped induction coil B311 supported in the functional umbrella hub B21 to coaxially align with the driving rotor B32 so as to drive the driving rotor B32 to rotate by induction.

The control device B40 further comprises a temperature sensor B42 supported by the supporting frame BlO for detecting an ambient temperature and a sensor circuit B43 which is electrically communicating with the temperature sensor B42 and is arranged in such a manner that when the ambient temperature is higher than a user-preset temperature, the sensor circuit B43 automatically activates the ventilation power unit B31 to drive the driving rotor B32 to rotate to create the airflow in the shading area. In other words, the ventilation arrangement B30 can either be activated manually through the control device B40, or by ambient temperature rising above a predetermined threshold. In the latter case, the ventilation arrangement B30 is activated automatically by the sensor circuit B43.

Furthermore, the control device B40 further comprises a circuit transformer B44 electrically connecting with the ventilation arrangement B30 for transforming an AC power from an external power source to a DC power for the ventilation power unit B31. Thus, the ventilation arrangement B30 is adapted for being powered up by an external power source for prolonged use of the ventilation system. Alternatively, the ventilation arrangement B30 can also be powered by rechargeable batteries for shorter usage duration.

As a further alternative, the outdoor shading device can further comprise a solar energy power system BlOO which comprises a solar energy collection board BI lO and a solar energy conversion circuit B 120 mounted on the supporting frame BlO. The solar energy collection board BI lO is adapted to collect solar energy from sunlight, wherein the sunlight will be transformed to electric energy by the solar energy conversion circuit B 120 for providing adequate power to operate the electrical appliances installed on the outdoor shading device. The transformed energy is to be stored by a rechargeable battery B 130 electrically connected with the solar energy conversion circuit B120.

In order to securely mount the ventilation arrangement B30 onto the supporting frame BlO and the awning frame B20, the functional umbrella hub B21 of the awning frame B20 has an upper portion B211 coupling with the awning arms B22 via the awning supporting members B25, a lower portion B212 receiving the ventilation power unit B31 therein, and a rotor seat B213 provided at an outer wall of the lower portion B212 to retain the driving rotor B32 in a rotatably movable manner. Apart from the ventilation system, the outdoor shading device according to the preferred embodiment is meant to accommodate a wide range of other electrical appliances so as to provide a wide range of accessory functions to outdoor activities.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the functional umbrella hub B21 further has a speaker compartment B214 and at least one audio outlet B215, whereas the outdoor shading device further comprises an audio system B50, as a built-in sound system, comprising a speaker unit B51 supported within the speaker compartment B214 of the functional umbrella hub B21 to align with the audio outlet B215, wherein when the audio signal is input at the control device B40 via the audio outlet, the audio signal is transmitted to the speaker unit B51 for generating an audio sound as an additional function for the outdoor shading device, as shown in Fig. 30 of the drawings.

The control device B40 further comprises an auxiliary input B45 for communicatively connecting to a portable music player B90 to receive the audio signal therefrom, such that the control device B40 transmits the audio signal to the speaker unit B51 for music broadcasting. The audio system B50 of the present invention is adapted to play music originated from a wide variety of conventional portable music players B90, such as CD players, DVD players, MP3 and the like for providing the maximum number of audio options for the user of the present invention.

The audio system B50 further comprises a sealing holder B52 mounted at the supporting frame BlO at a position adjacent to the control device B40 for holding the portable music player B90 in the sealing holder B52 in a waterproof enclosing manner. Thus, the portable music player B90 is substantially protected from adverse environment factors and weather condition.

Referring to Fig. 28 of the drawings, in order to further enhance the source by which audio sound signal can be acquired, the control device B40 further comprises a radio broadcasting circuit B46 for receiving radio wave as the audio signal, such that the control device B40 transmits the audio signal to the speaker unit B51 for radio broadcasting. As such, the audio system B50 is also capable of processing radio signal for delivering radio sound signal as the audio signal as mentioned above.

The audio system B50 further comprises an audio transmitting cable B53 extending from the control device B40 to the speaker B51 through the hollow supporting shaft BI l so as to transmit the audio signal from the control device B40 to the speaker unit B51 via the audio transmitting cable B53 securely received in the hollow supporting shaft BI l.

Alternatively, the audio system B50 further comprises a wireless transmission link B54 for wirelessly transmitting the audio signal from the control device B40 to the speaker unit B51, wherein the wireless transmission link B54 comprises a wireless transmitter B541 integrated with the control device B40 and a wireless receiver B542 which is integrated with the speaker unit B51 and is wirelessly communicating with the wireless transmitter B541 to wirelessly transmit the audio signal from the control device B40 to the speaker unit B51. In this situation, the audio transmitting cable B53 may not be necessary, yet it can still be used in conjunction with the wireless transmission link B54 to cater for different needs.

Accordingly, the control device B40 further comprises a control circuitry B47 operatively connecting to the speaker unit B51 of the audio system B50 to selectively operate and control the speaker unit B51, and a display screen B48 electrically connected to the control circuitry B47 for displaying an operation status thereof. As a result, the user is able to conveniently monitor the operation of the audio system B50 in a single display device, i.e. the display screen B48.

The speaker unit B51 comprises a plurality of speakers radially supported within the speaker compartment B214 of the awning frame B20 for creating a stereo surround sound effect when the audio signal is transmitted to the speaker unit B51. In order to enhance the sound quality delivered by the audio system, the functional umbrella hub B21 further has a resonance chamber B2141 formed at the speaker compartment B214, wherein the speaker unit B51 further comprises a subwoofer speaker B511 supported at the resonance chamber B2141 for generating special sound quality of the audio sound output from the speaker unit B51, as shown in Fig. 30 of the drawings. The functional umbrella hub B21 further comprises a hub body B216 having a plurality of hinges B2161 for respectively coupling with the awning arms B22 in a radially extending manner preferably via the awning supporting arms B25, and an interior cavity B2162 for the connector head B60 disposing therein.

More specifically, the functional umbrella hub B21 further comprises a functional hub B217, which is downwardly extended from the hub body B216 to communicate with the interior cavity B2162 thereof, having the speaker compartment B214 and the audio outlet B215, wherein the functional appliance is built-in with the functional hub B217 that the speaker is securely supported within the speaker compartment B214 at the audio outlet B215 such that the functional umbrella hub B21 is adapted for not only operatively incorporating with the outdoor shading device via the hub body B216 but also providing the additional function for the outdoor shading device via the functional hub B217 to enhance a practical use thereof.

Referring to Fig. 30 of the drawings, the functional appliance further comprises a light arrangement B70 provided at a bottom side of the functional hub B217 for electrically connecting with the connector head B60 so as to generate a light illumination as another additional function for the outdoor shading device. More specifically, the light arrangement B70 comprises a ring-shaped light housing B71, having a connector inlet B711 for electrically connecting to the connector head B60, mounted to the bottom side of the functional hub B217, and a plurality of illumination elements B72 spacedly and coaxially mounted at the light housing B71 for illuminating an area under the awning arms B22, i.e. the shading area. Note that the illumination elements B72 are a plurality of LEDs electrically and spacedly mounted at the light housing B71.

The functional hub B217 is integrally extended from the hub body B216 to form a one- piece integral hub for allowing the connector head B60 extending into the functional hub B217 from the interior cavity B2162 of the hub body B216.

The functional umbrella hub B21 further comprises a mounting unit B218 for detachably mounting the functional hub B217 under the hub body B216, wherein the mounting unit B218 comprises a retaining panel B2181 integrally formed at the bottom side of the hub body B216, and at least a fastening element B2182 detachably fastening the functional hub B217 at the retaining panel

B2181 to detachably mount the functional hub B217 to the hub body B216.

The light arrangement B70 may also comprise a ring-shaped light tube B73 mounted at the light housing B71 for illuminating an area under the awning arms B22. Thus, the light tube is capable of providing uniform line of light source for the shading area, a shown in Fig. 32C of the drawings.

Referring to Fig. 31 of the drawings, the control device B40 is preferably embodied as an electro-control device which is electrically controlled and operated for providing optimal control to the electrical appliances of the outdoor shading device.

More specifically, the control device B40 comprises the control circuitry B47 having an input terminal B471 adapted for electrically connecting to a power source, and a plurality of control terminals B472 for selectively connecting to the electrical appliances respectively. The control device B40 further comprises a control device B49 electrically connecting to the control circuitry

B47 for selectively controlling each of the electrical appliances in an on-and-off manner.

In order to connect with the functional umbrella hub B21, the control device B40 as the electro-control device further comprises a plurality of extending cables B401 electrically extending from the control terminals B472 respectively to the awning frame B20 through the hollow supporting shaft Bl 1 in a pre-wiring mariner.

Each of the extending cables B401 has the connector head B60 extended to the functional umbrella hub B21 through the hollow supporting shaft BI l for electrically connecting the corresponding electric appliance such that the outdoor shading device is adapted for incorporating with the electric appliances as add on electric appliances, such as the ventilation arrangement B30, to provide additional functions of the outdoor shading device when the corresponding electric appliance is mounted at the functional umbrella hub B21 and is electrically connected to the connector head B60. Moreover, the electro-control device further comprises a panel housing B402 built-in with the supporting frame BlO that the panel housing B402 is provided at a peripheral wall of the supporting frame BlO to protectively receive the control circuitry B47 in the panel housing B402. Thus, the user is able to control the electrical appliances by simply operating the control device B40 at the panel housing B402.

It is worth mentioning that the panel housing B402 can be installed on the hollow supporting shaft BI l in different manner. For example, as shown in Fig, 28 of the drawings, the panel housing B402 can be installed at an outer peripheral surface of the hollow supporting shaft

BI l. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 29 of the drawings, the panel housing B402 can be mounted at an outer corner portion of the hollow supporting shaft BI l.

The control device B49 comprises the plurality of control switches B41 which are spacedly provided on the panel housing B402 and are electrically connected to the control terminals B472 of the control circuitry B47 respectively for manually controlling the corresponding electrical appliances in an on-and-off manner. Moreover, the display screen B48 is provided on the panel housing B402 and is electrically connected to the control circuitry B47 for displaying an operation status of each of the electrical appliances.

The control device B40 as the electro-control device further comprises an electric socket B403 which is provided on the supporting frame BlO and is electrically connected to the input terminal B471 for electrically connecting to a power source, such as an AC power source.

Accordingly, the circuit transformer B44 electrically connects the electric socket B403 with the input terminal B471 of the control circuitry B47 for transforming an AC power from the external AC power source to a DC power so as to supply a predetermined amount of electricity to the electric appliances.

The control circuitry B47 comprises the integrated radio broadcasting circuit B46 and the auxiliary input B45 for communicatively connecting to a portable music player B90, such that the control circuitry B47 provides an added audio function for incorporating with the electric appliances. The control device B49 further comprises a wireless link circuitry B491 integrated with the control circuitry B47, and a remote control B492 wirelessly communicating to the wireless link circuitry B491 to control the control circuitry B47 for remotely controlling the electric appliances in a wireless manner.

It is worth mentioning that the outdoor shading device may form different embodiments with different combinations of electrical appliances. Referring to Fig. 32A of the drawings, the outdoor shading device comprises the audio system B50, the light arrangement B70, but not the ventilation arrangement. Referring to Fig. 32B of the drawings, only the light arrangement B70 has been installed, and in Fig. 32C of the drawings, one may appreciate that the illumination elements

B72 are embodied as the ring-shape light tube B73. Fig. 33 illustrates a slight alternative of the outdoor shading device in which awning frame

B20 is movably coupled directly at the upper portion Bi l l of the hollow supporting shaft BI l for folding and unfolding, wherein the electrical appliances are mounted at the function umbrella hub B21 for performing the corresponding functions.

Referring to Fig. 34A and Fig. 34B of the drawings, the control device B40 can also be mounted at an upper portion of the hollow supporting shaft BI l for controlling the different electrical appliances.

Referring to Figs. 41 and 42, a portable accessory device ClO for an outdoor shading device C20 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. According to the preferred embodiment, the outdoor shading device C20 comprises an umbrella awning C21 and an umbrella frame C22 which supports the umbrella awning C21. The umbrella frame C22 comprises a base C221, a supporting shaft C222 vertically mounted on top of the base C221, and a foldable awning frame C223 supported by the supporting shaft C222 and coupled with the umbrella awning C21 to define a shading area. Accordingly, the portable accessory device ClO of the present invention is adapted to detachably mount at the supporting shaft C222 of the umbrella frame C22 as shown in Fig. 41 or the supporting shaft C222' of the awning frame C223 as shown in Fig. 42. Accordingly, the portable accessory device ClO is supported within the shading area of the outdoor shading device C20.

The shading area under the outdoor shading device C20 may provide a good place for people to enjoy outdoor activities and avoid overexposure to the sunlight. However, people may have more varieties in their outdoor activities if they have music therewith. Also, they may need illumination if they want to stay outside during the nighttime. Accordingly, the portable accessory device ClO comprises a housing C30, an accessory unit C40 supported in the housing C30 for providing an addition function for the outdoor shading device C20, and a shaft adjusting arrangement C50 as a secure mechanism to detachably mount the housing C30 at the outdoor shading device C20. The housing C30 comprises a first housing body C31 and a second housing body C32 defining a mounting slot C301 when the first and second housing bodies C31, C32 are coupled with each other, wherein the mounting slot C301 has a size for the supporting shaft C222 of the outdoor shading device C20 fitting therewithin.

As shown in Fig. 35, the first housing body C31, having a U-shaped structure, has two inner guiding walls C311 defining a guiding channel C312 therebetween. The second housing body C32, having a corresponding elongated shape, has two outer guiding walls C321 engaging with the inner guiding walls C311 of the first housing body C31. When the first and second housing bodies C31, C32 are mounted with each other, the housing C30 is formed to have a donut shape and to define the mounting slot C301 at a center of the housing C30. In other words, the guiding channel C312 has a closed end defining the mounting slot

C301 thereat, and an opened end is arranged when the second housing body C32 is slidably mounted to the first housing body C31 along the guiding channel C312 through the opened end thereof, the mounting slot C301 is formed at the closed end of the guiding channel C312. A housing locker C33 is provided to releasably lock up the second housing body C32 with the first housing body C31.

The accessory unit C40, according to the first embodiment, is a lighting fixture supported in the housing C30, wherein the accessory unit C40 comprises a battery unit C41 supported in the first housing C31 and a plurality of LEDs C42 spacedly mounted at the first housing C31 and electrically connected to the battery unit C41 for illuminating the shading area of the outdoor shading device C20 as the additional function. Accordingly, head portions of the LEDs C42 are protruded from a bottom side of the housing C30 through the holes thereof.

According to the preferred embodiment, the shaft adjusting arrangement C50 comprising two adjustable retainers C51 for adjusting the size of the mounting slot C301 for the supporting shaft C222 of the outdoor shading device C20, wherein each of the adjustable retainers is an elongated retention arm, having a pusher surface C51 1 facing towards the mounting slot C301, slidably mounted at the first housing body C31. The pusher surfaces C511 of the adjustable retainers C51 are facing with each other and are arranged for biasing against an outer surface of the supporting shaft C222 of the outdoor shading device C20 until the supporting shaft C222 thereof being fitted at the mounting slot C301 so as to substantially mount the housing C30 of the portable accessory device ClO at the supporting shaft C222 of the outdoor shading device C20.

As shown in Fig. 37, each of the adjustable retainers C51 illustrated above comprises a pusher head defining the pusher surface C511 thereat towards the mounting slot C301 that the adjustable retainers C51 are oppositely located with each other. Preferably, the pusher surface C511 of each of the adjustable retainers C51 is a curved surface corresponding to a curvature of the supporting shaft C222 of the outdoor shading device C20.

In addition, each of the adjustable retainers C51 further comprises an anti-slippery pad C512 provided at the pusher surface C511 thereof for enhancing a frictional engagement between the adjustable retainer C51 and the supporting shaft C222 of the outdoor shading device C20 so as to securely mount the housing C30 at the supporting shaft C222 of the outdoor shading device C20.

Accordingly, the adjustable retainers C51 are slidably coupled at the first housing body C31 in a radially movable manner at a position that the pusher surfaces C511 of the adjustable retainers C51 are protruded from a circumferential wall of the mounting slot C301 for biasing against the outer surface of the supporting shaft C222. In other words, the sliding path of each of the adjustable retainers C51 is defined at the diameter of the mounting slot C301 such that the pusher surface C511 of each of the adjustable retainers C51 is guided to slide towards and away from the center of the mounting slot C301.

As shown in Fig. 37, the shaft adjusting arrangement C50 further comprises two actuating members C52 pivotally supported at the first housing body C31 to couple with the adjustable retainers C51 respectively, wherein each of the actuating members C52 has a pivot end C521 pivotally coupling with the corresponding adjustable retainer C51 and an opposed pushing end C522 arranged in such a manner that when the pushing ends C522 of the actuating members C52 are pressed towards each other to pivotally move the pivot ends C521 thereof away from each other, the adjustable retainers C51 are driven to radially slide away from each other so as to adjust a distance between the pusher surfaces C51 1 of the adjustable retainers C51. According to the preferred embodiment, each of the actuating members C52 has an elongated structure, wherein each of the actuating members C52 is pivotally coupled with the first housing body C31 at a pivot point between the pivot end C521 of the actuating member C52 and the pushing end C522 thereof. The first housing body C31 further has an operation cavity C310, wherein the pushing ends C522 of the actuating members C52 are extended from an interior of the first housing body C31 to the operation cavity C301. When the user applies a clipping force at the pushing ends C522 of the actuating members C52 to pivotally move the pushing ends C522 of the actuating members C52 towards each other, the pivot ends C521 of the actuating members C52 are pivotally moved away from each other. Therefore, the adjustable retainers C51 are driven to radially and outwardly slide at the first housing body C31 to maximize the distance between the pusher surfaces C51 1 of the adjustable retainers C51.

The shaft adjusting arrangement C50 further comprises two resilient elements C53 supported in the first housing body C31 for applying pushing forces against the actuating members C52 respectively, wherein each of the resilient elements C53 has two ends biasing against an inner wall of the first housing body C31 and the pushing end C522 of the respective actuating member C52. Therefore, the resilient elements C53 normally apply the pushing forces against the pushing end C522 of the respective actuating member C52 to retain the minimum distance between the pusher surfaces C511 of the adjustable retainers C51. Thus, the pushing forces of the resilient elements C53 also enhance the clipping force of the adjustable retainers C51 to bias against the outer surface of the supporting shaft C222 of the outdoor shading device C20. In order to ensure the radially sliding movement of each of the adjustable retainers C51, the first housing body C31 contains two guiding slots C314 for guiding the adjustable retainers C51 respectively in a radially movable manner, wherein an inner end portion of each of the adjustable retainers C51 is slidably engaged with the respective guiding slot C314 to ensure the adjustable retainer C51 being slid in a radially movable manner. Therefore, when the pivot ends C521 of the actuating members C52 are pivotally moved with respect to the pushing ends C522 thereof, the adjustable retainers C51 are only driven to slide in a radially movable manner to the center of the mounting slot C301.

In order to detachably mount the portable accessory device ClO at the supporting shaft C222 of the outdoor shading device C20, the user must detach the second housing body C32 from the first housing body C31 such that the user is able to slide the first housing body C31 towards the supporting shaft C222. Accordingly, the supporting shaft C222 is guided to slide at the opened end of the guiding channel C312 of the first housing body C31 towards the closed end thereof. Then, the user is able to apply a pushing force at the pushing ends C522 of each of actuating members C52 to drive the adjustable retainers C51 to radially slide at the opposite direction so as to increase the distance between the pusher surfaces C51 1 of the adjustable retainers C51. Once the distance between the pusher surfaces C511 of the adjustable retainers C51 larger than the diameter of the supporting shaft C222, the supporting shaft C222 can be fitted within the mounting slot C301. Therefore, the user is able to release the pushing force at the actuating members C52 such that the pusher surfaces C511 of the adjustable retainers C51 are automatically pushed to bias against the outer surface of the supporting shaft C222 of the outdoor shading device C20 so as to securely retain the first housing body C31 at the supporting shaft C222 of the outdoor shading device C20. The second housing body C32 can be slid back along the guiding channel C312 to form the mounting slot C301 encircling the supporting shaft C222 of the outdoor shading device C20.

Figs. 38 and 39 illustrate the alternative mode of the portable accessory device ClO', wherein the portable accessory device ClO' comprises a housing C30', an accessory unit C40' supported in the housing C30' for providing an addition function for the outdoor shading device C20', and a shaft adjusting arrangement C50'.

The housing C30' comprises a first housing body C31 ' and a second housing body C32' defining a mounting slot C301 ' when the first and second housing bodies C3 F, C32' are coupled with each other, wherein the mounting slot C30F has a size for the supporting shaft C222 of the outdoor shading device C20 fitting therewithin. As shown in Fig. 38, the first housing body C31 ', having a U-shaped structure, has two inner guiding walls C31 1 ' defining a guiding channel C312' therebetween. The second housing body C32', having a corresponding elongated shape, has two outer guiding walls C321' engaging with the inner guiding walls C311' of the first housing body C31 '. When the first and second housing bodies C31', C32' are mounted with each other, the housing C30' is formed to have a donut shape and to define the mounting slot C301 ' at a center of the housing C30'.

In other words, the guiding channel C312' has a closed end defining the mounting slot C301 ' thereat, and an opened end is arranged when the second housing body C32' is slidably mounted to the first housing body C31 ' along the guiding channel C312' through the opened end thereof, the mounting slot C301 ' is formed at the closed end of the guiding channel C312'. The accessory unit C40', according to the embodiment, is an audio system supported in the housing C30', wherein the accessory unit C40' comprises an audio player C41' supported in the first housing C31 ' and a plurality of speakers C42' spacedly mounted at the first housing C31 ' and electrically connected to the audio player C41' for playing music and/or broadcasting radio for the outdoor shading device C20 as the additional function. Accordingly, a bottom side of the housing C30' has a plurality of speaker housing to receive the speakers C42' thereat.

According to the preferred embodiment, the shaft adjusting arrangement C50' comprising two adjustable retainers C51 ' for adjusting the size of the mounting slot C301 ' for the supporting shaft C222 of the outdoor shading device C20, wherein each of the adjustable retainers C51 ' has an arc shape pivotally coupled at the first housing body C31 ' at a position that the pusher surfaces C51 1 ' of the adjustable retainers C51 ' are defined at an inner concave surface and are protruded from a circumferential wall of the mounting slot C301 ' for biasing against the outer surface of the supporting shaft C222. The pusher surfaces C51 1 ' of the adjustable retainers C51 ' are facing with each other and are arranged for biasing against an outer surface of the supporting shaft C222 of the outdoor shading device C20 until the supporting shaft C222 thereof being fitted at the mounting slot C301 ' SO as to substantially mount the housing C30' of the portable accessory device ClO' at the supporting shaft C222 of the outdoor shading device C20. Accordingly, each of the adjustable retainers C51 ' is made of flexible material such that the pusher surface C511' of each of the adjustable retainers C51 ' is self-adjustably bent to adjust a curvature thereof for biasing against the outer surface of the supporting shaft C222, as shown in Figs. 38 and 39. In other words, each of the adjustable retainers C51' is a V-shaped flexible member defining a pivot point at a mid-portion of the flexible member. Therefore, each of the adjustable retainers C51' is bent from the V-shaped configuration, as shown in Fig. 38, to a C- shaped configuration, as shown in Fig. 39 with the corresponding curvature of the supporting shaft C222 so as to securely retain the first housing body C31' at the supporting shaft C222 of the outdoor shading device C20.

As shown in Figs. 38 to 40, the shaft adjusting arrangement C50' further comprises two resilient elements C52' supported in the first housing body C31 ' for applying pushing forces against the adjustable retainers C51 ' respectively, wherein each of the resilient elements C52' has two ends biasing against an inner wall of the first housing body C31 ' and the respective adjustable retainer C51 ' at a position offset to the pivot point thereof. Therefore, two corresponding ends of the adjustable retainers C51 ' are outwardly moved to open up the space toward the opened end of the guiding channel C312' of the first housing body C31 ' such that the supporting shaft C222 can be slid between the adjustable retainers C51 '.

In order to detachably mount the portable accessory device ClO' at the supporting shaft C222 of the outdoor shading device C20, the user must detach the second housing body C32' from the first housing body C31 ' such that the user is able to slide the first housing body C31 towards the supporting shaft C222. Accordingly, the supporting shaft C222 is guided to slide at the opened end of the guiding channel C312' of the first housing body C31 ' towards the closed end thereof. Then, the user is able to apply a pushing force at the first housing body C31 ' until the adjustable retainers C51 ' is self-bent to bias against the outer surface of the supporting shaft C222 so as to securely retain the first housing body C31 ' at the supporting shaft C222 of the outdoor shading device C20. The second housing body C32' can be slid back along the guiding channel C312' to form the mounting slot C301 ' encircling the supporting shaft C222 of the outdoor shading device C20. Furthermore, with the feature of adjustable retainer C51, C51 ', the portable accessory device ClO, ClO' of the present invention can be mounted to different sizes of shafts C222 of outdoor shading devices C20 and different locations thereof, such as the structure shown in Figs. 41 and 42. In short, when a user enjoys the shading area under the outdoor shading device C20 outside the dwelling, such as in the garden or even in the campground, the user may need some music to increase the quality of recreation. The present invention provides the portable accessory device ClO, ClO' for the outdoor shading device which a music player can be built in, and more importantly, the portable accessory device ClO, ClO' can be securely mounted to the supporting shaft C222 of the outdoor shading device C20, such that it is convenient for the user to carry and operate such a device. In addition, a lighting fixture can also be built in the portable accessory device ClO, ClO' which can provide illumination when the user needs to use the outdoor shading device C20 at nighttime.

Figs. 43 and 44 illustrate an alternative mode a housing C30A of the portable accessory device ClO with the shaft adjusting arrangement C50 to hold the accessory unit C40, wherein the housing C30A comprises a first housing body C31A and a second housing body C32A defining a mounting slot C301A when the first and second housing bodies C31A, C32A are coupled with each other.

The first housing body C31A, having a U-shaped structure, has two inner guiding walls C311 A defining a guiding channel C312A therebetween. The second housing body C32A, having a corresponding elongated shape, has two outer guiding walls C321A engaging with the inner guiding walls C311A of the first housing body C31A. When the first and second housing bodies C31A, C32A are mounted with each other, the housing C30 is formed to have a donut shape and to define the mounting slot C301A at a center of the housing C30A. In other words, the guiding channel C312A has a closed end defining the mounting slot

C301A thereat, and an opened end is arranged when the second housing body C32A is slidably mounted to the first housing body C31A along the guiding channel C312A through the opened end thereof, the mounting slot C301A is formed at the closed end of the guiding channel C312A.

The housing C30A further comprises a housing locker C33A is provided to releasably lock up the second housing body C32A with the first housing body C31A. The housing locker C33A contains two locking slots C33 IA indently provided at the inner guiding walls C31 IA of the first housing body C31A respectively and comprises two retractable protrusions C332A sidewardly extended from the outer guiding walls C321A of the second housing body C32A respectively, such that when the second housing body C21A is slid to engage with the first housing body C31A, head portions of the retractable protrusions C332A are engaged with the locking slots C331 A respectively so as to lock up the second housing body C32A with the first housing body C31A. It is worth to mention that when a pulling force is applied to the second housing body C32A, the retractable protrusions C332A are retracted to disengage with the locking slots C331A respectively, such that the second housing body C32A is detached from the first housing body C31 A.

The portable accessory device ClO further comprises a frame adapter C34A for detachably coupling the housing C30A with the outdoor shading device C20. As shown in Fig. 43, the frame adapter C34A is adapted for detachably mounting to the umbrella frame C22 of the outdoor shading device C20. Accordingly, the frame adapter C34A comprises an adapter body C341A, a first connector C342A provided at the adapter body C341A, and a second connector C343A provided at the housing C30A to detachably couple with the first connector C342A so as to detachably couple the housing C30A at the umbrella frame C22 of the outdoor shading device C20. The adapter body C341A is embodied as a clip detachably mounted at a desired location of the umbrella frame C22 of the outdoor shading device C20. The first connector C342A contains two spaced apart retention slots C3421A indently formed at the adapter body C341A, wherein each of the retention slots C3421A has an elongated tail slot portion and an enlarged head slot portion extended therefrom. The second connector C343A comprises two spaced apart retention lockers C3431A protruded from the second housing body C32A, wherein each of the retention lockers C3431A has an elongated tail portion extended from the second housing body C32A and an enlarged head portion extended from the tail portion. Accordingly, the head portions of the retention lockers C3431A are slidably inserted into the head slot portions of the retention slots C3421A and slidably engaged with the tail slot portions thereof respectively to connect the second connector C343A with the first connector C342A. Therefore, the user is able to selectively mount the adapter body C341A at the desired location of the outdoor shading device C20, as shown in Fig. 43, such that the housing C30A will be supported at the outdoor shading device C20 via the frame adapter C34A.

Likewise, the frame adapter C34A further comprises supplement first and second connectors C342B, C343B to detachably couple the housing C30A at the umbrella frame C22 of the outdoor shading device C20. The supplement first connector C342B contains two spaced apart supplement retention slots C3421B indently formed at the first housing body C31A, wherein each of the supplement retention slots C3421B has an elongated tail slot portion and an enlarged head slot portion extended therefrom. The supplement second connector C343B comprises two spaced apart supplement retention lockers C3431B protruded from the frame adapter C34A, wherein each of the retention lockers C3431B has an elongated tail portion extended from the frame adapter C34A and an enlarged head portion extended from the tail portion. Therefore, the housing C30A can be sidewardly mounted to the umbrella frame C22 of the outdoor shading device C20 via the first and second connectors C342A, C343A or downwardly mounted to the umbrella frame C22 of the outdoor shading device C20 via the supplemental first and second connectors C342B, C343B, as shown in Fig. 43. It is worth to mention that the housing C30A can be mounted to a canopy frame of a canopy C20A as shown in Fig. 45. Therefore, the user is able to detachably mount the portable accessory device ClO to the outdoor shading device C20 or the canopy C20A for providing an addition function for the outdoor shading device C20 or the canopy C20A. Referring to Fig. 46 of the drawings, a second alternative mode of the portable accessory device for the outdoor shading device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The second alternative mode is similar to the preferred embodiment except that the housing C30C further comprises a battery module C34C provided therein, and a control unit C60C mounted in the first housing body C31C to electrically connect with the accessory unit C40 and other electrical components so as to control the operation thereof. More specifically, the battery module C34C comprises a battery, which can be a rechargeable battery C341C, replaceably provided in the second housing body C32C, and a terminal connector C342C movably mounted in the second housing body C32C to electrically connect the rechargeable battery C341C with the control unit C60C in the first housing body C31C when the second housing body C31C is mounted on the first housing body C31 C.

According to the second alternative mode, the terminal connector C342C comprises two electrical terminals C3421C, C3422C movably mounted in the second housing body C32C to partially protrude out of the second housing body C32C, and a resilient member C3423C provided in the second housing body C32C for normally applying an outward urging force toward the electrical terminals C3421C, C3422C so as to normally push the electrical terminals C3421C, C3422C protruded out of the second housing body C32C. It is worth mentioning that the electrical terminals C3421C, C3422C are electrically connected with the rechargeable battery C341C so that electrical connection to the electrical terminals C3421C, C3422C means electrical connection with the rechargeable battery C341C. Accordingly, the battery module C34C further comprises a pair of connecting terminals C343C, C344C provided on the first housing body C341C at two inner guiding walls C31 1C of the guiding channel C312C to align with the electrical terminals C3421C, C3422C of the terminal connector C342C respectively, wherein the connecting terminals C343C, C344C are electrically connected with the control unit C60C in such a manner that when the second housing body C32C is detachably attached onto the first housing body C31C, the rechargeable battery C341C is arranged to electrically connect with the control unit C60C through the electrical terminals C3421C, C3422C and the connecting terminals C343C, C344C. In other words, the control unit C60C, which is received into the first housing body C31C, is capable of acquiring electrical energy from the rechargeable battery C341C received in the second housing body C32C.

Referring to Fig. 47 of the drawings, a shading device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. According to the preferred embodiment, the shading device comprises an awning supported by an awning supporting structure to provide a shading area under the awning. For example, the shading device, which is embodied as an outdoor shading device, comprises an umbrella awning DlO, an umbrella frame D20 which supports the umbrella awning DlO, an electrical arrangement D30 supported at the umbrella frame D20, and a rechargeable power source D40 which provides electrical power to the electrical arrangement D30 to be operated without using an electrical cord. The umbrella frame D20 comprises a base D21, a supporting shaft D22 vertically mounted on top of the base D21, a connecting arm D23 sidewardly extended from a top portion of the supporting shaft D22 in a pivotally movable manner, and a foldable awning frame D24 suspendedly supported by the supporting shaft D22 and coupled with the umbrella awning DlO to define the shading area under the umbrella awning DlO. As shown in Figs. 47, 48A and 48B, the umbrella frame D20 further comprises an operation housing D25 mounted at the supporting shaft D22, an operational unit D26 and a battery compartment D27, wherein the operation unit D26 is adapted for selectively operating the awning frame D24 at an unfolded position and a folded position. The battery compartment D27 is provided at a sidewall of the operation housing D25 to receive a battery unit D41 illustrated below. The awning frame D24 comprises an upper housing D241 and a plurality of awning supporting arms D242 outwardly and radially extended from the upper housing D241 in such a manner that they are adapted to move between a folded position and an unfolded position, wherein in the folded position, the awning supporting arms D242 are pivotally and inwardly folded to overlappedly lay in position, wherein in the unfolded position, the awning supporting arms D242 are pivotally and outwardly extended to support the umbrella awning DlO thereon and to define a shading area under the awning supporting arms D242. The awning frame D24 further comprises a plurality of lower connecting bars D243 each having a first end slidably mounted on the awning supporting arms D242, and a second end mounted on a lower housing D244 provided below the upper housing D241. The electrical arrangement D30 comprises at least one electrical device D31 such as a music player, a movie player or a lighting fixture, supported at the umbrella frame D20 to provide an additional umbrella function, wherein the electrical device D31 is coupled with the awning frame D24 and an electrical terminal D32 extended from the electrical device D31 to the supporting shaft D22 in a pre-wiring manner. As shown in Fig. 48A and Fig. 48B, the rechargeable power source D40 comprises a rechargeable battery unit D41 having a power outlet D42 for electrically connecting with an external power source in charging manner, and a battery terminal D43 arranged to contact with the electrical terminal D32 of the electrical arrangement D30. The rechargeable power source D40 also includes a locking arrangement D44 for retaining the rechargeable battery unit D41 at the umbrella frame D20. The locking arrangement D44 comprises a locker slot D45 provided at the umbrella frame D20 and a releasable locker D46 extended from the rechargeable battery unit D41 to detachably couple the rechargeable battery unit D41 with the supporting shaft D22 and to ensure the battery terminal D43 being contact with the electrical terminal D32 so as to electrically connect the rechargeable battery unit D41 with the electrical arrangement D30. Accordingly, the rechargeable battery unit D41 is detachably mounted at the umbrella frame D20 with a hand reachable distance such that when the user locates within the shading area of the umbrella frame D20, the user is able to reach the rechargeable battery unit D41 to attach to or detach from the umbrella frame D20.

It is worth to mention that two rechargeable power sources D40 can be detachably mounted to two sides of the operation housing D25 respectively to double the power supply for the electrical arrangement D30. In other words, two battery compartments D27 are provided at two side of the operation housing D25 to receive two rechargeable power sources D40 respectively. Accordingly, the locker slot D45 and the electrical terminal D32 are provided at a base wall and a bottom wall of the battery compartment D27 to slidably engage with the releasable locker D46 and to electrically contact with the battery terminal D43 respectively when the rechargeable battery unit D41 is received in the battery compartment D43. In other words, the rechargeable battery unit D41 of the rechargeable power source D40 is detachably mounted at the supporting shaft D22 of the outdoor shading device. Therefore, by detachably mounting the rechargeable battery unit D41 at the operation housing D25 mounted along the supporting shaft D22, the user is able to reach the rechargeable battery unit D41 and operate the folding/unfolding operation of the umbrella awning DlO.

The releasable locker D46 comprises two spaced apart resilient arms D461 and a locking tongue D462, wherein each of the resilient arms D461 has a hooking end D463 formed at a free end thereof. The locker slot D45 has two locking protrusions D451 provided at two sidewalls of the locker slot D45, wherein the hooking ends D463 of the resilient arms D461 are engaged with the locking protrusions D451 when the releasable locker D46 is slid into the locker slot D45. Accordingly, the locking tongue D462 is slidably inserted into the locker slot D45, wherein the resilient arms D461 are spacedly extended at two sidewalls of the locking tongue D462 to define a resilient gap between each of the resilient arms D461 and the corresponding sidewall of the locking tongue D462. Each of the resilient gaps allows the respective resilient arm D461 to be slightly bent to engage with the respective locking protrusion D451 when the releasable locker D46 is slid into the locker slot D45. In the preferred embodiment as shown in Fig. 48B, in order to disengage the rechargeable battery unit D41 from the supporting shaft D22, the locking arrangement D44 comprises two releasing buttons D47 located at corresponding actuation slots D28 on the umbrella frame D20. The releasing buttons D47 are arranged for releasing the releasable locker D46 from the locker slot D45, wherein each of the releasing buttons D47 has a pushing end aligned with the respective resilient arm D461 and an opposed pressing end arranged in such a manner that when the pressing ends of the releasing buttons D47 are pressed, the pushing ends of the releasing buttons D47 push at the resilient arms D461 towards the resilient gaps so as to disengage the hooking ends D463 of the resilient arms D461 with the locking protrusions D451 respectively.

Accordingly, the releasing buttons D47 are slidably mounted at the sidewalls of the locker slot D45 respectively at a position that the pushing ends of the releasing buttons D47 are align with the hooking ends D463 of the resilient arms D461 respectively, such that when the pressing ends of the releasing buttons D47 are pressed, the resilient arms D461 are driven to move at the resilient gaps to disengage with the locking protrusions D451 respectively. In particularly, the releasing button D47 is movably mounted to the sidewalls of the locker slot D45 through the actuation slots D28, wherein each of the actuation slots D28 is aligned with the hooking end D463 of the resilient arm D461 such that when the releasing button D47 is pressed towards the hooking end D463, the hooking end D463 is pushed away from the locking protrusion D451 to disengage the locking structure.

In addition, the locking arrangement D44 further comprises two resilient elements D48 supported within the resilient gaps respectively, wherein each of the resilient elements D48 has two ends biasing against the respective resilient arm D461 and the sidewall of the locking tongue D462 for applying an urging force against the resilient arm D461. Each of the resilient elements D48 is a compression spring for providing an additional resilient force to the respective resilient arm D461 and the respective releasing button D47 as well. In other words, the releasing button D47 is coupled with the resilient element D48 via the respective resilient arm D461, such that the releasing button D47 can be restored to its original position after being pressed towards the hooking end D463.

When the rechargeable battery unit D41 is charged and connected with the electrical arrangement D30, the electrical power to operate the electrical device D31 is provided by the rechargeable battery unit D41. In other words, the user can play music or movie through the player pre-wired to the supporting shaft D22 outside the dwelling and under the shading area defined by the umbrella awning DlO without using the electrical cord. During the nighttime, the user can further enjoy the music or movie under the outdoor shading device DlO by lighting up the lighting fixture to which the electrical power is also provided by the rechargeable battery unit D41.

Referring to Fig. 49A and Fig. 49B of the drawings, a first alternative of the rechargeable power source D50 is illustrated. The rechargeable power source D50 comprises a rechargeable battery unit D51 having a power outlet D52 for electrically connecting with an external power source in charging manner, and a battery terminal D53 arranged to contact with the electrical terminal D32 of the electrical arrangement D30. The rechargeable power source D50 also includes a locking arrangement D54 which comprises a locker slot D55 provided at the supporting shaft D22 and a releasable locker D56 extended from the rechargeable battery unit D51 to detachably couple the rechargeable battery unit D51 with the supporting shaft D22 and to ensure the battery terminal D53 being contact with the electrical terminal D32 so as to electrically connect the rechargeable battery unit D51 with the electrical arrangement D30. Accordingly, the locker slot D55 and the electrical terminal D32 are provided at a base wall and a bottom wall of the battery compartment D27 to slidably engage with the releasable locker D56 and to electrically contact with the battery terminal D53 respectively when the rechargeable battery unit D51 is received in the battery compartment D53. The releasable locker D56 comprises two spaced apart resilient arms D561 and a locking tongue D562, wherein each of the resilient arms D561 has a hooking end D563 formed at a free end thereof. The locker slot D55 has two locking protrusions D551 provided at two sidewalls of the locker slot D55, wherein the hooking ends D563 of the resilient arms D561 are engaged with the locking protrusions D551 when the releasable locker D56 is slid into the locker slot D55. Accordingly, the locking tongue D562 is slidably inserted into the locker slot D55, wherein the resilient arms D561 are spacedly extended at two sidewalls of the locking tongue D562 to define a resilient gap between each of the resilient arms D561 and the corresponding sidewall of the locking tongue D562. Each of the resilient gaps allows the respective resilient arm D561 to be slightly bent to engage with the respective locking protrusion D551 when the releasable locker D56 is slid into the locker slot D55.

As shown in Fig. 49B, in order to disengage the rechargeable battery unit D51 from the supporting shaft D22, the locking arrangement D54 comprises two releasing buttons D57 aligned with corresponding actuation slots D59 on the umbrella frame D20. The releasing buttons D57 are arranged for releasing the releasable locker D56 from the locker slot D55, wherein each of the releasing buttons D57 has a pushing end aligned with the respective resilient arm D561 and an opposed pressing end arranged in such a manner that when the pressing ends of the releasing buttons D57 are pressed, the pushing ends of the releasing buttons D57 push at the resilient arms D561 towards the resilient gaps so as to disengage the hooking ends D563 of the resilient arms D561 with the locking protrusions D551 respectively. Accordingly, the pushing ends of the two releasing buttons D57 are sidewardly and integrally extended at the resilient arms D561 respectively such that when the pressing ends of the releasing buttons D57 are pressed, the resilient arms D561 are driven to move at the resilient gaps to disengage with the locking protrusions D551 respectively.

The two actuation slots D59 are formed at the sidewalls of the locker slot D55 respectively, wherein the pressing ends of the releasing buttons D57 are protruded out of the locker slot D55 through the actuation slots D59 respectively when the releasable locker D56 is locked at the locker slot D55. Therefore, when the releasable locker D56 is slidably inserted into the locker slot D55, the pressing ends of the releasing buttons D57 slide at the sidewalls of the locker slot D55 until the pressing ends of the releasing buttons D57 are located at the actuation slots D59 respectively, so as to ensure the hooking ends D563 of the resilient arms D561 engaging with the locking protrusions D551. The locking arrangement D54 further comprises two resilient elements D58 supported within the resilient gaps respectively, wherein each of the resilient elements D58 has two ends biasing against the respective resilient arm D561 and the sidewall of the locking tongue D562 for applying an urging force against the resilient arm D561. Each of the resilient elements D58 is a compression spring for providing an additional resilient force to the respective resilient arm D561 and the respective releasing button D57 as well. In other words, the releasing button D57 is coupled with the resilient element D58 via the respective resilient arm D561, such that the releasing button D57 can be restored to its original position after being pressed towards the hooking end D563.

Referring to Fig. 5OA and Fig. 5OB of the drawings, a second alternative of the rechargeable power source D60 is illustrated. The rechargeable power source D60 comprises a rechargeable battery unit D61 having a power outlet D62 for electrically connecting with an external power source in charging manner, and a battery terminal D63 arranged to contact with the electrical terminal D32 of the electrical arrangement D30. The rechargeable power source D60 also includes a locking arrangement D64 which comprises a locker slot D65 provided at the supporting shaft D22 and a releasable locker D66 extended from the rechargeable battery unit D61 to detachably couple the rechargeable battery unit D61 with the supporting shaft D22 and to ensure the battery terminal D63 being contact with the electrical terminal D32 so as to electrically connect the rechargeable battery unit D61 with the electrical arrangement D30.

Accordingly, the locker slot D65 and the electrical terminal D62 are provided at a base wall and a bottom wall of the battery compartment D27 to slidably engage with the releasable locker D66 and to electrically contact with the battery terminal D63 respectively when the rechargeable battery unit D61 is received in the battery compartment D63.

The releasable locker D66 comprises two spaced apart resilient arms D661 and a locking tongue D662, wherein each of the resilient arms D661 has a hooking end D663 formed at a free end thereof. The locker slot D65 has two locking protrusions D651 provided at two sidewalls of the locker slot D65, wherein the hooking ends D663 of the resilient arms D661 are engaged with the locking protrusions D651 when the releasable locker D66 is slid into the locker slot D65. Accordingly, the locking tongue D662 is slidably inserted into the locker slot D65, wherein the resilient arms D661 are spacedly extended at two sidewalls of the locking tongue D662 to define a resilient gap between each of the resilient arms D661 and the corresponding sidewall of the locking tongue D662. Each of the resilient gaps allows the respective resilient arm D661 to be slightly bent to engage with the respective locking protrusion D651 when the releasable locker D66 is slid into the locker slot D65.

As shown in Fig. 5OB, in order to disengage the rechargeable battery unit D61 from the supporting shaft D22, the locking arrangement D64 comprises two releasing buttons D67 aligned with corresponding actuation slots D69 on the umbrella frame D20. The releasing buttons D67 are arranged for releasing the releasable locker D66 from the locker slot D65, wherein each of the releasing buttons D67 has a pushing end aligned with the respective resilient arm D661 and an opposed pressing end arranged in such a manner that when the pressing ends of the releasing buttons D67 are pressed, the pushing ends of the releasing buttons D67 push at the resilient arms D661 towards the resilient gaps so as to disengage the hooking ends D663 of the resilient arms D661 with the locking protrusions D651 respectively.

Accordingly, the pushing ends of the two releasing buttons D67 are slidably mounted at the resilient arms D661 respectively such that when the pressing ends of the releasing buttons D67 are pressed to slide along the resilient arms D661 respectively, the resilient arms D661 are driven to move at the resilient gaps to disengage with the locking protrusions D651 respectively. In other words, when the releasing buttons D67 are pressed and slid towards the hooking ends D663 of the resilient arms D661 respectively, the hooking ends D663 of the resilient arms D661 are pressed towards the resilient gaps to disengage with the locking protrusions D651 respectively.

The two actuation slots D69 are formed at the sidewalls of the locker slot D65 respectively, wherein the pressing ends of the releasing buttons D67 are protruded out of the locker slot D65 through the actuation slots D69 respectively when the re leasable locker D66 is locked at the locker slot D65. Therefore, when the releasable locker D66 is slidably inserted into the locker slot D65, the pressing ends of the releasing buttons D67 slide at the sidewalls of the locker slot D65 until the pressing ends of the releasing buttons D67 are located at the actuation slots D69 respectively, so as to ensure the hooking ends D663 of the resilient arms D661 engaging with the locking protrusions D651.

The locking arrangement D64 further comprises two resilient elements D68 coupled with the releasing buttons D67 to slidably pull the releasing buttons D67 away from the hooking end D663 of the resilient arms D661. Each of the resilient elements D68 has two ends coupling with the base wall of the releasable locker D66 and the releasing buttons D67 for applying a pulling force against the releasable locker D66 such that the releasing button D67 can be restored to its original position after being pressed towards the hooking end D663.

Referring to Fig. 51 of the drawings, a third alternative of the rechargeable power source D70 is illustrated. The rechargeable power source D70 comprises a rechargeable battery unit D71 having a power outlet D72 for electrically connecting with an external power source in charging manner, and a battery terminal D73 arranged to contact with the electrical terminal D32 of the electrical arrangement D30. The rechargeable power source D70 also includes a locking arrangement D74 which comprises a locker slot D75 provided at the supporting shaft D22 and a releasable locker D76 extended from the rechargeable battery unit D71 to detachably couple the rechargeable battery unit D71 with the supporting shaft D22 and to ensure the battery terminal D73 being contact with the electrical terminal D32 so as to electrically connect the rechargeable battery unit D71 with the electrical arrangement D30. The releasable locker D76 contains a mounting slot D761 aligned with the locker slot D75 when the rechargeable battery unit D71 is disposed in the battery compartment D27 and comprises a mounting screw D762 detachably engaging with the locker slot D75 through the mounting slot D761 to detachably mount the rechargeable battery unit to the battery compartment D27 so as to ensure the battery terminal D73 being contact with the electrical terminal D32.

Referring to Fig. 52 of the drawings, the rechargeable power source D40 and its alternatives D50, D60, D70 of the present invention can be incorporated with another type of outdoor shading device to electrically connect to the electrical arrangement D30' thereof without using an electrical cord. The umbrella frame D20' comprises a base D21 ', a supporting shaft D22' vertically mounted on top of the base D21 ' and a foldable awning frame D24' suspendedly supported by the supporting shaft D22' and coupled with the umbrella awning DlO' to define a shading area.

As shown in Fig. 52, the umbrella frame D20' further comprises an operation housing D25', an operational unit D26' and a battery compartment D27', wherein the operation unit D26' is adapted for selectively operating the awning frame D24' at an unfolded position and a folded position. The battery compartment D27' is provided at a sidewall of the operation housing D25'.

The awning frame D24' comprises an upper housing D241 ' and a plurality of awning supporting arms D242' outwardly and radially extended from the upper housing D241 ' in such a manner that they are adapted to move between a folded position and an unfolded position, wherein in the folded position, the awning supporting arms D242' are pivotally and inwardly folded to overlappedly lay in position, wherein in the unfolded position, the awning supporting arms D242' are pivotally and outwardly extended to support the umbrella awning DlO' thereon and to define a shading area under the awning supporting arms D242'. The awning frame D24' further comprises a pair of lower connecting bars D243' each having a first end slidably mounted on the awning supporting arms D242', and a second end mounted on a lower housing D244' provided below the upper housing D241 '.

The electrical arrangement D30' is embodied as a speaker supported at the lower housing D244' of the awning frame D24', wherein the electrical arrangement D30' is pre-wired that the electrical terminal is provided at the battery compartment D27'. Therefore, the rechargeable power source D40, D50, D60, D70, is detachably coupled at the operation housing D25' to electrically connect with the electrical arrangement D30'.

Figs. 53 and 54 illustrate an alternative mode of the rechargeable power source D40A. The rechargeable power source D40A comprises a rechargeable battery unit D41A having a power outlet D42A for electrically connecting with an external power source in charging manner, and a battery terminal D43A arranged to contact with the electrical terminal D32 of the electrical arrangement D30. The rechargeable power source D40A also includes a locking arrangement D44A for retaining the rechargeable battery unit D41A at the umbrella frame D20. The locking arrangement D44A comprises a releasable locker D46A to detachably couple the rechargeable battery unit D41A with the supporting shaft D22 and to ensure the battery terminal D43A being contact with the electrical terminal D32 so as to electrically connect the rechargeable battery unit D41A with the electrical arrangement D30. As shown in Fig. 53, the electrical terminal D32 is provided at the foldable awning frame

D24 to engage with the releasable locker D46A and to electrically contact with the battery terminal D43A respectively when the rechargeable battery unit D41A is mounted at foldable awning frame D24.

As it is mentioned above, the awning frame D24 comprises an upper housing D241 and a plurality of awning supporting arms D242. The rechargeable battery unit D41A is detachably mounted at one of the awning supporting arms D242 which is pivotally and slidably connected to the supporting shaft D22. Accordingly, the respective awning supporting arm D242 has a first end slidably coupled at the supporting shaft D22 and a second end pivotally coupled at the upper housing D241. A battery compartment D27 is provided at the first end of the awning supporting arm D242 for the rechargeable battery unit D41A receiving in the battery compartment D27. As shown in Fig. 54, the first end of the awning supporting arm D242 forms a coupling joint to slidably engage with the supporting shaft D22 and to allow the awning supporting arm D242 to pivotally move with respect to the supporting shaft D22. It is worth to mention that the electrical device D31 is electrically coupled with the electrical terminal D32 in a pre-wiring manner, wherein the electric cable is extended through the respective awning supporting arm D242 to electrically couple between the electrical device D31 and the electrical terminal D32 such that the pivotal movement of the awning frame D24 will not affect the electrical connection of the electrical device D31. Thus, the user is able to reach the rechargeable battery unit D41A when the user locates within the shading area of the outdoor shading device. As shown in Fig. 54, the releasable locker D46A contains a through locker slot D461A provided at one of the sidewall of the battery compartment D27 and a locking protrusion D462A which is retractably extended from the rechargeable battery unit D41A and is arranged in such a manner that when the rechargeable battery unit D41A is received at the battery compartment D27, the locking protrusion D462A is engaged with the locker slot D461A to lock up the rechargeable battery unit D41A at the umbrella frame D20 to ensure the battery terminal D43A being contact with the electrical terminal D32 so as to electrically connect the rechargeable battery unit D41A with the electrical arrangement D30. Therefore, when the awning frame D24 is pivotally moved to fold or unfold the umbrella awning DlO, the rechargeable battery unit D41A is correspondingly moved without disconnecting the connection between the rechargeable battery unit D41A and the electrical device D30.

In order to detach the rechargeable battery unit D41A from the battery compartment D27, the user is able to apply an inward pushing force at a free end of the locking protrusion D462A to disengage the locking protrusion D462A from the locker slot D461A so as to remove the rechargeable battery unit D41A from the outdoor shading device.

As it is mentioned above, the shading device can be a canopy which comprises a canopy awning supported by a canopy supporting frame, wherein the canopy supporting frame comprises an awning supporting frame and a plurality of canopy supporting shafts. The rechargeable power source of the present invention can be provided at either the awning supporting frame or one of the canopy supporting shafts, wherein the electrical device is provided at the awning supporting frame to electrically couple with the rechargeable power source.

Referring to Figs. 55-58 of the drawings, a shading device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. According to the preferred embodiment, in which the outdoor shading device comprises a supporting frame ElO, an awning frame E20, and an outdoor AV (Audio-Video) display arrangement E30.

The awning frame E20 comprises a umbrella hub E21 suspendedly supported by a supporting shaft of the supporting frame ElO as one of the elongated arms, a plurality of awning arms E22 radially and outwardly extended from the umbrella hub E21, and an awning shade E23 supported by the awning arms E22 to define a shading area under the awning shade E23. Accordingly, the supporting shaft and the awning arms E22 are the elongated arms of the outdoor shading device.

The outdoor AV (Audio-Video) display arrangement E30 comprises a flat panel AV display E31, a screen supporting arm E32 extended from the AV display E31 to movably couple with the supporting shaft of the supporting frame ElO to selectively adjust an orientation of the AV display E31 within the shading area at an eye-level position.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outdoor AV (Audio- Video) display arrangement E30 further comprises a connection unit E33 provided at the AV display E31 for communicatively connecting with a portable electronic device E40 for transmitting audio and video signal from the portable electronic device E40 to the AV display E30, in such a manner that the AV display E31 provides a relatively large display area in comparison with the portable electronic device E40 that instantly enables a smaller display area of the portable electronic device E40 to become a larger display area on the AV display without sacrificing a portable controlling functionality of the portable electronic device E40.

It is worth to mention that the operation of the AV display arrangement E30 is extremely simple. When the portable electronic device E40 is connected to the AV display arrangement E30, the AV display arrangement E30 is still operated by the interface of the portable electronic device E40. Because the portable electronic device E40 is owned by the user, the user is usually very familiar with it. They don't need to try and error to operate the AV display arrangement E30, or follow the complicated instructions. They just need to follow the way they usually operate it. When they want to turn off the AV display arrangement E40, they just need to disconnect the connection between the portable electronic device E40 and the AV display arrangement E30. Furthermore, the AV display arrangement E30 doesn't save any data anytime during the link or whenever. Thus, we don't need to worry about the risk of hacking secret data by other people.

The screen supporting arm E32 has a detachable end E321 detachably coupling at the supporting frame ElO at one of elongated arm thereof and a pivotal end E322 pivotally coupling at a rear side of the AV display E31 in such a manner that the AV display E31 is selectively adjusted its orientation via the screen supporting arm E32 and is adapted to be detached from the supporting frame ElO. The user is able to change position of the AV display E31 corresponding to everyone's demand. The detachable controller E3211, comprising a hand lock E3211 1, is provided at the detachable end E321 of the screen supporting arm E32, wherein the user is able to loosen the hand lock E32111 by hand such that the screen supporting arm E32 can be not only slid along the supporting frame ElO to adjust the elevated position of the AV display E31 with respect to the ground but also rotated around the supporting frame ElO to adjust the oriented location of the AV display E31. Furthermore, the pivot controller E3221 comprises a ball joint E32211 provided at the pivotal end E322 of the screen supporting arm E32, wherein the user screws the AV display 31 to the pivot end E322. Thus, the AV display E31 is capability of adjusting its tilt angle via the ball joint E3221 1. For example, when the user prefers to adjust the eye level of the AV display E31, he or she can change the AV display E31 from a lower position to a higher position through adjusting the detachable controller E3211 of the detachable end E321. On the other hand, the pivotal end E322 provides a pivotal controller E3221 having a ball joint E32211 to control the AV display E31 direction and its tilt angle. Finally, through adjusting the pivot controller E3221 and the detachable controller E3211, the user is able to change the height, the direction, and the tilt angle of the AV display E31 they preferred. Moreover, when the user wants to fold the outdoor shading device, the AV display E31 can be folded to the fold situation through adjusting the pivot controller E3221 and the detachable controller E3211 such that the steps for folding the outdoor shading device is very simple because the user is simply need to fold the outdoor shading device by folding the awning frame E20 and the screen supporting arm E32.

The AV display E31 comprises a display panel E311 for displaying video signal from the portable electronic device E40 and a speaker unit E34 for converting an audio signal to a sound signal. It is worth to mention that the speaker unit E34 is setting up into two different positions: One is directly built-in on the display panel E311; as shown in Fig. 58, another one is set up along the boundary of the awning arms E22. Therefore, depends on the demand from the customers, the speakers E34 can built-in with the display panel E311 as a compact mode. On the other hand, in order to have louder sound and greater sound effect, the speaker can also display along the boundary of the awning frame E20. The supporting frame ElO comprises a foldable awning frame E20 which supports the awning shade thereon and is adapted to fold between a folded position and an unfolded position, wherein at the folded position, the awning shade E23 is folded to minimize the shading area while the AV display E31 is covered by the awning shade E23, and at the unfolded position, the awning shade E23 is unfolded to maximize the shading area while the AV display E31 is suspendedly supported within the shading area. The supporting frame ElO further comprises a hand operator El 1 having a hand crank El I l . Through rotating the hand crank El I l, both of the awing frames E20 and the awning arms E22 can be operated between the folded situation and the unfolded situation. Therefore, outdoor shading device is very easy for people to open in on the ground or close to storage in the storage room.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, a power supply E50 supported by the supporting frame ElO and electrically coupled with the AV display 30. The display panel E311 further comprises a circuit transformer E35 electrically connecting with the AV display arrangement E30 for transforming an AC power from an external power source to a DC power for the AV display E30. Therefore, the AV display arrangement E30 is adapted for being powered up by an external power source for prolonged use of the AV display arrangement E30. Alternatively, the AV display arrangement E30 can also be powered by a power storage E53 for shorter usage duration. Moreover, the power supply E50 for the AV display arrangement E30 is self supported by either AC, DC power, or the power storage E53, and is able to provide power supply E50 to the portable electronic device E40. In other words, when the portable electronic device E40 is connected with the AV display arrangement E30, the portable electronic device E40 could be in the charging mode. Thus, the user does not need to worry about the power shortage for the portable electronic device E40 and the AV display E30 with long hour and constant use.

As a further alternative, the power supply E50 further comprises a solar collecting device E51 having a collecting surface E52 positioned above the shading area for collecting solar energy, wherein the power storage E53 is operatively connected to the solar collecting device E51 for storing electrical energy after being converted from the solar energy. The solar collecting device E51 further has a solar energy surface E52 supported above the awning shade E23 for facing towards the sunlight, wherein the solar energy is converted into electrical energy and is stored in the power storage E53.

As shown in Fig. 57, the connection unit E33 comprises a wireless link E331 adapted for wirelessly linking to the portable electronic device E40 to wirelessly transmit the audio and video signal from the portable electronic device E40 to the AV display E30 and the speaker unit E34, wherein the wireless link E331 comprises a wireless receiver E3311 which is integrated with the AV display arrangement E30 to wirelessly transmit the audio and video signal from the portable electronic device E40 to the AV display E31. In this situation, the connection cable may not be necessary, yet it can still be used in conjunction with the wireless link E331 to cater different needs. According to the preferred embodiment, a wireless connectivity of the wireless link is selected from the group consisting of "Bluetooth" connectivity, Infrared connectivity, and Radio Frequency connectivity. When the audio player has the compatible wireless connectivity, the wireless control E3312 is capable of wirelessly connecting with the AV display arrangement E30. For example, if the portable electronic device E40 has a built-in "Bluetooth" connecting function, the wireless control E3312 is adapted to pair with the portable electronic device E40 to transmit the video signal from the portable electronic device E40 to the AV display arrangement E30. It is worth to mention that the wireless range of the wireless control E3312 is preset with a limited range for preventing the interference of the wireless link E331. The connection unit E33 further comprises a cable port E333 provided at a peripheral edge of the AV display E31 for communicatively connecting the portable electronic device E40 via the connection cable to transmit the audio and video signal from the portable electronic device E40 to the AV display E31 through the connection cable. Therefore, through cable transmit, the AV display arrangement E30 of the present invention is adapted to play video originated from a wide variety of conventional portable electronic device E40, such as CD players, DVD players, MP3, video players and the like for providing the maximum number of entertainment options for the user of the present invention.

One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of the present invention as shown in the drawings and described above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting. It will thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. The embodiments and their alternatives have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structural principles of the present invention and is subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is Claimed is:

1.An outdoor shading device, comprising: an awning; a supporting frame which comprises an awning frame supporting said awning and at least a supporting shaft to support said awning frame and said awning thereabove to define a shading area under said awning; and an audio system which comprises a housing mounted on said supporting frame, an audio device, which comprises one or more speakers supported in said portable housing and an audio input operatively coupling with said speakers such that when said audio input sends audio signals to said speakers, said speakers are adapted for producing audio sound as an additional function for said outdoor shading device, and a control device operatively connecting to said speakers to selectively operate and control said speakers.

2. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said housing is a portable housing which comprises a first housing body and a second housing body defining a mounting slot when said first and second housing bodies are coupled with each other, wherein said mounting slot has a size for said supporting shaft of said outdoor shading device fitting therewithin, wherein said audio system further comprises a detachable locker comprising a first locker provided at said first housing body and a second locker which is provided at said second housing body and is releasably locked with said first locker to detachably lock up said second housing body with said first housing body for securely mounting said portable housing around said supporting shaft of said outdoor shading device, wherein said speakers of said audio device are supported in said first and second housing bodies of said portable housing respectively.

3. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 2, wherein said audio input comprises an auxiliary input provided on said portable housing for communicatively connecting to a portable music player to receive said audio signal therefrom, such that said audio signal is transmitted to said speakers for music broadcasting, wherein said control device is provided at said portable housing and comprises a control circuitry operatively connecting to said speakers to selectively operate and control said speakers and a display screen electrically connected to said control circuitry for displaying an operation status thereof, wherein said control device comprises a radio broadcasting circuit for receiving radio wave as said audio signal, such that said control device transmits said audio signal to said speakers for radio broadcasting.

4. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 3, wherein said first and second housing bodies are two identical half circular bodies pivotally coupling with each other via a pivot hinge, wherein each of said first and second housing bodies has two biasing surfaces arranged when said biasing surfaces of said first housing body engage with said biasing surfaces of said second housing body respectively, said portable housing is formed to have a donut shape and to define said mounting slot at a center of said portable housing, wherein said audio device further comprises an electric cable extended between said two corresponding biasing surfaces of said first and second housing bodies to electrically connect said speakers with each other, wherein said electric cable not only electrically connects said speakers with each other but also limits a pivot angle between said first and second housing bodies.

5. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 4, wherein said pivot hinge comprises a pivot shaft provided at said first housing body and a detachable coupler which is extended from said second housing body and is detachably coupled with said pivot shaft to pivotally connect said second housing body with said first housing body, wherein said audio device further comprises an electric plug which is extended from said corresponding biasing surface of the first housing body and is electrically coupled with said speaker thereat, and an electric socket which is extended from said corresponding biasing surface of said second housing body and is electrically coupled with said speaker thereat, wherein said electric plug is electrically coupled to said electric socket when said first and second housing bodies are coupled with each other to electrically connect said speakers with each other, wherein said first locker comprises a first locking latch outwardly protruded from one of said biasing surfaces of said first housing body, wherein said second locker comprises a second locking latch movably supported in said second housing body to align with a locking hole on said respective biasing surface of said second housing body, wherein when said first locking latch is engaged with said second locking latch through said locking hole, said second housing body is locked up with said first housing body, wherein said second locker further comprises a resilient element supported in said second housing body for applying an urging force against said second locking latch so as to normally retain said second locking latch being locked up with said first locking latch, and a lock actuator coupling with said second locking latch and actuating said second locking latch to disengage with said first locking latch.

6. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 5, further comprising an adjustable retainer for adjusting the size of said mounting slot for said supporting shaft of said outdoor shading device, wherein said adjustable retainer comprises a retention arm, having a pusher surface facing towards said mounting slot, slidably mounted said first housing body and an adjustable locker controllably driving said retention arm at a position that when said retention arm is driven towards mounting slot, said pusher surface is arranged for biasing against an outer surface of said supporting shaft of said outdoor shading device until said supporting shaft thereof being fitted at said mounting slot so as to substantially mount said portable housing at said outdoor shading device, wherein said adjustable locker comprises a compression spring supported in said first housing body for applying a pushing force against said retention arm so as to normally push said pusher surface towards said mounting slot.

7. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 3, wherein said first housing body, having a U-shaped structure, has two inner guiding walls defining a guiding channel therebetween, wherein said second housing body, having a corresponding shape, has two outer guiding walls engaging with said inner guiding walls of said first housing body, wherein said guiding channel has a closed end defining said mounting slot thereat and an opened end arranged when said second housing body is slidably mounted to said first housing body along said guiding channel through said opened end thereof, said mounting slot is formed at said closed end of said guiding channel, wherein said first locker comprises two toothed-locking tracks provided at said inner guiding walls of said first housing body respectively, wherein said second locker comprises two locking arms outwardly extended from said outer guiding walls of said second housing and a lock actuator actuating said locking arms to engage with said toothed-locking tracks respectively for locking up said second housing body with said first housing body and to disengage with said toothed-locking tracks respectively for releasing said second housing body with said first housing body so as to allow said second housing body being detached from said first housing body.

8. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 7, wherein each of said locking arms has an inner pivot end pivotally mounted in said second housing body and an outer locking end outwardly protruded from said respective outer guiding wall of said second housing body through a locking hole to selectively engage with said respective toothed-locking track, wherein said lock actuator comprises two actuating legs movably mounted in said second housing body to engage with said locking arms respectively and a control pusher which is extended from said actuating legs to an exterior of said second housing body and is arranged in such a manner that when said control pusher is depressed, said actuating legs are pushed to pivotally move said locking arms at a position that said locking ends of said locking arms are moved into an interior of said second housing body through said locking holes so as to disengage said locking ends of said locking arms with said toothed-locking tracks respectively, wherein each of said actuating legs has a straight biasing portion and a curved releasing portion that said locking arms are normally engaged with said curved releasing portions of said actuating legs to retain said locking ends of said locking arms engaging with said toothed-locking tracks respectively, wherein when said control pusher is depressed to move said actuating legs, said locking arms are engaged with said straight biasing portions of said actuating legs to pivotally move said locking ends of said locking arms into said interior of said second housing body through said locking holes so as to disengage said locking ends of said locking arms with said toothed-locking tracks respectively, wherein said second locker further comprises two first resilient elements mounted at two free ends of said actuating legs for applying an urging force against said control pusher to retain said control pusher in a normal position and two second resilient elements provided at said two locking arms for applying a pushing force against said locking arms with respect to sidewalls of said locking holes so as to retain said locking ends of said locking arms to engage with said toothed-locking tracks respectively.

9. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 8, further comprising an adjustable retainer for adjusting the size of said mounting slot for said supporting shaft of said outdoor shading device, wherein said adjustable retainer comprises a retention arm, having a pusher surface facing towards said mounting slot, slidably mounted said second housing body and an adjustable locker controllably driving said retention arm at a position that when said retention arm is driven towards mounting slot, said pusher surface is arranged for biasing against an outer surface of said supporting shaft of said outdoor shading device until said supporting shaft thereof being fitted at said mounting slot so as to substantially mount said audio housing at said outdoor shading device, wherein said retention arm comprises a pusher head defining said pusher surface thereat and a driving arm, having a toothed track, extended from said pusher head, wherein said adjustable locker has a control portion extended out of said second housing body and a gear portion which is extended from said control portion and is engaged with said toothed track of said driving arm such that when said control portion of said adjustable locker is rotated, said driving arm is slidably moved to selectively drive said pusher head towards said mounting slot for selectively adjusting the size of said mounting slot with respect to said supporting shaft of said outdoor shading device.

10. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 1, further comprising a AV display mounted to said supporting frame and a connection unit provide at said AV display for communicatively connecting with said control device for transmitting video signals from said control device.

11. An outdoor shading device for one or more electrical appliances, comprising: a supporting frame; an awning frame which comprises a functional umbrella hub suspendedly supported by said supporting frame for supporting the electrical appliances, a plurality of awning frames radially and outwardly extended from said functional umbrella hub, and an awning supported by said awning arms to define a shading area under said awning; and an electro-control device comprising: a control circuitry having an input terminal adapted for electrically connecting to a power source and a plurality of control terminals for selectively communicating to said electrical appliances respectively, and a control device electrically connecting to said control circuitry for selectively controlling each of the electrical appliances.

12. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 1 1, wherein said electro-control device is supported at said supporting frame and located at a user-hand reachable position.

13. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 11, wherein said supporting frame comprises a hollow supporting shaft having an upper portion coupling with said awning frame, wherein said electro-control device further comprises a plurality of extending cables electrically extending from said control terminals respectively to said awning frame through said hollow supporting shaft in a pre-wiring manner, wherein each of said extending cables has a connector head extended to said functional umbrella hub through said hollow supporting shaft for electrically connecting said corresponding electric appliance such that said outdoor shading device is adapted for incoφorating with said electric appliances as add on electric appliances to provide additional functions of said outdoor shading device when said corresponding electric appliance is mounted at said functional umbrella hub and is electrically connected to said connector head.

14. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 13, wherein said electro-control device further comprises a panel housing built-in with said supporting frame that said panel housing is provided at a peripheral wall of said supporting frame to protectively receive said control circuitry in said panel housing, wherein said control device comprises a plurality of control switches which are spacedly provided on said panel housing and are electrically connected to said control terminals of said control circuitry respectively for manually controlling said corresponding electrical appliances in an on-and-off manner, wherein said electro-control device further comprises a display screen which is provided on said panel housing and is electrically connected to said control circuitry for displaying an operation status of each of said electrical appliances, wherein said electro-control device further comprises an electric socket which is provided on said supporting frame and is electrically connected to said input terminal for electrically connecting to said power source, wherein said electro-control device further comprises a circuit transformer electrically connecting between said electric socket and said input terminal of said control circuit for transforming an AC power from said power source to a DC power to said control circuitry for supplying electricity to said electric appliances, wherein said control circuitry further comprises an integrated radio broadcasting circuit and an auxiliary input for communicatively connecting to a portable music player, such that said control circuitry provides an added audio function for incorporating with said electric appliances, wherein said control device further comprises a wireless link circuitry integrated with said control circuitry and a remote control wirelessly communicating to said wireless link circuitry to control said control circuitry for remotely controlling said electric appliances in a wireless manner.

15. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 11, further comprising a AV display mounted to said supporting frame and a connection unit provide at said AV display for communicatively connecting with said control device for transmitting video signals from said control device.

16. An outdoor shading device, comprising: a supporting frame; an awning frame which comprises a functional umbrella hub suspendedly supported by said supporting frame, a plurality of awning frames radially and outwardly extended from said functional umbrella hub, and an awning supported by said awning arms to define a shading area under said awning, wherein said functional umbrella hub has a speaker compartment and an audio outlet; and an audio system, as a built-in sound system, comprising: a speaker unit comprising one or more speakers supported within said speaker compartment of said functional umbrella hub to align with said audio outlet, wherein when said audio signal is input at said control device, said audio signal is transmitted to said speaker unit for generating an audio sound as an additional function for said outdoor shading device; and a control device operatively connecting to said speaker unit to selectively operate and control said speakers and inputting audio signals to said speaker unit

17. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 16, wherein said control device is supported at said supporting frame and said supporting frame comprises a hollow supporting shaft having an upper portion coupling with said awning frame, wherein said audio system further comprises an audio transmitting cable extending from said control device to said speaker unit through said supporting shaft so as to transmit said audio signal from said control device to said speaker unit via said audio transmitting cable.

18. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 17, wherein said control device comprises an auxiliary input for communicatively connecting to a portable music player to receive said audio signal therefrom, such that said control device transmits said audio signal to said speaker unit for music broadcasting, wherein said audio system further comprises a sealing holder mounted at said supporting frame at a position adjacent to said control device for holding said portable music player in said sealing holder in a waterproof enclosing manner, wherein said control device comprises a radio broadcasting circuit for receiving radio wave as said audio signal, such that said control device transmits said audio signal to said speaker unit for radio broadcasting, wherein said control device further comprises a control circuitry operatively connecting to said speaker unit to selectively operate and control said speaker unit and a display screen electrically connected to said control circuitry for displaying an operation status thereof.

19. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 18, wherein said audio system further comprises a wireless transmission link for wirelessly transmitting said audio signal from said control device to said speaker unit, wherein said wireless transmission link comprises a wireless transmitter integrated with said control device and a wireless receiver which is integrated with said speaker unit and is wirelessly communicating with said wireless transmitter to wireless transmit said audio signal from said control device to said speaker unit, wherein said speaker unit comprises a plurality of speakers radially supported within said speaker compartment for creating a stereo surround sound effect when said audio signal is transmitted to said speaker unit, wherein said functional umbrella hub further has a resonance chamber at said speaker compartment, wherein said speaker unit further comprises a subwoofer speaker supported at said resonance chamber for enhancing a sound quality of said audio sound output from said speaker unit.

20. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 16, further comprising a AV display mounted to said supporting frame and a connection unit provide at said AV display for communicatively connecting with said control device for transmitting video signals from said control device.

21. An outdoor shading device, comprising: an awning; a supporting frame which comprises an awning frame supporting said awning and at least a supporting shaft to support said awning frame and said awning thereabove to define a shading area under said awning; and an audio system which comprises a housing which comprises a first housing body and a second housing body defining a mounting slot when said first and second housing bodies are coupled with each other, wherein said mounting slot has a size for at least a supporting shaft of said outdoor shading device fitting therewithin; an accessory unit supported in said housing for providing an addition function for said outdoor shading device; and a shaft adjusting arrangement comprising two adjustable retainers for adjusting the size of said mounting slot for said supporting shaft of said outdoor shading device, wherein each of said adjustable retainers comprises a retention arm, having a pusher surface facing towards said mounting slot, slidably mounted at said first housing body, wherein said pusher surfaces of said retention arms are facing with each other and are arranged for biasing against an outer surface of said supporting shaft of said outdoor shading device until said supporting shaft thereof being fitted at said mounting slot so as to substantially mount said housing of said portable accessory device at said supporting shaft of said outdoor shading device, wherein said housing further comprises a battery module and a control unit mounted in said first housing body to electrically connect with said accessory unit so as to control said function thereof, wherein said battery module comprises a battery provided in said second housing body, and a terminal connector movably mounted in said second housing body to electrically connect said battery with said control unit in said first housing body when said second housing body is mounted on said first housing body.

22. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 21, wherein said adjustable retainers are slidably coupled at said first housing body in a radially movable manner at a position that said pusher surfaces of said adjustable retainers are protruded from a circumferential wall of said mounting slot for biasing against said outer surface of said supporting shaft, wherein said supporting shaft adjusting arrangement further comprises two actuating members pivotally supported at said first housing body to couple with said adjustable retainers respectively, wherein each of said actuating members has a pivot end pivotally coupling with said corresponding adjustable retainer and an opposed pushing end arranged in such a manner that when said pushing ends of said actuating members are pressed towards each other to pivotally move said pivot ends thereof away from each other, said adjustable retainers are driven to radially slide away from each other so as to adjust a distance between said pusher surfaces of said adjustable retainers, wherein said shaft adjusting arrangement further comprises two resilient elements supported in said first housing body for applying pushing forces against said actuating members respectively, wherein each of said resilient elements has two ends biasing against an inner wall of said first housing body and said pushing end of said respective actuating member, wherein said first housing body contains two guiding slots for guiding said adjustable retainers respectively in a radially movable manner, wherein an inner end portion of each of said adjustable retainers is slidably engaged with said respective guiding slot to ensure said adjustable retainer being slid in a radially movable manner.

23. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 22, wherein said first housing body, having a U-shaped structure, has two inner guiding walls defining a guiding channel therebetween, wherein said second housing body, having a corresponding shape, has two outer guiding walls slidably engaging with said inner guiding walls of said first housing body, wherein said guiding channel has a closed end defining said mounting slot thereat, and an opened end is arranged when said second housing body is slidably mounted to said first housing body along said guiding channel through said opened end thereof, said mounting slot is formed at said closed end of said guiding channel, wherein said pusher surface of each of said adjustable retainers is a curved surface corresponding to a curvature of said supporting shaft of said outdoor shading device, wherein each of said adjustable retainers further comprises an anti-slippery pad provided at said pusher surface thereof for enhancing a frictional engagement between said adjustable retainer and said supporting shaft of said outdoor shading device so as to securely mount said housing at said supporting shaft of said outdoor shading device.

24. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 21, wherein each of said adjustable retainers has an arc shape pivotally coupled at said first housing body at a position that said pusher surfaces of said adjustable retainers are defined at an inner concave surface and are protruded from a circumferential wall of said mounting slot for biasing against said outer surface of said supporting shaft, wherein each of said adjustable retainers is made of flexible material such that said pusher surface of each of said adjustable retainers is self-adjustably bent to adjust a curvature thereof for biasing against said outer surface of said supporting shaft, wherein said shaft adjusting arrangement further comprises two resilient elements supported in said first housing body for applying pushing forces against said adjustable retainers respectively, wherein each of said resilient elements has two ends biasing against an inner wall of said first housing body and said respective adjustable retainer at a position offset to a pivot point thereof, wherein each of said adjustable retainers is a V-shaped flexible member defining said pivot point at a mid-portion of said flexible member, wherein said first housing body, having a U-shaped structure, has two inner guiding walls defining a guiding channel therebetween, wherein said second housing body, having a corresponding shape, has two outer guiding walls slidably engaging with said inner guiding walls of said first housing body, wherein said guiding channel has a closed end defining said mounting slot thereat, and an opened end is arranged when said second housing body is slidably mounted to said first housing body along said guiding channel through said opened end thereof, said mounting slot is formed at said closed end of said guiding channel.

25. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 23, wherein said terminal connector comprises two electrical terminals movably mounted in said second housing body to partially protrude out of said second housing body, and a resilient member provided in said second housing body for normally applying an outward urging force toward said electrical terminals so as to normally push said electrical terminals protruding out of said second housing body, wherein said battery module further comprises a pair of connecting terminals provided on said first housing body at said two inner guiding walls of said guiding channel to align with said electrical terminals of said terminal connector respectively, wherein said connecting terminals are electrically connected with said control unit in such a manner that when said second housing body is detachably attached onto said first housing body, said battery is arranged to electrically connect with said control unit through said electrical terminals and said connecting terminals, wherein said battery is a rechargeable battery replaceably received within said second housing.

26. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 24, wherein said terminal connector comprises two electrical terminals movably mounted in said second housing body to partially protrude out of said second housing body, and a resilient member provided in said second housing body for normally applying an outward urging force toward said electrical terminals so as to normally push said electrical terminals protruding out of said second housing body, wherein said battery module further comprises a pair of connecting terminals provided on said first housing body at said two inner guiding walls of said guiding channel to align with said electrical terminals of said terminal connector respectively, wherein said connecting terminals are electrically connected with said control unit in such a manner that when said second housing body is detachably attached onto said first housing body, said battery is arranged to electrically connect with said control unit through said electrical terminals and said connecting terminals, wherein said battery is a rechargeable battery replaceably received within said second housing.

27. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 21, further comprising a AV display mounted to said supporting frame and a connection unit provide at said AV display for communicatively connecting with said control device for transmitting video signals from said control device.

28. An outdoor shading device, comprising: an awning; a supporting frame which comprises an awning frame supporting said awning and at least a supporting shaft to support said awning frame and said awning thereabove to define a shading area under said awning; and an electrical arrangement supported at said supporting frame, wherein said electrical arrangement comprises an electrical device coupled with said awning frame and an electrical terminal extended from said electrical device to said supporting shaft in a pre-wiring manner; and a rechargeable power source, comprising: a rechargeable battery unit having a power outlet for electrically connecting with an external power source in charging manner, and a battery terminal arranged to contact with said electrical terminal of said electrical arrangement; and a locking arrangement which contains a locker slot provided at said supporting frame and a releasable locker extended from said rechargeable battery unit to detachably couple said rechargeable battery unit with said supporting frame and to ensure said battery terminal being contact with said electrical terminal so as to electrically connect said rechargeable battery unit with said electrical arrangement.

29. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 28, wherein said releasable locker comprises two spaced apart resilient arms slidably engaging with said locker slot, wherein two locking protrusions are provided at two sidewalls of said locker slot to engage with hooking ends of said resilient arms when said releasable locker is slid into said locker slot, wherein said releasable locker further comprises a locking tongue slidably inserted into said locker slot, wherein said resilient arms are spacedly extended at two sidewalls of said locking tongue to define a resilient gap between each of said resilient arms and said corresponding sidewall of said locking tongue, wherein each of said resilient gaps allows said respective resilient arm to be slightly bent to engage with said respective locking protrusion when said releasable locker is slid into said locker slot, wherein said umbrella frame further comprises an operation housing mounted at said supporting shaft, an operational unit received at said operation housing for selectively operating said awning frame at an unfolded position and a folded position, and a battery compartment provided at a sidewall of said operation housing to receive said rechargeable battery unit, wherein said locker slot and said electrical terminal are provided at a base wall and a bottom wall of said battery compartment to slidably engage with said releasable locker and to electrically contact with said battery terminal respectively when said rechargeable battery unit is received in said battery compartment, wherein said locking arrangement further comprises two releasing buttons for releasing said releasable locker from said locker slot, each of said releasing buttons having a pushing end aligned with said respective resilient arm and an opposed pressing end arranged in such a manner that when said pressing ends of said releasing buttons are pressed, said pushing ends of said releasing buttons push at said resilient arms towards said resilient gaps so as to disengage said hooking ends of said resilient arms with said locking protrusions respectively.

30. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 29, wherein said two releasing buttons are slidably mounted at said sidewalls of said locker slot respectively at a position that said pushing ends of said releasing buttons are align with said hooking ends of said resilient arms respectively, such that when said pressing ends of said releasing buttons are pressed, said resilient arms are driven to move at said resilient gaps to disengage with said locking protrusions respectively, wherein said two releasing buttons are slidably mounted at said sidewalls of said locker slot respectively at a position that said pushing ends of said releasing buttons are align with said hooking ends of said resilient arms respectively, such that when said pressing ends of said releasing buttons are pressed, said resilient arms are driven to move at said resilient gaps to disengage with said locking protrusions respectively, wherein said locking arrangement further comprises two resilient elements supported within said resilient gaps respectively, wherein each of said resilient elements has two ends biasing against said respective resilient arm and said sidewall of said locking tongue for applying an urging force against said resilient arm, wherein said pushing ends of said two releasing buttons are sidewardly extended at said resilient arms respectively such that when said pressing ends of said releasing buttons are pressed, said resilient arms are driven to move at said resilient gaps to disengage with said locking protrusions respectively, wherein said locker slot further has two actuation slots formed at said sidewalls respectively, wherein said pressing ends of said releasing buttons are protruded out of said locker slot through said actuation slots respectively when said releasable locker is locked at said locker slot.

31. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 29, wherein said pushing ends of said two releasing buttons are slidably mounted at said resilient arms respectively such that when said pressing ends of said releasing buttons are pressed to slide along said resilient arms respectively, said resilient arms are driven to move at said resilient gaps to disengage with said locking protrusions respectively, wherein said locker slot further has two actuation slots formed at said sidewalls respectively, wherein said pressing ends of said releasing buttons are protruded out of said locker slot through said actuation slots respectively when said releasable locker is locked at said locker slot.

32. The outdoor shading device, as recited in claim 28, further comprising a AV display mounted to said supporting frame and a connection unit provide at said AV display for communicatively connecting with said control device for transmitting video signals from said control device.