Multi-purpose floating umbrella

Abstract

A floating canopy or shading device designed to provide shaded areas to swimming pools, lakes, and other bodies of water traditionally lacking in shade. In one embodiment, the canopy is an umbrella attached to a weighted buoy that floats on a body of water. In one embodiment, the weighted buoy may include a float connected to a ballast via one or more rods that serves as a counterweight.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A floating canopy for providing shade in a body of water, comprising
 a canopy configured to provide shade; and   a weighted buoy coupled to the canopy comprising a float, a moment arm, and a ballast, wherein the weighted buoy is configured to float on a body of water.   
     
     
         2 . The canopy of  claim 1 , wherein the canopy is moveable between an open position and a closed position while coupled to the weighted buoy. 
     
     
         3 . The canopy of  claim 1 , wherein the canopy is expandable while coupled to the weighted buoy. 
     
     
         4 . The canopy of  claim 1 , wherein the canopy is a commercially available umbrella. 
     
     
         5 . The canopy of  claim 4 , wherein the weighted buoy comprises an opening configured to hold a portion of the umbrella. 
     
     
         6 . The canopy of  claim 1 , wherein the ballast is configured as a counterweight. 
     
     
         7 . The canopy of  claim 1 , wherein the ballast is coupled to the float by the moment arm. 
     
     
         8 . The canopy of  claim 7 , wherein the moment arm is configured to balance the canopy in a substantially upright position. 
     
     
         9 . The canopy of  claim 1 , wherein the canopy is coupled to the weighted buoy by a shaft, such that the shaft is rigidly coupled to the moment arm in a substantially straight position. 
     
     
         10 . The canopy of  claim 1 , wherein the float has a circular cross-sectional area. 
     
     
         11 . The canopy of  claim 1 , wherein the float comprises a first float section coupled to a second float section, wherein the first and second float sections substantially surround a buoyant float insert. 
     
     
         12 . The canopy of  claim 11 , wherein the first and second float sections are approximately the same size. 
     
     
         13 . The canopy of  claim 11 , wherein the float insert is configured to provide sufficient buoyancy to keep the canopy substantially upright in a body of water. 
     
     
         14 . The canopy of  claim 1 , wherein the weighted buoy comprises a plurality of cup holders configured to hold beverages. 
     
     
         15 . The canopy of  claim 1 , wherein the moment arm is coupled to the shaft by a ferrule. 
     
     
         16 . The canopy of  claim 1 , wherein the canopy is removably attached to the weighted buoy. 
     
     
         17 . A floating canopy system for providing shade in a body of water, comprising
 a plurality of weighted buoys, wherein each weighted buoy is configured to float on a body of water, wherein each weighted buoy comprises a float coupled to a ballast by a rod; and   one or more canopies coupled to the plurality of weighted buoys.