Source: http://patents.com/us-9713368.html
Timestamp: 2019-02-18 12:01:31
Document Index: 322533446

Matched Legal Cases: ['art\n2863466', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60']

US Patent # 9,713,368. Umbrella opening and closing system - Patents.com
United States Patent 9,713,368
Kuelbs July 25, 2017
An umbrella apparatus having a canopy portion hingedly coupled to a pole portion. The umbrellas apparatus includes a rechargeable electrical power system that provides electrical power to an electromechanical opening and closing system and a light assembly and an entertainment system. A solar energy system is conductively coupled to the rechargeable electrical power system and is utilized to collect and convert solar energy to electrical energy for recharging the electrical power system. The entertainment system features a USB port and allows users to stream music and control the color of the light assembly.
Kuelbs; Gregory G. (Westlake, TX)
Kuelbs; Gregory G.
LakeSouth Holdings, LLC (Southlake, TX)
Family ID: 1000000553671
14/282,678
10650537 Aug 28, 2003 8794781
10068424 Feb 7, 2002 6612713
14282678 May 20, 2014
11199956 Aug 9, 2005 8727555
13607911 Sep 10, 2012
13311887 Dec 6, 2011 8375966
12240845 Sep 29, 2008 8069868
10829790 Apr 22, 2004
60335933 Nov 2, 2001
60267018 Feb 7, 2001
Current CPC Class: F21V 33/0004 (20130101); A45B 3/04 (20130101); A45B 25/00 (20130101); A45B 25/14 (20130101); A45B 2200/1027 (20130101); A45B 2200/1018 (20130101)
Current International Class: A45B 25/14 (20060101); F21V 33/00 (20060101); A45B 3/04 (20060101); A45B 25/00 (20060101)
Field of Search: ;135/16,20.3 ;362/102
727495 May 1903 Todd
2087537 July 1937 Finkel
2244737 June 1941 Stewart
2863466 December 1958 Small
2960094 November 1960 Small
3086307 April 1963 Greene
3129715 April 1964 Militano et al.
3878387 April 1975 Kovacic
4346606 August 1982 Cannon et al.
4540929 September 1985 Binkley
4692680 September 1987 Sherer
4893356 January 1990 Waters
4920897 May 1990 Reed et al.
4999060 March 1991 Szekely
5053931 October 1991 Rushing
5055984 October 1991 Hung et al.
5116258 May 1992 Vennick
5126922 June 1992 Andreasen
5141010 August 1992 Muller et al.
5172711 December 1992 Mueller et al.
5217296 June 1993 Tanner
5222799 June 1993 Sears
5273062 December 1993 Mozdzanowski
5349975 September 1994 Valdner
5373287 December 1994 Doublet
5396162 March 1995 Brilmyer
5463536 October 1995 Chou et al.
5502624 March 1996 Tu
5584564 December 1996 Phyle
5611614 March 1997 Morgan
5664874 September 1997 Winterer
5758948 June 1998 Hale
5819455 October 1998 Tsuda
5911493 June 1999 Walker et al.
5937882 August 1999 Harbaugh
5954417 September 1999 Mai
5957717 September 1999 Monsef et al.
6017188 January 2000 Benton
6018231 January 2000 Shaver et al.
6043623 March 2000 McCary
6058951 May 2000 Wilson
6089727 July 2000 Wu
6126293 October 2000 Wu
6182917 February 2001 Lai
6196242 March 2001 Xu
6270230 August 2001 Mai
6280874 August 2001 Hensley et al.
6298866 October 2001 Molnar
6299325 October 2001 Cathel
6341873 January 2002 Yang
6406163 June 2002 Yang
6439249 August 2002 Pan et al.
6499856 December 2002 Lee
6612713 September 2003 Kuelbs
6666224 December 2003 Lee
6729742 May 2004 Wismeth et al.
6966667 November 2005 Li
7051744 May 2006 Hung
7188633 March 2007 Zerillo
7753546 July 2010 Kuelbs
8069868 December 2011 Kuelbs
8297294 October 2012 Li
8375966 February 2013 Kuelbs
8695614 April 2014 Chaimovski et al.
2002/0070688 June 2002 Dowling
2002/0078985 June 2002 Farr
2003/0067765 April 2003 Li
2004/0031510 February 2004 Li
2004/0149325 August 2004 Kuelbs
2005/0072451 April 2005 Vivian et al.
2006/0005869 January 2006 Kuelbs
2012/0325278 December 2012 Kuelbs
2015/0374083 December 2015 Akin
9200638 Jan 1993 FR
09163479 Jun 1997 JP
09168415 Jun 1997 JP
Appeal Decision Dated Jul. 25, 2013 from U.S. Appl. No. 11/199,956. cited by applicant .
Appeal Decision Dated Jul. 31, 2013 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Office Action Dated Jan. 18, 2012 from U.S. Appl. No. 13/311,887. cited by applicant .
Issue Notice Dated Feb. 19, 2013 from U.S. Appl. No. 13/311,887. cited by applicant .
Notice of Allowance Dated Oct. 17, 2012 from U.S. Appl. No. 13/311,887. cited by applicant .
Amendment After Final Dated Oct. 3, 2012 from U.S. Appl. No. 13/311,887. cited by applicant .
Examiner's Amendment Dated Aug. 27, 2013 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Notice to Issue Reexamination Certificate Dated May 14, 2013 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Litigation Search Report Dated Apr. 17, 2013 from U.S. Appl. No. 13/311,887. cited by applicant .
Appeal Decision Dated Jan. 10, 2013 from U.S. Appl. No. 13/311,887. cited by applicant .
Amendment Dated Apr. 18, 2012 from U.S. Appl. No. 13/311,887. cited by applicant .
Office Action Dated Aug. 3, 2012 from U.S. Appl. No. 13/311,887. cited by applicant .
Notice of Publication Dated Mar. 29, 2012 from U.S. Appl. No. 13/311,887. cited by applicant .
Solar Powered Umbrella "http://www.solprox.com/index.php#" Dated May 19, 2014 5 pages. cited by applicant .
Amendment Dated Jul. 31, 2013 from U.S. Appl. No. 13/607,911. cited by applicant .
Advisory Action Dated Jun. 16, 2014 from U.S. Appl. No. 13/607,911. cited by applicant .
Amendment After Final Dated Jun. 9, 2014 from U.S. Appl. No. 13/607,911. cited by applicant .
Final Rejection Dated Apr. 7, 2014 from U.S. Appl. No. 13/607,911. cited by applicant .
Office Action Dated Sep. 27, 2013 from U.S. Appl. No. 13/607,911. cited by applicant .
Request for Continued Examination Dated Sep. 16, 2013 from U.S. Appl. No. 13/607,911. cited by applicant .
Advisory Action Dated Jul. 3, 2013 from U.S. Appl. No. 13/607,911. cited by applicant .
Amendment After Final Dated Jun. 17, 2013 from U.S. Appl. No. 13/607,911. cited by applicant .
Office Action Dated Apr. 15, 2013 from U.S. Appl. No. 13/607,911. cited by applicant .
Response to Office Action Dated Feb. 4, 2013 from U.S. Appl. No. 13/607,911. cited by applicant .
Specification dated Oct. 21, 2008 from U.S. Appl. No. 12/255,255. cited by applicant .
Notice to File Missing Parts dated Nov. 7, 2008 from U.S. Appl. No. 12/255,255. cited by applicant .
Response to File Missing Parts dated Nov. 19, 2008 from U.S. Appl. No. 12/255,255. cited by applicant .
Publication dated Mar. 5, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 12/255,255. cited by applicant .
Non-Final Office Action dated Aug. 7, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 12/255,255. cited by applicant .
Amendment dated Nov. 6, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 12/255,255. cited by applicant .
Specification dated Feb. 7, 2002 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Preliminary Amendment dated Aug. 28, 2003 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Publication dated Aug. 5, 2004 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Non-Final Office Action dated Aug. 11, 2004 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Amendment dated Oct. 22, 2004 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Notice of Non-Compliant Amendment dated Nov. 5, 2004 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Response to Notice of Non-Compliant Amendment dated Nov. 15, 2004 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
First Restriction Requirement Office Action dated Feb. 17, 2005 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Response to First Restriction Requirement dated Mar. 15, 2005 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Second Restriction Requirement Office Action dated Jun. 10, 2005 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Response to Second Restriction Requirement dated Jun. 29, 2005 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Non-Final Office Action dated Sep. 21, 2005 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Amendment dated Dec. 21, 2005 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Response to Non-Compliant Amendment dated Jan. 13, 2006 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Final Office Action dated Mar. 29, 2006 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Request for Continued Examination dated Aug. 3, 2006 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Non-Final Office Action dated Oct. 20, 2006 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Declaration dated Mar. 19, 2007 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Amendment dated Mar. 19, 2007 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Non-Final Office Action dated Jun. 8, 2007 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Amendment dated Dec. 10, 2007 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Final Office Action dated Mar. 18, 2008 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Request for Continued Examination dated Sep. 18, 2008 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Non-Final Office Action dated Dec. 15, 2008 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Notice of Appeal dated May 13, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Appeal Brief dated May 13, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Notice of Non-Compliant Appeal Brief dated Jul. 6, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Appeal Brief dated Jul. 7, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Notice of Non-Compliant Appeal Brief dated Oct. 20, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Notice of Withdrawal of Previous Office Action dated Nov. 3, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/650,537. cited by applicant .
Request for Continued Examination and Amendment under 37 CFR 1.114 dated Nov. 4, 2010 from corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 12/240,845. cited by applicant .
Non-Final Office Action dated Dec. 15, 2010 from corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 12/240,845. cited by applicant .
Specification dated Apr. 22, 2008 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/829,790. cited by applicant .
Notice to File Missing Parts dated Jun. 30, 2004 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/829,790. cited by applicant .
Response to File Missing Parts dated Aug. 24, 2004 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/829,790. cited by applicant .
Preliminary Amendment dated Feb. 23, 2005 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/829,790. cited by applicant .
Restriction Requirement dated Mar. 15, 2006 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/829,790. cited by applicant .
Response to Restriction Requirement dated Aug. 21, 2006 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/829,790. cited by applicant .
Non-Final Office Action dated Nov. 7, 2006 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/829,790. cited by applicant .
Declaration dated Apr. 3, 2007 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/829,790. cited by applicant .
Amendment dated Apr. 3, 2007 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/829,790. cited by applicant .
Non-Final Office Action dated Jul. 23, 2007 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/829,790. cited by applicant .
Amendment dated Jan. 23, 2008 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/829,790. cited by applicant .
Final Office Action dated Mar. 27, 2008 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/829,790. cited by applicant .
Notice of Abandonment dated Dec. 15, 2008 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/829,790. cited by applicant .
Specification dated Apr. 22, 2004 from U.S. Appl. No. 12/240,845. cited by applicant .
Notice to Correct Papers dated Oct. 14, 2008 from U.S. Appl. No. 12/240,845. cited by applicant .
Response to Correct Papers dated Dec. 15, 2008 from U.S. Appl. No. 12/240,845. cited by applicant .
Publication dated Apr. 9, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 12/240,845 from U.S. Appl. No. 12/240,845. cited by applicant .
Non-Final Office Action dated Jul. 7, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 12/240,845 from U.S. Appl. No. 12/240,845. cited by applicant .
Declaration dated Nov. 5, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 12/240,845. cited by applicant .
Response to Office Action dated Nov. 5, 2009 from 12/240,845. cited by applicant .
Office Action dated Jan. 13, 2010 from U.S. Appl. No. 12/240,845. cited by applicant .
Action Closing Prosecution dated Dec. 18, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Amendment dated Jan. 18, 2010 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Decision on Petitions dated Mar. 1, 2010 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Decision Dismissing Petition dated Mar. 1, 2010 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Action Closing Prosecution dated Mar. 2, 2010 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Response to Action Closing Prosecution dated Mar. 9, 2010 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Notice of Allowance dated Mar. 9, 2010 from U.S. Appl. No. 12/255,255. cited by applicant .
Right of Appeal Notice dated Jan. 12, 2011 from corresponding Patent Reexamination Application/Control No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Notice of Appeal of Third Party Requester dated Feb. 10, 2011 from corresponding Patent Reexamination Application/Control No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Appeal Brief of Appellant Third Party Requester dated Apr. 8, 2011 from corresponding Patent Reexamination Application/Control No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Examiners Answer Dated Sep. 20, 2011 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Amendment Date Apr. 18, 2012 from U.S. Appl. No. 13/311,887. cited by applicant .
Specification dated Feb. 7, 2002 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Request for Reexamination dated Sep. 2, 2003 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Notice of Assignment dated Aug. 12, 2005 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Decision for Granting Reexamination dated Sep. 28, 2005 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
First Office Action dated Oct. 3, 2005 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Response to Order Granting Reexamination dated Nov. 8, 2005 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Notice to Correct Papers dated Dec. 5, 2005 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Response to Notice to Correct Papers dated Dec. 12, 2005 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Requester's Comments dated Dec. 15, 2005 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Requester's Comments dated Jan. 16, 2006 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Second Office Action dated Dec. 5, 2006 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Declaration dated Feb. 5, 2007 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Response to Second Office Action dated Feb. 5, 2007 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Requester's Response to Second Office Action dated May 7, 2007 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Notice to Correct Papers dated Jul. 25, 2008 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Response to Notice to Correct Papers dated Aug. 21, 2008 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Notice to Correct Papers dated Mar. 20, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Requester's Change of Address dated May 31, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Response to Notice to Correct Papers dated Apr. 17, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Requester's Response dated May 18, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Office Action Rejecting Requester's Response dated Aug. 28, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Requester's Replacement Comments dated Sep. 16, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Office Action Expunging Requester's Comments dated Oct. 22, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Petition Under 37 CFR 1.181 to Find the Third Party Requester's Replacement Comments in Compliance with 37 CFR 1.948 dated Nov. 16, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Petition Under 37 CFR 1.181 to Enter the Third-Party Requester's Replacement Comments on the Basis of the Examiner's Noncompliance with MPEP 2617 dated Nov. 16, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Petition Under 37 CFR 1.181 to Enter Third Party Requester's Replacement Comments for Failure of the Examiner to Comply with MPEP 2667 dated Nov. 16, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Petition Under 37 CFR 1.183 to Suspend the Rules with Respect to the 50-page Limit for Requester's Comments dated Nov. 16, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Petition Under 37 CFR 1.181 to Enter Third Party Requester's Replacement Comments Because the 50-page Limit has Been Properly Met dated Nov. 16, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 95/000,104. cited by applicant .
Specification dated Feb. 7, 2002 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/068,424. cited by applicant .
Office Action dated Dec. 9, 2002 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/068,424. cited by applicant .
Amendment dated Feb. 17, 2003 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/068,424. cited by applicant .
Notice of Allowance dated Jun. 20, 2003 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/068,424. cited by applicant .
Amendment dated Jun. 3, 2003 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/068,424. cited by applicant .
Issue Notification dated Sep. 2, 2003 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/068,424. cited by applicant .
U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,713 from U.S. Appl. No. 10/068,424. cited by applicant .
Petition for Inter Partes Review of U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,713 filed Apr. 1, 2015. cited by applicant .
Declaration of Robert Smith-Gillespie in support of Petition for Inter Partes Review of U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,713 filed Apr. 1, 2015. cited by applicant .
Corrected Petition for Inter Partes Review of U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,713 filed Apr. 1, 2015. cited by applicant .
Specification dated Feb. 7, 2007 from U.S. Appl. No. 11/199,956. cited by applicant .
Preliminary Amendment dated Aug. 9, 2005 from U.S. Appl. No. 11/199,956. cited by applicant .
Request for Continuation Application dated Aug. 9, 2005 from U.S. Appl. No. 11/199,956. cited by applicant .
Notice to Correct Application Papers dated Sep. 2, 2005 from U.S. Appl. No. 11/199,956. cited by applicant .
Reply to Notice to Correct Application Papers Sep. 15, 2005 from U.S. Appl. No. 11/199,956. cited by applicant .
Publication dated Jan. 12, 2006 from U.S. Appl. No. 11/199,956. cited by applicant .
Withdrawal of Previous Notice dated Jun. 5, 2007 from U.S. Appl. No. 11/199,956. cited by applicant .
Non-Final Office Action dated Jun. 5, 2007 from U.S. Appl. No. 11/199,956. cited by applicant .
Amendment dated Dec. 5, 2007 from U.S. Appl. No. 11/199,956. cited by applicant .
Non-Final Office Action dated Mar. 3, 2008 from U.S. Appl. No. 11/199,956. cited by applicant .
Request for Continued Examination dated Sep. 2, 2008 from U.S. Appl. No. 11/199,956. cited by applicant .
Non-Final Office Action dated Nov. 7, 2008 from U.S. Appl. No. 11/199,956. cited by applicant .
Notice of Appeal dated Feb. 3, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 11/199,956. cited by applicant .
Appeal Brief dated Apr. 3, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 11/199,956. cited by applicant .
Examiner's Answer dated Jun. 17, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 11/199,956. cited by applicant .
Reply Brief dated Sep. 8, 2009 from U.S. Appl. No. 11/199,956. cited by applicant .
Interview Summary dated Apr. 5, 2010 from corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 12/240,845. cited by applicant .
Amendment dated Apr. 9, 2010 from corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 12/240,845. cited by applicant .
Final Office Action dated Jun. 6, 2010 from corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 12/240,845. cited by applicant .
Petition for Inter Partes Review of U.S. Pat. No. 8,794,781 dated Nov. 18, 2016, 67 pages. cited by applicant .
Petition for Inter Partes Review of U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,713 dated Nov. 18, 2016, 72 pages. cited by applicant .
Notice of Filing Date Accorded to Petition and Time for Filing Patent Owner Preliminary Response, 5 pages. cited by applicant.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/650,537, filed 28 Aug. 2003, titled "Umbrella Apparatus," which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/068,424, filed 7 Feb. 2002, titled "Umbrella Apparatus," which issued on 2 Sep. 2003 under U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,713, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/267,018, filed 7 Feb. 2001, titled "Lighted Patio Umbrella Apparatus," and which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/335,933, filed 2 Nov. 2001, titled "Outdoor Lighting Systems with Cold Cathode Tubes, and this application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/607,911, filed 10 Sep. 2012, titled "Umbrella Apparatus," which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/311,887, filed 6 Dec. 2011, titled "Umbrella Apparatus," which issued on 19 Feb. 2013 under U.S. Pat. No. 8,375,966, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/240,845, filed 29 Sep. 2008, titled "Umbrella Apparatus," which issued on 6 Dec. 2011 under U.S. Pat. No. 8,069,868, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/829,790 filed 22 Apr. 2004, titled "Umbrella Apparatus," which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/650,537, filed 28 Aug. 2003, titled "Umbrella Apparatus," which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/068,424, filed 7 Feb. 2002, titled "Umbrella Apparatus," which issued on 2 Sep. 2003 under U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,713, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/267,018, filed 7 Feb. 2001, titled "Lighted Patio Umbrella Apparatus," and which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/335,933, filed 2 Nov. 2001, titled "Outdoor Lighting Systems with Cold Cathode Tubes", and this application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/199,956, filed 9 Aug. 2005, titled "Umbrella Apparatus," which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/650,537, filed 28 Aug. 2003, titled "Umbrella Apparatus," which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/068,424, filed 7 Feb. 2002, titled "Umbrella Apparatus," which issued on 2 Sep. 2003 under U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,713, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/267,018, filed 7 Feb. 2001, titled "Lighted Patio Umbrella Apparatus," and which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/335,933, filed 2 Nov. 2001, titled "Outdoor Lighting Systems with Cold Cathode Tubes, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.
1. An umbrella apparatus comprising: a pole portion; a canopy portion hingedly coupled to the pole portion; a power module carried by the pole portion above the canopy portion, the power module having an upper portion and a lower portion; a rechargeable electrical power system for providing electrical power to the umbrella apparatus; a solar energy system carried by the upper portion of the power module, the solar energy system being adapted to collect solar energy and convert the solar energy into electrical energy, the solar energy system being conductively coupled to the rechargeable electrical power system, such that the solar energy collected and converted into electrical energy recharges the rechargeable electrical power system; a crank housing; an electromechanical opening and closing system for opening and closing the canopy portion, the electromechanical opening and closing system being conductively coupled to and powered by the rechargeable electrical power system, the rechargeable electrical power system having; an electric motor carried by the pole portion, the electric motor located in the crank housing; a gear system coupled to the electric motor; a hand crank coupled to the gear system for manual operation of the opening and closing system; and a cable and pulley system coupled to the gear system and the canopy portion; a slide hub sliding coupled to the pole portion and hingedly coupled to the canopy portion, the slide hub having; a lower limit switch located on a lower portion of the slide hub; and an upper limit switch located on an upper portion of the slide hub; a first plunger coupled to the lower limit switch; and a second plunger coupled to the upper limit switch; wherein both the first plunger and the second plunger are coupled between the upper portion of the slide hub and the canopy portion; a lighting system carried by the canopy portion, the lighting system being conductively coupled to and powered by the rechargeable electrical power system; wherein the lighting system comprises; a plurality of rib members coupled to the canopy portion; and a plurality of light emitting diode elements carried by the rib members and fully recessed into the rib members, each light emitting diode element being conductively coupled to and powered by the rechargeable electrical power source; a controller; a wireless module conductively coupled to the controller; and a remote device in communication with the wireless module; wherein the plurality of light emitting diode elements are spaced along the rib members for illuminating an area under the canopy portion.
2. The umbrella apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a speaker; wherein the remote device streams encoded music through the wireless module and through the controller to the speaker.
3. The umbrella apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the speaker is located proximate the canopy portion.
4. The umbrella apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the speaker is located proximate the crank housing.
5. The umbrella apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the controller adjusts a color and an intensity of the lighting system in response to the encoded music.
6. The umbrella apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electromechanical opening and closing system further comprises: a current sensor for measuring a current draw of the electric motor.
7. The umbrella apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the controller utilizes the current sensor to control the electric motor.
8. The umbrella apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a universal serial bus port.
9. The umbrella apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the universal serial bus is located proximate the crank housing.
10. The umbrella apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller adjusts a color and an intensity of the lighting system in response to a command from the remote device.
11. The umbrella apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a motion sensor; wherein the controller dims an intensity of the lighting system in response to lack of activity measured by the motion sensor.
12. The umbrella apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting diode elements are grouped by rib member to form groups of light emitting diode elements; and wherein the controller controls each group of light emitting diode elements separately.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a lamp module according to the invention and adapted for mounting on an umbrella apparatus using an adhesive pad.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the lamp module of FIG. 12 and shows a wire tie inserted for use in mounting the lamp module.
FIG. 14A is a side view of an alternative mounting bracket according to the invention and optionally used to mount the lamp module of FIG. 12 to a rib of an umbrella apparatus.
FIG. 14B is a side view of a second alternative mounting bracket according to the invention and optionally used to mount the lamp module of FIG. 12 to a rib of an umbrella apparatus.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a solar collector module according to the invention and attached to a rib of an umbrella apparatus.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the solar module of FIG. 15 installed on an umbrella apparatus and viewed from above.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the solar module of FIG. 15 installed on an umbrella apparatus and viewed from below.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a battery module according to the invention and adapted for mounting on an umbrella apparatus using wire ties or similar connectors.
FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 18 showing the battery pack disassembled from the mounting bracket.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 18 with an alternative attachment means for securing the mounting bracket to an umbrella apparatus.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 18 with a second alternative attachment means for securing the mounting bracket to an umbrella apparatus.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating the use according to the invention of a recharging system adapted to be connected to an alternating current power source and the optional use of a solar power recharging system.
FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing various locations according to the invention for mounting the battery module of FIG. 18 on an umbrella apparatus.
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a spacer according to the invention used to provide electrical connection to a battery module mounted under a table of an umbrella apparatus.
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a spacer according to the invention used to provide electrical connection to a battery module mounted under a table of an umbrella apparatus.
FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of a battery module according to the invention and showing the battery pack disassembled from a mounting bracket having an electrical outlet port.
FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing a lighting system according to the invention, wherein a battery module is mounted on a support rib of an umbrella apparatus and connected to a strand of lights connected in a series arrangement, each light being affixed to a peripheral portion of a canopy of the umbrella apparatus.
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a strand of lights mounted according to the invention to a peripheral portion of a table of an umbrella apparatus.
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a lighting system according to the invention, wherein a battery module is mounted on a support rib of an umbrella apparatus and connected to an electrical hub for providing power to lights connected to the hub in a parallel arrangement, each light being affixed to a peripheral portion of a canopy of the umbrella apparatus.
FIG. 30 is an enlarged perspective view of the hub shown in FIG. 29 and according to the invention.
FIG. 31 is a front view of the opening and closing system with a remote according to the present application.
FIG. 32 is a side view of the opening and closing system with a remote according to the present application.
FIG. 33 is a front view of the opening and closing system with a manual crank port according to the present application.
FIG. 34 is a side view of the opening and closing system with a manual crank port according to the present application.
FIG. 35 is a front view of the opening and closing system with a manual crank handle according to the present application.
FIG. 36 is a side view of the opening and closing system with a manual crank handle according to the present application.
FIG. 37 is a front view of the opening and closing system with a music system according to the present application.
FIG. 38 is a side view of the opening and closing system with a music system according to the present application.
FIG. 39 is a side view of an alternative mounting bracket according to the invention and optionally used to mount a speaker module to a rib of an umbrella apparatus according to the present application.
FIG. 40 is a side view of a sliding housing for an auto lift umbrella apparatus according to the present application.
FIG. 41 is a front view of the crank housing having a USB port according to the present application.
FIG. 42 is a side view of the crank housing having a USB port according to the present application.
FIG. 43 is a diagram of a controller based umbrella apparatus according to the present application.
FIG. 44 and FIG. 45 are front views of a smartdevice application for the remote control of a controller based umbrella apparatus according to the present application.
While the systems and methods of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application.
Umbrella apparatus 11 includes a power system 50 having a power source 55. In this embodiment, power source 55 is preferably disposed in the hollow interior of pole portion 15 at a lower extremity and comprises one or more rechargeable batteries 55a. A releasable end cap 57 having integral ground connectors is provided at the lowermost portion of pole portion 15 to complete the electrical circuit of power system 50 and to allow access to rechargeable batteries 55a, as rechargeable batteries 55a may have to be periodically replaced. Power system 50 provides electrical power to lighting system 26 and opening and closing system 40. An external power system charger 51 is electrically coupled to power system 50 to aid in repeatedly charging rechargeable batteries 55a. As is shown in FIG. 1, an external adapter 60 may be provided. External adapter 60 includes a relatively small plug 59 that is adapted to be conductively received by external power system charger 51, an extension cord 61, an electrical transformer 63, and terminals 65 that allow transformer 63 to be plugged into a conventional AC wall outlet. This allows power system charger 51 to receive power directly from a conventional AC wall outlet in order to recharge rechargeable batteries 55a.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an alternative power system charger 62 may be provided. Alternate power system charger 62 includes at least one solar cell 35 carried by an upper cap portion 64. Solar cells 35 are conductively coupled to power system charger 51 via wires (not shown) that pass through the hollow interior of pole portion 15, thereby allowing solar cells 35 to provide an electrical charge to recharge rechargeable batteries 55a, provided sunlight falls upon solar cells 35. Because solar cells 35 provide continuous recharging throughout the daylight hours, the amount and frequency of charging power system 50 with external power system charger 60 may be minimized. It is important to note that locating alternate power system charger 62 atop umbrella portion 13 is unique and advantageous, particularly when alternate power system charger 62 includes solar cells 35 or other types of solar energy collectors. Such location limits the visibility of alternate power system charger 62 and ensures that solar energy collection is maximized.
The embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 is advantageous over the prior art in that it provides a number of useful functions. Umbrella apparatus 11 is lighted by lighting system 26 which does not require continuous access to a conventional AC wall outlet, while providing high intensity light. This allows umbrella apparatus 11 to be placed in a relatively remote lawn or garden locations that are away from, or substantially removed from, conventional AC power outlets. During daylight hours, solar cells 35 provide a continuous trickle charge to recharge rechargeable batteries 55a, thereby reducing the need for and frequency of use of external power system charger 60. However, when an electrical charge is needed, external power system charger 60 may be utilized to directly charge power system charger 51. Of course, a conventional extension cord may be used, thereby eliminating the need to move umbrella apparatus 11 from its remote location to a location near an AC power outlet.
Umbrella apparatus 111 includes a power system 150 having a power source 155. In this embodiment, power source 155 is preferably adapted to be conductively coupled to base portion 120 and comprises a rechargeable battery pack 155a, preferably an 18-Volt rechargeable battery pack. Battery pack 155a is preferably the type of rechargeable battery that is utilized with most modern cordless power tools, such as drills, saws, and sanders. Battery pack 155a is adapted to be repeatedly recharged by plugging battery pack 155a into a conventional charger (not shown) that is plugged into a conventional AC power outlet. Power system 150 provides electrical power to lighting system 126 and opening and closing system 140.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an alternative power system charger 162 may be provided. Alternate power system charger 162 includes at least one solar cell 135 carried by an upper cap portion 164. Solar cells 135 are conductively coupled to power system 150 via wires (not shown) that pass through the hollow interior of pole portion 115, thereby allowing solar cells 135 to provide an electrical charge to recharge rechargeable battery pack 155a, provided sunlight falls upon solar cells 135. Because solar cells 135 provide continuous recharging throughout the daylight hours, the frequency with which battery pack 155a must be replaced or recharged may be minimized. It is important to note that locating alternate power system charger 162 atop umbrella portion 113 is unique and advantageous, particularly when alternate power system charger 162 includes solar cells 135 or other types of solar energy collectors. Such location limits the visibility of alternate power system charger 162 and ensures that solar energy collection is maximized.
Base portion 120 includes a removable cylindrical sleeve 156, a removable cover 160, and a receiver 168. Sleeve 156 is configured to slip over the exterior of shaft portion 170, and includes a longitudinal slot 158 that allows access to screw clamps 174 and 176 when sleeve 156 is placed over shaft portion 170. Slot 158 also allows access to a connector 166 disposed in the lower portion of pole portion 115 when sleeve 156 is placed over shaft portion 170. Connector 166 is conductively coupled to the wires from alternate power system charger 162 and solar cells 135. Cover 160 is preferably concave in shape, thereby defining an interior space which may be used to house the electronics (not shown) of power system 150. Cover 160 may include one or more seams 163 that allow access to the interior space defined by cover 160. Receiver 168 releasably receives battery pack 155a. A wire 152 and plug 154 conductively couple battery pack 155a to connector 166, thereby providing an electrical circuit between rechargeable battery pack 155a and light strands 119, 121, 123, and 125 of lighting system 126.
The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C is advantageous over the prior art in that it provides a number of useful functions. Umbrella apparatus 111 is lighted by lighting system 126 which does not require continuous access to a conventional AC wall outlet, while providing high intensity light. This allows umbrella apparatus 111 to be placed in a relatively remote lawn or garden locations that are away from, or substantially removed from, conventional AC power outlets. During daylight hours, solar cells 135 provide a continuous trickle charge to recharge rechargeable battery pack 155a, thereby reducing the frequency with which battery pack 155a must be replaced or recharged. Additionally, this embodiment is advantageous over the prior art in that conventional rechargeable battery packs, which are commonly used with cordless power tools, may be utilized. If battery pack 155a is insufficiently charged illuminate light strands 119, 121, 123, and 125 of light system 126, the user may simply replace battery pack 155a with another fully charged battery pack 155a. In this manner, lighting system 126 of umbrella apparatus 111 may be energized conveniently, even though umbrella apparatus 111 may be located extremely remotely from an AC power outlet, such as in a garden patio, or on a boat dock. In this embodiment, there is no need to use extension cords to charge an alternate power system charger.
Umbrella apparatus 211 includes a power system 250 having a rechargeable power source 255. In this embodiment, power source 255 is preferably adapted to be conductively coupled to and hosed within base portion 220 and comprises a bundle of rechargeable batteries 255a. Power system 250 provides electrical power to lighting system 226 and opening and closing system 240. An external power system charger and transformer 251 are electrically coupled to power system 250 to aid in repeatedly charging rechargeable batteries 255a. An extension cord 261 having terminals 265 allow external power system charger and transformer 251 to be plugged into a conventional AC wall outlet. This allows external power system charger and transformer 251 to receive power directly from a conventional AC wall outlet in order to recharge rechargeable batteries 255a.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an alternative power system charger 262 may be provided. Alternate power system charger 262 includes at least one solar cell 235 carried by an upper cap portion 264. Solar cells 235 are conductively coupled to power system 250 via wires (not shown) that pass through the hollow interior of pole portion 215, thereby allowing solar cells 235 to provide an electrical charge to recharge rechargeable batteries 255a, provided sunlight falls upon solar cells 235. Because solar cells 235 provide continuous recharging throughout the daylight hours, the frequency with which batteries 255a must be replaced or recharged may be minimized. It is important to note that locating alternate power system charger 262 atop umbrella portion 213 is unique and advantageous, particularly when alternate power system charger 262 includes solar cells 235 or other types of solar energy collectors. Such location limits the visibility of alternate power system charger 262 and ensures that solar energy collection is maximized.
Base portion 220 includes a removable cylindrical sleeve 256, a removable cover 260, and recessed portions 280 and 282. Sleeve 256 is configured to slip over the exterior of shaft portion 270, and includes a longitudinal slot 258 that allows access to screw clamps 274 and 276 when sleeve 256 is placed over shaft portion 270. Slot 258 also allows access to a connector 266 disposed in the lower portion of pole portion 215 when sleeve 256 is placed over shaft portion 270. Connector 266 is conductively coupled to the wires from alternate power system charger 262 and solar cells 235. Cover 260 is preferably concave in shape, thereby defining an interior space which may be used to house the electronics (not shown) of power system 250. Cover 260 may include one or more seams 263 that allow access to the interior space defined by cover 260. Recessed portion 280 releasably receives batteries 255a, and recessed portion 282 releasably receives external power system charger 251. A wire 252 and plug 254 conductively couple batteries 255a to connector 266, thereby providing an electrical circuit between rechargeable batteries 255a and light strands 219, 221, 223, and 225 of lighting system 226.
The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3A-3C is advantageous over the prior art in that it provides a number of useful functions. Umbrella apparatus 211 is lighted by lighting system 226 which does not require continuous access to a conventional AC wall outlet, while providing high intensity light. This allows umbrella apparatus 211 to be placed in a relatively remote lawn or garden locations that are away from, or substantially removed from, conventional AC power outlets. During daylight hours, solar cells 235 provide a continuous trickle charge to recharge rechargeable batteries 255a, thereby reducing the frequency with which batteries 255a must be replaced or recharged. However, when an electrical charge is needed, external power system charger 251 may be utilized to directly charge batteries 255a. Of course, a conventional extension cord may be used, thereby eliminating the need to move umbrella apparatus 211 from its remote location to a location near an AC power outlet.
Referring now to FIGS. 6-9 in the drawings, the preferred embodiments of the umbrella apparatus of the present invention are illustrated. In these embodiments, the rechargeable power source and solar recharging system are mounted atop the pole portion of the umbrella apparatus above the canopy. One concept which runs throughout the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 6-9 is the utilization of a "power unit." This concept involves the placement of a unitary structure at a defined location relative to the umbrella. For example, in the embodiments of FIGS. 6-9, the power unit is shown at a top location directly above the umbrella apparatus, and secured to the pole portion with a threaded coupling. FIG. 6 depicts a top-mounted power unit and a cold cathode tube lighting system. FIG. 7 depicts a top-mounted power unit with a fanning means cooling system. FIG. 8 depicts a top-mounted power unit with mist producing cooling system. FIG. 9 depicts a top-mounted power unit with an automated opening and closing system.
The optimum operating temperature for cold cathode tube is approximately 40 degrees Celsius, although Applicant believes that these lamps can be produced in a manner to reliably provide outdoor lighting in temperatures as cold as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. While the cold cathode tube does not require heating, the output of the lamp does vary based upon the ambient temperature. At room temperature, the initial output of a lamp is only about seventy percent of its steady state value at 40 degrees Celsius. In contrast, its output is only 25 percent when the lamp is started at zero degrees Celsius. Cold starts do require additional voltage from the power source to ensure reliable operation. However, the number of lamp "starts" has no adverse effect on the lamp. This is not true for fluorescent lamps, which degrade over time due to the number of "starts." Cold cathode tubes may be utilized to supply a white light output.
In the preferred embodiment, a cold cathode tube manufactured by Nanjing Lampus Electronics Company, Ltd. is utilized. Specifically, a lamp type CFL-20 is utilized. This has an inner diameter of 1.5 millimeters. The tube length is variable, and may be anywhere in the range of 50 millimeters to 30 millimeters in overall length. The tube is adapted to operate on four milliamps of tube current. The tube voltage is in the range of 200 to 750 Volts. The average brightness of this particular tube is 40,000 cd/m.sup.2.
The first application is that of a "special purpose light," or "task light," such as for security applications. These special purpose lights would provide very light output, for a relatively short duration. One example would be the utilization of the cold cathode ray tube to provide extremely high light output for a very small area for a very short time, all in response to detection of motion in a particular area. For example, a system can be configured to detect motion in a doorway, motion in a yard, motion in a driveway, or the like. The brightness can be provided which can be far in excess of 40,000 cd/m.sup.2. For example, 100,000 to 200,000 cd/m.sup.2 may be provided for a very small area for a very short duration. For example, the duration may be a few minutes to ten minutes.
The second application requires a medium amount of light output, but requires longer periods of operation or wider areas of coverage. For example, the light assembly provided with the umbrella provides a relatively high light output, such as in the range of 20,000 to 100,000 cd/m.sup.2, in order to allow one to read, play games, operate a computer, or do needlework under the umbrella. Preferably, the battery pack and associated solar panel is sufficient to allow the system to operate continuously for a time interval in the range of 8-12 hours. Additionally, and preferably, the solar panel should be of the size and output which is sufficient to fully recharge the battery pack during the daylight hours.
A third application requires a lower level of light intensity. A good example would be lawn, patio, walkway, or landscape lighting. One does not ordinarily expect to be able to read or do intricate work under this type of lighting. In contrast, all that is expected is that a reasonable amount of light be provided to allow one to walk safely through an area. This type of task may require brightness in the range of 6,000 cd/m.sup.2 to 60,000 cd/m.sup.2.
Referring now to FIG. 12, a lamp module 5001 is adapted for attachment to a portion of the umbrella apparatus of the present invention. Lamp module 5001 comprises a lamp 5003, which may be of any type described herein, mounted to a housing 5005 that is preferably pivotally connected to mounting bracket 5007. Housing 5005 pivots about shaft 5009, allowing lamp 5003 to be rotated to a selected position for directing the light output of lamp 5003 in a desired direction. Wire 5011 is conductively connected to lamp 5003 for providing electrical power to lamp 5003. Mounting bracket 5007 has a planar mounting plate 5013 adapted to be fixedly attached to an adhesive pad 5015 or similar connector for mounting lamp module 5001 to the umbrella apparatus. To install lamp module 5001, an adhesive surface 5017 of pad 5015 is placed against a surface (not shown) of the ribs, support struts, or canopy of the umbrella, affixing lamp module 5001 in a desired position on the umbrella. Housing 5005 may then be rotated about shaft 5009 to move lamp 5003 to the desired orientation. This method of mounting is advantageous, since lamp module 5001 may be easily installed on or removed from an umbrella, allowing lamp modules 5001 to be pre-installed on an umbrella prior to sale of the umbrella or sold separately and fitted to a user's existing umbrella.
In FIG. 13, an alternative method of attaching lamp module 5001 is illustrated. A wire tie 5019, commonly called a zip tie, is inserted between housing 5005 and mounting bracket 5007 for affixing module 5001 to a portion of an umbrella according to the invention. To install lamp module 5001, mounting plate 5013 is placed near a surface of a rib, strut, or other portion of the umbrella, then end 5021 of wire tie 5019 is inserted into a latching member 5023. Wire tie 5019 encircles mounting plate 5013 and the desired portion of the umbrella, and end 5021 is pulled through latching member 5023, drawing mounting plate 5013 adjacent the surface of the portion of the umbrella.
Additional methods of attaching lamp 5003 are illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B. Housing 5005 is shown pivotally mounted to a mounting bracket 5025, which has a U-shaped channel formed by protruding members 5027, 5029 for latching mounting bracket 5025 to a planar portion of the umbrella, such as rib 5031. Protruding members 5027, 5029 form recesses 5033, 5035, respectively, for receiving lateral edges of rib 5031 and affixing mounting bracket 5025 adjacent rib 5031. Member 5029 has a ramped surface 5037 to allow the user to "snap" rib 5031 into mounting bracket 5025. To install mounting bracket 5025, the user inserts one lateral edge of rib 5031 into recess 5033 and places the other lateral edge of rib 5031 against ramped surface 5037. The user then forces rib 5031 and mounting bracket 5025 toward each other, the lateral edge of rib 5031 sliding along ramped surface 5037 and deforming protruding member 5029 outward until the lateral edge enters recess 5035. To remove mounting bracket 5025 from rib 5031, the user pulls member 5029 outward until the lateral edge of rib 5031 is released from recess 5035, freeing mounting bracket 5025 from rib 5031.
FIG. 14B shows a mounting bracket 5039 having a spring-biased clamp 5041 for pivotally attaching housing 5005 to a portion of the umbrella. Clamp member 5043 is connected by shaft 5045 to a clamp plate 5047, clamp member 5043 and clamp plate 5047 cooperating to retain mounting bracket 5039 on a rib, strut, or other portion of the umbrella. As shown, one or both of member 5043 and plate 5047 may have teeth 5049 for assisting clamp 5041 in gripping the portion of the umbrella to which bracket 5039 is mounted.
An alternative embodiment for providing solar power to operate devices or recharge batteries on the umbrella apparatus is shown in FIGS. 15 through 17. Referring to the figures, solar module 6001, which comprises solar cell array 6003 and bracket 6005, is connected to rib 6007 of umbrella 6009 (FIGS. 16 and 17). Bracket 6005 is "L"-shaped for placing array 6003 above a peripheral edge 6011 of canopy 6013 when solar module 6001 is installed, as shown in FIG. 16, allowing light to strike array 6003 unencumbered by canopy 6013. A generally horizontal section 6015 of bracket 6005 extends parallel and adjacent to an outer portion of rib 6007, with a clevis 6017 on bracket 6005 being secured to rib 6007 with a screw and wingnut clamp combination 6019 or a similar retaining fastener. Optionally or additionally, a wire tie 6021 may encircle rib 6007 and a portion of horizontal section 6015 for securing bracket 6005 to rib 6007. An optional ring 6023 is formed in horizontal section 6015 to provide clearance for a lamp, such as 5001 (FIGS. 12 and 13), to be installed near the outer end of rib 6007 using a wire tie 5019.
Bracket 6005 also has a generally vertical section comprised of members 6025 and 6027, which are pivotally connected to each other at hinge 6029. Solar cell 6003 is mounted on an upper end of member 6027, and a lower end of member 6025 is rotatably mounted to the outer end 6031 of horizontal section 6015. Hinge 6029 provides the ability to alter the angle of solar cell 6003 in relation to a horizontal plane, and solar cell 6003 can be rotated about the vertical axis of member 6025 relative to horizontal section 6005. This allows the user to selectively position solar cell 6003 to a desired position for maximizing the amount of light striking solar cell 6003 without the need for repositioning umbrella 6009. Solar module 6001 can be used to provide electrical power to any type of device attached to umbrella 6009, such as lights, cooling devices, or other types of electrical devices, or to recharge batteries. While only one solar module 6001 is shown attached to umbrella 6009 in the figures, modules 6001 may be mounted on any number of ribs 6007. Also, though bracket 6005 is shown having a generally "L"-shaped form, bracket 6005 may be formed to have other shapes, including that of a "V" or a "U." Alternatively, bracket 6005 may be generally straight for positioning solar cell 6003 outward of the peripheral edge of canopy 6013. Solar module 6001 may be pre-installed on umbrella 6009 or may be sold separately in kit form for installation by a user.
Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, a battery module 7001, which is preferably water-resistant, is adapted for use on an umbrella apparatus of the invention for providing electrical power to devices such as lights, misters, etc., as described herein. Battery module 7001 comprises a rechargeable battery pack 7003 that is preferably removably secured to a mounting bracket 7005, and mounting bracket 7005 is adapted to be attached to a portion of an umbrella, such as a rib, strut, pole, or other portion. Battery module 7001 may be pre-installed on an umbrella prior to sale of the umbrella or may be sold separately or in a kit for installation on an existing umbrella. For example, the kit may contain a battery module 7001 and a plurality of lamp modules 5001 or other electrical devices (e.g., misters, fans) powered by battery module 7001. Additionally, items in the kit may be adapted for use on other outdoor structures, including a deck, a gazebo, a plant, a table, a stairway, a hand rail, an awning, a roof, an arbor, a fence, a birdbath, a walkway, a retaining wall, and landscape edging.
Battery pack 7003 has a set of connectors 7007, 7009, 7011 for connecting electrical sources for recharging pack 7003 and for connecting electrical loads for pack 7003 to provide electrical power. Connector 7007, labeled as "DC IN," is used to connect a direct-current (DC) power source to battery pack 7003. This DC source may be used to recharge battery pack 7003, or it may be used in conjunction with battery pack 7003 to power electrical devices connected to pack 7003. Examples of DC sources include power supplied from a power converter plugged into an alternating-current (AC) source, such as a wall outlet, and power supplied from an additional battery connected to battery pack 7003. Connector 7009, labeled as "SOLAR IN," is optional and used to connect battery pack 7003 to a power source derived from a solar cell, such as those described above. Connector 7011, labeled as "LIGHT OUT," is for connecting devices requiring power to battery pack 7003. An indicator light 7013 may be used for various functions, including indicating the charge of battery pack 7003, indicating "power on," or indicating that power is being supplied to DC IN connector 7007 or SOLAR IN connector 7009. Battery pack 7003 also comprises an on/off switch 7015, which may also act as a dimmer, to control power output through LIGHT OUT connector 7011. Switch 7015 may be of a type that allows for remote operation, such as through use of a wireless remote control device.
In this embodiment, mounting bracket 7005 is a "dumb" bracket, such that bracket 7005 provides only a means for mounting battery pack 7003 to an umbrella and does not include any of the operational controls or connectors found on battery pack 7003. FIG. 19 shows one method of attachment for securing battery pack 7003 to mounting bracket 7005. Slotted holes 7017 are provided in surface 7019 of bracket 7005 for receiving studs 7021 protruding from surface 7023 of battery pack 7003. To attach battery pack 7003 and bracket 7005, each stud 7021 is inserted into an enlarged section of one of holes 7017, and then battery pack 7003 is moved laterally to engage each stud 7021 in a narrow section of holes 7017 and align the outer edges of surfaces 7019 and 7023, which are adjacent. Removal of battery pack 7003 is accomplished by reversing the attachment procedure.
Referring again to FIG. 18 and to FIGS. 20 and 21, mounting bracket 7005 may be attached to the umbrella apparatus using a number of conventional methods, three of which are illustrated in the figures. In FIG. 18, pairs of holes 7025 are formed in surface 7027 of bracket 7005, each pair being adapted to receive a wire tie 7029 (shown in phantom) for securing bracket 7005 to a portion of an umbrella apparatus. While shown in one orientation, holes 7025 may be configured in any orientation required for the application. For example, wire ties 7029 may be oriented to be perpendicular or at other angles to the direction shown. To mount bracket 7005, wire ties 7029 are used to encircle a portion of the umbrella apparatus and draw surface 7027 adjacent that portion.
In FIG. 20, mounting bracket 7005 is shown with a pair of loops 7031 protruding from surface 7027. A strap 7033, which may be formed from fabric or similar flexible materials, extends through loops 7031 for encircling a portion of an umbrella apparatus when the ends of strap 7033 are connected to each other. The ends of strap 7033 preferably have hook and loop fasteners, though other means may be used, such as snap closures or similar fasteners. Loops 7031 may alternatively be oriented in any desired direction relative to mounting bracket 7005.
A second alternative embodiment of mounting bracket 7005 is shown in FIG. 21, in which a two-part C-clamp comprises a clamp member 7035 extending from surface 7027 of bracket 7005 and a cooperating clamp member 7037. Clamp member 7037 has holes 7039 for receiving threaded studs 7041 protruding from member 7035. Member 7037 is retained on studs 7041 by wingnuts 7043 or similar fasteners. A lining material 7045, which may be elastomeric or formed from similar materials, is located on the inner surfaces of members 7035, 7037 for increasing the friction between members 7035, 7037 and the portion of an umbrella apparatus to which bracket 7005 is attached. Lining material 7045 may also prevent marring or other damage to the portion of the umbrella apparatus.
As discussed above, FIG. 22 illustrates the preferred methods for providing power to battery module 7001. A power converter 7047 is adapted to plug into a standard electrical outlet for converting the AC power to DC power, which is then carried through wire 7049 to connector 7007 on batter pack 7003. An alternative source of power may be provided through an optional solar system, in which a solar collector 7051, which is mounted on umbrella apparatus 7053, produces power carried through wire 7055 to connector 7009 on battery pack 7003.
Battery module 7001 may be located in various locations on an umbrella apparatus, as shown in FIG. 23. Umbrella apparatus 7057 comprises an umbrella portion 7059 and an optional table portion 7061. Preferred locations for locating battery module 7001 on umbrella portion include a location along a rib 7063, on a support strut 7065, and dangling from a flexible strap or other connector 7067, preferably located adjacent pole 7068. These locations place battery module 7001 above the user area beneath umbrella portion 7059, yet the placement allows the umbrella to open and close without interference. Preferred locations on table portion 7061 include the upper surface 7069 of the tabletop or suspended from its lower surface 7071, as shown. When located on upper surface 7069, battery module 7001 may be attached by means such as those described above, or module 7001 may be resting on the surface. In the latter case, module 7001 preferably has feet 7073 protruding from a lower surface of battery module 7001, and feet 7073 may be elastomeric to minimize sliding of module 7001 on surface 7069. When located on lower surface 7071, module 7001 may be attached using methods described above or may be affixed using adhesives, such as with two-sided adhesive pads or tape. An additional location for mounting battery pack 7001 is on table leg 7075.
FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate methods of providing electrical power to lights or other devices on umbrella portion 7059 when battery pack is located on lower surface 7071 of table portion 7061. FIG. 24 shows a spacer 7077 located between pole 7068 and the inner edges of surfaces 7069, 7071. A cylindrical aperture in the center of spacer 7077 is adapted to receive pole 7068. A female electrical connector 7081 extends through spacer 7077 from a lower portion of spacer 7077, and battery module 7001 is conductively connected to connector 7081 through wire 7083. A male electrical connector 7085 is sized to be received within an opening on an upper portion of female connector 7081, and a wire 7087 extends from male connector 7085 to lights or other electrical devices mounted on umbrella portion 7059 (FIG. 23). Alternatively, spacer 7077 may have an integral conduit allowing wire 7083 or wire 7087 to pass through spacer 7077. The advantage to this embodiment is that battery module 7001 may be installed beneath the table where it is out of view, and umbrella portion 7059 may be removed by simply unplugging male connector 7085, without the need to unplug battery module 7001 from spacer 7077.
An alternative embodiment allowing placement of battery module 7001 on lower surface 7071 is shown in FIG. 25. Spacer 7089 also has a central aperture 7091 for receiving pole 7068, but aperture 7091 contains conductive elements 7093, 7095, which may be circumferential, as shown, and are connected to battery module 7001 by wire 7097. It will be understood that all of spacer 7089, or at least a central portion, will be formed of nonconductive materials to prevent short circuiting between elements 7093, 7095. Cooperating elements 7099, 7101 are located on pole 7068 on a nonconductive sleeve 7103 and may also extend around the circumference of pole 7068. A wire 7105 is conductively connected to elements extends 7099, 7101 and extends within pole 7068 to an upper portion of pole 7068 to provide power to devices mounted on umbrella portion 7059 (FIG. 23). When pole 7068 is inserted into aperture 7091 and lowered to its nominal position, electrical contact occurs between elements 7093 and 7099 and between elements 7095 and 7101, allowing power to flow between module 7001 and wire 7105. By making at least one set of elements 7093, 7095 or 7099, 7101 circumferential, a particular angular orientation of pole 7068 relative to spacer 7089 is not required, allowing umbrella portion 7059 to be rotated as desired. An advantage of this embodiment is that umbrella portion 7059 may be removed by simply pulling pole 7068 from within spacer 7089 without unplugging any wires.
An alternate embodiment of a battery module for the umbrella apparatus is shown in FIG. 26. Battery module 7107 comprises rechargeable battery pack 7109 and mounting bracket 7111. Battery module 7107 is similar in construction to battery module 7001 (FIG. 18), except that the LIGHT OUT connector 7113 is located on mounting bracket 7111, rather than on battery pack 7109. A set of conductive tabs 7115 are located in surface 7117 of bracket 7111, and tabs 7115 are conductively connected to LIGHT OUT connector 7113. When battery pack 7109 is attached to mounting bracket 7111, tabs 7115 conductively engage elements 7119 on surface 7121 of pack 7109 for allowing power to flow between battery pack 7109 and connector 7113. This permits the user to detach battery pack 7109 without having to unplug a wire from connector 7113, which is an advantage when battery module 7107 is located high above the user under the canopy of umbrella portion 7059.
Lights or other electrical devices, such as misters or fans, may be mounted on an umbrella apparatus of the invention in multiple configurations, two of which are shown in FIGS. 27 through 29. Battery module 7001 is shown in FIG. 27 mounted in a location under canopy 7123 of umbrella 7125 and along rib 7125, though module 7001 or additional modules 7001 may be affixed to any rib, such as ribs 7127, 7129, 7131. A light strand 7133 comprising a plurality of lights 7135 is conductively connected to the LIGHT OUT connector 7011 of battery module 7001. Conductive wire 7137, which may be coiled as shown, extends outward along rib 7125 from module 7001 to a first light 7135. Successive lengths of a preferably coiled wire 7139 conductively connects subsequent lights 7135 in a series configuration, each light 7135 being mounted near the peripheral ends of ribs 7127, 7129, 7131. Using coiled wires 7139 to connect lights 7135 allows for wires 7139 to extend or contract as umbrella 7125 is opened or closed, preventing tangling or damage to wires 7139. Lights 7135 may be of the hanging type shown in FIG. 27, in which lights are mounted using hooks 7140, or may be of other types disclosed herein. Though shown as extending along only a portion of the periphery of canopy 7123, light strand 7133 may extend around the entire peripheral edge of canopy 7123. As described above, a strand of lights 7135 and battery module 7001 may be pre-installed as part of an umbrella apparatus or may be sold separately as a kit to be installed by a user.
A similar series arrangement for lights 7135 is shown in FIG. 28, in which lights 7135 are mounted to a peripheral edge of table 7141. Each light 7135 is attached to a circumferential vertical surface 7143 with a hook 7140 and a bracket 7145, and each wire 7139 is hidden from view under table 7141. Alternatively, lights 7135 may be attached on an inside vertical surface, or lights may be suspended from the horizontal underside of table 7141. This configuration would be particularly suited to a battery module being located in a position beneath table 7141, as shown in FIG. 23.
FIG. 29 illustrates a configuration in which lights 7145 are conductively connected to battery module 7001 in a parallel arrangement. Each light 7145 is attached on a peripheral end portion of one of ribs 7127, 7129 of umbrella 7125 under canopy 7123 and is conductively connected to a central electrical hub 7147 by a wire 7149. To provide power to operate lights 7145, a battery module 7001 is mounted on rib 7131 and conductively connected to hub 7147 with wire 7151, which is plugged into LIGHT OUT connector 7011.
Hub 7147 is mounted on central pole 7153, and is shown in detail in FIG. 30. Hub is formed to have a "half-moon" shape, in which a central cylindrical surface 7155 is sized to receive pole 7153 for placement of hub 7147 adjacent pole 7153. The semi-circular shape of hub 7147 allows hub 7147 to be positioned on pole 7153 in a location that prevents interference with a system used to open and close umbrella 7125, which may include wires and/or pulleys located on an upper portion of pole 7153. A wire tie 7157 or similar fastener extends through a slot in hub 7147 for securing hub 7147 to pole 7153, though other methods of fastening hub 7147 to pole 7153 may be used, for example, adhesives. Hub 7147 comprises multiple female connectors 7159 for receiving male connectors 7161, such as the modular connector shown at the inner end of wire 7149. Female connectors 7159 are conductively connected to each other, such that wire 7151 (FIG. 29) connected to battery module 7001 may be plugged into any one of female connectors 7159 for providing power through wires 7149 plugged into any other female connector 7159. An advantage of hub 7147 is that it allows multiple devices to be powered from one battery module 7001, including multiple types of devices or multiple strands of lights, such as those shown in FIGS. 27 and 28.
Referring now also to FIG. 31 and FIG. 32, plan views of a motorized opening and closing system 7405. FIG. 31 is a front view of the system 7405 and FIG. 32 is a side view of the system 7405. Opening and closing system 7405 includes a hollow pole 7401, a crank case 7409, a motor (not shown) disposed inside the crank case 7409, a gear system (not shown) disposed inside the crank case, a line winding shaft (not shown) disposed inside the hollow pole 7401, and wiring (not shown). Located at one end of the crank housing is a switch housing 7413. Located on the switch housing 7413 are a plurality of buttons for controlling the lighting system and the opening and closing system of the umbrella apparatus. Stop button 7417 when depressed by the user commands the opening and closing system to stop either opening or closing the umbrella. Lighting button 7419 when depressed by the user commands the lighting system to illuminate or stop illuminating. Closing button 7421 when depressed by the user commands the opening and closing system to close the umbrella. Opening button 7425 when depressed by the user commands the opening and closing system to open the umbrella. Charging port 7429 allows the user to power the umbrella apparatus while plugged in, as well as, charge the rechargeable electrical power system.
On the front surface of the crank case 7409 are a series of raised tabs 7433 configured to slidingly secure a wireless remote 7437. The wireless remote 7437 as shown has an infrared led 7439 for wireless communications with the rest of the umbrella apparatus. Located on the wireless remote 7437 are a plurality of buttons for controlling the lighting system and the opening and closing system of the umbrella apparatus. Stop button 7443 when depressed by the user commands the opening and closing system to stop either opening or closing the umbrella. Lighting button 7445 when depressed by the user commands the lighting system to illuminate or stop illuminating. Closing button 7447 when depressed by the user commands the opening and closing system to close the umbrella. Opening button 7449 when depressed by the user commands the opening and closing system to open the umbrella. Located on the back side of the crank case 7409 is a housing 7450 for the motor inside the crank case.
Referring now also to FIG. 33 and FIG. 34, plan views of a motorized opening and closing system 7505. FIG. 33 is a front view of the system 7505 and FIG. 34 is a side view of the system 7505. System 7505 is very similar to system 7405 however, system 7505 includes a manual crank port 7531 in addition to the motor (not shown) and gear system(not shown) located inside. Manual crank port 7531 allows a user to couple a removable handle(not shown) to the gear system and open and close the umbrella by rotating the removable handle relative to the pole 7501. For example, if the rechargeable electrical power system does not have enough stored power to open the umbrella the user can attach the removable handle to the manual crank port 7531 and cranking the umbrella open. The manual crank port 7531 has a recessed portion 7535 that provides space around the shaft without the shaft extending past the front surface of the crank case. Located on the back side of the crank case is a motor housing 7550 for the motor inside the crank case. Additionally, located on the back side of the crank case is a clutch housing 7555 for the extra gearing for the manual crank port 7531 inside the crank case.
Referring now also to FIG. 35 and FIG. 36, plan views of a motorized opening and closing system 7505 with a removable crank handle. FIG. 35 is a front view of the system 7505 and FIG. 36 is a side view of the system 7505. The removable handle 7561 has an opening configured to couple directly to the flattened shaft 7565. Removable handle 7561 includes a first portion 7569 configured for coupling to the manual crank port 7531 and a second portion 7567 configured to allow a user to easily rotate the removable handle 7561.
Referring now also to FIG. 37 and FIG. 38, plan views of a motorized opening and closing system 7605 featuring a speaker system. FIG. 37 is a front view of the system 7605 and FIG. 38 is a side view of the system 7605. Opening and closing system 7605 includes a hollow pole 7601, a crank case 7609, a motor (not shown) disposed inside the crank case 7609, a gear system (not shown) disposed inside the crank case, a line winding shaft (not shown) disposed inside the hollow pole 7601, and wiring (not shown). Located at one end of the crank housing is a switch housing 7613. Located on the switch housing 7613 are a plurality of buttons for controlling the lighting system and the opening and closing system of the umbrella apparatus. Stop button 7617 when depressed by the user commands the opening and closing system to stop either opening or closing the umbrella. Lighting button 7619 when depressed by the user commands the lighting system to illuminate or stop illuminating. Closing button 7621 when depressed by the user commands the opening and closing system to close the umbrella. Opening button 7625 when depressed by the user commands the opening and closing system to open the umbrella. Charging port 7629 allows the user to power the umbrella apparatus while plugged in, as well as, charge the rechargeable electrical power system.
On the front surface of the crank case 7609 are a series of raised tabs 7633 configured to slidingly secure a wireless remote 7637. The wireless remote 7637 as shown has an infrared led 7639 for wireless communications with the rest of the umbrella apparatus. Located on the wireless remote 7637 are a plurality of buttons for controlling the lighting system and the opening and closing system of the umbrella apparatus. Stop button 7643 when depressed by the user commands the opening and closing system to stop either opening or closing the umbrella. Lighting button 7645 when depressed by the user commands the lighting system to illuminate or stop illuminating. Closing button 7647 when depressed by the user commands the opening and closing system to close the umbrella. Opening button 7649 when depressed by the user commands the opening and closing system to open the umbrella.
Located at the opposite end of the crank housing relative to the switch housing 7613 is a music switch housing 7669. Located on the music switch housing 7669 are a plurality of buttons for controlling a music system coupled to the umbrella apparatus. Volume up button 7671 when depressed by the user commands volume of the music system to increase. Volume down button 7673 when depressed by the user commands volume of the music system to decrease. Play button 7675 when depressed by the user commands the music system to play. Stop button 7677 when depressed by the user commands the music system to stop. Preferably music system includes a wireless music receiver (not shown) inside the crank case and a speaker 7679. The wireless music receiver is configured to allow a user to wirelessly stream encoded data in the form of music over a radio frequency such as Bluetooth. The wireless music receiver in alternative embodiments is located in the pole, in the canopy, or in the lighting system. As an alternative to the wireless link an electrical port (not shown) is located on the music switch housing 7669 to allow a user to plug in a musical device such as a CD player or personal music player.
Referring now also to FIG. 39, an umbrella apparatus 7701 is illustrated. As is shown, a power unit 7725 is provided for connection to the uppermost portion of umbrella apparatus 7701. In this embodiment, a speaker subassembly 7721 is provided for connection at a different location to umbrella apparatus 7701. Power unit 7725 includes a solar collector 7727 at its uppermost portion. Solar collector 7727 is preferably carried by a top portion 7703 of power unit 7725. A bottom portion 7705 of power unit 7725 defines an interior battery compartment 7707. Additionally, power unit 7725 carries a coupling mechanism 7729 to allow coupling between power unit 7725 and a pole portion 7719 of umbrella apparatus 7701, pole portion 7719 being adapted at an upper end 7711, preferably with threads 7713, to releasably receive power unit 7725. Alternatively coupling mechanism 7729 is a twist lock mechanism for allowing a user to rotate the power unit 7725 relative to the pole portion 7719 and release it without several rotations. A top cap 7715 hingedly connects pole portion 7719 to a canopy 7717. Speaker subassembly 7721 is coupled at a desired location underneath canopy 7717 to provide sound in the area surrounding umbrella apparatus 7701. Speaker subassembly 7721 is conductively coupled to power unit 7725 by wiring 7709 that passes through the hollow interior of pole portion 7719. Such sound allows users to listen to music or an audio program. The electrical components of umbrella apparatus 7701 are entirely independent of any household electrical system. The power source, such as power sources 50, 150, and 250, carried by power unit 7725 is utilized to energize speaker subassembly 7721. During daylight hours, solar energy is collected by solar panel 7727 and is converted and utilized to recharge the rechargeable power source which is maintained within battery compartment 7707.
Speaker subassembly 7721 is described below in more detail below. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other locations are possible for the speaker assembly 7721 such as in the power unit 7725, or on the pole portion 7719. Speaker subassembly 7721 includes a wireless module inside coupled to the speaker and to the power unit 7725. The wireless module allows a user to wireless synchronize a portable device to the speaker subassembly 7721 and play music from their portable device through the wireless link and over the speaker to be heard around the umbrella apparatus 7701. Typically the wireless link between the wireless module and the portable device is a Bluetooth based radio frequency link allowing for music to be streamed to the umbrella apparatus 7701 and for playback controls from the umbrella apparatus 7701 to be streamed to the portable player. Additionally the wireless module allows a user to control the lighting subsystem wirelessly. Typical portable devices include smarthphones, tablets, or computers with compatible Bluetooth transmitters and receivers.
Referring now also to FIG. 40, an improved umbrella slide hub 7735 is illustrated. Umbrella slide hub 7735 includes sensor for controlling the opening and closing system during opening and closing of the umbrella. Slide hub 7735 is coupled to the canopy by arms 7737 and slides up and down pole portion 7719 as the umbrella opens and closes. The first sensor is a lower limit switch 7741 that commands the opening and closing system to stop once the slide hub 7735 has bottomed out and the umbrella is fully closed. Lower limit switch 7741 includes a plunger 7743 coupled to a ring 7745. Ring 7745 is tied to cable 7747 which is a coupled to the motor. The length of cable 7747 is based on where the hub is located when the canopy if fully closed and the cable has slack so that the spring based lower limit switch 7741 is activated. Upper limit switch 7751 controls the opening and closing system by sensing the umbrella portion is fully open. The upper limit switch 7751 has a plunger 7753 that is activated when it contacts a bracket 7755. The position of bracket 7755 is located so that the plunger is depressed when the canopy is fully open. Improved umbrella slide hub 7735 includes a speaker 7761.
Alternatively to the upper and lower limit switches 7741 and 7751, a feedback loop with a current measuring sensor is utilized to measure the current draw of the opening and closing system. Once the umbrella is fully opened and the current draw of the motor exceeds a specified amount, such as approximately 800 milliamps, the power to the motor is cut to prevent burnout. Furthermore, as the canopy is closed the current consumption of the motor is monitored for a current drop to indicate that the canopy is fully closed in the down position.
Referring now also to FIG. 41 and FIG. 42, plan views of an entertainment system 7705 featuring a universal serial port. FIG. 41 is a front view of the entertainment system 7705 and FIG. 42 is a side view of the entertainment system 7705. Entertainment system 7705 includes a hollow pole 7701, a crank case 7709, a gear system (not shown) disposed inside the crank case, a line winding shaft (not shown) disposed inside the hollow pole 7701, and wiring (not shown). Located at one end of the crank housing is a switch housing 7713. Located on the switch housing 7713 are a plurality of buttons for controlling the lighting system and the wireless system of the umbrella apparatus. Synchronize button 7715 when depressed by the user commands the wireless system to synchronize with a proximately located device such as a tablet or smartphone. Stop button 7717 when depressed by the user commands the entertainment system to stop. Lighting button 7719 when depressed by the user commands the lighting system to illuminate or stop illuminating. Charging port 7729 allows the user to power an external device from the rechargeable electrical power system. Preferably the charging port 7729 is a Universal Serial Bus port for wide compatibility with numerous consumer electronics for charging. While a typical female USB port is show, other variations such as micro-USB and USB 3.0 are contemplated by this application. A typical harness couples the USB port to the electronics to be charged. A user plugs their device into the USB port 7729 and siphons off some stored electrical energy for the charging of their portable electronic device. The USB connection in an alternative embodiment is used to provide a wired connection for control from the remote device and the controller. While the USB port 7729 is shown carried by the crank housing it should be apparent that the port 7729 could be carried by the pole portion.
Located at the opposite end of the crank housing relative to the switch housing 7713 is a music switch housing 7769. Located on the music switch housing 7769 are a plurality of buttons for controlling a music system coupled to the umbrella apparatus. Volume up button 7771 when depressed by the user commands volume of the music system to increase. Volume down button 7773 when depressed by the user commands volume of the music system to decrease. Play button 7775 when depressed by the user commands the music system to play. Stop button 7777 when depressed by the user commands the music system to stop. Preferably music system includes a wireless music receiver (not shown) inside the crank case and a speaker 7779. The wireless music receiver is configured to allow a user to wirelessly stream music over a radio frequency such as Bluetooth. The wireless music receiver in alternative embodiments is located in the pole, in the canopy, or in the lighting system. As an alternative to the wireless link an electrical port (not shown) is located on the music switch housing 7769 to allow a user to plug in a musical device such as a CD player or personal music player. The sound from the entertainment system 7705 is output from a speaker or speakers located on the umbrella apparatus such as speaker 7721 or speaker 7761. Additionally music system has preprogrammed sounds stored on local memory to be selected by the user and played either alone or in conjunction with another audio source. For example, a user could play the sounds of ocean waves crashing on the beach from digital sound files stored in local memory of the music system. A user could be listening to a baseball game and overlay a stored audio file of crowd noise to a radio program of a baseball game.
In the preferred embodiment the crank housing 7709 does not include a motor for opening and closing the canopy portion of the umbrella apparatus. A manual crank handle 7761 is utilized to open and close the canopy without the motor. It should be apparent that entertainment system 7705 could incorporate a motor for allowing a user to open and close the canopy portion of the umbrella apparatus.
Referring now also to FIG. 43, diagrams of an umbrella apparatus featuring a controller for an entertainment system. Controller 7805 is a microprocessor electrical wired to the various systems of the umbrella apparatus with local data storage for programming and data storage of digitally encoded music and sound files. Controller 7805 is powered from the rechargeable electrical power system 7809 and provides control and power to the opening and closing system 7815. Wireless module 7821 provides bi-directional information to and from the controller in conjunction with an external smartdevice 7825. Typically smartdevice 7825 is a phone or tablet with a processor, a screen, and an input device for providing commands to the controller 7805. Additionally the smartdevice can display conditions of the umbrella apparatus to the user on the screen of the smartdevice 7825 such as the position of the canopy. Preferably the wireless connection between the wireless module 7821 and the smartdevice 7825 is Bluetooth radio frequency based. Other wireless standards are contemplated by this application such as CMDA, Zig Zag, etc. Motion sensor located on the underside of the canopy provides the controller with feedback as to if users are proximately located near the canopy. Lighting system is dimmed if no activity is measured by the motion sensor. Remote 7831 like remote 7637 is in infrared communication with the controller 7805. Speaker 7837 generates acoustic sounds provided to the umbrella apparatus so that users can stream music from their smartdevice 7825 across the wireless module 7821 to listen while near the canopy. Switches 7841 like those located on the crank housing 7609 allow the user: to open and close the canopy; start music; synchronize the Bluetooth link; turn on and off a lighting system 7847; etc. USB port 7851 allows a user to charge their portable consumer electronic device by using the electrical energy stored in the rechargeable electrical power system 7809. USB port 7851 also allows a user to upgrade software associated with the controller and wireless module as needed and to locally store encoded music and sounds for playback by the controller.
Controller 7805 controls the lighting system 7847 and provides control to a first group of lighting elements 7855 and to the individual lighting elements 7855a, 7855b, etc. that make up the first group of lighting elements 7855. Preferably each rib of the canopy would be a group with the group comprised of all the lighting elements along that rib. This arrangement allows the controller 7805 to illuminate each lighting element along a rib independently of other lighting elements and independently of other ribs. Controller 7805 with the lighting system 7847 is configured to allow a user to variably change the color of the individual lighting elements and groups of lighting elements. Furthermore the change in colors is smoothly variable such that the user watches a soothing rainbow like effect. The change in color or intensity can be patterned based on groups or individual lighting elements. For example, half of the ribs could be a first color and the other half a second color and the pattern rotate relative to the pole. If a user so chooses the pattern of color changing lighting elements or LED's could be entirely random. The streaming music from the wireless module 7821 programs the lighting elements to allow the music heard through the speaker 7837 to match a color or light pattern through lighting system 7847. In an alternative embodiment a multi-positional switch coupled to the controller is located proximate to the crank housing to provide the user with the ability to change the colors of the lighting elements to a first color selected by the first position of the switch, a second color selected by the second position of the switch, or have the lighting elements produce white light by selecting the third position of the switch. For example, in a restaurant a customer could select the first position on the switch to change the lighting elements to green to indicate to the waitress that they are ready to place their order and then when they are ready for the dishes to be taken away they switch the lighting to red by selecting the second position on the switch. While it has been described as a three position switch it should be apparent that more colors and positions on the switch coordinated to the additional colors are possible.
Referring now also to FIG. 44 and FIG. 45, plan views of a smartdevice application for remote control of an umbrella apparatus. FIG. 44 is a front view of the smartdevice application for general control of the umbrella apparatus and FIG. 45 is a front view of the smartdevice application for color changing lighting control of the umbrella apparatus. Smartdevice 7825 utilizes a software application 7871 for the remote control of the systems of the umbrella apparatus. Software application is configured to display the amount of charge stored in the rechargeable electrical power system 7809 on battery icon 7875. The appearance of battery icon 7875 changes to reflect the amount of energy stored so no bars are shown when the rechargeable electrical power system 7809 is empty and all the bars are there when the rechargeable electrical power system 7809 is fully charged. Umbrella icon 7779 is configured to allow a user to control the opening and closing system 7815 from a distance. Umbrella display 7781 changes shape on the display of the smartdevice to provide the user with feedback concerning the position of the canopy. A user can look at umbrella display 7781 from inside their home and see they left the umbrella in the open position and then depress umbrella icon 7779 to close it and see it closed without stepping outside. Lighting icon 7785 is configured to allow a user to control the intensity of the lighting system 7847 from a distance. Music icon 7787 is configured to allow a user to control the volume of the speaker 7837 from a distance. Holding the lighting icon 7785 down activates the custom lighting controls as illustrated in FIG. 45. Wheel 7791 allows a user to select a certain color for the lighting elements. While only fours colors are shown it should be apparent that many more colors are capable of being controlled and produced by the umbrella apparatus. Pattern icon 7793 when depressed by user forces the lighting system to produce a variable pattern. Smoothly variable pattern icon 7795 when depressed by user forces the lighting system to produce a smoothly variable pattern.
Although the invention has been described with reference to a particular embodiment, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments as well as alternative embodiments of the invention will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. For example, the electrical power systems described above may provide power to electrical devices providing functions one or more systems, including a lighting system, a cooling system, a motorized actuation system, a heating system, an audio system, a video system, and an infrared system. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments that fall within the scope of the invention.
Previous Patent US 9,713,367 | Next Patent US 9,713,369