Abstract:
A solar power lighting device for use on an umbrella, the lighting device including lights attached to the ribs of the umbrella powered by a solar power system attached to a rib of the umbrella and positioned above the umbrella canopy.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to solar lighting systems and in particular to a solar lighting system adapted for use on a patio umbrella. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    Within the solar lighting industry, and in particular within the outdoor solar lighting market, there are many designs for increasing the ambient lighting o patios and in back yards. Some of these are related to umbrellas, such as the Kuelbs references, but are complex solutions that are not easily fitted to a wide variety of umbrella designs. 
         [0005]    Therefore, there is a need in the solar outdoor lighting market for an umbrella lighting system that is easily adapted to existing designs and provides additional ambient lighting on a patio or wherever a patio umbrella may be used. 
         [0006]    All references cited herein are incorporated by reference to the maximum extent allowable by law. To the extent a reference may not be fully incorporated herein, it is incorporated by reference for background purposes and indicative of the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The problems presented in solar lighting industry are solved by the systems and methods of the present invention. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an umbrella lighting system is provided. The umbrella lighting system of the embodiment shown includes a power system mounted to a rib of an umbrella by a mounting system and conductively connected to a lighting system. 
         [0008]    Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the drawings and detailed description that follow. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a view of an umbrella lighting system; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a detail of the power system and fixing device of the umbrella lighting system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is view of another umbrella lighting system having decorative globe light fixtures; and 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a view of another umbrella lighting system having decorative lantern light fixtures. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0013]    All references cited herein are incorporated by reference to the maximum extent allowable by law. To the extent a reference may not be fully incorporated herein, it is incorporated by reference for background purposes and indicative of the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0014]    In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical mechanical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims. 
         [0015]    Referring now to  FIG. 1  of the drawings an umbrella lighting system  10  is shown. Umbrella lighting system  10  has a solar power system  12  supported by a fixing device  14 . Solar power system  12  is in electrical communication with a conductive connection  16  that is in turn in electrical communication with a lighting system  18 . As is clearly shown in this view, fixing device  14  is connected to a lower end of umbrella rib  20  that is in turn supported by center pole  22 , as is typical in patio umbrellas generally. 
         [0016]    Lighting system  18  includes brackets  40  attached to ribs  20  at intervals to support light bulbs  50  along ribs  20 . Wires  42  are shown running along a top side of ribs  20  to connect light bulbs  50  to power system  12 . 
         [0017]      FIG. 2  is a detail of the power system and fixing device of the umbrella lighting system shown in  FIG. 1 . Power system  12  includes a solar panel  24  and battery  26 . Solar panel  24  charges battery  26  during daylight hours and battery  26  powers lighting system  18  when illumination is desired. A switch  28  may be included on power system  12  to control the power going form battery  26  to lighting system  18 . Also, a photo resistor  30  may be used to detect ambient lighting and allow power to go from battery  26  to lighting system  18  after dusk. 
         [0018]    Continuing with  FIG. 2  fixing device  14  is comprised of an arm  32  and a sleeve  34 . Sleeve  34  is placed over the lower end of umbrella rib  20  and secured to umbrella rib  20  by a threaded housing pin  36  attached to a movable hold-down plate  38 . Movable hold-down plate  38  allows sleeve  34  to be secured to a variety of different sizes of rib  20 . Arm  32  is shaped to position power system  12  above umbrella rib  20  for exposure to sunlight. Power system  12  is pivotally attached to arm  32  to allow solar panel  24  to be adjusted for maximum exposure to sunlight. 
         [0019]    The primary advantage of fixing device  14  is that it may be slid over rib  20 . In a typical arrangement, the umbrella cover may be removed from the tip of a single rib without further disassembly of the umbrella, allowing fixing device  14  to be slid over rib  20  and secured to rib  20  by plate  38  and pin  36 . 
         [0020]      FIG. 3  is view of another umbrella lighting system  10  having decorative globe light fixtures  44  hanging from the tips of ribs  20 . Hooks  48  secure globe light fixtures to ribs  20 . Light fixtures  44  include light bulbs  50  and provide for wires  42  to run between light bulb  50  and power system  12 . In the embodiment shown wires  42  run along the tops of ribs  20 . Further, in the embodiment shown two power systems  12  are used on ribs  20 . The use of multiple power systems  12  provides for additional power and for improved distribution of weight, since batteries  26  may be heavy depending on the amount of light output desired from bulbs  50 . 
         [0021]      FIG. 4  is a view of another umbrella lighting system having decorative lantern light fixtures  44 . As above, light fixtures  44  include light bulbs  50 . Additionally, wire  42  is shown running from rib  20  to rib  20  from tip to tip along a support wire  46 . In this case wire  42  may be a coiled wire, as shown, to be used on different length ribs  20 . 
         [0022]    The primary advantage of the present invention is that the system may be adapted to fit a wide variety of umbrellas or may be built for one specific umbrella design. The lighting system can be used with solid pole patio umbrellas without requiring external wiring on the pole because the power system and associated controls are accessible to the user at the lower end of the umbrella rib, yet unobtrusive. Further, the power system maybe easily removed for storage or maintenance without disassembling the umbrella. Additionally, the lighting system may be offered as a separate add-on for a line of umbrellas with optional lighting designs, thereby allowing the customer to choose an umbrella and lighting combination that meets the customers needs without having to anticipate and provide every possible combination. 
         [0023]    It should be apparent from the foregoing that an invention having significant advantages has been provided. While the invention is shown in only a few of its forms, it is not just limited but is susceptible to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.