Patent ID: 7188633

Claim:
An electric device configured to open and close a patio umbrella canopy, the device being adapted to be removed from one patio umbrella and detachably attached to another patio umbrella, the patio umbrella comprising a canopy opening and closing means, the device being adapted as a means to drive the canopy opening and closing means, the device comprising: a reversible electric motor and gear means driving a cable reel affixed in a motor housing; the motor housing having means to detachably attach to the patio umbrella; a length of cable having means to detachably attach one end to the cable reel and means to detachably attach the opposite end to the canopy opening and closing means; a means to provide electricity; a control housing located separately and attachable at a different location from the motor housing, the control housing having means to detachably attach to the patio umbrella; the control housing comprising a motor controller having means to receive the electricity; the motor controller comprising electric cable means to the motor and a manual switch means and a remote controllable switch means to selectably connect and disconnect the electricity to the motor for controlling motor start and stop and direction of rotation for driving the cable reel to collect and dispense the cable for driving the canopy opening and closing means and causing the canopy to open and close and stop; a transmitter having means to control the remote controllable switch and remotely activate the device to selectably open and close and stop the canopy.