U.S. patent application number 10/192123 was filed with the patent office on 2004-03-25 for umbrella and kit therefor.
Invention is credited to P. Moga, Michael.
Application Number | 20040055627 10/192123 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31990259 |
Filed Date | 2004-03-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040055627 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
P. Moga, Michael |
March 25, 2004 |
Umbrella and kit therefor
Abstract
An umbrella combination in which a stand includes an electric
motor and a power source. The electric motor allows an operator to
selectively move the umbrella from an open position to a closed
position (and vice versa). In the preferred embodiment, the
electric motor is operated by remote control using radio
frequencies, thereby allowing the user to close (or open) the
umbrella from a distance. In one embodiment of the invention, the
power source is a battery which is charged using solar panels.
Inventors: |
P. Moga, Michael; (Tucson,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark E. Ogram
Ste 203
7454 E. Broadway
Tucson
AZ
85710
US
|
Family ID: |
31990259 |
Appl. No.: |
10/192123 |
Filed: |
July 9, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 25/165 20130101;
A45B 25/143 20130101; A45B 2200/1027 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/016 |
International
Class: |
A45B 003/00; A45B
005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An umbrella combination comprising: a) an umbrella having an
open position and a closed position; b) a stand adapted to support
said umbrella; c) an electric motor adapted to move said umbrella
between said positions; and, d) a user operated switch connected to
said electric motor and adapted to cause said electric motor to
move said umbrella from a current position to an opposing
position.
2. The umbrella combination according to claim 1, wherein said
electric motor is powered by household current and wherein said
user operated switch is remote from said stand.
3. The umbrella combination according to claim 1, further including
a battery contained within said stand, said battery providing power
to said electric motor.
4. The umbrella combination according to claim 3, wherein said user
operated switch is connected to said stand.
5. The umbrella combination according to claim 3, further including
a payment receiving apparatus adapted to receive payment from a
user, and wherein said user operated switch is responsive to
signals from said payment receiving apparatus.
6. The umbrella combination according to claim 5, wherein, upon the
lapse of a specified time, said payment receiving apparatus moves
said umbrella to the closed position.
7. The umbrella combination according to claim 3, further including
a solar electric panel positioned to generate electricity, said
solar electric panel providing electrical energy recharging said
battery.
8. The umbrella combination according to claim 7, a) further
including a radio receiver connected to said stand, said radio
receiver controlling operation of said electric motor; and, b)
wherein said user operated switch is handheld and directs said
electric motor via said radio receiver.
9. The umbrella combination according to claim 8, further
including: a) an open-sensor being engaged when said umbrella is in
the open position, said open-sensor, when engaged, preventing said
electric motor from driving in a first direction; and, b) a
closed-sensor being engaged when said umbrella is in the closed
position, said closed-sensor, when engaged, preventing said
electric motor from driving in an opposing second direction.
10. The umbrella combination according to claim 7, wherein said
electric motor moves said umbrella via cables.
11. The umbrella combination according to claim 7, wherein said
electric motor moves said umbrella via a worm drive.
12. The umbrella combination according to claim 7, further
including an auditory signal generator producing an auditory signal
as said umbrella moves to an open position.
13. The umbrella combination according to claim 7, further
including a light, said light operable only when said umbrella is
in an open position.
14. A shading apparatus comprising: a) a stand having, 1) an
electric motor, and, 2) a power source adapted to selectively
activate said electric motor, b) an umbrella secured to said stand,
said umbrella being movable between an open position and a closed
position by said electric motor.
15. The shading apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said power
source includes: a) a battery; and, b) a user operable switch.
16. The shading apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said user
operable switch includes a payment receiving apparatus adapted to
receive payment from a user.
17. The shading apparatus according to claim 16, wherein, upon the
lapse of a specified time, said payment receiving apparatus moves
said umbrella to the closed position.
18. The shading apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said power
source includes: a) A battery; and, b) a solar electric panel
providing electrical energy to said battery.
19. The shading apparatus according to claim 15, further including:
a) a radio receiver controlling operation of said electric motor;
and, b) a hand-held radio transmitter communicating with said radio
receiver for control of operation of said electric motor.
20. The shading apparatus according to claim 19, further including:
a) an open-sensor being engaged when said umbrella is in the open
position, said open-sensor, when engaged, preventing said electric
motor from driving in a first direction; and, b) a closed-sensor
being engaged when said umbrella is in the closed position, said
closed-sensor, when engaged, preventing said electric motor from
driving in an opposing second direction.
21. A kit for an umbrella being movable between an open position
and a closed position, said kit comprising: a) a stand configured
to support said umbrella, said stand having, 1) an electric motor
connectable to said umbrella such that operation of said electric
motor selectively moves said umbrella in a first direction and a
second direction, and, 2) a power source adapted to selectively
activate said electric motor, 3) a radio receiver controlling
operation of said electric motor, and, b) a hand-held radio
transmitter communicating with said radio receiver for control of
operation of said electric motor.
22. The kit for an umbrella according to claim 21, further
including a solar electric panel electrically connected to said
power source..
23. The kit for an umbrella according to claim 22, further
including: a) an open-sensor connectable to said umbrella such that
when said umbrella is in the open position said open-sensor is
engaged, said open-sensor, when engaged, preventing said electric
motor from driving in a first direction; and, b) a closed-sensor
connectable to said umbrella such that when said umbrellas is in
the closed position said closed-sensor is engaged, said
closed-sensor, when engaged, preventing said electric motor from
driving in an opposing second direction.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to shading apparatus and
more particularly to free standing umbrellas.
[0002] The date of the first umbrella is not known, but as long ago
as 1786, Barbeu du Bourg translated the writings of Benjamin
Franklin into French and then came up with the lightning-conductor
umbrella. Since then, there have been a never ending progression of
changes to the fundamental umbrella, including the use of alpaca
covering (1848), the curved-steel rib frame (1874), and more
recently the telescopic umbrella (1930).
[0003] Through all of this though, the umbrella's basic concept has
been constant.
[0004] Unfortunately, all too often the umbrella's use (or
alternatively it's non-use) is not foreseen. As example, in the
case of an outdoor umbrella, the umbrella's main function is to
provide shade. The user often forgets that the umbrella is "open"
and simply retires to the house, only to have the umbrella toppled
by a wind later.
[0005] There is a need for an umbrella that is easy to use and
deploy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention is an umbrella combination in which a stand
includes an electric motor and a power source. In this context, the
umbrella of the present invention relates to a free standing
umbrella, typically a beach, pool, or other type of outdoor
umbrella.
[0007] The stand is weighted to keep the umbrella from falling
during a breeze. An electric motor is contained with the stand
(usually at the bottom of the stand to provide additional
stabilizing weight to the stand).
[0008] A power source is used to energize the motor. This power
source is ideally a battery (also contained within the stand). The
use of a battery permits the stand and umbrella combination to be
easily moved to meet the needs of the specific moment.
[0009] An alternative power source is common household electrical
current. This current is communicated to the motor through an
electrical line which plugs into the house's electrical socket. If
household electrical current is used, then a protective covering is
provided for the electrical line to prevent it from becoming
frayed.
[0010] Through the use of a switch, the electric motor is
selectively operated in two different directions. With the electric
motor connected to the umbrella, the electric motor is able to
selectively move the umbrella from an open to a closed position
(and vice versa). One such switch is a three way switch with a
resting position that is open (non-conducting). The two closed
positions pass the current through the electric motor in opposing
directions, thereby obtaining opposing directional movement by the
electric motor and by extension the movement of the umbrella.
[0011] Mechanical connection of the electric motor to the umbrella
is obtained through a variety of mechanisms obvious to those of
ordinary skill in the art, including, but not limited to: cables
and gearing mechanisms.
[0012] In the preferred embodiment, a radio receiver is
incorporated into the stand. The radio receiver is responsive to
radio waves coming from a hand-held transmitter. In response to
these radio waves, the radio receiver operates the electric motor
to either raise or lower the umbrella.
[0013] In this manner, a user is able to control the umbrella from
a distance. This embodiment is particularly useful where the user
wants to lower an umbrella after a day's activities after retiring
to the house.
[0014] As noted earlier, in one embodiment of the invention, the
power source is a battery. To maintain the battery's charge, solar
panels are included in some embodiments. These solar panels permit
the battery to maintain its charge without extra work on the part
of the user.
[0015] The invention, together with various embodiments thereof,
will be more fully explained by the accompanying drawings and the
following description thereof.
DRAWINGS IN BRIEF
[0016] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a pictorial and working views of
an embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates the preferred embodiment's use of a
hand-held transmitter used for operation of the invention.
[0018] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a pictorial and a working view of
an embodiment of the invention utilizing gears for the
raising/lowering of the umbrella.
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which
operation of the mechanism is accomplished through a coin-operated
mechanism.
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates the placement of sensors to control
movement of the electric motor to prevent damaging the
mechanism.
[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which a
light is incorporated into the umbrella.
[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates a kit which is used to upgrade an
existing umbrella.
DRAWINGS IN DETAIL
[0023] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a pictorial and working views of
an embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 1A shows umbrella 10 in an open position. Struts 6,
secured to slide 11, maintain umbrella 10 in the open position.
Movement of slide 11 along pole 18, as shown by arrow 5, will open
or close umbrella 10. Movement 5 is effectuated by cables 16A which
pull slide 11 up; releasing cables 16A allow slide 11 to fall (due
to gravity).
[0025] Pole 18 is secured to stand 12. Stand 12 contains switch 13
which is used to activate the internal motor 19. Solar cells 14
provide a current to recharge the internal battery 9.
[0026] Inlet 15 is used to fill internal water reservoir 7, thereby
providing ballast to stand 12 to keep it from tipping.
[0027] FIG. 1B illustrates the internal mechanisms and operation of
this embodiment.
[0028] Within stand 12 is switch 13 which is used to selectively
communicate power from battery 9 to electric motor 19. Switch 13
allows the user to define the direction of the current flow;
thereby allowing the user to control the direction of rotation of
motor 19.
[0029] Pulley 8 is connected to motor 19. Cables 16B are attached
to pulley 8. Rotation of pulley 8 causes cables 16B to either
retract or to be fed therefrom. Cables 16B extend through the
interior of pole 18 and then exit from the top of pole 18, around
pulley 17 to then connect as cables 16A with slide 11.
[0030] In this manner, the user is able to operate switch 13 to
either raise or lower slide 11; which, in turn either opens or
closes umbrella 10.
[0031] Inlet 15 allows the user to add water to water reservoir 7
to provide ballast to stand 12. When empty, the assembly is more
easily moved; when full, the assembly is properly weighted.
[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates the preferred embodiment's use of a
hand-held transmitter used for operation of the invention.
[0033] In this embodiment of the invention, hand-held transmitter
20 sends radio signal 22 to radio receiver 21 within stand 23. User
26 is able to select button 25A (for down) or button 25B (for up).
Radio receiver 21 is responsive to radio signal 22 and serves the
same function as switch 24 outlined in FIGS. 1A and 1B; thereby
permitting user 26 to remotely raise or lower the umbrella (not
shown in this figure).
[0034] This embodiment is particularly useful for resorts, allowing
the staff to remotely open the outdoor umbrellas without having to
open each one individually. In this application, a resort, the
coding of hand-held transmitter 20 is such that a single hand-held
transmitter 20 is able to communicate with numerous umbrellas.
While FIG. 2 illustrates only a single umbrella being affected, the
invention includes multiple umbrellas being controlled by a single
transmitter.
[0035] This embodiment is also useful in lowering an umbrella after
everyone has retired to the house and forgotten to lower the
umbrella; thereby saving the home-owner the effort of traveling
back to the umbrella.
[0036] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a pictorial and a working view of
an embodiment of the invention utilizing gears for the
raising/lowering of the umbrella.
[0037] In these illustrations, umbrella 30 is in a closed or down
position. Umbrella 30 is supported by pole 31 which attaches to
base 33 with table 34 thereon.
[0038] Contained within base 33 is motor 32 which is powered by
traditional household current 35.
[0039] Rotation of motor 32 causes worm drive 36 to rotate as
indicated by arrow 38A. Worm drive 36 engages gear 37. Rotation 38A
causes gear 37 to either raise or lower 38B (depending on the
direction of rotation 38A).
[0040] Gear 37 engages the lift mechanism for umbrella 30; hence,
as gear 37 rises or lowers, a corresponding action occurs in
umbrella 30.
[0041] This embodiment provides for affirmative powered movement of
the umbrella as this embodiment does not rely upon gravity.
[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which
operation of the mechanism is accomplished through a coin-operated
mechanism.
[0043] Pole 40 is mounted to base 46 with table 41 thereon. Coin
receiving mechanism 40A accepts coins via coin deposit 40B and
communicates the event to computer 42. The coins are stored in coin
reservoir 40C.
[0044] Computer 42, upon the event of the payment of the coins,
activates motor 44 which drives pulley 45 as outlined relative to
the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B. This causes the umbrella on pole
40 (not shown) to raise. As the umbrella is raised, computer 42
causes speaker 43 to emit a warning signal that the umbrella is
being raised to keep the user from being contacted by the umbrella
as it raises.
[0045] Speaker 43 is also used to produce music and messages.
[0046] Computer 42 maintains a countdown time monitor. When the
specified time has elapsed fro the opening of the umbrella
(corresponding to the amount of payment received), computer 42
causes motor 44 to lower the umbrella and a warning signal is
generated by speaker 43. In this way, a user is able to pay for a
specified amount of time for the shade and have the umbrella
automatically deployed and retracted.
[0047] This embodiment is particularly useful for resorts and beach
front restaurants.
[0048] FIG. 5 illustrates the placement of sensors to control
movement of the electric motor to prevent damaging the
mechanism.
[0049] This safety feature is designed to keep the motor from
moving the umbrella too far in either direction. While FIG. 5
illustrates one such mechanism for this purpose, those of ordinary
skill in the art readily recognize that a variety of other
mechanisms will work in this capacity.
[0050] Pole 50 supports the umbrella (not shown) which is deployed
by raising or lowering slide 51 as indicated by arrows 53 (as
discussed above). At an upper bound, sensor 52A is II depressed by
slide 51. Depression of sensor 52A causes the motor to stop its
upward movement; also, the circuitry is switched so that the motor
will only operate in the opposing direction.
[0051] In like manner, sensor 52B defines a lower limit for slide
51. Again, when sensor 52B is engaged by slide 51, the motor is
stopped and the circuitry is altered so that the motor will only
operate to raise slide 51.
[0052] In this fashion, slide 51 is kept within a defined range on
pole 50. With the range having an upper limit where the umbrella is
fully opened, and at a lower limit where the umbrella is fully
closed.
[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which a
light is incorporated into the umbrella.
[0054] Pole 61 is used to support umbrella 60. Connected to pole 61
is light fixture 63 which draws its energy from the power source
within the stand. Light fixture 63 is activated by ambient light
sensor 62, which is exposed when umbrella 60 is fully open. If the
ambient light is dim, then light fixture is activated.
[0055] Open/closed sensor 64 (similar to that shown in FIG. 5)
identifies when umbrella is closed. In a closed state, open/closed
sensor 64 stops the electrical energy to both ambient light sensor
62 and light 63, thereby effectively preventing light 63 from being
activated when umbrella 60 is closed.
[0056] FIG. 7 illustrates a replacement kit which is used to
upgrade an existing umbrella.
[0057] In this kit embodiment of the invention, the existing pole
for the umbrella is separated into section 70A and 70B. Section 70A
has hand-crank 81 therein. Hand-crank 81 is used to manually raise
and lower the umbrella (not shown).
[0058] Kit section 71 is slid over the top of pole section 70B as
illustrated by arrows 80B; and pole section 70A is slid into kit
section 71 as illustrated by arrows 80A. When fully engaged, worm
gear 78 engages the mechanism controlled by hand-crank 81; thereby
allowing movement of worm gear 78 to raise and lower the
umbrella.
[0059] Kit section 71 has within it, motor 77 which is powered by
battery 76. Battery 76 is recharged by solar panel 72.
[0060] Operation of electric motor 77 is done by either switch 73
or hand-held transmitter 74 which communicates with receiver
75.
[0061] Kit section 71 also includes table 79.
[0062] In application of this kit, the user obtains the kit having
kit section 71 and hand-held transmitter 74 and installs the entire
assembly as outlined above to convert an existing umbrella into a
motorized one.
[0063] It is clear the present invention provides for a highly
improved free standing umbrella.
* * * * *