U.S. patent application number 10/439650 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-18 for illuminated solar umbrella.
Invention is credited to Peterson, Richard.
Application Number | 20040228118 10/439650 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33417854 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040228118 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Peterson, Richard |
November 18, 2004 |
Illuminated solar umbrella
Abstract
A self-contained, maintenance free, rechargeable lighting system
for use with a canopy to provide illumination in the absence of
sunlight. By utilizing solar energy, the system is free of
electrical cords, thereby making it usable in a variety of
applications where electrical outlets are either not readily
accessible or may present a safety concern.
Inventors: |
Peterson, Richard; (Taunton,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kevin S. Lemack
Nields & Lemack
Suite 7
176 E. Main Street
Westboro
MA
01581
US
|
Family ID: |
33417854 |
Appl. No.: |
10/439650 |
Filed: |
May 16, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/102 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 25/06 20130101;
A45B 2200/1018 20130101; A45B 2200/1027 20130101; A45B 25/18
20130101; A45B 3/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/102 |
International
Class: |
A45B 003/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An umbrella, comprising: a canopy; a support member; a frame
supporting said canopy, said frame being slidingly engaged on said
support member to move said canopy between an open position and a
closed position; a solar collector mounted on said umbrella; one or
more lights mounted on said umbrella; an energy storage component
in electrical communication with said solar collector and with said
one or more lights, said energy collector storing energy collected
by said solar collector and illuminating said one or more
lights.
2. The umbrella of claim 1, further comprising a power manager in
electrical communication with said solar collector and said storage
component, said power manager controlling the flow of power to and
from said energy storage component.
3. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein said support member comprises a
conduit, and wherein electrical communication between said at least
one light and said storage component is provided by wires
positioned in said conduit.
4. The umbrella of claim 3, wherein said conduit is located within
said support member.
5. The umbrella of claim 3, wherein said conduit is exterior of
said support member.
6. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein said storage component
comprises one or more batteries.
7. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein said one or more lights are
light emitting diodes.
8. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein said canopy has a top side and
an opposite underside, and wherein said solar collector is mounted
to said top side of said canopy and said one or more lights is
mounted to said underside of said canopy.
9. A method for illuminating an area under a canopy, comprising: a.
Placing means for collecting solar energy atop said canopy; b.
Routing energy produced by said solar collecting means to energy
storing means; c. Affixing illumination means on the underside of
said canopy; and d. Routing energy stored in said energy storing
means to said illumination means.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein said illumination means
comprises low power lighting.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein said collecting means comprises
a solar collector.
12. The method of claim 9, further comprising a power manager,
wherein said power manager routes energy from said collecting means
to said energy storing means when said collecting means are
generating energy.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein said power manager routes energy
from said energy storing means to said illumination means.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein said energy storing means
comprises a rechargeable battery.
15. A system for illuminating an area under a canopy comprising: a.
Means for collecting solar energy mounted on said canopy; b. Means
for illumination mounted on said canopy; c. Means for storing
energy collected by said collecting means; and d. A power manager,
in electrical connection with said collecting means, said
illumination means and said energy storing means.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein said power manager routes
energy from said collecting means to said energy storing means when
said collecting means is generating energy.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein said power manager routes
energy from said energy storing means to said illuminating means.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Table umbrellas traditionally are used to provide relief
from the sun's rays during the daytime hours. However, they can
also be used to provide lighting in the evening. For example,
artificial lights attached to the underside of the umbrella's
canopy provide illumination of the table during dusk, nighttime
hours, or during periods where there is insufficient sunlight.
These lights typically attach to the underside of the umbrella and
are powered by a standard electrical outlet, typically via an
extension cord. The need for an external power source reduces the
effectiveness of these lights under certain situations, such as in
a crowded outdoor restaurant where multiple extension cords may be
a safety hazard, or in secluded areas where access to an electrical
outlet may be difficult or impossible.
[0002] In addition, when incandescent string lights are mounted on
the ribs of the conventional models of illuminated umbrella
canopies, the bulbs are trapped or pinched against the ribs and the
hard surfaces of these ribs and the support mechanisms when closing
or lowering the fabric canopy. This results in premature failure of
the bulbs and the related wiring when closing the umbrella due to
inclement weather or seasonal storage of the canopy.
[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a self-contained, maintenance-free, rechargeable lighting
system in combination with an umbrella, the lighting system
supplying suitable lighting during periods of insufficient
sunlight, without the necessity of external wires or cords. This
invention finds application in a variety of locations, such as
beaches, patios, decks, backyards, kiosks, outdoor dining areas,
and queue lines.
[0004] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
lighted umbrella assembly, including a canopy, a support member
supporting the canopy between an open position and a closed
position, and a rechargeable lighting system including one or more
solar collectors, an energy storage component associated with the
one or more solar collectors, and one or more lights powered by the
storage component.
[0005] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a lighted umbrella assembly within minimal or no wiring in
the vicinity of the umbrella ribs, and that utilizes LED task
lighting that is positioned a safe distance away from the hard
surfaces of the umbrella canopy.
[0006] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an umbrella kit including the aforementioned lighting components,
with or without an umbrella and umbrella support, along with
instructions for assembling the same or for retrofitting an
existing umbrella with the lighting components.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The problems of the prior art have been overcome by the
present invention, which provides a self-contained lighting system
in combination with an umbrella. The lighting system includes one
or more light sources, which preferably are mounted on the
underside of the umbrella canopy and are powered by an energy
storage component such as one or more batteries. The energy storage
component is preferably housed in close proximity to the umbrella
stand, and is recharged by energy received from a solar collector
preferably attached to the outer surface of the canopy. The system
also comprises a power manager, which directs energy from the solar
collector to the energy storage component during periods of
sunlight, and draws energy from the energy storage component to
power the lights during periods of insufficient sunlight, such as
during evening hours. The power manager can also be used to
automatically turn on and off the lights based on available
sunlight.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side view of the present invention with the
canopy in the open position;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a top view of the present invention with the
canopy in the open position;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention in greater
detail;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a side view of the present invention with the
canopy in the closed position;
[0012] FIG. 5 is an exemplary electrical schematic that can be used
in accordance with the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a side view of the present invention with an
alternate energy storage assembly location and a semi-permanent
installation; and
[0014] FIG. 7 is a side view of the present invention with an
external conduit and orientation key locations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Turning first to FIG. 1, there is shown generally at 10 a
stand-alone, portable umbrella, preferably an umbrella for use with
an outdoor table having a central aperture for receiving the
umbrella support member. The umbrella is comprised of a canopy 11,
which can be comprised of one or several pieces and is typically
made of fabric or vinyl and is preferably water-resistant; a
support member 12, typically made of wood, metal such as aluminum
or stainless steel, fiberglass, carbon fiber or plastic; and an
umbrella stand 13, typically constructed of a material of
sufficient weight itself, or designed to be filled with a material
of sufficient weight (e.g., water or stones) to serve as a
counterweight and a secure holder for the canopy and pole. The size
and shape of the canopy 11 is not particularly limited and depends
in part of the particular application desired. The support member
12 is sized appropriately so that the canopy 11, in its opened
condition, is of the desired height. For example, where the
umbrella assembly is to be used in conjunction with a dinner or
picnic table, the support member 12 must extend vertically from the
ground (or other substrate) a sufficient distance to allow for one
or more persons to be seated around the table and under the opened
canopy 11. The support member 12 can be solid or hollow, provided
it has the requisite rigidity to support the canopy 11 and
withstand winds and other environmental elements typical of the
application. Preferably it is hollow to accommodate wiring as
discussed in greater detail below, however a solid support member
is also within the scope of the present invention.
[0016] In accordance with the present invention, one or more solar
collectors 14, capable of receiving energy from the sun and known
to those skilled in the art, is mounted on the canopy 11 by any
suitable means. Suitable solar collectors are commercially
available The solar collector(s) 14 is oriented such that when the
canopy 11 is in the open position as shown in FIG. 1, the solar
collector 14 is thereby tilted toward the sun, for example at a
20.degree.-30.degree. angle from the horizon in the summer sun,
enabling it to capture a sufficient and preferably optimal amount
of solar energy. The present invention also comprises a power
manager 15 and a storage assembly 16, such as one or more
batteries, both preferably mounted on or near the umbrella stand 13
to minimize the intrusiveness and conspicuousness of these devices.
These devices can be mounted on wheels, so as to facilitate
movement of the assembly.
[0017] The power manager 15 preferably is a solid-state device with
no mechanical relays. It can be utilized whenever an umbrella is
set up in a remote location or where an application requires
minimal operator tasks. Only two steps need to be performed for
stand-alone illumination after the initial power up:
[0018] The selection of how many hours of illumination are desired,
if any; and
[0019] Periodic maintenance of the solar collector.
[0020] The selection of hours can be set so that the hours of
automatic illumination can occur at dusk and continue for a
predetermined time, such as 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 hours of continuous
operation. Alternatively, the controller can be set up to turn on
illumination at dusk and operate the task lighting for a
predetermined time, such as 3 hours, turn off and turn on again at
a predetermined time prior to sunrise, such as 1 hour prior to
sunrise. This setting provides illumination for peak operating
timeframes with minimal drain on the battery-supplied power. The
manager also can include a setting to prevent the task lighting
from turning on at all. Preferably included in the electrical
wiring is a manual switch to turn on the task lighting "at will"
for troubleshooting purposes and other maintenance functions.
[0021] The controller uses the sun's energy generated during
periods of daylight hours to detect light and darkness. No voltage
(or insufficient voltage) is present from the solar collector in
darkness or periods of low light. In this condition, the task
lighting is turned on. Conversely, when voltage is present from the
solar collectors as in daylight hours, the task lighting is turned
off.
[0022] The solar collector must be kept free of any items that may
reduce the available sunlight rays from reaching the photovoltaic
wafers (or other devices operable to collect solar power) contained
in the solar collector. Direct sunlight, when available, must be
utilized efficiently for the power manager to operate as stated.
Accordingly, preferably a "slot and key" arrangement is utilized in
the support member to keep the canopy from spinning or turning away
from the optimal predetermined setting of the solar collector upon
installation.
[0023] In the event that it is desired to minimize the operational
aspects of the power manager controller, the manual on/off switch
may be utilized to activate the task lighting. In this mode of
operation, the battery may have to be replaced periodically at a
greater frequency and the manual operator tasks increase. In this
mode, the task lighting may be reduced to sporadic operation, based
on the battery's available power. When the battery uses all of its
available power, the lighting and the power manager will be turned
off. When voltage is restored to the battery, such as by energy
received from the solar collector, the power manager will
reset.
[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the present invention with
the power manager box 15 and the energy storage assembly 16 in an
alternative location. Rather than resting on the counterweight, as
in FIG. 1, these devices are affixed to the support member 12,
preferably at a height lower than that of a conventional table.
This location may also allow easier access for maintenance of the
energy storage assembly and the power manager. In this embodiment,
the umbrella stand 13 can be fastened to the horizontal substrate
beneath it, such as a wood deck, with one or more lag bolts 29,
eliminating the need for a counterweight in the stand.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the present invention. The
canopy 11 is supported by a support frame comprising a plurality of
preferably interconnecting support ribs 17 positioned on the
underside of the canopy, or in the interior of a dual layered
canopy. Typically eight support ribs are used as in a conventional
umbrella, although the exact number is not critical to the present
invention. In this example, the canopy 11 is comprised of 2 parts:
a main canopy 18 and a vent flap 19. One or more solar collectors
14 is mounted on the main canopy 18, preferably in a location where
its weight is primarily supported by at least one support rib 17.
In the embodiment shown, the wires exiting the solar collector 14
pass between the main canopy 18 and the vent flap 19 and emerge on
the underside of the canopy. In the case of a single piece canopy,
the wires from the solar collector can be guided to the outer edge
of the canopy and thereafter to the underside. Mounted to the
underside of the canopy is one or more task lighting devices 20,
preferably low power devices, most preferably devices employing
light emitting diode (LED) technology. The amount of task lighting
required is dependent upon the umbrella size, shape and the desired
use. In the exemplary figure, the lighting devices are LED ribbon
cables, each containing a plurality of LEDs 21, and these are
arranged on the underside of the canopy, preferably between the
support ribs so as not to impede the closing of the canopy 11. The
lighting devices can be arranged in any pattern, such as the
symmetrical illumination pattern shown, and can be any color, such
as "cool white", or a multiplicity of colors. The LEDs provide
sufficient lighting for reading, due to the concentrated focal
point of the light as it is cast upon the table and over the
shoulder of the reader sitting under the umbrella. Further, the
mounted angle of the ribbon cable to the bottom side of the
umbrella canopy minimizes the light available to shine in the eyes
of a person seated directly across from each strip of task
lighting. Power to the lighting devices 20 is provided via wires,
preferably traversing the outer circumference of the canopy at
intervals dictated by the diameter of the canopy, and is preferably
enclosed in a fabric seam wireway 22. Preferably this cable
assembly is a wiring harness fabricated for the particular diameter
or dimensions of the circumference of the canopy and all required
connections are of the male-female solder type.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 3, a closer side view of the umbrella pole
and support ribs is shown. The wires exiting the solar collector 14
travel between the main canopy 18 and the vent flap 19, preferably
located at the apex of the canopy, and enter a conduit inside or
external to the support member 12, preferably near the top of the
member. In the preferred embodiment, the support member is made of
a solid material such as metal or most preferably wood, with a
hollow conduit 23 integral therewith and through which the wires
traverse the length of the support pole. The conduit is located so
that it does not interfere with the opening/raising or
closing/lowering of the canopy, yet provides protection for the
cables that carry the required voltage. The wires carrying the
collected solar energy extend to the power manager 15 and energy
storage component 16, and provide electrical communication between
the power manager, the energy storage component, and the solar
collector. Preferably all of the connections that originate or
terminate at the power manager are secured by clamp type screw
terminals and is a weather tight assembly that is self-contained
and sealed from the elements. The wires needed to power the
lighting devices extend from the storage component 16, into the
counterweight 14 and up through the same conduit to the canopy 11,
and provide electrical communication between the one or more lights
and the energy storage component 16. Alternatively, the wires could
extend along the outside of the support member 12, although this is
not as attractive and does not as effectively shield the wires from
the weather. As is typical with an umbrella, the support ribs are
interconnecting through a central rib base 24, which encircles the
support member 12 and freely slides along the member 12 between a
fixed canopy open position and a canopy closed position. Movement
of the rib base in the upward direction causes the support ribs to
pull the canopy in, thereby closing the umbrella. Movement of the
rib base in the downward direction causes the support ribs to push
the canopy out, thereby opening the umbrella. Preferably a locking
mechanism is utilized to fix the canopy in the open position.
[0027] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, the wires could be
enclosed in an external conduit 28 along the outside of the support
member 12. In this embodiment, wires exiting the solar collector 14
enter the conduit 28 preferably near the top of the support pole
12. A clearance hole 30 is created in the central rib base 24 to
facilitate the sliding upward and downward action of the rib base
so as to allow the canopy to open and close. The external conduit
28 can be fastened to the support pole 12 in a number of ways,
including glue, fasteners or preferably strap clamps 31. An
orientation key 32 is preferably provided at the bottom of the
support pole to facilitate interlocking with the counterweight.
This key 32 insures that the support member 12 does not rotate, as
a result of wind or human interaction. This is beneficial to ensure
that the solar collectors 14 remain oriented in the optimal
direction to receive the sun's rays.
[0028] FIG. 4 shows the umbrella in the closed position, such as in
inclement weather or high winds. In this position, the lighting
devices are contained under the canopy and are shielded from the
weather, while the solar collector remains on the outside of the
canopy. Although the angle of the solar collector in this position
is roughly perpendicular to the horizon, the collector is still
able to collect solar energy, albeit less efficiently than when in
the open position.
[0029] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary electrical schematic of the
circuitry involved in the present invention. The one or more solar
collectors 14 collects energy from the sun and passes this energy
through wires 25 to the power manager 15. The power manager routes
this energy to the energy storage component 16, preferably one or a
multiplicity of batteries, most preferably a wet-type cell, through
wires 26. In this way, energy captured when sunlight is available
is stored for use at a later time. In the preferred embodiment,
four hours of sunlight provides sufficient power to replenish the
energy used by the lighting during the previous evening. A third
set of wires 27 provides electrical communication between the power
manager and the lighting devices 20. Referring back to FIGS. 3 and
7, wire sets 25 and 27 preferably traverse the support pole inside
a conduit.
[0030] The present invention also can be provided in kit form,
wherein the lighting system, including one or more lights, one or
more solar collectors, the energy storage component, the power
manager, and suitable wiring are provided for either retrofitting
with an existing umbrella, or are included with an umbrella.
Instructions for assembly of the solar powered, illuminated,
stand-alone umbrella are included in the kit.
* * * * *