U.S. patent application number 10/763998 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-28 for shade device.
Invention is credited to Hollins, Phillip.
Application Number | 20050161067 10/763998 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34795179 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050161067 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hollins, Phillip |
July 28, 2005 |
Shade device
Abstract
A shade device configured to provide comfort, entertainment, or
convenience to the people positioned adjacent to them is disclosed.
In one embodiment, the shade device has an audiovisual media and a
power source that powers an audiovisual media is disclosed. The
audiovisual media may be positioned under a covering of the shade
device to provide entertainment to the user. In other embodiments,
the shade device includes a liquid source and a sprayer. The
sprayer is configured to obtain liquid from the liquid source and
spray the liquid to cool the temperature surrounding the user. The
shade device may further include sprayer switch and a switch
actuator that allow the user to control the amount of liquid
sprayed by the sprayer. In certain embodiments, the shade device
may include a container for the user to store food or beverage. The
container may be cooled by the liquid from the same liquid source
where the sprayer obtains the liquid to spray.
Inventors: |
Hollins, Phillip; (Lakewood,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROLANDO TONG
Suite 400
5850 Canoga Ave.
Woodland Hills
CA
91367
US
|
Family ID: |
34795179 |
Appl. No.: |
10/763998 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 2023/0006 20130101;
A45B 23/00 20130101; A45B 3/00 20130101; A45B 2200/1054 20130101;
A45B 2023/0012 20130101; A45B 2200/1036 20130101; A45B 2200/1045
20130101; A45B 2200/1027 20130101; A45B 2025/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/016 |
International
Class: |
A45B 003/00; A45B
005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A shade device comprising: (A) a shaft; (B) a covering attached
to the shaft, the covering being configured to be positioned above
a user, the covering defining a top surface, the top surface being
configured to shield the user from sun; (C) a built-in power
source; (D) an audiovisual media, the audiovisual media being
connectable to the power source, wherein the user may obtain
entertainment from the audiovisual media; (E) a source of liquid;
(F) at least one sprayer connected to the liquid source, the liquid
from the liquid source being configured to be sprayed by the
sprayer, wherein the liquid is configured to cool the temperature
surrounding the user; and (G) a container comprising a plurality of
interconnected walls, the plurality of interconnected walls
defining an interior space, the interconnected walls configured to
be substantially surrounded by the liquid from the liquid source,
the temperature of the liquid being configured to influence the
temperature inside the container, wherein the user may store food
or beverage within the interior space defined by the interconnected
walls of the container.
2. The shade device of claim 1, further comprising a sprayer
actuator connected to the power source, wherein the user may
control the amount of liquid sprayed by the sprayer by controlling
the sprayer actuator.
3. The shade device of claim 2, further comprising a remote
control, the remote control being in communication with the
actuator, wherein the actuator may be controlled by the user using
the remote control.
4. The shade device of claim 2, further comprising a timer, the
timer being configured to be programmed to control the operation of
the actuator.
5. The shade device of claim 1, wherein the audiovisual media
comprises a digital video disc player.
6. The shade device of claim 1, wherein the audiovisual media
comprises a video game conroller.
7. The shade device of claim 1, further comprising a liquid pumping
means for pumping liquid from the liquid source to the sprayer.
8. The shade device of claim 7, wherein the power source provides
power to the liquid pumping means.
9. The shade device of claim 1, wherein the power source comprises
at least one solar cell and at least one rechargeable storage
battery, the solar cell being configured to recharge the
battery.
10. The shade device of claim 1, wherein the base comprises an
outer wall and an inner wall, the inner wall defining a hollow base
interior, the shade further comprising: (A) at least one fan
positioned within the inner wall of the base; and (B) at least one
vent to allow air generated by the fan to be expelled from the
base.
11. A shade device comprising: (A) a shaft; (B) a covering attached
to the shaft, the covering being configured to be positioned above
a user, the covering defining a top surface, the top surface being
configured to shield the user from sun; (C) a built-in power
source; and (D) an audiovisual media attached to the shaft or the
covering, the audiovisual media being connectable to the power
source, the audiovisual media being positioned under the top
surface of the covering, wherein the user may obtain entertainment
from the audiovisual media.
12. The shade device of claim 11, wherein the audiovisual media
comprises a digital video disc player.
13. The shade device of claim 11, wherein the audiovisual media
comprises a video game controller.
14. The shade device of claim 11, further comprising a remote
control for the audiovisual media.
15. The shade device of claim 11, further comprising a
headphone.
16. The shade device of claim 11, wherein the power source
comprises at least one solar cell and at least one rechargeable
storage battery, the solar cell being configured to recharge the
battery.
17. A shade device comprising: (A) a shaft; (B) a covering attached
to the shaft, the covering being configured to be positioned above
a user, the covering defining a top surface, the top surface being
configured to shield the user from sun; (C) a built-in reservoir,
the reservoir being configured to hold coolant; (D) a conduit
positioned within the reservoir; (E) at least one sprayer connected
to the conduit, the sprayer being configured to spray the coolant
passing through the conduit from the reservoir, the coolant being
configured to cool the temperature surrounding the user; and (F) a
container in thermal communication with the coolant from the
reservoir, the temperature of the coolant being configured to
influence the temperature inside the container, wherein the user
may store food or beverage inside the container.
18. The shade device of claim 17, further comprising a built-in
power source and a coolant pump connected to the built-in power
source, wherein the power source provides power to the coolant pump
thereby allowing the coolant to be delivered to the sprayer.
19. The shade device of claim 18, wherein the built-in power source
comprises at least one solar cell and at least one rechargeable
storage battery, the solar cell being configured to recharge the
battery.
20. The shade device of claim 17, further comprising a sprayer
actuator connected to the power source, wherein the user may
control the amount of liquid sprayed by the sprayer by controlling
the sprayer actuator.
21. The shade device of claim 20, further comprising a remote
control, the remote control being in communication with the
actuator, wherein the actuator may be controlled by the user using
the remote control.
22. The shade device of claim 20, further comprising a timer, the
timer being configured to be programmed to control the operation of
the actuator.
23. The shade device of claim 17, wherein the base comprises an
outer wall and an inner wall, the inner wall defining a
substantially hollow base interior, the shade further comprising:
(A) at least one fan positioned within the base interior; and (B)
at least one vent to allow air generated by the fan to be expelled
from the base.
24. The shade device of claim 23, wherein the fan and the conduit
are positioned substantially proximate to each other to allow the
fan to blow air on the conduit thereby causing the temperature of
the expelled air to be influenced by the temperature of the
conduit.
25. A shade device comprising: (A) a shaft; (B) a covering attached
to the shaft, the covering being configured to be positioned above
a user, the covering defining a top surface, the top surface being
configured to shield the user from sun; (C) a built-in reservoir,
the reservoir being configured to hold coolant; (D) a conduit
positioned within the reservoir; (E) at least one sprayer connected
to the conduit, the sprayer being configured to spray the coolant
passing through the conduit from the reservoir, the coolant being
configured to cool the temperature surrounding the user; (F) a
built-in power source; (G) a coolant pump connected to the built-in
power source, wherein the power source provides power to the
coolant pump thereby allowing the coolant to be delivered to the
sprayer; and (H) a sprayer actuator connected to built-in the power
source, wherein the amount of liquid sprayed by the sprayer may be
controlled by controlling the actuator.
26. The shade device of claim 25, wherein the built-in power source
comprises at least one solar cell and at least one rechargeable
storage battery, the solar cell being configured to recharge the
battery.
27. The shade device of claim 25, further comprising a remote
control, the remote control being in communication with the
actuator, wherein the actuator may be controlled by the user using
the remote control.
28. The shade device of claim 25, further comprising a timer
connected to the actuator, the timer being configured to be
programmed to control the operation of the actuator.
29. The shade device of claim 25, wherein the base comprises an
outer wall and an inner wall, the inner wall defining a
substantially hollow base interior, the shade further comprising:
(A) at least one fan positioned within the base interior; and (B)
at least one vent to allow air generated by the fan to be expelled
from the base.
30. The shade device of claim 29, wherein the fan and the conduit
are positioned substantially proximate to each other to allow the
fan to blow air on the conduit thereby causing the temperature of
the expelled air to be influenced by the temperature of the
conduit.
31. A shade device comprising: (A) a means for shielding a user
from sun; (B) a built-in storage means for holding coolant; (C) a
conduit positioned within the storage means; (D) a sprayer means
for spraying the coolant to the user, the sprayer means being
connected to the conduit; and (E) a cooler means for cooling food
or beverage, the cooler means comprising a plurality of
interconnected walls, the interconnected walls defining an interior
space where food or beverage may be stored, the cooler means being
in thermal communication with the coolant from the storage means,
wherein the coolant serves to cool the temperature surrounding the
user and the temperature of the food or beverage positioned inside
the cooler means.
32. The shade device of claim 31, further comprising a means for
obtaining audiovisual entertainment.
33. The shade device of claim 31, further comprising a control
means for controlling the amount of coolant being sprayed by the
sprayer means.
34. A shade device comprising: (A) a means for shielding a user
from sun; (B) an audiovisual media; and (C) a power means for
powering the audiovisual media, the power means being a part of the
shade device, wherein the user may obtain entertainment from the
audiovisual media.
35. The shade device of claim 34, wherein the audiovisual media
comprises a digital video disc player.
36. The shade device of claim 34, wherein the audiovisual media
comprises a video game controller.
37. The shade device of claim 34, wherein the audiovisual media
comprises a computer.
38. The shade device of claim 34, wherein the audiovisual media
comprises a television.
39. The shade device of claim 34, further comprising a remote
control for the audiovisual media.
40. The shade device of claim 34, further comprising a
headphone.
41. The shade device of claim 34, wherein the power source
comprises at least one solar cell and at least one rechargeable
storage battery, the solar cell being configured to recharge the
battery.
42. The shade device of claim 34, wherein the power source
comprises a fuel cell.
43. The shade device of claim 25, wherein the built-in power source
comprises a fuel cell.
44. The shade device of claim 18, wherein the power source
comprises a fuel cell.
45. The shade device of claim 11, wherein the built-in power source
comprises a fuel cell.
46. The shade device of claim 1, wherein the built-in power source
comprises a fuel cell.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] None
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to furnitures and devices that
provide shade to people. More particularly, the invention relates
to furnitures that offer shade and that have accessories, which
provide comfort, entertainment, or convenience to the users and the
people positioned substantially adjacent to them.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Beautiful, sunny days lure people to spend time outdoors.
However, people can only spend a limited amount of time outdoors
because of the power of the sun, which can cause sunburn or heat
exhaustion. A common way to seek shelter from the sun is with an
umbrella. Umbrellas can either be handheld or stationary, such as
those used along with patio furnitures.
[0004] Many accessories to umbrellas that are designed for use with
patio furnitures have been conceived. However, the applicant
believes that more can be done with these umbrellas. To illustrate,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,273,062 issued to Mozdzanowski discloses an
umbrella with a fan and a radio. An umbrella with more convenience
and entertainment features is desired. Another umbrella is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,570 issued to Patarra, which has a
container for picnic items. One problem with the container in
Patarra is that the container cannot continuously be cooled. An
umbrella with a cooler is desired.
[0005] Umbrellas for use with patio furnitures have further been
combined with misting devices. Misting devices spray water into the
air to reduce the temperature within the vicinity of said
furnitures. Umbrellas with misting devices may be found in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,017,188 issued to Benton, U.S. Pat. No. 5,000,384 issued
to Arnold, U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,793 issued to Louis, and U.S. Pat.
No. 6,298,866 issued to Molnar. The applicant, however, believes
that more features can be added to these umbrellas to offer more
convenience, entertainment, or comfort to the users or to the
people positioned substantially adjacent to them.
SUMMARY
[0006] Brief Description
[0007] The present invention includes a shade device. The shade
device may have an audiovisual media and a power source that powers
the audiovisual media. The audiovisual media may be positioned
under a covering of the shade device to provide entertainment to
the user.
[0008] The shade device may further have a liquid source and a
sprayer. The sprayer is preferably configured to obtain liquid from
the liquid source and spray the liquid to cool the temperature
surrounding the user. The shade device may further include sprayer
switch and a switch actuator that allow the user to control the
amount of liquid sprayed by the sprayer. In certain embodiments,
the shade device may include a container for the user to store food
or beverage. The container may be cooled by the liquid from the
liquid source.
[0009] The above description sets forth, rather broadly, a summary
of the preferred embodiments of the present invention so that the
detailed description that follows may be better understood and
contributions of the present invention to the art may be better
appreciated. Some of the embodiments of the present invention may
not include all of the features or characteristics listed in the
above summary. There are, of course, additional features of the
invention that will be described below and will form the subject
matter of claims.
[0010] In this respect, before explaining at least one preferred
embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that
the invention is not limited in its application to the details of
the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth
in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] In the drawings, like elements are depicted by like
reference numerals. The drawings are briefly described as
follows.
[0012] FIG. 1 is substantially a perspective view illustrating a
preferred embodiment of the shade of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is substantially a front view of the base of the
shade with parts broken away to show the preferred embodiment of
the reservoir and the conduit of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is substantially a side view of the base of the shade
with parts broken away, to show the preferred embodiment of the
cooler compartment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is substantially a diagrammatic perspective view of a
further embodiment of the invention, having an entertainment unit
attached to the shaft, and illustrating ventilating fans preferably
located within the base.
[0016] FIG. 5 is substantially a perspective view of the preferred
embodiment of the shade with parts broken away to show the power
hub mounted concentrically upon the shaft.
[0017] FIG. 6 is substantially a bottom plan view of the power hub,
illustrating vents and lights located thereat, as well as storage
batteries, fuel cells, and the interconnection between the fuel
cells and the central conduit located within the power hub.
[0018] FIG. 7 is substantially a block diagram, illustrating the
interconnection of various functional components of the preferred
embodiment of the shade of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 8 is substantially a perspective view illustrating
another embodiment of the shade of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 9 is substantially a perspective view illustrating yet
another embodiment of the shade of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 10 is substantially a top plan view of the covering of
the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, showing the ribs separating the
covering into a plurality of sections and providing structural
support to the covering.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] In the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which
form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of
illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be
practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be
utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from
the scope of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a shade device 10 according to the
present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the shade device 10
has a covering 14, a base 12, a shaft 16, a table 11, and a remote
control 18. The covering 14, base 12, and shaft 16 are preferably
made of molded high-quality plastic. In other embodiments, they may
be made of other polymers or other materials known in the art.
[0024] The covering 14 preferably includes a plurality of panels
30. Each panel 30 preferably has a top 30T. A plurality of solar
cells 32 may be positioned on the top 30T of the panels 30. The
solar cells 32 are preferably photovoltaic elements that are
capable of generating DC electricity upon exposure to light by
virtue of the photoelectric effect. The covering 14 may also have a
perimeter skirt 14S, which may be made of vinyl, cloth, or other
polymers known in the art. A plurality of sprayers 34 may be
positioned on the perimeter skirt 14S for spraying liquid, such as
cool water, thereby creating a mist. Preferably, four sprayers 34
are provided and are positioned substantially ninety degrees apart
on the perimeter skirt 14s. Of course, the sprayers may be
positioned in a variety of ways. The sprayers may also be made of
nozzles known in the art and preferably adjustable nozzles.
[0025] Attached to the covering 14 is the shaft 16. The shaft 16
preferably extends vertically between the covering 14 and the base
12. The shaft 16 preferably has an upper end 16U near the covering
14 and a lower end 16L that is preferably near the base 12.
Attached to the lower end 16L of the shaft 16 is a base 12. The
base 12 preferably has a bottom 12B and a base sidewall 12S. The
base 12 preferably has a plurality of wheels 50, such as castor
wheels, which forms part of a mobility unit that provides mobility
to the shade 10. The plurality of wheels 50 may be attached to a
motor (not shown), which may be connected to or in communication
with the remote control 18. In general, the shade 10 is preferably
configured to be movable by the user to control the area and degree
of shade. It is noted that in the preferred embodiment, for
aesthetic purposes, the base sidewall 12S substantially covers the
plurality of wheels 50 to discreetly show the wheels 50. A
plurality of intake ports 52 may be positioned on the base 12 for
allowing an air current through the air vents, as will be described
in further detail hereinafter.
[0026] The base 12 may have a plurality of air vents 40 for
providing a cooled air current to the user. The air vents 40 are
preferably positioned at a height consistent with that of a
standard lounge chair, so that they are located in a position
suitable for cooling occupants seated on the lounge chairs and
positioned alongside the shade 10. A plurality of sprayers 42 may
also be positioned on the base 12. The sprayers 42 may be useful
for cooling the person sitting near or under the covering 14.
[0027] A table 11 may be added to the shade 10. The table 11 may
have a flat top surface to support any item placed thereon. The
table 11 is preferably removeably mounted to the shaft 16 in a
manner known in the art. The table 11 may be mounted using
fasteners known in the art, such as screws. Alternatively, the
shaft 16 may define a receiving slot (not shown) that may receive
and support a part of the table 11.
[0028] A remote control 18 may be added and programmed to give
control to a user over the functionality of the shade 10, as will
be described in detail. The remote control 18 may allow the user to
control the sprayers 34, the sprayers 42, the fan (not shown)
within the base, illuminating lights (not shown), audiovisual
device (not shown), and the motor (not shown) operating the wheels
50. The remote control 18 may also allow the user to control the
tilt of the covering 14 so that the covering 14 can effectively be
positioned to block the sun.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2, a portion of the base 12 has been
illustratively broken away to reveal a reservoir 54 located
therein. The reservoir 54 is preferably configured to store coolant
53, such as a combination of ice and chilled water. The coolant may
be various types of coolant known in the art and is preferably a
coolant type capable of generating mist through the sprayers 34 or
the sprayers 42 and capable of cooling the temperature of a cooler,
which is shown in FIG. 3. The reservoir 54 preferably has a volume
sufficient for holding a large quantity of coolant. The reservoir
54 may be filled with coolant via a fill port 13, which is an
opening preferably defined by a portion of the base 12.
[0030] Drain ports (not shown) may be provided. In addition, a
coolant level sensor may be provided within the reservoir 54 to
selectively illuminate at least one light (not shown) that may be
mounted on the shaft 16 or on the base 12 to inform the user that
coolant must be refilled. It can be appreciated that the use of the
reservoir 54 eliminates the need for heavy and expensive
traditional refrigeration equipment, such as a compressor,
evaporator, and condenser.
[0031] With continued reference to FIG. 2, a central conduit 46 may
be placed within the reservoir 54. The central conduit 46
preferably has an inlet 46A at an end that is located within the
reservoir 54. The central conduit 46 is preferably configured to
carry the coolant 53 upwards from the reservoir 54 through the
shaft 16. The coolant 53 may then be sprayed through the sprayers
34 positioned around the covering 14.
[0032] Referring back to FIG. 1, it can be appreciated that intake
ports 52 allow air to enter. Air flows into the intake ports 52 and
through the reservoir 54 (FIG. 3) and conduit 46, which influence
the temperature of the air. Cooled air then exits through the air
vents 40 and may cool the user (not shown). Manual controls 22 may
be positioned on the base 12. The manual controls 22 may be
provided in lieu of or in addition to the remote control 18. The
manual controls may allow a user to control the functionality of
the shade 10, including misting, lights, ventilation, audiovisual
device operation, positioning of the covering 14, and operation of
the wheels 50 to move the shade 10. In the preferred embodiment,
two sets of manual controls 22 may be located on the wall of the
base 12 preferably fully opposite from each other. This is
particularly useful when the shade is positioned between two users.
Accordingly, each user can have direct control over the
functionality of the portion of the shade that is adjacent to
them.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 3, each side of the base 12 preferably
has a cooler compartment 56. Each cooler compartment 56 preferably
has an insulated access door 57 and interior walls 58 that are
fluidically sealed from, yet are in thermal communication with, the
reservoir 54. Beverages 60 may be placed within each cooler
compartment 56 to be kept cool, and heat is prevented from
infiltrating the cooler compartments. Various items may be placed
within the cooler for cooling, such as beverages and food. It is
noted that the access door 57 may be slidable or hingably connected
to the base 12. It is further noted that each cooler compartment 56
is preferably removeable from the base 12 so that the interior
walls 58 may be cleaned. The material for the cooler compartment 56
preferably has the characteristic of being able to provide good
insulation, dishwasher-safe, and easy to clean.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 illustrates an entertainment
unit 70 preferably attached to the shaft 16 of the shade 10. It is
noted that entertainment unit 70 may be attached at different areas
of the shade 10. The entertainment unit 70 is preferably attached
to the shaft 16 by an adjustable arm 72 that allows the
entertainment unit to be positioned according to the needs of the
user. The shade 10 may have an entertainment unit arm mount 74 on
the shaft wall 16W above the table 11. The arm mount provides
structural stability for the entertainment unit 70 and may be used
to convey power and cable or airborne signals to the entertainment
unit 70 through the adjustable arm 72. In this regard, one or more
antennas may be mounted on the covering 14. The entertainment unit
70 preferably has a media slot 71, which selectively allows compact
discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), cassette tapes, video
cassettes, or other audio or visual media to be inserted therein by
the user to listen to or view the same. The entertainment unit 70
may also be in a form of a computer or a combination of a
television (TV) and a videocassette recorder (VCR), a TV and a DVD
player, a TV and a video game controller, such as a Sony
Playstation, or a TV and a karaoke machine. The TV screen may be a
plasma screen, a cathode ray tube, or a liquid crystal display. The
entertainment unit 70 may include speakers (not shown) and
headphones (not shown). The headphones may be wireless or be a
traditional headphone with wires.
[0035] With continued reference to FIG. 4, a pump 80 is preferably
connected to central conduit 46 to deliver the coolant 53 from the
base 12 to the covering 14, where the coolant is distributed by the
sprayers 34. Additionally, a plurality of fans 82 may be located
within the base 12 and preferably below the vents 40. It is noted
that the speed of the fans 82 are preferably variable. For example,
the speed may be adjustable within 3 levels-high, medium, and low.
The fans 82 are preferably connected to a control unit 100 (FIG. 7)
so that the operation of the fans 82 and their speed levels may be
controlled by either manual controls 22 (FIG. 1) or the remote
control 18.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 5, a portion of the covering 14 is
illustratively broken away to reveal a power hub 90 located near
the upper end 16U of the shaft 16. The hub 90 is preferably
substantially disk-like, and is mounted concentrically upon the
shaft 16. It is preferably located high upon the shaft 16, so that
it is at least above the covering perimeter skirt 14S and is
partially concealed from view.
[0037] With reference to FIG. 6, the power hub 90 preferably has a
bottom surface 90B that has a plurality of hub vents 92. The power
hub 92 preferably has substantially hollow interior that is in
communication with the shaft 16. Accordingly, air currents from the
fans 82 (FIG. 4) are expelled in part through the hub vents 92. In
other embodiments, additional fans may be added around the conduit
46 to allow more air to exit through the vents. Like the vents 40
on the base 12, the hub vents 92 are louvered to allow directional
control of the air vents. Preferably, however, the hub vents 92 are
configured to direct the air current substantially downward, as the
power hub 90 is preferably positioned above the users. Hub lights
95 may also be provided on the power hub bottom surface 90B to
illuminate the area beneath.
[0038] Within the power hub 90 are preferably a plurality of
rechargeable storage batteries 94. The rechargeable storage
batteries 94 are preferably in communication with the solar cells
32 (FIG. 1), such that the solar cells 32 recharge the storage
batteries 94 when sufficient light is incident upon the storage
cells 32. Fuel cell technology may be employed to provide a more
consistent source of power. In this regard, a plurality of micro
fuel cells 96 may be provided. The micro fuel cells 96 create
electricity as a byproduct of a chemical reaction. For example,
hydrogen and oxygen may be used to power a fuel cell.
[0039] Alternatively, fuel cells may use propane or natural gas.
The micro fuel cells 96 may further employ gas tanks 97 to produce
electricity from a fuel of methanol. In addition, since one typical
byproduct of the chemical reaction is water, the fuel cells may
each have a water drain tube 98 to direct such water through the
central conduit 46 and to the reservoir.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 7, a block diagram that describes the
interconnection of the various components of the preferred
embodiment of the shade 10 is shown. The shade is preferably
powered by the rechargeable batteries 94, which are selectively
charged by the micro fuel cells 96 and solar cells 32. Micro fuel
cells 96 and solar cells 32 are preferably connected to a control
unit, such as a computer, which controls the functionality of the
shade 10 including the distribution of the stored power. The
control unit 100 may be instructed by the user either by using the
manual control 22 or the remote control 18. For instance, if the
user wishes to turn any lights (FIG. 9) on or off, operate the
mobility unit 102 to move the shade, initiate ventilation by
activating the fans 80, or control the entertainment unit 70, the
user may conveniently use the remote control unit 100 while
remaining comfortably reclined in a lounge chair.
[0041] The control unit 100 preferably selectively operates the
fans 82, the pump 80, the lights, the entertainment unit 70, and
the mobility unit 102, which is used to physically move or reorient
the whole shade 10. It is noted that pivots, joints, or swivels
known in the art may be inserted to the shaft 16 (not shown in FIG.
7) to allow the covering 14 to be tilted or positioned in a way
that effectively blocks the sun.
[0042] As further illustrated in FIG. 7, the control unit 100 may
be connected to a sprayer switch 71. Sprayer switch 71 may further
be connected to a sprayer actuator 73 (not shown). Sprayer actuator
73 may include a piston (not shown) and a spring (not shown) housed
in a cylinder (not shown). Sprayer actuator 73 may further include
a motor and gears configured to work with pump 80 to drive water
from the reservoir 54. When the sprayer switch 71 is activated, the
switch preferably activates the actuator 73. The actuator 73 causes
the volume within the conduit 46 to shrink and expand, which
consequently causes the pump 80 to deliver the liquid from the
reservoir 54 to the sprayers 34. It can thus be appreciated that
the sprayers 34 of certain embodiments of the present invention can
be controlled by the user to deliver the desired amount of mist and
for a particular period of time. The sprayers 34 may further be
individually controlled--that is, the shade device 10 may allow
each user to control his or her sprayer either through manual
control 22 or a remote control 18. A timer 75 may be provided to
control the operation of the sprayers 34 and 42 based on a
particular time or time interval.
[0043] With reference now to FIG. 8, another embodiment of a shade
102 of the present invention is shown. Shade 102 is preferably
substantially similar to shade 10 previously discussed except that
sprayers 104A-G are mounted to a rod 106, which is connected to
conduit 46 (FIG. 2). Sprayers 104A-G spray liquid, which comes from
the reservoir 54 and which is delivered to the sprayers 104A-G by
the pump 80 (FIG. 4) through the conduit 46 (FIG. 2). Another
additional feature of shade 102 is the fans 108A and B, which are
also attached to the rod 106. In combination with the sprayers
104A-G, fans 108A and B help further cool the users' surrounding
environment. Fans 108A and B are preferably collapsible or
removeable so that they can be stored discreetly for aesthetic
purposes. The base of shade 102 is noticeably smaller and houses
fewer components than the base of shade 10.
[0044] With reference now to FIG. 9, another embodiment of a shade
110 of the present invention is shown. Shade 110 is preferably
substantially similar to shade 10 previously discussed except that
shade 110 includes lights 112A-D mounted to the hub 90. Lights
112A-D may be recessed lights or other types known in the art.
Additional sprayers 114A-C may be provided. The base of shade 110
is noticeably smaller and houses fewer components than the base of
shade 10.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 10, shade devices 10 and 110 may
include a plurality of ribs 116 that separate the covering 14 into
a plurality of sections and that provide structural support to the
covering.
[0046] It can now be realized that the various embodiments of the
shade device of the present invention has more features that
provide comfort, convenience, or entertainment than the existing
devices. Certain embodiments provide a shade device that provides
readily available audiovisual source of entertainment that may have
readily available source of power and thus can be operated
anywhere. Certain embodiments provide a highly convenient source of
beverage or food, which may continuously be chilled. Certain
embodiments provide a controllable misting system with individually
controllable sprayers. Yet certain embodiments provide a highly
moveable and adjustable shade that can be positioned to effectively
block the sun.
[0047] Although the description above contains many specifications,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of
presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, the
number of solar panels, the shape of the covering, and the spatial
orientation of the sprayers, the lights, air vents, the audiovisual
device, and other components may be varied. Thus, the scope of the
invention should be determined by the appended claims and their
legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.
* * * * *