U.S. patent application number 11/178752 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-10 for umbrella undercanopy fastening system.
Invention is credited to Nipke, Mike.
Application Number | 20050247333 11/178752 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33425133 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050247333 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nipke, Mike |
November 10, 2005 |
Umbrella undercanopy fastening system
Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed for an umbrella undercanopy
fastening system including a plurality of reclosable fasteners. One
embodiment of the present invention relates to a fastening system
comprising a first and second member. The first member has a first
portion of a fastening device. The second member has a second
portion of the fastening device adapted to engage the first portion
of the fastening device in a reclosable manner. The reclosable
fasteners may be used, fore example, for securing a lighting system
to an undercanopy of an umbrella.
Inventors: |
Nipke, Mike; (Grandville,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET
SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
|
Family ID: |
33425133 |
Appl. No.: |
11/178752 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11178752 |
Jul 11, 2005 |
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10781233 |
Feb 18, 2004 |
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60448704 |
Feb 18, 2003 |
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60541526 |
Feb 3, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
135/24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 2023/0012 20130101;
A45B 3/04 20130101; A45B 23/00 20130101; A45B 25/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/024 |
International
Class: |
A45B 025/14; A45B
025/16 |
Claims
1. An undercanopy fastening system comprising: a fabric undercanopy
of a patio umbrella; and a recloseable fastening device attached to
said fabric undercanopy of said patio umbrella, wherein said
fastening device comprises a first member having a first portion
and a second member having a second portion adapted to engage said
first portion of said fastening device in a reclosable manner,
wherein said first member is permanently attached to said fabric
undercanopy, wherein said second member includes a first end
permanently attached to said fabric undercanopy and a second end
permanently attached to said second portion, wherein one of said
first portion and said second portion is a female snap, wherein one
of said first portion and said second portion is a male snap.
2. An patio umbrella apparatus comprising: a pole portion; a canopy
portion of a patio umbrella having at least a fabric undercanopy
portion, said canopy portion moveably coupled to said pole portion;
and at least one reclosable fastening system coupled to said fabric
undercanopy portion of said patio umbrella; wherein said reclosable
fastening system includes: a first member permanently attached to
said fabric undercanopy; and a second member having a first end
permanently attached to said fabric undercanopy and a second end
permanently attached to said second portion; wherein one of said
first portion and said second portion is a female snap, wherein one
of said first portion and said second portion is a male snap.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/781,233 filed Feb. 18, 2004, entitled
"Umbrella Undercanopy Fastening System," which claims the benefit
of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/448,704, filed Feb. 18,
2003, entitled "Power Pole Patio Umbrella" and U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/541,526, filed Feb. 3, 2004, also entitled
"Power Pole Patio Umbrella."
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an umbrella canopy. More
specifically, the present invention relates to a re-closable
fastening system used with an umbrella canopy undercover.
[0003] Outdoor umbrellas have become more popular with homeowners
as the home entertaining dynamic has shifted more towards the
outdoors. That is, the ability to use an outdoor area as an
entertaining space is often seen as a desirable feature to a
homeowner. The use of outdoor "patio" umbrellas has gained
widespread acceptance and use by consumers. However, patio
umbrellas often suffer from a lack of flexibility because they are
not configurable by the consumer. The umbrella is typically a
crafted object that may not be personalized or modified by the
consumer. Additionally, as further discussed below, present
lighting options for patio umbrellas may be unsatisfactory to the
consumer for a variety of reasons.
[0004] Patio umbrellas are often used with outdoor tables and
generally are supported by a center pole rising up through the
middle of the tables, although the umbrella may also be used in a
stand-alone fashion. When open, the umbrellas provide shade and
protection for the people sitting at the table. The tables are
typically located on patios near swimming pools or other outdoor
recreational areas and may be used in the evening at which time
people sitting at them to eat, play games, etc. However, the
umbrellas may provide insufficient illumination for these
activities at night. Further, the tables may be located some
distance away from a house, garage or other building on which
outdoor lights are installed. Consequently, the amount of light
provided by these sources may be inadequate. Further, many of the
tables are portable, so that even if they are initially located
near an outdoor light, they may, on occasion, be moved to some more
distant area where the lighting is inadequate.
[0005] Attempts have been made to provide illumination for
umbrellas using different lighting arrangements. Previous attempts
to provide illumination include using three or four incandescent
bulbs underneath the top and in the center of the umbrella to
illuminate the area under the canopy. Fluorescent lighting has been
located in the center support pole of the umbrella to illuminate
the area underneath the canopy. All of these umbrella
configurations are characterized by relatively concentrated light
that may attract bugs and insects.
[0006] Arrays of miniature lights that use household current to
provide a substantial amount of illumination are known. Such
lighting arrangements have been previously disclosed for use as
Christmas tree decorations. Such lighting arrangements may provide
a substantial, although relatively diffuse, amount of lighting,
which is not attractive to bugs and insects. However, it should be
appreciated that using one or more strings of miniature lights
having hanging wiring may provide a hazard to people using the
umbrella. Furthermore, such strings of miniature lights may have to
be removed or repositioned prior to retracting the open canopy, to
avoid damaging or destroying the lights.
[0007] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and
traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the
art, through comparison of such systems with the present invention
as set forth in the remainder of the present application with
reference to the drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Features of the present invention relate to systems and
methods for securing a lighting system to an undercanopy of an
umbrella. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a
fastening system comprising a first and second member. The first
member has a first portion of a fastening device. The second member
has a second portion of the fastening device adapted to engage the
first portion of the fastening device in a reclosable manner.
[0009] In at least one embodiment of the undercanopy fastening
system the first and/or second members are either fixedly or
movably connected to the undercanopy. The first member may include
a bending portion, whereby at least a portion of the first member
is adapted to move about the bending portion in a rotational or
folding manner. The undercanopy fastening system may include at
least a attachment portion fixedly secured to at least a portion of
at least one of the undercanopy, the first member and the second
member.
[0010] In at least one embodiment, the fastening device of the
undercanopy fastening system comprises opposing female and male
snaps. However, the fastening device of the undercanopy fastening
system may also comprise at least one of Velcro, magnets, hooks,
clips and clasps.
[0011] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an
umbrella apparatus. In this embodiment, the umbrella apparatus
comprises at least a pole portion, a canopy portion and at least
one reclosable fastening system. The canopy portion may have at
least an undercanopy portion, where the canopy portion is moveably
coupled to the pole portion. Further, the at least one reclosable
fastening system is coupled to the undercanopy portion.
[0012] In at least one embodiment, the fastening system of the
umbrella apparatus may comprise a first and second member. The
first member has a first portion of a fastening device. The second
member has a second portion of the fastening device adapted to
engage the first portion of the fastening device in a reclosable
manner.
[0013] Still another embodiment of the present invention relates to
a method for removably securing a lighting system to an umbrella
undercanopy of an umbrella apparatus. This embodiment comprises
positioning the lighting system in the umbrella apparatus. The
lighting system is removably secured to the undercanopy using at
least one reclosable fastening system.
[0014] These and other advantages and novel features of the present
invention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof,
will be more fully understood from the following description and
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an umbrella viewed
from underneath in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 1B illustrates an enlarged view of a fastening system
used with an umbrella similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1A in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of one fastening
system in a closed or fastened position used with an umbrella
similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1A in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of the fastening
system of FIG. 2A in an open or unfastened position used with an
umbrella similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1A in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of one fastening
system in a closed or fastened position used with an umbrella
similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1A in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of the fastening
system of FIG. 3A in an open or unfastened position used with an
umbrella similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1A in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of one fastening
system in a closed or fastened position used with an umbrella
similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1A in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of the fastening
system of FIG. 4A in an open or unfastened position used with an
umbrella similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1A in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The following description is made with reference to the
appended figures.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1A in the drawings, an umbrella apparatus,
generally designated 10, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention is illustrated. Umbrella apparatus 10 includes a
canopy portion 12 and a tubular pole portion 14. Pole portion 14 is
coupled to and supports canopy portion 12.
[0025] In at least one embodiment, canopy portion 12 is flexible
and retractable and may be moved between a raised, or expanded open
position (shown in FIG. 1A); and a lowered, or retracted, closed
position in which canopy portion 12 is collapsed down about pole
portion 14 (not shown but well known in the art). In at least one
embodiment, canopy portion 12 comprises an overcanopy or upper
surface 16 and opposing undercanopy or inner surface 18.
[0026] FIG. 1A further illustrates at least one canopy rib 20
supporting the canopy portion 12. In at least one embodiment, a
plurality of canopy ribs 20 are employed (eight canopy ribs 20 are
illustrated, but more or fewer canopy ribs may be employed) fixed
or coupled to undercanopy 18.
[0027] As illustrated, canopy portion 12 is further supported by at
least one support rib 22. FIG. 1A illustrates a plurality of
support ribs 22 (eight support ribs 22 are illustrated but more or
fewer support ribs may be employed). Support ribs 22 are, in at
least one embodiment, movably coupled to at least the pole portion
14. In at least one embodiment, a least one support rib 22 is
moveably or hingably coupled to the pole portion 14 and at least
one canopy rib 20. In the illustrated embodiment, each rib member
22 has a first end 24 moveably coupled to an upper portion 26 of
the pole portion 14 and a second end 25 moveably coupled to at
least one strut 20.
[0028] In at least one embodiment, umbrella apparatus 10 includes
an opening and closing system, generally designated 27, that aids
in expanding canopy portion 12 into the open position and
retracting canopy portion 12 into the closed position. In FIG. 1A,
the opening and closing system 27 comprises a moveable or slidable
case 28 and a manual crank 29, where the case 28 and the manual
crank 29 are connected by a cable system or some other suitable
connection device. As illustrated, case 28 is located on pole
portion 14 proximate upper portion 26. In at least one embodiment,
a least one support rib 22 is hingedly or moveably coupled to the
case 28. Manual crank 29 is coupled to the case 28 so as to allow
manual opening and closing of canopy portion 12 (using a hand crank
for example). It should be appreciated that, while a manual device
for opening and closing the canopy portion 12 is illustrated, other
devices, including automatic opening/closing devices, may be
employed.
[0029] Umbrella apparatus 10 may include a base member adapted to
receive pole portion 14 and to support the umbrella apparatus 10 in
a generally upright position. Although not shown in the embodiment
FIG. 1, other embodiments of the present invention depict a variety
of conventional and novel base members, any of which may be
utilized with the embodiment of FIG. 1. It should be understood
that in all of the embodiments of the present invention provided
herein, umbrella apparatus 10 may be used without a base member,
provided there is a table or some other support structure,
including the ground, which may be adapted to receive pole portion
14. For example, many patio tables are designed with central
apertures to receive, support, and stabilize relatively large
umbrellas. In some cases, the patio tables eliminate the need for a
base member all together.
[0030] FIG. 1A further illustrates at least one fastening system,
generally designated 30, coupled to the umbrella apparatus 10 in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In at
least one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of
fastening systems 30 (24 fastening systems 30 are illustrated, but
more or fewer fastening systems may be employed) are coupled or
fixed to the umbrella apparatus 10.
[0031] FIG. 1A illustrates a plurality of fastening systems 30
coupled or attached to the undercanopy 18 (in a fixed or removable
fashion). In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of reclosable
fastening systems 30 are illustrated coupled to various portions of
the undercanopy 18, and alternatively referred to as the canopy
support fastening system 34, support rib fastening system 36 and
canopy rib fastening system 38.
[0032] In at least one embodiment, a plurality of the fastening
systems 30 are coupled to undercanopy canopy 18 proximate to edge
40 of undercanopy 18 one or near at least one canopy rib support
20. Eight fastening systems 30 are illustrated coupled to the
undercanopy 18 and alternatively referred to as canopy rib
fastening system 38, where at least one canopy rib fastening system
38 is fixed on or near each of the canopy rib supports.
[0033] FIGS. 1A, 2A and 2B illustrate one embodiment of the
fastening system 30, specifically, a canopy rib fastening system
38. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening system 30
comprises an attachment portion 50 and a reclosable fastening
portion 52. As illustrated, the attachment portion 50 comprises
body 53 having edge 54. Body 53 is adapted to be secured or fixed
to the undercanopy along at least a portion of edge 53 using
stitching or glue for example. In the illustrated embodiment, body
53 is adapted to be secured to the undercanopy along three sides,
forming opening 54. In at least one embodiment, opening 54 and
attachment portion 50 form a pocket adapted to receive at least one
canopy rib 20 in a removable manner.
[0034] As illustrated, reclosable fastening portion 52 comprises
first and second members 56 and 58. FIG. 2A depicts first member 56
having opposing first and second ends for 60 and 62. Additionally,
second member 58 has first and second ends 64 and 66, respectively.
In at least one embodiment, the first member 56 is attached to the
attachment portion 50 in a moveable or bendable fashion. In one
embodiment, only first member first end 60 is fixed (glued or
stitched for example) to body 53 proximate opening 54, forming
hinge or bending portion 68. Further, second member 58 is fixedly
attached to body 53 (glued or stitched for example) along at least
first and second ends 64 and 66 (or the entire edge of second
member). In this manner, body 53 is fixably secured to the
undercanopy 18, second member 58 is fixedly attached to body 53,
while only one end of first member 56 is fixedly attached to body
53 such that the first member 56 may move about bending portion
68.
[0035] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 2B, reclosable fastening
portion 52 further comprises a snap made up of female and male snap
portions 70 and 72. In this embodiment, female snap 70 is connected
or fixed to first member 56 while the male snap 72 is connected or
fixed to second member 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the
female snap 70 has a sealing portion or ring 74 which is adapted to
engage indent 76 formed in male portion 72 in a removable or
reclosable fashion, as is well known in the art. It should be
appreciated that one particular type of snaps are discussed, any
type of snaps may be employed.
[0036] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate another embodiment of fastening
system 30, specifically a canopy support fastening system 34, in
both a fastened and unfastened position. In at least one
embodiment, a plurality of the canopy support fastening systems 34
are coupled to undercanopy 18 proximate to edge 40 of undercanopy
18 (best viewed in FIG. 1A). In the illustrated embodiment, eight
fastening systems 34 are coupled to undercanopy 18 in a moveable or
bendable fashion.
[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening system 34
comprises at least reclosable fastening portion 152. Reclosable
fastening portion 152 comprises first and second members 156 and
158. FIG. 3B depicts first member 156 having opposing first and
second ends 160 and 162. Additionally, second member 158 has first
and second ends 164 and 166, respectively. In at least one
embodiment, the first member 158 is attached to at least the
undercanopy 18. In one embodiment, only first member first end 160
is fixed (glued or stitched for example, forming hinge or bending
portion 168. Further, second member 158 is fixedly attached to the
undercanopy (glued or stitched for example) along at least first
and second ends 164 and 166 (or the entire edge of second member).
In this manner, second member 158 is fixedly attached to the
undercanopy while only one end of first member 156 is fixedly
attached to the undercanopy such that the first member 156 may move
about hinge 168.
[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 3B reclosable fastening portion 152
further comprises a snap made up of female and male snap portions
170 and 172. In this embodiment, female snap 170 is connected or
fixed to first member 156 while the male snap 172 is connected or
fixed to second member 158. In the illustrated embodiment, the
female snap 170 has a sealing portion or ring 174 which is adapted
to engage indent 176 formed in male portion 172 in a removable or
reclosable fashion, as is well known in the art.
[0039] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate another embodiment of fastening
system 30, alternatively referred to as support rib fastening
system 36, in both a fastened and unfastened position. In at least
one embodiment, a plurality of the support rib fastening systems 36
are coupled to the undercanopy 18 proximate to support rib 22. In
the illustrated embodiment, eight support rib fastening systems 36
are coupled to the undercanopy (one fastening system proximate each
support rib) in a moveable or bendable fashion.
[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening system 36
comprises at least reclosable fastening portion 252. Reclosable
fastening portion 252 comprises first and second member 256 and
258. FIG. 4A depicts first member 256 having opposing first and
second ends 260 and 262. Additionally, second member 258 has first
and second ends 264 and 266, respectively. In at least one
embodiment, the first member 258 is attached to at least the
undercanopy. In one embodiment, only first member first end 260 is
fixed (glued or stitched for example, forming hinge or bending
portion 268. Further, second member 258 is fixedly attached to
undercanopy 18 (glued or stitched for example) along at least first
and second ends 264 and 266 (or the entire edge of second member).
In this manner, second member 258 is fixedly attached to canopy
while only one end of first member 256 is fixedly attached to the
undercanopy such that the first member 256 may move about hinge
268.
[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 4B, reclosable fastening portion 252
further comprises a snap made up of female and male snap portions
270 and 272. In this embodiment, female snap 270 is connected or
fixed to first member 256 while the male snap 272 is connected or
fixed to second member 258. In the illustrated embodiment, the
female snap 270 has a sealing portion or ring 274 which is adapted
to engage indent 276 formed in male portion 272 in a removable or
reclosable fashion, as is well known in the art.
[0042] It should be appreciated that while one embodiment of snaps
are illustrated, other resealable or reclosable devices (including
different embodiments of snaps) may be employed. In one embodiment,
the fastening portions may comprise opposing pieces of Velcro
affixed to the first and second members, respectively. In this
manner, the first and second members may be closed using the Velcro
as is well known in the art. Additionally, the fastening portion
may further comprise any other reclosable or resealable device,
such as magnets, zippers, hooks, clasps, or clips.
[0043] Furthermore, it should be appreciated that while one
particular arrangement of the fastening systems 30 is depicted,
different arrangements may be employed. Additionally, while in at
least one embodiment, the fastening systems 30 are fixedly secured
to the undercanopy, the fastening system 30 may be removably fixed
to the undercanopy 18. In one embodiment, Velcro could be attached
to one or more portions of the undercanopy. The fastening systems
30 may employ an opposing piece of Velcro, wherein the attachment
system 30 could be attached to the Velcro on the undercanopy in a
movable manner. Additionally, magnets could be used wherein magnets
may be affixed to the undercanopy in a plurality of positions. An
opposing magnet may be fixed to the fastening system 30, allow the
fastening system 30 to be moved to various positions on the
undercanopy 18. Alternatively, only a single type of fastening
system, such as that shown in FIG. 1A, may be employed.
[0044] In least one embodiment of the present invention, the
fastening system 30 is adapted to be used with a lighting system,
such as one or more strands of miniature lights or other type of
lighting discussed previously. It should be appreciated that while
one type of lighting is discussed, any type of lighting or other
hanging device may be secured to and hung from the undercanopy
using at least one embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] Additionally, the wiring for such a lighting system may be
may be positioned in the umbrella apparatus, as further described
in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/781,183, filed Feb. 18, 2004
entitled "Powered Patio Pole Umbrella", which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety. As described in the
indicated patent application, the wiring may be removably placed in
the fastening system and the lighting suspended therefrom in a safe
manner. This may ensure that the wiring may be out of the way of
the people using the umbrella, but may help ensure that sufficient
lighting is provided to the umbrella apparatus 10 and the
surrounding area. Different fastening systems 30 could be utilized,
providing different lighting arrangements. Further, since the
fastening system is reclosable, the arrangement of the lighting
system could he changed, or the lighting system removed prior to
closing the canopy.
[0046] In accordance with the previously identified patent
application, the umbrella may include a power source (not shown).
In this embodiment, the power source may comprise one or more
outlets located on pole 14, the moveable or slidable case 28 and a
manual crank 29 for example. The power source may provide
electrical power to the lighting system.
[0047] While the invention has been described with reference to
certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings of the invention without
departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the
invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed,
but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within
the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *