U.S. patent application number 11/809236 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-24 for solar powered umbrella.
Invention is credited to Antonio Carabillo.
Application Number | 20080092936 11/809236 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39316761 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080092936 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carabillo; Antonio |
April 24, 2008 |
Solar powered umbrella
Abstract
A solar powered umbrella is disclosed for powering multiple
components such as an automatic anchoring device, LED lights, a
speaker and/or audio system and bug repeller and/or thermoelectric
heating/cooling device. The umbrella includes a canopy, an auger, a
solar panel or cell, a momentary 3-way/function toggle switch, and
a charging and power socket. The auger is used to anchor the device
into and out malleable surfaces such as earth, dirt, grass, etc.
The umbrella also includes rechargeable batteries, an electric
motor and a gearbox. The shaft from the gearbox protrudes thru and
outside the housing of the bottom of the lower tubular member which
adapts/connects to the helix/auger. When a waterproof 3-function
toggle switch is pushed downward, the helix is driven into the
ground and visa-versa. Additional methods of charging consist of an
AC and/or DC adapter.
Inventors: |
Carabillo; Antonio;
(Closter, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WARD & OLIVO
SUITE 300
382 SPRINGFIELD AVENUE
SUMMIT
NJ
07901
US
|
Family ID: |
39316761 |
Appl. No.: |
11/809236 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60809006 |
May 30, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
135/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 12/2223 20130101;
A45B 3/04 20130101; A45B 2200/1027 20130101; A45B 25/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/016 |
International
Class: |
A45B 25/00 20060101
A45B025/00 |
Claims
1. A solar powered automatic umbrella comprising: a telescoping
pole having a upper and lower member; a canopy attached to the
upper member of said pole; a rechargeable power source; at least
one solar cell attached to said canopy to recharge the power
source; an auger attached to the lower member of said pole;
accessories and electric motor powered by the rechargeable power
source; and a switch mounted to an exterior of said pole to
manipulate said auger.
Description
RELATED SUBJECT MATTER
[0001] This application claims the benefit of, under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 119(e), U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/809,006 filed
May 30, 2006.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This application incorporates by reference in its entirety
patent application Ser. No. ______, also filed May 30, 2007 by the
same inventor entitled Multipurpose Auger Anchoring Device.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,152,495 demonstrates a manual or electric
means for driving a helical anchor into the ground. The hand-crank
or electric motor and battery, as illustrated, are contained
outside the metal/aluminum post with the components and connections
contained on the top of the outer tubular member. The helical shaft
within the outer tubular member has a length consisting of the
entire tubular structure/member with alternate objects within,
including spring-loaded stabilizing members which protrude into the
ground.
[0004] Patent #20050211282 discloses a beach umbrella design using
an electric torque motor, detachable auger, disposable batteries,
two-speed or multi-speed switch and a canopy with a tilt mechanism
for adjusting the umbrella/canopy in the direction of the sun. The
patent is vague, in that, it does not mention or describe a method
for securing the axial lumen of the umbrella to the lower tubular
member and attaches only to the specified canopy/umbrella or top
half of the umbrella, mentioned within. Also, the upper axial lumen
slides over, encases, and encloses the battery pack of the lower
tubular member, protecting the battery. The design uses an electric
torque motor; "all in one", instead of an electric motor attached
to a gear box which creates torque. Also, the two-speed switch is
located on the handle, in which, by applying pressure increases the
speed for anchoring and removal purposes.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,866 discloses a patio umbrella with
multiple affixed accessories including a table, lights, a fan with
heating device, misters, an audio system and a water dispenser. A
baffle is used to direct the air from the fan along the inner
surface of the umbrella. The base consists of either a battery or
AC power which only accommodates patios.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,830,058 discloses a solar power umbrella
which powers lights. The base of the umbrella supporting shaft
consists of a nominal patio umbrella base which differs from the
present invention.
[0007] All of these designs, mentioned above, are inconsistent
and/or differ from the present invention which incorporates solar
power and an auger-anchoring device which uses a planetary-spur
gearbox or impact system gear configuration while other uses pinion
or mono-gear or none at all. Also, there are no protruding
stabilizing members.
[0008] The present invention's external components consist of a
canopy or awning, a momentary three-position toggle-switch, an
auger/helix, a solar cell, an accessory housing and/or power socket
and a charging socket. The female plug or socket and switch are
located along the exterior of the upper cylindrical tubular member
for charging and directional and/or functional purposes,
respectively. Methods of charging include AC, DC and/or solar
power. Internal components consist of an electric motor,
rechargeable batteries, and a gear box: planetary-spur or impact
system gear configuration for tougher applications, respectively.
The solar cell(s) recharges and/or rejuvenates the rechargeable
power source which, in turn, powers all accessories and/or the
electric motor. Two switches are used for controls the auger's
action and powering the accessories. These and other aspects of the
present invention will become readily apparent from the following
description and its preferred embodiment when considered with the
proceeding drawing and claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An automatic anchoring solar powered umbrella is disclosed
for powering multiple accessories and an electric motor thru the
use of solar power. The main external components of the outer
tubular/cylindrical members and canopy consist of an auger/helical
screw, a solar panel or cell, a waterproof momentary 3-way/function
toggle switch, and a charging and power socket. The upper and lower
tubular member overlap each other using telescoping design similar
to those used with most devices such as telescoping pole
tree/branch cutters with a coil cable located within which connects
the electrical components. The detachable or non-detachable
auger/helix is used to bore/anchor the umbrella into and out of
malleable surfaces such as dirt, grass, sand, etc. The accessory
housing, detachable or non-detachable, may consist of but not
limiting to accessories including an audio system, LED lights with
a photovoltic sensor or switch, a bug repeller, a fan and/or
mister, etc. The internal cylindrical/tubular electrical and
mechanical components consist of rechargeable batteries, an
electric motor and a gearbox, respectively. The shaft from the
gearbox protrudes thru and outside the housing at the lower end,
which is permanently mounted to the helix/auger outside the tubular
member or housing. When the switch is pushed downward, the helix is
driven clockwise into the ground/malleable surface and visa-versa.
The switch consists of a waterproof 3-function toggle switch which
is located externally along the tubular member. Methods of charging
consist of AC, DC and solar power which recharge and/or rejuvenate
the rechargeable batteries or power source and power each and/or
all accessories and the electric motor. A washer/circular disk, not
shown, may be used to stabilize the solar powered umbrella for
extra stability or support when anchored and a tilt mechanism may
be installed for tilting the canopy in the sun's direction. Other
aspects of the present invention will become readily apparent from
the following description and its preferred embodiment when
considered with the proceeding drawing and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] In the drawings, which constitute a part of this
specification, exemplary embodiment exhibiting various objectives
and features hereof are set forth, specifically:
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagrammatic, cross-sectional view of
the design with external mechanical and electrical components in
accordance with the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the canopy/awning and the
location of the solar panel(s) or cell(s).
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates the internal electrical and mechanical
components of the invention's lower tubular member. Also, the
connection between the auger and gear box shaft is shown.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates the internal electrical and mechanical
components, in sequence, of the lower tubular member.
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates the first gear box application consisting
of a planetary-spur gear configuration, used with most rechargeable
electric drills. Modifications were made to the adjustable torque
setting knob by removing and replacing it with a fixed high torque
setting.
[0016] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the second and third gear box
assembly application, respectively. The impact gear configuration
or system is used with most rechargeable impact drivers/drills. The
electric motor can attach to each gear box configuration, FIGS. 5
thru 7, which accommodates the output voltage of the rechargeable
batteries or power source.
[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates the accessory housing and some of the
accessories powered by the solar panel(s) and rechargeable
batteries.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] As indicated above, a detailed illustrative embodiment of
the present invention is disclosed herein. However, elements in
accordance with the present invention may be embodied in a wide
variety of forms some of which may be quite different from those of
the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural and
functional details disclosed herein are merely representative; yet
in that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiment for
purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein
which define the scope of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates the main components of the invention. An
auger/helix 2 or large spiral plastic screw is used to penetrate or
screw the solar powered beach/patio umbrella 20 into any malleable
surface. The upper tubular member 6 and lower tubular member 1
consists of a non-corrosive durable cylindrical material which uses
a telescoping method 9 which extends the pole members. A housing
cap 5, detachable or non-detachable may be used for motor and/or
gear box accessibility and repairs. Ball bearings 4 may also be
included for extra stability and durability. The switch 7 consists
of a waterproof 3-function momentary toggle switch, (N.O.: normally
off/open), which controls the direction or action of the gear box
output shaft 3 and auger 2. When the switch 7 is pushed downward,
the helix is driven clockwise into the ground and visa-versa. FIG.
4 illustrates the interior electrical and mechanical components of
a design which resembles the components of a rechargeable drill.
FIG. 3 illustrates the location of the internal components within
the lower tubular member 1. The mechanical gear box 13, (planetary
spur or impact system gear configuration), is connected internally
to the electric motor 12. The mechanical connection is made by
using a gear 14 mounted on the output shaft of the electric motor
12 which enters and connects to gears located within the gearbox
13. Two screws, not shown, on each side of the lower tubular member
1 are used to permanently mount the gear box 13 directly to the
lower tubular member 1. FIG. 4 illustrates the mechanical and
electrical internal components of the lower tubular member 1, in
sequence. An AC adapter charger plugs into the charger socket 8
which is used to regenerate/rejuvenate the rechargeable batteries
11. A solar cell 15, flexible or solid, may be
attached/laminated/embedded to the top portion of the canopy 10 for
charging purposes. Another source of charging would include a DC
cable, not shown. FIG. 5 illustrates the internal components of a
planetary-spur gear box while FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the impact
system gear configurations for tougher applications. This is the
entire mechanical/electrical concept behind the automatic auger.
When the switch 7 is pushed downward, the auger/helix turns in a
clockwise direction or motion to penetrate and bore into malleable
surfaces. When the switch 7 is pushed upward, the auger/screw turns
in a counterclockwise motion to release or bore out of malleable
surfaces. FIG. 8 illustrates the accessory housing 16 which
contains LED's 19, an audio system 17 and possibly a bug repeller
18. Additional accessories may be added to the detachable or
non-detachable accessory housing 16.
[0020] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been
illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various
changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. Furthermore, it will be apparent that while
the disclosed embodiment comprises specific elements and
configurations, any of a variety of structure might well be
utilized. Accordingly, the scope hereof is deemed to be as set
forth in the claims below.
* * * * *