U.S. patent application number 11/939902 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-08 for umbrella comprising an illumination device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Zhejiang Yongqiang Group Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to GUO HUALI, Zhou Huhua, Jiang Shangjun.
Application Number | 20080105287 11/939902 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36593754 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080105287 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HUALI; GUO ; et al. |
May 8, 2008 |
UMBRELLA COMPRISING AN ILLUMINATION DEVICE
Abstract
The invention relates to an umbrella, in particular a hand-held
umbrella, free-standing umbrella, or offset hanging umbrella for
protection against the rain, or for use as a sunshade. Said
umbrella comprises a canopy, a supporting construction for said
canopy and an illumination unit that is allocated to the supporting
construction. An aim of the invention is to provide the greatest
possible protection for the illumination unit, whilst giving the
umbrella a particularly aesthetic appearance. To achieve this, the
invention is characterized in that the illumination unit of the
supporting construction is essentially integrated into the
umbrella.
Inventors: |
HUALI; GUO; (Linhai City,
CN) ; Shangjun; Jiang; (Linhai City, CN) ;
Huhua; Zhou; (Linhai City, CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALSTON & BIRD LLP
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA
101 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 4000
CHARLOTTE
NC
28280-4000
US
|
Assignee: |
Zhejiang Yongqiang Group Co.,
Ltd.
Jianyong Xie
|
Family ID: |
36593754 |
Appl. No.: |
11/939902 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/DE2006/000467 |
Mar 15, 2006 |
|
|
|
11939902 |
Nov 14, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 3/04 20130101; A45B
2200/1027 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/016 |
International
Class: |
A45B 25/00 20060101
A45B025/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 17, 2005 |
DE |
10 2005 023 338.4 |
Claims
1. An umbrella, in particular a hand-held umbrella, free-standing
umbrella, or offset hanging umbrella, for protection against the
rain or for use as a sunshade, comprising: a canopy, a supporting
construction for the canopy, and an illumination device that is
allocated to the supporting construction, wherein the illumination
device of the supporting construction is essentially integrated
into the umbrella.
2. The umbrella according to claim 1, wherein the supporting
construction contains a shaft with a fixed upper hub and a lower
hub which can be moved along the shaft, where several holding ribs
connected to the canopy are attached to the upper hub, where
several supporting ribs coupled with the holding ribs are attached
to the lower hub, and where the canopy can be folded open and
closed by moving the lower hub.
3. The umbrella according to claim 2, wherein the supporting
construction comprises a handle or base or similar device at the
lower end of the shaft.
4. The umbrella according to claim 1, wherein the supporting
construction encapsulates the illumination device in such a way
that it is isolated from the surroundings.
5. The umbrella according to claim 1, wherein the supporting
construction is made of trans-parent or translucent material at
least in an area of the illumination device.
6. The umbrella according to claim 5, wherein the transparent or
translucent material comprises synthetic material or glass.
7. The umbrella according to claim 5, wherein translucent material
with different colors or a different degree of shading can be
used.
8. The umbrella according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a
color or an intensity of emitted light can be changed by a
user.
9. The umbrella according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the
upper hub or the lower hub at least partially comprises transparent
or translucent material and at least partially integrates the
illumination device.
10. The umbrella according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the
holding ribs at least partially comprises transparent or
translucent material and at least partially integrates the
illumination device.
11. The umbrella according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the
supporting ribs at least partially comprises transparent or
translucent material and at least partially integrates the
illumination device.
12. The umbrella according to claim 1, wherein the illumination
device comprises one or more illumination elements.
13. The umbrella according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the
one or more illumination elements comprises a filament bulb or a
light emitting diode.
14. The umbrella according to claim 1, wherein the illumination
device comprises an electrical circuit.
15. The umbrella according to claim 14, wherein the electrical
circuit is arranged within the supporting construction.
16. The umbrella according to claim 1, wherein the illumination
device can be charged by one of the group consisting of: battery,
rechargeable battery pack, external solar cells, solar cells
mounted on the canopy, a power outlet or receptacle, a power outlet
or receptacle via an inserted rectifier, or combinations
thereof.
17. The umbrella according to claim 16, wherein the rechargeable
battery pack can be charged via at least one of solar cells or a
power outlet or receptacle.
18. The umbrella according to claim 16, wherein a battery or
rechargeable battery pack is arranged within one of the shaft, the
handle or the base.
19. The umbrella according to claim 16, wherein a battery or
rechargeable battery pack is encapsulated and attached at the
outside of the shaft so that it can be detached.
20. The umbrella according to claim 1, wherein the illumination
device can be activated by folding open the canopy.
21. The umbrella according to claim 2, wherein the illumination
device can be activated by moving the lower hub into its upper end
position with respect to the shaft.
22. The umbrella according to claim 21, wherein the transition
between the shaft and the lower hub is designed as an electrical
switch in an area of the upper end position, which is lockable by
moving the lower hub into its upper end position, whereby the
illumination device can be activated.
23. The umbrella according to claim 1, wherein the illumination
device can be activated by a hand or foot switch integrated within
the supporting construction.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a Continuation of International
Application No. PCT/DE2006/000467, filed Mar. 15, 2006, and which
designates the U.S. The disclosure of the referenced application is
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to an umbrella, more preferably a
hand-held umbrella, free-standing umbrella, or offset hanging
umbrella for protection against the rain, or for use as a sunshade.
Said umbrella comprises a canopy, a supporting construction for
said canopy and an illumination device that is allocated to the
supporting construction.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] An apparatus of the mentioned type is known based on utility
model patent application DE 298 11 817 U1. To improve the safety of
pedestrians in traffic, it proposes an umbrella for protection
against the rain equipped with electrical light sources at the tip
of some of the ribs supporting the covering of the umbrella. These
light sources are intended to improve the visibility of pedestrians
in traffic by emitting a blinking or permanent light, particularly
at night and in poor weather conditions.
[0004] Moreover, umbrellas for protection against the rain equipped
with illumination devices are known from prior art, which are
intended to help the user of the umbrella find his or her way
thanks to the illumination of the immediate surroundings in
particular at night and in difficult terrain. They are designed to
prevent stumbling or accidental falls of the pedestrian. Said
umbrellas for protection against the rain are equipped for example
with commercially available light bulbs or filament bulbs, attached
to the outside of the supporting construction of the umbrella.
[0005] Moreover, sunshades of the mentioned type are known from
prior art. Especially large sunshades are used for example in the
food and beverage industry, usually placed on terraces or in beer
gardens. At dusk or at night, sunshades without illumination
devices need to be folded closed to allow the illumination by
existing external illumination devices or to be able to use the
remaining sunlight at dusk. To make the complicated opening and
closing of these sunshades several times a day unnecessary,
sunshades equipped with illumination devices are now being offered.
Several powerful lights are attached for example to the shaft of
the umbrella. These lights can be turned on and off by the staff of
the gastronomic establishment as needed.
[0006] However, the type-defining umbrellas have a disadvantage
that the illumination device is very susceptible to damage as a
result of the daily operation. Generally, the illumination device
is attached to the shaft of the umbrella or to the supporting ribs
of the canopy. In particular when the umbrella or the sunshade is
folded open or closed, the illumination device can collide with
other parts of the umbrella or its supporting construction, thus
getting damaged or destroyed--especially over the long-term.
[0007] It is common knowledge that--as articles of the daily
use--both umbrellas as well as sunshades are not handled with
particular care or treated gently, but are exposed to major wear as
a result of their intended use and storage. The illumination device
attached to the type-defining umbrella pursuant to the state of the
art can be quickly and seriously damaged as a result.
[0008] An additional disadvantage of the umbrella comprising an
illumination device known from prior art is the fact that the user
perceives the illumination device as a highly disturbing foreign
object within the otherwise familiar construction of the umbrella.
The attachment of illumination devices to the supporting
construction of commercially available umbrellas makes an
amateurish impression on the user and creates an unfavorable
aesthetical appearance. This unfavorable aesthetical appearance may
have an especially negative impact if the illuminated umbrella is
used in professional surroundings, such as for example in the case
of very large and cost-intensive sunshades used in the food and
beverage industry.
[0009] Therefore, an objective of the invention at hand is to
develop and redesign an umbrella of the type mentioned above in
such a way as to achieve the greatest possible protection for the
illumination device, while giving the umbrella a particularly
aesthetic appearance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Based on the present invention, the objective mentioned
above and others will be solved with the characteristics described
in patent claim 1. Based on it, an umbrella, in particular a
hand-held umbrella, free-standing umbrella or offset hanging
umbrella for protection against the rain or for use as a sunshade
is characterized in that the illumination device of the supporting
construction is essentially integrated into the umbrella.
[0011] According to the present invention, it has been determined
that the ideal protection of the illumination device allocated to
the umbrella from being damaged or destroyed can be achieved by
partially or completely integrating the illumination device in the
supporting construction of the umbrella.
[0012] The sensitive illumination device which can consist for
example of light bulbs, filament bulbs, light emitting diodes,
etc., can be partially or completely "embedded" in the supporting
construction of the umbrella according to the present invention. To
the extent a regularly constructed umbrella is used for this
purpose, the illumination device can be integrated for example in
the shaft, the hub or the holding or supporting ribs of the
umbrella.
[0013] The isolation of the illumination device from the
surroundings achieved with this encapsulation effectively prevents
it from being damaged by the opening and closing of the umbrella,
by environmental influences or by influences which occur during the
storage of the umbrella.
[0014] In addition, it has been determined according to the present
invention that the integration of the illumination device within
the supporting construction of the umbrella achieves a particularly
beneficial aesthetic appearance. If the illumination device of the
umbrella is not in operation, e.g. when daylight is available, the
illumination device is not visible to the user of the umbrella or
is vaguely discernible at best.
[0015] On the other hand, if the illumination device is in
operation, a superior aesthetical impression of the complete
umbrella is obtained thanks to the encapsulation of the
illumination device.
[0016] The invention effectively prevents the aesthetical
appearance of a particularly high-quality umbrella or sunshade from
being seriously devaluated due to illumination devices that are
attached to the outside of the supporting construction, possibly in
an amateurish manner.
[0017] Accordingly, the invention relates to an umbrella, in
particular a hand-held umbrella, free-standing umbrella, or offset
hanging umbrella for protection against the rain, or for use as a
sunshade in which the greatest possible protection of the
illumination device as well as a particularly aesthetic appearance
of the umbrella is achieved.
[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the umbrella
according to the invention comprises a supporting construction
which is known from commercially available umbrellas or sunshades.
This means that the supporting construction is equipped with a
shaft consisting of a fixed upper hub and a lower hub which is
moveable along the shaft, where the upper hub contains several
holding ribs connected to the canopy, where several supporting ribs
coupled with the holding ribs are connected to the lower hub and
where the canopy can be folded open and closed by means of the
movement of the lower hub.
[0019] The canopy can be made for example of natural or synthetic
fabric, which can be impregnated, if necessary. In addition, it is
possible to use a compound material made of fabric and synthetic
foil. The compound material can consist of several layers. Finally,
it is also possible to use a cover made of pure synthetic fabric
for the canopy.
[0020] The lower hub and the shaft in the area of the upper end
position of the lower hub are generally designed in such a way as
to allow the lower hub to lock into its upper end position with
respect to the shaft.
[0021] In addition, the supporting construction can comprise a
handle or a base or similar at the lower end of the shaft. The
umbrella according to the invention can be designed similar to
commercially available umbrellas and sunshades in this respect.
[0022] In a particularly preferred further development of the
umbrella according to the invention, the supporting construction
integrates the illumination device in such a way that it is
completely encapsulated and isolated from the surroundings. As a
result, the illumination device is not in direct contact with the
surroundings, thereby providing a particularly effective prevention
of superficial wear of the illumination device. In other words: the
illumination device is completely enclosed by the supporting
construction in all directions, and as a result, it is ideally
protected.
[0023] Preferably, the supporting construction is made of
transparent or translucent material at least in the area of the
illumination device. If the illumination device is completely
enclosed by the supporting construction as described above, the
supporting construction must be designed in such a way at least in
the area of the enclosed illumination device that the light emitted
by the illumination device can penetrate the supporting
construction at least partially to allow the illumination device to
fulfill its purpose.
[0024] The achieved light efficiency is particularly high with the
use of transparent material above the supporting construction. In
contrast, the use of translucent material allows one to achieve
light scattering similar to the effect known from matte light bulbs
or lamps comprising lampshades. This allows the provision of a
particularly comfortable illumination for the user. Moreover, the
use of translucent material allows the realization of color
effects, namely, if the translucent material is colored and the
emitted light acts as a color filter. In addition, it is possible
to provide various colors of the emitted light within a single
supporting construction, by using differently colored translucent
material in different areas of the supporting construction.
[0025] The translucent material can consist of synthetic material
or glass or any other suitable material with translucent
properties. Based on prior art, a large number of different
materials are known in this respect.
[0026] The translucent materials known from prior art can consist
of any color and/or shade or light permeability. This allows the
achievement of interesting color and light effects with the
umbrella according to the invention which are suitable for the
respective situation.
[0027] In an additional embodiment of the umbrella according to the
invention, the color and/or intensity of the emitted light can be
changed by the user. The intensity of the emitted light can be
changed for example in that the user is provided with a dimming
function for the illumination device. Said dimming function can be
realized particularly well with commercially available light bulbs.
If the illumination device consists of illumination elements which
are undimmable due to their function, the intensity of the emitted
light can be controlled by turning a larger or smaller number of
the illumination elements which form the illumination device on or
off, depending on the requirements.
[0028] The color of the emitted light can be changed by turning
illumination elements with different colors on or off as needed.
For this purpose, the illumination device can consist of
illumination elements which each emit one of the complementary
colors. Any color of the emitted light can be provided by
selectively turning on and off certain illumination elements.
[0029] In another embodiment of the umbrella according to the
invention, the illumination device within the supporting
construction can be surrounded by a color filter, for example
shaped like a cylinder, which is equipped with differently colored
segments. By rotating or otherwise changing the position of the
color filter within the supporting construction, the color of the
emitted light changes depending on the user's selection.
[0030] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the umbrella
according to the invention, the upper hub and/or lower hub is at
least partially made of transparent or translucent material and at
least partially integrates the illumination device. This embodiment
of the umbrella according to the invention allows the achievement
of a particularly uniform light distribution, in particular if the
illumination device is designed ring-like within the hub. For this
purpose, several illumination elements with a defined distance
between them can form a circle around the shaft of the umbrella.
The area underneath the umbrella is particularly well lit by the
reflection or diffusion of the emitted light through the canopy. In
addition, the power supply of the illumination device is easier
thanks to the small distance from the shaft of the umbrella.
[0031] In addition or alternatively to the further development
mentioned last, the umbrella can be equipped in such a way that one
or a plurality of holding ribs and/or one or a plurality of
supporting ribs are at least partially made of transparent or
translucent material and at least partially integrate the
illumination device. The integration of the illumination device
within transparent or translucent supporting ribs ensures the
optimal protection of the illumination device from being damaged.
Moreover, the locally oriented illumination device is capable of
realizing a particularly good illumination, including the area
located outside the umbrella.
[0032] The supporting and holding ribs can have a square profile,
with the illumination device integrated within them. For example,
the illumination device can be arranged on a conducting rod or
metal strip, inserted and fixed in the supporting and holding ribs
when they are manufactured. To avoid a repetition, please refer to
the statements above with respect to the materials and design
options of the hubs, as well as the supporting or holding ribs.
[0033] Generally, an embodiment of the invention is preferred, in
which the illumination device is equipped with one or a plurality
of illumination elements. This generally allows the illumination of
a larger area. Several illumination elements can be distributed
locally in the supporting construction of the umbrella to ensure
the uniform and extensive illumination. However, it is also
possible to use a single illumination element as illumination
device. For example, a circular neon tube can be integrated within
a transparent or translucent hub of the umbrella as it is known
from prior art.
[0034] The illumination elements can consist of filament bulbs,
light bulbs and/or light emitting diodes (LEDs). Filament bulbs or
light bulbs have the advantage that they emit a light that is
perceived particularly comfortable by the user. However, as is
generally known, the power consumption of light bulbs or filament
bulbs is high compared to the emitted luminous power. Light
emitting diodes have the advantage that they only take up a very
small space within the supporting construction of the umbrella. In
addition, the heat output of light emitting diodes is very small
because a major share of the collected power is transformed into
luminous power. Therefore, compared to light bulbs, light emitting
diodes generally require much less power. Thanks to the small size
of light emitting diodes, a particularly large number of light
emitting diodes can be integrated within the supporting
construction of the umbrella according to the invention. Moreover,
a multitude of light effects can be realized with differently
colored light emitting diodes. The luminous power can be controlled
by selectively turning light emitting diodes on and off, whereby
the power consumption of the illumination device can be minimized
as well. The minimization of the power consumption is particularly
important for umbrellas carried by the user, such as hand-held
umbrellas for protection against the rain or sun.
[0035] The illumination device is generally equipped with an
electrical circuit used to connect the illumination device to a
power source. The electrical circuit can consist of wires, cables
or conductive strips with the illumination elements arranged on
them.
[0036] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the umbrella
according to the invention, the electrical circuit is integrated
within the supporting construction. As a result, the electrical
circuit is not visible from the outside and safely protected from
being damaged. In case the circuit is required to bridge two mobile
parts of the supporting construction which are coupled to one
another, a conductive joint or hinge can be provided. Moreover, it
is possible to arrange a piece of cable in such a way that it runs
along the outside of the joint one wishes to bridge, thereby
bypassing it.
[0037] In a further development of the umbrella according to the
invention, the illumination device can be supplied with power by
means of a battery or rechargeable battery pack, external solar
cells or solar cells mounted on the canopy or by means of a power
outlet or receptacle (via inserted rectifier, if necessary). If the
umbrella according to the invention is equipped with several types
of power supplies based on the user's selection, the user can
select among them depending on the available power supply and
switch for example from battery or rechargeable battery operation
to operation using a power outlet or receptacle.
[0038] In a preferable embodiment, the rechargeable battery pack
can be charged via solar cells and/or via a power outlet or
receptacle. This way, an umbrella that is for example carried by a
user, such as an umbrella for protection from the rain, can be
recharged via a power outlet or receptacle in the residence of the
user while he or she stays there. If the umbrella is needed, it is
available fully charged. A sunshade according to the invention
equipped with a solar cell mounted on the canopy or for example on
the upper hub can be used to charge the rechargeable battery pack
during daylight. If the illumination of the umbrella is required in
the evening or at night, a fully charged rechargeable battery is
available.
[0039] The battery or rechargeable battery pack can be integrated
within the shaft, the handle or the base, depending on the
preferred design of the umbrella according to the invention and
depending on the type of umbrella one wishes to use.
[0040] In an alternative embodiment, the battery or rechargeable
battery pack can be fully enclosed and attached on the outside of
the shaft so that it can be detached. In this embodiment of the
umbrella according to the invention, it is particularly easy to
replace the battery or rechargeable battery pack with a new or
charged battery or rechargeable battery pack, if it has been used
for so long that it is unable to provide any more energy.
[0041] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the umbrella
according to the invention, the illumination device can be
activated by folding open the canopy. In other words, the
illumination device is activated by means of a suitably designed
contact which is triggered when the canopy is folded open. This
way, the hand or foot switch or a remote control to activate the
illumination device is not required.
[0042] Preferably, the illumination device is activated when the
lower hub is moved into its upper end position with respect to the
shaft. For this purpose, a switch can be provided for example at
the outside of the shaft, which is automatically operated by the
lower hub as soon as it is brought into its upper end position with
respect to the shaft. The upper end position of the lower hub is
deemed taken when the canopy is completely folded open.
[0043] In another preferable instance, the transition between the
shaft and the lower hub in the area of its upper end position is
itself designed as an electrical switch which can be closed by
moving the lower hub into its upper end position. The illumination
device is automatically activated in that an electrically
conductive contact is created between the hub and the electrical
circuit arranged in the shaft in the area of the end position of
the hub. The electrical circuit for the illumination device is
thereby closed. The electrical circuit is automatically re-opened
if the hub is removed from its upper end position or if one wishes
to close the canopy.
[0044] In an alternative embodiment of the umbrella according to
the invention, the automatic activation of the illumination device
based on the opening of the canopy is not required. In this case, a
hand or foot switch is integrated in the supporting construction
which can be used at the choice of the user to activate the
illumination device. This embodiment of the umbrella according to
the invention is preferable in case the automatic activation of the
illumination device with open canopy does not appear to be
desirable. For example, for reasons of saving energy, it can appear
to be rather worthwhile that the illumination device is exclusively
activated and deactivated based on the user's choice.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0045] The inventive device will be described in more detail
hereinbelow with the aid of an exemplary embodiment of the
inventive apparatus, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The inventive device will be described in more detail hereinbelow
with the aid of an exemplary embodiment of the inventive apparatus,
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0046] FIG. 1 shows a side view of the umbrella according to one
embodiment of the invention comprising an illumination device,
which has been designed as a free-standing umbrella in this
case;
[0047] FIG. 2 shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of the
umbrella according to the invention, where the umbrella has been
designed as a offset hanging umbrella;
[0048] FIG. 3 shows a partial view in cross-section of the
supporting construction of the umbrella according to the embodiment
of the invention shown in FIG. 1, where part of the shaft as well
as the lower hub of the supporting construction arranged in a
moveable manner on the shaft are displayed, where the lower hub is
designed in such a way that the illumination elements of the
illumination device are partially encapsulated and where the lower
hub is additionally designed in such a way that the illumination
device can be activated automatically by moving the lower hub into
its upper end position;
[0049] FIG. 4 shows a partial view in cross-section of the
supporting construction of another embodiment of the umbrella
according to the invention, where contrary to FIG. 3 the lower hub
of the supporting construction in this embodiment of the invention
is designed in such a way that the illumination elements of the
illumination device are integrated completely isolated from the
surroundings, where at least the underside of the lower hub is made
of transparent or translucent material;
[0050] FIG. 5 shows a partial view in cross-section of the
supporting construction of an additional embodiment of the umbrella
according to the invention, where the illumination elements of the
illumination device are completely isolated from the surroundings
through encapsulation into the supporting ribs of the supporting
construction, while no illumination elements are integrated in the
lower hub shown in this embodiment, where the lower hub is designed
similar to FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 in such a way that the illumination
device can be activated automatically by moving the lower hub into
its upper end position; and
[0051] FIG. 6 shows a side view along the longitudinal axis of a
supporting or holding rib, for example in an embodiment according
to FIG. 5, where the illumination elements of the illumination
device are completely isolated from the surroundings through
encapsulation into the supporting/holding rib, and where the
supporting or holding rib is at least partially made of transparent
or translucent material.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0052] FIG. 1 shows the first embodiment of the umbrella according
to the invention. The umbrella has been designed as a stand-alone
umbrella and is usually used as a sunshade. The umbrella includes a
canopy 1 and a supporting construction 2 for the canopy 1.
Moreover, the umbrella is equipped with an illumination device 3,
which is indicated by the rays of the emitted light.
[0053] The supporting construction 2 consists of a shaft 4 with a
fixed upper hub 5 and a lower hub 6 which can be moved along the
shaft. Several holding ribs 7 connected to the canopy 1 are
attached to the upper hub 5. Several supporting ribs 8 coupled with
the holding ribs 7 are attached to the lower hub 6. As mentioned,
the canopy 1 can be folded open and closed by moving the lower hub
6 along the shaft 4.
[0054] The lower end of the shaft 4 is connected to a base 9 which
is only adumbrated here. The connection between the shaft 4 and the
base 9 is realized with a clamp 10.
[0055] In this embodiment of the umbrella according to the
invention, the illumination device 3 is supplied with power by
means of a battery/rechargeable battery back 11. The
battery/rechargeable battery pack 11 is attached at the outside of
the shaft 4 by means of a detachable holder 12. In addition, the
umbrella includes a solar cell 13 mounted on the upper hub 5 used
to supply the illumination device 3 or the battery/rechargeable
battery pack 11 with power. Optionally, the solar cell 13 can also
be mounted on the canopy 1. In addition, it is possible to
integrate the battery/rechargeable battery pack 11 within the shaft
4 or within the base 9.
[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the illumination device 3 is
integrated within the upper hub 5, the lower hub 6, the holding
ribs 7 as well as the supporting ribs 8. The illumination device is
completely isolated from the surroundings through encapsulation by
the components mentioned above. For this purpose, the components
are at least partially made of transparent or translucent material.
However, it is equally possible that the illumination device 3 is
only partially integrated within the mentioned components. In this
type of embodiment, the transparent or translucent material may not
be necessary.
[0057] FIG. 2 shows a side view of another embodiment of the
umbrella according to the invention, designed as a offset hanging
umbrella in this example. The base 9 of the offset hanging umbrella
is located outside of the extension of the connection between the
upper hub 5 and the lower hub 6. Moreover, the umbrella comprises
two shafts 4. In this embodiment, the battery/rechargeable battery
pack 11 is attached to one of the supporting ribs 8. Again, the
illumination device 3 is completely isolated from the surroundings
through encapsulation by the upper hub 5, the lower hub 6, the
holding ribs 7 and the supporting ribs 8. To avoid a repetition,
please refer to the description of the figure under FIG. 1.
[0058] FIG. 3 shows a partial view in cross-section of the
supporting construction 2 of an umbrella according to the invention
which is designed identical to the umbrella described in FIG. 1
with respect to the construction. The canopy 1 (not shown) is
supported by a central shaft 4. Also shown is the lower hub 6
arranged on the shaft 4 in a moveable manner, with the supporting
ribs 8 attached to it. In this embodiment, the illumination device
3 is partially isolated from the surroundings through encapsulation
by the lower hub 6. The illumination device 3 consists of several
illumination devices 14, arranged in a circular manner within the
lower hub 6. The underside of the lower hub 6 is equipped with
openings for the illumination elements 14. As a result, the
illumination elements 14 only contact the surroundings with a very
small part of their surface, thus effectively protecting them from
being damaged. Moreover, the illumination device 3 is hardly
noticed by the user thanks to the partial encapsulation.
[0059] An electrical circuit 15 is provided to supply the
illumination device 3 with power. The electrical circuit 15 is made
of suitable conductive materials. In the embodiment shown, the
electrical circuit 15 is supplied with power at the lower end of
the shaft 4, for example via a battery/rechargeable battery pack 11
(not shown). The electrical circuit 15 extends from the lower end
of the shaft 4 within the shaft 4 to the spring 16, which is made
of electrically conductive material. The part of the electrical
circuit 15 arranged within the shaft 4 ends in the spring 16 made
of electrically conductive material. The spring 16 is isolated from
the outside of the shaft 4; however, it can be used to create an
electrically conductive connection through the wall of the shaft
4.
[0060] The electrical circuit 15 arranged within the lower hub 6 is
designed in such a way that it automatically creates an
electrically conductive connection with the spring 16 if the lower
hub 6 is in the upper end position with respect to the shaft 4.
[0061] With this construction, the illumination device 3 is always
activated when the canopy 1 is folded open.
[0062] Alternatively, it goes without saying that the illumination
device 3 can be activated manually by means of a hand or foot
switch which can be integrated in any position.
[0063] FIG. 4 shows a partial view in cross-section of the
supporting construction of the umbrella according to the invention
according to FIG. 3, where the illumination elements 14 of this
embodiment are completely integrated in the lower hub 6. As a
result, the illumination elements 14 of the illumination device 3
are completely isolated from the surroundings through
encapsulation. The illumination elements 14 are arranged within the
lower hub 6 on the electrical circuit 15. For this purpose, the
electrical circuit 15 has been integrated as a holder and
simultaneously as an electrical conductor in a circular fashion
within the lower hub 6. To allow the emission of light from the
lower hub 6, the lower hub 6 is at least partially made of
transparent or translucent material. For this purpose, the lower
hub 6 can be at least partially made of synthetic material, glass
or any other suitable material.
[0064] The complete encapsulation of the illumination elements 14
within the lower hub 6 practically prevents the illumination
elements 14 from being damaged during the use, transport or storage
of the umbrella according to the invention. In addition, the
illumination elements 14 are hardly discernible from the outside,
particularly not when the illumination device 3 is in use. The
illumination devices 14 can consist of light bulbs; however, in the
embodiment shown the illumination elements 14 consist of light
emitting diodes (LEDs).
[0065] FIG. 5 shows a partial view in cross-section of the
supporting construction 2 of an umbrella according to the invention
according to FIG. 1. Contrary to the embodiments described in FIG.
3 and FIG. 4, the illumination elements 14 are not arranged within
the lower hub 6 here, but are completely encapsulated by the
supporting ribs 8. For this purpose, the supporting rib 8 is
connected to the electrical circuit 15 which is supplied with power
starting from the lower end of the shaft 4 as described above. This
embodiment of the umbrella according to the invention is also
equipped with the automatic activation of the illumination device 3
as soon as the lower hub 6 takes its upper end position with
respect to the shaft 4. This automatic activation is described in
detail above.
[0066] The supporting rib 8 shown preferably consists of a
rectangular cross-section and is at least partially made of
transparent or translucent material. A longitudinal holder for the
illumination elements 14 is arranged in the supporting rib 8. The
illumination elements 14 are arranged on this holder, separated
from one another and connected to a power supply through the
electrical circuit 15 integrated within the holder. The power
supply is not shown in detail.
[0067] The illumination elements 14 consist of light emitting
diodes. The light emitting diodes can have different colors and/or
light intensities. Naturally, light bulbs or filament bulbs can be
used instead of light emitting diodes.
[0068] The figure does not show the holding ribs 7 of the umbrella
according to the invention. These holding ribs 7 can be designed
according to the supporting ribs 8 shown and be electrically
connected, thus allowing them to feed part of the illumination
device 3. The simultaneous illumination of the holding ribs 7 and
the supporting ribs 8 is shown in FIG. 1.
[0069] Naturally, an illuminated lower hub 6 pursuant to FIG. 3 or
FIG. 4 can be combined with an illuminated upper hub 5 and
additionally with illuminated holding ribs 7 and/or supporting ribs
8, depending on the desired illumination intensity and depending on
the size of the area one wishes to illuminate. An umbrella with
integrated illumination device 3 pursuant to FIG. 1 can be provided
this way.
[0070] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the supporting rib 8 from FIG.
5, where the cutting plane is arranged vertically with respect to
the longitudinal axis of the supporting rib 8. The supporting rib 8
consists of a hollow profile with rectangular cross-section, where
the edges of the profile are rounded. However, the profile can have
any other shape, such as an oval or circular cross-section.
[0071] Four slots 17 are arranged within the profile in a
longitudinal direction, where two slots each are arranged pair-wise
across from one another in the upper and lower area. A longitudinal
holder for the illumination elements 14 is inserted into a pair of
slots. Said holder is integrated in the electrical circuit 15 for
the illumination elements 14. The illumination elements 14 are
arranged on the holder or the electrical circuit 15.
[0072] Because the illumination elements 14 are completely
encapsulated by the supporting rib 8, the supporting rib 8 is at
least partially made of transparent or translucent material.
Depending on the intended illumination result, the holder for the
illumination elements 14 which is integrated in the electrical
circuit 15 can be made of transparent, translucent or
non-transparent material.
[0073] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the supporting rib 8 is
made of synthetic material. However, the supporting rib 8 can be
made of any other suitable material, such as glass.
[0074] When the supporting rib 8 is produced, the profile with the
two pairs of slots is made first. Then the longitudinal holder with
the illumination elements 14 arranged on the holder is inserted
into a pair of slots. The supporting rib 8 can then be installed
into the supporting construction 2 of the umbrella.
[0075] If a different direction of the light emission is desired,
for example if one wishes to illuminate the canopy 1 instead of the
floor, the holder with the illumination elements 14 can be mounted
on the other pair of slots, thereby resulting in an opposite
direction of the illumination.
[0076] Naturally, the construction shown here can be used both as
supporting rib 8 as well as holding rib 7 and was only shown here
as an example based on the supporting rib 8 shown in FIG. 5.
[0077] We would like to refer to FIG. 1 again, which shows an
umbrella according to the invention, containing both illuminated
holding ribs 7 as well as illuminated supporting ribs 8. In it, the
design of the holding ribs 7 and the supporting ribs 8 corresponds
to the construction shown in FIG. 6
[0078] Finally, we would like to emphasize that the exemplary
embodiments described above are discussing the teachings according
to the claim, without limiting them to the exemplary
embodiments.
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