U.S. patent application number 11/779400 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-10 for umbrella systems and methods for employing sensors.
Invention is credited to David McScott O'Kere.
Application Number | 20080163908 11/779400 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39593237 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080163908 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
O'Kere; David McScott |
July 10, 2008 |
UMBRELLA SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EMPLOYING SENSORS
Abstract
Various embodiments of umbrella systems employing sensors and
methods related to such systems are disclosed. One embodiment,
among others, comprises an umbrella system, comprising a handle
assembly, comprising a handle assembly remote control and a
transducer assembly configured to communicate a control signal from
the handle assembly remote control to an electronic device.
Inventors: |
O'Kere; David McScott;
(McDonough, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THOMAS, KAYDEN, HORSTEMEYER & RISLEY, LLP
600 GALLERIA PARKWAY, S.E., STE 1500
ATLANTA
GA
30339-5994
US
|
Family ID: |
39593237 |
Appl. No.: |
11/779400 |
Filed: |
July 18, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60878547 |
Jan 4, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/16 ;
135/24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 9/02 20130101; A45B
3/00 20130101; A45B 25/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/16 ;
135/24 |
International
Class: |
A45B 25/00 20060101
A45B025/00 |
Claims
1. An umbrella system, comprising: a handle assembly, comprising: a
handle assembly remote control; and a transducer assembly
configured to communicate a control signal from the handle assembly
remote control to an electronic device.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the transducer assembly is
configured to receive an input signal from a separate remote
control associated with the electronic device, wherein the input
signal is used for programming the handle assembly remote
control.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the input signal defines the
control signal.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the transducer assembly
communicates the control signal using infrared.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the transducer assembly
communicates the control signal using radio frequency.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the transducer assembly is
configured to communicate a control signal from a handle assembly
voice activation device to an electronic device, the handle
assembly voice activation device configured to recognize at least
one phrase associated with at least one control signal.
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a center shaft,
wherein the handle assembly is detachably connected to the center
shaft.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the handle assembly further
comprises a button to control opening the umbrella system.
9. The system of claim 7, wherein the center shaft comprises a
button to control opening the umbrella system.
10. The system of claim 7, wherein the handle assembly further
comprises a clip.
11. The system of claim 1, further comprising a center shaft,
wherein the handle assembly comprises a first portion attached to
the center shaft and a second portion detachably connected to the
first portion.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the button to control opening
the umbrella system is located on first portion of the handle
assembly.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the button to control opening
the umbrella system is located on second portion of the handle
assembly.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the handle assembly further
comprises a clip, wherein the clip is located on the second portion
of the handle assembly.
15. An umbrella handle assembly, comprising: means for remotely
controlling an electronic device; and means for communicating a
control signal from the controlling means to the electronic
device.
16. The assembly of claim 15, further comprising means for
receiving an input signal from a separate remote control associated
with the electronic device, wherein the input signal is used for
programming the handle assembly remote control.
17. The assembly of claim 15, further comprising means for
activating programming of the handle assembly remote control.
18. The assembly of claim 15, further comprising means for
indicating when programming of the handle assembly remote control
is complete.
19. The assembly of claim 15, further comprising means for
detachably connecting the handle assembly to an umbrella.
20. The assembly of claim 19, further comprising means for opening
the umbrella.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to copending U.S.
provisional application entitled, "UMBRELLA SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR
EMPLOYING SENSORS" having Ser. No. 60/878,547, filed Jan. 4, 2007,
which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of
umbrella systems and, in particular, to umbrella systems employing
sensors.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There exist many examples where individuals are concerned
about their personal safety and security. Such concerns include
protection from both environmental elements (e.g., sun, rain,
sleet, and hail) and personal threats (e.g., assault, robbery, and
car jacking). One solution is to provide ready access to
potentially secure areas (e.g., car, home and garage). Inclement
weather, however, increases a person's vulnerability by delaying
entry into these safe areas.
[0004] Umbrellas can be used to provide protection from adverse
weather conditions. But because the umbrella occupies one hand, a
person's ability to quickly enter secure areas may be restricted.
Moreover, when also carrying another item such as a package,
grocery bag, suitcase, briefcase or handbag, the ability to access
keys to open doors becomes severely hampered. Thus, a need exists
to reduce one's exposure to environmental and personal threats by
minimizing the delay in entering secure areas.
SUMMARY
[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide umbrella
systems employing sensors and methods related to such systems.
[0006] Briefly described, one embodiment, among others, comprises
an umbrella system, comprising a handle assembly, comprising a
handle assembly remote control and a transducer assembly configured
to communicate a control signal from the handle assembly remote
control to an electronic device. Another embodiment, among others,
comprises an umbrella handle assembly, comprising means for
remotely controlling an electronic device and means for
communicating a control signal from the controlling means to the
electronic device.
[0007] Other systems, apparatus, methods, features, and advantages
of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with
skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and
detailed description. It is intended that all such additional
systems, apparatus, methods, features, and advantages be included
within this description, be within the scope of the present
disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0008] Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with
reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure.
Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts throughout the several views.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an
umbrella system.
[0010] FIG. 2 includes schematic diagrams that illustrate
embodiments of the handle assembly for the umbrella system of FIG.
1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a remote control that can
be implemented in the handle assembly of FIG. 2.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram that illustrates a method for
programming the handle assemblies of FIG. 2.
[0013] FIGS. 5A-5B are schematic diagrams that illustrate
embodiments of detachable handle assemblies for the umbrella system
of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram that illustrates another
embodiment of detachable handle assemblies for the umbrella system
of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] Disclosed herein are various embodiments of umbrella systems
employing sensors and methods related to such systems. Reference
will now be made in detail to the description of the embodiments as
illustrated in the drawings, wherein like reference numbers
indicate like parts throughout the several views.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an
umbrella system 100. The umbrella system includes a center shaft
110, which is the main support. At the top of the center shaft 110
is attached a plurality of pivotally disposed main ribs 130 for
supporting a flexible cover 120 (shown partially cut away). The
cover 120 may be formed of natural and/or synthetic fabric,
plastic, rubber-coated fabric, or similar materials known in the
art for providing protection from the elements. While the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1 has a cover 120 of circular geometry,
other geometric configurations (e.g., octagonal, hexagonal, square
and oval) can be used.
[0017] The main ribs 130 are under, and attached to, the cover 120,
and when fully expanded, stretch the cover 120 to its operational,
open, configuration. The flexible main ribs 130 are supported by a
plurality of spreaders 140, which are pivotally disposed about the
center shaft 120. The spreaders 140 are each pivotally attached to
a respective main rib 130 at a point between the rib ends. One
skilled in the art would understand that the umbrella system 100
could include collapsible center shaft 110, main ribs 130, and
spreaders 140 for compact storage.
[0018] At the bottom of the center shaft 110 is attached a handle
assembly 150 for gripping and supporting the umbrella system 100.
FIG. 2 includes schematic diagrams that illustrate embodiments of
the handle assembly 150 for the umbrella system 100. In these
illustrated embodiments, the handle assembly 150 includes an open
button 210 to allow extending and expanding the umbrella cover 120
during bad weather. While FIG. 2 shows the open button 210 included
in the handle assembly 150, it should be understood that in other
embodiments, the center shaft 110 could include open button
210.
[0019] The handle assembly 150 includes a programmable remote
control (not shown) for controlling electronic devices such as, but
not limited to, home and vehicle security systems, door locks,
automated trunk openers, and garage door openers. Examples of
programmable remote controls that can be implemented in the handle
assembly 150 are discussed in "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOTE
CONTROL," U.S. Pat. No. 7,227,444, and "PROGRAMMING A UNIVERSAL
REMOTE CONTROL," U.S. Pat. No. 7,106,209, which are entirely
incorporated herein by reference.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a remote control 300 that
can be implemented in the handle assembly 150. One skilled in the
art would understand that remote controls 300 typically include a
power supply 310, a control unit 320, and a transmitter 330 and/or
receiver 340. The transmitter 330 and receiver 340 may be combined
into a transceiver. In addition, remote control 300 may be
configured to control one or more electronic devices.
[0021] The transmitter 330 and/or receiver 340 of remote control
300 communicate signals through a transducer assembly 230.
Transducer assembly 230 includes sensors and/or transducers such
as, but not limited to, infrared diodes, antennas and/or other
components suitable for infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), WiFi,
WiMax, Ultra-Wide Band (UWB), Bluetooth, or other suitable
communication technologies. In the embodiments of FIG. 2, the
transducer assembly 230 is located at the free end of the handle
assembly 150. It is understood that the transducer assembly 230 may
be located at alternative locations of the handle assembly such as,
but not limited to, elbow 250 or spine 260.
[0022] Programming of a handle assembly remote control can be
accomplished using programming button 220 and transducer assembly
230. Once programming is complete, control button 240 can be used
to operate the remote control. Additional programming and/or
control buttons can be included in handle assembly 150 to allow
control of a plurality of separate electronic devices. In one
embodiment, including a handle assembly remote control suitable for
control of a plurality of electronic devices, the handle assembly
150 may have one programming button 220 and a plurality of control
buttons 240, where each control button 240 can be programmed to
control a single electronic device.
[0023] An indication light (e.g., LED) may also be included in the
handle assembly 150 to provide an external indication from the
remote control. In a preferred embodiment, indication lights are
incorporated into programming and control buttons, 220 and 240
respectively. In addition, the handle assembly 150 may be designed
with the open button 210, programming button(s) 220, control
button(s) 240 and indication light(s) located in positions other
than those indicated in FIG. 2.
[0024] The transducer assembly 230 may receive an input signal from
a separate remote control device, associated with an electronic
device, for programming the handle assembly remote control.
Similarly, transducer assembly 230 can transmit a signal for
controlling the electronic device. The transducer assembly 230 may
communicate with the electronic device and its separate remote
control device using infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), WiFi,
WiMax, Ultra-Wide Band (UWB), Bluetooth, or other suitable
communication technologies.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram 400 that illustrates a method for
programming the handle assemblies of FIG. 2. To begin, in step 410
the handle assembly remote control is activated for programming. In
one embodiment, pressing the programming button 220 activates the
handle assembly remote control for programming. In a preferred
embodiment, an indication light in programming button 220 flashes
to acknowledge that the handle assembly remote control is ready to
proceed with programming. In another embodiment including a handle
assembly remote control suitable for control of a plurality of
electronic devices, programming may be activated by pressing a
common programming button 220 and then selecting one of a plurality
of control buttons 240 to program by pressing the selected control
button 240.
[0026] The input signal is then directed toward transducer assembly
230 using the separate remote control device for the electronic
device in step 420. The input signal is received by transducer
assembly 230 and sent to the handle assembly remote control in step
430. The input signal can be used to define a control signal of the
handle assembly remote control. In one embodiment, the control
signal is the same as the input signal. In step 440, the control
signal is programmed by the handle assembly remote control. Once
programming is complete, the handle assembly remote control
indicates that it is ready for use in step 450. In a preferred
embodiment, an indication light in control button 240 flashes to
acknowledge that the handle assembly remote control completed
programming and is ready for use. In other embodiments including a
plurality of control buttons 240, an indication light in the
selected control button 240 flashes.
[0027] After programming is complete, the handle assembly remote
control will cause the transducer assembly 230 to transmit the
control signal when control button 240 is pressed. Where multiple
control buttons are included on the handle assembly, the handle
assembly remote control will cause the transducer assembly 230 to
transmit the control signal associated with pressed control button
240. One skilled in the art would understand that other methods of
programming or selecting control signals could be used to set up
the handle assembly remote control.
[0028] In an alternate embodiment, the handle assembly includes a
voice activation system (not shown). The voice activation system is
configured to recognize phrases. Recognition of a phrase will cause
the transducer assembly 230 to transmit a control signal associated
with that phrase, as discussed above in connection with the remote
control assembly. Examples of voice activation systems that can be
implemented in the handle assembly 150 are discussed in "VOICE
RECOGNITION PERIPHERAL DEVICE," U.S. Pat. No. 6,952,676, and
"SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TELEPHONIC SWITCHING AND SIGNALING BASED ON
VOICE RECOGNITION," U.S. Pat. No. 6,999,564, which are entirely
incorporated herein by reference.
[0029] FIGS. 5A-5B are schematic diagrams that illustrate
embodiments of detachable handle assemblies for the umbrella system
of FIG. 1. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5A, handle
assembly 550 is detachably connected to the center shaft 110. The
handle assembly 550 can be detachably connected using connections
such as, but not limited to, bayonet, threaded, compression, or
spring release connections.
[0030] FIG. 5A illustrates the handle assembly 550, including open
button 210, programming button 220, and control button 240,
detached from the center shaft 110. A clip 510 can be attached to
the handle assembly 550. In addition, the detached handle assembly
550 includes a handle assembly remote control and transducer
assembly 230. A clip 510 may be included to allow the detached
handle assembly 550 to be clipped onto a belt, handbag, briefcase,
suitcase, or other location. In other embodiments, the center shaft
110 can include the open button 210.
[0031] FIG. 5B illustrates an embodiment of a handle assembly 550
comprised of two portions, 550A and 550B, such that portion 550B is
detachably connected to portion 550A. Portion 550A is attached to
center shaft 110 and includes open button 210. In this embodiment,
portion 550B is shown detached from potion 550A and includes
programming button 220 and control button 240. The detached portion
550B of the handle assembly 550 also includes the handle assembly
remote control and transducer assembly 230. In addition, clip 510
may be included on portion 550B of the handle assembly 550.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram that illustrates another
embodiment of detachable handle assemblies for the umbrella system
of FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, handle assembly 650
comprised of two portions, 650A and 650B, such that portion 650B is
detachably connected to portion 650A. Portion 650A is attached to
center shaft 110 and includes open button 210. In this embodiment,
portion 650B is shown detached from potion 650A and includes
programming button 220 and control button 240. The detached portion
650B of the handle assembly 650 also includes the handle assembly
remote control and transducer assembly 230. Handle assembly portion
650A can include an ejection button 660 to assist in the detachment
of portion 650 B.
[0033] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments
of the present disclosure, particularly, any "preferred"
embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations,
merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the
disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the
above-described embodiment(s) of without departing substantially
from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such
modifications and variations are intended to be included herein
within the scope of this disclosure.
* * * * *