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`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH-40982-US
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`In re Application of:
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`2 3 GREGORY G. KUELBS
`7
`_
`
`§
`§
`§
`§
`§
`§
`§
`§
`§
`
`Examiner:
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`Art Unit:
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`IBANSMEEEAL
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`2 §
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`Serial No. TO BE ASSIGNED
`Filed: 7 FEBRUARY 2oo1
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`For: UMBRELLA APPARATUS
`
`Box: Patent Application
`Assistant Commissioner for Patents
`Washington, D.C. 20231
`Sir:
`
`Please file the following enclosed documents in the subject application:
`
`This Transmittal with Certificate of Express Mail;
`Patent Application Specification, including Twelve Sheets of Drawings;
`Declaration;
`
`Assertion of Entitlement to Small Entity Status;
`Assignment and Assignment Cover Sheet;
`Power of Attorney;
`Our check in the amount of $410.00 to cover the $370.00 Filing Fee and the
`$40.00 Assignment Recordation Fee; and
`Our return postcard which we would appreciate you date stamping and
`returning to us.
`
`9°.‘~‘9”SJ":P*.‘-°!°."
`
`
`.
`
`Date of Deposit:
`
`"EXPRESS MAIL" N0. EVO24943769US
`-7-; 5'-
`
`P|‘h'e_rebv certify that this paper or fee is being deposited with the United States Postal
`Serivice Express Mail "Post Office to Addressee" service under 37 C.F.R. §1.10 on; the
`,rdafe'findicated above and is addressed to the Assistant Commissioner for Patents, Box:
`Patent Application, P.O. Box 2327, Arlington, VA 22202-0327.
`
`Transmittal
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH-40982-US
`P
`1
`age
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`YOT-1002-0001
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1002, Page 1
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`YOT-1002-0001
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1002, Page 1
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`no
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`; L
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`The Filing Fee is calculated as follows:
`
`Basic Fee
`Assignment Recordation Fees
`
`Total
`
`$370.00
`$ 40.00
`
`$410.00
`
`Enclosed is a check in the amount of $410.00 to cover the $370.00 Filing Fee and
`
`the $40.00 Assignment Recordation Fee. No other fees is deemed to be necessary;
`
`however, the undersigned hereby authorizes the Commissioner to charge any additional
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`fees, or credit any overpayments, to Deposit Account No. 50-1060.
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`‘¢¢g(.;.f. Q10
`
`es E. Walton, Reg. No. 47,245
`Kenneth C. Hill, Reg. No. 29,650
`Melvin A. Hunn, Reg. No. 32,574
`HILL & HUNN LLP
`
`201 Main Street, Suite 1440
`Fort Worth, Texas 76102
`(817) 332-2113 (voice)
`(817) 332-2114 (facsimile
`
`(e-mail)
` (e-mail)
`m (e-mail)
`
`ATTORNEYS FOR APPLICANT
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`fig‘/[g
`
`Date
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`
`
`Transmittal
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH-40982-US
`Page 2
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`YOT-1002-0002
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1002, Page 2
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`YOT-1002-0002
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1002, Page 2
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`

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`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH-40982-US
`
`Examiner:
`
`Art Unit:
`
`§ §
`
`§
`§
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`§ §
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`§
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`§ §
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`In re Application of:
`
`GREGORY G. KUELBS
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`Serial No. TO BE ASSIGNED
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`Filed: 7 FEBRUARY 2001
`
`For: UMBRELLA APPARATUS
`
`
`
`CERTIFICATION UNDER 35 USC SECTION 122Ib)§2[jB[§i) OF NO FOREIGN
`FILINGS
`
`Honorable Commissioner of Patents
`and Trademarks
`
`Washington, D.C. 20231
`
`Sir:
`
`Applicant hereby certifies
`
`(through counsel)
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`that
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`the above-identified
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`application filed herewith has not, and will not, be the subject of an application filed
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`in another country, or under a multi-lateral international agreement that requires
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`publication of applications eighteen (18) months after filing. Therefore, Applicant
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`requests that the subject application not be published under 35 U.S.C. § 122(b)(1).
`
`I
`
`A
`Date of eposit:
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`"EXPRESS MAIL" No. EV024943769US
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`Patent Application, P.O. Box 2327, Arlington, VA 22202-0327,
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`lhereby certify that this paper or fee is beingdeposited with the United States Postal
`Service Express Mail "Post Office to Addressee" service under 37 C.F.Fl. §1.10 on the
`date indicated above and is addressed to the Assistant Commissioner for Patents, Box:
`
`Certification of No Foreign Filings
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH-40982-US
`Page 1
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`YOT-1002-0003
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1002, Page 3
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`YOT-1002-0003
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1002, Page 3
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`No additional fees are deemed to be necessary; however, the undersigned
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`hereby authorizes the Commissioner to charge any additional fees, and credit any
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`overpayment, to Deposit Account No. 50-1060.
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`Q~'_/'7:[o:~
`Date
`
`E.M/
`E. Walton
`
`Ja
`
`Reg. No. 47,245
`HILL & HUNN, LLP
`201 Main Street, Suite 1440
`Fort Worth, Texas 76102
`(817) 332-21 13 (voice)
`(817) 332-21 14 (facsimile)
`iimwalton@hillandhunn.com (e-mail)
`
`ATTORNEYFOR APPLICANTS
`
`
`
`Certification of No Foreign Filings
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH—40982-US
`Page 2
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`YOT-1002-0004
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1002, Page 4
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`YOT-1002-0004
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1002, Page 4
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`

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`SPECIFICATION
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`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH-40982-US
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`
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`TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
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`BE IT KNOWN that l, Gregory G. Kuelbs, residing in the city of Westlake,
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`Texas, have invented new and useful improvements in a
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`UMBRELLA APPARATUS
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`of which the following is a specification.
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`rebv_certifv that.th_is paper or feets being deposited with the United States Postal
`;
`Service Express Mail "Post Office to Aéldressee“ service under 37 C.F.R. §1.f10\on the
`date indicated above andyis addressed to the Assistant’ Commissioner for Patents, Box:
`
`.§Pat_ent Application, P.0. Box 2327. Arlington. VA 22202-0327.
`
`Specification
`Attorney Docket No. O638MH-40982-US
`Page 1
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`YOT-1002-0005
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1002, Page 5
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`YOT-1002-0005
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1002, Page 5
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`This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/267,018,
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`filed 7 February 2001, titled “Lighted Patio Umbrella Apparatus;” and of U.S. Provisional
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`Application No. 60/335,933, filed 2 November 2001, titled “Outdoor Lighting Systems with
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`Cold Cathode Tubes.”
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`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
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`1.
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`Field of the Invention:
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`The present invention relates in general to patio umbrellas, and in particular, to an
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`improved patio umbrella with integral lighting system and other modular electronic systems
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`and components.
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`2.
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`Description of the Prior Art:
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`There has been a recent increase in the interest in entertaining in a lawn and
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`garden environment. Patio furniture is quite popular and useful for outdoor entertaining,
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`especially in portions of the country that have warmer climates. However, the sun often
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`presents an impediment to such outdoor entertaining. Consequently, sales have increased
`for relatively large patio and table umbrellas for use in shielding or shading table areas and
`people sitting around the tables from direct exposure to the sunlight. Given the relatively
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`high degree of interest in patio umbrellas, it is likely that improved umbrellas, or umbrellas
`
`with enhanced functions, will be well received in the marketplace.
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`Specification
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH-40982-US
`Page 2
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`YOT-1002-0006
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1002, Page 6
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`YOT-1002-0006
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1002, Page 6
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`

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`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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`It is one objective of the present invention to provide a lawn or patio umbrella with
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`an integral lighting system that utilizes cold cathode tubes, light emitting diodes (LED’s), or
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`florescent lights, to provide relatively bright outdoor light for reading and other activities that
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`require relatively high light intensities.
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`It is another objective of the present invention to provide an a lawn or patio umbrella
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`with an integral lighting system that utilizes cold cathode tubes, LED’s, or florescent lights,
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`to provide relatively bright outdoor light, and its own rechargeable power supply, including
`solar cells.
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`it is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a lawn or patio umbrella
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`with an integral lighting system that utilizes cold cathode tubes, LED’s, or florescent lights,
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`to provide relatively bright outdoor light, and a motorized retraction system that aids in
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`opening and closing the umbrella.
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`it is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a lawn or patio umbrella
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`with an integral lighting system that utilizes cold cathode tubes, LED’s, or florescent lights,
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`to provide relatively bright outdoor light, and a cooling system, such as one that utilizes
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`electric fans or misting systems.
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`It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a modular, electrically
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`powered lawn or patio umbrella in which lighting systems, such as those utilizing cold
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`cathode tubes, LED’s, or florescent lights; cooling systems, such as those utilizing electric
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`fans or misting systems; and motorized retraction systems; can be selectively
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`interchanged.
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`The above objects are achieved, for example, by integrating a rechargeable power
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`system, a lighting system, a motorized retraction system, and/or a cooling system into a
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`relatively large patio umbrella. The resulting umbrella does not have to be connected to a
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`household electrical system, is a relatively low power consuming device, does not generate
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`27 much heat, provides a high amount of
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`light
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`intensity,
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`reduces the overall energy
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`28
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`consumption of outdoor lighting, allows for fewer batteries to be utilized in each lighting
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`Specification
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH-40982-US
`Page 3
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`YOT-1002-0007
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1002, Page 7
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`YOT-1002-0007
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1002, Page 7
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`

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`fixture, allows for easier recharging of the batteries due to the lower power requirements,
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`and allows the utilization of smaller photovoltaic solar cells.
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`In the embodiment that utilizes a cold cathode tube, one additional advantage is that
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`the cold cathode tube may be operated at multiple voltage levels to provide differing
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`amounts of light output.
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`In one particular embodiment, a wireless receiver and transmitter
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`pair may be utilized to allow an operator to use a wireless command signal to change the
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`operating state of the lighting system, such as switching the system between an on and off
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`condition, and switching the system between varying levels of light output. Accordingly, an
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`operator may intensity the light output from the lighting system through use of a wireless
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`handheld transmitter when he wants additional light from a particular umbrella.
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`OQDWKICDU1-503
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`
`Specification
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH-40982-US
`Page 4
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`YOT-1002-0008
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1002, Page 8
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`YOT-1002-0008
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1002, Page 8
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`

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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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`The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the
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`appended claims. However, the invention itself, as well as a preferred mode of use and
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`further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the
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`following detailed description of the preferred embodiment when read in conjunction with
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`the following drawings.
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`Figure 1
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`is a fragmentary and sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the
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`lighted umbrella with motorized opening and closing system according to the present
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`invention.
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`Figures 2A, 2B, and 20 are pictorial, fragmentary, and section views of an alternate
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`embodiment of the present invention which is directed to a lighted umbrella with a stand
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`and a single battery and removable base cover.
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`Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C are pictorial, fragmentary, and partial section views of
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`another alternate embodiment of the present
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`invention which is directed to a lighted
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`umbrella with a stand, charger, batteries, and removable battery cover.
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`1
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`2 3 4
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`5
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`Figure 4A is a fragmentary and sectional view of another alternate embodiment of
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`17
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`the present invention which is directed to a lighted umbrella with recessed lighting.
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`Figure 4B is a fragmentary and sectional view of another alternate embodiment of
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`the present invention which is directed to a lighted umbrella with integral misting system.
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`Figure 4C is a fragmentary and sectional view of another alternate embodiment of
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`the present invention which is directed to a lighted umbrella with an integral fan system.
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`Figure 5A is a block diagram representation of the motorized opening and closing
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`system of the umbrella of Figure 1 and of the other embodiments of the umbrella of the
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`present invention.
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`Figure 5B is a block diagram representation of an alternate embodiment of the
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`26 motorized opening and closing system of Figure 5A.
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`Specification
`Attorney Docket No. O638MH-40982-US
`Page 5
`
`YOT-1002-0009
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1002, Page 9
`
`YOT-1002-0009
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1002, Page 9
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`

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`Figure 6 is a simplified schematic of an alternative embodiment of the present
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`invention which is directed to a lighted umbrella with a top-mounted power unit and a cold
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`cathode tube lighting system.
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`Figure 7 is a simplified schematic of an alternative embodiment of the present
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`invention which is directed to an umbrella with a top-mounted power unit and an electric
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`fan cooling system.
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`Figure 8 is a simplified view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention
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`which is directed to an umbrella with a top-mounted power unit and a mist producing
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`cooling system.
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`Figure 9 is a simplified schematic of an alternate embodiment of the present
`invention that is directed to an umbrella with a top-mounted power unit and a motorized
`opening and closing system.
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`Figure 10 is a schematic of one broad implementation of the present invention.
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`Figure 11 is a block diagram representation of the present invention.
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`Specification
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH-40982-US
`Page 6
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`YOT-1002-0010
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1002, Page 10
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`YOT-1002-0010
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1002, Page 10
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`

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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
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`Referring to Figure 1 in the drawings, one embodiment of an umbrella apparatus
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`according to the present invention is illustrated. Umbrella apparatus 11 includes an
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`umbrella portion 13 and a hollow tubular pole portion 15. Pole portion 15 is coupled to
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`and supports umbrella portion 13. Umbrella portion 13 is preferably retractable and
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`may be moved between a raised, or expanded open position, which is shown; and a
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`lowered, or retracted, closed position in which umbrella portion is collapsed down about
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`pole portion 15, as is conventional. A flexible canopy 17 is attached to and covers
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`umbrella portion 15. Canopy 17 is supported by a plurality of rib members 19, 21, 23,
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`and 25. Rib members 19, 21, 23, and 25 are preferably hingedly coupled to pole
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`portion 15 at an upper portion of pole portion 15. An integral lighting system 26 is
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`carried by at least one of rib members 19, 21, 23, or 25. Lighting system 26 provides
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`high intensity light
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`to umbrella apparatus 11 and the surrounding area.
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`In the
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`embodiment of Figure 1,
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`lighting system 26 preferably utilizes a cold cathode tube
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`which will be described in greater detail herein.
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`Umbrella apparatus 11 may include a base member adapted to receive pole
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`portion 15 and to support umbrella apparatus 11
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`in a generally upright position.
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`Although not shown in the embodiment Figure 1, other embodiments of the present
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`invention depict a variety of conventional and novel base members, any of which may
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`be utilized with the embodiment of Figure 1.
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`It should be understood that in all of the
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`embodiments of the present invention discussed herein, umbrella apparatus 11 may be
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`used with little or no base member whatsoever, provided there is a table or some other
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`support structure, including the ground, which may be adapted to receive pole portion
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`15. For example, many patio tables are designed with central apertures to receive,
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`support, and stabilize relatively large umbrellas.
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`In some cases,
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`the patio tables
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`eliminate the need for a base member all together.
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`In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present
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`invention,
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`light
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`system 26 includes a plurality of light strands 27, 29, 31, and 33 attached to rib
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`29 members 19, 21, 23, and 25. Each light strand 27, 29, 31, and 33 includes electrical
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`Specification
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH—40982-US
`Page 7
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`YOT-1002-0011
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1002, Page 11
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`YOT-1002-0011
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1002, Page 11
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`

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`wiring 39 which conductively connects a plurality of small cold cathode tube light bulbs
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`together for providing the high intensity light under canopy 17 and in the area
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`surrounding umbrella apparatus 11. A wiring ring 37 secures and locates electrical
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`wiring 39 of light strands 27, 29, 31, and 33, so that electrical wiring 39 may be passed
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`through the hollow interior of pole portion 15 to a power source, as will be described in
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`detail below.
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`Umbrella apparatus 11 includes an optional opening and closing system 40 that
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`aids in expanding umbrella portion 13 into the open condition and retracting umbrella
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`portion 13 into the closed condition. Opening and closing system 40 includes a cable
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`0301-l>0Ol\)—h
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`9
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`system 41, a gear and pulley system 43 housed in a crank case 44, and a manual crank
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` 45. Crank case 44 is preferably located on pole portion 15 such that crank case 44 is
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`rm:fl:4!’:4;as«r=- co
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`accessible when umbrella portion 13 is in the fully retracted position against pole portion
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`15. Cable system 41 is coupled between rib members 19, 21, 23, and 25 and gear and
`pulley system 43, and is preferably disposed within the hollow interior of pole portion 15.
`Manual crank 45 is coupled to gear and pulley system 43 so as to allow manual
`opening and closing of umbrella portion 13.
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`Opening and closing system 40 may be automated by the inclusion of an electric
`screw driver motor 49, or other similar relatively small diameter motor assembly, and
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`one or more operational switches 47. Motor 49 is preferably disposed within the hollow
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`interior of pole portion 15 and is coupled to gear and pulley system 43. Operational
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`switches 47 are preferably carried by crank case 44, and include one or more switches
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`for controlling the operation of motor 49. With the inclusion of motor 49, a user may
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`expand and retract umbrella portion 13 simply by pressing the appropriate operational
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`switch 47. This feature is particularly advantageous when used with large umbrellas
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`which may be relatively heavy and awkward to operate, or when the user lacks
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`sufficient strength to expand or retract umbrella portion 13.
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`Umbrella apparatus 11 includes a power system 50 having a power source 55.
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`In this embodiment, power source 55 is preferably disposed in the hollow interior of pole
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`portion 15 at a lower extremity and comprises one or more rechargeable batteries 55a.
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`Specification
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH-40982~US
`Page 8
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`YOT-1002-0012
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1002, Page 12
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`YOT-1002-0012
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1002, Page 12
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`

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`A releasable end cap 57 having integral ground connectors is provided at the lowermost
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`portion of pole portion 15 to complete the electrical circuit of power system 50 and to
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`allow access to rechargeable batteries 55a, as rechargeable batteries 55a may have to
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`be periodically replaced. Power system 50 provides electrical power to lighting system
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`26 and opening and closing system 40. An external power system charger 51 is
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`electrically coupled to power system 50 to aid in repeatedly charging rechargeable
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`batteries 55a. As is shown in Figure 1, an external adapter 60 may be provided.
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`External adapter 60 includes a relatively small plug 59 that is adapted to be conductively
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`received by external power system charger 51, an extension cord 61, an electrical
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`transformer 63, and terminals 65 that allow transformer 63 to be plugged into a
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`conventional AC wall outlet. This allows power system charger 51 to receive power
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`directly from a conventional AC wall outlet in order to recharge rechargeable batteries
`55a.
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`In accordance with a preferred embodiment of
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`the present
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`invention, an
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`alternative power system charger 62 may be provided. Alternate power system charger
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`62 includes at least one solar cell 35 carried by an upper cap portion 64. Solar cells 35
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`are conductively coupled to power system charger 51 via wires (not shown) that pass
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`through the hollow interior of pole portion 15, thereby allowing solar cells 35 to provide
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`an electrical charge to recharge rechargeable batteries 55a, provided sunlight falls upon
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`solar cells 35. Because solar cells 35 provide continuous recharging throughout the
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`daylight hours, the amount and frequency of charging power system 50 with external
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`power system charger 60 may be minimized.
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`it
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`is important to note that locating
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`alternate power
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`system charger 62 atop umbrella portion 13 is unique and
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`advantageous, particularly when alternate power system charger 62 includes solar cells
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`35 or other types of solar energy collectors. Such location limits the visibility of alternate
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`power system charger 62 and ensures that solar energy collection is maximized.
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`The embodiment depicted in Figure 1
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`is advantageous over the prior art in that it
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`provides a number of useful functions. Umbrella apparatus 11 is lighted by lighting
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`system 26 which does not require continuous access to a conventional AC wall outlet,
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`while providing high intensity light. This allows umbrella apparatus 11 to be placed in a
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`Specification
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH-40982-US
`Page 9
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`YOT-1002-0013
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1002, Page 13
`
`YOT-1002-0013
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1002, Page 13
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`

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`relatively remote lawn or garden locations that are away from, or substantially removed
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`from, conventional AC power outlets. During daylight hours, solar cells 35 provide a
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`continuous trickle charge to recharge rechargeable batteries 55a, thereby reducing the
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`need for and frequency of use of external power system charger 60. However, when an
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`electrical charge is needed, external power system charger 60 may be utilized to
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`directly charge power system charger 51. Of course, a conventional extension cord
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`may be used, thereby eliminating the need to move umbrella apparatus 11 from its
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`remote location to a location near an AC power outlet.
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`Referring now to Figures 2A-2C in the drawings, another embodiment of the
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`present invention is illustrated.
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`in this embodiment, an umbrella apparatus 111 includes
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`an umbrella portion 113, a pole portion 115, a stand portion 118, and a base portion 120
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`adapted to house a rechargeable power system 151. Umbrella apparatus 11 includes a
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`lighting system 126 and may include a motorized opening and closing system 140.
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`Umbrella portion 113 is preferably retractable and may be moved between a raised, or
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`expanded open position, which is shown; and a lowered, or retracted, closed position in
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`which umbrella portion is collapsed down about pole portion 115, as is conventional. A
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`flexible canopy 117 is attached to and covers umbrella portion 115. Canopy 117 is
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`supported by a plurality of rib members 119, 121, 123, and 125.
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`Ftib members 119,
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`121, 123, and 125 are preferably hingedly coupled to pole portion 115 at an upper
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`portion of pole portion 115. An integral lighting system 126 is carried by at least one of
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`rib members 119, 121, 123, or 125. Lighting system 126 provides high intensity light to
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`umbrella apparatus 111 and the surrounding area.
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`In the embodiment of Figures 2A-
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`2C, lighting system 126 preferably utilizes a cold cathode tube which will be described in
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`greater detail herein.
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`Lighting system 126 includes a plurality of light strands 127, 129, 131, and 133
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`attached to rib members 119, 121, 123, and 125. Each light strand 127, 129, 131, and
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`133 includes electrical wiring 139 which conductively couples a plurality of small cold
`cathode tube light bulbs together for providing the high intensity light under canopy 117
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`and in the area surrounding umbrella apparatus 111. A wiring ring 137 secures and
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`locates electrical wiring 139 of light strands 127, 129, 131, and 133, so that electrical
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`9
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`oo\1o>’r.n4>oom—-
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`Specification
`Attorney Docket No. O638MH-40982-US
`Page 10
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`YOT-1002-0014
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1002, Page 14
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`YOT-1002-0014
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1002, Page 14
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`E1;
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`wiring 139 may be passed through the hollow interior of pole portion 115 to a power
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`source, as will be described in detail below.
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`Umbrella apparatus 111 includes an optional opening and closing system 140
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`that aids in expanding umbrella portion 113 into the open condition and retracting
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`umbrella portion 113 into the closed condition. Opening and closing system 140
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`includes a cable system 141, a gear and pulley system 143 housed in a crank case 144,
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`and a manual crank 145. Crank case 144 is preferably located on pole portion 115
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`such that crank case 144 is accessible when umbrella portion 113 is in the fully
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`retracted position against pole portion 115. Cable system 141 is coupled between rib
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`members 119, 121, 123, and 125 and gear and pulley system 143, and is preferably
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`disposed within the hollow interior of pole portion 115. Manual crank 145 is coupled to
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`gear and pulley system 143 so as to allow manual opening and closing of umbrella
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`portion 113.
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`Opening and closing system 140 may be automated by the inclusion of an
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`electric screw driver motor 149, or other similar
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`relatively small diameter motor
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`assembly, and one or more operational switches 147. Motor 149 is preferably disposed
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`within the hollow interior of pole portion 115 and is coupled to gear and pulley system
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`143. Operational switches 147 are preferably carried by crank case 144, and include
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`19
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`one or more switches for controlling the operation of motor 149. With the inclusion of
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`20 motor 149, a user may expand and retract umbrella portion 113 simply by pressing the
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`appropriate operational switch 147. This feature is particularly advantageous when
`used with large umbrellas which may be relatively heavy and awkward to operate, or
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`23 when the user lacks sufficient strength to expand or retract umbrella portion 113.
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`Umbrella apparatus 111 includes a power system 150 having a power source
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`155.
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`In this embodiment, power source 155 is preferably adapted to be conductively
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`coupled to base portion 120 and comprises a rechargeable battery pack 155a,
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`preferably an 18-Volt rechargeable battery pack. Battery pack 155a is preferably the
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`type of rechargeable battery that is utilized with most modern cordless power tools,
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`such as drills, saws, and sanders. Battery pack 155a is adapted to be repeatedly
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`Specification
`Attorney Docket No. O638MH-40982-US
`Page 11
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`YOT-1002-0015
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1002, Page 15
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`YOT-1002-0015
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1002, Page 15
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`recharged by plugging battery pack 155a into a conventional charger (not shown) that is
`plugged into a conventional AC power outlet. Power system 150 provides electrical
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`power to lighting system 126 and opening and closing system 140.
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`In accordance with a preferred embodiment of
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`the present
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`invention, an
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`alternative power system charger 162 may be provided. Alternate power system
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`I charger 162 includes at least one solar cell 135 carried by an upper cap portion 164.
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`Solar cells 135 are conductively coupled to power system 150 via wires (not shown) that
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`pass through the hollow interior of pole portion 115, thereby allowing solar cells 135 to
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`provide an electrical charge to recharge rechargeable battery pack 155a, provided
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`sunlight falls upon solar cells 135. Because solar cells 135 provide continuous
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`recharging throughout the daylight hours, the frequency with which battery pack 155a
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`must be replaced or recharged may be minimized.
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`It is important to note that locating
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`alternate power system charger 162 atop umbrella portion 113 is unique and
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`advantageous, particularly when alternate power system charger 162 includes solar
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`cells 135 or other types of solar energy collectors. Such location limits the visibility of
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`alternate power system charger 162 and ensures that solar energy collection is
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`maximized.
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`Stand portion 118 includes an upright shaft portion 170 having a central aperture
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`172 that is adapted to receive the pole portion 115 of umbrella apparatus 111. A
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`plurality of screw clamps 174 and 176 are provided to secure pole portion 115 within
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`shaft portion 170. A bottom portion 146 is provided to stabilize umbrella apparatus 111
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`while umbrella apparatus 111 is installed within stand portion 118.
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`Base portion 120 includes a removable cylindrical sleeve 156, a removable cover
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`160, and a receiver 168. Sleeve 156 is configured to slip over the exterior of shaft
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`portion 170, and includes a longitudinal slot 158 that allows access to screw clamps 174
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`4 5 6 7 8 9
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`261
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`and 176 when sleeve 156 is placed over shaft portion 170. Slot 158 also allows access
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`to a connector 166 disposed in the lower portion of pole portion 115 when sleeve 156 is
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`placed over shaft portion 170. Connector 166 is conductively coupled to the wires from
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`alternate power system charger 162 and solar cells 135. Cover 160 is preferably
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`Specification
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH—40982~US
`Page 12
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`YOT-1002-0016
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1002, Page 16
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`YOT-1002-0016
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1002, Page 16
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`concave in shape, thereby defining an interior space which may be used to house the
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`electronics (not shown) of power system 150. Cover 160 may include one or more
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`seams 162 that allow access to the interior space defined by cover 160. Receiver 168
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`releasably receives battery pack 155a. A wire 152 and plug 154 conductively couple
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`battery pack 155a to connector 166, thereby providing an electrical circuit between
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`rechargeable battery pack 155a and light strands 119, 121, 123, and 125 of lighting
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`system 126.
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`The embodiment depicted in Figures 2A-2C is advantageous over the prior art in
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`that it provides a number of useful functions. Umbrella apparatus 111 is lighted by
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`lighting system 126 which does not require continuous access to a conventional AC wall
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`outlet, while providing high intensity light. This allows umbrella apparatus 111 to be
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`placed in a relatively remote lawn or garden locations that are away from, or
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`substantially removed from, conventional AC power outlets. During daylight hours,
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`solar cells 135 provide a continuous trickle charge to recharge rechargeable battery
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`pack 155a, thereby reducing the frequency with which battery pack 155a must be
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`replaced or recharged. Additionally, this embodiment is advantageous over the prior art
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`in that conventional
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`rechargeable battery packs, which are commonly used with
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`cordless power tools, may be utilized.
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`lf battery pack 155a is insufficiently charged
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`illuminate light strands 119, 121, 123, and 125 of light system 126, the user may simply
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`replace battery pack 155a with another fully charged battery pack 155a.
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`in this manner,
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`lighting system 126 of umbrella apparatus 111 may be energized conveniently, even
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`though umbrella apparatus 111 may be located extremely remotely from an AC power
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`outlet, such as in a garden patio, or on a boat clock.
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`In this embodiment, there is no
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`need to use extension cords to charge an alternate power system charger.
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`Referring now to Figures 3A-3C in the drawings, another embodiment of the
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`present invention is illustrated.
`
`in this embodiment, an umbrella apparatus 211 includes
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`an umbrella portion 213, a pole portion 215, a stand portion 218, and a base portion 220
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`adapted to house a rechargeable power system 251. Umbrella apparatus 211 includes
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`a lighting system 226 and may include a motorized opening and closing system 240.
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`Umbrella portion 213 is preferably retractable and may be moved between a raised, or
`
`Specification
`Attorney Docket No. o638MH-40982-US
`Page 13
`
`YOT-1002-0017
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1002, Page 17
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`YOT-1002-0017
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1002, Page 17
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`

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`expanded open position, which is shown; and a lowered, or retracted, closed position in
`
`which umbrella portion is collapsed down about pole portion 215, as is conventional. A
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`flexible canopy 217 is attached to and covers umbrella portion 215. Canopy 217 is
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`supported by a plurality of rib members 219, 221, 223, and 225. Rib members 219,
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`221, 223, and 225 are preferably hingedly coupled to pole portion 215 at an upper
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`portion of pole portion 215. An integral lighting system 226 is carried by at least one of
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`rib members 219, 221, 223, or 225. Lighting system 226 provides high intensity light to
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`umbrella apparatus 211 and the surrounding area.
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`In the embodiment of Figures 3A-
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`3C, lighting system 226 preferably utilizes a cold cathode tube which will be described in
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`greater detail herein.
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`Lighting system 226 includes a plurality of light strands 227, 229, 231, and 233
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`attached to rib members 219, 221, 223, and 225. Each light strand 227, 229, 231, and
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`233 includes electrical wiring 239 which conductively couples a plurality of small cold
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`cathode tube light bu