(12) UIllted States Patent
`Kuelbs
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,794,781 B2
`Aug. 5, 2014
`
`USOO8794781B2
`
`4/1964 Militano et a1.
`3,129,715 A
`4/1974 Slade
`3,801,809 A
`4/1975 Kovacic
`3,878,387 A
`8/1982 Cannon et al‘
`4,346,606 A
`{363122, et 31'
`2
`5/1990 Reed et a1.
`4,920,897 A
`5,053,931 A * 10/1991 Rushing ...................... .. 362/102
`2 1(5);
`sung? al~
`5,126,922 A
`6/1992 Andreasen .................... .. 362/32
`5,141,010 A
`8/1992 M 11
`t l.
`_ u er e a
`(Continued)
`
`a
`
`a
`
`eIIIIl
`
`(54) UMBRELLA APPARATUS
`
`.
`(75) Inventor. Gregory G. Kuelbs, Westlake, TX (US)
`(73) Assignee: World Factory, Inc., Westlake, TX (US)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`USC 1546’) by 886 days'
`
`(21) App1.No.: 10/650,537
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Aug. 28, 2003
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2004/0149325 A1
`Aug. 5, 2004
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`JP
`JP
`W0
`
`9_l68415
`09168415
`WO 93/00840 A1
`
`6/1997
`6/1997
`1/1993
`
`Related U.S. Application Data (63) Continuation of application No. 10/068,424, ?led on
`
`Fab' 7’ 2002’ HOW Pat NO' 6,612,713
`
`n?l d
`_ l d“ b 11
`/
`1
`gd?gApp .N0. 11 199,956 t1t e Um re aApparatus
`e Aug. 9,
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/267,018, ?led on Feb.
`7, 2001, provisional application No. 60/335,933, ?led
`on Nov. 2, 2001.
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`A453 3/02
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`...... ..................... .. 362/102; 362/577
`USPC .........
`(58) Fleld 0f ClaSSI?catlon seamh
`USPC ~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~ 362/102, 96’ 209> 276> 577’ 20’ 159>
`362/182, 183’ 194’ 227’ 278’ 319’ 320’ 352’
`_ 362/431, 450> 800; 135/16’_15~1> 16-22
`_
`see apphcanon ?le for complete searCh hlswry'
`_
`References Cited
`
`(56)
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`'
`
`_
`(commued)
`_
`Primary Examiner * Hargobmd S Sawhney
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm * James E. Walton
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A lawn or patio umbrella With an integral lighting System that
`utilizes cold cathode ray tubes, light emitting diodes (LED’s),
`or ?orescent lights, to provide relatively bright outdoor light
`for reading and other activities that require relatively high
`light intensities is provided. In one embodiment, a modular,
`electrically powered lawn or patio umbrella in which lighting
`systems, such as those utilizing cold cathode tubes, LED’ s, or
`?orescent lights; cooling systems, such as those utilizing
`electric fans or misting systems; and motorized retraction
`systems; can be selectively interchanged is provided.
`
`2,863,466 A * 12/1958 Small ......................... .. 135/20.3
`2,960,094 A * 11/1960 Small ............................ .. 135/22
`
`10 Claims, 11 Drawing Sheets
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1201, Page 1
`
`

`
`US 8,794,781 B2
`Page 2
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,172,711 A 12/1992 Mueller et al. ................ .. 135/16
`5,217,296 A
`6/1993 Tanner et al.
`5,273,062 A 12/1993 Mozdzanowski ............. .. 135/16
`5,349,975 A
`9/1994 Valdner ......................... .. 135/16
`5,373,287 A 12/1994 Doublet
`5,463,536 A 10/1995 Chou et al. .................. .. 362/102
`5,502,624 A
`3/1996 Tu
`5,584,564 A 12/1996 Phyle .......................... .. 362/102
`5,611,614 A
`3/1997 Morgan
`5,664,874 A *
`9/1997 Winterer ..................... .. 362/191
`5,758,948 A
`6/1998 Hale
`5,819,455 A 10/1998 Tsuda
`5,911,493 A *
`6/1999 Walkeret al. ............... .. 362/102
`5,937,882 A
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`5,954,417 A *
`9/1999 Mai ............................. .. 362/102
`5,957,717 A
`9/1999 Monsefet al.
`6,017,188 A
`1/2000 Benton ........................... .. 416/5
`6,058,951 A
`5/2000 Wilson
`6,089,727 A *
`7/2000 Wu ............................. .. 362/102
`6,126,293 A * 10/2000 Wu ............................. .. 362/102
`6,182,917 B1
`2/2001 Lai
`6,196,242 B1
`3/2001 Xu
`6,270,230 B1* 8/2001 Mai ............................. .. 362/102
`6,280,874 B1
`8/2001 Hensleyetal.
`6,298,866 B1* 10/2001 Molnar, IV ................... .. 135/16
`6,299,325 B1* 10/2001 Cathel ......................... .. 362/183
`6,341,873 B1* 1/2002 Yang ........................... .. 362/102
`6,406,163 B1
`6/2002 Yang
`6,439,249 B1* 8/2002 Pan et al. ...................... .. 135/16
`6,499,856 B2* 12/2002 Lee ............................. .. 362/102
`6,612,713 B1
`9/2003 Kuelbs
`6,666,224 B2* 12/2003 Lee ............................... .. 135/16
`6,729,742 B2
`5/2004 Wismeth et a1.
`7,051,744 B2
`5/2006 Hung
`7,188,633 B2
`3/2007 Zerillo
`7,753,546 B2
`7/2010 Kuelbs
`8,069,868 B2 12/2011 Kuelbs
`8,375,966 B2
`2/2013 Kuelbs
`2002/0078985 A1* 6/2002 Farr .............................. .. 135/16
`2004/0031510 A1
`2/2004 Li
`8/ 2004 Kuelbs
`2004/0149325 A1
`2005/0072451 A1
`4/2005 Vivian et al.
`1/2006 Kuelbs
`2006/0005869 A1
`12/2012 Kuelbs
`2012/0325278 A1
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`U.S. Appl. No. 10/ 829,790 titled “Umbrella Apparatus” ?led Apr. 22,
`2004.
`US. Patent Reexamination Control No. 95/000,104 for US. Patent
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`Decision on Petitions dated Mar. 1, 2010 from 95/000,104.
`Decision Dismissing Petition dated Mar. 1, 2010 from 95/000,104.
`Action Closing Prosecution dated Mar. 2, 2010 from 95/000,104.
`Response to Action Closing Prosecution dated Mar. 9, 2010 from
`95/000, 104.
`Notice of Allowance dated Mar. 9, 2010 from US Appl. No.
`12/ 255,255.
`Appeal Decision Dated Jul. 25, 2013 from US. Appl. No.
`1 1/ 199,956.
`Issue Notice Dated Feb. 19, 2013 from US Appl. No. 13/311,887.
`Examiners Amendment Dated Aug. 27, 2013 from 95/ 000,104.
`Notice to Issue Reexamination Certi?cate Dated May 14, 2013 from
`95/000,104.
`Litigation Search Report Dated Apr. 17, 2013 from US. Appl. No.
`13/31 1,887.
`Response to Of?ce Action Dated Feb. 4, 2013 from US. Appl. No.
`13/ 607,91 1.
`Notice of Publication Dated Dec. 27, 2012 from US. Appl. No.
`13/ 607,91 1.
`
`Of?ce Action Dated Apr. 15, 2013 from US Appl. No. 13/607,911.
`Amendment After Final Dated Jun. 17, 2013 from US. Appl. No.
`13/607,91 1.
`Advisory Action Dated Jul. 3, 2013 from US. Appl. No. 13/607,911.
`RCE and Amendment under 37CFR1.114 Dated Sep. 16, 2013 from
`US. Appl. No. 13/607,911.
`Of?ce Action Dated Sep. 27, 2013 from US. Appl. No. 13/607,911.
`Interview Summary dated Apr. 5, 2010 from corresponding U.S.
`Appl. No. 12/240,845.
`Amendment dated Apr. 9, 2010 from corresponding U.S. Appl. No.
`12/240,845.
`Final Of?ce Action dated Jul. 6, 2010 from corresponding U.S. Appl.
`No. 12/240,845.
`Request for Continued Examination and Amendment under 37 CFR
`1.114 dated Nov. 4, 2010 from corresponding U.S. Appl. No.
`12/240,845.
`Non-Final Of?ce Action dated Dec. 15, 2010 from corresponding
`U.S. Appl. No. 12/240,845.
`Notice of Publication Dated Mar. 29, 2012 from US. Appl. No.
`13/ 3 1 1,887.
`Amendment Date Apr. 18,2012 from US Appl. No. 13/311,887.
`Of?ce Action Dated Aug. 3, 2012 from US Appl. No. 13/311,887.
`Of?ce Action Dated Nov. 2, 2012 from US Appl. No. 13/607,911.
`Filing Receipt Dated Sep. 21, 2012 from US. Appl. No. 13/607,911.
`Notice of Allowance Dated Oct. 17, 2012 from US. Appl. No.
`13/ 3 1 1,887.
`Amendment After Final Dated Oct. 3, 2012 from US. Appl. No.
`13/ 3 1 1,887.
`Appeal Decision Dated Jan. 10, 2013 from 95/000,104.
`Speci?cation dated Feb. 7, 2002 from US. Appl. No. 10/068,424.
`Of?ce Action dated Dec. 9, 2002 from US. Appl. No. 10/068,424.
`Amendment dated Feb. 17, 2003 from US. Appl. No. 10/068,424.
`Notice of Allowance dated Jun. 20, 2003 from US. Appl. No.
`10/068,424.
`Amendment dated Jun. 3, 2003 from US. Appl. No. 10/068,424.
`Issue Noti?cation dated Sep. 2, 2003 from US. Appl. No.
`10/068,424.
`Speci?cation dated Feb. 7, 2002 from 95/000,104.
`Request for Reexamination dated Sep. 2, 2003 from 95/000,104.
`Notice ofAssignment dated Aug. 12, 2005 from 95/000,104.
`Decision for Granting Reexamination dated Sep. 28, 2005 from
`95/000,104.
`First Of?ce Action dated Oct. 3, 2005 from 95/000,104.
`Response to Order Granting Reexamination dated Nov. 8, 2005 from
`95/000,104.
`Notice to Correct Papers dated Dec. 5, 2005 from 95/000,104.
`Response to Notice to Correct Papers dated Dec. 12, 2005 from
`95/000,104.
`Requester’s Comments dated Dec. 15, 2005 from 95/000,104.
`Requester’s Comments dated Jan. 16, 2006 from U95/000,104.
`Second Of?ce Action dated Dec. 5, 2006 from 95/000,104.
`Declaration dated Feb. 5, 2007 from 95/000,104.
`Response to Second Of?ce Action dated Feb. 5, 2007 from
`95/000,104.
`Requester’s Response to Second Of?ce Action dated May 7, 2007
`from 95/000,104.
`Notice to Correct Papers dated Jul. 25, 2008 from 95/000,104.
`Response to Notice to Correct Papers dated Aug. 21, 2008 from
`95/000,104.
`Notice to Correct Papers dated Mar. 20, 2009 from 95/000,104.
`Requester’s Change of Address dated May 31, 2009 from
`95/000,104.
`Response to Notice to Correct Papers dated Apr. 17, 2009 from
`95/000,104.
`Requester’s Response dated May 18, 2009 from 95/000,104.
`Of?ce Action Rejecting Requester’s Response dated Aug. 28, 2009
`from 95/000,104.
`Requester’s Replacement Comments dated Sep. 16, 2009 from
`95/000,104.
`Of?ce Action Expunging Requester’ s Comments dated Oct. 22, 2009
`from 95/000,104.
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1201, Page 2
`
`

`
`US 8,794,781 B2
`Page 3
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Petition Under 37 CFR 1.181 to Find the Third Party Requester’s
`Replacement Comments in Compliance with 37 CFR 1.948 dated
`Nov. 16, 2009 from 95/000,104.
`Petition Under 37 CFR 1.181 to Enter the Third-Party Requester’s
`Replacement Comments on the Basis of the Examiner’s Noncompli
`ance with MPEP 2617 dated Nov. 16, 2009 from 95/000,104.
`Petition Under 37 CFR 1.181 to Enter Third Party Requester’s
`Replacement Comments for Failure of the Examiner to Comply with
`MPEP 2667 dated Nov. 16, 2009 from 95/000,104.
`Petition Under 37 CFR 1.183 to Suspend the Rules with Respect to
`the 50-page Limit for Requester’s Comments dated Nov. 16, 2009
`from 95/000, 104.
`Petition Under 37 CFR 1.181 to Enter Third Party Requester’s
`Replacement Comments Because the 50-page Limit has Been Prop
`erly Met dated Nov. 16, 2009 from 95/000,104.
`Speci?cation dated Oct. 21, 2008 from US. Appl. No. 12/255,255.
`Notice to File Missing Parts dated Nov. 7, 2008 from US. Appl. No.
`12/ 255,255.
`Response to File Missing Parts dated Nov. 19, 2008 from US. Appl.
`No.12/255,255.
`Publication dated Mar. 5, 2009 from US. Appl. No. 12/255,255.
`Non-Final Of?ce Action dated Aug. 7, 2009 from US. Appl. No.
`12/ 255,255.
`Amendment dated Nov. 6, 2009 from US. Appl. No. 12/255,255.
`Amendment dated Apr. 18, 2012 from corresponding U.S. Appl. No.
`13/31 1,887.
`Non-Final Of?ce Action dated Jan. 18, 2012 from corresponding
`U.S.Appl.No.13/311,887.
`Amendment dated Apr. 12, 201 1 from corresponding U.S. Appl. No.
`12/ 240,845.
`Issue Noti?cation from corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 12/240,845.
`Notice of Allowance from corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 12/240,845.
`Examiner’s Answer dated Sep. 20, 2011 from corresponding
`95/000,104.
`Right of Appeal Notice dated Jan. 12, 2011 from corresponding
`Patent Reexamination Application/Control No. 95/000,104.
`Notice of Appeal of Third Party Requester dated Feb. 10, 2011 from
`corresponding Patent Reexamination Application/ Control No.
`95/000,104.
`Appeal Brief of Appellant Third Party Requester dated Apr. 8, 201 1
`from corresponding Patent Reexamination Application/ Control No.
`95/000,104.
`Speci?cation dated Apr. 22, 2008 from US. Appl. No. 10/829,790.
`Notice to File Missing Parts dated Jun. 30, 2004 from US. Appl. No.
`10/ 829,790.
`
`Response to File Missing Parts dated Aug. 24, 2004 from US. Appl.
`No. 10/829,790.
`Preliminary Amendment dated Feb. 23, 2005 from US. Appl. No.
`10/829,790.
`Restriction Requirement dated Mar. 15, 2006 from US Appl. No.
`10/829,790.
`Response to Restriction Requirement dated Aug. 21, 2006 from US.
`Appl. No. 10/829,790.
`Non-Final Of?ce Action dated Nov. 7, 2006 from US Appl. No.
`10/829,790.
`Declaration dated Apr. 3, 2007 from US. Appl. No. 10/829,790.
`Amendment dated Apr. 3, 2007 from US. Appl. No. 10/829,790.
`Non-Final Of?ce Action dated Jul. 23, 2007 from US Appl. No.
`10/829,790.
`Amendment dated Jan. 23, 2008 from US. Appl. No. 10/829,790.
`Final Of?ce Action dated Mar. 27, 2008 from US. Appl. No.
`10/829,790.
`Notice of Abandonment dated Dec. 15, 2008 from US. Appl. No.
`10/829,790.
`Speci?cation dated Feb. 7, 2007 from US. Appl. No. 11/199,956.
`Preliminary Amendment dated Aug. 9, 2005 from US Appl. No.
`11/199,956.
`Request for Continuation Application dated Aug. 9, 2005 from US.
`Appl. No. 11/199,956.
`Notice to Correct Application Papers dated Sep. 2, 2005 from US.
`Appl. No. 11/199,956.
`Reply to Notice to Correct Application Papers Sep. 15, 2005 from
`US. Appl. No. 11/199,956.
`Publication dated Jan. 12, 2006 from US. Appl. No. 11/199,956.
`Withdrawal of Previous Notice dated Jun. 5, 2007 from US Appl.
`No. 11/199,956.
`Non-Final Of?ce Action dated Jun. 5, 2007 from US. Appl. No.
`11/199,956.
`Amendment dated Dec. 5,2007 from US Appl. No. 11/199,956.
`Non-Final Of?ce Action dated Mar. 3, 2008 from US. Appl. No.
`11/199,956.
`Request for Continued Examination dated Sep. 2, 2008 from US.
`Appl. No. 11/199,956.
`Non-Final Of?ce Action dated Nov. 7, 2008 from US Appl. No.
`11/199,956.
`Notice oprpeal dated Feb. 3, 2009 from US. Appl. No. 11/199,956.
`Appeal Brief dated Apr. 3, 2009 from US. Appl. No. 11/199,956.
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`11/199,956.
`Reply Brief dated Sep. 8, 2009 from US Appl. No. 11/199,956.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1201, Page 3
`
`

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`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 5, 2014
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`Sheet 1 0f 11
`
`US 8,794,781 B2
`
`FIG. I
`
`l
`
`f
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1201, Page 4
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Aug. 5, 2014
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`Sheet 2 0f 11
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`US 8,794,781 B2
`
`135
`162\
`
`164
`
`111
`/
`
`119
`
`117
`
`_\
`
`127
`
`121
`
`129
`
`c I W)
`/ 1
`137 H:
`'g
`:
`1
`
`125
`
`113
`
`131
`
`133
`
`126/
`
`123
`
`f
`
`FIG. 2A
`
`\139
`
`&\166
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1201, Page 5
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Aug. 5, 2014
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`Sheet 3 0f 11
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`US 8,794,781 B2
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1201, Page 6
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Aug. 5, 2014
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`Sheet 4 0f 11
`
`US 8,794,781 B2
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`I:
`
`FIG. 3A
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1201, Page 7
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Aug. 5, 2014
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`Sheet 5 0f 11
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`US 8,794,781 B2
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Aug. 5, 2014
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`Sheet 6 0f 11
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`US 8,794,781 B2
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1201, Page 9
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Aug. 5, 2014
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`Sheet 7 0f 11
`
`US 8,794,781 B2
`
`600 \ PULLEY
`l
`602 \ GEARS
`I
`604\ ELECTRIC MOTOR
`
`608//
`
`SWITCH
`
`606/ 0‘;
`l
`POWER SUPPLY
`L
`I
`612/ SOLAR
`CHARGER \610
`FIG. 5A
`
`700\ ELECTRIC MOTOR
`A
`
`O
`SWITCH X
`
`DECODER
`
`Rx
`
`coo TX
`
`/ “
`702
`
`\
`704
`
`706
`
`\
`708
`
`710/ POWER SUPPLY
`FIG. 5B
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1201, Page 10
`
`

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`US. Patent
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`Aug. 5, 2014
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`Sheet 8 0f 11
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`US 8,794,781 B2
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`; f713
`
`W Q
`
`s11 \fsm
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1201, Page 11
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Aug. 5, 2014
`
`Sheet 9 0f 11
`
`US 8,794,781 B2
`
`92f
`WATER CONTAINER/
`ICE COOLER
`
`FIG. 8
`
`909
`
`PUMP
`'\
`927
`
`/
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1201, Page 12
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Aug. 5, 2014
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`Sheet 10 0f 11
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`US 8,794,781 B2
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`\1019
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1201, Page 13
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Aug. 5, 2014
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`Sheet 11 0111
`
`US 8,794,781 B2
`
`3000
`\
`
`3001
`
`I —
`—: _
`
`0010 CATHODE LAMP
`g PANEL—E
`l
`l
`1
`POWER
`DC BATTERY
`3007 f INVERTER
`PACK
`\___l
`
`\ 3003
`
`FIG. 10
`
`4001\ _§ E
`
`4011
`
`4003\ I Z 4089
`E E
`
`DC BATTERY PACK
`
`E E
`
`4005/ E E
`
`4007/ E g
`FIG. 1 1
`
`4019
`/
`
`lNVEHTER
`
`OUT
`
`4015
`
`4017
`
`\
`[\\
`/
`\
`/ \
`
`% ll
`\
`4021
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1201, Page 14
`
`

`
`US 8,794,781 B2
`
`1
`UMBRELLA APPARATUS
`
`This application is a continuation of US. application Ser.
`No. 10/068,424, ?led 7 Feb. 2002, titled “Umbrella Appara
`tus,” which issued on 2 Sep. 2003 under US. Pat. No. 6,612,
`713, which claims the bene?t of US. Provisional Application
`No. 60/267,018, ?led 7 Feb. 2001, titled “Lighted Patio
`Umbrella Apparatus;” and of US. Provisional Application
`No. 60/335,933, ?led 2 Nov. 2001, titled “Outdoor Lighting
`Systems with Cold Cathode Tubes.”
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates in general to patio umbrellas,
`and in particular, to an improved patio umbrella with integral
`lighting system and other modular electronic systems and
`components.
`2. Description of the Prior Art
`There has been a recent increase in the interest in enter
`taining in a lawn and garden environment. Patio furniture is
`quite popular and useful for outdoor entertaining, especially
`in portions of the country that have warmer climates. How
`ever, the sun often presents an impediment to such outdoor
`entertaining. Consequently, sales have increased for rela
`tively 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 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.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`It is one objective of the present invention to provide a lawn
`or patio umbrella with an integral lighting system that utilizes
`cold cathode tubes, light emitting diodes (LED’s), or ?ores
`cent lights, to provide relatively bright outdoor light for read
`ing and other activities that require relatively high light inten
`sities.
`It is another objective of the present invention to provide an
`a lawn or patio umbrella with an integral lighting system that
`utilizes cold cathode tubes, LED’s, or ?orescent lights, to
`provide relatively bright outdoor light, and its own recharge
`able power supply, including solar cells.
`It is yet another objective of the present invention to pro
`vide a lawn or patio umbrella with an integral lighting system
`that utilizes cold cathode tubes, LED’ s, or ?orescent lights, to
`provide relatively bright outdoor light, and a motorized
`retraction system that aids in opening and closing the
`umbrella.
`It is yet another objective of the present invention to pro
`vide a lawn or patio umbrella with an integral lighting system
`that utilizes cold cathode tubes, LED’ s, or ?orescent lights, to
`provide relatively bright outdoor light, and a cooling system,
`such as one that utilizes electric fans or misting systems.
`It is yet another objective of the present invention to pro
`vide a modular, electrically powered lawn or patio umbrella
`in which lighting systems, such as those utilizing cold cath
`ode tubes, LED’s, or ?orescent lights; cooling systems, such
`as those utilizing electric fans or misting systems; and motor
`ized retraction systems; can be selectively interchanged.
`The above objects are achieved, for example, by integrat
`ing a rechargeable power system, a lighting system, a motor
`ized retraction system, and/or a cooling system into a rela
`tively large patio umbrella. The resulting umbrella does not
`have to be connected to a household electrical system, is a
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`relatively low power consuming device, does not generate
`much heat, provides a high amount of light intensity, reduces
`the overall energy consumption of outdoor lighting, allows
`for fewer batteries to be utilized in each lighting ?xture,
`allows for easier recharging of the batteries due to the lower
`power requirements, and allows the utilization of smaller
`photovoltaic solar cells.
`In the embodiment that utilizes a cold cathode tube, one
`additional advantage is that the cold cathode tube may be
`operated at multiple voltage levels to provide differing
`amounts of light output. In one particular embodiment, a
`wireless receiver and transmitter pair may be utilized to allow
`an operator to use a wireless command signal to change the
`operating state of the lighting system, such as switching the
`system between an on and off condition, and switching the
`system between varying levels of light output. Accordingly,
`an operator may intensify the light output from the lighting
`system through use of a wireless handheld transmitter when
`he wants additional light from a particular umbrella.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The novel features believed characteristic of the invention
`are set forth in the appended claims. However, the invention
`itself, as well as a preferred mode of use and further objectives
`and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference
`to the following detailed description of the preferred embodi
`ment when read in conjunction with the following drawings.
`FIG. 1 is a fragmentary and sectional view of the preferred
`embodiment of the lighted umbrella with motorized opening
`and closing system according to the present invention.
`FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are pictorial, fragmentary, and sec
`tion views of an alternate embodiment of the present inven
`tion which is directed to a lighted umbrella with a stand and a
`single battery and removable base cover.
`FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are pictorial, fragmentary, and par
`tial section views of another alternate embodiment of the
`present invention which is directed to a lighted umbrella with
`a stand, charger, batteries, and removable battery cover.
`FIG. 4A is a fragmentary and sectional view of another
`alternate embodiment of the present invention which is
`directed to a lighted umbrella with recessed lighting.
`FIG. 4B is a fragmentary and sectional view of another
`alternate embodiment of the present invention which is
`directed to a lighted umbrella with integral misting system.
`FIG. 4C is a fragmentary and sectional view of another
`alternate embodiment of the present invention which is
`directed to a lighted umbrella with an integral fan system.
`FIG. 5A is a block diagram representation of the motorized
`opening and closing system of the umbrella of FIG. 1 and of
`the other embodiments of the umbrella of the present inven
`tion.
`FIG. 5B is a block diagram representation of an alternate
`embodiment of the motorized opening and closing system of
`FIG. 5A.
`FIG. 6 is a simpli?ed schematic of an alternative embodi
`ment of the present invention which is directed to a lighted
`umbrella with a top-mounted power unit and a cold cathode
`tube lighting system.
`FIG. 7 is a simpli?ed schematic of an alternative embodi
`ment of the present invention which is directed to an umbrella
`with a top-mounted power unit and an electric fan cooling
`system.
`FIG. 8 is a simpli?ed view of an alternative embodiment of
`the present invention which is directed to an umbrella with a
`top-mounted power unit and a mist producing cooling sys
`tem.
`
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`US 8,794,781 B2
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`3
`FIG. 9 is a simpli?ed schematic of an alternate embodi
`ment of the present invention that is directed to an umbrella
`with a top-mounted power unit and a motorized opening and
`closing system.
`FIG. 10 is a schematic of one broad implementation of the
`present invention.
`FIG. 11 is a block diagram representation of the present
`invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`Referring to FIG. 1 in the drawings, one embodiment of an
`umbrella apparatus according to the present invention is illus
`trated. Umbrella apparatus 11 includes an umbrella portion
`13 and a hollow tubular pole portion 15. Pole portion 15 is
`coupled to and supports umbrella portion 13. Umbrella por
`tion 13 is preferably retractable and may be moved between a
`raised, or expanded open position, which is shown; and a
`lowered, or retracted, closed position in which umbrella por
`tion is collapsed down about pole portion 15, as is conven
`tional. A ?exible canopy 17 is attached to and covers umbrella
`portion 15. Canopy 17 is supported by a plurality of rib
`members 19, 21, 23, and 25. Rib members 19,21, 23, and 25
`are preferably hingedly coupled to pole portion 15 at an upper
`portion of pole portion 15. An integral lighting system 26 is
`carried by at least one of rib members 19, 21, 23, or 25.
`Lighting system 26 provides high intensity light to umbrella
`apparatus 11 and the surrounding area. In the embodiment of
`FIG. 1, lighting system 26 preferably utilizes a cold cathode
`tube which will be described in greater detail herein.
`Umbrella apparatus 11 may include a base member
`adapted to receive pole portion 15 and to support umbrella
`apparatus 11 in a generally upright position. Although not
`shown in the embodiment FIG. 1, other embodiments of the
`present invention depict a variety of conventional and novel
`base members, any of which may be utilized with the embodi
`ment of FIG. 1. It should be understood that in all of the
`embodiments of the present invention discussed herein,
`umbrella apparatus 11 may be used with little or no base
`member whatsoever, provided there is a table or some other
`support structure, including the ground, which may be
`adapted to receive pole portion 15. For example, many patio
`tables are designed with central apertures to receive, support,
`and stabilize relatively large umbrellas. In some cases, the
`patio tables eliminate the need for a base member all together.
`In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the
`present invention, light system 26 includes a plurality of light
`strands 27, 29, 31, and 33 attached to rib members 19, 21, 23,
`and 25. Each light strand 27, 29, 31, and 33 includes electrical
`wiring 39 which conductively connects a plurality of small
`cold cathode tube light bulbs together for providing the high
`intensity light under canopy 17 and in the area surrounding
`umbrella apparatus 11. A wiring ring 37 secures and locates
`electrical wiring 39 of light strands 27, 29, 31, and 33, so that
`electrical wiring 39 may be passed through the hollow interior
`of pole portion 15 to a power source, as will be described in
`detail below.
`Umbrella apparatus 11 includes an optional opening and
`closing system 40 that aids in expanding umbrella portion 13
`into the open condition and retracting umbrella portion 13
`into the closed condition. Opening and closing system 40
`includes a cable system 41, a gear and pulley system 43
`housed in a crank case 44, and a manual crank 45. Crank case
`44 is preferably located on pole portion 15 such that crank
`case 44 is accessible when umbrella portion 13 is in the fully
`retracted position against pole portion 15. Cable system 41 is
`coupled between rib members 19, 21, 23, and 25 and gear and
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`pulley system 43, and is preferably disposed within the hol
`low 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.
`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 one or more
`operational switches 47. Motor 49 is preferably disposed
`within the hollow interior of pole portion 15 and is coupled to
`gear and pulley system 43. Operational switches 47 are pref
`erably carried by crank case 44, and include one or more
`switches for controlling the operation of motor 49. With the
`inclusion of motor 49, a user may expand and retract umbrella
`portion 13 simply by pressing the appropriate operational
`switch 47. This feature is particularly advantageous when
`used with large umbrellas which may be relatively heavy and
`awkward to operate, or when the user lacks suf?cient strength
`to expand or retract umbrella portion 13.
`Umbrella apparatus 11 includes a power system 50 having
`a power source 55. In this embodiment, power source 55 is
`preferably disposed in the hollow interior of pole portion 15 at
`a lower extremity and comprises one or more rechargeable
`batteries 55a. A releasable end cap 57 having integral ground
`connectors is provided at the lowermost portion of pole por
`tion 15 to complete the electrical circuit of power system 50
`and to allow access to rechargeable batteries 5511, as recharge
`able batteries 55a may have to be periodically replaced.
`Power system 50 provides electrical power to lighting system
`26 and opening and closing system 40. An external power
`system charger 51 is electrically coupled to power system 50
`to aid in repeatedly charging rechargeable batteries 5511. As is
`shown in FIG. 1, an external adapter 60 may be provided.
`External adapter 60 includes a relatively small plug 59 that is
`adapted to be conductively received by external power system
`charger 51, an extension cord 61, an electrical transformer 63,
`and terminals 65 that allow transformer 63 to be plugged into
`a conventional AC wall outlet. This allows power system
`charger 51 to receive power directly from a conventional AC
`wall outlet in order to recharge rechargeable batteries 55a.
`In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
`invention, an alternative power system charger 62 may be
`provided. Alternate power system charger 62 includes at least
`one solar cell 35 carried by an upper cap portion 64. Solar
`cells 35 are conductively coupled to power system charger 51
`via wires (not shown) that pass through the hollow interior of
`pole portion 15, thereby allowing solar cells 35 to provide an
`electrical charge to recharge rechargeable batteries 5511, pro
`vided sunlight falls upon solar cells 35. Because solar cells 35
`provide continuous recharging throughout the daylight hours,
`the amount and frequency of charging power system 50 with
`external power system charger 60 may be minimized. It is
`important to note that locating alternate power system charger
`62 atop umbrella portion 13 is unique and advantageous,
`particularly when alternate power system charger 62 includes
`solar cells 35 or other types of solar energy collectors. Such
`location limits the visibility of alternate power system charger
`62 and ensures that solar energy collection is maximized.
`The embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 is advantageous over
`the prior art in that it provides a number of useful functions.
`Umbrella apparatus 11 is lighted by lighting system 26 which
`does not require continuous access to a conventional AC wall
`outlet, while providing high intensity light. This allows
`umbrella apparatus 11 to be placed in a relatively remote lawn
`or garden locations that are away from, or substantially
`removed from, conventional AC power outlets. During day
`light hours, solar cells 35 provide a continuous trickle charge
`to recharge rechargeable batteries 5511, thereby reducing the
`
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`5
`need for and frequency of use of external power system
`charger 60. However, when an electrical charge is needed,
`external power system charger 60 may be utilized to directly
`charge power system charger 51. Of course, a conventional
`extension cord may be used, thereby eliminating the need to
`move umbrella apparatus 11 from its remote location to a
`location near an AC power outlet.
`Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2C in the drawings, another
`embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this
`embodiment, an umbrella apparatus 111 includes an umbrella
`portion 113, a pole portion 115, a stand portion 118, and a
`base portion 120 adapted to house a rechargeable power sys
`tem 151. Umbrella apparatus 11 includes a lighting system
`126 and may include a motorized opening and closing system
`140. Umbrella portion 113 is preferably retractable and may
`be moved between a raised, or expanded open position, which
`is shown; and a lowered, or retracted, closed position in which
`umbrella portion is collapsed down about pole portion 115, as
`is conventional. A ?exible canopy 117 is attached to and
`covers umbrella portion 115. Canopy 117 is supported by a
`plurality of rib members 119, 121, 123, and 125. Rib mem
`bers 119, 121, 123, and 125 are preferably hingedly coupled
`to pole portion 115 at an upperportion of pole portion 115.An
`integral lighting system 126 is carried by at least one of rib
`members 119, 121, 123, or 125. Lighting system 126 provides
`high intensity light to umbrella apparatus 111 and the sur
`rounding area. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2C, lighting
`system 126 preferably utilizes a cold cathode tube which will
`be described in greater detail herein.
`Lighting system 126 includes a plurality of light strands
`127, 129, 131, and 133 attached to rib members 119,121,123,
`and 125. Each light strand 127, 129, 131, and 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 and in the area
`su