`
`
`
`llllllllllllllllllllllllllllt
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH-40982-US 3%
`2
`
`In re Application of:
`GREGORY G. KUELBS
`Serial No. TO BE ASSIGNED
`Filed: HEREWITH
`For: UMBRELLA APPARATUS
`
`§
`g
`2
`E
`3
`
`Examiner: SAWHNEY, HARGOBIND S.
`
`Art Unit: 2875
`
`TRANSMITTAL
`
`MAIL STOP: PATENT APPLICATION
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.O. Box 1450
`
`Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
`
`Sir:
`
`Please file the following enclosed documents in the subject application:
`
`.°’.‘-".‘>.¢*’!‘-’.-‘
`
`This Transmittal with Certificate of Express Mail;
`Request for Continuation Application Under 37 C.F.R. § 1.53(b);
`A copy of the Original Application and Declaration;
`Preliminary Amendment, including two sheets of Annotated Drawings;
`Eleven Sheets of Formal Drawings;
`A copy of the Assertion of Entitlement to Small Entity Status from the
`parent application;
`
`,
`V . _yExPR~Essl;‘n{iAtC<No. "EV 2339’38189‘US"
`_
`lihereby certify that this’.paper gr rtggts being'_deposited with the United States Postal’
`Service as Express Mail “Post ‘Qffice td,Addr”e'ssee" service underL37 ‘C.F.R. § 1.10 on.
`the ’date indicated 1_betOW‘riah§i
`is raddi'.essed_.:to._Mail» Stop: Patent Application,
`CommissionertorPatents;
`.;Oj"B‘
`P
`
`1450 Al xa'dri)_a,\y/irginia 22313-1450.
`
`Transmittal
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH-40982-Us
`page 1
`
`YOT-1202-0001
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1202, Page 1
`
`YOT-1202-0001
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1202, Page 1
`
`
`
`7.
`8.
`9.
`10.
`11.
`12.
`
`13.
`
`Assignment and Assignment Cover Sheet;
`lnforrnation Disclosure Statement;
`Form PTO-1449 and copies of the cited references;
`Certification of No Foreign Filings Under 35 U.S.C. § 122(b)(2)(B)(i);
`Change of Address of Agent;
`Our check in the amount of $415.00 to cover the $375.00 Filing Fee and
`the $40.00 Assignment Recordation Fee; and
`Our return postcard which we would appreciate you date stamping and
`returning to us.
`
`No other fees are deemed to be necessary; however, the undersigned hereby
`
`authorizes the Commissioner to charge any additional fees that may be necessary, or
`
`credit any overpayments, to Deposit Account No. 502806.
`
`zgzzgas
`
`Date
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`5.
`
`s E. Walton, Reg. No. 47,245
`Ja
`Law Offices of James E. Walton, P.L.L.C.
`1169 N. Burleson Blvd., Suite 107-328
`Burleson, Texas 76028
`(817) 447-9955 (Voice)
`(817) 447-9954 (Fax)
`jim@wa|tonpl|c.com
`
`ATFORNEY FOR APPLICANT
`
`Transmittal
`Attorney Docket No. O638MH-40982-US
`Page 2
`
`YOT-1202-0002
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1202, Page 2
`
`YOT-1202-0002
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1202, Page 2
`
`
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`Attorney Docket No. 0664MH-40982-C
`Prior Application Serial No.2 10/068,424
`First Named Inventor: GREGORY G. KUELBS
`
`Examiner: SAWHNEY, HARGOBIND S.
`Art Unit: 2875
`
`S'fl61706?
`
`
`
`50/93/90
`
`MAIL STOP: PATENT APPLICATION
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
`
`Sir:
`
`This is a request for filing a
`
`x
`
`continuation
`continuation-in-part
`divisional
`
`application under 37 CFR 1.53(b) of pending prior U.S. Patent Application No. 10/068,424 filed on 7
`February 2002, for UMBRELLA APPARATUS.
`
`1.
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`X
`
`X
`
`X
`
`X
`
`X
`
`X
`
`X
`
`Enclosed is a complete copy of the prior application including the oath or declaration as
`originally filed and an affidavit or declaration verifying it as a true copy (see No. 14 below
`for declaration).
`
`New formal drawings are enclosed.
`
`A Preliminary Amendment is enclosed.
`
`Our return postcard is enclosed.
`
`An Assertion of Entitlement to Small Entity Status under 37 C.F.R. §§ 1.9 and 1.27 was filed
`in the prior application and such status is still proper and desired. A copy of the Assertion of
`Entitlement to Small Entity Status is enclosed.
`
`of the prior application before calculating the
`Cancel in this application original claims 2-20
`filing fee. At least one original independent claim has been retained for filing purposes.
`
`"This
`line:
`Amend the specification by inserting the following sentence before the first
`application is a
`X
`Continuation
`Continuation-in-Part or
`Division of U.S.
`Patent Application No. 10/068,424 filed on 7 February 2002 for UMBRELLA APPARATUS.
`
`1|
`
`cate
`
`Sit?
`"K5,.
`
`By: ' .Ex§r¢$S J ail “
`
`I
`
`, /EXP.RESS‘gMA|L»NO. \"EV 233938189 us"
`paper-wee is:..beit:ig..deposited withthe United States Postal
`sen/ice.gunder 37 C.F.R. §_1.10 on
`‘,/Mail stop: ~7Paterit Application,
`2313-1,450.
`
`Continuation Under 37 C.F.R. § 1.53(b)
`Attorney Docket No. 0664MH~40982-C
`page 1
`
`YOT-1202-0003
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1202, Page 3
`
`YOT-1202-0003
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1202, Page 3
`
`
`
`10.
`
`11.
`
`12.
`
`13.
`
`14.
`
`15.
`
`is claimed under
`, in
`, filed on
`Priority of U.S. Patent Application No.
`35 U.S.C. 119. The certified copy has been filed in prior U.S. Patent Application No.
`_, filed
`
`The filing fee is calculated below:
`
`CLAIMS AS FILED IN THE PRIOR APPLICATION
`LESS ANY CLAIMS CANCELLED BY AMENDMENT NOW
`
`Basic Fee
`Assignment Recordation Fee
`
`Total Filing Fee:
`
`$375.00
`$40.00
`
`$415.00
`
`The Commissioner is hereby authorized to charge any additional fee which may be
`required, or credit any overpayment, to Deposit Account No. 502806. A duplicate of this
`sheet is enclosed.
`
`A check in the amount of $415.00 is enclosed.
`
`The prior application is assigned of record to World Factory, Inc.
`
`The power of attorney in the prior application is to James E. Walton, Melvin A. Hunn, and
`Kenneth C. Hill.
`
`a.
`
`The Power of Attorney and a Change of Address appear in the original papers
`in the prior application.
`‘
`A new power of attorney is enclosed.
`Since the power of attorney does not appear in the original papers, a copy of the
`power in the prior application is enclosed.
`d. X Address all future communication to:
`
`b.
`c.
`
`James E. Walton
`Reg. No. 47,245
`Law Offices of James E. Walton, P.L.L.C.
`1169 N. Burleson Blvd., Suite 107-238
`Burleson, Texas 76028
`(817) 447-9955 (Voice)
`(187) 447-9954 (Fax)
`jim@waltonpllc.com
`
`I hereby declare and verify that the attached papers are true and correct copies of U.S.
`Application Serial No. 10/068,424 filed on 7 February 2002 for UMBRELLA APPARATUS,
`and the Declaration therefor.
`
`This application discloses and claims only subject matter
`lnventorship Statement:
`disclosed in the prior application whose particulars are set out above and the inventor(s)
`in this specification are less than those named in the prior application and it is requested
`that the following inventor(s) identified above for the prior application be deleted: None.
`
`Continuation Under 37 C.F.R. § 1.53(b)
`Attorney Docket No. 0664MH—40982—C
`- ._
`pageg
`
`.
`
`YOT-1202-0004
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1202, Page 4
`
`YOT-1202-0004
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1202, Page 4
`
`
`
`The undersigned declares further that all statements made herein of his or her own knowledge are true
`and that all statements made on information and belief are believed to be true; and further that these
`statements were made with the knowledge that willful false statements and the like so made are
`punishable by fine or imprisonment, or both, under § 1001 of Title 18 of the United States Code and that
`such willful false statements mayjeopardize the validity of the application of any patent issuing thereon.
`
`827-6 [0 3
`
`Date
`
`5.
`E. Walton
`Ja
`Reg. No. 47,245
`
`Address of signatory:
`
`Law Offices of James E. Walton, P.L.L.C.
`1169 N. Burleson Blvd., Suite 107-328
`Burleson, Texas 76028
`(817) 447-9955 (Voice)
`(817) 447-9954 (Fax)
`jim@wa|tonpl|c.com (Email)
`
`Inventor(s)
`Asslgnee of complete interest
`Attorney or agent of record
`Filed under §1.34(a)
`
`X
`
`Continuation Under 37 C.F.R. § 153(b)
`Attorney Docket No. 0664MH-40982-C
`Page 3
`
`YOT-1202-0005
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1202, Page 5
`
`YOT-1202-0005
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1202, Page 5
`
`
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH-40982-US
`
`Examiner:
`
`Art Unit:
`
`§ §
`
`§
`§
`
`§ §
`
`§
`
`§ §
`
`in re Application of:
`
`GREGORY G. KUELBS
`
`Serial No. TO BE ASSIGNED
`
`Filed: 7 FEBRUARY 2001
`
`For: UMBRELLA APPARATUS
`
`ASSERTION OF ENTITLEMENT TO SMALL ENTITY STATUS
`
`UNDER 37 C.F.R.§1.27§c)
`
`Box: Patent Application
`Assistant Commissioner for Patents
`
`Washington, D.C.
`
`Sir:
`
`Pursuant to 37 C.F.R. 1.27(c)(2)(i), the undersigned hereby asserts that WORLD
`
`FACTRORY,
`
`lNC., owner by assignment of the entire right, title, and interest in the
`
`subject application, is a small entity as defined in 37 C.F.R. § 1.9(d) and is entitled to
`
`small entity status for purposes of paying reduced fees under Section 41 (a) and (b) of
`
`Title 35, United States Code, to the Patent and Trademark Office with regard to the
`
`subject invention.
`
`Date of Deposit:
`
`.
`
`"EXPRESS MAIL" No. EVO24943769US
`
`afi-
`
`
`
`I hereby certify that this paper or fee is being deposited with the United States Postal
`Service Express Mail "Post Office to Addressee" service under 37 C.F.R. §1.10 on the
`date indicated above and is addressed to the Assistant Commissioner for Patents, Box: A
`Patent Application, P.O. Box 2327, Arlington, VA 22202-0327,
`by
`
`Assertion of Small Entity Status
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH-40982-US
`Page 1
`
`YoT.12o2.oooe
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1202, Page 6
`
`YOT-1202-0006
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1202, Page 6
`
`
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`%&£. géri
`
`A. Hunn, Reg. No. 32,574
`Me
`Kenneth C. Hill, Reg. No. 29,650
`James E. Walton, Reg. No. 47,245
`HILL & HUNN LLP
`
`201 Main Street, Suite 1440
`Fort Worth, Texas 76102
`(817) 332-2113 (voice)
`(817) 332-2114_(facsimi|e)
`melhunn@hillandhunn.com (e-mail)
`kenhi|l@hillandhunn.com (e-mail)
`iameswalton@hil|andhunn.com (e-mail)
`
`ATTORNEYS FOR APPLICANT
`
`Assertion 01 Small Enlily Status
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH-40982-US
`page 2
`
`YOT-1202-0007
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1202, Page 7
`
`YOT-1202-0007
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1202, Page 7
`
`
`
`
`
`0
`
`
`
`llllllllllllllllllllllllllllt
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH-40982-US 3%
`2
`
`In re Application of:
`GREGORY G. KUELBS
`Serial No. TO BE ASSIGNED
`Filed: HEREWITH
`For: UMBRELLA APPARATUS
`
`§
`g
`2
`E
`3
`
`Examiner: SAWHNEY, HARGOBIND S.
`
`Art Unit: 2875
`
`TRANSMITTAL
`
`MAIL STOP: PATENT APPLICATION
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.O. Box 1450
`
`Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
`
`Sir:
`
`Please file the following enclosed documents in the subject application:
`
`.°’.‘-".‘>.¢*’!‘-’.-‘
`
`This Transmittal with Certificate of Express Mail;
`Request for Continuation Application Under 37 C.F.R. § 1.53(b);
`A copy of the Original Application and Declaration;
`Preliminary Amendment, including two sheets of Annotated Drawings;
`Eleven Sheets of Formal Drawings;
`A copy of the Assertion of Entitlement to Small Entity Status from the
`parent application;
`
`,
`V . _yExPR~Essl;‘n{iAtC<No. "EV 2339’38189‘US"
`_
`lihereby certify that this’.paper gr rtggts being'_deposited with the United States Postal’
`Service as Express Mail “Post ‘Qffice td,Addr”e'ssee" service underL37 ‘C.F.R. § 1.10 on.
`the ’date indicated 1_betOW‘riah§i
`is raddi'.essed_.:to._Mail» Stop: Patent Application,
`CommissionertorPatents;
`.;Oj"B‘
`P
`
`1450 Al xa'dri)_a,\y/irginia 22313-1450.
`
`Transmittal
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH-40982-Us
`page 1
`
`YOT-1202-0008
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1202, Page 8
`
`YOT-1202-0008
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1202, Page 8
`
`
`
`7.
`8.
`9.
`10.
`11.
`12.
`
`13.
`
`Assignment and Assignment Cover Sheet;
`lnforrnation Disclosure Statement;
`Form PTO-1449 and copies of the cited references;
`Certification of No Foreign Filings Under 35 U.S.C. § 122(b)(2)(B)(i);
`Change of Address of Agent;
`Our check in the amount of $415.00 to cover the $375.00 Filing Fee and
`the $40.00 Assignment Recordation Fee; and
`Our return postcard which we would appreciate you date stamping and
`returning to us.
`
`No other fees are deemed to be necessary; however, the undersigned hereby
`
`authorizes the Commissioner to charge any additional fees that may be necessary, or
`
`credit any overpayments, to Deposit Account No. 502806.
`
`zgzzgas
`
`Date
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`5.
`
`s E. Walton, Reg. No. 47,245
`Ja
`Law Offices of James E. Walton, P.L.L.C.
`1169 N. Burleson Blvd., Suite 107-328
`Burleson, Texas 76028
`(817) 447-9955 (Voice)
`(817) 447-9954 (Fax)
`jim@wa|tonpl|c.com
`
`ATFORNEY FOR APPLICANT
`
`Transmittal
`Attorney Docket No. O638MH-40982-US
`Page 2
`
`YOT-1202-0009
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1202, Page 9
`
`YOT-1202-0009
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1202, Page 9
`
`
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`Attorney Docket No. 0664MH-40982-C
`Prior Application Serial No.2 10/068,424
`First Named Inventor: GREGORY G. KUELBS
`
`Examiner: SAWHNEY, HARGOBIND S.
`Art Unit: 2875
`
`S'fl61706?
`
`
`
`50/93/90
`
`MAIL STOP: PATENT APPLICATION
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
`
`Sir:
`
`This is a request for filing a
`
`x
`
`continuation
`continuation-in-part
`divisional
`
`application under 37 CFR 1.53(b) of pending prior U.S. Patent Application No. 10/068,424 filed on 7
`February 2002, for UMBRELLA APPARATUS.
`
`1.
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`X
`
`X
`
`X
`
`X
`
`X
`
`X
`
`X
`
`Enclosed is a complete copy of the prior application including the oath or declaration as
`originally filed and an affidavit or declaration verifying it as a true copy (see No. 14 below
`for declaration).
`
`New formal drawings are enclosed.
`
`A Preliminary Amendment is enclosed.
`
`Our return postcard is enclosed.
`
`An Assertion of Entitlement to Small Entity Status under 37 C.F.R. §§ 1.9 and 1.27 was filed
`in the prior application and such status is still proper and desired. A copy of the Assertion of
`Entitlement to Small Entity Status is enclosed.
`
`of the prior application before calculating the
`Cancel in this application original claims 2-20
`filing fee. At least one original independent claim has been retained for filing purposes.
`
`"This
`line:
`Amend the specification by inserting the following sentence before the first
`application is a
`X
`Continuation
`Continuation-in-Part or
`Division of U.S.
`Patent Application No. 10/068,424 filed on 7 February 2002 for UMBRELLA APPARATUS.
`
`1|
`
`cate
`
`Sit?
`"K5,.
`
`By: ' .Ex§r¢$S J ail “
`
`I
`
`, /EXP.RESS‘gMA|L»NO. \"EV 233938189 us"
`paper-wee is:..beit:ig..deposited withthe United States Postal
`sen/ice.gunder 37 C.F.R. §_1.10 on
`‘,/Mail stop: ~7Paterit Application,
`2313-1,450.
`
`Continuation Under 37 C.F.R. § 1.53(b)
`Attorney Docket No. 0664MH~40982-C
`page 1
`
`YOT-1202-0010
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1202, Page 10
`
`YOT-1202-0010
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1202, Page 10
`
`
`
`10.
`
`11.
`
`12.
`
`13.
`
`14.
`
`15.
`
`is claimed under
`, in
`, filed on
`Priority of U.S. Patent Application No.
`35 U.S.C. 119. The certified copy has been filed in prior U.S. Patent Application No.
`_, filed
`
`The filing fee is calculated below:
`
`CLAIMS AS FILED IN THE PRIOR APPLICATION
`LESS ANY CLAIMS CANCELLED BY AMENDMENT NOW
`
`Basic Fee
`Assignment Recordation Fee
`
`Total Filing Fee:
`
`$375.00
`$40.00
`
`$415.00
`
`The Commissioner is hereby authorized to charge any additional fee which may be
`required, or credit any overpayment, to Deposit Account No. 502806. A duplicate of this
`sheet is enclosed.
`
`A check in the amount of $415.00 is enclosed.
`
`The prior application is assigned of record to World Factory, Inc.
`
`The power of attorney in the prior application is to James E. Walton, Melvin A. Hunn, and
`Kenneth C. Hill.
`
`a.
`
`The Power of Attorney and a Change of Address appear in the original papers
`in the prior application.
`‘
`A new power of attorney is enclosed.
`Since the power of attorney does not appear in the original papers, a copy of the
`power in the prior application is enclosed.
`d. X Address all future communication to:
`
`b.
`c.
`
`James E. Walton
`Reg. No. 47,245
`Law Offices of James E. Walton, P.L.L.C.
`1169 N. Burleson Blvd., Suite 107-238
`Burleson, Texas 76028
`(817) 447-9955 (Voice)
`(187) 447-9954 (Fax)
`jim@waltonpllc.com
`
`I hereby declare and verify that the attached papers are true and correct copies of U.S.
`Application Serial No. 10/068,424 filed on 7 February 2002 for UMBRELLA APPARATUS,
`and the Declaration therefor.
`
`This application discloses and claims only subject matter
`lnventorship Statement:
`disclosed in the prior application whose particulars are set out above and the inventor(s)
`in this specification are less than those named in the prior application and it is requested
`that the following inventor(s) identified above for the prior application be deleted: None.
`
`Continuation Under 37 C.F.R. § 1.53(b)
`Attorney Docket No. 0664MH—40982—C
`- ._
`pageg
`
`.
`
`YOT-1202-0011
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1202, Page 11
`
`YOT-1202-0011
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1202, Page 11
`
`
`
`The undersigned declares further that all statements made herein of his or her own knowledge are true
`and that all statements made on information and belief are believed to be true; and further that these
`statements were made with the knowledge that willful false statements and the like so made are
`punishable by fine or imprisonment, or both, under § 1001 of Title 18 of the United States Code and that
`such willful false statements mayjeopardize the validity of the application of any patent issuing thereon.
`
`827-6 [0 3
`
`Date
`
`2’.
`E. Walton
`Ja
`Reg. No. 47,245
`
`Address of signatory:
`
`Law Offices of James E. Walton, P.L.L.C.
`1169 N. Burleson Blvd., Suite 107-328
`Burleson, Texas 76028
`(817) 447-9955 (Voice)
`(817) 447-9954 (Fax)
`jim@wa|tonpl|c.com (Email)
`
`Inventor(s)
`Asslgnee of complete interest
`Attorney or agent of record
`Filed under §1.34(a)
`
`X
`
`Continuation Under 37 C.F.R. § 153(b)
`Attorney Docket No. 0664MH-40982-C
`Page 3
`
`YOT-1202-0012
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1202, Page 12
`
`YOT-1202-0012
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1202, Page 12
`
`
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH-40982-US
`
`Examiner:
`
`Art Unit:
`
`§ §
`
`§
`§
`
`§ §
`
`§
`
`§ §
`
`in re Application of:
`
`GREGORY G. KUELBS
`
`Serial No. TO BE ASSIGNED
`
`Filed: 7 FEBRUARY 2001
`
`For: UMBRELLA APPARATUS
`
`ASSERTION OF ENTITLEMENT TO SMALL ENTITY STATUS
`
`UNDER 37 C.F.R.§1.27§c)
`
`Box: Patent Application
`Assistant Commissioner for Patents
`
`Washington, D.C.
`
`Sir:
`
`Pursuant to 37 C.F.R. 1.27(c)(2)(i), the undersigned hereby asserts that WORLD
`
`FACTRORY,
`
`lNC., owner by assignment of the entire right, title, and interest in the
`
`subject application, is a small entity as defined in 37 C.F.R. § 1.9(d) and is entitled to
`
`small entity status for purposes of paying reduced fees under Section 41 (a) and (b) of
`
`Title 35, United States Code, to the Patent and Trademark Office with regard to the
`
`subject invention.
`
`Date of Deposit:
`
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`"EXPRESS MAIL" No. EVO24943769US
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`afi-
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`I hereby certify that this paper or fee is being deposited with the United States Postal
`Service Express Mail "Post Office to Addressee" service under 37 C.F.R. §1.10 on the
`date indicated above and is addressed to the Assistant Commissioner for Patents, Box: A
`Patent Application, P.O. Box 2327, Arlington, VA 22202-0327,
`by
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`Assertion of Small Entity Status
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH-40982-US
`Page 1
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`YoT.12o2.oo13
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1202, Page 13
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`YOT-1202-0013
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1202, Page 13
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`Respectfully submitted,
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`%&£. géri
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`A. Hunn, Reg. No. 32,574
`Me
`Kenneth C. Hill, Reg. No. 29,650
`James E. Walton, Reg. No. 47,245
`HILL & HUNN LLP
`
`201 Main Street, Suite 1440
`Fort Worth, Texas 76102
`(817) 332-2113 (voice)
`(817) 332-2114_(facsimi|e)
`melhunn@hillandhunn.com (e-mail)
`kenhi|l@hillandhunn.com (e-mail)
`iameswalton@hil|andhunn.com (e-mail)
`
`ATTORNEYS FOR APPLICANT
`
`Assertion 01 Small Enlily Status
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH-40982-US
`page 2
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`YOT-1202-0014
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1202, Page 14
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`YOT-1202-0014
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1202, Page 14
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`SPECIFICATION
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`Attorney Docket No. O638MH-40982-US
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`TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
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`BE IT KNOWN that I, 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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`"EXPFIESS MAIL" No. EV024943769US
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`Patent Application, P.O. Box 2327. Arlington, VA 22202-0327.
`
`Date of Deposit:
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`«-9 I.
`
`I hereby certify that this paper or fee is being deposited with the United States Postal
`Service Express Mail "Post Office to Addressee" service under 37 C.F.R. {$1.10 on the
`date indicated above and is addressed to the Assistant Commissioner for Patents, Box:
`
`Specification
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH-40982-US
`Page 1
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`YOT-1202-0015
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1202, Page 15
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`YOT-1202-0015
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1202, Page 15
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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
`Cold Cathode Tubes.”
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`BACKGROUND OF THE lNVENTlON
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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
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`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
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`with enhanced functions, will be well received in the marketplace.
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`Specification
`Attorney Docket No. OSSBMH-40982-US
`Page 2
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`YOT-1202-0016
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1202, Page 16
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`YOT-1202-0016
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1202, Page 16
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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.
`I
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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;
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`and motorized retraction systems;
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`can be selectively
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`interchanged.
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`The above objects are achieved, for example, by integrating a rechargeable power
`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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`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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`consumption of outdoor lighting, allows for fewer batteries to be utilized in each lighting
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`Specification
`Attorney Docket No. OSSBMH-40982-US
`Page 3
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`YOT-1202-0017
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1202, Page 17
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`YOT-1202-0017
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1202, Page 17
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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 intensify 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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`Specification
`Attorney Docket No. O638MH-40982-US
`Page 4
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`YOT-1202-0018
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1202, Page 18
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`YOT-1202-0018
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1202, Page 18
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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
`invention.
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`Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C 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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`Figure 4A 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 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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`motorized opening and closing system of Figure 5A.
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`Specification
`Attorney Docket No. 0638MH-40982-US
`Page 5
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`YOT-1202-0019
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1202, Page 19
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`YOT-1202-0019
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1202, Page 19
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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
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`invention that is directed to an umbrella with a top-mounted power unit and a motorized
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`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-1202-0020
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1202, Page 20
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`YOT-1202-0020
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1202, Page 20
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
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`.4C>(OCO\I0)U‘I-I>-(.010
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`Referring to Figure 1
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`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 toland 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 152 An integral
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`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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`lighting system 26 preferably utilizes a cold cathode tube
`embodiment of Figure 1,
`which will be described in greater detail herein.
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`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.
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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 invention,
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`light
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`system 26 includes a plurality of
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`light strands 27, 29, 31, and 33 attached to rib
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`members 19, 21, 23, and 25. Each light strand 27, 29, 31, and 33 includes electrical
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`Specification
`Attorney Docket No. O63aMH-40982-US
`Page 7
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`YOT-1202-0021
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT—1202, Page 21
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`YOT-1202-0021
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1202, Page 21
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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
`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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`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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`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
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`pulley system 43, and is preferably disposed within the hollow interior of pole portion 15.
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`Manual crank 45 is coupled to gear and pulley system 43 so as to allow manual
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`Opening and closing system 40 may be automated by the inclusion of an electric
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`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 appr