(12) United States Patent
`Kuelbs
`
`US006612713B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,612,713 B1
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Sep. 2, 2003
`
`(54) UMBRELLAAPPARATUS
`
`(75) Inventor: Gregory G. Kuelbs, Westlake, TX (US)
`(73) Assignee: World Factory, Inc., Southlake, TX
`(US)
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`º º . adjusted under 35
`-----------
`(b) by 0 days.
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`-
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/068,424
`(22) Filed:
`Feb. 7, 2002
`
`5,172,711 A * 12/1992 Mueller et al. ............... 135/16
`5,273,062 A * 12/1993 Mozdzanowski ............ 135/16
`5,349,975 A 9/1994 Valdner ....................... 135/16
`5,463,536 A 10/1995 Chou et al. ................. 362/102
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner—Sandra O’Shea
`Assistant Examiner—Hargobind S. Sawhney
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—James E. Walton; Melvin A.
`Hunn; Hill & Hunn LLP
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`
`A lawn or patio umbrella with an integral lighting system
`- - Related U.S. Application Data
`-- -
`-
`- . . -
`-
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/335,933, filed on Nov. 2,
`that utilizes cold cathode ray tubes, light emitting diodes
`2001, and provisional application No. 60/267,018, filed on
`(LED’s), or florescent lights, to provide relatively bright
`Feb. 7, 2001.
`outdoor light for reading and other activities that require
`7
`º !" º - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -sgº relatively high light intensities is provided. In one
`(52) U.S. Cl. .........................
`2
`2 362/276
`embodiment, a modular, electrically powered lawn or patio
`e
`umbrella in which lighting systems, such as those utilizing
`(58) Field of Search .......................... sº; º cold cathode tubes, LED’s, or florescent lights; cooling
`2
`systems, such as those utilizing electric fans or misting
`systems; and motorized retraction systems; can be selec
`tively interchanged is provided.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,126,922 A 6/1992 Andreasen ................... 362/32
`
`14 Claims, 11 Drawing Sheets
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`ELECTRIC MOTOR
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`SWITCH
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`710
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`POWER SUPPLY
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`FIG. 5B
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`3000 \
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`3001
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`E 3005
`S O L A R =
`=
`COLD CATHODE LAMP
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`3007
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`3003
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`4001
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`4011
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`DC BATTERY PACK
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`= =
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`1
`UMBRELLA. APPARATUS
`
`US 6,612,713 B1
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`This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
`Application No. 60/267,018, filed Feb. 7, 2001, titled
`“Lighted Patio Umbrella Apparatus;” and of U.S. Provi
`sional Application No. 60/335,933, filed Nov. 2, 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.
`However, the sun often 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
`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
`florescent lights, to provide relatively bright outdoor light
`for reading and other activities that require relatively high
`light intensities.
`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 florescent lights,
`to provide relatively bright outdoor light, and its own
`rechargeable power supply, including solar cells.
`It is yet another objective of the present invention to
`provide a lawn or patio umbrella with an integral lighting
`system that utilizes cold cathode tubes, LED’s, or florescent
`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
`provide a lawn or patio umbrella with an integral lighting
`system that utilizes cold cathode tubes, LED’s, or florescent
`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
`provide a modular, electrically powered lawn or patio
`umbrella in which lighting systems, such as those utilizing
`cold cathode tubes, LED’s, or florescent lights; cooling
`systems, such as those utilizing electric fans or misting
`systems; and motorized retraction systems; can be selec
`tively interchanged.
`The above objects are achieved, for example, by integrat
`ing a rechargeable power system, a lighting system, a
`motorized retraction system, and/or a cooling system into a
`relatively large patio umbrella. The resulting umbrella does
`not have to be connected to a household electrical system, is
`a relatively low power consuming device, does not generate
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`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 fixture,
`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 embodiment when read in conjunction with the
`following drawings.
`FIG. 1 is a fragmentary and sectional view of the pre
`ferred embodiment of the lighted umbrella with motorized
`opening and closing system according to the present inven
`tion.
`FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are pictorial, fragmentary, and
`section views of an alternate embodiment of the present
`invention 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
`partial 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 motor
`ized opening and closing system of the umbrella of FIG. 1
`and of the other embodiments of the umbrella of the present
`invention.
`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 simplified 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 simplified 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 simplified 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
`system.
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`FIG. 9 is a simplified 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
`illustrated. 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
`portion 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 portion is collapsed down about pole portion 15, as
`is conventional. A flexible 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
`embodiment 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
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`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 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.
`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 dis
`posed within the hollow interior of pole portion 15 and is
`coupled to gear and pulley system 43. Operational switches
`47 are preferably 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 appro
`priate 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 sufficient strength to expand or retract umbrella por
`tion 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
`portion 15 to complete the electrical circuit of power system
`50 and to allow access to rechargeable batteries 55a, as
`rechargeable 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 55a. 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 trans
`former 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 recharge
`able batteries 55a, provided 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
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`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 daylight hours, solar cells 35 provide a continuous
`trickle charge to recharge rechargeable batteries 55a,
`thereby reducing the need for and frequency of use of
`external power system charger 60. However, when an elec
`trical 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 system 151. Umbrella apparatus 11 includes a light
`ing 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 flexible 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 members 119, 121, 123, and 125 are preferably
`hingedly coupled to pole portion 115 at an upper portion 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 surrounding area. In the
`embodiment of FIGS. 2A–2C, lighting system 126 prefer
`ably 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 surrounding umbrella apparatus 111. A wiring ring
`137 secures and locates electrical wiring 139 of light strands
`127, 129, 131, and 133, so that electrical wiring 139 may be
`passed through the hollow interior of pole portion 115 to a
`power source, as will be described in detail below.
`Umbrella apparatus 111 includes an optional opening and
`closing system 140 that aids in expanding umbrella portion
`113 into the open condition and retracting umbrella portion
`113 into the closed condition. Opening and closing system
`140 includes a cable system 141, a gear and pulley system
`143 housed in a crank case 144, and a manual crank 145.
`Crank case 144 is preferably located on pole portion 115
`such that crank case 144 is accessible when umbrella portion
`113 is in the fully retracted position against pole portion 115.
`Cable system 141 is coupled between rib members 119, 121,
`123, and 125 and gear and pulley system 143, and is
`preferably disposed within the hollow interior of pole por
`tion 115. Manual crank 145 is coupled to gear and pulley
`system 143 so as to allow manual opening and closing of
`umbrella portion 113.
`Opening and closing system 140 may be automated by the
`inclusion of an electric screw driver motor 149, or other
`similar relatively small diameter motor assembly, and one or
`more operational switches 147. Motor 149 is preferably
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`disposed within the hollow interior of pole portion 115 and
`is coupled to gear and pulley system 143. Operational
`switches 147 are preferably carried by crank case 144, and
`include one or more switches for controlling the operation of
`motor 149. With the inclusion of motor 149, a user may
`expand and retract umbrella portion 113 simply by pressing
`the appropriate operational switch 147. This feature is
`particularly advantageous when used with large umbrellas
`which may be relatively heavy and awkward to operate, or
`when the user lacks sufficient strength to expand or retract
`umbrella portion 113.
`Umbrella apparatus 111 includes a power system 150
`having a power source 155. In this embodiment, power
`source 155 is preferably adapted to be conductively coupled
`to base portion 120 and comprises a rechargeable battery
`pack 155a, preferably an 18-Volt rechargeable battery pack.
`Battery pack 155a is preferably the type of rechargeable
`battery that is utilized with most modern cordless power
`tools, such as drills, saws, and sanders. Battery pack 155a is
`adapted to be repeatedly 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 power to lighting system 126 and open
`ing and closing system 140.
`In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
`invention, an alternative power system charger 162 may be
`provided. Alternate power system charger 162 includes at
`least one solar cell 135 carried by an upper cap portion 164.
`Solar cells 135 are conductively coupled to power system
`150 via wires (not shown) that pass through the hollow
`interior of pole portion 115, thereby allowing solar cells 135
`to provide an electrical charge to recharge rechargeable
`battery pack 155a, provided sunlight falls upon solar cells
`135. Because solar cells 135 provide continuous recharging
`throughout the daylight hours, the frequency with which
`battery pack 155a must be replaced or recharged may be
`minimized. It is important to note that locating alternate
`power system charger 162 atop umbrella portion 113 is
`unique and advantageous, particularly when alternate power
`system charger 162 includes solar cells 135 or other types of
`solar energy collectors. Such location limits the visibility of
`alternate power system charger 162 and ensures that solar
`energy collection is maximized.
`Stand portion 118 includes an upright shaft portion 170
`having a central aperture 172 that is adapted to receive the
`pole portion 115 of umbrella apparatus 111. A plurality of
`screw clamps 174 and 176 are provided to secure pole
`portion 115 within shaft portion 170. A bottom portion 146
`is provided to stabilize umbrella apparatus 111 while
`umbrella apparatus 111 is installed within stand portion 118.
`Base portion 120 includes a removable cylindrical sleeve
`156, a removable cover 160, and a receiver 168. Sleeve 156
`is configured to slip over the exterior of shaft portion 170,
`and includes a longitudinal slot 158 that allows access to
`screw clamps 174 and 176 when sleeve 156 is placed over
`shaft portion 170. Slot 158 also allows access to a connector
`166 disposed in the lower portion of pole portion 115 when
`sleeve 156 is placed over shaft portion 170. Connector 166
`is conductively coupled to the wires from alternate power
`system charger 162 and solar cells 135. Cover 160 is
`preferably concave in shape, thereby defining an interior
`space which may be used to house the electronics (not
`shown) of power system 150. Cover 160 may include one or
`more seams 163 that allow access to the interior space
`defined by cover 160. Receiver 168 releasably receives
`battery pack 155a. A wire 152 and plug 154 conductively
`couple battery pack 155a to connector 166, thereby provid
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1001, Page 15
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`US 6,612,713 B1
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`ing an electrical circuit between rechargeable battery pack
`155a and light strands 119, 121, 123, and 125 of lighting
`system 126.
`The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2A–2C is advanta
`geous over the prior art in that it provides a number of useful
`functions. Umbrella apparatus 111 is lighted by lighting
`system 126 which does not require continuous access to a
`conventional AC wall outlet, while providing high intensity
`light. This allows umbrella apparatus 111 to be placed in a
`relatively remote lawn or garden locations that are away
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`from, or substantially removed from, conventional AC
`power outlets. During daylight hours, solar cells 135 provide
`a continuous trickle charge to recharge rechargeable battery
`pack 155a, thereby reducing the frequency with which
`battery pack 155a must be replaced or recharged.
`Additionally, this embodiment is advantageous over the
`prior art in that conventional rechargeable battery packs,
`which are commonly used with cordless power tools, may be
`utilized. If battery pack 155a is insufficiently charged illu
`minate light strands 119, 121, 123, and 125 of light system
`126, the user may simply replace battery pack 155a with
`another fully charged battery pack 155a. In this manner,
`lighting system 126 of umbrella apparatus 111 may be
`energized conveniently, even though umbrella apparatus 111
`may be located extremely remotely from an AC power
`outlet, such as in a garden patio, or on a boat dock. In this
`embodiment, there is no need to use extension cords to
`charge an alternate power system charger.
`Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3C in the drawings, another
`embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this
`embodiment, an umbrella apparatus 211 includes an
`umbrella portion 213, a pole portion 215, a stand portion
`218, and a base portion 220 adapted to house a rechargeable
`power system 251. Umbrella apparatus 211 includes a
`lighting system 226 and may include a motorized opening
`and closing system 240. Umbrella portion 213 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 215, as is conventional. A flexible canopy
`217 is attached to and covers umbrella portion 215. Canopy
`217 is supported by a plurality of rib members 219, 221,223,
`and 225. Rib members 219,221,223, and 225 are preferably
`hingedly coupled to pole portion 215 at an upper portion of
`pole portion 215. An integral lighting system 226 is carried
`by at least one of rib members 219, 221, 223, or 225.
`Lighting system 226 provides high intensity light to
`umbrella apparatus 211 and the surrounding area. In the
`embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3C lighting system 226 prefer
`ably utilizes a cold cathode tube which will be described in
`greater detail herein.
`Lighting system 226 includes a plurality of light strands
`227, 229, 231, and 233 attached to rib members 219, 221,
`223, and 225. Each light strand 227, 229, 231, and 233
`includes electrical wiring 239 which conductively couples a
`plurality of small cold cathode tube light bulbs together for
`providing the high intensity light under canopy 217 and in
`the area surrounding umbrella apparatus 211. A wiring ring
`237 secures and locates electrical wiring 239 of light strands
`227, 229, 231, and 233, so that electrical wiring 239 may be
`passed through the hollow interior of pole portion 215 to a
`power source, as will be described in detail below.
`Umbrella apparatus 211 includes an optional opening and
`closing system 240 that aids in expanding umbrella portion
`213 into the open condition and retracting umbrella portion
`213 into the closed condition. Opening and closing system
`240 includes a cable system 241, a gear and pulley system
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`243 housed in a crank case 244, and a manual crank 245.
`Crank case 244 is preferably located on pole portion 215
`such that crank case 244 is accessible when umbrella portion
`213 is in the fully retracted position against pole portion 215.
`Cable system 241 is coupled between rib members 219, 221,
`223, and 225 and gear and pulley system 243, and is
`preferably disposed within the hollow interior of pole por
`tion 215. Manual crank 245 is coupled to gear and pulley
`system 243 so as to allow manual opening and closing of
`umbrella portion 213.
`Opening and closing system 240 may be automated by the
`inclusion of an electric screw driver motor 249, or other
`similar relatively small diameter motor assembly, and one or
`more operational switches 247. Motor 249 is preferably
`disposed within the hollow interior of pole portion 215 and
`is coupled to gear and pulley system 243. Operational
`switches 247 are preferably carried by crank case 244, and
`include one or more switches for controlling the operation of
`motor 249. With the inclusion of motor 249, a user may
`expand and retract umbrella portion 213 simply by pressing
`the appropriate operational switch 247. This feature is
`particularly advantageous when used with large umbrellas
`which may be relatively heavy and awkward to operate, or
`when the user lacks sufficient strength to expand or retract
`umbrella portion 213.
`Umbrella apparatus 211 includes a power system 250
`having a rechargeable power source 255. In this
`embodiment, power source 255 is preferably adapted to be
`conductively coupled to and hosed within base portion 220
`and comprises a bundle of rechargeable batteries 255a.
`Power system 250 provides electrical power to lighting
`system 226 and opening and closing system 240. An external
`power system charger and transformer 251 is electrically
`coupled to power system 250 to aid in repeatedly charging
`rechargeable batteries 255a. An extension cord 261 having
`terminals 265 allow external power system charger and
`transformer 251 to be plugged into a conventional AC wall
`outlet. This allows external power system charger and
`transformer 251 to receive power directly from a conven
`tional AC wall outlet in order to recharge rechargeable
`batteries 255a.
`In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
`invention, an alternative power system charg