United States Patent w -
`Rushing
`
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45]. Date of Patent:
`
`5,053,931
`Oct. 1, 1991
`
`[54] DIFFUSE PATIO LIGHTING
`ARRANGEMENT
`[76] Inventor: John A. Rushing, 1165 Tern Dr.,
`Palatine, Ill. 60067
`[21] Appl. No.: 566,487
`[22] Filed:
`Aug. 13, 1990
`
`[56]
`
`[51] Int. Cl." ......................'• * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * A45B 23/00
`
`[52] U.S. Cl. .................................... 362/102; 135/910;
`362/234; 362/249
`[58] Field of Search ............... 362/102, 227, 234, 249,
`362/252,253, 806; 135/DIG. 10, 910
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1,166,272 12/1915 Smithing ............................. 362/102
`2,087,537 7/1937 Finkel .................................. 362/102
`2,453,925 11/1948 Mendonca ..
`. 362/123 X
`3,036,206 5/1962 Holbrook ............................ 362/806
`3,313,929 4/1967 Schiavone ........................... 362/102
`3,723,723 3/1973 Lerner ............................ 362/249 X
`3,870,062 3/1975 Medlin ............................ 362/102 X
`4,079,344 3/1978 Lauben et al. .................. 439/106 X
`4,174,532 11/1979 Kelley ................................. 362/102
`
`
`
`4,848,385 7/1989 Pennella ................................ 135/16
`4,860,179 8/1989 Mui et al. ............................ 362/102
`Primary Examiner—Stephen F. Husar
`[57]
`ABSTRACT
`A lighting arrangement is provided that is generally
`useful for a variety of outdoor lighting applications and
`in particular on patio umbrellas. The lighting has a
`radial arrangement of the lights that extend from a cen
`tral connector box. The central connector box allows a
`multiplicity of light strings to emanate from a single
`power source. A diffuse and attractive light display is
`provided by the large number of small lights. A rain
`resistant cover over the central connector box protects
`against electrical shock. As an added safety feature the
`lighting arrangement will usually include a ground fault
`circuit interrupt device “GFCI” on a central power
`supply cord to prevent electrical shock. The ground
`fault interrupt is particularly advantageous when the
`lighting arrangement is located on conductive materi
`als.
`
`13 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1006, Page 1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Oct. 1, 1991
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`Sheet 1 of 3
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`5,053,931
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1006, Page 2
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`U.S. Patent
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`oil 1, 1991
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`she of s
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`5,053,931
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1006, Page 3
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1991
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`Sheet 3 of 3
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`5,053,931
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1006, Page 4
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`

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`1
`
`DIFFUSE PATIO LIGHTING ARRANGEMENT
`
`5
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`15
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`This invention relates to the use of miniature lights.
`More specifically this invention relates to the outdoor
`use of miniature lights in a radial arrangement that is
`suitable for the illumination of an outdoor patio um
`brella.
`10
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
`Many homes and outdoor entertainment areas have
`table arrangements with overhead patio umbrellas that
`are used to shade the sun during the day. Attempts have
`been made to illuminate these umbrellas at night by the
`use of different lighting arrangements. Such prior art
`arrangements include garden umbrellas and patio um
`brellas as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,087,537 issued to
`Finkel and U.S. Pat. No. 4,174,532 issued to Kelley.
`20
`Both Finkel and Kelley show the use of three or four
`incandescent bulbs underneath the top and in the center
`of a garden umbrella to illuminate the area under the
`umbrella. U.S. Pat. No. 3,313,929 issued to Schiavone
`shows a lawn or beach umbrella having a fluorescent
`25
`light located in the center support pole to illuminate the
`area underneath the umbrella. A pavilion umbrella,
`shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,870,062 issued to Medlin, is
`similar to Finkel and Kelley in that it uses central incan
`descent lighting to provide illumination of the umbrella.
`Medlin is different, however, in that it includes a lower
`translucent cover that hides the ribs and retracting
`mechanism of the umbrella. All of these umbrella con
`figurations are characterized by relatively concentrated
`light that has the aforementione disadvantage of attract
`ing bugs and insects.
`35
`Another important consideration in the design of
`lighting systems for outdoor use in structures such as
`patio umbrellas is the hazard of electrical shock. Such
`umbrellas are usually left outside and can become wet.
`Electrically conductive material are usually used in the
`40
`construction of such patio umbrellas. The use of house
`hold electric current to illuminate the umbrellas can
`shock someone who comes in contact with improperly
`grounded parts of the umbrella, umbrella base, or other
`structures from which the umbrella is supported such as
`a metal table and chair set. In most of the prior art patio
`light arrangements that use only a few light bulbs, each
`light can be effectively insulated to prevent electrical
`shock. Protecting against electrical shock becomes
`more difficult as the number of lights that are used to
`50
`illuminate the umbrella increases.
`Other lighting arrangements for umbrellas that use a
`number of small incandescent light can be found on
`hand held hand held umbrellas. U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,385
`issued to Pennella shows a hand umbrella with a battery
`55
`operated light at the top of the center stick of the um
`brella. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,860,179 issued to Muiet. al. and
`U.S. Pat. No. 1,166,272 issued to Smithing show battery
`operated lights in a hand umbrella at the top and bottom
`of the umbrella stick and at the ends of the umbrella
`support ribs. The battery operated systems of these
`umbrella and the limited lighting provided by the small
`lights is unsuitable for the illumination of patio type
`umbrellas.
`Arrays of miniature lights that use household current
`to provide a substantial amount of illumination are also
`known. Such lighting arrangements have been disclosed
`for use as Christmas tree decorations. U.S. Pat. No.
`
`5,053,931
`2
`3,723,723 issued to Lerner shows a miniature Christmas
`tree light arrangement having a plurality of light strings
`arranged with individual lights in series and all of the
`stings connected in parallel to a central connection
`block. Another arrangement of multiple strings of
`Christmas tree lights is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,453,925
`issued to Mendonca. The arrangement of Mendonca
`teaches the electrical connection of the light strings to
`central connector plates which are also connected to a
`household power cord. The only use described for these
`light arrangements is on indoor Christmas trees.
`It is an object of this 'invention to provide outdoor
`illumination that is sufficiently diffuse to prevent the
`attraction of bugs and insects and designed to prevent
`shock when mounted on electrically conductive struc
`tures such as patio furniture.
`A more specific object of this invention is to provide
`a method and lighting arrangement for the illumination
`of patio or lawn type umbrellas that provides diffuse
`light an does not pose a risk of electrical shock.
`It is a further object of this invention to provide an
`attractive and unusual method of illuminating patio and
`lawn type umbrellas.
`A yet further object of this invention is to provide a
`lighting arrangement that is readily added to a patio or
`lawn type umbrella and will provide diffuse light with
`out the hazard of electrical shock.
`Yet another object of this invention is to provide a
`connector arrangement that facilities connection of
`individual light strings in parallel to a common electri
`cal power source.
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`This invention is an array of miniature lights that
`consists of separate strands of lights that are connected
`in parallel to an ordinary household electrical outlet
`through a power cord and a water resistant central
`connection box. The multiple strings provide a large
`number of miniature lights that are sufficient in number
`to provide illumination, but still diffuse enough to avoid
`the concentrated light source that will attract insects.
`The water resistant central connection box minimizes
`the risk of electrical shock from exposure of the light
`array to the elements. Electrical shock hazard can be
`further reduced by the use of ground fault interrupt
`circuit “GFCI” in the power cord. A particularly bene
`ficial use of the light array is underneath a patio or lawn
`umbrella where the light strands are secured to the ribs
`of the umbrella. Use of the system underneath the um
`brella provides diffuse and pleasing illumination while
`the design of the array prevents the hazard of electrical
`shock.
`Accordingly, in one aspect this invention is a lighting
`apparatus designed for outdoor use in a radially extend
`ing pattern. The lighting apparatus has a power supply
`cord for an electrical outlet, a plurality of miniature
`light strings with the lights in each string connected in
`a series circuit, and a central connection box having
`means for electrically connecting each of the light
`strings in parallel to the power supply cord. The central
`connection box includes a cover having water impervi
`ous sides and a water impervious top.
`In another embodiment this invention is a lighting
`apparatus for outdoor use in a patio umbrella having
`radially extending ribs for supporting a covering mate
`rial. The apparatus includes a power supply cord for an
`central outlet and a plurality of miniature light strings
`
`30
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1006, Page 5
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`15
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`brella.
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`5,053,931
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`4
`with the lights in each string connected in a series cir
`arrangement include a central connector box 10, a plu
`cuit. Means are provided for securing individual light
`rality of wires 12 for light strings that extend from the
`strings along the length of individual ribs of said um
`central connector box and have miniature lights 14
`brella. A central connection bºx is also provided having
`wired thereto, and a single power cord 16 that supplies
`means for electrically connecting each of said light 5
`power to the central connector. Enough lights are pro
`strings in parallel with said power supply cord and a
`vided in each string to provide a spacing of approxi
`cover having water impervious sides and a water imper
`mately four to eight inches between miniature lights.
`vious top. Means are also provided for securing said
`The power cord is connected to an ordinary household
`central connection box to a center support for said um
`electrical outlet by the two prong plug 18. Manual reset
`and test buttons 20 are part of the GFCI circuit. Plug 18
`10
`In yet another embodiment this invention is a patio
`has a GFCI incorporated therein. The box connector
`umbrella arrangement for providing diffuse light com
`can supply power to a large number of light strings.
`prising: a patio umbrella having a center support, a
`Typically there will be from 8 to 12 strings of lights
`plurality of ribs extending radially outward from an
`connected to the central connector.
`upper section of the center support, and a covering
`When installed central connector box 10 is located in
`material supported by the ribs; a string of miniature
`a vertical position as shown in FIG. 1. All of the light
`strings 12 and the power cord 16 enter through the
`lights connected in a series circuit secured to and ex
`tending along each rib; a power supply cord for an
`bottom of the central connector 10. Connector 10 also
`has water impervious sides and a water impervious top.
`electrical outlet; and, a central connection box secured
`to the center support having means for electrically con
`Together the water impervious sides and top, and con
`20
`necting each of the light strings in parallel with the
`nection of the box connector wiring through its bottom
`power supply cord and a cover having water impervi
`keeps precipitation out of the connector and makes the
`ous sides and a water impervious top.
`lighting arrangement water resistant. In addition it is
`preferred that the box connector be made from materi
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`als that are resistant to ultra violet radiation, flame retar
`25
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the power cord, cen
`dant and able to withstand impact at temperatures of
`less that minus twenty degrees centigrade. Accordingly
`tral connector box and a portion of the light strands for
`the lighting arrangement of this invention.
`with these properties the lighting arrangement is suit
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lighting arrange
`able for use in most outdoor applications.
`The lighting arrangement is particularly suited for
`ment of this invention on an outdoor patio umbrella
`30
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a patio
`use under an outdoor patio umbrella. Application of the
`umbrella and portion of the light arrangement of this
`lighting arrangement to such and umbrella is shown in
`invention showing the connector box mounted under
`FIG. 2. The patio umbrella has a central support pole 22
`for the umbrella that is in turn supported from a central
`neath the umbrella.
`FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of FIG. 3
`stand 24 and a table 26 through which the pole extends.
`35
`A set of ribs 28 extend radially from the top of support
`showing the connector box of this invention and the
`umbrella support pole.
`pole 22, Ribs 28 support a covering material 30 that
`FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the connector box of
`extends over the top of the umbrella.
`FIG. 4 taken along line 5–5 and showing one face of a
`The central connector box 10 is mounted to the um
`terminal block therein.
`.
`brella at the top of support pole 22. The connector box
`40
`is located at the top of the support pole to prevent inter
`FIG. 6 is a view of the opposite face of the terminal
`block of FIG. 5.
`ference of the central connector box with the ribs and
`FIG. 7 is a plan view of a connector bus removed
`resulting damage to the lights, ribs, or connector box
`from the connector box of FIG. 5.
`when the umbrella is retracted. For most installations
`the central connector is located approximately three
`FIG. 8 is a side view of the connector bus of FIG. 7. 45
`FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a shield used that
`inches form the top of the umbrella. The central con
`covers the wiring and terminals in the connector box.
`nector can be attached to the support pole by any
`method that will leave it securely mounted thereon.
`FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the connector box of
`FIG. 4 with the power cord and wires removed.
`Usually a double sided adhesive strip between the con
`nector and the support pole will provide a suitable at
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`tachment.
`INVENTION
`The power cord 16 extends from the central connec
`The lighting arrangement of this invention is gener
`tor 10 down support pole 22 and through the center
`ally useful for a variety of outdoor lighting applications.
`hole in table 26 to the bottom of the umbrella base. In
`Safety and convenience are provided by the radial ar
`order to fit the bulky plug through the center hole in the
`55
`rangement of the lights. The central connector box
`table the support pole is removed form the table and
`allows a multiplicity of light strings to emanate from a
`replaced after the cord has been passed through the
`single power source. A diffuse and attractive light dis
`hole. Some umbrellas use a center support ring that the
`play is provided by the large number of small lights.
`borders the hole in the table for the support pole. Addi
`tional clearance for the power cord can be obtained by
`The rain resistant cover of the central connector box
`60
`protects against electrical shock. As an added safety
`cutting a small section in the ring. The power cord can
`feature the lighting arrangement will usually include a
`then be extended through the cutout portion of the
`“GFCI” on a central power supply cord to prevent
`support ring. If the center hole of the table is to small to
`electrical shock. The ground fault interrupt is particu
`accommodate the power cord 16 in addition to the
`larly advantageous when the lighting arrangement is
`support pole 22, the power cord may be draped over the
`table. Preferably cord 16 is kept relatively short so that
`located on conductive materials.
`The overall form of the lighting arrangement is
`plug 18 will hang one to two feet below the ground
`shown in part by FIG. 1. Basic elements of the lighting
`when the light set is installed in the umbrella or other
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`to taking up slack from the wires, channels 44 allow the
`overhead structures. Since an extension cord will usu
`wires to be more neatly and safely retained on the sides
`ally be used to connect the plug 18 with a household
`electrical supply, the short length of cord 16 will keep
`of cover 36.
`All of the sides of cover 36 and the top 48 of cover 36
`the end of cord 16 out of any standing water.
`are impervious to moisture penetration. In the illus
`Individual strands of wire 12 and lights 14 extend
`trated embodiment of this invention the cover is molded
`down the length of ribs 28 and attached thereto. Al
`in a single section to provide the sealed top and sides.
`though it is not essential for the use of the lighting ar
`The top 48 has pitched borders 50 to drain water from
`rangement, it is preferable that the individual strings of
`the top of the cover. Providing the cover with water
`lights will have enough length to extend to the end of
`impermeable sides and top shields the inner terminal
`the umbrella ribs 28. Therefore, in most applications the
`10
`lights will have more length than is needed to extend to
`block from moisture.
`The outer cover is sectioned along lines 5–5 to pro
`the end of the ribs. When the length of the strings ex
`ceed the rib length, the light string length is easily ad
`vide a view of the terminal block 52 as shown in FIG.
`5. Overall the terminal block is rectangular in shape and
`justed by gently twisting the end of the light string until
`slides into a rectangular central cavity of cover 36.
`its length matches that of the umbrella rib. Adjusting
`Preferably the terminal block will lock into place within
`the light strings in this manner automatically maintains
`the cover after its assembly. Locking of the terminal
`a relatively uniform light spacing along the rib.
`block into the cover is provided by ramps 54 along the
`The strings of lights may be attached to the ribs and
`surface of the cover inner cavity that engage and coop
`the power cord may be attached to the central support
`pole by any method. Preferably the light strings and
`erate with slots 56 on the side of the terminal block 52.
`20
`As the assembled terminal block is slid fully into place
`power cord are attached to the ribs and support pole
`within the cover cavity the ramps 54 are deflected out
`respectively by plastic zip ties 32, other similar light
`gauge strapping or specially designed clips. The power
`of the way of the top of terminal block 52 and engage
`the tops of slots 56 to prevent removal of the cover
`cord should be strapped to the support pole at several
`from the terminal block. The relatively permanent in
`locations to prevent the cord from interfering with the
`25
`sertion of the terminal bloc into the cover preserves the
`operation of the umbrella or becoming entangled by
`integrity of the wiring located therein.
`those using the umbrella. On each rib, the light strings
`Wiring of the terminal block connects the power
`are secured to the beginning and end of each rib and at
`cord 16 with the wires 12 of the light strings. In the
`several points along the length of the rib.
`practice of this invention any method can be used to
`The use of zip ties for the attachment of the light
`attach the power cord to the light strings within a
`strings and power cord may be seen in more detail in
`closed central connection box. The only essential re
`FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of the central
`quirements for the wiring and wiring connections at the
`connector box and a central attachment ring 34 that
`central connection box is that all wiring extend from the
`retains the ribs of the umbrella. Below the central con
`bottom of the central connector box and the connection
`nector box 10 the power cord 16 is secured to the sup
`35
`between the leads be secure and relatively permanent.
`port pole 22 by a zip tie 32. Each of the individual light
`In this specific embodiment the power cord 16 extends
`strings that extend outward from the central connector
`into the center of the terminal block 52 through sleeve
`box are secured to the ribs by a zip tie 32 at a location
`38. Sleeve 38 communicates with a central passageway
`proximate the central attachment ring 34. The light
`that extends through the center of the terminal block
`string is positioned such that the first light in each string
`and directs the power cord to the interior of the termi
`is located near the attachment ring 34. Any additional
`nal block. A supply lead 62 and neutral lead 64 of the
`length of wire that is left between the first light of each
`power cord are separated and extended to outer faces
`light string and the central connector can be taken up
`on opposite sides of the terminal block. Both faces op
`by looping the wire through storage channels on the
`posing faces of the terminal block are similar in design
`side of the connector box.
`45
`to face 60 which is shown in FIG. 5 and representative
`The light arrangement is designed for a relatively
`thereof. Face 60 has a labyrinth path through which
`permanent installation. Whether the umbrella is ex
`lead 64 extends. Lead 64 is connected to the all the
`tended or retracted, the connector box. 10 can remain in
`neutral leads of wires 12 so that half of all the wires in
`place. The light strings also remain firmly fixed to the
`the light strings ar connected through a single connec
`ribs of the umbrella. Therefore, once the light arrange
`50
`tor bus 66. Lead 64 is electrically connected to connec
`ment is put up on an umbrella, it stays up.
`tor bus 66 by crimping, soldering or any suitable
`A more thorough appreciation of the preferred form
`method such as a pin and eye terminal. Passage of the
`of the central connector box including the storage chan
`lead 66 through the labyrinth path prevents tension on
`nels can be gained from FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows the outer
`the power cord from pulling lead 64 away from connec
`cover 36 of the central connector box and a sleeve
`tor bus 66 and out of the terminal block.
`portion 38 of a terminal block that is located therein.
`Another face 53 of terminal block 52 opposite to face
`Outer cover 36 is attached to the support pole 22 by an
`60, is shown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6 the terminal block 52
`adhesive strip (not shown) in the manner previously
`is removed from the terminal block cover 36. FIG. 6
`described. An arcuate surface 40 is formed on the back
`shows supply lead 62 extending through a having a eye
`of the cover to facilitate its attachment to a round sup
`terminal in the form of a ring connector crimped to its
`port pole. A pair of wing type members 42 extend out
`end. A post 57 extends outward from face 53 and retains
`from opposite sides of cover 36 to form a wire storage
`ring connector 55. A fuse in the form of wire 59 electri
`channel 44 along two sides of the cover 36. A gap be
`cally connects ring connector 55 with a terminal bus 61.
`tween each pair of members 42 forms a slot 46. (Addi
`The fuse arrangement on face 53 is of a relatively per
`tional details of surface 40 and channels 44 are shown in
`65
`manent nature due to the use of the previously de
`FIG. 10.) Wires 12 for the light strings extend from the
`scribed ramps that lock that terminal block into the
`bottom of the central connector box 10 and can be fed
`cover; however it is also possible to design a removal
`through slot 46 for retention in channel 44. In addition
`
`40
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`when the pair of covers 78 are put in place on the termi
`terminal block and use a replaceable fuse within the
`terminal block.
`nal block.
`FIG. 10 shows how the arcuate cut outs 86 partially
`An especially useful form of connector bus 66, 61 is
`shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. This type of connector bus
`surround sleeve 38 when the central connector is assem
`bled with the shields in place. In the preferred form of
`extends transversely across the bottom of the terminal
`this invention lips 84 form a slot 87 through which wires
`block. The transverse length of the connector bus
`12 extend out of the central connector box. By having
`across the bottom of the terminal block allows wires to
`the lip extend inward past the terminal block, the lip 84
`be spaced across the entire bottom of the terminal block
`provides a bent path for the wires 12 as they extend out
`to accommodate a large number of light strings. Slots 68
`of the central connector. This bent path relieves any
`on opposing ends of the terminal block retain the ends
`force that might be placed on terminal connector 70 and
`of the connector bus to hold it securely within the ter
`the wire jacketing to prevent wires 12 from being pulled
`minal block.
`out of the central connector.
`Connector bus 66 and connector terminals 70 for the
`The description of this invention in the context of the
`wires 12 are shown in more detail in FIG. 7. The con
`specific embodiment of the drawings is not meant to
`15
`nector bus 66 consists of a long flat plate section 72. A
`limit the invention to the details shown therein. The
`multiplicity of clips 73 are attached to the lower side of
`central connector and light arrangement can be de
`the plate 72 and act resiliently against the plate. The
`signed in variety of ways that utilize the general con
`clips are spaced apart to provide room for insertion of
`cepts of this invention and the claims of this invention
`the connector terminals therebetween. In preferred
`are meant to encompass all such variations.
`20
`form, the clips 73 are an integral part of the base mate
`I claim:
`rial of connector bus 66. In the embodiment of FIG. 7
`1. Alighting apparatus for outdoor use in a radially
`the clips 73 are cut from the base material of plate 72
`extending pattern, said apparatus comprising:
`and folded over into resilient contact therewith. The
`a) a power supply cord for a central outlet;
`terminal bus and clips are formed from a ductile con
`b) a plurality of miniature light strings with each
`25
`ductive material such as brass. The connector terminal
`string containing at least five miniature lights con
`70 consists of an end plate 76 and a crimp connector 74.
`nected in a series circuit; and,
`Crimp connector 74 electrically and mechanically con
`c) a central connection box having means for electri
`nects wire 12 to the terminal connector 70. The connec
`cally connecting each of said light strings in paral
`tion between the wires and the connector bus is made
`lel with said power supply cord, a cover cooperat
`30
`by sliding connector terminal 70 downward so that a
`ing with the central connection box, said cover
`crimp connector 74 extends in the gap between the clips
`having water impervious sides and a water imper
`73 and at least the outer edges of plates 76 are held by
`vious top, and side channels for collecting said
`adjacent clips. FIG. 8 shows a 'side view of connector
`storing a portion of the wire from each string.
`bus 66 with the end plate 76 of connector terminal 70 is
`2. The lighting apparatus of claim 1 wherein said
`35
`held between plate section 72 and clips 73. Each con
`power cord includes a ground fault circuit interrupt
`nector bus can retain a large number of terminal con
`device.
`nectors. For this purpose several terminal connectors
`3. A lighting apparatus for outdoor use in a patio
`can be place on top of each other and retained by the
`umbrella having radially extending ribs for supporting a
`same pair of clips 74. The force of the clips 74 acting
`covering material thereon, said apparatus comprising:
`against the end plate 76 will in most cases keep the clips
`a) a power supply cord for a central outlet;
`firmly secured in the connector bus. If desired, the
`b) a plurality of miniature light strings with the lights
`terminal connectors can be more firmly secured into the
`in each string connected in a series circuit;
`connector bus by soldering the plate connectors in
`c) means for securing individual light strings along
`place or providing a locking tab (not shown) at the top
`the length of individual ribs of said umbrella;
`of the connector bus to hold the terminal connector in
`d) a central connection box having means for electri
`place after insertion into the terminal bus.
`cally connecting each of said light strings in paral
`Following connection of the wires 12 to the connec
`lel with said power supply cord and a cover that
`tor bus 66, the connector bus is retained, as previously,
`cooperates with said central connection box, said
`described in the terminal block 52. When all the wiring
`cover having water impervious sides and a water
`50
`is in place the face 60 of the terminal block is covered by
`impervious top; and,
`a shield 78 as shown in FIG. 9. Each face 60 of the
`e) means for securing said central connection box to a
`terminal block is covered with a shield before the termi
`center support for said umbrella.
`nal block is inserted into central connector cover 36.
`4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said central con
`The majority of the shield consists of a flat piece of
`nection box has an upright position and said power
`55
`weather proof and electrically insulting material that
`supply cord and said light strings communicate with the
`fits between the terminal block 52 and the terminal
`interior of said central connection box through the bot
`cover 36. The shield is held in place on the cover by a
`tom of said central connection box.
`set of slots 80 in the top of shield 78 that cooperate with
`5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the said central
`corresponding lugs 82 on the terminal block 52 that
`connection box has side channels for collecting and
`extend outward therefrom. Lugs 82 and slots 80 posi
`storing a portion of the wire from each string.
`tion the shield such that a lip 84 is disposed at the bot
`6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said central con
`tom of the terminal block. When in place on the termi
`nection box includes a pair of connector buses in electri
`nal block, Lip 84 extends inwardly from the outside of
`cal connection with the leads of said power cord and
`the terminal block and aids in enclosing the interior of
`electrically connected to said light strings.
`65
`the central connector box and preserving the connec
`7. Apparatus of claim 6 wherein said light strings
`tion of wires 12 to the terminal block. An arcuate cut
`have leads that terminate in plate connectors and said
`out 86 is
`Ovided in lip 84 to cooperate with sleeve 38
`connector bus comprises an elongate conductive strip
`
`45
`
`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1006, Page 8
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`

`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`5,053,931
`10
`12. A lighting apparatus for outdoor use in a radially
`of resilient material that forms a plurality of spaced
`extending pattern, said apparatus comprising:
`apart clips for retaining said plate connectors.
`a) a power supply word for a central outlet;
`8. Apparatus of claim 7 wherein said central connec
`b) a plurality of miniature light strings with each
`tion box comprises an outer cover, an inner terminal
`string containing at least five miniature lights con
`bock retaining said plate connectors, sand means for
`nected in a series circuit and said light strings hav
`retaining a terminal end of said power cord within said
`ing leads that terminate in plate connectors;
`central connection box.
`c) a central connection box having means for electri
`9. Apparatus of claim 8 wherein said power cord
`cally connecting each of said light strings in paral
`includes a ground fault circuit interrupt device.
`10. A patio umbrella arrangement for providing dif
`lel with said power supply cord and a cover coop
`fuse light comprising:
`erating with said central connection box, said
`cover having water impervious sides and water
`a) a patio umbrella having a center support, a plural
`impervious top; and,
`ity of ribs extending radially outward from an
`(d) a pair of connector buses in said central connec
`upper section of said center support, and a cover
`tion box arranged in electrical connection with the
`ing material supported by said ribs;
`leads of said power co