Patent Application
20190338837
Umbrellas, parasols, shading systems, lighting systems and voice-activated hubs (all of which may be referred to as shading devices) may utilize arms, blades and/or a frame along with shading fabric to provide to cover individuals standing beneath or in an area covered by the shading device. Prior art systems utilized threaded nuts and a collared frame extension or expansion assembly to expand or retract arms or blades and/or frames to open and/or closed positions. However, such prior art systems take up a lot of space and have a number of linkage assemblies that may lead to pieces malfunctioning or being broken more easily.
The following detailed description and provides a better understanding of the features and advantages of the inventions described in the present disclosure in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein. Although the detailed description includes many specific embodiments, these are provided by way of example only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the inventions disclosed herein.
In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of claimed subject matter. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, systems and/or configurations are set forth, for example. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art having benefit of this disclosure that claimed subject matter may be practiced without specific details. In other instances, well-known features may be omitted and/or simplified so as not to obscure claimed subject matter. While certain features have been illustrated and/or described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes and/or equivalents may occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that appended claims are intended to cover any and all modifications and/or changes as fall within claimed subject matter.
References throughout this specification to one implementation, an implementation, one embodiment, embodiments, an embodiment and/or the like means that a particular feature, structure, and/or characteristic described in connection with a particular implementation and/or embodiment is included in at least one implementation and/or embodiment of claimed subject matter. Thus, appearances of such phrases, for example, in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily intended to refer to the same implementation or to any one particular implementation described. Furthermore, it is to be understood that particular features, structures, and/or characteristics described are capable of being combined in various ways in one or more implementations and, therefore, are within intended claim scope, for example. In general, of course, these and other issues vary with context. Therefore, particular context of description and/or usage provides helpful guidance regarding inferences to be drawn.
Likewise, in this context, the terms “coupled”, “connected,” and/or similar terms are used generically. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms. Rather, “connected” is used generically to indicate that two or more components, for example, are in direct physical, including electrical, contact; while, “coupled” is used generically to mean that two or more components are potentially in direct physical, including electrical, contact; however, “coupled” is also used generically to also mean that two or more components are not necessarily in direct contact, but nonetheless are able to co-operate and/or interact. The term “coupled” is also understood generically to mean indirectly connected, for example, in an appropriate context. In a context of this application, if signals, instructions, and/or commands are transmitted from one component (e.g., a controller or processor) to another component (or assembly), it is understood that messages, signals, instructions, and/or commands may be transmitted directly to a component, or may pass through a number of other components on a way to a destination component. For example, a signal transmitted from a motor controller or processor to a motor (or other driving assembly) may pass through glue logic, an amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog converter, another controller and/or processor, and/or an interface. Similarly, a signal communicated through a misting system may pass through an air conditioning and/or a heating module, and a signal communicated from any one or a number of sensors to a controller and/or processor may pass through a conditioning module, an analog-to-digital controller, and/or a comparison module, and/or a number of other electrical assemblies and/or components.
The terms, “and”, “or”, “and/or” and/or similar terms, as used herein, include a variety of meanings that also are expected to depend at least in part upon the particular context in which such terms are used. Typically, “or” if used to associate a list, such as A, B or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, here used in the inclusive sense, as well as A, B or C, here used in the exclusive sense. In addition, the term “one or more” and/or similar terms is used to describe any feature, structure, and/or characteristic in the singular and/or is also used to describe a plurality and/or some other combination of features, structures and/or characteristics.
Likewise, the term “based on,” “based, at least in part on,” and/or similar terms (e.g., based at least in part on) are understood as not necessarily intending to convey an exclusive set of factors, but to allow for existence of additional factors not necessarily expressly described. Of course, for all of the foregoing, particular context of description and/or usage provides helpful guidance regarding inferences to be drawn. It should be noted that the following description merely provides one or more illustrative examples and claimed subject matter is not limited to these one or more illustrative examples; however, again, particular context of description and/or usage provides helpful guidance regarding inferences to be drawn.
It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to such signals as bits, data, values, elements, symbols, numbers, numerals or the like, and that these are conventional labels. Unless specifically stated otherwise, it is appreciated that throughout this specification discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining” or the like may refer to actions or processes of a specific apparatus, such as a special purpose computer or a similar special purpose electronic computing device (e.g., such as a balcony shading and power system processor, controller and/or computing device). In the context of this specification, therefore, a special purpose computer or a similar special purpose electronic computing device (e.g., a balcony shading and power system processor, controller and/or computing device) is capable of manipulating or transforming signals (electronic and/or magnetic) in memories (or components thereof), other storage devices, transmission devices sound reproduction devices, and/or display devices.
In an embodiment, a controller and/or a processor typically performs a series of instructions resulting in data manipulation. In an embodiment, a microcontroller or microprocessor may be a compact microcomputer designed to govern the operation of embedded systems in electronic devices, e.g., a balcony shading and power system processor, controller and/or computing device or single board computers, and various other electronic and mechanical devices coupled thereto or installed thereon. Microcontrollers may include processors, microprocessors, and other electronic components.
In some embodiments, a shading device 100 may comprise one or more processor or microcontroller assemblies 150. In embodiments, the one or more processors or microcontroller assemblies 150 may comprise a system on a chip, where the system on a chip may comprise one or more processors or microcontrollers, one or more memory devices, and/or computer-readable instructions executable by the one or more processors to perform certain actions. In some embodiments, the one or more processor or microcontroller assemblies 150 may comprise one or more microprocessors or controllers 154. In some embodiments, the one or more microprocessors or controllers 154 may be an ARM microprocessor, an AMD microprocessor, and/or an Intel microprocessor. In some embodiments, the one or more processor or microcontroller assemblies 150 may comprise a low-power PAN transceiver 151 (e.g., a low power Bluetooth transceiver (e.g., a BLE module) and/or a wireless local area network transceiver 152 (e.g., a WiFi transceiver for example at 1.2 and/or 2.4 Gigahertz WiFi transceiver). In some embodiments, the one or more processor or microcontroller assemblies 150 also may include a Controller Area Network (CAN) controller 153 (which may also be an ANT controller). In some embodiments, the one or more processors may be cellular transceivers, e.g., cellular transceivers including 3G, 4G or 5G wireless communication protocols. In some embodiments, the one or more processor or microcontroller assemblies 150 may utilize a CAN bus and/or ANT bus to communicate with devices within the assemblies 150 and/or with other devices, assemblies and/or components in the shading device 100. In embodiments, the one or more processor or microcontroller assemblies 150 may also comprise a clock device 155. In embodiments, the clock device 155 may comprise a real time clock. In embodiments, the clock device 155 may not be installed or be resident on the one or more processor or microcontroller assemblies 150. In embodiments, the one or more processor or microcontroller assembly 150 may be a Libre system-on-chip processor. In embodiments, the one or more processor or microcontroller assembly 150 may be a Nordic Semiconductor NRF42832 system-on-a-chip.
In some embodiments, the computer-readable instructions may be executable by one or more processors 154 in the one or more processor or microcontroller assemblies 150 to communicate with the one or more motor systems or subassemblies 140, the one or more lighting systems or assemblies 130, the one orm or more voltage regulators 175, and/or the one or more audio systems 180. In some embodiments, a mobile computing device (e.g., mobile phone, tablet, wearable computing device, etc.) may communicate instructions, commands and/or messages with the one or more processors 154 utilizing the one or more low-power PAN transceiver 151 and/or the one or more wireless LAN (or WiFi) transceivers 152 which are then communicated to the other components, assemblies and/or devices in the shading device 100.
In some embodiments, one or more buttons 160 may be pressed and/or activated which may send a signal and/or command to the one or more processor or microcontroller assembly 150 to have the shading device 100 perform certain actions (such as activating and/or deactivating certain components and/or assemblies (e.g., one or more lighting systems or assemblies 130 and/or one or more motor systems and/or assemblies 140). In some embodiments, one or more buttons 160 may communicate commands or messages to activate or deactivate one or more of the PAN transceiver 151, the WiFi transceiver 152, the microprocessor or controller 154 and/or the memory devices (e.g., to take the shading device out of a sleep state). In some embodiments, only certain components or transceivers may be activated.
In some embodiments, one or more wind sensors 170 may monitor wind speed in an environment surrounding the shading device 100. In embodiments, the one or more wind sensors 170 may communicate a wind speed measurement to the one or more processor or microcontroller assemblies 150. In embodiments, the computer-readable instructions executable by one or more processors 154 in the processor or microcontroller assembly 150 may receive the wind speed measurement, compare the received wind speed measurement to a threshold value, and if the received wind speed measurement is over the threshold value, communicate instructions, messages, commands and/or signals to the motor system 140 to cause the motor system to retract the arm or blade assemblies from an open position to a storage or retracted position. In some embodiments, this protects a shading device 100 from potentially tipping over due to high winds. In some embodiments, the one or more wind sensors 170 may include computer-readable instructions and/or a processor (or similar circuitry) to determine whether or not the captured wind speed measurement is greater than a threshold measurement. If the one or more wind sensors (along the processor and computer-readable instructions (or circuitry)) determines the captured wind speed measurement is greater than the threshold value, the one or more wind sensors 170 may communicate a signal, command, message or instruction to the one or more processors 154, via a bus. In response, computer-readable instructions executable by the one or more processors 154 may communicate instructions, messages, commands and/or signals to the motor system 140 to cause the motor system 140 to retract the arm or blade assemblies to a closed position.
In some embodiments, one or more motor systems 140 may be utilized to retract and/or open one or more arms or blades (and/or a frame system) along with associated shading fabric to provide shade or protection to users, operators and/or devices being protected by the shading device 100. In embodiments, the one or more motor systems 140 may include a rack gear assembly, which may be described in detail later, a cable assembly, which may be described in detail later, and/or a threaded rod or bolt to expand and/or retract the arms, blades or frame. In the embodiment illustrated in
In some embodiments, the shading device 100 may comprise one or more lighting systems or assemblies 130. In some embodiments, the one or more lighting assemblies may be installed on a center support assembly, arm support assemblies and/or arms of the shading device. In embodiments, the one or more processors and/or microcontrollers 154 may communicate instructions, commands, signals and/or messages via a bus (e.g., a CAN bus) to the one or more lighting systems or assemblies 130 to activate and/or deactivate the lighting assemblies 130. In embodiments, the one or more lighting assemblies 130 may be dimmable or may have adjustable settings. In some embodiments, the one or more lighting assemblies 130 may be synchronized to music being played or reproduced via the audio system 180. In embodiments, the instructions, commands, signals or messages that request or control lighting system synchronization with audio being played or that request dimming or adjusting of the lighting assemblies 130 may be communicated from the one or more processors 150 in the one or more microprocessor or microcontroller assemblies 150. In some embodiments, the one or more lighting assemblies 130 may comprises a lighting controller and/or one or more lighting elements. In some embodiments, the one or more lighting elements 130 may be LED light bulbs, fluorescent light bulbs or filament-based light bulbs. In embodiments, the one or more lighting assemblies 130 may be integrated into the one or more arms or blades of the shading device.
In some embodiments, an audio system 180 may comprise an additional PAN transceiver 182, one or more amplifiers 183 and/or one or more speaker assemblies 184. In addition, the audio system may comprise a radiator device 186 to enhance audio reproduction of transferred or streamed audio files. In embodiments, the additional PAN transceiver 182 may be a BlueTooth (BT) transceiver, a Zigbee transceiver and/or other PAN transceiver. By having an additional PAN transceiver 182, an advantage is provided over prior art shading devices because additional direct communications may be communicated to the audio system 180 without passing through one or more processor or microcontroller assembly 150. This may allow faster playing and/or streaming of music to the audio system 180 in the shading device 100. In some embodiments, the use of a PAN transceiver 152 in the one or more processor or microcontroller assemblies 150 may allow communication to another assembly, component or device (e.g., motor assembly 140 or lighting assembly 130 within the shading device) while there is communication of or streaming of audio files through the PAN transceiver 182 in the audio system or assembly 180 (e.g., at approximately the same time). In some embodiments, this may allow for more efficient operation of a shading device 100. In embodiments, streamed and/or downloaded audio files may be communicated through the additional PAN transceiver 182 to the one or more amplifiers 183 and then to the one or more audio speakers 184.
In some embodiments, power (e.g., voltage and/or current) may be supplied to different components and/or assemblies of the shading device 100. In embodiments, different DC voltages may need to be supplied to different components, devices and/or assemblies of the shading device. In embodiments, some components, devices or assemblies may utilize 12 to 14 Volts DC as an input voltage, whereas other components, device or assemblies may utilize 3.3 to 5 volts DC as an input voltage. In embodiments, the battery management assembly 115 may transfer power to devices that require 12 to 14 Volts DC through a power bus that is separate from a CAN bus. In some embodiments, the battery management assembly 115 may transfer power to one or more voltage regulators 175 and the one or more voltage regulators 175 may communicate 3.3 to 5 Volts DC, via a power bus, to the components or devices that require these voltages for operation. In some embodiments, one or more batteries 115 may need to be recharged by a source separate from a solar panel (due to cloudy weather, storage, malfunction, etc.) In some embodiments, a shading device 100 may comprise a connector 187 (e.g., a power connector). In some embodiments, a cable may connect an AC power source 188 to the connector 187 to provide additional, supplemental or primary power to operate the shading device 100 and/or recharge the battery power source 115. In some embodiments, an audio system 180 may comprise one or more passive radiators 186 to improve sound quality. In embodiments, an audio system 180 may also comprise a woofer, subwoofer, tweeter or additional amplifiers or a combination thereof to provide better audio quality to a user.
In some embodiments, a brain box or electronics module 220 may be connected and/or coupled to a support assembly 210. In embodiments, a brain box or electronics module 220 may house electronics such as one or more processors or controllers, one or more sensors, one or more memory devices, as well as other electronic components. In embodiments, one or more processor or controller assemblies 150 may be located or housed in a brain box. In embodiments, one or more processor or controller assemblies 150 may comprise one or more processors or controllers, one or more memory devices, one or PAN transceivers, other wireless transceivers and one or more clock assemblies (e.g., real time clocks). In embodiments, a brain box or electronics module 220 may also comprise a battery management assembly or PCB 115 and one or more USB ports or connectors 120, although these components may be located or housed in other modules or assemblies. In some embodiments, a brain box or electronics module 220 may comprise one or more wind sensors 170 and/or one or more operational buttons 160, although these components may be located or housed in other modules or assemblies. In some embodiments, a brain box or electronics module 220 may also comprise portions of a motor assembly 140 (e.g., a motor controller or other components or assemblies) although these components may be located or housed in other modules or assemblies. In some embodiments, a brain box or electronics module 220 may also comprise portions of a lighting assembly 130 (e.g., a lighting controller or ballast assembly), although these components may be located or housed in other modules or assemblies. In some embodiments, a brain box or electronics module 220 may also comprise one or more voltage regulators 175, although these components or assemblies may be located or housed in other modules or assemblies. In some embodiments, a brain box or electronics module 220 may be attached and/or connected to a tube or shaft in the shading device. In embodiments, a brain box or electronics module 220 may be attached and/or connected to a cover housing or a skin assembly. In embodiments, a brain box or electronics module 220 may control and/or manage operations of a shading device (e.g., opening or closing of shading device, activate or deactivate a lighting assembly, and/or activate or deactivate an audio system or play music via the audio system).
In some embodiments, a shading device 200 may comprise a battery module 225. In embodiments, a battery module 225 may comprise a plurality of rechargeable batteries. For example, a battery module 225 may comprise between four to twelve rechargeable batteries. In embodiments, a battery module 225 may also comprise or more solar power chargers or charging assemblies 110 (e.g., a MPPT). In embodiments, a battery module 225 may also comprise a battery management assembly 115, which may be a printed circuit board including multiple LiPO4 4S2P batteries). In embodiments, one or more solar power chargers or charger assemblies 110 (e.g., a MPPT) may convert a higher voltage DC output from one or more solar panel arrays or solar cells 105 down to a lower voltage needed to charge one or more batteries in a battery management assembly 115. In some embodiments, a battery management assembly 115 may also include a battery holder and/or battery management circuitry (e.g., a printed circuit board, integrated circuits, etc.) to manage the power transfer and/or distribution from the one or more solar power chargers 110 to the batteries in the battery management assembly 115. In some embodiments, a battery module 225 may reside above an electronics module or brain box module 220. In embodiments, a battery module 225 may be made utilizing additive manufacturing techniques. In some embodiments, a battery module 225 may be comprised of a plastic material or a composite material, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a battery module 225 may be coupled or connected to a tube or a shaft. In some embodiments, a battery module 225 may be coupled or connected to a skin or cover assembly. In embodiments, a battery module 225 may be installed or resident in a space between a tube or shaft and or a skin or cover assembly.
In some embodiments, a shading device 200 may comprise a speaker housing module 230. In some embodiments, a speaker housing module 230 may be made utilizing additive manufacturing techniques. In embodiments, a speaker housing module 230 may be comprised of a plastic, a lightweight metal or a composite material, or a combination thereof. In embodiments, a speaker housing module 230 may comprise one or more speakers 184, one or more personal area network transceivers 182 (e.g., Bluetooth transceivers) or one or more amplifiers 183. In some embodiments, a speaker housing module may include all or portions of an audio system 180. In some embodiments, a speaker housing module 230 may be installed or positioned above a battery module 225. In embodiments, a speaker housing module 230 may be connected and/or coupled with a tube or shaft of a shading device 200. In embodiments, a speaker housing module 230 may be flush or in line with a skin or cover assembly of a shading device 200.
In some embodiments, a shading device 200 may comprise a rack gear assembly 240 and one or more arms or blades 250.
In some embodiments, computer-readable instructions executable by one or more processors or microcontrollers may perform the process described below. In some embodiments, the computer-readable instructions may be executable by one or more processors on a mobile computing device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a wearable computing device), a server computing device, a desktop computing device, a laptop computing device, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, in other words, the application software may be resident on a mobile computing device, a server computing device, a desktop computing device, or a combination thereof. In embodiments, a graphical user interface or menu may be presented on a monitor of one of the computing devices discussed above, to allow a user or operator to select items to be executed or steps to be executed. In some embodiments, a computing device or even a shading device may comprise voice recognition software to allow a user or operator to select actions and/or options to be performed via voice commands.
Initially, in step 305, a shading product or shading product group may be selected to communicate with. In embodiments, such as hotels, restaurants, outdoor concerts, office buildings, etc., a fleet of shading devices may be controlled via one or more computing devices. In embodiments, for example, a user or operator (or hospitality manager) may select to communicate with single axis parasols (e.g., expansion only parasols) in a specific geographic area such as by a pool. In embodiments, a user and/or operator may utilize the software application (e.g., SMARTSHADE software) to set up shading products type (e.g., BLOOM parasols, SUNFLOWER umbrellas, etc.) and/or shading product groups (e.g., based on geography or location) that the user or operator may communicate commands or instructions to.
In some embodiments, in step 310, once a shading product type or a shading product group is selected, one or more specific shading devices may be selected from a list of shading devices that are displayed through the software application. In embodiments, a single shading device may be selected. In other embodiments, multiple shading devices may be selected and the same actions may be performed on all of the selected shading devices. Alternatively, in other embodiments, multiple shading devices may select and the software application may include a split screen, where different options and/or actions may be selected.
In some embodiments, in step 315, the computer-readable instructions executable by one or more processors of the one or more computing devices may display options available for the one or more shading devices. In some embodiments, the options and/or actions may be displayed as icons, menu items, universal symbols and/or alphanumeric texts. In some embodiments, the options may include, but are not limited to: 1) settings or setup menu; 2) motor activation/deactivation; 3) sensor monitoring or activation/deactivation; 4) lighting activation/deactivation or adjusting; 5) automatic operation activation/deactivation; and/or 6) audio system activation/deactivation and/or setting of music. In other embodiments, other options may include, but are not limited to: 1) video activation/deactivation, storage and/or streaming; 2) addition sensor monitoring and/or activation/deactivation; 3) music and/or lighting system synchronization; 4) wireless transceiver selection and/or activation deactivation; and/or proximity sensor/motion detector monitoring and/or activation/deactivation.
In some embodiments, in step 320, a user or operator may select control options and/or actions for the selected shading device. In embodiments, as discussed above, the options and/or actions may be selected by touchscreen interaction, pressing mechanical/electromechanical buttons, voice commands, cursor selection and/or gesture-based selection. In some embodiments, in response to selection of control options and/or actions one of a plurality of menus or input screens may be displayed on the computing device.
In some embodiments, in step 321, a user or operator may select a settings or threshold menu in order to establish measurements for different assemblies or components and/or different times for activation of assemblies and/or components. In embodiments, for example, in step 342, a user or operator may select to establish or set when a shading device may be operated in an automatic mode. In embodiments, a user or operator may select a time and date at which to initiate automatic operation (e.g., 4:00 pm EST or 8:00 am PST), minutes until the shading device may initiate automatic operation (e.g., in 10 minutes or 2 hours), or under what conditions a shading device may initiate automatic operation (e.g., wind speed low, temperature reading in a specific range, and/or time of day). In embodiments, the entered or received time, date, time period and/or environmental conditions may be stored in one or more memory devices of a computing device (e.g., mobile computing device, server computing device, wearable computing device and/or desktop computing device) and/or a memory device of the shading device.
In some embodiments, in step 340, a user or operator may be able to select a wind speed (or other environmental sensor measurement at which to retract arms or blades of a shading device and/or possibly deactivate certain components of a shading device. In embodiments, for example, a user or operator may select that if a wind speed sensor is above 25 miles per hour, a shading device should be closed. In embodiments, for example, a user or operator may select that if a humidity sensor reading or air quality sensor readings are greater than specified input values, the shading device may be deactivated or closed and/or certain components may be deactivated (e.g., wireless transceivers and/or lighting assemblies).
In some embodiments, in step 332, a user or operator may select to open or close the blades or arms of the shading device by communicating with one or more motor assemblies. In some embodiments, a motor assembly may be an expansion motor assembly. In some embodiments, the computer-readable instructions executed by the processor of the computing device (e.g., mobile computing device, tablet computing device, wearable computing device, server computing device, desktop computing device or a combination thereof) may present a user with three options: open, close or stop. These options may be presented audibly, as icons, as text or as a combination thereof. In embodiments, when the computer-readable instructions executed by the processor of the computing device receive the selection, a command, instruction or signal is communicated to an expansion motor assembly to perform the requested action. In embodiments, other motors (e.g., azimuth rotation motors and/or elevation rotation motors) may also be activated, deactivated and/or stopped utilizing similar techniques to those discussed above if a shading device has more than three rotations of axis (and thus may have three motor assemblies).
In some embodiments, in step 333, a user or operator may select to activate or deactivate the lighting assembly by communicating with the one or more lighting assemblies. In embodiments, a user or operator may adjust a lighting intensity of the one or more lighting assemblies according to embodiments. In embodiment, the computer-readable instructions executed by the one or more processors of the computing device, may present a user with a lighting icon and/or a lighting adjustment indicator (e.g., such as a slide ranging from completely off to high intensity). In embodiments, these options may be presented audibly, as icons or as text or as a combination thereof. In embodiments, these options and/or actions may be selected via voice commands, touchscreen inputs, keystrokes or gestures or a combination thereof. In embodiments, when the computer-readable instructions executable by the processor receive the lighting option or action, a command, instruction or signal is communicated to the one or more lighting assemblies to activate, deactivate and/or adjust an intensity of the lighting assembly.
In some embodiments, in step 334, a user or operator of a shading device may select music to be played on an audio system of the shading device. In embodiments, the computer-readable instructions executed by the one or more processors of the computing device may present the user with one or more available music library (or music app) software programs for a user or operator to identify and select. In embodiments, these options may be presented as icons, as text or audibly, or a combination thereof to a user or operator. In embodiments, the different music app options may be selected via voice commands, touchscreen inputs, keystrokes or gestures or a combination thereof. In embodiments, for example, available music apps may be iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music as well as others. In embodiments, when the computer-readable instructions executable by the one or more processors receive the music app selection command, a PAN transceiver (e.g., a Bluetooth transceiver) may communicate with an additional PAN transceiver (e.g., located in an audio system of the shading device) to begin downloading and/or streaming the audio or music files to the audio system of the shading device, where the audio files may be communicated to one or more amplifiers and further to one or more speakers to play the music for the user or operator.
In some embodiments, in step 335, automatic operation mode may automatically occur based upon settings that were previously setup. In embodiments, an automatic operation mode may occur at a pre-established initiation time and a shading device may open arms and/or blades. In embodiments, a shading device and its arms and/or blades may close at a pre-established closing time.
In some embodiments, in step 336, a user or operator may monitor wind speed of an area around a shading device via a wind sensor. In embodiments, the computer-readable instructions executed by the one or more processors of the computing device may communicate with one or more wind sensors (and/or other sensors) and receive a sensor measurement from the one or more wind sensors. In embodiments, the one or more computer-readable instructions executable by the one or more processors of the computing device may present a user or operator with the wind speed in a display area on the monitor of the computing device. In embodiments, the wind speed measurement may be presented audibly, visually or via text or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the computer-readable instructions executable by the one or more processors of the computing device may present a current wind speed measurement and/or a sliding scale for a wind speed sensor sensitivity. In embodiments, a user or operator may select a low or high sensitivity which is a value at which a shading device may close or retract its arms or blades in order to safely maintain operation. In embodiments, a user or operator may also select a timeframe at which shading device may deploy after an acceptable wind speed measurement is received. (e.g., 2 or 3 minutes or 15 minutes). In embodiments, if the computer-readable instructions executable by the one or more processors of the computing device receive a wind speed measurement value above the preset threshold value, a command, instruction and/or message may be communicated to the one or more motor assemblies to close and/or retract the arms or blades of the shading device (and potentially turn off the shading device if the conditions are especially dangerous). While the discussion above relates to wind sensors (the discussion also applies to other environmental sensors measuring potentially dangerous conditions, (e.g., humidity sensors, temperature sensors, air quality sensors, ultraviolet sensors, carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide sensors).
In some embodiments, one or more solar charging assemblies 460 may supply power to one or more rechargeable power sources (e.g., rechargeable batteries) 470. In some embodiments, one or more solar charging assemblies 460 may supply power (e.g., voltage and/or current) to a power bus and/or power cables 465. In embodiments, the power supplied to a power bus and/or power cables 465 from one or more solar charging assemblies 460 may be at an approximate level of 12 volts (or between 11 to 17 volts). In embodiments, one or more solar charging assemblies 460 may provide power to a rechargeable power source 470 at a level between 11 and 17 volts (or at approximately 12 volts). In some embodiments, a power bus and/or one or more power cables 465 may supply power (e.g., voltage and/or current) to one or more components, assemblies or apparatuses (e.g., one or more electrical or electro-mechanical assemblies 474475476477478 and 479). For example, electrical component 324 may be a motor control printed circuit board or a motor controller that causes a motor to expand one or more arms to deploy or retract (or may be a processor, controller, microcontroller or microprocessor module); reference number 475 may be an integrated camera that captures images around an umbrella; reference number 476 may be an integrated computing device 476 that may include computer-readable instructions stored in one or more memory devices that are executable by one or more processors in the integrated computing device; reference number 477 may be one or more microphones (e.g., a microphone array to capture ambient noise as well as voice commands); reference number 478 may be one or more sensor assemblies or sensors (e.g., directional sensors, environmental sensors and/or proximity or motion sensors); and reference number 479 may be one or more lighting assemblies. In embodiments, an umbrella and/or parasol may not include or comprise all of the above-listed components. In some embodiments, components such as a motor control PCB 474, one or more cameras 475, one or more integrated computing devices 476, one or microphones 477, one or more sensors or sensor assemblies 478, and one or more lighting assemblies 479 may not utilize 12 volts and if not then these components and/or assemblies may include a voltage regulator to provide a lower voltage, such as 3.3 Volts and/or 5 volts, that maybe utilized and/or required by these components. In some embodiments, one or more renewable power sources (e.g., rechargeable batteries) 470 may be placed in a battery housing. In embodiments, one or more battery housings 470 may be placed around a center core assembly, as may be discussed in detail later.
In some embodiments, an umbrella, parasol and/or shading system may comprise an intelligence housing (e.g., a brain box) to control a number of functions and/or features of the umbrella, parasol or shading system.
In some embodiments, a parasol, umbrella or shading system may comprise a novel or new arm expansion assembly which may or may not include a new rack gear assembly. In embodiments, the arm expansion assembly may be utilized with existing umbrellas and/or parasols by replacing existing arm expansion assemblies and/or frames. For example, in embodiments, the expansion assembly may replace the arm extension assemblies and/or arm support assemblies of other umbrella which have an open center support assembly and/or a motor driving an actuator in a linear up and down direction. In embodiments, a shading device may comprise an arm expansion assembly coupled to a motor and/or motor controller. In embodiments, a manual knob or cranking device may manually operate the new arm expansion assembly. In other words, it may be manually operated or automatically operated. In embodiments, a shading device may also comprise an azimuth motor assembly for rotating a shading system about a base assembly, an elevation motor assembly for rotating an upper part of a support assembly with respect to a lower part of a support assembly, and the new or novel arm expansion assembly, described herein, for expanding and/or retracting arms, blades and/or a frame of a shading device (and the associated shading fabric). In embodiments, the arm expansion assembly may also be part of a shading system for a lighting assembly and/or a shading system for a voice-activated hub.
However, in some embodiments, a shading device does not necessarily need rotate about a base (e.g., have an azimuth motor) and/or include or comprise an elevation rotation. In other words, the shading device may only include the unique arm expansion assembly to open and/or close the arms, blades and/or frame of the shading device. Alternatively, the shading device may include one of the azimuth rotation assembly or the elevation rotation assembly and also may include the unique arm expansion assembly.
In some embodiments, a new arm expansion assembly may have a lighter weight than prior art arm expansion assemblies due to the use or utilization of 3D printed materials for many components, assemblies, or structures. For example, in embodiments, the housings that comprise the arm supports, arm extension housings, speaker housings, battery housings and skins or covers of a shading device may be made utilizing additive manufacturing techniques. In embodiments, the additive manufacturing techniques may include 3D printers that utilize plastics, composites or metals, or a combination thereof to generate the low weight yet resilient components, assemblies or structures. This may allow personalized or unique designs and configurations and may also allow for easy interchangeability and/or modification of the assemblies to different shapes, because there are no set molds necessary in additive manufacturing printers. In embodiments, a new arm expansion assembly may also hide many mechanical assemblies or components from view, which is not only pleasing aesthetically, but also is safer than prior art expansion assemblies. The new configuration is safer than prior art arm expansion assemblies the new gearing assemblies and/or hinging assemblies may not be in view or available for touching, and thus may not be accessible to catch onto or snag have fingers, hair and/or articles of clothing. In embodiments, in addition, a new arm expansion assembly may be modular and may be easily attached or detached to an existing linear actuator and/or a linear actuator housing or tubing. In addition, the new arm expansion assembly may also allow the ability to attach or detach different types of arms or blades to adjust to different user requirements or different shading protection needs (e.g., the length and/or widths of the arms, blades or frames may be shortened and/or lengthened depending on requested or desired configuration). In embodiments, shapes of the arms or blades may also be changed easily. In addition, because the arm support assemblies are detachable from arm expansion housings (e.g., by unscrewing connectors), the arms supports or arm support assemblies may also change shape, have different section shapes, have different thicknesses, have different widths, thicknesses or lengths, or different angles with respect to the different sections.
In embodiments, an actuator housing 605 may comprise an aluminum housing or aluminum tube. In embodiments, an actuator housing 605 may include a linear actuator installed inside and/or connected or coupled to an interior surface of an actuator housing. In embodiments, a linear actuator may be coupled or connected at one end (e.g., an upper end) to a rack gear or rack gear assembly 620. In embodiments, the terms rack gear or rack gear assembly may be utilized interchangeably. In embodiments, a linear actuator may be connected or coupled at a second end (e.g., a lower end) to a motor assembly. In embodiments, a linear actuator may move in a vertical direction up or down (as illustrated by arrow 601), which results in upwards or downward vertical movement of the rack gear 620. In embodiments, a rack gear 620 may be made of a metal material. In embodiments, a rack gear 620 may be made of a plastic material or a composite material, or combination thereof. In embodiments, a rack gear 620 may be manufactured utilizing additive manufacturing techniques and be created utilizing a 3D printer.
In embodiments, as illustrated in
In embodiments, a rack gear 620 may be located in the space in a middle of the one or more expansion gear housings 610 (as illustrated in
In embodiments, one or more arm supports 625 may be coupled or connected to associated one or more arm expansion gears 615. In embodiments, when one or more extension gear housings 610 are coupled or connected to each other, an opening may be formed (e.g., opening 619). In embodiments, the one or more arm supports 625 may be inserted and/or positioned into the opening 619. In embodiments, fasteners may be inserted through openings 616 in the associating extension gear housings 610, the associated arm expansion gears 615 and the arm supports or arm support assemblies 625. In embodiments, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, a motor assembly may receive commands from one or more processors in a shading device. In embodiments, a motor controller in a motor assembly may communicate commands or signals to a motor to rotate. In embodiments, a rotation of a motor may cause a linear actuator to move in a downward vertical direction. In embodiments, movement of a linear actuator may cause movement and/or rotation of a rack gear 620 in a downward direction, as illustrated by reference number 601. In embodiments, the movement and/or rotation of a rack gear 620 in a downward vertical direction engages the one or more arm expansion gears and causes the one or more arm expansion gears 615 to rotate. In embodiments, the engagement and/or rotation of the one or more arm expansion gears 615 causes the coupled one or more arm supports 625 to rotate and/or lift from a resting or closed position and move to a deployed or open position (as is illustrated in
In embodiments, the outer covers or housings (e.g., plastic/metal 940 or wood covers or housings 945) may be stacked on top of each other as shown in
In some embodiments, an interior portion of the arm support assemblies 1431143214331434143514361437 and 1438 may have a circular recess to accept an inner hub of the hinging assemblies and/or covers 1420, 1421, 1422, and 1423. In some embodiments, the one or more steel cables 1415141614171418 may be positioned and/or located inside the center support assembly 1410 and may travel or run up an interior of the center support assembly or tubular assembly 1410 to an associated one or more hinging assemblies and/or covers (e.g., hinging assemblies and/or covers 121 or 122). In some embodiments, the one or more steel cables 141514161417 and 1418 may be coupled, attached or connected to a linear actuator to move the one or more steel cables 1415141614171418 in an up or down fashion which in turn may rotate the one or more hinging assemblies and/or covers 142014211422 and 1423 to open or closed positions (or positions in between). In some embodiments, the rotation of the one or more hinging assemblies and/or covers 142014211422 and 1423 may cause the arm support assemblies 1431143214331434143514361437 and 1438 and thus the connected arms to move to an expanded or open position (or if the linear actuator moves down, the coupled arm support assemblies and arms would move to a retracted or closed position).
In some embodiments, each hinging assembly and cover (e.g., hinging assembly 1420) may includes round hinging plates (or spooling plates) 1520 and 1525. In some embodiments, the hinging plates or spooling plates 1520 and 1525 may be connected or coupled to each other. In some embodiments, a plurality of fasteners 1570 may connect or attach the spooling plates 1520 and 1525 to each other (which may be represented by the circles in
In some embodiments, the one or more wires or cables 1529 may have an end piece 1530, a flexible part 1531 and/or a solid part 1532. In some embodiments, the one or more wires 1529 may be made of steel and/or a lightweight metal. In some embodiments, the end piece 1530 of the wires or cables 1529 may be inserted or positioned into the end piece channel 1522. In some embodiments, the flexible part 1531 of the one or more wires or cables 1529 may wrap around and be positioned or inserted into the cable insertion channel 1521. In some embodiments, the solid part 1532 of the wires or cables 1529 may exit from a bottom side of the hinging assemblies and/or cover. In some embodiments, the movement of the one or more steel cables 1415141614171418 may causes the associated one or more hinging assemblies or covers to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise manner. The use of the steel cables allows heavier arms to be utilized due to the strength of the steel cable.
As detailed above, the computing devices and systems described and/or illustrated herein broadly represent any type or form of computing device or system capable of executing computer-readable instructions, such as those contained within the modules described herein. In their most basic configuration, these computing device(s) may each comprise at least one memory device and at least one physical processor. The term “memory” or “memory device,” as used herein, generally represents any type or form of volatile or non-volatile storage device or medium capable of storing data and/or computer-readable instructions. In one example, a memory device may store, load, and/or maintain one or more of the modules described herein. Examples of memory devices comprise, without limitation, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), flash memory, Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), Solid-State Drives (SSDs), optical disk drives, caches, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, or any other suitable storage memory.
In addition, the term “processor” or “physical processor,” as used herein, generally refers to any type or form of hardware-implemented processing unit capable of interpreting and/or executing computer-readable instructions. In one example, a physical processor may access and/or modify one or more modules stored in the above-described memory device. Examples of physical processors comprise, without limitation, microprocessors, microcontrollers, Central Processing Units (CPUs), Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) that implement softcore processors, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), portions of one or more of the same, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, or any other suitable physical processor.
Although illustrated as separate elements, the method steps described and/or illustrated herein may represent portions of a single application. In addition, in some embodiments one or more of these steps may represent or correspond to one or more software applications or programs that, when executed by a computing device, may cause the computing device to perform one or more tasks, such as the method step. In addition, one or more of the devices described herein may transform data, physical devices, and/or representations of physical devices from one form to another. For example, one or more of the devices recited herein may receive image data of a sample to be transformed, transform the image data, output a result of the transformation to determine a 3D process, use the result of the transformation to perform the 3D process, and store the result of the transformation to produce an output image of the sample. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the modules recited herein may transform a processor, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and/or any other portion of a physical computing device from one form of computing device to another form of computing device by executing on the computing device, storing data on the computing device, and/or otherwise interacting with the computing device.
The term “computer-readable medium,” as used herein, generally refers to any form of device, carrier, or medium capable of storing or carrying computer-readable instructions. Examples of computer-readable media comprise, without limitation, transmission-type media, such as carrier waves, and non-transitory-type media, such as magnetic-storage media (e.g., hard disk drives, tape drives, and floppy disks), optical-storage media (e.g., Compact Disks (CDs), Digital Video Disks (DVDs), and BLU-RAY disks), electronic-storage media (e.g., solid-state drives and flash media), and other distribution systems.
A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any process or method disclosed herein can be modified in many ways. The process parameters and sequence of the steps described and/or illustrated herein are given by way of example only and can be varied as desired. For example, while the steps illustrated and/or described herein may be shown or discussed in a particular order, these steps do not necessarily need to be performed in the order illustrated or discussed.
The various exemplary methods described and/or illustrated herein may also omit one or more of the steps described or illustrated herein or comprise additional steps in addition to those disclosed. Further, a step of any method as disclosed herein can be combined with any one or more steps of any other method as disclosed herein.
Unless otherwise noted, the terms “connected to” and “coupled to” (and their derivatives), as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as permitting both direct and indirect (i.e., via other elements or components) connection. In addition, the terms “a” or “an,” as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as meaning “at least one of.” Finally, for ease of use, the terms “including,” “incorporating,” “includes,” “incorporates,” and “having” (and their derivatives), as used in the specification and claims, are interchangeable with and shall have the same meaning as the word “comprising.”
The processor, controller, microprocessor, or controller, as disclosed herein can be configured with instructions to perform any one or more steps of any method as disclosed herein.
As used herein, the term “or” is used inclusively to refer items in the alternative and in combination. As used herein, characters such as numerals refer to like elements.
Embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described as set forth herein and are provided by way of example only. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize numerous adaptations, changes, variations and substitutions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Several alternatives and combinations of the embodiments disclosed herein may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure and the inventions disclosed herein. Therefore, the scope of the presently disclosed inventions shall be defined solely by the scope of the appended claims and the equivalents thereof.
For the purposes of this disclosure a system or module is a software, hardware, or firmware (or combinations thereof), process or functionality, or component thereof, that performs or facilitates the processes, features, and/or functions described herein (with or without human interaction or augmentation). A module can include sub-modules. Software components of a module may be stored on a computer readable medium. Modules may be integral to one or more servers, or be loaded and executed by one or more servers. One or more modules may be grouped into an engine or an application.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods and systems of the present disclosure may be implemented in many manners and as such are not to be limited by the foregoing exemplary embodiments and examples. In other words, functional elements being performed by single or multiple components, in various combinations of hardware and software or firmware, and individual functions, may be distributed among software applications at either the client or server or both. In this regard, any number of the features of the different embodiments described herein may be combined into single or multiple embodiments, and alternate embodiments having fewer than, or more than, all of the features described herein are possible. Functionality may also be, in whole or in part, distributed among multiple components, in manners now known or to become known. Thus, myriad software/hardware/firmware combinations are possible in achieving the functions, features, interfaces and preferences described herein. Moreover, the scope of the present disclosure covers conventionally known manners for carrying out the described features and functions and interfaces, as well as those variations and modifications that may be made to the hardware or software or firmware components described herein as would be understood by those skilled in the art now and hereafter.
The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention and provides the best mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete disclosure of the preferred configurations of this invention, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, dimensional relationships, and operation shown and described. Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternative materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes, forms, functions, operational features or the like. The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims.
This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/665,498, filed May 1, 2018, entitled “Modular Umbrella or Parasol, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/789,471, filed Jan. 7, 2019, entitled “Parasol Expansion Assembly Utilizing Cable Assembly,” the disclosures of which are both incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62665498 | May 2018 | US | |
| 62789471 | Jan 2019 | US |
