Patent Grant
11910890
This disclosure relates to umbrellas. More specifically, and without limitation, this disclosure relates to a new manual and motorized umbrella system.
Umbrellas are known in the art. While other forms of umbrellas exist, there are essentially two broad categories of umbrellas, handheld umbrellas and patio umbrellas. Handheld umbrellas are generally light and of small stature such that they can be held by a user in the rain or sunshine. Handheld umbrellas serve to deflect the rain or sun away from the user. Patio umbrellas are on the other hand generally larger in stature and remain in a generally fixed position such as on a patio, or other outdoor seating space, and serve to deflect rain and sun away from the area under the patio umbrella. Patio umbrellas also provide an improved aesthetic appearance to the outdoor seating area and help to define a seating space.
For the purposes of this disclosure, use of the term umbrella herein will generally refer to patio-type umbrellas, however, the disclosure herein is not so limited and the teachings herein are applicable to any umbrella design or type.
Conventional patio umbrellas have an elongated support pole that connects at a lower end to a base and includes an umbrella section at an upper end. The umbrella section includes material connected to an umbrella frame that converts between a retracted position, where the umbrella frame and material are collapsed and in a lowered position against or near the support pole, and a deployed position wherein the umbrella frame and material extend away from the support pole.
There are a plurality of ways in which conventional patio umbrellas convert between a retracted position to a deployed position. One of the simplest mechanisms is a manual-type system that includes connecting the lower portion of the umbrella frame to a lower hub that slides over the support pole. In this example arrangement, the support pole includes one or more openings therein that receive a locking pin therein. To deploy the umbrella, a user simply grasps the lower hub and slides it upward until the lower hub passes an opening and the user inserts a locking pin therein, which prevents the lower hub from sliding down the support pole thereby holding the umbrella in a deployed position. While this simple system is effective in some applications, it has its drawbacks.
One drawback is that manually deploying the umbrella is time consuming and inconvenient for a user. Another drawback is that deploying the umbrella using this system requires a great amount of force which may be more than many users can apply especially the young, the old, and persons of smaller stature. In addition, many persons of shorter stature are unable to reach the lower hub or move it all the way up to the desired deployed position. Another drawback is that when the umbrella is placed in the center of a table, it can be tremendously difficult to deploy the umbrella because the width of the table. Another drawback is that the larger the umbrella is the more difficult it is to deploy the umbrella because of increased weight and/or resistance. Another drawback of this arrangement is that it can be quite a difficult balancing act to force the umbrella upward while inserting the locking pin into the locking opening, which is a process that requires a tremendous amount of dexterity. Another drawback of this arrangement is that it can be quite difficult to remove the locking pin after use to lower the umbrella. Another drawback of this arrangement is that the pin can be lost. Another drawback is that the user must force the lower hub upward against the resistance of the umbrella material, which can be exceedingly difficult. Another drawback of this system is that it can be difficult to get the umbrella material taught due to the spacing of the locking holes in combination with the inability of the user to overcome the resistance in the fabric. These are only some of the many disadvantages of this system.
Another system for raising and lowering the umbrella is a crank-type system. These crank type systems include a rotating handle connected to a gear system near the mid-section of support pole, often positioned just above, or just below, a tabletop. This handle and gear system is connected to a mechanism, such as a cable, which moves the umbrella frame between a deployed position and a retracted position when rotated. The crank-type system improves many of the deficiencies of the manual-type system such as eliminating the need to reach all the way up the support pole to deploy or retract the umbrella. Another improvement is that by using the gear system, some of the forces required to raise or lower the umbrella can be reduced or overcome. The mechanical advantage provided by the crank-type system allows a user to more-easily tighten the umbrella material. In addition, because there are no set discrete positions like there are with the manual locking pin system described above, the user can move the crank to essentially any position and thereby select the appropriate amount of tension in the umbrella material.
Despite these advantages, the crank-type system still suffers from many of the same disadvantages as the manual-type system. One drawback of the crank-type system is that operating the crank can be quite inconvenient and difficult for a user. In addition, when the umbrella is used in association with a table, the crank can be difficult to reach. Another disadvantage to this system is that the crank mechanism itself can be in the way of users especially when the crank is positioned above a table. Another problem with this arrangement is that it still suffers from the disadvantage that the larger the umbrella the greater the amount of force that is required to raise and lower the umbrella. Another disadvantage is that the large gear system and crank handle are aesthetically unappealing in many applications. Yet another disadvantage is that many operators are not strong enough or have enough dexterity to operate the crank handle. Another disadvantage, like the manual-type system, is that the umbrella must be lowered by the force of the user. Another disadvantage of this system is that the process of cranking the umbrella up and down can be quite awkward. These are only some of the many disadvantages of this system.
One common problem associated with the use of patio umbrellas is that users often forget to lower the umbrella after use. This is often because after use it is unappealing for the user to put in the manual labor required to lower the umbrella. Leaving the umbrella in a deployed position when not in use or when unattended often creates a dangerous condition that can damage property and the umbrella. If the umbrella is left deployed during high winds, the winds can lift up the umbrella and damage the umbrella or other property. As such, it is desirable to have an umbrella that can be lowered without the manual force of the operator.
Therefore, for the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the specification, there is a need in the art for an improved umbrella system.
Thus, it is a primary object of the disclosure to provide an umbrella system that improves upon the state of the art.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide an umbrella system that is easier to deploy. Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an umbrella system that is easier to retract.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide an umbrella system that automatically opens.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an umbrella system that automatically closes.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide an umbrella system that is powered by batteries.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an umbrella system that does not need to be plugged into a conventional power source to be operable.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide an umbrella system that is aesthetically pleasing.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an umbrella system that improves safety.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide an umbrella system that can be remotely opened.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an umbrella system that can be remotely closed.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide an umbrella system that can be manually opened or closed with ease.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an umbrella system that can be opened or closed by motorization.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide an umbrella system that improves the ergonomics of opening or closing an umbrella.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an umbrella system that can be used with large umbrellas.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide an umbrella system that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an umbrella system that has a minimum number of parts.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide counterbalance assembly that counterbalances the weight of the umbrella.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a counterbalance assembly having a torque profile that matches a torque profile of the umbrella.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide a locking assembly for locking an umbrella in any position.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a locking assembly for locking an umbrella that is easy to use.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide a locking assembly for locking an umbrella that is intuitive.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an umbrella system that has an intuitive design.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide an umbrella system that has a long useful life.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an umbrella system that is rugged.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide an umbrella system that is durable.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an umbrella system that utilizes standard and/or rechargeable batteries.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide an umbrella system that is safe to use.
These and other objects, features, or advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the specification and claims.
In one or more arrangements, an umbrella system includes a support pole connected to a rotating tube positioned around a center tube that extends between the support pole and a upper hub that is connected to an umbrella frame. The rotating tube has one or more helical grooves therein that are engaged by a lower hub which is connected to the umbrella frame. As the rotating tube is rotated, the lower hub is driven along the length of the rotating tube, thereby opening and closing the umbrella frame. In one or more arrangements, system includes a motor housing assembly including a plurality of batteries and a motor that includes a driven gear that meshes with a stationary gear which causes rotation of the rotating tube.
In one or more arrangements, the system also includes a counterbalance assembly positioned in a upper hub of the umbrella frame. The counterbalance assembly includes at least one cord having a first end connected to the counterbalance assembly and a second end connected to the lower hub.
The counterbalance assembly is configured to tension the cords to provide a counterbalance force to the operation of the umbrella frame. In one or more arrangements, the counterbalance assembly includes at least one spring positioned within the rotating tube that tensions the cord and provides the counterbalance force. In one or more arrangements, the counterbalance assembly includes a spool connected to the spring. The cord is spooled around the spool. In one or more arrangements, the spool has a tapered exterior surface. In one or more arrangements, downward movement of the lower hub causes the spool to rotate in a first direction and the spring to tension. Upward movement of the lower hub causes the spool to rotate in a second direction and the spring to untension, or, said another way, to release tension.
In one or more arrangements, the spring of the counterbalance assembly is a constant force spring. In one or more arrangements, the spring of the counterbalance assembly is a variable force spring. In one or more arrangements, the counterbalance assembly includes a combination of constant force and variable force springs.
In one or more arrangements, the system includes a rotational lock assembly configured to prevent rotation of the rotating tube when locked and permit rotation of the rotating tube when unlocked. In one or more embodiments, the rotational lock assembly includes a gear member, an inner lock assembly, and an outer collar. In some arrangements, the gear member is operably connected to the bottom end of the first tube. The gear member has a cylindrical shaped exterior surface and a set of teeth extending around the exterior surface. The gear member is positioned within the inner lock assembly. The inner lock assembly is positioned within the outer collar. The inner lock assembly is configured to engage the teeth of the gear member and prevent rotation of the gear member in response to rotation of the outer collar in a first direction. The inner lock assembly is further configured to disengage from the teeth of the gear member and permit rotation of the gear member in response to rotation of the outer collar in a second direction, opposite of the first direction.
In one or more arrangements, the inner lock assembly includes an arm member. The inner lock assembly is configured to extend the arm member to a first position in response to rotation of the outer collar in the first direction. In the first position, the arm member engages with the teeth of the gear member and prevents rotation of the gear member. The inner lock assembly is configured to retract the arm member to a second position in response to rotation of the outer collar in the second direction. In the second position, the arm member is disengaged from the teeth of the gear member and rotation of the gear member uninhibited by the arm member.
In one or more arrangements, the inner lock assembly includes an inner collar. The inner collar has a cylindrical shape. The inner collar has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The inner collar includes an opening. The inner collar includes a fulcrum surface adjacent to the opening on the outer surface. The gear member is positioned within the inner collar. The inner lock assembly includes a locking member. The locking member has a pivot positioned at the fulcrum surface. The locking member includes the arm member, the arm member extending from the pivot of the locking member. The inner collar and rocker arm are positioned within the outer collar. The locking member is member is configured to extend the arm member through the opening to engage the teeth of the gear member in response to the outer collar being rotated in the first direction. The locking member is member is configured to retract the arm member to disengage from teeth of the gear member in response to the outer collar being rotated in the second direction.
In one or more arrangements, the rotational lock assembly includes a bearing. The bearing is positioned at a lower end of the rotating tube. The bearing is configured to facilitate rotation of the rotating tube.
In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the principles and scope of the invention. It is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements and procedures, and the scope of the appended claims therefore should be accorded the broadest interpretation to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements and procedures. For instance, although aspects and features may be illustrated in and/or described with reference to certain figures and/or embodiments, it will be appreciated that features from one figure and/or embodiment may be combined with features of another figure and/or embodiment even though the combination is not explicitly shown and/or explicitly described as a combination. In the depicted embodiments, like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the various drawings.
Any advantages and/or improvements discussed herein may not be provided by various disclosed embodiments, and/or implementations thereof. The contemplated embodiments are not so limited and should not be interpreted as being restricted to embodiments which provide such advantages and/or improvements. Similarly, it should be understood that various embodiments may not address all or any objects of the disclosure and/or objects of the invention that may be described herein. The contemplated embodiments are not so limited and should not be interpreted as being restricted to embodiments which address such objects of the disclosure and/or invention. Furthermore, although some disclosed embodiments may be described relative to specific materials, embodiments are not limited to the specific materials and/or apparatuses but only to their specific characteristics and capabilities and other materials and apparatuses can be substituted as is well understood by those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure.
It is to be understood that the terms such as “left, right, top, bottom, front, back, side, height, length, width, upper, lower, interior, exterior, inner, outer, and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation and/or configuration.
As used herein, “and/or” includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, such that “A and/or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A as well as B,” unless it is clearly indicated that only a single item, subgroup of items, or all items are present. The use of “etc.” is defined as “et cetera” and indicates the inclusion of all other elements belonging to the same group of the preceding items, in any “and/or” combination(s).
As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include both the singular and plural forms, unless the language explicitly indicates otherwise. Indefinite articles like “a” and “an” introduce or refer to any modified term, both previously-introduced and not, while definite articles like “the” refer to a same previously-introduced term; as such, it is understood that “a” or “an” modify items that are permitted to be previously-introduced or new, while definite articles modify an item that is the same as immediately previously presented. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, characteristics, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not themselves preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, characteristics, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof, unless expressly indicated otherwise. For example, if an embodiment of a system is described at comprising an article, it is understood the system is not limited to a single instance of the article unless expressly indicated otherwise, even if elsewhere another embodiment of the system is described as comprising a plurality of such articles.
It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected,” “coupled,” “mated,” “attached,” “fixed,” etc. to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, and/or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected,” “directly coupled,” “directly engaged” etc. to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” “engaged” versus “directly engaged,” etc.). Similarly, a term such as “operatively”, such as when used as “operatively connected” or “operatively engaged” is to be interpreted as connected and/or engaged, respectively, in any manner that facilitates operation, which may include being directly connected, indirectly connected, electronically connected, wirelessly connected and/or connected by any other manner, method and/or means that facilitates desired operation. Similarly, a term such as “communicatively connected” includes all variations of information exchange and routing between two electronic devices, including intermediary devices, networks, etc., connected wirelessly or not. Similarly, “connected” or other similar language particularly for electronic components is intended to mean connected by any means, either directly or indirectly, wired and/or wirelessly, such that electricity and/or information may be transmitted between the components.
It will be understood that, although the ordinal terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited to any order by these terms unless specifically stated as such. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another; where there are “second” or higher ordinals, there merely must be a number of elements, without necessarily any difference or other relationship. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments and/or methods.
Similarly, the structures and operations discussed herein may occur out of the order described and/or noted in the figures. For example, two operations and/or figures shown in succession may in fact be executed concurrently and/or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Similarly, individual operations within example methods described below may be executed repetitively, individually, and/or sequentially, to provide looping and/or other series of operations aside from single operations described below. It should be presumed that any embodiment and/or method having features and functionality described below, in any workable combination, falls within the scope of example embodiments.
While the figures show the embodiments used in association with a patio umbrella, the embodiments are not so limited, and reference herein to a patio umbrella is not intended to be limiting. In contrast, a patio umbrella is simply used as one of countless examples. It is hereby contemplated that the embodiments may also be used with any form of an umbrella, and for that matter any applicable mechanical device.
System 10:
Umbrella system 10 (system 10) is presented. In one or more arrangements, umbrella system 10 includes a support pole 12, a base 14, a motor housing assembly 16, a table 46, a rotating tube 20, having one or more helical grooves 22 therein and an umbrella frame 24 that supports fabric or material 26 and is connected to a movable lower hub 28.
Support Pole 12 & Base 14:
Support pole 12 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to support and position the other components of the system 10 at the proper height. In the arrangement shown, as one example, support pole 12 is a generally cylindrical pole that extends from a lower end to an upper end. The lower end of support pole 12 is connected to base 14. In one or more arrangements, the lower end of support pole 12 fits within a hollow tube of base stem 30 which is connected to base 14. Base 14 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is generally heavy and rigid and thereby provides stability for the remaining parts of the system 10.
In this example arrangement, the upper end of support pole 12 connects to center tube 32 and provides support thereto. In this example arrangement, support pole 12 and center tube 32 connect to rotating tube 20 by lower bearing assembly 33. In one or more arrangements, as is shown, support pole 12 and rotating tube 20 are hollow and cylindrical in nature. In one or more arrangements, center tube 32 is any elongated device that extends through rotating tube 20 and remains stationary while rotating tube 20 axially rotates there around. As such, the stationary nature of support pole 12 and center tube 32 allows for the transfer of torque or rotation to rotating tube 20 as is further described herein. In this example arrangement, center tube 32 connects at its lower end to support pole 12 and connects at its upper end to upper hub 34 of umbrella frame 24.
Also connected adjacent the intersection of center tube 32 and rotating tube 20 in this example arrangement is a stationary gear 36. In this example arrangement, stationary gear 36 is any form of a gear that remains stationary with respect to support pole 12 and center tube 32. In the arrangement shown, as one example, stationary gear 36 is generally cylindrical in nature and has gear teeth on an inwardly facing surface, however, the alternative arrangement is hereby contemplated where teeth are located on an outward surface of stationary gear 36. This stationary gear 36 matingly receives a driven gear 38 connected to motor 40, which drives around the stationary gear 36 to open and close the umbrella system 10 as is further described herein.
Motor Housing Assembly 16:
Motor housing assembly 16 serves to drive rotating tube 20 in a motorized manner, thereby opening and closing umbrella system 10. Motor housing assembly 16 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and serves to open and close the umbrella system 10. In the arrangement shown, as one example, motor housing assembly 16 includes a container 41 that holds and shelters motor 40 as well as power source 42, which in the arrangement shown is a plurality of batteries 44 that are positioned around rotating tube 20 and center tube 32. In this example arrangement, container 41 is connected to rotating tube 20 at its inward end, and therefore container 41, and the other components of motor housing assembly 16 rotate as the rotating tube 20 rotates.
In one or more arrangements, batteries 44 are held within a battery holder 45. Battery holder 45 frictionally hold batteries 44 in place around the exterior surface of rotating tube 20 while also providing electrical connection between the plurality of batteries 44. In this example arrangement, battery holder 45 holds the plurality of batteries 44 which are stacked in a generally vertical arrangement around the exterior surface of rotating tube 20 such that the exterior surfaces of the plurality of batteries 44 form a generally cylindrical exterior periphery when viewed from above or below. This arrangement maximizes battery density while minimizing space used. While batteries 44 are stacked in side-to-side nature they are electrically connected in series to one another by battery holder 45.
Motor 40 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design. In the arrangement shown, as one example, motor 40 is generally tubular in shape or cylindrical in shape and includes a drive shaft 40A that connects to driven gear 38 and imparts rotation on driven gear 38 when motor 40 is activated. In one or more arrangements, to reduce the rotational output speed of driven gear 38, a gear assembly 40B is connected between an output shaft of motor 40 and driven gear 38. This gear assembly 40B facilitates slower rotation of driven gear 38 than the rotational speed of the output shaft of motor 40.
In this example arrangement, as motor 40 is sized and shaped in a similar manner to batteries 44, and as such motor 40 is held by battery holder 45 in a side-to-side adjacent manner with the plurality of batteries 44. That is, motor 40 is positioned in a vertical alignment, like batteries 44, around the exterior surface of rotating tube 20. In one or more arrangements, motor 40 is oriented such that drive shaft 40A and driven gear 38 extend below the lower surface of motor housing assembly 16 and container 41. This downward extension of driven gear 38 facilitates the engagement of driven gear 38 with stationary gear 36. However, the opposite arrangement is hereby contemplated for use as one alternative wherein the motor 40 remains stationary while gear 36 rotates.
A table 46 is also connected to system 10 at or near the motor housing assembly 16 and just below the lower end of container 41. Table 46 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and can either be connected to the stationary center tube 32 such that it is non-rotational in nature, or it is connected to the rotating tube 20 such that the table 46 is rotational in nature.
When table 46 is rotational in nature, and is therefore connected to rotating tube 20, table 46 can be used to raise and lower the umbrella frame 24 by manually rotating the table 46. When table 46 is rotational in nature, and is therefore connected to rotating tube 20, table 46 can also be used to raise and lower the umbrella frame 24 by starting or stopping motor 40 by moving or initiating rotation of table 46 or alternatively stopping rotation of table 46 as is further described herein. When the table 46 is used to open and close the system 10, the increased diameter of table 46 provides a mechanical advantage, thereby making it easier to open and close the system 10.
In one or more arrangements, table 46 extends outward from rotating tube 20 in a generally perpendicular nature such that table 46 provides a generally flat and level upper surface. In one or more arrangements, table 46 has a generally circular or cylindrical shape when viewed from above or below, however, any other shape is hereby contemplated for use. An optional table extension 48 (not shown) is connected to table 46 by any engagement member, manner or method, and serves to extend the size or diameter of table 46 and provide greater tabletop surface area. In one or more arrangements, table extension 48 connects to table 46 by way of clips 50 (not shown). In one or more arrangements, table 46 is connected to rotating tube 20 and therefore is rotational in nature. In contrast, in another arrangement, table extension 48 is connected to center tube 32 and therefore table extension 48 is non-rotational in nature.
In one or more arrangements, a cover 52 is connected to the upper end of container 41 and covers container 41. Cover 52 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and serves to hold lighting elements 54, which are any form of a light producing device such as one or more light bulbs, LEDs or the like. In one or more arrangements, cover 52 is vertically fixed, or fixed to the upper end of container 41, or cover 52 is formed as a unitary part of container 41. In an alternative arrangement, cover 52 is a separate part from container 41 and, in this example arrangement, cover 52 is vertically movable along rotating tube 20 so as to allow the positioning of cover 52 and lighting elements 54 at the appropriate position above table 46. To facilitate this vertical movement, cover 52 is connected to power source 42 by a flexible cord 56 (not shown) that accommodates any positioning of cover 52 along the length of rotating tube 20. In one or more arrangements, cover 52 is generally circular in shape when viewed from above and below so as to mimic the exterior shape of container 41.
In one or more arrangements, cover 52 has a slightly larger diameter than the exterior diameter of container 41 and includes a curved or angled upper surface 52A and a curved or angled lower surface 52B. In one or more arrangements, the lighting elements 54 are positioned at or near the exterior periphery of cover 52 and/or in the lower surface 52B. This configuration allows lighting elements 54 to be positioned beyond the exterior surface of container 41 and further allows lighting elements 54 to shine down upon the tabletop of table 46/48 when lighting elements 54 are present. The curved or angled upper surface 52A facilitates water and debris to roll off of the cover 52 and away from the container 41. This configuration provides both useful light on the tabletop as well as an elegant ambiance.
Rotating Tube 20:
Rotating tube 20 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design. As motor 40 is activated, motor 40 rotates driven gear 38 which meshes with stationary gear 36, thereby driving motor 40, and the components connected thereto (including rotating tube 20 and motor housing assembly 16) in circular fashion. In one or more arrangements, rotating tube 20 includes one or more helical grooves 22 therein. In one or more arrangements, a single helical groove 22 is used, either clockwise rotating or counterclockwise rotating. In another arrangement a pair of helical grooves 22 are used, either both clockwise rotating or counterclockwise rotating, or one clockwise rotating and one counterclockwise rotating. In yet another arrangement, as is shown, four helical grooves 22 are used, two clockwise rotating and two counterclockwise rotating, wherein the clockwise rotating and counterclockwise rotating helical grooves 22 intersect with one another. Also, in the example arrangement shown, the two clockwise helical grooves 22 are positioned at all times on opposite or opposing sides of the rotating tube 20 from one another and the two counterclockwise helical grooves 22 are positioned at all times on opposite or opposing sides of the rotating tube 20 from one another. While only one of either a clockwise rotating helical groove 22 or a counterclockwise rotating helical groove 22 are needed for operation, having two clockwise rotating and two counterclockwise rotating helical grooves 22 that intersect one another provides an appealing aesthetic appearance. In one or more arrangements, these helical grooves 22 extend from end to end along the entire length of rotating tube 20, whereas in an alternative arrangement, these helical grooves 22 only extend a portion of the length of rotating tube 20. In addition, by placing a pair of helical grooves 22 on opposing sides of the rotating tube 20 and engaging these opposing helical grooves 22 with a tooth 70 of lower hub 28 provides greater stability and smoother operation as compared to only using a single helical groove 22. The use of any number of helical grooves 22 are hereby contemplated for use.
Rotating tube 20 includes a hollow interior 58 that provides space for center tube 32 therein. The interior surface of rotating tube 20 also includes one or more features 60 therein, such as ridges, grooves or other aberrations that are used to connect counterbalance assembly 62 thereto as is further described herein.
In one or more arrangements, in addition to having one or more helical grooves 22 therein, the exterior surface of rotating tube 20 includes one or more lateral grooves 64 (not shown). Lateral grooves 64 extend in a straight fashion along the lateral length of rotating tube 20. In one or more arrangements, these lateral grooves 64 extend from end to end across the entire length of rotating tube 20, whereas in an alternative arrangement, these lateral grooves 64 only extend a portion of the length of rotating tube 20.
Lower Hub 28:
Lower hub 28 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and serves to open and close umbrella frame 24 as rotating tube 20 is rotated. In one or more arrangements, lower hub 28 is connected to the non-rotating upper hub 34 by connection to the upper supports 66 of umbrella frame 24 which are connected to lower supports 68 of umbrella frame 24. In one or more arrangements, upper supports 66 connect to lower supports 68 by joints 69. Similarly, in one or more arrangements, lower hub 28 connects to lower supports 68 by joints 69. Similarly, in one or more arrangements, upper hub 34 connects to upper supports 66 by joints 69. Joints 69 are any connecting member that provides connection while also providing the needed articulation for opening and closing of the umbrella frame 24. Upper supports 66 of umbrella frame 24 serve to connect to and support material 26 when umbrella frame 24 is in a fully extended or deployed position. Lower supports 68 of umbrella frame 24 connect between lower hub 28 and upper supports 66 and serve to move the upper supports 66 between the retracted position or closed position and the deployed position or open position as lower hub 28 moves up and down along a length of the rotating tube 20. That is, this connection between lower hub 28, lower supports 68, upper supports 66 and upper hub 34 causes lower hub 28 to be non-rotational while allowing lower hub 28 to travel vertically along the vertical length of rotating tube 20.
In one or more arrangements, lower hub 28 includes one or more teeth 70 positioned on the inward facing surface of lower hub 28. This tooth 70 or these teeth 70 are keyed to be received within one of the helical grooves 22. To facilitate smooth operation, teeth 70 are formed of an elongated nature, or said another way, teeth 70 are generally extended in nature. In one or more arrangements, the length of teeth 70 can range anywhere from ¼ of an inch to well over 2 or 3 inches in length. Again, the elongated nature of teeth 70 provides greater surface area of engagement between teeth 70 and helical grooves 22, thereby providing smooth operation and reducing the possibility that teeth 70 could skip out of helical groove 22.
In one or more arrangements, to aid in smooth operation, lower hub 28 is generally vertically elongated so as to cover a vertical portion of rotating tube 20. In the arrangement shown, as one example, lower hub 28 is formed of an upper collar 70A, a lower collar 70B, a center collar 70C, an interior collar 70D and a connecting collar 70E. Each of the upper collar 70A, lower collar 70B, center collar 70C, interior collar 70D and connecting collar 70E are generally cylindrical in shape or tubular in shape and have a hollow interior that extends around a portion of the rotating tube 20. The lower end of upper collar 70A connects to the upper end of connecting collar 70E, the lower end of connecting collar 70E connects to the upper end of center collar 70C, the upper end of lower collar connects to the lower end of center collar 70C. Interior collar 70D fits generally within center collar 70C and between the upper end of lower collar 70B and the lower end of upper collar 70A. In this example arrangement, interior collar 70D has an elongated or extended interior surface that is sized and shaped to fit around the exterior surface of rotating tube 20 with close and tight tolerances, while still allowing for smooth and easy sliding over the exterior surface of rotating tube 20. Teeth 70 are positioned within this interior surface of interior collar 70D and extend inward and engage grooves 22. In an alternative arrangement, upper collar 70A, lower collar 70B and/or center collar 70C also have an elongated or extended interior surface that include teeth 70 therein, the interior surface being sized and shaped to fit around the exterior surface of rotating tube 20 with close and tight tolerances, while still allowing for smooth and easy sliding over the exterior surface of rotating tube 20.
In one or more arrangements, connecting collar 70E includes a plurality of recesses therein. These recesses receive the lower end of lower supports 68 and connect thereto with joints 69 that facilitate articulation of umbrella frame 24 during opening and closing.
Counterbalance Assembly 62:
Counterbalance assembly 62 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and serves to provide a counterbalance force that counteracts the forces involved in raising and lowering, the umbrella frame 24. In the arrangement shown, as one example, counterbalance assembly 62 is positioned within the hollow interior 58 of rotating tube 20 and includes a spring 72 that is connected at a first end to a stationary perch 74 and at a second end to a rotating perch 76. As the rotating tube 20 is vertically aligned the stationary perch 74 can be positioned either above or below the rotating perch 76, with the stationary perch 74 connected to center tube 32 and the rotating perch 76 connected to the rotating tube 20.
In one or more arrangements, as is shown, stationary perch 74 is connected to upper hub 34 adjacent the upper end of center tube 32 within the upper end of rotating tube 20. Stationary perch 74 is connected to center tube 32 by any manner, method or means such as threading, bolting, pinning, riveting, gluing, welding, or any other manner of connection.
In this example arrangement, rotating perch 76 is connected to the interior surface of hollow interior 58. In one or more arrangements, this connection is similarly made by any manner, method or means such as threading, bolting, pinning, riveting, gluing, welding, or any other manner of connection. In the arrangement shown, as one example, as one example, mating engagement of grooves 78 in the exterior surface of rotating perch 76 with the features 60 in the hollow interior 58 of rotating tube 20 is used such that when rotating tube 20 rotates so rotates rotating perch 76.
As rotating perch 76 rotates while stationary perch 74 remains stationary, forces are built up within, or released from, spring 72, thereby providing a counterbalance force to the force of raising the umbrella frame 24. This counterbalance force can substantially reduce the amount of energy needed to raise or lower the umbrella frame 24, which is highly advantageous, especially in a battery powered application as the less force required, the longer the battery life. The spring 72, rotating perch 76 and stationary perch 74 fit around center tube 32.
To provide quieter and smoother operation, in one or more arrangements, an interior sleeve 77A is positioned within the hollow interior of spring 72 and between the spring 72 and the center tube 32 and an exterior sleeve 77B is positioned around the exterior of spring 72 and between the spring 72 and the rotating tube 32. In one or more arrangements, interior sleeve 77A and exterior sleeve 77B are formed of a plastic material or composite material. This helps to reduce noise and smooth operation, especially when rotating tube 20, center tube 32 and spring 72 are formed of a metallic material as the semi-compressible and self-lubricating properties of the plastic or composite material help to take up and reduce rattling while accommodating smooth operation.
In one or more arrangements, the counterbalance force produced by counterbalance assembly 62 does not perfectly match the forces generated by opening and closing the umbrella frame 24. In this example arrangement, the counterbalance force of the counterbalance assembly 62 is tailored to be neutral at approximately the middle of the opening and closing cycle.
To hold the umbrella frame 24 in a fully open or fully closed position, detents 80 are positioned in the exterior surface of rotating tube 20 at or near where the lower hub 28 is when the umbrella frame 24 is in a fully open and a fully closed position. In one or more arrangements, the upper end of upper collar 70A and the lower end of lower collar 70B include fingers 82 that are configured to frictionally engage and hold detents 80. When fingers 82 are engaged with or over detent 80, the force required to move past the detent 80 is greater than the force of gravity generated by the umbrella frame 24 and/or greater than the counterbalance force generated by the counterbalance assembly 62. As such, when the fingers 82 are engaged with a detent 80, the lower hub 28 remains in place.
Detents 80 can be formed out of any device or feature in the rotating tube 20 that helps hold lower hub 28 in place, thereby overcoming the force of either the counterbalance assembly 62 or the force of the umbrella frame 24. In one or more arrangements, as is shown in
In another arrangement, as is shown in
Upper Hub 34:
Upper hub 34 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and facilitates connection of the upper end of umbrella frame 24 to the upper end of center tube 32. In the arrangement shown, as one example, upper hub 34 includes a connecting collar 84 includes a plurality of recesses therein. These recesses receive the upper end of upper supports 66 and connect thereto with joints 69 that facilitate articulation of umbrella frame 24 during opening and closing. Upper hub 34 includes a cover 86 that covers and protects the area where connecting collar 84 connects to upper supports 66 and prevents water from entering at this point. Upper hub 34 also includes a center cap 88 that covers the upper end of center tube 32 and a pin 90 that connects upper hub 34 to center tube 32, thereby holding upper hub 34 in a non-rotational manner.
An upper bearing 92 is positioned at or near the upper end of rotating tube 20 and rotationally connects rotating tube 20 to non-rotational center tube 32 while facilitating rotation thereon.
Lower Bearing Assembly 33:
Lower bearing assembly 33 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design. In the arrangement shown, as one example, lower bearing assembly 33 is positioned at the lower end of rotating tube and serves to cover the lower end of rotating tube 20. In this example arrangement, lower bearing assembly 33 includes an upper cover 94 that connects with a lower cover 96. In this example arrangement, when connected together the upper cover 94 and lower cover 96 have a generally spherical shape. In this example arrangement, a lower bearing 92 is positioned at or near the lower end of rotating tube 20 and rotationally connects rotating tube 20 to non-rotational center tube 32 while facilitating rotation thereon. This lower bearing 92 is held within the lower bearing assembly 33 and more specifically within the upper cover 94 and/or lower cover 96. When a table 46 is not used, the combined upper cover 94 and lower cover 96 provide a pleasing aesthetic appearance. In one or more arrangements, lower cover 96 threads onto upper cover 94.
When a table 46 is to be used with the system 10, in one or more arrangements, the lower cover 96 is removed from the upper cover 94 by unthreading the lower cover 96 off of the upper cover 94, thereby exposing locking features 98 in lower collar extension 100. In this position, upper cover 94 is free from lower collar extension 100 and upper cover 94 can be slid vertically along the length of rotating tube 20. Locking features 98 of lower collar extension 100 are any form of a feature or device that facilitates connection of table 46 to lower bearing assembly 33 such as threads, grooves, a bolt or screw, a snap fit feature, or any other manner or method of connecting two components together. In the arrangement shown, as one example, locking features 98 are a plurality of grooves that are sized and shaped to receive a locking feature 102 in table 46 and include a landing area at the top of the grooves that is configured to hold the locking features 102 therein.
More specifically, in one or more arrangements, table 46 includes a center collar 104 that holds a plurality of locking features 102 therein. In this example arrangement, center collar 104 matingly fits over the lower collar extension 100 of lower bearing assembly 33 and the locking features 102 of table 46 matingly engage the locking features 98 of lower bearing assembly 33, thereby connecting table 46 to lower bearing assembly 33 and rotating tube 20. Once the table 46 is fully installed upon the lower collar extension 100 with the locking features 102 of table 46 matingly engage the landing areas of locking features 98 of lower bearing assembly 33, then the upper cover 94 is threaded over the threads in the upper exterior surface of center collar 104 of table 46. In this way, the upper cover 94 locks the table 46 into position on the lower collar extension 100. Any other manner or method of connecting table 46 to either stationary center tube 32 or rotating tube 20 is hereby contemplated for use.
Electronic Components: When umbrella system 10 is motorized, the motor housing assembly 16 includes or is connected to a motor controller assembly 106 that includes or is electrically connected to the electronic components that facilitate operation of the system 10. In one or more arrangements, motor controller assembly 106 includes an antenna 108 connected to a radio 110, which can be a receiver or a transceiver. Antenna 108 is any device that receives and/or transmits wireless control signals. Radio 110 is a receiver when only one-way communication is utilized, that is the motor controller assembly 106 only receives wireless control signals; whereas radio 110 is a transceiver when two-way communication is utilized, that is the motor controller assembly 106 both receives and sends wireless control signals. Radio 110 serves to receive wireless control signals from antenna 108 and/or transmit wireless control signals through antenna 108. Radio 110 is connected to a microprocessor 112 and memory 114. Microprocessor 112 is any device that receives information and processes information according to instructions, software or code stored on memory 114. Memory 114 is any form of a device that facilitates data storage and retrieval such as flash, RAM, a hard drive, or the like. Microprocessor 112 and memory 114 may be formed of a single combined device or they may be formed of separate devices, or they may be formed of multiple devices.
Microprocessor 112 is electrically connected to motor 40 and controls operation of motor 40. That is, microprocessor 112 turns-on and turns-off motor 40, and controls the direction of rotation of motor 40, thereby opening and closing the umbrella frame 24.
In one or more arrangements, a switch 116 is electrically connected to motor 40 and/or microprocessor 112. When activated, switch 116 operates to power motor 40, thereby opening and closing umbrella frame 24.
In one or more arrangements, one or more sensors 118 are electrically connected to microprocessor 112 and when a predetermined condition is sensed by a sensor 118 and this information is transmitted to microprocessor 112, microprocessor 112 controls operation of motor 40 according to instructions stored in memory 114. Sensor 118 is formed of any sensing device such as a current sensor, a motion sensor, a vibration sensor, or any other form of a sensor. In one or more arrangements, sensor 118 is configured to detect a manual rotation of table 46 and/or rotating tube 20 and when this motion is detected the microprocessor 112 initiates motorized opening or closing of the umbrella frame 24. In one or more arrangements, a sensor 118 is configured to detect when the umbrella frame 24 is in a fully opened and/or fully closed position and to stop movement once this fully opened or fully closed position is achieved.
In one or more arrangements, a wireless control 120 is wirelessly connected to motor controller assembly 106 through wireless connection to antenna 108 and thereby facilitates wireless control of motorized umbrella system 10. Wireless control 120 is any device that is capable of transmitting wireless control signals and wirelessly controlling motorized umbrella system 10 and may include a conventional remote control, a handheld device, a home automation system, a cell phone, a laptop or the like. In one or more arrangements, like motor controller assembly 106, wireless control 120 includes a microprocessor 122, memory 124, a radio 126, an antenna 128 and a power source 130 among other components.
When wireless control 120 transmits a wireless control signal, it is received by antenna 108 of motor controller assembly 106. This signal is transmitted to radio 110 and processed. Radio 110 transmits the processed signal to microprocessor 112. Microprocessor 112 processes the information from radio 110 according to instructions stored in memory 114. When wireless control 120 transmits an open signal, microprocessor 112 opens umbrella system 10; when wireless control 120 transmits a close signal, microprocessor closes umbrella system 10.
In an alternative arrangement, a wired control 132 is connected via a cable or other wiring system to motor controller assembly 106 and/or microprocessor 112. In one or more arrangements, the electronic components of the system are also powered by this wired connection, which eliminates the need for batteries 44.
In operation, when motor 40 is activated, by pressing a button on wireless control 120 or wired control 132 or by initiating rotation of the table 46 microprocessor 122 controls motor 40, which rotates driven gear 38, which meshingly drives around stationary gear 36, thereby rotating motor housing assembly 16, including table 46, and rotating tube 20. As rotating tube 20 rotates, lower hub 28 is driven along the length of rotating tube 20 by engagement of its teeth 70 with helical groove 22. As lower hub 28 is driven, the umbrella frame 24 articulates upon upper hub 34 and lower hub 28, thereby opening or closing the umbrella frame 24.
When lower hub 28 engages a full open or full closed position, fingers 82 engage detents 80 and the umbrella frame 24 is held in place after the motor 40 ceases to be powered.
Manual System:
While the system shown herein includes a motor 40 and is thereby operated by motorization, a manual system is hereby contemplated wherein motor 40, and the electronic components are removed. In this example arrangement, umbrella frame 24 is raised or lowered by manually. This manual opening or closing can be accomplished by a plurality of manners, which is due in large part to the counterbalance assembly 62 that counteracts the forces of opening umbrella frame 24. The manual umbrella system 10 can be opened by simply grasping the umbrella frame 24, at or near the ends of upper supports 66 and pulling them up or pushing them down until the fingers 82 engage a detent 80 when the umbrella frame 24 is in a fully opened or fully closed position. The manual umbrella system 10 can be opened by simply grasping the rotating tube 20 and rotating it until the fingers 82 engage a detent 80 when the umbrella frame 24 is in a fully opened or fully closed position. The manual umbrella system 10 can be opened by simply grasping the rotating table 46 and rotating it until the fingers 82 engage a detent 80 when the umbrella frame 24 is in a fully opened or fully closed position. In doing so, the umbrella frame 24 is very easy to open due to the counterbalance assembly 62.
Automatic Close Function:
Problems occur when umbrellas are left open, such as when a storm kicks up. As such, in one or more arrangements, system 10 includes an auto-close function that automatically closes umbrella frame 24 upon certain functions or conditions. In one or more arrangements, sensor 118 is a time sensor and the microprocessor 112 is programmed to close the umbrella frame 24 if umbrella system 10 is left open after a predetermined time. In another arrangement, sensor 118 is a light sensor and the microprocessor 112 is programmed to close the umbrella frame 24 if left open after a predetermined darkness level. In another arrangement, sensor 118 is a wind sensor and the microprocessor 112 is programmed to close the umbrella frame 24 if left open and wind exceeds a predetermined threshold. Any other trigger can be used and is hereby contemplated for use to initiate an automatic close operation.
Users of umbrella systems (like umbrella system 10 shown and described herein) tend to raise the umbrella frame 24 and open the material 26 for use when the conditions are nice and the wind is low. However, after use of the umbrella system 10 has concluded, users tend to leave the umbrella frame 24 and material 26 in a fully raised and deployed and open position. That is, users tend to forget to close the umbrella frame 24 and material 26. This becomes a problem when the wind picks up, due to the approach of a storm or the like.
When the umbrella frame 24 and material 26 is opened, the elongated length of the combined support pole 12 and rotating tube 20 creates a large lever. When wind picks up, even a slight breeze (not to mention heavy gusts) can generate massive forces on the substantial surface area of the opened umbrella frame 24 and material 26. The combination of the long lever formed by the support pole 12 and rotating tube 20 coupled with the substantial surface area of the opened umbrella frame 24 and material 26, can lead to catastrophic events when the wind increases. This may include:
However, there are often some precursor signs that umbrella system 10 can sense using sensor 118 before these catastrophic events occur. That is, often, when an umbrella system 10 is unintentionally left in a fully open position, and the wind picks up, there are some warning signs that the umbrella system 10 may sense before a catastrophic event occurs, such as the umbrella system 10 tipping over, the umbrella system 10 being ripped out of its base, the umbrella system 10 being damaged or causing damage or injury or the like.
These warning signs of a potential catastrophic wind event often include the movement on the umbrella system 10, vibrations on the umbrella system 10, tilting of the umbrella system 10. To sense this movement, sensor 118 may be formed of an accelerometer sensor, a vibration sensor, a gyro sensor, a tilt sensor, a motion sensor, a wind sensor, a motor movement sensor, a sound sensor, or any other form of a sensor or any combination thereof
Accelerometer Sensor:
In one or more arrangements, sensor 118 includes an accelerometer sensor, or simply an accelerometer. An accelerometer is any form of a device or sensor that measures acceleration forces which are often caused by movement or vibration of the accelerometer or the device that the accelerometer is attached to. In this application, when an accelerometer is used as sensor 118 attached to umbrella system 10 the accelerometer sensor would sense the acceleration of the umbrella system 10 caused by wind blowing on the umbrella system 10.
Vibration Sensor:
In one or more arrangements, sensor 118 includes a vibration sensor. A vibration sensor is any form of a device or sensor that senses vibration of the vibration sensor or the device that the vibration sensor is attached to. In this application, when a vibration sensor is used as sensor 118 attached to umbrella system 10 the vibration sensor would sense the vibrations of the umbrella system 10 caused by wind blowing on the umbrella system 10.
Gyro Sensor:
In one or more arrangements, sensor 118 includes a gyro sensor. A gyro sensor, also known as angular rate sensors or angular velocity sensors are any form of a device or sensor that sense angular velocity. Also known as a gyroscope, gyro sensors are any form of a sensor that senses or measures orientation and/or angular velocity. In this application, when a gyro sensor is used as sensor 118 attached to umbrella system 10 the gyro sensor would sense the orientation and/or angular velocity of the umbrella system 10 caused by wind blowing on the umbrella system 10.
Tilt Sensor:
In one or more arrangements, sensor 118 includes a tilt sensor, which may also be known as an inclinometer or an inclination sensor. A tilt sensor is any form of a device or sensor that senses the tilt or angular orientation one or multiple axes of a reference plane. In this application, when a tilt sensor is used as sensor 118 attached to umbrella system 10 the tilt sensor would sense the tilt of the umbrella system 10 caused by wind blowing on the umbrella system 10.
Motion Sensor:
In one or more arrangements, sensor 118 includes a motion sensor, which may also be known as a motion detector. A motion sensor is any form of a device or sensor that senses or detects moving objects. Motion sensors may include an optical, microwave, RF, IR, acoustic, visible light, radar, LIDAR, or any other form of a sensor that can sense changes surrounding the sensor. In this application, when a motion sensor is used as sensor 118 attached to umbrella system 10 the motion sensor would sense the motion of the umbrella system 10, or the area around the umbrella system 10, caused by wind blowing on the umbrella system 10.
Wind Sensor:
In one or more arrangements, sensor 118 includes a wind sensor, which may also be known as an anemometer or wind direction sensor or wind profiler. A wind sensor is any form of a device or sensor that senses the wind. In this application, when a wind sensor is used as sensor 118 attached to umbrella system 10 the wind sensor would sense the wind blowing on the umbrella system 10.
Motor Movement Sensor:
In one or more arrangements, sensor 118 includes a motor movement sensor. A motor movement sensor is any form of a device or sensor that senses when the motor 40 is moving. When energy is passed through motor 40 the motor 40 moves. However, when motor 40 is moved, the motor 40 generates energy (current and/or voltage). Or, said another way, every motor 40 becomes a generator when it is driven or forced to rotate. When motor 40 is forced to rotate, motor 40 generates energy (current and/or voltage). When sensor 118 is a motor movement sensor, sensor 118 senses the generation of this current and/or voltage. In this particular application, motor 40 is operably connected to umbrella frame 24 and rotating tube 20 having helical grooves 22 therein. When motor 40 operates, motor 40 causes rotating tube 20 to rotate which drives umbrella frame 24 open or closed through its connection to the helical grooves 22 in the exterior surface of rotating tube 20 by way of lower hub 28. In contrast, when wind blows, a force is applied onto umbrella frame 24. This force may cause umbrella frame 24 to move upward or downward. As umbrella frame 24 moves upward or downward, lower hub 28 by way of its connection to helical grooves 22 may cause rotating tube 20 to rotate which in-turn causes motor 40 to rotate, thereby generating an electrical disturbance (voltage and/or current spike) which is then sensed by motor movement sensor. In this application, when a motor movement sensor is used as sensor 118 attached to umbrella system 10 the motor movement sensor would sense the movement of the umbrella system 10 caused by wind blowing on the umbrella system 10.
Sound Sensor:
In one or more arrangements, sensor 118 includes a sound sensor which may also be known as a microphone or an acoustic sensor. A sound sensor is any form of a device or sensor that senses sound. In this application, when a sound sensor is used as sensor 118 attached to umbrella system 10 the sound sensor would sense the sound in the area of the umbrella system 10 caused by wind blowing on the umbrella system 10.
Any other form of a sensor or any combination of sensors is hereby contemplated for use as sensor 118. The use of multiple sensors 118 provides redundancy and higher accuracy and therefore is preferred. The use of multiple sensors 118 that include different types of sensors also provides redundancy and higher accuracy and therefore is preferred.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, the sensor 118 or sensors 118 sense the conditions that umbrella system 10 is exposed to. This information, or the sensed conditions, is transmitted by sensor 118 to microprocessor 112 of motor controller assembly 106. Using software, instructions, code and/or algorithms, microprocessor 112 tracks the sensed conditions of or surrounding umbrella system 10 and determines whether a qualifying disturbance has occurred. That is, using software, instructions, code and/or algorithms, microprocessor 112 tracks the sensed conditions of or surrounding umbrella system 10 and determines whether the wind is increasing to the point that it is likely that a catastrophic event could occur. If a qualifying disturbance occurs, and the umbrella frame 24 is in a partially or wholly raised position, which in one or more arrangements is information that the motor controller assembly 106 and/or microprocessor 112 tracks, then the motor controller assembly 106 and/or microprocessor 112 initiates an auto-close operation. In the arrangement shown, as one example, an auto-close operation causes the motor 40 to drive the rotating tube 20 in a closing direction, thereby closing the umbrella frame 24. By closing the umbrella frame 24 this causes the umbrella frame 24 and material 26 to collapse along the rotating tube 20, thereby substantially reducing its surface area and thereby substantially reducing the potential that wind will knock the umbrella system 10 over or rip the umbrella system 10 out of its base 14 or otherwise affect umbrella system 10.
Automatic Close Only:
In one or more arrangements, umbrella system 10 includes an automatic close function only. Or, said another way, in one or more arrangements, umbrella system 10 does not include an auto-open function. That is, it is desirable for umbrella system 10 to automatically close itself when the umbrella system 10 senses that the wind is picking up so as to prevent a catastrophic event. However, it would not be desirable for the umbrella system 10 to have an auto-open function wherein the umbrella system 10 opens when wind increases or when wind decreases. That is, in one or more arrangements, it is desirable to require user interaction (press of a button of wireless control 120, wired control 132 or any other manner of operation, etc.) to open the umbrella system 10 while allowing the umbrella system 10 to either be closed by user interaction (press of a button of wireless control 120, wired control 132 or any other manner of operation, etc.) or by an automatic close movement.
Delay Timer:
In one or more arrangements, umbrella system 10 includes a delay timer associated with the automatic close function. That is, in many cases, when an umbrella system 10 is opened by user interaction, such as by press of a button of wireless control 120, wired control 132 or any other manner of operation, etc., for a period of time thereafter it is likely that the person that opened the umbrella system 10 will use the umbrella system 10. During this use it is likely that the user interaction with the umbrella system 10 could be sensed by sensors 118 as a qualifying disturbance which would then cause the initiation of an automatic close operation. However, it is highly undesirable to have the umbrella system 10 automatically close when a user is using the umbrella system 10.
As such, to avoid this possibility, in one or more arrangements, umbrella system 10 includes a delay timer function. This delay timer function delays the automatic closing function. That is, as one demonstrative example, the delay timer is 1-hour. In this example, when a user interacts with the umbrella system 10 and opens the umbrella system 10, for the period of 1-hour thereafter the umbrella system 10 is prevented from automatically closing. This prevents the umbrella system from automatically closing on the user when they are using the umbrella system 10. After the expiration of the delay timer, the umbrella system 10 may again initiate an automatic close function when a qualifying disturbance is detected using sensors 118.
In an alternative arrangement, as one example, umbrella system 10 includes a delay timer that after the expiration of the delay timer the umbrella system 10 automatically closes. This delay timer is another way to prevent catastrophic events from occurring by closing the umbrella system 10 when it was left opened for an extended period of time. That is, as one example, the delay timer is 7-hours. In this example, 7-hours after the umbrella system 10 was initially opened the motor controller assembly 106 and/or microprocessor initiates an automatic close function, thereby automatically closing the umbrella system 10 under the assumption that it was forgotten.
Detection of People:
In one or more arrangements, when sensor 118 is a motion sensor, the motion sensor is configured to detect when people are in the vicinity of the umbrella system 10. And, when people are in the vicinity of the umbrella system 10 the motor controller assembly 106 is configured to not automatically close the umbrella system 10 as these people are likely using or enjoying the opened umbrella system 10 and if they wanted to close the umbrella system 10 then all they would have to do is manually interact with umbrella system, such as press of a button of wireless control 120, wired control 132 or any other manner of operation, etc. to close the umbrella system 10. Or, said another way, if people are in the vicinity of the umbrella system 10, it is likely that an approaching storm is not likely, and if it is these people can close the umbrella system 10. As such, when motion sensor senses people are in the vicinity of the umbrella system 10, and for a predetermined period of time thereafter, automated movements, such as an automatic close operation, is prevented by motor controller assembly 106 and/or microprocessor 112.
Detecting whether people are in the vicinity of umbrella system 10 and temporarily or for a predetermined amount of time thereafter stopping or preventing automated movements is desirable because the presence of people can create conditions that sensors 118 could interpret as a qualifying disturbance (such as increasing wind). Or, said another way, when people are using umbrella system 10 these people can create conditions that sensors 118 could determine is an increased wind and therefore cause the umbrella system 10 to close, which is undesirable if people are using the umbrella system 10. And, if people are around umbrella system 10 and the wind is increasing, these people can simply close the umbrella system 10. As such, in this example arrangement, when people are detected by motion sensor 118 automated movements are suspended.
Audible Warning:
In one or more arrangements, when umbrella system 10 includes an automatic close (or if it exists, an automatic open) function, umbrella system 10 also includes an audible warning. That is, in this example arrangement, when motor controller assembly 106 determines that a qualifying disturbance has occurred, or a delay timer has expired and it is time to automatically close the umbrella system 10, the umbrella system 10 initiates an audible warning or indication indicating to users in the vicinity that the umbrella system 10 is planning to automatically close.
This audible warning serves two purposes. First, if users are in the area of the umbrella system 10 and they hear the audible warning and they do not want the umbrella system 10 to automatically close they can intervene by interacting with the umbrella system 10 (e.g. press of a button of wireless control 120, wired control 132 or any other manner of operation, etc.), thereby stopping the automatic close function. Second, the issuance of this audible warning gives users in the area time to move out of the way of the umbrella system 10 before it begins to close. This gives the users in the area the ability to avoid injury.
In one or more arrangements, the audible waring is issued prior to the automatic close (or if it exists the automatic open) function. In one or more arrangements, the audible warning is issued during all or a part of the movement of the umbrella system 10 and/or for a predetermined amount of time thereafter. The issuance of this audible warning during the movement of the umbrella system 10 allows users to stay clear of the umbrella system 10 as it moves, thereby avoiding injury and interference.
In one or more arrangements, sensor 118 is contained within the components of umbrella system 10. In one or more arrangements, sensor 118 is contained within the hollow interior of container 41. In one or more arrangements, sensor 118 is contained on a printed circuit board of motor controller assembly 106. In one or more arrangements, sensor 118 is contained within a housing of motor controller assembly 106. In one or more arrangements, sensor 118 is contained within the hollow interior of rotating tube 20. In one or more arrangements, sensor 118 is contained within the hollow interior of stationary support pole 12. It is hereby contemplated that sensor 118 may be contained within any other portion of umbrella system 10. Containing sensor 118 within one of the components of umbrella system 10 provides the benefit of providing a self-contained unit, which is a benefit. Another benefit of containing sensor 118 within one of the components of umbrella system 10 is that this shields and protects sensor 118. Another benefit of containing sensor 118 within one of the components of umbrella system 10 is that this shielding can help eliminate some of the noise or other external variations from affecting the results provided by sensor 118 which can lead to a higher quality of data and thereby improved sensing of qualifying disturbances. In one or more arrangements, an algorithm or other software, code or programming is used to evaluate the results of sensor 118 so as to determine if a qualifying disturbance has been detected, which improves the quality of results and operation.
Alternative Arrangement:
In the arrangement shown, as one example, with reference to
System 10:
In the arrangement shown, as one example, motorized umbrella system 10 includes a support pole 12, a lower bearing assembly 33 having a lower cover 96 and an upper cover 94, a rotating tube 20 having a center tube 32 and a counterbalance assembly 62 therein, a motor housing assembly 16 having a battery holder 45, a power source 42 including a plurality of batteries 44, a motor 40 having a gear assembly 40B and a drive shaft 40A that connects to a driven gear 38, a motor support 134, a ring gear housing 136 having a ring gear 138 and a connection assembly 140, a container 41 having a plurality of flanges 142, a top cap 144 and a seal 146, among other features and elements. These elements and features are similar if not identical to those features described herein unless specifically stated otherwise.
Support Pole & Lower Bearing Assembly 33:
In the arrangement shown, as one example, motorized umbrella system 10 includes a support pole 12 as is described herein. In the arrangement shown, as one example, a lower bearing assembly 33 is connected to the upper end of the support pole 12 and is comprised of a lower cover 96 that connects to an upper cover 94, as is described herein. In the arrangement shown, as one example, lower bearing assembly 33 connects the upper end of support pole 12 to the lower end of rotating tube 20, which contains center tube 32 and counterbalance assembly 62 therein, as is described herein. In the arrangement shown, as one example, lower bearing assembly 33 connects the upper end of support pole 12 to the lower end of rotating tube 20 while allowing the rotation of rotating tube 20.
Battery Holder 45:
In the arrangement shown, as one example, motorized umbrella system 10 includes a battery holder 45. Battery holder 45 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to enclose the lower end container 41 while also holding various components of the motorized umbrella system 10 such as batteries 44, the lower end of motor 40, among other components. In the arrangement shown, as one example, battery holder 45 fits around rotating tube 20 and includes a lower section 148 that encloses the lower end of container 41 and serves to receive the lower end of batteries 44, motor 40 and other components positioned within container 41. When viewed from above or below, the exterior peripheral edge of lower section 148 is generally circular in shape so as to fit within the generally cylindrical hollow interior of container 41 when the lower end of container 41 is placed over battery holder 45, thereby enclosing the components held by battery holder 45.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, a collar 150 extends upward from lower section 148 of battery holder 45. Collar 150 has a smaller diameter than lower section 148 and fits around rotating tube 20 while allowing rotating tube 20 to rotate.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, the lower end of lower section 148 includes a recess 152. Recess 152 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to facilitate the attachment of battery holder 45 to lower bearing assembly 33. In the arrangement shown, as one example, recess 152 includes features that mesh with features in the exterior surface of upper cover 94 such that when battery holder 45 is placed on top of lower bearing assembly 33 the battery holder 45 meshes with upper cover 94. In this way, this engagement between the features of recess 152 with the features of upper cover 94 provide alignment for battery holder 45 and prevent the rotation of battery holder 45 when rotating tube 20 rotates.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, battery holder 45 holds power source 42 therein, which in the arrangement shown is a plurality of batteries 44, however, any other form of a power source is hereby contemplated for use, such as line power, solar power, or the like. In one or more arrangements, batteries 44 are rechargeable batteries such that the user can periodically charge the batteries 44 and then use the motorized umbrella system 10 multiple times, perhaps for an entire season, before having to re-charge the batteries. In one or more arrangements, batteries 44 are electrically connected to a solar panel which recharges the batteries 44 when exposed to sunlight. In one or more arrangements, the solar panel is connected to the upper end of upper hub 34, in another arrangement; the solar panel is connected to and/or integrated into the material 26, such as using a flexible solar panel film. Any other manner of charging and/or powering motorized umbrella system 10 is hereby contemplated for use.
Motor Support 134:
In the arrangement shown, as one example, a motor support 134 is positioned above battery holder 45. Motor support 134 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to hold motor 40 therein as well as connect to battery holder 45. In the arrangement shown, as one example, motor support 134 is a generally disc-shaped member that extends around rotating tube 20 in a generally circular shape when viewed from above or below. In the arrangement shown, as one example, motor support 134 includes a honeycomb-shaped support structure that extends across its disc-shaped body to provide structural rigidity while also minimizing material usage and weight.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, the upper end of motor 40 is connected to and held by motor support 134 and the drive shaft 40A extends through the motor support 134. In this example arrangement, motor 40 and gear assembly 40B are positioned below motor support 134 while driven gear 38 is positioned above motor support 134.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, motor support 134 connects to battery holder 45. More specifically, in the arrangement shown, as one example, the center portion of motor support 134 includes features that engage and lock with features in the upper end of the center portion of collar 150 of battery holder 45. In this way, when motor support 134 is engaged with and locked with battery holder 45, motor support 134 remains stationary as rotating tube 20 rotates due to the mating and locking engagement between the recess 152 of battery holder 45 with the features of upper cover 94 of lower bearing assembly 33.
Ring Gear Housing 136:
In the arrangement shown, as one example, a ring gear housing 136 is positioned above motor support 134. Ring gear housing 136 is formed of any suitable, size, shape, and design and is configured to hold and house ring gear 138 as well as connect to rotating tube 20. In the arrangement shown, as one example, ring gear housing 136 is a generally circular shaped member having an open lower end that includes ring gear 138 that extends around the interior facing surface of the outward edge of ring gear housing 136. Ring gear 138 is configured to mesh with driven gear 38 and as such, as motor 40 rotates, driven gear 38 rotates. As driven gear 38 rotates, due to the meshing engagement between driven gear 38 and ring gear 138, ring gear 138 is driven. Due to the engagement between motor 40 with motor support 134, and the engagement between motor support 134 with battery holder 45, and the engagement between battery holder 45 with upper cover 94 of lower bearing assembly 33, and the engagement between lower bearing assembly 33 and the stationary support pole 12, the motor 40 remains stationary while the ring gear 138 and ring gear housing 136 rotate around motor 40.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, ring gear housing 136 engages and locks onto rotating tube 20 such that when ring gear 138 and ring gear housing 136 rotates so rotates rotating tube 20. In one or more arrangements, ring gear housing 136 may connect to and lock onto rotating tube 20 by any manner, method or means including screwing, bolting, snap-fitting, friction fitting, pinning, pinching, welding, adhering, affixing, interlocking, or any other way of connecting two components together. In the arrangement shown, as one example, to facilitate the locking engagement between ring gear housing 136 and rotating tube 20, ring gear housing 136 includes a connection assembly 140. In the arrangement shown, as one example, connection assembly 140 is connected to the upper interior edge of ring gear housing 136 and is configured to engage and lock onto rotating tube 20. In the arrangement shown, as one example, connection assembly 140 is formed of a plurality of fingers that extend upward from the upper center edge of ring gear housing 136 and are configured to pinch onto the exterior surface of rotating tube 20. However, any other configuration is hereby contemplated for use.
Container 41:
In the arrangement shown, as one example, a container is positioned above and around battery holder 45, motor support 134 and ring gear housing 136. Container 41 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to fit around and shelter the internal components of motor housing assembly 16. In the arrangement shown, as one example, container 41 is a generally cylindrical shaped member that fits around rotating tube 20 and includes a closed upper end, a generally cylindrical exterior surface having a plurality of flanges 142 that extend outward therefrom in spaced relation to one another, and a hollow lower end that is configured to receive battery holder 45, motor support 134, ring gear housing 136, and other components therein.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, a threaded collar 154 extends upward from the upper center end of the upper end of container 41. In the arrangement shown, as one example, threaded collar 154 is configured to receive top cap 144 in threaded engagement. In the arrangement shown, as one example, top cap 144 is a ring-shaped member that fits around rotating tube 20 and includes threads in its interior surface that thread with the threads of threaded collar 154 of container 41. In the arrangement shown, as one example, seal 146 is a ring shaped member that fits around rotating tube 20 and seals to the exterior surface of rotating tube and seals the upper end of container 41 and top cap 144 so as prevent water and moisture from entering the hollow interior of container 41. In one or more arrangements, seal 146 is formed of a silicone, rubber, or composite material that is flexible and compressible and forms a waterproof or water-resistant seal.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, motor housing assembly 16 is assembled on support pole 12 and rotating tube 20 by placing battery holder 45 on top of lower bearing assembly 33 such that the features of the recess 152 of battery holder 45 engage the features of upper cover 94 of lower bearing assembly 33. In one or more arrangements, motor support 134 is lowered onto battery holder 45 until the features at the upper end of collar 150 of battery holder 45 engage and lock with the motor support 134. In one or more arrangements, mechanical fasteners, such as screws or bolts are used to lock battery holder 45 and motor support 134 together by passing these mechanical fasteners through motor support 134 and into battery holder 45 and thereafter tightening the two components together. In this example arrangement, ring gear housing 136 is placed over motor support 134 causing the teeth of driven gear 38 to mesh with the teeth of ring gear 138. In this example arrangement, container 41 is lowered over battery holder 45, motor support 134 and ring gear housing 136 until the connection assembly 140 of ring gear housing 136 is received within the cylindrical opening at the upper center of container 41 adjacent threaded collar 154. In this example arrangement, top cap 144 is placed around rotating tube 20 and threaded onto threaded collar 154 and seal 146 is placed over the upper end of top cap 144. As threaded collar 154 is tightened this causes connection assembly 140 to tighten against rotating tube 20. In doing so, the engagement between connection assembly 140 of ring gear housing 136 locks top cap 144, container 41 and ring gear housing 136 to rotating tube 20 such that as rotating tube 20 rotates, so rotates top cap 144, container 41, ring gear housing 136 and seal 146. Or, said another way, as driven gear 38 is driven by motor 40, ring gear 138, ring gear housing 136, container 41, top cap 144 and rotating tube 20 rotate as battery holder 45, motor support 134, motor 40 and batteries 44 remain stationary due to their connection to lower bearing assembly 33. This arrangement provides a strong, sound, moisture resistant, convenient, and easy to use system that operates efficiently and quietly.
Flanges and Manual Movement to Initiate Motorized Movement:
In the arrangement shown, as one example, the exterior peripheral edge of container 41 includes a plurality of flanges 142. Flanges 142 are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and are configured to facilitate engagement of the container 41 by a user so as to facilitate or initiate a motorized open movement or a motorized close movement. In the arrangement shown, as one example, flanges 142 are flat extensions that extend outward in alignment with the axis of rotation of container 41. In the arrangement shown, as one example, flanges connect at their upper end adjacent the upper end of the exterior sidewall of container 41 and extend downward as they extend outward at an angle before curving toward the lower end of the exterior sidewall of container 41. In this way, when viewed from the side, flanges 142 form approximately half of a teardrop shape that extends outward from the exterior sidewall of container 41. However, any other shape is hereby contemplated for use. In the arrangement shown, as one example, a plurality of flanges are equally spaced around the exterior peripheral edge of container 41.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, a user initiates a motorized open or motorized close operation by grasping one of the flanges 142 and rotating the container 41. As container 41 is fixed to ring gear housing 136 and rotating tube 20, the rotation of container 41 cause ring gear housing 136 and ring gear 138 to rotate. As ring gear housing 136 and ring gear 138 rotate, this drives driven gear 38 through its meshed engagement with the teeth of ring gear 138. This driving of driven gear 38 drives motor 40. When a motor is driven it becomes a generator. As such, as the container 41 is rotated by a user, this drives the motor 40, which causes the generation of voltage and/or current that is then sensed by a current or voltage sensor which is described herein as a motor movement sensor.
That is, in one or more arrangements, motor controller assembly 106 includes a sensor 118 that is a motor movement sensor. A motor movement sensor is any form of a device or sensor that senses when the motor 40 is moving. When energy is passed through motor 40, the motor 40 moves. However, when motor 40 is moved, the motor 40 generates energy (current and/or voltage). Or, said another way, every motor 40 becomes a generator when it is driven or forced to rotate. When motor 40 is forced to rotate, by a user grasping a flange 142 and rotating container 41, motor 40 generates energy (current and/or voltage). When sensor 118 is a motor movement sensor, sensor 118 senses the generation of this current and/or voltage. In this case, when a user grasps a flange 142 and rotates container 41 this causes the internal components of motor 40 to rotate, thereby generating an electrical disturbance (voltage and/or current spike) which is then sensed by motor movement sensor 118. In this application, when a motor movement sensor 118 senses this manual movement, microprocessor 112 and/or motor controller assembly 106 is programmed to power motor 40 and move umbrella frame 24 from an open position to a closed position, or alternatively from a closed position to an open position.
As the motor 40 rotates driven gear 38, driven gear 38 causes ring gear housing 136, container 41 and rotating tube 20 to rotate. As rotating tube 20 rotates umbrella frame 24 is opened or closed in the manners described herein through the engagement of lower hub 28 with helical groove 22.
The use of flanges 142 and the initiation of a motorized movement by a user slightly rotating container 41 provides an easy to use system that eliminates buttons or switches. Buttons or switches are undesirable because they can be hard to find, which is especially true for umbrellas where the material 26 hangs down in a closed position and covers most if not all of the support pole, which makes finding a button or switch difficult. In addition, buttons or switches may be undesirable because they are expensive, complicated, and can fail due to corrosion, which is prevalent in outdoor applications, especially in salt-water environments.
In contrast, the use of flanges 142 on container 41 is easy to use because even when the material 26 covers the container 41, the user can simply grasp any of the multiple flanges 142 and rotate container 41, thereby initiating a motorized movement. This does not require any precision by the user and is fast and easy. As such, the convenience of this arrangement is unmatched. In addition, this provides a robust solution that eliminates buttons and/or switches.
This solution allows the user to operate the umbrella system 10 from any position around container 41. This coupled with the use of a wireless control 120 and/or a wired control 132, coupled with a wind disturbance function that senses wind and closes the umbrella frame, provides an unprecedented ability to control the operation of an umbrella system 10.
Brake: In some applications, when the umbrella frame 24 is fully opened or fully closed it can have a tendency to drift, or not hold its fully opened or fully closed position, which is undesirable. In one or more arrangements, to resolve this problem, when umbrella frame 24 has been fully opened or fully closed or has reached its desired position, motor controller assembly 106 connects the positive lead of motor 40 to the negative lead of motor 40, thereby instituting an internal brake. When the internal brake is turned on, motor 40 provides resistance to further movement which helps to hold the position of the umbrella frame 24 and prevents drift of the umbrella frame 24.
This is often referred to as shorting the motor 40 by connecting the positive lead to the negative lead. In one or more arrangements, this shorting of the positive lead of motor 40 to the negative lead of motor 40 is accomplished using a switch. In one or more arrangements, this shorting of the positive lead of motor 40 to the negative lead of motor 40 is accomplished using what is known as an H-Bridge, or H-Bridge circuit which is an electronic circuit that switches the polarity of a voltage applied to a load, among other circuitry that may be used. This arrangement utilized the internal resistance of motor 40 to hold the position of umbrella frame 24 in place.
In one or more arrangements, due to the limitations of counterbalance assembly 62 and/or the spring 72 of the counterbalance assembly 62, the torque profile of the umbrella frame 25 is not perfectly matched by the torque profile of the counterbalance assembly 62. In one or more arrangements, this results in the umbrella frame 24 being under-sprung at the open position, meaning that the counterbalance assembly 62 is providing less counterbalance force than the weight of the umbrella frame 24 meaning that the umbrella frame 24 has a tendency to sag at the fully opened position; and this results in the umbrella frame 24 being over-sprung at the closed position, meaning that the counterbalance assembly 62 is providing more counterbalance force than the weight of the umbrella frame 24 meaning that the umbrella frame 24 has a tendency to pop-up or slightly open at the fully closed position. Applying the internal brake of motor 40 by shorting the positive lead to the negative lead helps to hold umbrella frame 24 in a tight and fully expanded position in the fully opened position that resists the under-sprung nature of counterbalance assembly 62 at the fully opened position. Applying the internal brake of motor 40 by shorting the positive lead to the negative lead helps to hold umbrella frame 24 in a tight and compact position in the fully closed position that resists the over-sprung nature of counterbalance assembly 62 at the fully closed position.
When the internal brake is used, the motor controller assembly 106 is configured to turn off the brake when a motorized movement command is detected. Turning off this brake of motor 40 allows for free manual movement, and/or motorized opening and closing. That is, motor controller assembly 106 turns off this brake when the motor controller assembly 106 initiates motorized movement of motor 40.
In these ways, the use and application of an internal brake utilizing motor 40 is a simple, easy to use and efficient manner of improving the functionality of umbrella system 10 that utilizes the existing components of the system 10 and does not require the addition of a separate mechanical brake assembly to the system 10.
Alternative Arrangement:
In the arrangement shown, as one example, with reference to
System 10:
In the arrangement shown, as one example, motorized umbrella system 10 includes a support pole 12, a base 14, a motor housing assembly 16, a table 46, a rotating tube 20 having one or more helical grooves 22 therein, a center tube 32, an umbrella frame 24 that supports fabric or material 26 and is connected to a movable lower hub 28, a counterbalance assembly 160, and a rotational locking assembly 178 among other features and elements. In this example arrangement, support pole 12, base 14, motor housing assembly 16, table 46, rotating tube 20, center tube 32, umbrella frame 24 and material 26, and movable lower hub 28 are similar if not identical to those features previously described herein unless specifically stated otherwise.
Counterbalance Assembly 160:
In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 includes a counterbalance assembly 160. Counterbalance assembly 160 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to provide a counterbalance force that counteracts the forces involved in raising and lowering umbrella frame 24.
In the arrangement shown, counterbalance assembly 160 is positioned within a hollow interior 158 formed by collar 84 and cover 86 of upper hub 34. Components of counterbalance assembly 160 may be directly or indirectly connected to upper hub 34 by any manner, method or means such as threading, bolting, pinning, riveting, gluing, welding, or any other manner of connection. In this alternative arrangement, upper hub 34 is any is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to support and enclose counterbalance assembly 160 while facilitating connection of upper hub 34 with the upper end of umbrella frame 24, the upper end of center tube 32, and the upper end of rotating tube 20.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, the counterbalance assembly 160 is included in system 10 in lieu of counterbalance assembly 62. However, it is contemplated that, in one or more arrangements, system 10 may include both counterbalance assembly 160 and counterbalance assembly 62.
Spools 162:
In the arrangement shown, as one example, counterbalance assembly 160 includes two spools 162 positioned within the hollow interior 158 of upper hub 34. Spools 162 are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and are configured to facilitate spooling of cord 170. In the arrangement shown, as one example, each spool 162 has an elongated cylindrical shape extending between a first end 164 and a second end 166. In this example arrangement, spools 162 are operably connected to upper hub 34 and are configured to rotate about a horizontal axis to facilitate spooling of cord 170. However, it is contemplated in some embodiments, that spools 162 may be operably connected to rotate about a non-horizontal axis. While the arrangement shown includes two spools 162, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that counterbalance assembly 160 may include more or fewer spools 162 in one or more embodiments.
Spring Assemblies 168:
In one or more arrangements, counterbalance assembly 160 includes a set of spring assemblies 168 positioned within the hollow interior 158 of upper hub 34. Spring assemblies 168 are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and are configured to facilitate spooling and tensioning of cord 170. In the arrangement shown, as one example, counterbalance assemblies 160 include spring spools upon which ribbon springs (not shown) can be attached to form a spring assembly 168. However, embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that spring assembly 168 may use any type of constant force or variable force spring including, for example, ribbon springs, torsion springs, compression springs, extension springs, Belleville springs, drawbar springs, volute springs, garter springs, flat springs, and/or gas springs, among others.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, a respective spring assembly 168 is operably connected to each side of the two spools 162. However, it is contemplated that counterbalance assembly 160 may include more or fewer spring assemblies 168 in one or more embodiments. In this example arrangement, spring assemblies 168 may be constant force springs, variable/gradient force springs, or a combination of constant force springs and variable/gradient force springs. Spring assemblies 168 are operably connected to spools 162. As spools 162 rotate, the operable connection with the spring assemblies 168 cause forces to be built up within and/or released from, spring assemblies 168.
Cords 170:
In the arrangement shown, as one example, counterbalance assembly 160 includes cords 170. Cords 170 are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and are configured to facilitate transfer of counterbalance forces to lower hub 28. In this example arrangement, a first end of each cord 170 is connected to a spool 162 and spooled around an exterior surface of spool 162. In this example arrangement, the other end of each cord 170 is connected to lower hub 28. As lower hub 28 is moved downward, as umbrella system 10 is closed, cords 170 attached to the lower hub 28 are pulled. As cords 170 are pulled by lower hub 28, cords 170 unspooled from spools 162. Unspooling of cords 170 from spools 162 rotates spools 162, which causes spring assemblies 168 to be tensioned. As lower hub 28 is moved upward, as umbrella system 10 is opened, tension on spring assemblies 168 providing a counterbalance force, which can substantially reduce the amount of energy needed to open umbrella system 10.
Tapered Exterior Surface of Spools 162:
In the arrangement shown, as one example, spools 162 have a tapered exterior surface to better match a torque profile of counterbalance assembly 160 with a torque profile of the umbrella frame 24. As previously described, it can be difficult to implement a counterbalance assembly 160 with a torque profile that perfectly matches a torque profile of the umbrella frame 24. For example, umbrella frame 24 being under-sprung at the open position, meaning that the counterbalance assembly 160 is providing less counterbalance force than the weight of the umbrella frame 24 meaning that the umbrella frame 24 has a tendency to sag at the fully opened position. As another example, umbrella frame 24 may be over-sprung at the closed position, meaning that the counterbalance assembly 160 is providing more counterbalance force than the weight of the umbrella frame 24 meaning that the umbrella frame 24 has a tendency to pop-up or slightly open at the fully closed position.
In one or more arrangements, the tapered shape of the spools 162 causes cords 170 to be wrapped around an increasing or decreasing diameter of spools 162 as lower hub 28 is raised and cords 170 are spooled on spools 162. Due to this changing diameter, the torque applied on spool 162 by tension on cord 170 changes dynamically as lower hub 28 is raise and or lowered.
As an illustrative example, in one or more arrangements, spools 162 are implemented by spool cords from a larger diameter to a smaller diameter as lower hub is raised as umbrella frame 25 is opened. As lower hub 28 approaches a fully raised position, the smaller diameter of the spools 162 encountered by cords 170 better leverage for spring assemblies 168 to pull cord 170 tight, thereby helping to prevent sagging of umbrella frame 24. Conversely, as lower hub 28 approaches a fully lowered position, a larger diameter of the spools 162 encountered by cords 170 provides less leverage for spring assemblies 168 to pull cord 170 tight, thereby helping to prevent umbrella frame 24 from popping-up or slightly opening at the fully closed position.
One of the benefits of cords 170 is that they pull upward and they are pulled downward in parallel alignment to the axis of rotation or the length of rotating tube 20. This means that the forces applied to lower hub 28 help to pull lower hub 28 directly up, reducing friction and reducing the loss of counterbalance force due to friction. In addition, by pulling lower hub 28 directly upward, cords 170 help to keep lower hub centrally positioned around rotating tube 20, again, minimizing friction. In addition, by having cords 170 extend parallel to rotating tube 20, cords 170 deploy out of spools 162 in an efficient manner that improves function and reduces friction. Generally speaking, many improvements in process and function are achieved by cords 170 deploying parallel to rotating tube 20.
Rotational Locking Assembly 178:
In one or more arrangements, system 10 includes a rotational locking assembly 178. Rotational locking assembly 178 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to prevent rotation of rotating tube 20 when locked. In the arrangement shown, as one example, rotational locking assembly 178 includes a gear member 180 operably attached to rotating tube 20, an inner assembly 182 and an outer collar 184, among other components.
Gear Member 180:
Gear member 180 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to facilitate engagement and interlocking of locking rotating tube 20 and inner assembly. In the arrangement shown, as one example, gear member 180 is operably attached to the lower end of rotating tube 20. In the arrangement shown, as one example, gear member 180 has a generally cylindrical shaped exterior surface 186 having a set of teeth 188 extending around exterior surface 186.
Inner Assembly 182:
Inner assembly 182 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to facilitate engagement and interlocking with gear member 180 to prevent rotation of rotating tube 20. In the arrangement shown, as one example, inner assembly 182 is configured to engage teeth 188 of gear member 180 and prevent rotation of the gear member 180 and rotating tube 20 in response to the outer collar 184 being rotated a first direction. In this example arrangement, inner assembly 182 is configured to disengage from teeth 188 of the gear member 180 and permit rotation of the gear member 180 and rotating tube 20 in response to rotation of the outer collar 184 in a second direction, opposite of the first direction.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, inner assembly 182 includes an inner collar 190 and a locking member 192. Inner collar 190 and locking member 192 are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and are configured to facilitate engagement of and disengagement from teeth 188 of gear member 180 responsive to rotation of the outer collar 184. In the arrangement shown, as one example, inner collar 190 has an elongated tube shape extending between an upper end 196 and a lower end 194. In this example arrangement, inner collar 190 has a cylindrical shaped inner surface 198 and a cylindrical shaped outer surface 200.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, gear member 180 is positioned inside of inner collar 190. In this example arrangement, inner collar 190 includes an opening 202 through which teeth 188 of gear member 180 are accessible. In this example arrangement, inner collar 190 also includes a fulcrum feature 204 adjacent to opening 202.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, locking member 192 is a rocker arm having a pivot point 208 configured to engage the fulcrum feature 204, an arm 210 extending out from pivot point 208, and a catch feature 212. In this example arrangement, locking member 192 is configured to extend arm 210 through opening 202 to engage and interlock with teeth 188 in response to catch features 212 of locking member 192 being moved in a first direction, thereby preventing rotation of gear member 180. In this example arrangement, locking member 192 is configured to retract arm 210 and disengage from teeth 188 in response to catch features 212 being moved in the opposite direction, thereby permitting gear member 180 to rotate.
Outer Collar 184:
Outer Collar 184 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to cause inner assembly 182 engage and interlock with gear member 180 when outer collar 184 is rotated in the first direction and cause inner assembly 182 to disengage from gear member 180 when outer collar 184 is rotated in the opposite direction.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, outer collar 184 has an elongated tube shape extending between an upper end 216 and a lower end 218. In this example arrangement, outer collar is configured to fit over and around inner assembly 182. In this example arrangement, an inner diameter of upper end 216 is approximately equal to an outer diameter of rotating tube 20. In this example arrangement, an inner diameter of lower end 218 is approximately equal to an outer diameter of inner collar 190. In the arrangement shown, as one example, outer collar 184 has a catch feature 224 on an interior surface that is configured to engage catch feature 212 of locking member 192.
In operation: when outer collar 184 is rotated in the first direction, catch features 224 engage and cause catch feature 212 of locking member 192 to move in the first direction. As a result, arm 210 is extended through opening 202 to engage teeth 188 and thereby prevent rotation of gear member 180 and rotating tube 29. Conversely, when outer collar 184 is rotated in a second opposite direction, catch features 224 engage and cause catch feature 212 of locking member 192 to move in the second direction. As a result, arm 210 is retracted and disengaged from teeth 188, thereby permitting rotation of gear member 180 and rotating tube 29.
Lock Feature 226:
In one or more arrangements, rotational locking assembly 178 includes a lock feature 226. Lock feature 226 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to inhibit rotation of the outer collar 184 relative to inner collar 190 once outer collar 184 has been rotated in the second direction to cause inner assembly 182 to disengage from teeth 188 and permit gear member 180 to rotate. In the arrangement shown, as one example, lock feature 226 includes a raised protrusion on exterior surface 200 of inter collar 190. In this example arrangement the lock feature 226 is configured to mate with a recess of catch feature 224 of outer collar 184 when outer collar 184 is rotated in the second direction. Once lock feature 226 has engaged the recess of catch feature 224, a larger amount of force is initially required to move the outer collar back in the first direction.
This lock feature 226 may be useful, for example, to prevent accidental unlocking of rotational locking assembly 178 when rotating tube 20 and gear member 180 are rotating during operation. In this manner, damage to teeth 188 and/or inner assembly 182 can be avoided.
Lower Bearing Assembly:
In one or more arrangements, lower bearing assembly 33 is positioned within rotational locking assembly 178. Lower bearing assembly 33 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to facilitate smooth rotation of rotating tube 20. In this example arrangement, lower bearing assembly 33 is positioned within internal collar 190. In the arrangement shown, as one example, lower bearing assembly 33 supports the lower end of rotating tube 20 and/or gear member 180 to facilitate smooth rotation of rotating tube 20 and/or gear member 180.
Light Rings 230/236:
In one or more arrangements, system 10 includes one or more light sources configured to facilitate illumination of an area in which system 10 is located. Such light sources are useful to continued use of system 10 for entertainment and enjoyment after dusk. Light sources are is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and are configured to hold lighting elements which are any form of a light producing device such as one or more light bulbs, LEDs or the like
In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 includes one or more light rings 230 and/or 236. In this example arrangement, system 10 includes an upper light ring 230 and lower light ring 236. Upper light ring 230 has a general ring shape with a top side 232 and a bottom side 234. An inner surface of upper light ring 230 is configured to fit around rotating tube 20 and facilitate vertical movement along rotating tube 20 so as to allow the positioning of upper light ring 230 at a desired position. Similarly, lower light ring 236 has a general ring shape with a top side 238 and a bottom side 240. An inner surface of lower light ring 236 is configured to fit around rotating tube 20 and facilitate vertical movement along rotating tube 20 so as to allow the positioning of lower light ring 236 at a desired position.
In this example arrangement, upper light ring 230 includes a number of lighting elements positioned on top side 232 and lower light ring 236 includes a number of lighting elements on bottom side 240. In this example arrangement, upper and lower light rings 230 and 236 may be positioned together or separately along rotating tube 20 to facilitate comfortable and aesthetically pleasing lighting. For example, lower light ring 236 may be positioned at a height to provide lighting for a table without shining in eyes of persons seated around the table. Similarly, upper light ring 230 may be positioned to shine upward into umbrella to provide a diffuse ambient lighting without shining in eyes of persons seated around the table. This configuration provides both useful light on the tabletop as well as an elegant ambiance.
Light rings 230 and/or 236 may be powered by various power sources in various embodiments. In one or more arrangements, light rings 230 and/or 236 are powered by power source 42 of system 10. In one or more arrangements, as one example, light, system 10 includes an electrical connection configured to provide power to light rings 230 and/or 236 in any position along rotating tube 20. In one example arrangement, system 10 includes a flexible cord to connect light rings 230 and/or 236 to power source 42 while facilitating vertical movement along the length of rotating tube 20.
In this example arrangement, light rings 230 and/or 236 are electrically connected to power source 42 via rotating tube 20. For instance, in one or more arrangements, a pair of electrical conductors are positioned within a pair of helical grooves of rotating tube 20. In such arrangement, light rings 230 and/or 236 include contacts configured to connect with pair of electrical conductors to form an electrical connection with power source 42.
In this example arrangement, light rings 230 and/or 236 each include a set of batteries to power lighting elements. In one or more arrangements, the batteries are configured to be recharged by power source 42. In this example arrangement, bottom side 240 of lower light ring 236 includes a first set of electrical contacts configured to connect with a second set of electric contacts on rotatable locking assembly 178 and/or motor housing assembly for example, when moved to a lowered position. Electrical contacts may be any suitable size, shape, and design, and are configured to form an electric connection. As one illustrative example, one set of electric contacts may be formed as three concentric rings contacts and the other set of electric contacts are pogo pins. The three concentric rings contacts may provide connections for, for example, a positive power terminal, a negative power terminal (or GND), and a data line for communication. The concentric ring contacts help provide connection with the pogo pins contact regardless of how light rings 230 and/or 236 are rotated relative to rotatable locking assembly 178 and/or motor housing assembly. However, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that some various arrangement may utilize various types of contact known in the art to electrically connect light rings 230 and/or 236, rotatable locking assembly 178, motor housing assembly, and/or any other components of system 10. Moreover, it is contemplated that in various arrangements, system may include more or fewer contacts and/or located at various other positioned, to facilitate electric connection of light rings 230 and/or 236 rotatable locking assembly 178, motor housing assembly, and/or any other components of system 10.
In this example arrangement, when lower light ring 236 is moved to the lower position, the lower light ring 236 is connected to power source 42 and batteries of lower light ring 236 are charged. In the arrangement shown, as one example, upper light ring 230 also a set of electric contacts on bottom side 234, which are configured to connect with a set of contact on top side 238 of lower light ring 236. When both light rings 230 and 236 are moved to the lower position, the upper light ring 230 is connected to power source 42 via lower light ring 236, and batteries of upper light ring 230 are charged. However, the embodiments are not so limited, rather it is contemplated that in one or more arrangements, upper light ring 230 and/or lower light ring 236 may be powered and/or charged by various power sources and/or methods including but not limited to, for example, batteries, dc power sources, AC power sources, solar cells, wireless power sources and/or any other known power sources and power delivery means.
In Operation:
As an illustrative example of some features, umbrella system 10 may be initially stored in a closed position. In the closed position, umbrella frame 24 is prevented from popping-up or slightly opening, thereby providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The umbrella frame 24 is prevented from popping-up or slightly opening due to the torque profile of counterbalance assembly 160 and/or 62 and/or due to being locked in place by rotational locking assembly 178.
A family wishing to enjoy a day outdoors may quickly, easily, and intuitively deploy umbrella system 10 for use. Rotational locking assembly 178 may easily be unlocked with one hand by rotating outer collar 184. As outer collar 184 is rotated, catch features 224 of outer collar 184 engages and causes catch feature 212 of locking member 192 to disengage arm 210 of locking member 192 from teeth 188 of gear member 180, thereby permitting gear member 180 and rotating tube 20 to rotate.
A family member may easily open the umbrella system by rotating the rotating tube 20, either manually or using controls for motorized operation powered by batteries 44, as previously discussed. When rotated, helical grooves 22 rotating tube 20 engage teeth 70 of lower hub 28. At the same time lower hub 28 is prevented from rotating due to operable connection of lower hub 28 to stationary center tube 32 via upper hub 34 of umbrella frame 24. Rotation of rotating tube 20 relative to lower hub 28 causes engagement between teeth 70 and helical grooves 22 to move lower hub 28 upward along movable tube 20. Upward movement of lower hub 28 causes lower support 68 of umbrella frame 24 to push upper supports 66 of umbrella frame 24 outward to open umbrella system 10.
In opening umbrella system 10, rotating tube 20 is rotated easily with little force due in large part to the counterbalance assembly 160 and/or counterbalance assembly 62, which counteracts the forces such as gravity that oppose opening of umbrella frame 24. As lower hub 28 approaches a fully raised position, the smaller diameter of the spools 162 encountered by cords 170 better leverage for spring assemblies 168 to pull cord 170 tight, thereby helping to prevent sagging of umbrella frame.
In the fully open position, a person may easily lock rotational locking assembly 178 to prevent rotating tube 20 from being rotated accidentally or by forces on umbrella system 10 (e.g., winds). Rotational locking assembly 178 may be locked with one hand by rotating outer collar 184 in the other direction. As previously mentioned, lock feature 266, of rotational locking assembly 178, prevents outer collar 184 from being accidentally rotated out of the unlocked position. Due to lock feature 266, a larger amount of force is initially required to begin rotation of outer collar 184 away from the unlocked position. As outer collar 184 is rotated, catch features 224 of outer collar 184 engages and causes catch feature 212 of locking member 192 to extend arm 210 through opening 202 to engage and interlock with teeth 188 of gear member 180, thereby preventing gear member 180 and rotating tube 20 from rotating.
In some arrangements, a solar panel positioned on a top surface of upper hub 34 recharges the batteries 44 of power source 42 when exposed to sunlight. At this time, light rings 230 and 236 may be moved to the lower position to also charge batteries of light rings 230 and 236 from power source and/or a solar panel.
At dusk, a family may activate light rings 230 and 236 to continue to enjoy outside activities around system 10. As previously mentioned, lower light ring 236 may be positioned at a height to provide lighting for a table without shining in eyes of persons seated around the table. Similarly, upper light ring 230 may be positioned at a height to shine upward into umbrella to provide a diffuse ambient lighting without shining in eyes of persons seated around the table. This configuration provides both useful light on the tabletop as well as an elegant ambiance. When activities have ended, light rings 230 and 236 may be turned off and moved to the lowered position to recharge batteries of light rings 230 and 236 while not in use.
Umbrella system 10, may quickly, easily, and intuitively close umbrella system 10 for storage. Rotational locking assembly 178 may easily be unlocked with one hand by rotating outer collar 184, as previously described, to permit rotation of rotatable tube 20. A person may easily close the umbrella system by rotating the rotating tube 20 in the other direction, either manually or using controls for motorized operation powered by batteries 44, as previously discussed. When rotating tube 20 is rotated in the other direction relative to lower hub 28, engagement between teeth 70 and helical grooves 22 causes lower hub 28 to move downward along movable tube 20. Downward movement of lower hub 28, causes lower support 68 of umbrella frame 24 to pull upper supports 66 of umbrella frame 24 inward to open umbrella system 10.
In closing umbrella system 10, rotating tube 20 is rotated easily with little force due in large part to the counterbalance assembly 160 and/or counterbalance assembly 62, which counteracts the forces such as gravity that oppose opening of umbrella frame 24. As lower hub 28 approaches a fully lowered position, a larger diameter of the spools 162 encountered by cords 170 provides less leverage for spring assemblies 168 to pull cord 170 tight, thereby helping to prevent umbrella frame 24 from popping-up or slightly opening at the fully closed position.
The person may easily lock rotational locking assembly 178 to prevent rotating tube 20 from rotating and ensure that umbrella frame 24 does not pop-up or slightly opening at the fully closed position. Rotational locking assembly 178 may be locked with one hand by rotating outer collar 184. As previously discussed, due to lock feature 266, a larger amount of force is initially required to begin rotation of outer collar 184 away from the unlocked position. As outer collar 184 is rotated, catch features 224 of outer collar 184 engages and causes catch feature 212 of locking member 192 to extend arm 210 through opening 202 to engage and interlock with teeth 188 of gear member 180, thereby preventing gear member 180 and rotating tube 20 from rotating.
From the above discussion and the accompanying drawings and claims it will be appreciated that in one or more arrangements an umbrella system presented that: improves upon the state of the art; is easier to deploy; is easier to retract; automatically opens; automatically closes; is powered by batteries; does not need to be plugged into a conventional power source to be operable; is aesthetically pleasing; improves safety; can be remotely opened; can be remotely closed; can be manually opened or closed; can be opened or closed by motorization; improves the ergonomics of opening or closing an umbrella; can be used with large umbrellas; is relatively inexpensive to manufacture; has a minimum number of parts; counterbalances the weight of the umbrella; has an intuitive design; has a long useful life; is rugged; is durable; and/or utilizes standard batteries.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other various modifications could be made to the device without parting from the spirit and scope of this invention. All such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be covered thereby. It should be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/052,778 filed Jul. 16, 2020, and titled “UMBRELLA SYSTEM”, which is hereby fully incorporated by reference herein.
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