US20050072451A1 - Motor drive for a patio umbrella - Google Patents
Motor drive for a patio umbrella Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050072451A1 US20050072451A1 US10/929,785 US92978504A US2005072451A1 US 20050072451 A1 US20050072451 A1 US 20050072451A1 US 92978504 A US92978504 A US 92978504A US 2005072451 A1 US2005072451 A1 US 2005072451A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- motor
- umbrella
- patio umbrella
- motor drive
- patio
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45B—WALKING STICKS; UMBRELLAS; LADIES' OR LIKE FANS
- A45B25/00—Details of umbrellas
- A45B25/16—Automatic openers, e.g. frames with spring mechanisms
Definitions
- the present invention relates to umbrellas and, more particularly, to a motor drive for a patio umbrella that can be installed on conventional, manually operated, patio-type umbrellas so that the umbrella may be opened and closed automatically.
- Patio umbrellas color the landscape of countless places, urban and rural. From sidewalk cafes to beach resorts, alongside swimming pools, and on backyard patios, these umbrellas are used to provide a sun shade, protection from rain, and decoration.
- a typical patio umbrella includes a canopy that is supported atop an umbrella pole by a number of staves, the staves being further supported by stave supports that, coupled to a sliding hub, are used to open and close the umbrella.
- the canopy When the umbrella is opened, the canopy is raised and stretched tight.
- the umbrella When the umbrella is closed, the canopy is loosely gathered around the umbrella pole. It is a common practice to close umbrellas when they are not in use, to protect the umbrella from the elements of sun, rain, and wind as well as to relieve the tension of the opened canopy.
- U.S. Pat. No. 2,960,094, issued on Nov. 15, 1960 to S. Small discloses a solar-actuated umbrella raising mechanism.
- the device includes an electric motor that is engaged, by a gear train to the hand crank.
- An electronic control circuit activates the electric motor.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,951 issued on May 9, 2000 to R. Wilson, discloses a remotely controlled and electrically operated umbrella.
- the umbrella uses a gear and chain drive system that, in turn, actuates a rod and bracket to open and close the spokes of the umbrella.
- An electric motor drives the gear and chain system.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,917 issued on Feb. 6, 2001 to J. Lai, discloses a motorized device for opening and closing longitudinally aligned with the umbrella pole.
- the motor is connected through a series of beveled gears to a hand crank that winds and unwinds a cord to raise and lower the umbrella.
- the motor drive for a patio umbrella provides a simple motorized mechanism that can be retrofitted to existing patio umbrellas to provide the umbrella with an automated, motorized means to open and close the umbrella.
- the motor drive for a patio umbrella comprises an electric motor, contained within a housing that is adapted for mounting to the operative sliding hub, or to the pole, of a patio umbrella.
- a spool is fixed on the motor's shaft, and a thin cord is taken up by, or unwound from, the spool as the motor is operated in forward or reverse directions.
- the motor drive for a patio umbrella is installed on an umbrella by mounting the housing to the umbrella's sliding hub. An end of the cord is affixed near the top of the umbrella so that, as the motor operates to take up the cord on the spool, the motor drive for a patio umbrella, and consequently the sliding hub, is hoisted upward, thus opening the umbrella.
- the motor may be operated by a simple toggle switch, capable of powering the motor in forward and reverse directions.
- the motor may be controlled by a controller that includes a remote control receiver, a photosensor, or other means for activating the motor in response to varied stimuli.
- the controller may be configured so that several umbrellas, each operated by a motor drive for a patio umbrella, are opened and closed in response to the same stimulus.
- each remote control receiver can be tuned to respond to the same remote control transmitter and command so that the several umbrellas at an outdoor cafe may be opened and closed by a single command.
- Still another object of the invention is to provide a motor drive for a patio umbrella that can be attached to a patio umbrella to automatically open and close the umbrella in response to a remote control signal.
- FIG. 1A is a side view of a motor drive for a patio umbrella according to the present invention, mounted on an umbrella in an open position.
- FIG. 1B is a side view of a motor drive for a patio umbrella according to the present invention, mounted on an umbrella in a partially closed position.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a conventional patio umbrella of the prior art.
- FIG. 3A is a section view drawn along line 3 A- 3 A of FIG. 1A , showing a first embodiment of the motor drive for a patio umbrella.
- FIG. 3B is a section view drawn along line 3 A- 3 A of FIG. 1A , showing a second embodiment of the motor drive for a patio umbrella.
- FIG. 4 is a section view drawn along line 3 A- 3 A of FIG. 1A , showing the embodiment of FIG. 3A including reducing gears disposed between the motor and spool.
- FIG. 5 is a side view of a motor drive for a patio umbrella according to the present invention, mounted in an alternative position on an umbrella in an opened position.
- FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the electrical components of a motor drive for a patio umbrella according to the present invention.
- the present invention is a motor drive for a patio umbrella, designated generally as 10 in the drawings.
- the motor drive for a patio umbrella 10 provides a mechanism that can be installed on a conventional patio umbrella to provide the umbrella with an automated opening and closing function.
- a typical patio umbrella 50 is shown in FIG. 2 .
- the typical patio umbrella 50 comprises a canopy 52 that is supported by a number of staves 54 .
- the staves 54 are pivotally joined to the top end of a pole 60 and can be raised and lowered. Raising the staves 54 opens and spreads the canopy 52 , while lowering the staves 54 closes the canopy 52 .
- Staves 54 are supported by stave supports 56 pivotally attached thereto, which are in turn pivotally mounted to a hub 58 that is configured to slide along the pole 60 .
- sliding the hub 58 upward raises the stave supports 56 and the staves 54 , causing the canopy 52 to open.
- sliding the hub 58 downward causes the canopy 52 to close.
- the hub 58 of a conventional umbrella 50 typically has a locking mechanism to maintain the canopy in the open position.
- the motor drive for a patio umbrella 10 includes an electric motor 26 , contained within a housing 20 .
- a shaft 28 extends from the motor 26 .
- a spool 30 is disposed on the end of the shaft 28 .
- a length of cord 32 is attached to the spool 30 .
- the cord 32 is taken up by spool 30 as the motor 20 is operated in a forward direction.
- the cord 32 is unwound from the spool 30 .
- An end of the cord 32 is affixed at or near the top of the pole 60 by a fastener 34 .
- the housing 20 is comprised of a first half 22 and a second half 24 .
- a means for mounting the housing 20 to the umbrella 10 comprises a semi-circular recess 64 formed in each of the housing halves 22 , 24 so that the halves 22 , 24 may be joined together around a portion of the umbrella 10 .
- the housing 20 is mounted to the umbrella hub 58 by joining the halves 22 , 24 together, the hub 58 being clamped snugly between the halves 22 , 24 .
- the motor 26 is disposed within the first half 22 , while batteries 48 are disposed in the second half 24 .
- Shaft 28 extends from the motor 26 , extending to the outside of the first half 22 of the housing 20 .
- Spool 30 is disposed on the end of the shaft 28 , with a length of cord 32 attached to the spool 30 .
- a single or unitary housing 20 contains both the motor 26 and the batteries 48 .
- a means for mounting the unitary housing 20 to the umbrella 10 comprises a semi-circular recess 64 formed in the side of the housing 20 , and a semi-circular clamping member 62 used to clamp the housing 20 about a part of the umbrella 10 .
- the unitary housing 20 is mounted to the umbrella hub 58 .
- a series of reduction gears may be included, installed within the housing 20 or contained within the motor 26 itself, to increase the torque available to open the umbrella.
- FIG. 4 the embodiment of FIG. 3A is illustrated with reduction gears 29 and 129 .
- Gear 29 is disposed on the motor shaft 28 .
- Gear 129 drives a separate shaft 128 that, in turn, drives the spool 30 .
- additional reduction gearing configurations may be employed, including worm or crown gear configurations, or additional reducing gears.
- FIG. 5 An alternative installation of the motor drive for a patio umbrella 10 is shown in FIG. 5 .
- the motor drive for a patio umbrella 10 is mounted near the top of the umbrella pole 60 , and cord fastener 34 fastens the cord 32 to the lower hub 58 .
- a motor drive for a patio umbrella 10 could be housed within the hub 58 of a patio umbrella itself, making the motor drive for a patio umbrella 10 an integral part of the patio umbrella rather than an aftermarket accessory.
- the motor drive for a patio umbrella 10 is controlled by a control circuit 40 connected to the motor 26 .
- the control circuit 40 may range from simple wiring to a switch 46 to an electronic circuit incorporating a remote control receiver 42 , a photosensor 44 , and other devices or sensors to automate and simplify the control of one or more patio umbrellas equipped with the motor drive for a patio umbrella 10 .
- the switch 46 such as a simple three-position switch, allows the motor 26 to be operated in its forward or reverse directions or turned off. This allows an umbrella to be manually operated.
- the switch 46 may be mounted on the housing 20 , or remotely mounted on the umbrella pole 60 or elsewhere.
- a photosensor 44 such as a photodiode or phototransitor or the like, may be connected to the control circuit 40 to allow the motor drive for a patio umbrella 10 to automatically open and close an umbrella according to daylight, open during the day and closed at night.
- the control circuit 40 responds to a signal from the photosensor 44 to operate the motor.
- a remote control receiver 42 may be connected to the control circuit 40 to allow the motor drive for a patio umbrella 10 to be remotely controlled by a remote control transmitter.
- the control circuit 40 responds to a signal from the remote control receiver 42 to operate the motor.
- each may be equipped with a motor drive for a patio umbrella 10 having a remote control receiver 42 tuned to respond to the same remote control transmitter, thereby simplifying the task of opening many umbrellas at once.
- the control circuit 40 may include a programmable timer so that the motor drive for a patio umbrella 10 can be opened and closed on a programmable, timed basis.
Abstract
The motor drive for a patio umbrella is a motorized accessory for raising and lowering a patio umbrella. The motor drive for a patio umbrella has an electric motor contained within a housing mounted to the sliding hub, or to the pole, of a patio umbrella. A spool is fixed on the motor's shaft, and a thin cord is taken up by, or unwound from, the spool as the motor is operated in forward or reverse directions. The cord is fastened to the patio umbrella so that, as the cord is taken up by the spool, the umbrella opens. As the cord unwinds from the spool, the umbrella closes. A control circuit operates the motor automatically in response to a photosensor or a remote control signal, or manually by a simple three-position switch.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/507,958, filed Oct. 3, 2003.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to umbrellas and, more particularly, to a motor drive for a patio umbrella that can be installed on conventional, manually operated, patio-type umbrellas so that the umbrella may be opened and closed automatically.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Patio umbrellas color the landscape of countless places, urban and rural. From sidewalk cafes to beach resorts, alongside swimming pools, and on backyard patios, these umbrellas are used to provide a sun shade, protection from rain, and decoration.
- A typical patio umbrella includes a canopy that is supported atop an umbrella pole by a number of staves, the staves being further supported by stave supports that, coupled to a sliding hub, are used to open and close the umbrella. When the umbrella is opened, the canopy is raised and stretched tight. When the umbrella is closed, the canopy is loosely gathered around the umbrella pole. It is a common practice to close umbrellas when they are not in use, to protect the umbrella from the elements of sun, rain, and wind as well as to relieve the tension of the opened canopy.
- In a setting where many umbrellas are used, and particularly in a commercial setting such as an outdoor cafe or an outdoor resort, it can be a time consuming task to open the umbrellas at the start of the day and then close them again at the close of business. Additionally, in instances where umbrellas have remained closed for a long period of time, there is a possibility that insects, such as spiders or bees, or animals such as snakes, bats, birds, and other creatures might nest within the protective folds of the closed umbrella canopy. Opening a patio umbrella that has become home, for example, to nesting bats or a swarm of bees could bear serious and dangerous
- It is therefore desirable to equip a patio umbrella with a device to open the umbrella automatically. Such an automatic opening device might be remotely controlled, controlled by a photo-sensor to open when the sun rises and close at night, or simply controlled by a switch. Various umbrellas that use an automatic or motor-driven mechanism to open the umbrella have been proposed.
- U.S. Pat. No. 2,960,094, issued on Nov. 15, 1960 to S. Small, discloses a solar-actuated umbrella raising mechanism. Working with an umbrella that is raised by a hand-crank mechanism, the device includes an electric motor that is engaged, by a gear train to the hand crank. An electronic control circuit activates the electric motor.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,951, issued on May 9, 2000 to R. Wilson, discloses a remotely controlled and electrically operated umbrella. The umbrella uses a gear and chain drive system that, in turn, actuates a rod and bracket to open and close the spokes of the umbrella. An electric motor drives the gear and chain system.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,917, issued on Feb. 6, 2001 to J. Lai, discloses a motorized device for opening and closing longitudinally aligned with the umbrella pole. The motor is connected through a series of beveled gears to a hand crank that winds and unwinds a cord to raise and lower the umbrella.
- None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus a motor drive for a patio umbrella solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
- The motor drive for a patio umbrella provides a simple motorized mechanism that can be retrofitted to existing patio umbrellas to provide the umbrella with an automated, motorized means to open and close the umbrella. The motor drive for a patio umbrella comprises an electric motor, contained within a housing that is adapted for mounting to the operative sliding hub, or to the pole, of a patio umbrella. A spool is fixed on the motor's shaft, and a thin cord is taken up by, or unwound from, the spool as the motor is operated in forward or reverse directions.
- The motor drive for a patio umbrella is installed on an umbrella by mounting the housing to the umbrella's sliding hub. An end of the cord is affixed near the top of the umbrella so that, as the motor operates to take up the cord on the spool, the motor drive for a patio umbrella, and consequently the sliding hub, is hoisted upward, thus opening the umbrella.
- The motor may be operated by a simple toggle switch, capable of powering the motor in forward and reverse directions. Alternatively, the motor may be controlled by a controller that includes a remote control receiver, a photosensor, or other means for activating the motor in response to varied stimuli. The controller may be configured so that several umbrellas, each operated by a motor drive for a patio umbrella, are opened and closed in response to the same stimulus. For example, each remote control receiver can be tuned to respond to the same remote control transmitter and command so that the several umbrellas at an outdoor cafe may be opened and closed by a single command.
- Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a motor drive for a patio umbrella that can be attached to a patio umbrella.
- It is another object of the invention to provide a motor drive for a patio umbrella that can be attached to a patio umbrella to automatically open and close the umbrella.
- It is a further object of the invention to provide a motor drive for a patio umbrella that can be attached to a patio umbrella to automatically open and close the umbrella in response to an external stimulus.
- Still another object of the invention is to provide a motor drive for a patio umbrella that can be attached to a patio umbrella to automatically open and close the umbrella in response to a remote control signal.
- It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.
- These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
-
FIG. 1A is a side view of a motor drive for a patio umbrella according to the present invention, mounted on an umbrella in an open position. -
FIG. 1B is a side view of a motor drive for a patio umbrella according to the present invention, mounted on an umbrella in a partially closed position. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a conventional patio umbrella of the prior art. -
FIG. 3A is a section view drawn alongline 3A-3A ofFIG. 1A , showing a first embodiment of the motor drive for a patio umbrella. -
FIG. 3B is a section view drawn alongline 3A-3A ofFIG. 1A , showing a second embodiment of the motor drive for a patio umbrella. -
FIG. 4 is a section view drawn alongline 3A-3A ofFIG. 1A , showing the embodiment ofFIG. 3A including reducing gears disposed between the motor and spool. -
FIG. 5 is a side view of a motor drive for a patio umbrella according to the present invention, mounted in an alternative position on an umbrella in an opened position. -
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the electrical components of a motor drive for a patio umbrella according to the present invention. - Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.
- The present invention is a motor drive for a patio umbrella, designated generally as 10 in the drawings. The motor drive for a
patio umbrella 10 provides a mechanism that can be installed on a conventional patio umbrella to provide the umbrella with an automated opening and closing function. - A
typical patio umbrella 50 is shown inFIG. 2 . Thetypical patio umbrella 50 comprises acanopy 52 that is supported by a number ofstaves 54. Thestaves 54 are pivotally joined to the top end of apole 60 and can be raised and lowered. Raising thestaves 54 opens and spreads thecanopy 52, while lowering thestaves 54 closes thecanopy 52.Staves 54 are supported by stavesupports 56 pivotally attached thereto, which are in turn pivotally mounted to ahub 58 that is configured to slide along thepole 60. Thus, sliding thehub 58 upward raises the stave supports 56 and thestaves 54, causing thecanopy 52 to open. Conversely, sliding thehub 58 downward causes thecanopy 52 to close. Thehub 58 of aconventional umbrella 50 typically has a locking mechanism to maintain the canopy in the open position. - Turning now to
FIGS. 1A and 1B , a motor drive for apatio umbrella 10 is shown installed on thehub 58 of a patio umbrella. The motor drive for apatio umbrella 10 includes anelectric motor 26, contained within ahousing 20. Ashaft 28 extends from themotor 26. Aspool 30 is disposed on the end of theshaft 28. A length ofcord 32 is attached to thespool 30. Thecord 32 is taken up byspool 30 as themotor 20 is operated in a forward direction. As themotor 20 is operated in a reverse direction, thecord 32 is unwound from thespool 30. An end of thecord 32 is affixed at or near the top of thepole 60 by afastener 34. - As the
motor 20 is operated in the forward direction, and thecord 32 taken up byspool 30, the motor drive for apatio umbrella 10 is lifted, along with theumbrella hub 58, upward along thepole 60, raising the stave supports 56 and thestaves 54 to bring the umbrella into an open position as shown inFIG. 1A . As the motor is operated in a reverse direction, and thecord 32 is unwound form thespool 30, the umbrella is allowed to close as shown inFIG. 1B . - Turning now to
FIG. 3A , a first embodiment of the motor drive for apatio umbrella 10 is shown in greater detail. Thehousing 20 is comprised of afirst half 22 and asecond half 24. A means for mounting thehousing 20 to theumbrella 10 comprises asemi-circular recess 64 formed in each of thehousing halves halves umbrella 10. As illustrated inFIG. 3A , thehousing 20 is mounted to theumbrella hub 58 by joining thehalves hub 58 being clamped snugly between thehalves motor 26 is disposed within thefirst half 22, whilebatteries 48 are disposed in thesecond half 24.Shaft 28 extends from themotor 26, extending to the outside of thefirst half 22 of thehousing 20.Spool 30 is disposed on the end of theshaft 28, with a length ofcord 32 attached to thespool 30. - In a second embodiment shown in
FIG. 3B , a single orunitary housing 20 contains both themotor 26 and thebatteries 48. A means for mounting theunitary housing 20 to theumbrella 10 comprises asemi-circular recess 64 formed in the side of thehousing 20, and asemi-circular clamping member 62 used to clamp thehousing 20 about a part of theumbrella 10. As illustrated inFIG. 3B , theunitary housing 20 is mounted to theumbrella hub 58. - In either embodiment, a series of reduction gears may be included, installed within the
housing 20 or contained within themotor 26 itself, to increase the torque available to open the umbrella. Referring toFIG. 4 , the embodiment ofFIG. 3A is illustrated withreduction gears Gear 29 is disposed on themotor shaft 28.Gear 129 drives aseparate shaft 128 that, in turn, drives thespool 30. It can be recognized that additional reduction gearing configurations may be employed, including worm or crown gear configurations, or additional reducing gears. - An alternative installation of the motor drive for a
patio umbrella 10 is shown inFIG. 5 . The motor drive for apatio umbrella 10 is mounted near the top of theumbrella pole 60, andcord fastener 34 fastens thecord 32 to thelower hub 58. - It can be recognized that, in addition to the embodiments illustrated, the components of a motor drive for a
patio umbrella 10 could be housed within thehub 58 of a patio umbrella itself, making the motor drive for apatio umbrella 10 an integral part of the patio umbrella rather than an aftermarket accessory. - Turning now to
FIG. 6 , the motor drive for apatio umbrella 10 is controlled by acontrol circuit 40 connected to themotor 26. Thecontrol circuit 40 may range from simple wiring to aswitch 46 to an electronic circuit incorporating aremote control receiver 42, aphotosensor 44, and other devices or sensors to automate and simplify the control of one or more patio umbrellas equipped with the motor drive for apatio umbrella 10. - The
switch 46, such as a simple three-position switch, allows themotor 26 to be operated in its forward or reverse directions or turned off. This allows an umbrella to be manually operated. Theswitch 46 may be mounted on thehousing 20, or remotely mounted on theumbrella pole 60 or elsewhere. - A
photosensor 44, such as a photodiode or phototransitor or the like, may be connected to thecontrol circuit 40 to allow the motor drive for apatio umbrella 10 to automatically open and close an umbrella according to daylight, open during the day and closed at night. Thecontrol circuit 40 responds to a signal from the photosensor 44 to operate the motor. - A
remote control receiver 42 may be connected to thecontrol circuit 40 to allow the motor drive for apatio umbrella 10 to be remotely controlled by a remote control transmitter. Thecontrol circuit 40 responds to a signal from theremote control receiver 42 to operate the motor. Additionally, where many patio umbrellas are used, each may be equipped with a motor drive for apatio umbrella 10 having aremote control receiver 42 tuned to respond to the same remote control transmitter, thereby simplifying the task of opening many umbrellas at once. - The
control circuit 40 may include a programmable timer so that the motor drive for apatio umbrella 10 can be opened and closed on a programmable, timed basis. - It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (20)
1. A motor drive for a patio umbrella, comprising:
a housing, the housing having formed therein means for mounting the housing to a sliding hub on a patio umbrella;
a motor disposed in said housing, the motor having a shaft;
a spool driven by said shaft;
a length of cord connected to said spool; and
fastening means for fastening said cord to a fixed position on said patio umbrella;
whereby said motor is operable to take up said cord on said spool, thereby causing said umbrella to open, or to unwind said cord from said spool, thereby causing said umbrella to close.
2. The motor drive for a patio umbrella according to claim 1 , further comprising a control circuit electrically connected to said motor, the motor being operated by said control circuit.
3. The motor drive for a patio umbrella according to claim 2 , wherein said control circuit comprises a switch, said motor being operable by said switch.
4. The motor drive for a patio umbrella according to claim 2 , wherein said control circuit comprises a photosensor, said motor being operable in response to daylight.
5. The motor drive for a patio umbrella according to claim 2 , wherein said control circuit comprises a remote control receiver, said motor being operable in response to a signal received from a remote control transmitter.
6. The motor drive for a patio umbrella according to claim 2 , wherein said control circuit comprises a programmable timer.
7. The motor drive for a patio umbrella according to claim 1 , further comprising a reduction gear train disposed between said motor and said spool.
8. The motor drive for a patio umbrella according to claim 1 , further comprising a source of electric power electrically connected to said motor.
9. A motor drive for a patio umbrella, comprising:
a housing, the housing having formed therein means for mounting the housing to a fixed position on a patio umbrella;
a motor disposed in said housing, the motor having a shaft;
a spool driven by said shaft;
a length of cord connected to said spool; and
fastening means for fastening said cord to a sliding hub on said patio umbrella;
whereby said motor is operable to take up said cord on said spool, thereby causing said umbrella to open, or to unwind said cord from said spool, thereby causing said umbrella to close.
10. The motor drive for a patio umbrella according to claim 9 , further comprising a control circuit electrically connected to said motor, the motor being operated by said control circuit.
11. The motor drive for a patio umbrella according to claim 10 , wherein said control circuit comprises a switch, said motor being operable by said switch.
12. The motor drive for a patio umbrella according to claim 10 , wherein said control circuit comprises a photosensor, said motor being operable in response to daylight.
13. The motor drive for a patio umbrella according to claim 10 , wherein said control circuit comprises a remote control receiver, said motor being operable in response to a signal received from a remote control transmitter.
14. The motor drive for a patio umbrella according to claim 10 , wherein said control circuit comprises a programmable timer.
15. The motor drive for a patio umbrella according to claim 9 , further comprising a reduction gear train disposed between said motor and said spool.
16. The motor drive for a patio umbrella according to claim 9 , further comprising a source of electric power electrically connected to said motor.
17. A motor drive for a patio umbrella, comprising:
a motor having a shaft;
a spool driven by said shaft;
a length of cord having a first end connected to said spool and having a second end; and
means for attaching said motor to a first position on a patio umbrella, the second end of said cord being attached to a second position on said patio umbrella such that operating said motor to take up said cord on said spool causes the patio umbrella to open, and operating said motor to unwind said cord from said spool causes the patio umbrella to close.
18. The motor drive for a patio umbrella according to claim 17 , further comprising a control circuit electrically connected to said motor, the motor being operated by said control circuit.
19. The motor drive for a patio umbrella according to claim 18 , wherein said control circuit comprises a switch, whereby said motor is operable by said switch.
20. The motor drive for a patio umbrella according to claim 18 , wherein said control circuit comprises a remote control receiver, said motor being operable in response to a signal received from a remote control transmitter.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/929,785 US20050072451A1 (en) | 2003-10-03 | 2004-08-31 | Motor drive for a patio umbrella |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US50795803P | 2003-10-03 | 2003-10-03 | |
US10/929,785 US20050072451A1 (en) | 2003-10-03 | 2004-08-31 | Motor drive for a patio umbrella |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050072451A1 true US20050072451A1 (en) | 2005-04-07 |
Family
ID=34396394
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/929,785 Abandoned US20050072451A1 (en) | 2003-10-03 | 2004-08-31 | Motor drive for a patio umbrella |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20050072451A1 (en) |
Cited By (34)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040149325A1 (en) * | 2001-02-07 | 2004-08-05 | World Factory, Inc. | Umbrella apparatus |
US20050133077A1 (en) * | 2003-12-17 | 2005-06-23 | Zerillo Michael A. | Retrofit motor and control for patio umbrellas |
US20070074750A1 (en) * | 2005-09-30 | 2007-04-05 | Harbaugh Kenneth A | Covering with Rib Lighting Arrangement |
US20090056775A1 (en) * | 2001-02-07 | 2009-03-05 | Kuelbs Gregory G | Umbrella Apparatus |
US20090090404A1 (en) * | 2001-02-07 | 2009-04-09 | World Factory, Inc | Umbrella Apparatus |
US7604015B2 (en) | 2005-09-30 | 2009-10-20 | Southern Sales & Marketing Group, Inc. | Umbrella having structural rib configured to receive electrical components and associated wiring |
US20100132751A1 (en) * | 2008-11-28 | 2010-06-03 | Wanda Ying Li | Intelligent outdoor sun shading device |
US20100245032A1 (en) * | 2008-11-28 | 2010-09-30 | Wanda Ying Li | Intelligence outdoor shading arrangement |
US20110227695A1 (en) * | 2010-03-19 | 2011-09-22 | Wanda Ying Ll | Remote control system of outdoor shading group |
US9030829B2 (en) | 2012-10-22 | 2015-05-12 | Oliver Joen-An Ma | Modular accessory |
US9033415B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2015-05-19 | Thorley Industries Llc | Driven infant seat |
US20150136944A1 (en) * | 2013-11-21 | 2015-05-21 | Avraham Segev | Sunlight tracking sensor and system |
US20170318922A1 (en) * | 2016-05-09 | 2017-11-09 | Shadecraft, LLC | Automatic Operation of Shading Object, Intelligent Umbrella and Intelligent Shading Charging System |
US9949540B2 (en) | 2016-05-09 | 2018-04-24 | Shadecraft, Inc. | Automated intelligent shading objects and computer-readable instructions for interfacing with, communicating with and controlling a shading object |
US10078856B2 (en) | 2016-05-09 | 2018-09-18 | Shadecraft, Inc. | Mobile computing device control of shading object, intelligent umbrella and intelligent shading charging system |
US10159316B2 (en) | 2016-05-09 | 2018-12-25 | Shadecraft, Inc. | Intelligent shading charging systems |
US10250817B2 (en) | 2016-05-09 | 2019-04-02 | Armen Sevada Gharabegian | Shading object, intelligent umbrella and intelligent shading charging system integrated camera and method of operation |
US10327521B2 (en) | 2015-05-22 | 2019-06-25 | Armen Sevada Gharabegian | Intelligent shading objects |
US10349493B2 (en) | 2017-07-07 | 2019-07-09 | Shadecraft, Inc. | Artificial intelligence (AI) computing device with one or more lighting elements |
US10455395B2 (en) | 2016-05-09 | 2019-10-22 | Armen Sevada Gharabegian | Shading object, intelligent umbrella and intelligent shading charging security system and method of operation |
US10455911B1 (en) | 2018-04-04 | 2019-10-29 | Joseph Sendi | Automated umbrella assembly |
US20190335865A1 (en) * | 2015-10-09 | 2019-11-07 | Willis Jay Mullet | Umbrella system |
USD869718S1 (en) | 2018-02-20 | 2019-12-10 | ZHUN-AN Ma | Umbrella attached light |
US10519688B2 (en) | 2018-01-06 | 2019-12-31 | Shadecraft, Inc. | Apparatus and method for identifying operational status of umbrella, parasol or shading system utilizing lighting elements |
US10554436B2 (en) | 2017-11-19 | 2020-02-04 | Shadecraft, Inc. | Intelligent umbrella and/or robotic shading system with ultra-low energy transceivers |
US10912357B2 (en) | 2016-05-09 | 2021-02-09 | Shadecraft, LLC | Remote control of shading object and/or intelligent umbrella |
IT201900014817A1 (en) * | 2019-08-16 | 2021-02-16 | Job System Di Melotti Stefano | PARASOL, IN PARTICULAR A BEACH OR OUTDOOR UMBRELLA, WITH ELECTRO-MECHANICAL DEVICE FOR ITS REMOTE OPENING AND CLOSING. |
IT201900018257A1 (en) * | 2019-10-08 | 2021-04-08 | Guido Roman | DEVICE FOR AUTOMATIC OPENING / CLOSING OF UMBRELLAS |
US11181256B2 (en) | 2018-02-20 | 2021-11-23 | ZHUN-AN Ma | Stand for portable accessory |
US11578860B2 (en) | 2018-02-20 | 2023-02-14 | ZHUN-AN Ma | Stand for portable accessory |
EP4125489A4 (en) * | 2020-03-30 | 2023-08-16 | Joerg Schulhofer | Device, system, and method for wirelessly controlling an array of beach umbrellas |
US11910891B2 (en) | 2015-10-09 | 2024-02-27 | Current Products Corp. | Umbrella system |
US11910890B2 (en) | 2020-07-16 | 2024-02-27 | Current Products Corp. | Umbrella system |
USD1023360S1 (en) | 2020-09-17 | 2024-04-16 | ZHUN-AN Ma | Light stand component |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2951492A (en) * | 1956-12-26 | 1960-09-06 | Cohen Alfred G | Crank device for raising and lowering garden umbrella canopies |
US5339848A (en) * | 1994-01-18 | 1994-08-23 | Henry Richmond | Motorized sunshade |
US6612713B1 (en) * | 2001-02-07 | 2003-09-02 | World Factory, Inc. | Umbrella apparatus |
US20040040591A1 (en) * | 2002-08-27 | 2004-03-04 | Joen-Shen Ma | Large-sized power umbrella |
US20050016571A1 (en) * | 2003-07-24 | 2005-01-27 | Weidan Wu | Electric umbrella stand |
US20050133077A1 (en) * | 2003-12-17 | 2005-06-23 | Zerillo Michael A. | Retrofit motor and control for patio umbrellas |
US7051744B2 (en) * | 2004-04-12 | 2006-05-30 | Hsi-Lu Hung | Sunshade structure operated easily |
-
2004
- 2004-08-31 US US10/929,785 patent/US20050072451A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2951492A (en) * | 1956-12-26 | 1960-09-06 | Cohen Alfred G | Crank device for raising and lowering garden umbrella canopies |
US5339848A (en) * | 1994-01-18 | 1994-08-23 | Henry Richmond | Motorized sunshade |
US6612713B1 (en) * | 2001-02-07 | 2003-09-02 | World Factory, Inc. | Umbrella apparatus |
US20040040591A1 (en) * | 2002-08-27 | 2004-03-04 | Joen-Shen Ma | Large-sized power umbrella |
US20050016571A1 (en) * | 2003-07-24 | 2005-01-27 | Weidan Wu | Electric umbrella stand |
US20050133077A1 (en) * | 2003-12-17 | 2005-06-23 | Zerillo Michael A. | Retrofit motor and control for patio umbrellas |
US7051744B2 (en) * | 2004-04-12 | 2006-05-30 | Hsi-Lu Hung | Sunshade structure operated easily |
Cited By (55)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8375966B2 (en) * | 2001-02-07 | 2013-02-19 | World Factory, Inc. | Umbrella apparatus |
US8794781B2 (en) | 2001-02-07 | 2014-08-05 | World Factory, Inc. | Umbrella apparatus |
US20060005869A1 (en) * | 2001-02-07 | 2006-01-12 | World Factory, Inc. | Umbrella apparatus |
US7753546B2 (en) | 2001-02-07 | 2010-07-13 | World Factory, Inc. | Umbrella apparatus |
US10376027B1 (en) | 2001-02-07 | 2019-08-13 | LakeSouth Holdings, LLC | Umbrella opening and closing system |
US20090056775A1 (en) * | 2001-02-07 | 2009-03-05 | Kuelbs Gregory G | Umbrella Apparatus |
US20090090404A1 (en) * | 2001-02-07 | 2009-04-09 | World Factory, Inc | Umbrella Apparatus |
US8727555B2 (en) | 2001-02-07 | 2014-05-20 | World Factory, Inc. | Umbrella apparatus |
US9713368B1 (en) | 2001-02-07 | 2017-07-25 | LakeSouth Holdings, LLC | Umbrella opening and closing system |
US20120073616A1 (en) * | 2001-02-07 | 2012-03-29 | Kuelbs Gregory G | Umbrella Apparatus |
US20040149325A1 (en) * | 2001-02-07 | 2004-08-05 | World Factory, Inc. | Umbrella apparatus |
US8069868B2 (en) | 2001-02-07 | 2011-12-06 | World Factory, Inc. | Umbrella apparatus |
US20050133077A1 (en) * | 2003-12-17 | 2005-06-23 | Zerillo Michael A. | Retrofit motor and control for patio umbrellas |
US7188633B2 (en) * | 2003-12-17 | 2007-03-13 | Michael Anthony Zerillo | Retrofit motor and control for patio umbrellas |
US7604015B2 (en) | 2005-09-30 | 2009-10-20 | Southern Sales & Marketing Group, Inc. | Umbrella having structural rib configured to receive electrical components and associated wiring |
US7533679B2 (en) | 2005-09-30 | 2009-05-19 | Harbaugh Kenneth A | Covering with rib lighting arrangement |
US20070074750A1 (en) * | 2005-09-30 | 2007-04-05 | Harbaugh Kenneth A | Covering with Rib Lighting Arrangement |
US8061374B2 (en) * | 2008-11-28 | 2011-11-22 | Wanda Ying Li | Intelligent outdoor sun shading device |
US20110156598A1 (en) * | 2008-11-28 | 2011-06-30 | Wanda Ying Li | Intelligent outdoor sun shading device |
US8118046B2 (en) * | 2008-11-28 | 2012-02-21 | Wanda Ying Li | Intelligent outdoor sun shading device |
US20100132751A1 (en) * | 2008-11-28 | 2010-06-03 | Wanda Ying Li | Intelligent outdoor sun shading device |
US8413671B2 (en) * | 2008-11-28 | 2013-04-09 | Oliver Joen-An Ma | Intelligence outdoor shading arrangement |
US20100245032A1 (en) * | 2008-11-28 | 2010-09-30 | Wanda Ying Li | Intelligence outdoor shading arrangement |
US20110227695A1 (en) * | 2010-03-19 | 2011-09-22 | Wanda Ying Ll | Remote control system of outdoor shading group |
US9826653B2 (en) | 2012-10-22 | 2017-11-21 | Oliver Joen-An Ma | Modular accessory |
US9030829B2 (en) | 2012-10-22 | 2015-05-12 | Oliver Joen-An Ma | Modular accessory |
US10398049B2 (en) | 2012-10-22 | 2019-08-27 | Oliver Joen-An Ma | Modular accessory |
US9033415B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2015-05-19 | Thorley Industries Llc | Driven infant seat |
US20150136944A1 (en) * | 2013-11-21 | 2015-05-21 | Avraham Segev | Sunlight tracking sensor and system |
US10327521B2 (en) | 2015-05-22 | 2019-06-25 | Armen Sevada Gharabegian | Intelligent shading objects |
US11076663B2 (en) * | 2015-10-09 | 2021-08-03 | Current Products Corp. | Umbrella system |
US20190335865A1 (en) * | 2015-10-09 | 2019-11-07 | Willis Jay Mullet | Umbrella system |
US11910891B2 (en) | 2015-10-09 | 2024-02-27 | Current Products Corp. | Umbrella system |
US10078856B2 (en) | 2016-05-09 | 2018-09-18 | Shadecraft, Inc. | Mobile computing device control of shading object, intelligent umbrella and intelligent shading charging system |
US10250817B2 (en) | 2016-05-09 | 2019-04-02 | Armen Sevada Gharabegian | Shading object, intelligent umbrella and intelligent shading charging system integrated camera and method of operation |
US10455395B2 (en) | 2016-05-09 | 2019-10-22 | Armen Sevada Gharabegian | Shading object, intelligent umbrella and intelligent shading charging security system and method of operation |
US10159316B2 (en) | 2016-05-09 | 2018-12-25 | Shadecraft, Inc. | Intelligent shading charging systems |
US10912357B2 (en) | 2016-05-09 | 2021-02-09 | Shadecraft, LLC | Remote control of shading object and/or intelligent umbrella |
US9949540B2 (en) | 2016-05-09 | 2018-04-24 | Shadecraft, Inc. | Automated intelligent shading objects and computer-readable instructions for interfacing with, communicating with and controlling a shading object |
US20170318922A1 (en) * | 2016-05-09 | 2017-11-09 | Shadecraft, LLC | Automatic Operation of Shading Object, Intelligent Umbrella and Intelligent Shading Charging System |
US10813422B2 (en) | 2016-05-09 | 2020-10-27 | Shadecraft, Inc. | Intelligent shading objects with integrated computing device |
US10349493B2 (en) | 2017-07-07 | 2019-07-09 | Shadecraft, Inc. | Artificial intelligence (AI) computing device with one or more lighting elements |
US10554436B2 (en) | 2017-11-19 | 2020-02-04 | Shadecraft, Inc. | Intelligent umbrella and/or robotic shading system with ultra-low energy transceivers |
US10519688B2 (en) | 2018-01-06 | 2019-12-31 | Shadecraft, Inc. | Apparatus and method for identifying operational status of umbrella, parasol or shading system utilizing lighting elements |
USD869718S1 (en) | 2018-02-20 | 2019-12-10 | ZHUN-AN Ma | Umbrella attached light |
USD897019S1 (en) | 2018-02-20 | 2020-09-22 | ZHUN-AN Ma | Umbrella light stand |
US11181256B2 (en) | 2018-02-20 | 2021-11-23 | ZHUN-AN Ma | Stand for portable accessory |
US11578860B2 (en) | 2018-02-20 | 2023-02-14 | ZHUN-AN Ma | Stand for portable accessory |
US10455911B1 (en) | 2018-04-04 | 2019-10-29 | Joseph Sendi | Automated umbrella assembly |
IT201900014817A1 (en) * | 2019-08-16 | 2021-02-16 | Job System Di Melotti Stefano | PARASOL, IN PARTICULAR A BEACH OR OUTDOOR UMBRELLA, WITH ELECTRO-MECHANICAL DEVICE FOR ITS REMOTE OPENING AND CLOSING. |
IT201900018257A1 (en) * | 2019-10-08 | 2021-04-08 | Guido Roman | DEVICE FOR AUTOMATIC OPENING / CLOSING OF UMBRELLAS |
EP3804555A1 (en) | 2019-10-08 | 2021-04-14 | Guido Roman | Automatic opening/closing device for umbrella |
EP4125489A4 (en) * | 2020-03-30 | 2023-08-16 | Joerg Schulhofer | Device, system, and method for wirelessly controlling an array of beach umbrellas |
US11910890B2 (en) | 2020-07-16 | 2024-02-27 | Current Products Corp. | Umbrella system |
USD1023360S1 (en) | 2020-09-17 | 2024-04-16 | ZHUN-AN Ma | Light stand component |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20050072451A1 (en) | Motor drive for a patio umbrella | |
US6338377B1 (en) | Skylight assembly with head rail-mounted actuator | |
US10357087B2 (en) | Umbrella system | |
US7188633B2 (en) | Retrofit motor and control for patio umbrellas | |
US5088543A (en) | Skylight shade | |
KR102205340B1 (en) | Vinyl house automatic switchgear | |
US5871038A (en) | Remote controlled mechanical chain barrier | |
US6655090B2 (en) | Vertically opening gate apparatus | |
CN204850919U (en) | Automatic window | |
US20080302015A1 (en) | RF-remote control, retrofitted, self-contained, automatic window opener for casement windows or the like | |
US20110232193A1 (en) | RF-remote control, retrofitted, self-contained, automatic window opener for casement windows or the like | |
CN211146279U (en) | Intelligence over-and-under type landscape lamp shade | |
CN211483232U (en) | Sunshade umbrella capable of being opened and closed electrically | |
CN109527740A (en) | Solar energy automatic sunshade | |
US8786235B1 (en) | Solar-powered automatic curtain opener | |
CN209824612U (en) | Greenhouse with air opening capable of being automatically opened and closed | |
CN203538560U (en) | Automatic sun umbrella | |
KR101109159B1 (en) | Apparatus for energency vinyl opening and closing of a vinyl house | |
CN101519945A (en) | Automatic rainproof window curtain | |
US9093001B1 (en) | Mechanically operable motorized remote control flag raising assembly and mount | |
CN2165741Y (en) | Autamatic rain-shield device | |
CN104138112A (en) | Automatic sun umbrella | |
CN211911049U (en) | Multifunctional garden chair | |
CN218716461U (en) | Novel multifunctional window | |
KR20130000016U (en) | switch for greenhouse curtains |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |