US20080212310A1 - Lighting system for umbrella - Google Patents
Lighting system for umbrella Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080212310A1 US20080212310A1 US11/713,122 US71312207A US2008212310A1 US 20080212310 A1 US20080212310 A1 US 20080212310A1 US 71312207 A US71312207 A US 71312207A US 2008212310 A1 US2008212310 A1 US 2008212310A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- umbrella
- solar power
- lighting
- rib
- power system
- 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
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45B—WALKING STICKS; UMBRELLAS; LADIES' OR LIKE FANS
- A45B3/00—Sticks combined with other objects
- A45B3/02—Sticks combined with other objects with illuminating devices
- A45B3/04—Sticks combined with other objects with illuminating devices electrical
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45B—WALKING STICKS; UMBRELLAS; LADIES' OR LIKE FANS
- A45B2200/00—Details not otherwise provided for in A45B
- A45B2200/10—Umbrellas; Sunshades
- A45B2200/1009—Umbrellas; Sunshades combined with other objects
- A45B2200/1027—Umbrellas; Sunshades combined with other objects with means for generating solar energy
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S9/00—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply
- F21S9/02—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator
- F21S9/03—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator rechargeable by exposure to light
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to solar lighting systems and in particular to a solar lighting system adapted for use on a patio umbrella.
- an umbrella lighting system is provided.
- the umbrella lighting system of the embodiment shown includes a power system mounted to a rib of an umbrella by a mounting system and conductively connected to a lighting system.
- FIG. 1 is a view of an umbrella lighting system
- FIG. 2 is a detail of the power system and fixing device of the umbrella lighting system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is view of another umbrella lighting system having decorative globe light fixtures.
- FIG. 4 is a view of another umbrella lighting system having decorative lantern light fixtures.
- Umbrella lighting system 10 has a solar power system 12 supported by a fixing device 14 .
- Solar power system 12 is in electrical communication with a conductive connection 16 that is in turn in electrical communication with a lighting system 18 .
- fixing device 14 is connected to a lower end of umbrella rib 20 that is in turn supported by center pole 22 , as is typical in patio umbrellas generally.
- Lighting system 18 includes brackets 40 attached to ribs 20 at intervals to support light bulbs 50 along ribs 20 .
- Wires 42 are shown running along a top side of ribs 20 to connect light bulbs 50 to power system 12 .
- FIG. 2 is a detail of the power system and fixing device of the umbrella lighting system shown in FIG. 1 .
- Power system 12 includes a solar panel 24 and battery 26 .
- Solar panel 24 charges battery 26 during daylight hours and battery 26 powers lighting system 18 when illumination is desired.
- a switch 28 may be included on power system 12 to control the power going form battery 26 to lighting system 18 .
- a photo resistor 30 may be used to detect ambient lighting and allow power to go from battery 26 to lighting system 18 after dusk.
- fixing device 14 is comprised of an arm 32 and a sleeve 34 .
- Sleeve 34 is placed over the lower end of umbrella rib 20 and secured to umbrella rib 20 by a threaded housing pin 36 attached to a movable hold-down plate 38 .
- Movable hold-down plate 38 allows sleeve 34 to be secured to a variety of different sizes of rib 20 .
- Arm 32 is shaped to position power system 12 above umbrella rib 20 for exposure to sunlight.
- Power system 12 is pivotally attached to arm 32 to allow solar panel 24 to be adjusted for maximum exposure to sunlight.
- fixing device 14 may be slid over rib 20 .
- the umbrella cover may be removed from the tip of a single rib without further disassembly of the umbrella, allowing fixing device 14 to be slid over rib 20 and secured to rib 20 by plate 38 and pin 36 .
- FIG. 3 is view of another umbrella lighting system 10 having decorative globe light fixtures 44 hanging from the tips of ribs 20 .
- Hooks 48 secure globe light fixtures to ribs 20 .
- Light fixtures 44 include light bulbs 50 and provide for wires 42 to run between light bulb 50 and power system 12 .
- wires 42 run along the tops of ribs 20 .
- two power systems 12 are used on ribs 20 .
- the use of multiple power systems 12 provides for additional power and for improved distribution of weight, since batteries 26 may be heavy depending on the amount of light output desired from bulbs 50 .
- FIG. 4 is a view of another umbrella lighting system having decorative lantern light fixtures 44 .
- light fixtures 44 include light bulbs 50 .
- wire 42 is shown running from rib 20 to rib 20 from tip to tip along a support wire 46 .
- wire 42 may be a coiled wire, as shown, to be used on different length ribs 20 .
- the primary advantage of the present invention is that the system may be adapted to fit a wide variety of umbrellas or may be built for one specific umbrella design.
- the lighting system can be used with solid pole patio umbrellas without requiring external wiring on the pole because the power system and associated controls are accessible to the user at the lower end of the umbrella rib, yet unobtrusive. Further, the power system maybe easily removed for storage or maintenance without disassembling the umbrella. Additionally, the lighting system may be offered as a separate add-on for a line of umbrellas with optional lighting designs, thereby allowing the customer to choose an umbrella and lighting combination that meets the customers needs without having to anticipate and provide every possible combination.
Landscapes
- Walking Sticks, Umbrellas, And Fans (AREA)
Abstract
A solar power lighting device for use on an umbrella, the lighting device including lights attached to the ribs of the umbrella powered by a solar power system attached to a rib of the umbrella and positioned above the umbrella canopy.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to solar lighting systems and in particular to a solar lighting system adapted for use on a patio umbrella.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- Within the solar lighting industry, and in particular within the outdoor solar lighting market, there are many designs for increasing the ambient lighting o patios and in back yards. Some of these are related to umbrellas, such as the Kuelbs references, but are complex solutions that are not easily fitted to a wide variety of umbrella designs.
- Therefore, there is a need in the solar outdoor lighting market for an umbrella lighting system that is easily adapted to existing designs and provides additional ambient lighting on a patio or wherever a patio umbrella may be used.
- All references cited herein are incorporated by reference to the maximum extent allowable by law. To the extent a reference may not be fully incorporated herein, it is incorporated by reference for background purposes and indicative of the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.
- The problems presented in solar lighting industry are solved by the systems and methods of the present invention. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an umbrella lighting system is provided. The umbrella lighting system of the embodiment shown includes a power system mounted to a rib of an umbrella by a mounting system and conductively connected to a lighting system.
- Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the drawings and detailed description that follow.
-
FIG. 1 is a view of an umbrella lighting system; -
FIG. 2 is a detail of the power system and fixing device of the umbrella lighting system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is view of another umbrella lighting system having decorative globe light fixtures; and -
FIG. 4 is a view of another umbrella lighting system having decorative lantern light fixtures. - All references cited herein are incorporated by reference to the maximum extent allowable by law. To the extent a reference may not be fully incorporated herein, it is incorporated by reference for background purposes and indicative of the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.
- In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical mechanical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 of the drawings anumbrella lighting system 10 is shown. Umbrellalighting system 10 has asolar power system 12 supported by afixing device 14.Solar power system 12 is in electrical communication with aconductive connection 16 that is in turn in electrical communication with alighting system 18. As is clearly shown in this view,fixing device 14 is connected to a lower end ofumbrella rib 20 that is in turn supported bycenter pole 22, as is typical in patio umbrellas generally. -
Lighting system 18 includesbrackets 40 attached toribs 20 at intervals to supportlight bulbs 50 alongribs 20.Wires 42 are shown running along a top side ofribs 20 to connectlight bulbs 50 topower system 12. -
FIG. 2 is a detail of the power system and fixing device of the umbrella lighting system shown inFIG. 1 .Power system 12 includes asolar panel 24 andbattery 26.Solar panel 24 chargesbattery 26 during daylight hours andbattery 26powers lighting system 18 when illumination is desired. Aswitch 28 may be included onpower system 12 to control the power going formbattery 26 tolighting system 18. Also, aphoto resistor 30 may be used to detect ambient lighting and allow power to go frombattery 26 tolighting system 18 after dusk. - Continuing with
FIG. 2 fixing device 14 is comprised of anarm 32 and asleeve 34.Sleeve 34 is placed over the lower end ofumbrella rib 20 and secured toumbrella rib 20 by a threadedhousing pin 36 attached to a movable hold-down plate 38. Movable hold-down plate 38 allowssleeve 34 to be secured to a variety of different sizes ofrib 20.Arm 32 is shaped to positionpower system 12 aboveumbrella rib 20 for exposure to sunlight.Power system 12 is pivotally attached toarm 32 to allowsolar panel 24 to be adjusted for maximum exposure to sunlight. - The primary advantage of
fixing device 14 is that it may be slid overrib 20. In a typical arrangement, the umbrella cover may be removed from the tip of a single rib without further disassembly of the umbrella, allowingfixing device 14 to be slid overrib 20 and secured to rib 20 byplate 38 andpin 36. -
FIG. 3 is view of anotherumbrella lighting system 10 having decorativeglobe light fixtures 44 hanging from the tips ofribs 20.Hooks 48 secure globe light fixtures to ribs 20.Light fixtures 44 includelight bulbs 50 and provide forwires 42 to run betweenlight bulb 50 andpower system 12. In the embodiment shownwires 42 run along the tops ofribs 20. Further, in the embodiment shown twopower systems 12 are used onribs 20. The use ofmultiple power systems 12 provides for additional power and for improved distribution of weight, sincebatteries 26 may be heavy depending on the amount of light output desired frombulbs 50. -
FIG. 4 is a view of another umbrella lighting system having decorativelantern light fixtures 44. As above,light fixtures 44 includelight bulbs 50. Additionally,wire 42 is shown running fromrib 20 torib 20 from tip to tip along asupport wire 46. In thiscase wire 42 may be a coiled wire, as shown, to be used ondifferent length ribs 20. - The primary advantage of the present invention is that the system may be adapted to fit a wide variety of umbrellas or may be built for one specific umbrella design. The lighting system can be used with solid pole patio umbrellas without requiring external wiring on the pole because the power system and associated controls are accessible to the user at the lower end of the umbrella rib, yet unobtrusive. Further, the power system maybe easily removed for storage or maintenance without disassembling the umbrella. Additionally, the lighting system may be offered as a separate add-on for a line of umbrellas with optional lighting designs, thereby allowing the customer to choose an umbrella and lighting combination that meets the customers needs without having to anticipate and provide every possible combination.
- It should be apparent from the foregoing that an invention having significant advantages has been provided. While the invention is shown in only a few of its forms, it is not just limited but is susceptible to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.
Claims (12)
1. A solar power lighting device for an umbrella comprising:
at least one solar power system;
a fixing device to support the power system on an umbrella rib;
a lighting system; and
a conductive connection between the power system and the lighting system.
2. The solar powered lighting device of claim 1 wherein the fixing device attaches from the underside of an umbrella rib and the solar power system is positioned above the umbrella rib.
3. The solar power lighting device of claim 1 wherein the lighting system includes multiple lights adapted to be secured to the ribs of an umbrella.
4. The solar power lighting device of claim 2 wherein the lighting system includes wires extending along the ribs to each light.
5. The solar power lighting device of claim 1 wherein the lighting system includes lights in fixtures adapted to be suspended from umbrella rib tips.
6. The solar power lighting device of claim 1 further including at least two solar power systems, each solar power system having an associated fixing device and lighting system.
7. The solar power lighting device of claim 1 wherein the solar power system includes a solar panel and a battery.
8. The solar power lighting device of claim 7 wherein the solar power system includes a photo-resistor.
9. The solar power lighting device of claim 1 wherein the light bulbs are selected from a group consisting of LEDs, incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, and cold cathode ray tubes.
10. A method for lighting a patio umbrella comprising the steps of:
removing the cover of the umbrella from one rib of the umbrella;
sliding a fixing device over the end of the rib of the umbrella and securing the fixing device to the rib;
attaching a solar power system to the fixing device;
attaching the solar power system to a lighting system; and
replacing the cover of the umbrella onto the one rib of the umbrella, such that the solar power system is above the cover of the umbrella and the fixing device is below the cover of the umbrella.
11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the attachment of light fixtures to the ribs of the umbrella, said light fixtures in electrical communication with the solar power system.
12. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of exposing the solar power system to solar energy.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/713,122 US20080212310A1 (en) | 2007-03-02 | 2007-03-02 | Lighting system for umbrella |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/713,122 US20080212310A1 (en) | 2007-03-02 | 2007-03-02 | Lighting system for umbrella |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080212310A1 true US20080212310A1 (en) | 2008-09-04 |
Family
ID=39732918
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/713,122 Abandoned US20080212310A1 (en) | 2007-03-02 | 2007-03-02 | Lighting system for umbrella |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20080212310A1 (en) |
Citations (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6612713B1 (en) * | 2001-02-07 | 2003-09-02 | World Factory, Inc. | Umbrella apparatus |
US6666224B2 (en) * | 2001-11-07 | 2003-12-23 | Chorng-Cheng Lee | Beach umbrella with lamps |
US20040005530A1 (en) * | 2002-07-05 | 2004-01-08 | Scott Mullaly | Dental attachment assembly and method |
US20040031510A1 (en) * | 2002-03-27 | 2004-02-19 | Li Wanda Ying | Outdoor umbrella with solar power supply |
US20040228118A1 (en) * | 2003-05-16 | 2004-11-18 | Richard Peterson | Illuminated solar umbrella |
US6820995B2 (en) * | 2003-03-21 | 2004-11-23 | Chen-Hsiung Lin | Sunshade device |
US6830058B2 (en) * | 2003-05-12 | 2004-12-14 | Wanda Ying Li | Solar lighting system for outdoors umbrella |
US6837255B2 (en) * | 2002-08-13 | 2005-01-04 | Bunch Colette M | Illuminated umbrella assembly having self-contained and replacable lighting |
US20050041425A1 (en) * | 2003-07-17 | 2005-02-24 | Li Wanda Yiing | Lighting arrangement for outdoors umbrella |
US20050117326A1 (en) * | 2003-11-18 | 2005-06-02 | Ma Oliver J. | Light providing apparatus attachable to umbrella and stand assembly |
US20050254228A1 (en) * | 2003-05-12 | 2005-11-17 | Li Wanda Y | Solar lighting arrangement for outdoor umbrella |
US7000624B2 (en) * | 2003-12-05 | 2006-02-21 | Tony Wei-Sin Chang | Umbrella having solar powered illumination structure |
US7021787B1 (en) * | 2001-11-02 | 2006-04-04 | World Factory, Inc. | Outdoor lighting system |
US20070125409A1 (en) * | 2005-12-06 | 2007-06-07 | Debbie Colleen Cullen | Umbrella cover and related systems and methods |
US7249863B2 (en) * | 2003-04-28 | 2007-07-31 | Ballarini Noelle L | Solar-powered lighting system |
US20070242450A1 (en) * | 2006-04-17 | 2007-10-18 | Robert Blatecky | Umbrella light |
US20080092440A1 (en) * | 2006-10-24 | 2008-04-24 | Johnson Julie S | Plant Watering and Shading Device |
-
2007
- 2007-03-02 US US11/713,122 patent/US20080212310A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060005869A1 (en) * | 2001-02-07 | 2006-01-12 | World Factory, Inc. | Umbrella apparatus |
US6612713B1 (en) * | 2001-02-07 | 2003-09-02 | World Factory, Inc. | Umbrella apparatus |
US20060120067A1 (en) * | 2001-11-02 | 2006-06-08 | World Factory, Inc. | Outdoor lighting system with cold cathode ray tubes |
US7021787B1 (en) * | 2001-11-02 | 2006-04-04 | World Factory, Inc. | Outdoor lighting system |
US6666224B2 (en) * | 2001-11-07 | 2003-12-23 | Chorng-Cheng Lee | Beach umbrella with lamps |
US7013903B2 (en) * | 2002-03-27 | 2006-03-21 | Wanda Ying Li | Outdoor umbrella with solar power supply |
US6923194B2 (en) * | 2002-03-27 | 2005-08-02 | Wanda Ying Li | Outdoor umbrella with solar power supply |
US20040031510A1 (en) * | 2002-03-27 | 2004-02-19 | Li Wanda Ying | Outdoor umbrella with solar power supply |
US20040005530A1 (en) * | 2002-07-05 | 2004-01-08 | Scott Mullaly | Dental attachment assembly and method |
US6837255B2 (en) * | 2002-08-13 | 2005-01-04 | Bunch Colette M | Illuminated umbrella assembly having self-contained and replacable lighting |
US6820995B2 (en) * | 2003-03-21 | 2004-11-23 | Chen-Hsiung Lin | Sunshade device |
US7249863B2 (en) * | 2003-04-28 | 2007-07-31 | Ballarini Noelle L | Solar-powered lighting system |
US20050254228A1 (en) * | 2003-05-12 | 2005-11-17 | Li Wanda Y | Solar lighting arrangement for outdoor umbrella |
US6830058B2 (en) * | 2003-05-12 | 2004-12-14 | Wanda Ying Li | Solar lighting system for outdoors umbrella |
US20040228118A1 (en) * | 2003-05-16 | 2004-11-18 | Richard Peterson | Illuminated solar umbrella |
US20050041425A1 (en) * | 2003-07-17 | 2005-02-24 | Li Wanda Yiing | Lighting arrangement for outdoors umbrella |
US6966667B2 (en) * | 2003-07-17 | 2005-11-22 | Wanda Yiing Li | Lighting arrangement for outdoors umbrella |
US20050117326A1 (en) * | 2003-11-18 | 2005-06-02 | Ma Oliver J. | Light providing apparatus attachable to umbrella and stand assembly |
US7000624B2 (en) * | 2003-12-05 | 2006-02-21 | Tony Wei-Sin Chang | Umbrella having solar powered illumination structure |
US20070125409A1 (en) * | 2005-12-06 | 2007-06-07 | Debbie Colleen Cullen | Umbrella cover and related systems and methods |
US20070242450A1 (en) * | 2006-04-17 | 2007-10-18 | Robert Blatecky | Umbrella light |
US20080092440A1 (en) * | 2006-10-24 | 2008-04-24 | Johnson Julie S | Plant Watering and Shading Device |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GUANGZHOU FAPU NEW ENERGY DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD., C Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GOU, JUN;REEL/FRAME:021788/0262 Effective date: 20081102 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |