US20060249188A1

US20060249188A1 - Umbrella frame and crankcase having integrated luminaire

Info

Publication number: US20060249188A1
Application number: US11/361,949
Authority: US
Inventors: Douglas DeFouw; James Jelley
Original assignee: AGIO INTERNATIONAL COMPANY Ltd
Current assignee: AGIO INTERNATIONAL COMPANY Ltd
Priority date: 2005-02-25
Filing date: 2006-02-24
Publication date: 2006-11-09

Abstract

A novel crankcase and umbrella frame for a crank operated umbrella, which illuminates an area about the umbrella, including an umbrella canopy. Crank umbrella frames generally include a support pole, a base, a plurality of pivoting umbrella ribs, and an operating assembly. The operating assembly provides a crank, a crankcase, and a transmission for opening or closing the umbrella ribs. The crankcase of the present invention houses not only a portion of the crank, but at least one integrated luminaire configured so as to be capable of providing light in a desired direction, including toward a supported umbrella canopy to produce a pleasing and diffuse light. Integrating such luminaire in a low profile, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing manner into the crankcase produces a diffuse light without interfering with the operation of the umbrella canopy or activities in the vicinity of the umbrella.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/656,183, filed Feb. 25, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the illumination of outdoor environments. In particular, the present invention relates to illumination provided in association with an umbrella or other such vertical structures.
2. Background
There is a general and longstanding need for outdoor illumination. The onset of darkness may interfere with some social activities, such as outdoor dining or games. Patios, decks, or areas surrounding swimming pools can be particularly hazardous when dark. Although lighting systems are common, outdoor lighting presents special difficulties in safety and reliability of power supplies, the quality of the light provided, the resistance of the lighting to weather or corrosion, incorporation of the lighting into the surroundings, and durability of the lighting.
The space around umbrellas, being a common center for outdoor activity, is a natural location that would benefit from appropriate lighting. Umbrellas may be considered as comprising a canopy or protective covering and some form of supporting umbrella frame. Frequently, patio umbrella frames include a support pole that is inserted into a hole within an outdoor table or some other base. A primary function of this support pole is to bear or elevate the frame structure that support the umbrella canopy, whether open and shut. Ribs or tines typically radiate from an upper portion of the umbrella pole to support the umbrella canopy. Thus, the support pole of an umbrella frame elevates the open canopy to shelter those underneath.
Occasional or temporary sources of light, such as candles or lanterns, may be placed on an outdoor table, or in the case of some types of lanterns, suspended from umbrella ribs. Candles typically require a table or stand to elevate the light, while both candles and lanterns are limited in fuel and may introduce an open flame or wick exhaust, and thus may be undesirable around children, pets, or food. Consumers must anticipate the need for such candles or lanterns and have them available beforehand. Accordingly, designers have sought to provide electric lights for convenience.
Conventional umbrella lighting falls into several categories. The primary category of umbrella lighting is an electric lamp that temporarily attaches to a portion of the umbrella frame, typically the support pole or the ribs. In general, these lamps are of such a size and shape as to impair the operation of the umbrella; that is, these lamps are intended to illuminate large areas around umbrellas that are left open for long periods of time. For example, some lamps mount onto the umbrella support pole by way of a spring or screw clamp. After use, the owner may detach and store the lamp. Because the structure of most pole mounted lamps prevents full closure of the canopy, the umbrella is not intended to be operated while the light is in place. In another example, a lamp may be suspended from the ribs supporting the umbrella canopy. The owner must typically remove the hanging lamp from the path of the moving canopy in order to close the umbrella. Aside from the inconvenience of removal and attachment, these lamps must be stored whenever the umbrella is closed.
A few manufacturers have offered specially shaped umbrella frames to accommodate the use of such lamps. For example, some umbrellas include modified ribs having a fixed portion that supports a fixed canopy or crown to some radial distance out from the support pole. That is, instead of pivoting at the support pole, the ribs include a pivot along its length at a distance away from the pole, so that a lamp mounted to the support pole would not interfere with the pivoting of the ribs. This approach prevents full closure of the umbrella in order to accommodate the lamp. In another example, some umbrellas may have hanging lamps that depend from specially configured umbrella ribs, where both the ribs and the hanging lamps are capable of adapting to the pivoting motion as a canopy is opened or closed. The structure and orientation of hanging lamps may align with the ribs and may be sufficiently small to avoid interference with movement of the canopy. Other designs may involve a cantilever support pole from which the canopy depends; a lamp may then be located in the place traditionally occupied by the center pole. All of these approaches reduce the level of interference; however, they require the expense and difficulty of redesigning the primary structural elements of the umbrella, such as the support pole or ribs, which ultimately can increase the cost to the consumer.
Some lighting systems avoid interference with umbrella operation by use of very compact components. For example, some lighting systems use multiple light emitting diodes, fiber optic light conductors with remotely mounted light sources, or miniature C7 or C9 bulbs, sometimes referred to as Christmas or “twinkle” bulbs. Low voltage rope lights may be mounted or attached to umbrella ribs in a manner to avoid interfering with umbrella operation. For effective lighting, the individual sources are spread along the ribs to provide sufficient coverage. However, this category of lighting system can introduce other issues, such as quality of light or design limitations. Lighting systems having fiber-optic cables or light emitting diodes may be costly, while twinkle bulbs are generally designed for temporary use because of the short life of the bulb.
Another problem shared by some temporary and compact lighting systems is the quality of light. An umbrella lighting system should produce a light that is not only effective, but comfortable to the eyes. Some detachable fixtures may mount directly within the view of those around the umbrella, sometimes directly interposed between those sitting at a table. At a minimum, such a fixture would require a diffuser or softening globe. Even with a diffuser, a light positioned between individuals is not optimal for viewing those sitting at a table. Glass diffusers may also be vulnerable to breakage. Diffusers may be difficult to design and manufacture for compact lighting having multiple compact bulbs distributed along an umbrella rib. For this application, a reflected light with diffuse, non-directional, soft illumination free of harsh shadows is desirable; however, an embodiment using a plurality of compact bulbs may complicate achievement of this effect.
A subcategory of umbrella lighting uses light directed to the umbrella canopy. This technique is known to produce a pleasing indirect and diffuse light. However, compact bulbs, such as those distributed along umbrella ribs, are not practical for this use in part because of their limited output. Thus, conventional systems that seek to provide indirect lighting generally include larger bulbs and, for permanent designs, involve additional structure that interferes with umbrella operation. Further, the placement of such lighting systems may involve the complication of designing a supporting circuit around an umbrella crank or operating assembly.
A desirable system would effectively illuminate the area around an umbrella with a diffuse light, which would not interfere with umbrella operation, would protect the lighting system from the elements, and would be low profile so as to avoid interference into the area of activity, such as a table.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a modification of a class of umbrella frames in which the canopy is opened or closed by operation of a crank. In particular, the present invention is a novel umbrella crankcase and umbrella frame that not only houses a crank for operation of the umbrella, but also houses one or more integrated luminaires in a low profile, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing manner. Because the crankcase is commonly mounted on the center support pole of the umbrella, it is well suited for also housing luminaires that shine light in a desired direction, such as the general direction of the canopy, which can produce a diffuse light without interfering with the operation of the umbrella canopy or activities in the vicinity of the umbrella.
Conventional umbrella crankcases typically house only the crank mechanism, whether manual or automated. The crank mechanism, along with the rest of an operating assembly, converts rotary motion to pivotal motion of the umbrella ribs. Rotation of a crank rotates an internal gear, spool, or other mechanism located within the crankcase. The rotation is communicated to a transmission that converts the rotary motion to pivot the ribs, opening or closing a supported canopy. Commonly, the operating assembly involves a cord, cable, or linkage engaged with the ribs through some form of a traveler mechanism. For simple designs, rotation of the crank in one direction opens the umbrella, while rotation in the other direction closes the canopy. In some cases, much of the operating assembly is disposed within the hollow of a tubular support pole.
The present invention takes advantage of the crankcase structure for mounting one or more luminaires to illuminate the umbrella canopy. The crankcase provides access to the interior of the center pole for wiring, a central location for non-interfering structure, and an ideal perspective for indirect illumination. Locating the light source at the crankcase conveniently simplifies the electrical design because the supporting electrical circuitry need only be located in or about the lower portion of the support pole and the crankcase. The present invention provides the option of continuous or corded power supply without the need for wiring that bypasses or runs through the crankcase and the operating assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a sample umbrella frame of the prior art;
FIG. 2 is an embodiment the umbrella frame of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the crankcase of the present invention;
FIG. 4 shows a side view of an embodiment of the crankcase of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is cutaway view of an embodiment of the crankcase of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is an expanded view of portions of an embodiment of the umbrella frame;
FIG. 7 is a top view of a single luminaire embodiment of the crankcase of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a top view of a four luminaire embodiment of a motorized crankcase of the present invention; and
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a motorized system for the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and within which are shown certain embodiments by way of illustrating specific aspects of the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, the description of the invention herein should not be considered limiting so long as the general principles are implemented within a particular embodiment.
The present invention is an umbrella crankcase and an umbrella frame with at least one luminaire integrated into the crankcase for conveniently producing a preferably diffuse, indirect light, while also introducing minimal additional structure.
As mentioned above, and as shown in FIG. 1, crank driven umbrellas frames 100 generally include a support pole 2 and a plurality of radially disposed ribs 20 that are pivotally mounted onto an upper end 2U of support pole 2, and which are capable of supporting an umbrella canopy 10 (not shown). A typical operating assembly 40 may include a crank 41, some form of crankcase 42, and some form of transmission 44 that is operably engaged with both the crank 41 and ribs 20. The transmission 44 converts the rotary motion applied to crank 41 into the pivotal motion of ribs 20. This rotary motion of crank 41 may be supplied by handle 43, as shown in FIG. 1, or a motor, as seen in U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,464 to Grady, which is incorporated by reference. The crankcase 42 of conventional designs houses primarily a portion of crank 41 and in some cases a drive motor or a portion of transmission 44 that engages with crank 41. Support pole 2 is shown as being tubular and often, but not necessarily, portions of operating assembly 40 may be disposed within an interior of support pole 2. Of course, crank 41 and transmission 44 may take a wide variety of forms, as is known in the art of crank umbrellas.
With reference to FIG. 2, in addition to a portion of crank 41, the crankcase 42 of the present invention further houses one or more integrated luminaires 50. In general, such integrated luminaires 50 may be configured so as to be capable of providing light in a desired direction, for indirect lighting, preferably in a general direction toward a supported umbrella canopy 10 as shown in FIG. 2. In this example, crankcase 42 is shown as a manually operated embodiment, with handle 43 for hand operation of the crank 41. A base 30 engages lower end 2L of support pole 2 to mount and orient support pole 2 in a desired direction. Optionally, support pole 2 may be hinged for angled mounting, as is known in the art. If desired, the configuration of luminaires 50 may be adapted (i.e., using fixed or adjustable mounting) to illuminate the potential positions or locations of umbrella canopy 10, as is known in the art. FIGS. 3 and 4 provide different views of crankcase 42, showing how integrated luminaires 50 permit a slim, non-interfering shape or form.
FIG. 5 is a cutaway view of a two luminaire 50 embodiment of the crankcase 42 in the present invention. The crankcase 42 defines a cavity 76, a first portion 76A of which houses a portion of crank 41 and optionally a portion of transmission 43 (not shown) that is engaged with crank 41. Support pole 2 in this example is tubular, and may optionally define a first hole 70, so that the interior of support pole 2 is in communication with cavity 80; this can enable portions of operating assembly 40 to be disposed within support pole 2, if desired. Integrated into the crankcase 42 are luminaires 50, which provide light in a desired direction, preferably but not necessarily generally toward a supported umbrella canopy 10 (not shown).
Luminaire 50 includes a fixture enclosure 82, a lamp mount 51, and lighting system 60. As may be seen in FIG. 5, fixture enclosure 82 is a projecting extension or portion of crankcase 42; this projection from support pole 2 defines a second portion 76B of cavity 76. Fixture enclosure 82 also includes an illumination aperture 53 facing generally towards the desired direction of illumination, such as a supported umbrella canopy 10 (not shown.) Illumination aperture 53 is configured to receive lens 54. Optionally, the perimeter of illumination aperture 53 is threaded to engage an optional threaded lens ring 55 sized to fit about illumination aperture 53. Thus, lens 54 is preferably removable for access to the interior of fixture enclosure 82. An optional gasket 56 may also be situated between threaded lens ring 55 and fixture enclosure 82 on one side of lens 54 in order to seal fixture enclosure 82 from moisture. Additionally, fixture enclosure 82 may define a drain hole 75 in a lower portion of fixture enclosure 82 for draining any liquid that may somehow enter fixture enclosure 82.
Optional inner wall 90 of crankcase 42 may separate a first portion 76A of cavity 76 from a second 76B portion of cavity 76. Inner wall 90 may be useful to isolate luminaires 50 from dust, dirt, moisture, or grease located in the first portion 76A of cavity 76, possibly generated by the operation of crank 41. Optionally, if desired for passing wiring 63 or other structure, inner wall 90 may include a second hole 71 for limited communication between first portion 76A from the second portion 76B of cavity 76.
Lamp mount 51 is mounted onto crankcase 42, or optionally onto inner wall 90, for supporting light source 61. Light source 61 and lamp mount 51, are preferably configured to shine light through illumination aperture 53 and lens 54 in a general direction toward a supported umbrella canopy 10, or some other desired direction. Typically, for embodiments of crank umbrellas having fixed, vertical poles 2 in which a diffuse light is desired, this will involve shining light upward toward a canopy 10 (not shown).
The lighting system 60 includes at least one light source 61 and a circuit 62 to electrically connect it to a power source (not shown), as is known in the art. FIG. 6 demonstrates how a wiring 63 of circuit 62 may be run through an interior of support pole 2 and cavity 80. As shown in FIG. 5, wiring 63 may pass through optional first hole 70 of support pole 2 and optional second hole 71 disposed within optional inner wall 90 to reach light source 61 along a sheltered path. Locating wiring 63 within support pole 2 and light sources 61 within crankcase 42 keeps luminaire 50 removed from activities and protects the lighting system 60 from the elements. Alternatively, wiring 63 may exit fixture enclosure 82 and simply run outside of support pole 2. A variety of optional aspects may be included within circuit 62. Returning to FIG. 6, circuit 62 may be waterproof, with wiring 63 that is waterproof, weather resistant rubber strain relief grommet 64, and weatherproof plugs 65. Plugs 65 may also be a quick-connect design, enabling easy assembly and disassembly. Additionally, circuit 62 may include remotely operated or manual switch 66, as shown in FIG. 5, for controlling power to light source 61, as is known in the art.
Preferably, light source 61 and circuit 62 of lighting system 60 are low voltage and adapted for use with a low voltage power supply 66 for safety. Light source 61 may include a low voltage socket 67 along with a low voltage bulb 68. Preferably, light source 61 may include light emitting diodes (LED) for low power consumption. However, a wide variety of light sources may be used, such as incandescent or fluorescent, depending on the application.
Those of reasonable skill in the art will readily see that the present invention is capable of a wide variety of embodiments. For example, the present invention may be configured to function with a variety of portable or corded power supplies, whether battery, solar, or corded, a variety of light sources 61, and a wide variety of crankcase 42 configurations. In some embodiments, crank 41 may be operated by an integrated motor, controller, and power system for supplying the motor. The present invention may be adapted to a wide range of materials customarily used by those in the field, as applicable to their respective applications. Importantly, the crankcase 42 of the present invention can integrate luminaires 50 within an unobtrusive and weather-tight structure.
FIGS. 7 and 8 show top views of crankcase 42 having single or four luminaires 50, respectively.
In summary, the present invention is a novel umbrella crankcase and crankcase with an umbrella frame that not only houses a crank for operation of the umbrella, but also houses one or more integrated luminaires in a low profile, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing manner. Such integrated luminaires can produce a desired light without interfering with the operation of the umbrella canopy or activities in the vicinity of the umbrella. The crankcase can offer access to the interior of the center pole for wiring, a central location for non-interfering structure, an advantageous perspective for illumination, and a simplified electrical design. Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments of the present invention described herein are exemplary only, and are not intended to be limiting.

Claims

1. An umbrella frame for supporting an umbrella canopy and illuminating an area about the umbrella frame, wherein the umbrella frame comprises:

a tubular support pole having a first end and a second end;

a base that engages with the first end of the support pole to mount the support pole in a desired orientation;

a plurality of umbrella ribs, wherein one end of each of the plurality of ribs is pivotally mounted onto the second end of the support pole, so that the plurality of ribs are disposed radially about the support pole and are capable of supporting an umbrella canopy;

an operating assembly comprising a crank, a crankcase, and a transmission that is operably engaged with the crank and the plurality of umbrella ribs for converting rotary motion of the crank to pivoting motion of the plurality of ribs so as to open or close the plurality of umbrella ribs;

wherein the crankcase is a body defining a cavity that is attached to the support pole, a first portion of the cavity houses at least a portion of the crank, and further wherein integrated into the crankcase is at least one luminaire, the luminaire comprising a fixture enclosure, a lamp mount, and a lighting system configured so as to be capable of providing light in a desired direction of illumination;

wherein the fixture enclosure is an integrated portion of the crankcase projecting from the support pole and defining a portion of the cavity, and having at least one illumination aperture facing generally toward a desired direction of illumination, wherein the illumination aperture has a perimeter and is configured to receive a lens such that the lens may be independently removed from the fixture enclosure for access into the fixture enclosure;

wherein the lamp mount is mounted onto a portion of the crankcase within the fixture enclosure; and

a lighting system comprising at least one light source and at least one circuit for electrically connecting the at least one light source to at least one power supply, wherein the light source is mounted onto the lamp mount within the fixture enclosure and the light source and lamp mount are configured so as to be capable of providing light through the lens in a desired direction of illumination.

2. The umbrella frame of claim 1, wherein the desired direction of illumination is in a general direction toward a supported umbrella canopy.

3. The umbrella frame of claim 1, wherein the desired direction of illumination is in a generally downward direction.

4. The umbrella frame of claim 1, wherein the support pole defines a hole between an interior of the support pole and the cavity, wherein at least one first portion of the circuit of the lighting system is disposed within an interior of the support pole and at least one second portion of the circuit is disposed within the cavity of the crankcase so as to connect with the light source.

5. The umbrella frame of claim 1, wherein the circuit of the lighting system further comprises an electrical switch disposed within the circuit for controlling power to the light source.

6. The umbrella frame of claim 1, wherein the fixture enclosure further comprises a drain hole in a lower portion of the fixture enclosure for draining water.

7. The umbrella frame of claim 1, wherein the at least one illumination aperture is further configured to receive a gasket for sealing the lens to the fixture enclosure.

8. The umbrella frame of claim 1, further comprising

a gasket capable of being positioned about the perimeter of the at least one illumination aperture without substantially blocking the illumination aperture and the at least one illumination aperture is configured to receive the gasket;

a threaded lens securing ring sized to fit about the illumination aperture and the fixture enclosure is threaded about the perimeter of the at least one illumination aperture so as to be capable of threadably engaging the lens securing ring; and

wherein, when the gasket and the lens are received by the at least one illumination aperture, and the lens securing ring is threadably engaged with the fixture enclosure, then the gasket is compressed thereby sealing the fixture enclosure against the entry of water.

9. The umbrella frame of claim 1, wherein the light source is a low voltage lamp comprising a low voltage bulb and a low voltage socket for receiving the low voltage bulb, wherein the low voltage socket is mounted on the lamp mount, and further wherein the power source is a low voltage power supply.

10. The umbrella frame of claim 1, wherein the at least one circuit is waterproof.

11. An umbrella frame for supporting and illuminating an umbrella canopy, wherein the umbrella frame comprises:

a tubular support pole having a first end and a second end;

wherein the fixture enclosure is an integrated portion of the crankcase projecting from the support pole and defining a second portion of the cavity, and having at least one illumination aperture facing a desired direction of illumination, wherein the illumination aperture has a perimeter and is configured to receive a lens such that the lens may be independently removed from the fixture enclosure for access into the fixture enclosure;

wherein an inner wall disposed within the crankcase generally separates the first portion of the cavity and the second portion of the cavity;

wherein the lamp mount is mounted onto the inner wall within the fixture enclosure; and

12. The umbrella frame of claim 11, wherein the desired direction of illumination is in a general direction toward a supported umbrella canopy.

13. The umbrella frame of claim 11, wherein the desired direction of illumination is in a generally downward direction.

14. The umbrella frame of claim 11,

wherein the support pole defines a first hole between an interior of the support pole and the cavity

wherein the inner wall defines a second hole between the first portion of the cavity and the second portion of the cavity, and

wherein a first portion of the circuit of the lighting system is disposed within a portion of the support pole, a second portion of the circuit of the lighting system is disposed within the first portion of the cavity, and a third portion of the circuit of the lighting system is disposed within the second portion of the cavity.

15. The umbrella frame of claim 11, wherein the circuit of the lighting system further comprises an electrical switch disposed within the circuit for controlling power to the light source.

16. The umbrella frame of claim 11, wherein the fixture enclosure further comprises a drain hole in a lower portion of the fixture enclosure for draining water.

17. The umbrella frame of claim 11, wherein the at least one illumination aperture is further configured to receive a gasket for sealing the lens to the fixture enclosure.

18. The umbrella frame of claim 11, further comprising

19. The umbrella frame of claim 11, wherein the light source is a low voltage lamp comprising a low voltage bulb and a low voltage socket for receiving the low voltage bulb, wherein the low voltage socket is mounted on the lamp mount, and further wherein the power source is a low voltage power supply.

20. The umbrella frame of claim 11, wherein the at least one circuit is waterproof.

21. A crankcase for use in providing illumination about an umbrella operated by a crank and a transmission, the crankcase comprising:

a body defining a cavity having a first cavity portion and a second cavity portion, wherein the first cavity portion houses at least a portion of the crank and the second cavity portion houses at least one luminaire integrated into the body, the luminaire comprising a fixture enclosure, a lamp mount, and a lighting system configured so as to be capable of providing light in a desired direction of illumination;

wherein the fixture enclosure is an integrated portion of the body defining the second cavity portion and having at least one illumination aperture facing a desired direction of illumination, wherein the illumination aperture has a perimeter and is configured to receive a lens such that the lens may be independently removed from the fixture enclosure for access into the fixture enclosure;

wherein the lamp mount is mounted onto a portion of the body within the fixture enclosure; and

22. The crankcase of claim 21, wherein the umbrella includes an umbrella canopy and the desired direction of illumination is in a general direction toward the umbrella canopy.

23. The umbrella frame of claim 21, wherein the desired direction of illumination is in a generally downward direction.

23. The crankcase of claim 21, wherein the circuit of the lighting system further comprises an electrical switch disposed within the circuit for controlling power to the light source.

24. The crankcase of claim 21, wherein the fixture enclosure further comprises a drain hole in a lower portion of the fixture enclosure for draining water.

25. The crankcase of claim 21, wherein the at least one illumination aperture is further configured to receive a gasket for sealing the lens to the fixture enclosure.

26. The crankcase of claim 21, further comprising:

27. The crankcase of claim 21, wherein the light source is a low voltage lamp comprising a low voltage bulb and a low voltage socket for receiving the low voltage bulb, wherein the low voltage socket is mounted on the lamp mount, and further wherein the power source is a low voltage power supply.

28. The crankcase of claim 21, wherein the at least one circuit is waterproof.

29. The crankcase of claim 21, wherein the circuit of the lighting system further comprises an electrical switch capable of being operated remotely that is disposed within the circuit for controlling power to the light source.