US20120152292A1 - Aeolus umbrella systems - Google Patents

Abstract

A fan-equipped umbrella system comprising: an umbrella assembly having a tube; a runner; a spring assembly; a plurality of ribs; a domed cover; C-clips; a handle; a tip; foldable arms; at least one fan comprising blades, the blades being rotatable; an electrical wiring harness; an on/off switch; circuit gate; and at least one circuit breaker. The tube; the runner; the plurality of ribs; the domed cover; the handle; the tip; the foldable arms; and the spring assembly in combination operate the umbrella assembly. Further, the tube; runner; plurality of ribs; and the domed cover of umbrella assembly are deployable from a stored condition to a deployed condition to isolate at least one user from at least one environmental condition. The fans cause air movement when activated to provide comfort to a user of the novel umbrella.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/423,669, filed Dec. 16, 2010 which application is incorporated herein by reference.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
• A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The present invention relates generally to the field of umbrellas and more specifically relates to umbrellas equipped with fans.
• 2. Description of the Related Art
• Many individuals enjoy spending time in an outdoor environment. However, enjoyment can be negatively affected by extreme sunlight and heat. Consumers may choose to carry umbrellas or parasols in order to shield themselves from the elements such as sunlight and/or rain. An umbrella or parasol is a canopy designed to protect against rain or sunlight. The term parasol usually refers to an item designed to protect from the sun; umbrella refers to a device more suited to protect from rain. Umbrellas are almost exclusively hand-held portable devices; however, parasols can also be hand-held.
• The use of the umbrella or parasol may be effective at preventing sunburns but unfortunately may not protect consumers from the heat due to stagnant air being present around a user. Umbrellas may also be used to protect individuals from the rain, however, they may not effectively and entirely shield users, causing them to become wet due to the limited canopy size. The standard umbrella or parasol only protects the user's upper body from rain or sunlight and does not provide a means to move air around thereby not providing comfort to the user in a host of different environmental conditions.
• Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,230,723; 5,172,711; 2004/0084071; 5,349,975; 7,322,208; and 6,039,062. This prior art is representative of umbrellas. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed.
• Ideally, an umbrella should be user-friendly and effective in many different environmental conditions and, yet operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable fan-equipped umbrella system to avoid the above-mentioned problems.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known umbrella and parasol art, the present invention provides a novel fan-equipped umbrella system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide fan-equipped umbrellas to provide comfort for umbrella users and a host of different environmental conditions.
• Aeolus Umbrella of the present invention is designed to keep users optimally cool and dry during both sunny and rainy weather conditions. This innovative product features a portable umbrella preferably containing electric fans on its underside surface. The fans may be mounted to flexible folding arms in various positions. As the invention is being closed for use, the arms may fold around the fans, preventing them from becoming damaged and allowing them to be neatly tucked away. This product is ideal for protecting consumers against intense heat and sunlight, as well as rain.
• A fan-equipped umbrella system is disclosed herein, in a preferred embodiment comprising: an umbrella assembly having a tube; a runner; a spring assembly; a plurality of ribs; a domed cover; C-clips; a handle; a tip; foldable arms; at least one fan comprising blades (the blades being rotatable); an electrical wiring harness; an on/off switch; circuit gate; and at least one circuit breaker. The tube; the runner; the plurality of ribs; the domed cover; the handle; the tip; the foldable arms; and the spring assembly in combination operate the umbrella assembly. Further, the tube; runner; plurality of ribs; and the domed cover of umbrella assembly are deployable from a stored condition to a deployed condition to isolate at least one user from at least one environmental condition. The blades on fan are preferably flexible and deformable. The spring assembly has a hand spring and a top spring for use in employing and deploying the umbrella assembly.
• The fan(s) are preferably (rotatably) mounted to the foldable arms and are usable to displace air. The foldable arms collapse around the fans as the umbrella assembly is being closed into the stored condition. The C-clips attach the fan(s) to the foldable arms when stored and are not attached when in-use. The fan(s) are battery-powered via at least one DC battery.
• The electrical wiring harness; the circuit gate; the at least one circuit breaker and the on/off switch together comprise an electrical assembly for interruptably-powering the fan; the fan in electrical communication with the DC batteries and controlled via the other components between on and off conditions. The electrical wiring harness is routed through and substantially contained within an inner volume of the tube of the umbrella assembly. The circuit gate allows the fan(s) to be turned off in the stored condition when closed. The on/off switch is preferably located on the handle. The circuit breaker(s) (optional) interrupt current from reaching the fan(s) should debris or objects come in contact with the fan(s), such that the blades stop moving. The tip and the handle may be rubber-coated to substantially prevent electric shock.
• A method of using a fan-equipped umbrella system is also described herein preferably comprising the steps of: opening an umbrella assembly to a deployed condition to provide an isolation from an environmental condition; activating an on/off switch to an on position to start at least one fan, the fan(s) displacing air; deactivating the fan(s) via the on/off switch; and closing the umbrella assembly from the deployed condition to a closed condition.
• The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a fan-equipped umbrella system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, fan-equipped umbrella system entitled ‘Aeolus Umbrella systems’, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.
• FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating a fan-equipped umbrella system in an in-use condition according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a bottom-side view illustrating an umbrella assembly of the fan-equipped umbrella system according to an embodiment of the present invention ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 is another perspective view illustrating components of the umbrella assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 4A is a perspective view illustrating a fan in an in-use position (condition) according to an embodiment of the present invention ofFIGS. 1 and 3.
• FIG. 4B is a perspective view illustrating the fan as connected to folding arms (deployed position) according to an embodiment of the present invention ofFIGS. 1 and 4A.
• FIG. 4C is another perspective view illustrating the fan as connected to the folding arms (retracted position) according to an embodiment of the present invention ofFIGS. 1,4A and4B.
• FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the fan-equipped umbrella system according to an embodiment of the present invention ofFIGS. 1-4C.
• The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to an umbrella device and more particularly to a fan-equipped umbrella as used to improve the effectiveness of umbrellas in a variety of climatic conditions.
• Generally speaking, Aeolus Umbrella is designed to keep users cool and dry in various weather conditions. The invention may comprise a portable umbrella containing two or more electric fans on its underside surface. The fans can be mounted to foldable arms, which may collapse around the fans as the umbrella is being closed. The blades of the fans can be made of a soft, pliable material, allowing them to be safely tucked away and unfolded as the umbrella is opened and closed. C-shaped clips may be used to attach the fans to the arms during non-use conditions. The wiring used to power the fans can be contained in the shaft of the umbrella and may be activated by an on/off switch located on the handle. Within the wiring of the clip that holds the umbrella in the down position can be a circuit gate or bridge, designed to allow the fans to be turned off in the closed position. If any debris or objects come in contact with the fans, the blades may be stopped from moving by the circuit breakers when umbrella is open and on. The handle and the tip of umbrella can be coated in rubber or other non-conductive material to prevent electric shock. Consumers may activate the fans to provide cool air circulation on hot days and to dry away unwanted moisture during rainy days. It can be made in a variety of colors to suit user preferences.
• Referring now to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown inFIG. 1, fan-equippedumbrella system100 in ‘in-use’condition106 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• Fan-equippedumbrella system100 may comprise:umbrella assembly110 havingtube116;runner120;spring assembly122; a plurality ofribs130; a plurality ofstretchers126;domed cover134;clips138; handle140;tip146;foldable arms152; at least onefan160 comprisingblades166, (blades166 being rotatable to displace air);electrical wiring harness170; and on/offswitch180.Tube116;runner118; plurality ofribs130;domed cover134; handle140;tip146;foldable arms152; andspring assembly120 in combination operateumbrella assembly110. Further,tube114;runner118; plurality ofribs130; anddomed cover134 ofumbrella assembly110 are deployable from storedcondition112 to deployedcondition114 to isolate at least oneuser102 from at least one environmental condition, as shown also inFIG. 3.
• Domed cover134 is preferably manufactured from as nylon; however other suitable equivalent materials may be used. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other material arrangements such as, for example, vinyl, cloth, rubberized material, etc., may be sufficient.
• Fan(s)160 are rotatably mounted tofoldable arms152. Fan(s)160 are battery-powered via at least one DC battery (rechargeable or non-rechargeable.) Fan(s)160 are usable to displace air within and reasonable proximity toumbrella assembly110 of fan-equipped umbrella system100 (shown inFIGS. 1 and 4A, not inFIG. 3.) Fan(s)160 is designed to keep user(s)102 cool and dry in various weather conditions by providing a capacity to move/displace air.Spring assembly122 may includehand spring124 andtop spring128 for use in employing and deployingumbrella assembly110 in certain embodiments.
• Referring now toFIG. 2, a bottom-side view illustratingumbrella assembly110 of the fan-equippedumbrella system100 according to an embodiment of the present invention ofFIG. 1.
• Clips138 preferably attach fan(s)160 tofoldable arms152 when in a non-use condition as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4C.Clips138 preferably comprise C-clips. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other fastener arrangements such as, for example, rings, snaps; a hook and fastener system; hooks; other forms of clips; etc., may be sufficient.
• Electrical wiring harness170 is routed through and substantially contained withininner volume120 oftube118 ofumbrella assembly110 as shown inFIG. 4.Umbrella assembly110 preferably comprisescircuit gate190 or bridge. Circuit gate190 (or bridge) allows fan(s)160 to be turned off in storedcondition112 when closed. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of circuit gates and bridges as described herein, methods of electrical communication will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art.
• Referring now toFIG. 3, another perspective view illustrating components ofumbrella assembly110 according to an embodiment of the present invention ofFIG. 1.
• Umbrella assembly110 further comprises at least onecircuit breaker196 in certain embodiments. Circuit breaker(s)196 interrupt current from reaching fan(s)160 should debris or objects come in contact with fan(s)160, such thatblades166 stop moving. This option is available to increase safe operation of the present invention.Electrical wiring harness170;circuit gate190; least onecircuit breaker196 and on/offswitch180 comprise an electrical assembly for interruptably-powering fan(s)160. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of circuit breakers as described herein, methods of electrical communication, interruption and safety will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art.
• Umbrella assembly110 further comprisestip146 and handle140 which are rubber-coated to prevent electric shock as an additional safety feature. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other insulator materials such as, for example, non-conductive alloys, ceramics, woods, etc., may be sufficient.
• Referring now toFIG. 4A, a perspective view illustrating fan(s)160 in in-use position400 according to an embodiment of the present invention ofFIGS. 1 and 3. Fan(s)160 compriseblades166,blades166 comprising flexible and deformable material, as previously mentioned.Blades166 are deformable to increase safety and to make the present invention easier to store and deploy. Further,blades166 do not sheer or otherwise cutdomed cover134 when comprising rubber soft plastic, or the like, yet freely move air in use.Umbrella assembly110 may be deployed andfans160 not used (when not needed), as shown.
• Referring now toFIGS. 4B and 4C, perspectiveviews illustrating fan160 as connected tofoldable arms152 according to an embodiment of the present invention ofFIGS. 1 and 4A.
• Foldable arms152 are designed to collapse around fan(s)160 asumbrella assembly110 is being closed into storedcondition112. Fan(s)160 may be rotated as indicated by direction arrows between deployed and retracted positions about an indicator line. Further,foldable arms152 may comprise shafts or rods.FIG. 4A shows relative air displacement via straight indicator arrows (also shown inFIG. 1.)
• Referring now toFIG. 5,flowchart550 illustrating a method of using (method of use500) fan-equippedumbrella system100 according to an embodiment of the present invention ofFIGS. 1-4C.
• A method of using (enabling method of use500) fan-equippedumbrella system100 preferably comprises the steps of: step one501opening umbrella assembly110 to deployedcondition114 to provide an isolation from an environmental condition; step two502 activating on/offswitch180 to an on position to start at least onefan160, fan(s)160 displacing air; step three503 deactivating fan(s)160 via on/offswitch180; and step four504closing umbrella assembly110 from the deployedcondition114 to storedcondition112.
• It should be noted thatstep504 is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps ofmethod500 are illustrated using dotted lines inFIG. 5 so as to distinguish them from the other steps ofmethod500.
• It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient.
• The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims (20)

1. A fan-equipped umbrella system comprising:

an umbrella assembly having;

a tube;

a runner;

a plurality of ribs;

a plurality of stretchers;

a domed cover; and

at least one fan;

wherein said tube; said runner; said plurality of ribs; said stretchers; and said domed cover in combination operate said umbrella assembly;

wherein said tube; said runner; said plurality of ribs; and said domed cover of said umbrella assembly are deployable from a stored condition to a deployed condition to isolate at least one user from at least one environmental condition;

wherein said fan(s) are mounted to foldable arms;

wherein said fan(s) are battery-powered;

wherein said fan(s) are usable to displace air; and

wherein said fan(s) in combination with said umbrella assembly of said fan-equipped umbrella system is designed to keep said user(s) cool and dry in various weather conditions.

2. The fan-equipped umbrella system ofclaim 1 wherein said fan(s) comprise blades, said blades comprising flexible and deformable material.

3. The fan-equipped umbrella system ofclaim 2 wherein said foldable arms collapse around said fans as said umbrella assembly is being closed into said stored condition.

4. The fan-equipped umbrella system ofclaim 3 further comprising clips to attach said fan(s) to said foldable arms.

5. The fan-equipped umbrella system ofclaim 4 wherein said clips comprise C-clips.

6. The fan-equipped umbrella system ofclaim 5 further comprising an electrical wiring harness.

7. The fan-equipped umbrella system ofclaim 6 wherein said electrical wiring harness is routed through and substantially contained within an inner volume of said tube of said umbrella assembly.

8. The fan-equipped umbrella system ofclaim 7 further comprising an on/off switch.

9. The fan-equipped umbrella system ofclaim 8 further comprising a handle wherein said on/off switch is located on said handle.

10. The fan-equipped umbrella system ofclaim 9 further comprising a circuit gate.

11. The fan-equipped umbrella system ofclaim 9 further comprising a bridge.

12. The fan-equipped umbrella system ofclaim 10 wherein said circuit gate allows said fan(s) to be turned off in said stored condition when closed.

13. The fan-equipped umbrella system ofclaim 9 further comprising at least one circuit breaker.

14. The fan-equipped umbrella system ofclaim 13 wherein said circuit breaker(s) interrupt current from reaching said fan(s) should debris or objects come in contact with said blade(s), such that said blades stop moving.

15. The fan-equipped umbrella system ofclaim 14 further comprising a tip.

16. The fan-equipped umbrella system ofclaim 15 wherein said tip and said handle are rubber-coated to prevent electric shock.

17. The fan-equipped umbrella system ofclaim 1 further comprising a spring assembly having a hand spring and a top spring for use in employing and deploying said umbrella assembly.

18. A fan-equipped umbrella system comprising:

an umbrella assembly having;

a tube;

a runner;

a spring assembly;

a plurality of ribs;

a plurality of stretchers;

a domed cover;

C-clips;

a handle;

a tip;

foldable arms;

at least one fan comprising blades, said blades being rotatable;

an electrical wiring harness;

an on/off switch;

a circuit gate; and

at least one circuit breaker;

wherein said tube; said runner; said plurality of ribs; said stretchers; said domed cover; said handle said tip; said foldable arms; said spring assembly in combination operate said umbrella assembly;

wherein said tube; said runner; said plurality of ribs; and said domed cover of said umbrella assembly are deployable from a stored condition to a deployed condition to isolate at least one user from at least one environmental condition;

wherein said fan(s) are rotatably mounted to said foldable arms;

wherein said fan(s) are battery-powered via at least one DC battery;

wherein said fan(s) are usable to displace air;

wherein blades comprising flexible and deformable material;

wherein said foldable arms collapse around said fans as said umbrella assembly is being closed into said stored condition;

wherein said C-clips attach said fan(s) to said foldable arms;

wherein said electrical wiring harness; said circuit gate; said at least one circuit breaker and said on/off switch comprise an electrical assembly for interruptably-powering said fan;

wherein said electrical wiring harness is routed through and substantially contained within an inner volume of said tube of said umbrella assembly;

wherein said on/off switch is located on said handle;

wherein said circuit gate allows said fan(s) to be turned off in said stored condition when closed;

wherein said circuit breaker(s) interrupt current from reaching said fan(s) should debris or objects come in contact with the fan(s), such that said blades stop moving;

wherein said tip and said handle are rubber-coated to prevent electric shock;

wherein said spring assembly has a hand spring and a top spring for use in employing and deploying said umbrella assembly; and

wherein said fan(s) in combination with said umbrella assembly of said fan-equipped umbrella system is designed to keep said user(s) cool and dry in various weather conditions.

19. A method of using a fan-equipped umbrella system comprising the steps of:

opening an umbrella assembly to a deployed condition to provide an isolation from an environmental condition;

activating an on/off switch to an on position to start at least one fan, said fan(s) displacing air; and

deactivating said fan(s) via said on/off switch.

20. The method ofclaim 19 further comprising the step of closing said umbrella assembly from said deployed condition to a stored condition.

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