Apparatus for automated movement of an umbrella

• US 20060124122A1
• Filed: 11/17/2005
• Published: 06/15/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/18/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Resort Umbrella Solutions, LLC
• Original Assignee: Resort Umbrella Solutions, LLC
• Inventors: Tegel, Robert, Young, David
• Granted Patent: US 7,631,653 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 126/573
• CPC Class Codes: A45B 17/00 Tiltable umbrellas
• CPC Class Codes: A45B 2200/1027 with means for generating solar energy
• CPC Class Codes: A45B 23/00 Other umbrellas
• CPC Class Codes: A45B 3/00 Sticks combined with other objects
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 50/20 for tracking
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/47 Mountings or tracking

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are provided for automated movement of an umbrella. An apparatus can be manually or automatically actuated to move the umbrella so as to provide more or less shade as desired by the user. For example, an apparatus is provided which can automatically move an umbrella to follow the movement of the sun. The apparatus can provide maximum or minimum shade (as desired) to the user throughout the day and/or can change the angle of the umbrella with little or no effort by the user. An adjustable umbrella apparatus comprising a ballast-shifting means is also provided.

Claims

1. An apparatus for automated movement of an umbrella comprising:

(a) a means for holding an umbrella having a pole and a canopy such that the pole and the ground define a pole angle; and

(b) a means for automatedly moving the umbrella whereby the pole angle is adjusted.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for moving the umbrella comprises a ballast-shifting means.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the ballast-shifting means comprises

(i) at least two compartments for ballast;

and

(ii) a pump fluidly connected to the compartments and adapted for pumping ballast from one of the compartments to another of the compartments.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for moving the umbrella comprises at least one motor.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the motor is operatively connected to and capable of rotating a shaft, and the umbrella is perpendicularly attached to the shaft.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for moving the umbrella is capable of rotating the pole around one or more axes perpendicular to the pole.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a sun-tracking means operatively connected to the means for moving the umbrella.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising control means operatively connected to the means for moving the umbrella whereby movement of the umbrella is manually or automatically actuated.

9. An apparatus for providing protection from sun or other weather conditions comprising:

(1) the apparatus of claim 1;

and

(2) an umbrella held by the means for holding the umbrella.

10. An apparatus for automated movement of an umbrella comprising:

(a) an umbrella holder adapted for holding an umbrella having a canopy and a pole; and

(b) a motor operatively connected to the umbrella holder whereby the motor rotates the pole around an axis perpendicular to the pole.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a controller operatively connected to the motor such that movement of the umbrella holder is controlled by the controller.

12. An adjustable umbrella apparatus comprising:

(a) an umbrella holder;

(b) at least two ballast compartments on different sides of the umbrella holder.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the umbrella holder comprises a pivot adapted for pivotably holding the umbrella.

14. An apparatus for automated movement of an umbrella comprising the adjustable umbrella apparatus of claim 12, and

(c) a pump adapted for pumping a ballast from one of the compartments to another of the compartments.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 further comprising a controller operatively connected to the pump.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the controller is programmed to cause the umbrella to automatically follow the movement of the sun.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the controller comprises a remote control.

18. The apparatus of claim 12 comprising at least four ballast compartments on different sides of the umbrella.

19. The umbrella apparatus of claim 12 wherein the umbrella holder comprises a stationary portion and a pivotable portion.

20. The umbrella apparatus of claim 12 wherein the umbrella holder comprises a table and a ball pivot in the table adapted for holding an umbrella.