MOTORIZED UMBRELLA FAN

Abstract

A motorized umbrella fan whereby a motor drives the rotation of an umbrella assembly, which is comprised of an umbrella skeleton and a canopy, stretched over the skeleton. The canopy functions as a sunshade and plurality of fan blades each of triangular shape radially extending from a hub. A leading edge of each of the plurality of blades has a unshaped portion that is attached to a trailing edge of a preceding blade in a manner that creates vertical spacing between the leading edge and trailing edge of adjacent blades. This creates a slope within each fan blade and a channel between adjacent blades through which air flows. The air flow pushes stale hot air from underneath the canopy, providing a cooling breeze.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/035,259 titled “Motorized Umbrella Fan” filed on Mar. 10, 2008 having attorney docket number 60315.0005USP1 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/978,574 titled “Motorized Umbrella Fan” filed on Oct. 9, 2007, having attorney docket number 60315.0002USP1, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention relates to umbrellas and outdoor canopies in combination with fans. Particularly, the present invention relates to outdoor umbrellas and outdoor canopies that also function as fans to provide a cooling air flow to individuals sitting setting beneath the umbrella while also providing relief from the sun and rain. More particularly, the present invention relates to an umbrella that has a canopy consisting of cloth blades that are rotated about a shaft producing a cooling air flow. More particularly, the present invention relates to an umbrella wherein the canopy portion is comprised of triangular shaped segments that are driven by a motor that causes the segments to rotate about a shaft to produce a cooling air flow.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Umbrella devices in the form of umbrellas and parasols are known, whose umbrella-like cap is provided with ribs, one end of which is linked to a ring arranged at the upper end of a shaft and the other end at a sleeve, which can be displaced and fixed in place along the shaft for spreading the umbrella cap.

These ribs are required for supporting the cover material used as the canopy. In case of umbrella devices of larger dimension, the ribs already constitute a large proportion of the dead weight of the umbrella device. When modified to encompass weight-reducing designs these devices are prone to buckling when strained by wind. The controlled folding up of the cover material and of the rod produces strain that has been shown to be technically difficult with umbrella devices of large surface areas, and poses the danger of damage to the thin cover material of low flexural strength in the contact points between the cover and the ribs. There is a need for a design of an umbrella device that substantially reduces the strain caused by wind blowing under the umbrella.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an umbrella apparatus in which the umbrella provides a breeze and shade to those sitting at the table while simultaneously reducing the strain caused by wind blowing under the umbrella. It is another object of the present invention to provide an umbrella apparatus in which the umbrella canopy is configured such that it performs as a fan and opens and closes in the manner of a conventional table umbrella. It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an umbrella apparatus which employs a rotatable canopy which is safe and effective. It is still another object of the present invention to provide an umbrella apparatus in which the speed of rotation of the umbrella can be controlled. It is another object of the present invention to provide a table umbrella apparatus which is relatively inexpensive, easy to manufacture, and easy to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an umbrella device comprised of a support base, a motor operatively connected to a first end of a support shaft and an umbrella assembly attached to the second end of the support shaft. The motor drives the rotation of the umbrella assembly, which is comprised of an umbrella skeleton and a canopy, stretched over the skeleton. The canopy functions as a sunshade and as a fan when rotated by the support shaft and motor. An advantage of the present invention is that its structure allows for the canopy to block the elements such as rain and sun while also producing air flow when rotating. The canopy is comprised of a plurality of triangular shaped “blades.” In the open positions, each blade has a contacting and slightly overlapping relationship with adjacent blades to block sunlight or rainfall in the area below the blades. Each blade is attached to a hub at a first end and radially extends from the hub that is attached to the support shaft. A motor is operatively connected to the support shaft to facilitate rotation of the plurality of blades. A leading edge of each of the plurality of blades has a u-shaped portion formed on a second end of each of the plurality of blades. This u-shaped portion is attached to a trailing edge of a preceding blade in a manner that creates vertical spacing between the leading edge and trailing edge of adjacent blades, thereby creating an umbrella canopy comprised of a plurality of triangular shaped blades. Each of the plurality of blades includes a support rod comprised of a rigid material that provides support to each of the plurality of blades that may be comprised of fabric. The support rod has a first end attached to the hub and extends radially out from the hub and along the leading edge of each blade, extending straight for the length of the blade and curving on the end to include a u-shaped portion. The u-shaped portion on the end of the support rod creates an elevation difference between each blade and facilitates the creation of the at least 18 degree angle of each blade when the trailing edge of a blade is connected to the end of leading edge of an adjacent blade by connecting the end of the u-shaped portion to the corner of the trailing edge of an adjacent blade. The connection of the end of the u-shaped portion to the trailing edge of an adjacent blade creates separation between the trailing and leading edges of each blade and a channel which allows airflow through the opening. The air flow produced acts to push stale hot air from underneath the canopy, providing a cooling breeze. Another advantage of the present invention is that by way of reversing the direction of the motor and thereby the canopy blades, the rotating canopy causes hot air to be drawn from underneath the canopy and out of the top through the opening between each blade.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a motorized umbrella in an open position;

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of an embodiment of a motorized umbrella in an open position;

FIG. 3 depicts a view of the top of an embodiment of a motorized umbrella in an open position;

FIG. 4 depicts a view of the underside of the canopy portion of a motorized umbrella in an open position;

FIG. 5 depicts a view of an embodiment of the umbrella portion of a motorized umbrella in the closed position;

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a motorized umbrella in an open position wherein the umbrella assembly is illustrated with the canopy removed;

FIG. 7 depicts a view of the motor of an embodiment of a motorized umbrella;

FIG. 8 depicts a view of the motor having the top portion of the motor casing removed, thereby exposing the interior components of the motor;

FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of a motorized umbrella illustrating a view of the motor, tripod motor base and support assembly engaging the tubular support member;

FIG. 10 depicts a cross sectional view of the motor, tripod motor base and support assembly engaging the tubular support member of an embodiment of a motorized umbrella;

FIG. 11 depicts a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a motorized umbrella in an open position including blade sail members; and

FIG. 12 depicts a cross sectional view of portion of the tubular support member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference may be made throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “embodiments,” “an aspect,” or “aspects” meaning that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, usage of such phrases may refer to more than just one embodiment or aspect. In addition, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, reference to a single item may mean a single item or a plurality of items, just as reference to a plurality of items may mean a single item. Moreover, use of the term “and” when incorporated into a list is intended to imply that all the elements of the list, a single item of the list, or any combination of items in the list has been contemplated.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the present invention comprises an umbrella device 102 comprised of a base 108, a tripod support assembly 120, a motor 110 operatively connected to a first end of a tubular support member 106 and an umbrella assembly 148 attached to the second end of the tubular support member 106. The tubular support member 106, extending between the umbrella assembly 148, motor 110 and tripod support assembly 120, is connected to the tripod support assembly 120 by a support collar 128, configured and attached to the tubular support member 106 in a manner that causes the weight of the umbrella assembly 148 and the tubular support member 106 to be distributed along the legs of the tripod support assembly 120 to the base 108 and not to the motor 110. The motor 110 drives the rotation of the umbrella assembly 148, which is comprised of an umbrella skeleton and a canopy 104 of the umbrella assembly 148 stretched over the skeleton. The canopy 104 comprised of a plurality of blade fabric portions 142 and a fan blade cap 160 functions as a sunshade and as a fan when rotated by the tubular support member 106 and motor 110. An advantage of the present invention is that its structure allows the canopy 104 to block elements such as rain and sun while also producing air flow when rotating. The umbrella assembly 148 is connected to the tubular support member 106, such that the umbrella assembly 148 can be opened and closed without disassembly. The opening and closing of the umbrella assembly 148 is facilitated by turning a crank shaft 136 that is connected to a housing mounted to the exterior surface of the tubular support member 106. The motor 110 has a drive shaft that is connected to a base portion of the tubular support member 106. The base portion of the tubular support member 106 extends up through the tripod support assembly 120 and the support collar 128 into a shaft collar 164. A first end of the base portion of the tubular support member 106 has a female connection receptacle configured for receiving a male connection portion positioned on a first end of the top portion of the tubular support member 106. The shaft collar 164 may be configured with a locking mechanism that facilitates locking the base and top portions of tubular support member 106 together so that rotation of the first portion of base portion of the tubular support member 106 results in rotation of the top portion of tubular support member 106. During operation, the umbrella assembly 148 and tubular support member 106 rotate and cause airflow below the umbrella assembly 148, allowing users of the present invention to be cooled. The motor 110 may be bi-directional and thereby configured to allow the umbrella device 102 to generate an up-flow or down-flow of current.

As shown in FIG. 1, each of the plurality of fan blades 140 of the umbrella assembly 148 has a contacting and slightly overlapping relationship with adjacent blades in order to block sunlight or rainfall in the area below the umbrella assembly 148. In addition, the motor 110 is positioned towards the bottom of the umbrella device 102 above the base 108 and supported by the tripod support assembly 120 in order to position the motor 110 at a height whereby it is above the base and sufficiently out of the reach of water. The motor 110 is also positioned at a height above the support base 108 to allow for ventilation and cooling of the motor 110, easy access for service of the motor 110, and to lessen the momentum between the umbrella assembly 148 and motor 110 as a result of umbrella assembly rotation. Reducing momentum between the umbrella assembly 148 and the motor 110 reduces the potential for cavitations of the umbrella device 102. The motor 110 is operatively connected to the umbrella assembly 148 and configured to cause the umbrella assembly 148 to rotate along with the tubular support member 106.

The tripod support assembly 120 is comprised of a first tripod leg 122, a second tripod leg 124 and a third tripod leg 126, wherein the first second and third tripod legs are interchangeable and positioned on top of the base 108 when assembled. The first, second and third support legs 122, 124, 126 of the tripod assembly 120 each include a motor support arm 112, 114, 116 that positions the motor 110 at a distance above the base 108. When the first second and third tripod legs 122, 124, 126 are assembled as a tripod, because the first tripod support leg 122 includes a partial first collar and a partial second collar, and because the second tripod support leg 124 includes a partial first collar and a partial second collar, and the third tripod support leg 126 includes a partial first collar and a partial second collar, a first tripod collar 132 and a second tripod collar 138 are created upon connection of the first second and third tripod legs 122, 124, 126 to create the tripod support assembly 120. The first and second tripod collars 132, 138 provide additional support to the tubular support member 106. At the top of the tripod support assembly 120 a support collar 128 is attached. The support collar 128 which is also attached to the tubular support member 106 is configured to include a bearing surface that allows the support collar 128 and the tubular support member 106 to freely rotate about the axis of the tubular support member 106 when driven by the motor. The support collar also includes a locking unit such as a lock knob. The locking unit is configured such that when it is engaged, the tubular support member 106 and thereby the umbrella assembly 148 will not rotate. While a lock knob has been specifically identified, it is contemplated that the locking unit may be of any configuration that facilitates the locking of the tubular support member 106 in a manner that prevents its rotation and thereby the rotation of the umbrella assembly 148. The tubular support member 106 is attached to the support collar 128 in a manner that allows the weight of the tubular support member 106 and umbrella assembly 148 to be distributed to the tripod support assembly 120 and the base 108. The support collar 128 is comprised of a top portion, bottom portion and a bearing surface sandwiched between the top and bottom collar portions. The bottom portion of the support collar 128 is stationarily attached to the top of the tripod support assembly 120. The bearing surface between the bottom portion and the top portion of the support collar 128 enables the top portion of the support collar 128 and the tubular support member 106 to rotate. Because the support collar 128 is attached to the tubular support member 106, the connection facilitates the tubular support member 106 being suspended above the motor 110 at a distance that facilitates connection of a drive shaft of the motor 106 to the tubular support member 106 in order to facilitate its rotation of the tubular support member 106 and the umbrella assembly 148.

In the present embodiment, each umbrella fan blade 140 is comprised of a fabric portion and extends radially out from a hub. Each umbrella fan blade 140 has a first end 146 attached to the hub which has the tubular support member 106 connected to its center. A leading edge 152 of each of the plurality of fan blades has a u-shaped portion 168 formed on a second end of each of the plurality of fan blades, wherein the u-shaped portion 168 on the leading edge 152 of each fan blade 140 is attached 156 to a trailing edge 154 of a preceding blade in a manner that creates vertical spacing 150 between the leading edge 152 and the trailing edge 154 of adjacent blades, thereby creating an umbrella canopy 104. In the present embodiment, the vertical spacing created is about 8 inches which decreases over the length of the fan blade 140 towards the hub. Notwithstanding, it is contemplated that the vertical spacing 150 may be of a myriad of sizes determined by the u-shaped portion 168, so long as the objective of allowing air to pass into the niche created by the vertical spacing is achieved. It is also contemplated that the u-shaped portion on the leading edge 152 of each of the plurality of fan blades can be of a myriad of different shapes, for example an L-shape, so long as the shape facilitates the creation of vertical spacing 150 between the leading edge 152 and the trailing edge 154 of adjacent blades.

The trailing edge 154 of the fabric that comprises a fan blade 140 is connected to the end of the u-shaped portion 168 to create an umbrella blade portion which may be created upon opening of the umbrella assembly 148 in a manner similar to that of a standard patio umbrella. The u-shaped portion 168 on the end of each umbrella fan blade stability rod 144 creates a conical section in the fabric that trails off at the end of the blade portion that is connected to an adjacent blades u-shape portion 168. The fabric that comprises the blade is cut in such a manner that the conical section created by the fan blade disappears to a single point on the trailing edge 154 of the blade which is attached to the u-shaped portion 168 of an adjacent blade. When the umbrella is opened using a standard crank shaft 136, the fabric comprising the blade stretches out in a manner similar to a sail.

Attachment 156 of the leading edge 152 of each fan blade 140 to a trailing edge 154 of a preceding blade may be performed in a plurality of manners, sewing, riveting, bolting, clamping, screw plug or any other connection method or device that allows for a stable connection. It is contemplated that the connecting device may facilitate both temporary and permanent connection. When opened or closed, the structure of the umbrella assembly 148 removes problems associated with having multiple secondary stiffeners in use to create a stiffened fan blade. A temporary connection enables for assembly and disassembly of the umbrella assembly 148.

Each of the plurality of blades 140 includes a fan blade stability rod 144 comprised of a rigid material. The fan blade stability rod 144 has a first end 146 attached to a stability rod hub and extends radially out from the stability rod hub and is attached to the fan blade 140 along the leading edge 152 of the blade. The fan blade stability rod 144 further includes a u-shaped portion 168 on a second end of the support rod 144. It is also contemplated that the u-shaped portion on the second end of the support rod 144 can be of a myriad of different shapes, for example an L-shape, so long as the shape facilitates the creation of vertical spacing 150 between the leading edge 152 and the trailing edge 154 of adjacent blades. It is also contemplated that a spacer, in the shape of a U, L or any other shape that facilitates the creation of vertical spacing 150 between the leading edge 152 and the trailing edge 154 of adjacent blades may be added to the end of a fan blade stability rod 144 that is not configured to include a u-shaped portion. It is to be understood that the shape of the portion of the stability rod 144 on its second end, whether such shape be permanent or an add on spacer may be of any configuration so long as the second end of the stability rod or the add on spacer creates vertical spacing 150 between the leading edge 152 and the trailing edge 154 of adjacent blades.

Each fan blade stability rod 144 is supported by a blade support shaft 170. The first end of the blade support shaft 170 is hingedly connected to the fan blade stability rod 144 by connection member 178. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the second end of the blade support shaft 170 is hingedly connected to a blade support shaft hub 174. In the embodiment illustrated, each of the blade support shafts 170 are configured out of square tubing or rods used to support the fan blade stability rods 144 when the umbrella assembly 148 is in the open position, illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. The blade support shaft hub 174 facilitates movement of the fan blades 140 between an open and closed position similar to that of a standard outdoor umbrella. The blade support shaft hub 174 is configured to slidably move up and down the exterior of tubular support member 106 to allow the fan blades 140 to articulate from 0° (closed position), shown in FIG. 5, to approximately 90° (open position), as shown in FIGS. 1-3, respectively.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the blades 140 of the umbrella assembly 148 are comprised of fabric and are generally of a triangular shape. As shown in FIG. 2, the connection 156 of the end of the u-shaped portion 168 of the stability rod 144 to the trailing edge 154 of an adjacent blade 140 creates a canted surface 182 which is capable of creating wind flow when the umbrella assembly 148 is rotated. The design of the umbrella assembly 148 is such that as the umbrella assembly 148 is opened in a traditional fashion similar to that of a standard patio umbrella. When the umbrella assembly 148 is opened, the stability rods 144 on the leading edge 152 of each blade 140 causes the fabric 142 to stretch into the shape of an oversized canopied fan blade 140. With the simple motion of opening the umbrella the blades of the umbrella assembly 148 are created.

FIG. 4 illustrates the underside of the umbrella assembly 148. As shown, the blade support shaft hub 174 is configured to slidably engage and rotate with the tubular support member 106. Support shaft hub 174 also rotates along with and at the same speed as the blade support shafts 170, fan blades 140, fan blade stability rods 144 and blade stability rod hub 166. In an alternative embodiment, the tubular support member 106 may not rotate and the blade support shaft hub 174 may further include a bearing (e.g., journal bearing, etc.) or other assembly designed to facilitate its rotation about the axis of the tubular support member 106. For example, if the tubular support member 106 is a one inch diameter tube, the blade support shaft hub 174 may be a one and one-sixteenth inch diameter ring such that the blade support shaft hub 174 will be free floating, yet still fit snuggly around the tubular support member 106 and allow the fan blade stability rods 144 and the blade support shafts 170 to rotate along with fan blades 140. The fan blade stability rods 144 are connected at one end to a blade stability rod hub 166 that is attached to the top of the tubular support member 106. In an alternative embodiment, the tubular support member 106 may not rotate and the blade stability rod hub 166 may be connected to a rotation system that includes a rod that extends through the tubular support member and is operatively connected to the stability rod hub 166 and the motor to facilitate rotation of the umbrella assembly 148.

In addition, the blade support shaft hub 174 is operatively connected to a crank shaft 136 that allows the umbrella assembly 148 to be opened and closed. For example, the crank shaft 136 may be turned so that the blade support shafts 170 move the fan blades 140 vertically during opening and closing of the umbrella assembly 148. The blade support shaft hub 174 may be freely moved vertically up and down the tubular support member 106 and locked into an open position by a spring loaded snap pin assembly. It is contemplated that the blade support shaft hub 174 may be locked into position through use of any assembly or locking mechanism configured to hold the support shaft hub 174 in a position that facilitates the umbrella assembly being open. It is also contemplated that in alternative embodiments, mechanisms other than a crank shaft may be used to open and close the umbrella assembly 148. The mechanisms used in alternative embodiments may include but are not limited to a rope pull assembly, spring load assembly, and manual pushing of the blade support shaft hub 174 up and down the tubular support member 106.

During operation, the umbrella blades 140 may rotate at various speeds. The motor 110 may be configured such that a user may be able to select between various preset speeds. In addition, the motor 110 may be configured such that the user may control the speed of the motor 110 more precisely. For example, a potentiometer or rheostat may be used to precisely control the motor 110 speed. Furthermore, the motor 110 may be configured such that the direction of rotation may be reversed to change the direction of airflow resulting form the rotating blades 140.

The maximum rotation speed of the umbrella blades 140 is limited by the stability of the motorized umbrella fan 102 which is enhanced by the tripod support assembly 120. As the rotational speeds increase, the effects of an umbrella fan being out of balance become more pronounced. In the present embodiment, as the rotation speed increases and if the umbrella assembly 148 is out of balance, the motorized umbrella fan 102 will begin to sway. Therefore, the rotation speed cannot be too fast so as to cause the motorized umbrella fan 102 to topple over. To increase the maximum rotation speeds, the motorized umbrella fan 102 may have additional strategically placed weights to balance and stabilize the umbrella assembly 148.

FIG. 5 shows the umbrella assembly 148 in the closed position. FIG. 6 illustrates the motorized umbrella fan with the fabric blade portions removed, illustrating the skeleton of the umbrella assembly 148 as supported by a tubular support member 106, a tripod support assembly 120 and base 108. At the top of the tripod support assembly 120 a support collar 128 is attached. The support collar 128, which is also attached to the tubular support member 106, is configured to include a bearing surface that allows the support collar 128 and the tubular support member 106 to freely rotate about the axis of the tubular support member 106 when driven by the motor. The tubular support member 106 is attached to the support collar 128 in a manner that allows the weight of the tubular support member 106 and umbrella assembly to be distributed to the tripod support system 120 and the support base 108. The skeleton of the umbrella assembly is comprised of a plurality of fan blade stability rods 144 connected at one end to a blade stability rod hub 166 that is attached to the tubular support member 106 near its top. The fan blade stability rods 144 may be cylindrical or rectangular in cross-section and constructed of fiber glass, carbon fiber, metals, and polymers. Each fan blade stability rod 144 further includes a u-shaped portion 186 on its second end. Each fan blade stability rod 144 is supported by a blade support shaft 170. The blade support shaft 170 may be cylindrical or rectangular in cross-section and constructed of fiber glass, carbon fiber, metals, and polymers. The first end of the blade support shaft 170 is hingedly connected to the fan blade stability rod 144 by connection member 178. The second end of the blade support shaft 170 is hingedly connected to a blade support shaft hub 174 which facilitates vertical movement of the fan blade stability rods 144 and thereby movement of the fan blades between open and closed positions. The blade support shaft hub 174 is configured to slidably move up and down the exterior of tubular support member 106

FIG. 7 illustrates the motor assembly including the motor casing 216, comprised of a motor casing bottom portion 220, a motor casing top portion 224, and the motor crank shaft 232 extending through an opening 228 in the top portion of the motor casing 216. FIG. 8 illustrates the motor casing 216 having its top portion 220 removed, thereby exposing the motor 234 and crank shaft 232. FIG. 9 illustrates the lower portion of the motorized umbrella fan comprised of the tripod assembly 204, base 202, motor assembly 216, wherein the motor engages a base shaft 236 portion of the tubular support member by way of a motor crank shaft extending out of the motor casing 216. The motor crank shaft is operatively connected to the base shaft 236 portion of the tubular support member. As illustrated, the motor assembly 216 is supported by a tripod assembly 204 that rests on the support base 202, elevating the motor assembly 216 above the base 202. Tripod support assembly 204 is comprised of a first tripod leg 206, a second tripod leg 208 and a third tripod leg, wherein the first second and third tripod legs are interchangeable and positioned on top of the base 202 when assembled. The first, second and third support legs of the tripod assembly 204 each include a motor support arm that positions the motor casing 216 above the base 202. When the first 206, second 208 and third tripod legs are assembled, because each tripod leg includes a partial first collar and a partial second collar, a first tripod collar 212 and a second tripod collar 214 is created upon assembly of the tripod. The first and second tripod collars 212, 214, provide additional support to the base shaft portion 236 of the tubular support member. Still consistent with embodiments of the invention, the base 202, which is typically hollow, may comprise a plastic container and have a centrally disposed bore for receipt of a removable cap that allows the user to fill the base 202 with ballast, such as sand and/or water, concrete, or other weighting material. Using weighting materials that can be removed, such as water, will facilitate transportation of the motorized umbrella. For example, the base 202 may be filled with water when the motorized umbrella is first purchased and installed. Should the user desire to relocate the motorized umbrella fan, the user may drain the water to make the motorized umbrella fan lighter and easier to move.

The lower portion of the umbrella device is also illustrated in FIG. 10, showing the tripod support assembly 318, base 302, motor 328, within motor casing 324, wherein the motor 328 engages a base shaft 336 portion of the tubular support member by way of a motor crank shaft 332 extending out of the motor casing 324 and being operatively connected to the base shaft 336 portion of the tubular support member. As illustrated, the motor 328, within motor casing 324, is supported by a tripod support assembly 318 that rests on the support base 302, elevating the motor casing 324 above the support base 302. The tripod support assembly 318 is comprised of a first tripod leg 304, a second tripod leg 308 and a third tripod leg (not shown), wherein the first, second and third tripod legs are interchangeable and attached to the top of the base 302 when assembled. The first, second and third support legs of the tripod assembly 318 each include a motor support arm that positions the motor casing 324 above the base 302. First tripod leg 304 includes a first tripod motor support arm 306. Second tripod leg 308 includes a second tripod motor support arm 310. The third tripod leg (not shown) includes a third tripod motor support arm (not shown). When the first 304, second 308 and third tripod legs are assembled, because each tripod leg includes a partial first collar and a partial second collar, first tripod collar 312 and a second tripod collar 314 are created. The first and second tripod collars 312, 314, provide additional support to the base shaft 336 portion of the tubular support member. The base shaft portion 336 of the tubular support member is attached to a support collar 344 in a manner that allows the weight of the tubular support member and umbrella assembly to be distributed to the tripod support assembly 318 and the support base 302. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the base shaft portion 336 of the tubular support member is attached to a support collar 344 by positioning a link pin 352 through a passage formed in the support collar 344 and the base shaft portion 336 of the tubular support member. It is contemplated that numerous other methods and devices may be used to connect the support collar 344 and the base shaft portion 336 of the tubular support member together. The methods and devices used must be of a type configured to connect the support collar 344 and the base shaft portion 336 of the tubular support member together in a manner whereby the base shaft portion 336 of the tubular support member extends through the support collar 344, extends through first and second tripod collars 312, 314 and is positioned above the motor crank shaft 332 extending out of the motor casing 324. The connection of the base shaft portion 336 to the support collar 344 causes the base shaft portion to be suspended above the motor 328 at a position that allows for the connection of the motor crank shaft 332 to the base shaft portion 336.

Resting at the top of the tripod support assembly 318, the support collar 344 is comprised of a top portion 338, bottom portion 340 and a bearing surface 346 sandwiched between the top 338 and bottom 340 collar portions. The bottom portion of the support collar 340 is stationarily attached to the top of the tripod assembly 318. The bearing surface 346 between the bottom portion 340 and the top portion 338 of the support collar 344 enables the top portion 338 of the support collar 344 and the base shaft 336 portion of the tubular support member to rotate freely about the axis of the tubular support member. Because the support collar 344 is attached to the base shaft 336 portion of the tubular support member, the connection facilitates an end of the base shaft 336 portion being suspended above the motor 328 at a distance that allows for connection of the motor drive shaft 332 to the base shaft 336 portion in manner whereby the weight of the tubular support member and umbrella assembly are not distributed to the motor. Connection of the base shaft 336 portion of the tubular support member and the motor drive shaft 332 is facilitated by a connection cap 320 and a connection pin 316 that extends through orifices within the connection cap 320 and motor drive shaft 332. It is contemplated that numerous other methods and devices may be used to connect the base shaft 336 portion of the tubular support member and the motor drive shaft 332. The methods and devices used may be of a type configured to connect the base shaft 336 portion of the tubular support member and the motor drive shaft 332 together in a manner whereby the motor drive shaft 332 drives the rotation of the base shaft 336 portion of the tubular support member.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the present invention whereby the umbrella assembly 448 includes a plurality of secondary pieces of fabric 456 which extend down and will create a down draft when the umbrella assembly 448 is rotated. The banner of fabric 456 which extends down from the underside of the umbrella assembly 448 along the trailing edge 454 of a blade may be weighted to facilitate greater downward breeze by rotation of the umbrella assembly 448. For example, in the embodiment illustrated, the sail includes a weighted portion along the edge 458 of the fabric.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross sectional view of a portion of the tubular support member 510. The tubular support member 510 is comprised of a base shaft portion 512 and a top shaft portion 514. The top shaft portion 514, has an end portion 516 configured of a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the base shaft portion 512 to facilitate insertion of the top shaft portion 514 into the base shaft portion 512. The top shaft portion further includes spring loaded locking pins 520 and 522 which are sized so as to extend through a first orifice 526 and a second orifice 528 within the base shaft portion 512. When the first end portion 516 is extended through an opening in an end of the base shaft portion 512, the spring loaded locking pins 520 and 522 are pressed so as to allow the top shaft portion 514 to be extended down into the base shaft portion 512, wherein the spring loaded locking pins 520 and 522 through openings 526 and 528 when the spring loaded locking pins 520 and 522 are lined up with openings 526 and 528. Upon the extension of the spring loaded locking pins 520 and 522 through openings 526 and 528, the base shaft portion 512 and the top shaft portion 514 are attached, so that upon rotation of base shaft portion 512, the top shaft portion 514 also rotates. It is contemplated that connecting and locking the base shaft portion 512 and the top shaft portion 514 may be accomplished by other devices other than the spring loaded locking pins. The illustration of the spring loaded locking pins are not identified so as to limit the scope of devices which may be used to connect the base shaft portion 512 and the top shaft portion 514. Spring loaded pins 520 and 522 are identified as an example of the devices contemplated that may achieve locking the base shaft portion 512 and the top shaft portion 514 into position.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the application claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the application claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the application claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the application claims.

One skilled in the relevant art may recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, resources, materials, etc. In other instances, well known structures, resources, or operations have not been shown or described in detail merely to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

While example embodiments and applications of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise configuration and resources described above. Various modifications, changes, and variations apparent to those skilled in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and systems of the present invention disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the application claims.

Claims

1. An outdoor umbrella comprising:

a support shaft;

a support base supporting the support shaft;

an umbrella assembly comprised of at least a plurality of blades radially extending from a hub attached to the support shaft wherein a first end of each blade is attached to the hub;

a motor operatively connected to the support shaft to facilitate rotation of the plurality of blades;

wherein the second end of each of the plurality of blades has a u-shaped portion formed on a leading edge of each of the plurality of blades, wherein the u-shaped portion on the leading edge of each blade is attached to a trailing edge of a preceding blade in a manner that creates vertical spacing between the leading edge and the trailing edge of adjacent blades.

2. The outdoor umbrella of claim 1 wherein the leading edge and trailing edges of adjacent blades overlap.

3. The outdoor umbrella of claim 1 wherein the vertical spacing between the leading edge and trailing edge of adjacent blades is greatest at the second end of each blade and decreases in the direction of the first end of each blade.

4. The outdoor umbrella of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of blades are comprised of fabric and a stability rod, wherein the stability rod, having a first end attached to the hub, extends radially out from the hub, wherein the stability rod is attached to the fabric along a first edge of the fabric creating the leading edge of the blade, wherein the stability rod further includes a u-shaped portion on a second end of the stability rod, wherein the first edge of the fabric is further attached along the u-shaped portion.

5. The outdoor umbrella of claim 4 wherein the trailing edge of and adjacent blade is attached to the u-shaped portion of the end of the stability rod.

6. The outdoor umbrella of claim 5 wherein the trailing edge of the blade further includes a sail portion extending vertically downward, wherein the sale portion directs the air flowing through the vertical spacing between the leading edge of each blade and the trailing edge of each blade downward.

7. The outdoor umbrella of claim 4 wherein the umbrella assembly further comprises a support shaft having a first end hingedly connected to stability rod and a second end hingedly connected to a support shaft hub slidably connected to the support shaft, wherein the movement of the support shaft up the support shaft causes the umbrella assembly to open and movement of the support shaft down the support shaft causes the umbrella assembly to close.

8. The outdoor umbrella of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of blades are sloped at an angle of at least 18 degrees.

9. The outdoor umbrella of claim 1 wherein the support base is comprised of at least a tripod stand comprised of a first support leg, a second support leg and a third support leg.

10. The outdoor umbrella of claim 9 wherein the first support leg includes a partial first collar and a partial second, wherein the second support leg includes a partial first collar and a partial second collar, wherein the third support leg includes a partial first collar and a partial second collar, wherein the joining of the first, second and third legs at the edges of the partial first and second collar portions creates a first collar and a second collar positioned around a tubular support member.

11. The outdoor umbrella of claim 9 wherein the first, second and third support legs of the tripod stand each include a motor support arm that positions the motor above the bottom of the base.

12. The outdoor umbrella of claim 1 further including a support collar attached to the tubular support member, wherein the support collar has a bearing surface that allows the support collar and the tubular support member to freely rotate about the axis of the tubular support member, wherein the support collar rests on the top of the support base, wherein the tubular support member is attached to the collar in a manner that allows the weight of the support shaft and umbrella assembly to be distributed to the support base.

13. The outdoor umbrella of claim 12 wherein the support collar is comprised of a top portion, bottom portion and a bearing surface between the top and bottom portions, wherein the bottom portion of the support collar is stationarily rests on support base, allowing the top portion of the support collar and the tubular support member to rotate.

14. A motorized outdoor umbrella comprising: wherein the tripod base assembly is configured to receive and support the support shaft; wherein the tripod base assembly is comprised of a tripod support assembly positioned on top of a base, wherein the tripod assembly comprises a first support leg, a second support leg and a third support leg, wherein the first support leg includes a first portion of a top collar, a first portion of a bottom collar, and a first motor support arm, wherein the second support leg includes a second portion of a top collar, a second portion of a bottom collar, and a second motor support arm, wherein the third support leg includes a third portion of a top collar, a third portion of a bottom collar and third motor support arm, wherein the first, second and third legs of the tripod assembly are positioned to create the top collar and bottom collar through which the support shaft is extended in order to engage the motor, the tripod base assembly including a support collar attached to the top of the tripod assembly, wherein the support shaft is attached to the support collar in a manner that allows the weight of the support shaft and umbrella canopy assembly to be distributed to the tripod assembly, wherein the support collar has a bearing surface that allows the support collar and the support shaft to freely rotate about the axis of the support shaft.

an umbrella canopy assembly;

a support shaft positioned to support the umbrella canopy;

a tripod base assembly; and

a motor supported by the tripod base assembly in a manner whereby the motor is suspended above the base of the tripod base assembly;

15. The motorized outdoor umbrella of claim 13, wherein the umbrella canopy assembly is comprised of a plurality of blades radially extending from a hub wherein a first end of each blade is attached to the hub which has the support shaft connected to its center, wherein a leading edge of each of the plurality of blades has a u-shaped portion formed on a second end of each of the plurality of blades, wherein the u-shaped portion on the leading edge of each blade is attached to a trailing edge of a preceding blade in a manner that creates vertical spacing between the leading edge and trailing edge of adjacent blades, thereby creating an umbrella canopy, wherein each of the plurality of blades includes a support rod comprised of a rigid material, wherein the support rod has a first end attached to the hub and extends radially out from the hub, wherein the support rod is attached to the blade along the leading edge of the blade, wherein the support rod further includes a u-shaped portion on a second end of the support rod.

16. An outdoor umbrella comprising:

a support shaft;

a support assembly supporting the support shaft;

an umbrella assembly comprised of a plurality of triangular shaped fabric portions each having a stability rod attached along a first edge of the fabric creating a leading edge of a blade, wherein a first end of the stability rod is attached to a hub, the stability rod being configured to have a u-shaped portion on its second end, wherein the first edge of the fabric is further attached along the u-shaped portion of the stability rod, wherein a second edge of the fabric that opposes the first edge of the fabric is attached to the u-shaped portion of the stability rod of an adjacent blade, thereby creating a trailing edge of the blade;

a motor operatively connected to the support shaft to facilitate rotation of the plurality of blades.

17. The outdoor umbrella of claim 16 wherein the support assembly is comprised of a tripod stand and a base positioned thereon, wherein the tripod stand is comprised of a first support leg, a second support leg and a third support leg, wherein each of the first, second and third support legs each include a motor support arm that positions the motor above the base and under the tripod stand.