Indirect lighting assembly for a shade structure

Abstract

An indirect lighting assembly for a shade structure including a lighting assembly, preferably in the form of an LED array, mounted on a hub of the shade structure and movable therewith concurrent to opening and closing of a canopy of the shade structure. The illumination source is disposed on an inner end of the hub and oriented to direct illumination outwardly therefrom onto an interior surface of the canopy. A control assembly is operatively connected to the lighting assembly in current regulating relation to LED array and comprises touch control switching operative to regulate current flow thereto. The touch control switching includes a touch control member connected to the hub and movable therewith into an overhead, access restricting position concurrent to disposition of the canopy in an open orientation.

Claims

1. An indirect lighting assembly for a shade structure comprising: a lighting assembly mounted on a hub of the shade structure and movable therewith concurrent to opening and closing of a canopy of the shade structure, said lighting assembly including an illumination source connected to an inner end of said hub and disposed to direct illumination upwardly from said hub onto an interior of the canopy, a power input connected to said lighting assembly and structured to direct electrical current to said illumination source, and a control assembly operatively connected to said lighting assembly in current regulating relation to said illumination source, said control assembly comprising touvh control switching operative to regulate current flow to said illumination source.

2. The indirect lighting assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said touch control switching includes a dimmer function operative to regulate the volume of said current flow to said illumination source and brightness of said directed illumination.

3. The indirect lighting assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said touch control switching includes an on-off function operative to interrupt said current flow to said illumination source.

4. The indirect lighting assembly as recited in claim 3 wherein said touch control switching is connected to said hub and movable therewith between open and closed orientations of the canopy.

5. The indirect lighting assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said touch control switching is connected to said hub and movable therewith between open and closed orientations of the canopy.

6. The indirect lighting assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said touch control switching includes a touch control member connected to said hub and movable therewith into an overhead, access restricting position concurrent to disposition of the canopy in an open orientation.

7. The indirect lighting assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said illumination source comprises an LED array disposed on said hub and movable therewith, said LED array oriented to direct illumination outwardly from said hub onto an interior of the canopy.

8. The indirect lighting assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said lighting assembly further comprises an illumination mount connected to said hub.

9. The indirect lighting assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein said lighting assembly and said illumination mount comprise an at least partially annular configuration collectively disposed on said hub in at least partially surrounding relation to a canopy supporting stanchion.

10. The indirect lighting assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein said at least partially annular configuration comprises a substantially horseshoe configuration including spaced apart free ends of the illumination mount defining an open segment disposed along a curvilinear length of said illumination mount.

11. An indirect lighting assembly as recited in claim 10 wherein said open segment is disposed and dimensioned removably to receive a canopy support member therein during opening and closing of the canopy.

12. An indirect lighting assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein said lighting assembly and said illumination mount collectively comprise a substantially horseshoe configuration at least partially defined by an open segment disposed along a curvilinear length of said illumination mount.

13. An indirect lighting assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein said open segment is dimensioned to removably receive a canopy support member therein during opening and closing of the canopy.

14. An indirect lighting assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein said substantially horseshoe configuration is disposed in at least partially surrounding relation to a canopy supporting stanchion.

15. An indirect lighting assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said power input is connected to a solar power source.

16. An indirect lighting assembly for a shade structure comprising: a lighting assembly mounted on a hub of the shade structure and movable therewith concurrent to opening and closing of a canopy of the shade structure, said lighting assembly including an illumination source, said illumination source disposed on an upper end of said hub and oriented to direct illumination outwardly there from onto an interior surface of the canopy, a power input connected to said lighting assembly and structured to direct electrical current to said illumination source, a control assembly operatively connected to said lighting assembly in current regulating relation to said illumination source, and said control assembly comprising touch control switching operative to regulate current flow to said illumination source.

17. The indirect lighting assembly as recited in claim 16 wherein said lighting assembly comprises an LED array including a substantially horseshoe configuration at least partially defined by an open segment disposed along a curvilinear length of said LED array.

18. The indirect lighting assembly as recited in claim 17 wherein said open segment is disposed and dimensioned to removably receive a canopy support member therein during opening and closing of the canopy.

19. The indirect lighting assembly as recited in claim 16 wherein said touch control switching includes a touch control member connected to said hub and movable therewith into an overhead, access restricting position concurrent to disposition of the canopy in an open orientation.

20. An indirect lighting assembly for a shade structure comprising: a lighting assembly mounted on a hub of the shade structure and movable therewith concurrent to opening and closing of a canopy of the shade structure, said lighting assembly including an illumination source connected to an inner end of said hub and disposed to direct illumination upwardly from said hub onto an interior of the canopy, said lighting assembly further comprising an illumination mount connected to said hub, said lighting assembly and said illumination mount collectively comprising a substantially horseshoe configuration at least partially defined by an open segment disposed along a curvilinear length of said illumination mount; a power input connected to said lighting assembly and structured to direct electrical current to said illumination source, and a control assembly operatively connected to said lighting assembly in current regulating relation to said illumination source.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1-A is an illustration of a shade structure in the form of a cantilever styled umbrella having a support mast and associated structure for an umbrella canopy, including a hub and an indirect lighting assembly according to the present invention, and illustrating an open orientation.

(3) FIG. 1-B is a close up view in part of the associated structure for an umbrella canopy illustrated in FIG. 1-A, as well as of the hub and indirect lighting assembly, and illustrating a hand about to touch the latter to activate or de-activate the illumination source associated therewith.

(4) FIG. 1-C is a close up view in part of the support mast associated with the shade structure shown in FIG. 1-A, and illustrating a power source and electrical cord disposed at a lower end thereof.

(5) FIG. 1-D is a schematic representation of an indirect lighting assembly of the present invention operable to direct illumination from a hub of a shade structure onto the interior of a canopy thereof, with the shade structure shown being an umbrella having a central pole.

(6) FIG. 2 is a perspective view in partial phantom of the indirect lighting assembly of the present invention mounted on a hub of a shade structure, of the type represented in FIG. 1-A.

(7) FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of the indirect lighting assembly of the present invention disassembled from the hub of the shade structure of the type represented in FIGS. 1A, 1B and Figure and 2.

(8) FIG. 4 is a perspective view in exploded form of the indirect lighting assembly of the present invention and hub of a shade assembly, of the type represented in FIGS. 2 and 3.

(9) FIG. 5-A is also a close up view similar to that shown in FIG. 1-A, but illustrating more of the associated structure for an umbrella canopy, as well as of the hub and indirect lighting assembly, and a hand about to touch the latter.

(10) FIG. 5-B is a partial perspective view of the indirect lighting assembly, hub, and the associated structure for an umbrella canopy illustrated in FIG. 1-A, and illustrating a closed orientation.

(11) Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(12) As represented in the accompanying Figures, the present invention is directed to an indirect lighting assembly generally indicated as 10 for use on a shade structure 12 of the type schematically represented in at least FIGS. 1-A and 1-D. The indirect lighting assembly 10 of the present invention may be used with a large outdoor umbrella having a support mast, such as a cantilever type of umbrella shown in FIG. 1-A, or on one having a center support pole such as shown in FIG. 1-D. It is emphasized, however, that the structural and operational versatility of the indirect lighting assembly 10 facilitates its use on a variety of different shade structures including cabanas, a multiple cantilevered umbrella structure or other multi-canopied umbrellas, umbrellas with multiple masts, as well as other shade structure designs.

(13) However, for purposes of clarity, the structural and operative features of the indirect lighting assembly 10 will be explained and described with reference to the umbrella shade structure 12 and 12 as also schematically represented in FIGS. 1-A and 1-D. With initial reference thereto, the shade structure comprising a large outdoor umbrella 12 includes a single mast 14 or center pole 14 and a canopy generally indicated as 16 or 16. The umbrella 12 also includes a hub 18 which is movably interconnected to a canopy support structure typically including plurality of struts and ribs, such as are partially shown in FIG. 5-A, which adjustably support the canopy frame 16 on the support mast 14. Again, for purposes of clarity the canopy 16 is represented in FIGS. 1-A and 1-D in its open orientation, whereas in FIG. 5-B, there is shown a partial view of a closed orientation.

(14) As shown in FIG. 1-A and partially in FIG. 5-A, the shade structure in the form of a large, outdoor, cantilever style umbrella 12 utilizes structure associated with the canopy frame 16, such as rib members 70 and strut members 80, as well as at least one support arm 200, which are movably interconnected between at least one hub 18, and preferably a pair of hubs such as lower hub 18 and upper hub 17, to form the canopy frame 16, and which collectively facilitate the selective positioning of the canopy frame 16 between an open and closed orientation. Further, as represented in FIGS. 2 and 4, the hub 18 is structurally adapted for movable interconnection with a plurality of rib members 70 of the canopy frame or support structure 16 and includes a plurality of connecting sockets 19, each of which include connecting pins or like structures 21 (not shown), to which the plurality of ribs members and strut members may be pivotally attached. For details regarding such structures, reference may be made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,314,976 and 7,318,444 which are owned by the Applicant and/or Assignee, and incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

(15) With primary reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, structural components of the indirect lighting assembly 10 include an illumination assembly generally indicated as 20 including an illumination source 22 disposed and/or connected in supported relation on an illumination mount 24. In at least one preferred embodiment, the illumination source 22 may comprise an array of light emitting diodes (LED) 25 disposed on and extending along at least a majority of an LED board or support structure 22. The array of LED 25 lights may comprise a plurality of low voltage lights, such as 12 volts, to provide for safer operating conditions.

(16) As also represented in FIG. 3, the indirect lighting assembly 10 includes a control assembly 27 which in at least one embodiment, comprises touch control switching, generally indicated as 28. The control assembly 27 and the touch control switching 28 further comprise a touch control member or plate 30 and interconnected casing 32. While not shown for purposes of clarity, operative circuitry associated with the control assembly 27 and touch control switching 28 is preferably disposed within the casing 32. The operative circuitry may vary in structure, integrated electronic components and operative characteristics, but is operative to regulate the flow of current to the illumination source 22 and led array 25.

(17) Although not specifically represented, such operative circuitry of the control assembly 27 and the touch control switching 28 may include one or more charge storing capacitor components and selectively operable conductors, etc. As such, the operative circuitry serves to activate, deactivate and regulate current flow from an incoming power source, via the power input 36 and conductor 41, to the lighting assembly 20, specifically including the illumination source 22 and LED array 25. In addition, the aforementioned operative circuitry of the control assembly 27 and touch control switching 28 is sensitive to the physical touch of a human hand, finger, etc. Accordingly, and as shown in FIGS. 1-A and 5-A, an individual may activate, deactivate and select operative characteristics of the indirect lighting assembly 10 through a physical touching of the touch control switching 28 and more specifically, the touch control member 30 and/or conductively interconnected casing 32, as explained in greater detail hereinafter, which may even include a decorative finial, as shown.

(18) Additional operative characteristics of the control assembly 27, and specifically including the touch control switching 28, is the inclusion of a dimmer function operative to regulate the volume of the current flow to the illumination source 22. As a result, the brightness of the illumination 100, schematically represented in FIG. 1-D, generated by the illumination source 22 and/or LED array 25 and directed onto the interior 16 of the canopy 16, when in an open orientation, may be selectively varied. In cooperation therewith, the touch control switching 28 may include an on-off function, wherein the touch control member 30 may be engaged, by physically touching, to establish or interrupt current flow to the illumination source 22, thereby causing its activation or deactivation.

(19) Other operative characteristics of the control assembly 27, which may or may not be associated with the touch control switching 28, include an off-switch 17 operative to deactivate the illumination source 22 and LED array 25 automatically, upon movement of the canopy into the closed position. More specifically, when the canopy 16 is disposed in a collapsed or closed orientation such as is partially shown in FIG. 5-B, the hub 18 will move downwardly along the support mast 14 or a center pole 14. In such downward movement, the hub 18 will engage and trip a strategically located off-switch 17. As a result, disposition of the canopy in the closed orientation will automatically interrupt current flow to the LED array 25 causing a deactivation of the illumination source 22.

(20) As indicated above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, additional structural features of the indirect lighting assembly 10 include the power input 36 interconnected to an incoming electrical power source, such as shown in FIG. 1-A as a conventional AC current with traditionally either 110 or 220 volts from an electrical cord 30 structured to be plugged-in to such power source. In an alternative embodiment, the shade structure and/or umbrella 12 may also include and/or be directly associated with a source of solar power 37 operative to convert solar energy into electrical energy. For purposes of clarity, an appropriate solar power source 37 is schematically represented in FIG. 1-D as being mounted on an exposed portion of the fabric or canopy associated with canopy frame 16 or other portions of the shade structure 12. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the power input 36 is connected by appropriate conductors 38 to the lighting assembly 20 and more specifically, to the illumination source 22 and LED array 25. In addition, conductor(s) 41 serve to electrically interconnect the illumination source 22 to the control assembly 27 and its included touch control switching 28.

(21) As described herein, the indirect lighting assembly 10 is structured to be used in combination with any one of a plurality of different shade structures 12 so as to create an indirect lighting effect. Therefore, as practically applied, the indirect lighting assembly 10 is mounted on the hub 18 of the shade structure 12, as clearly represented in FIGS. 2 and 4. In more specific terms, the lighting assembly 20, including the illumination source 22 and LED array 25, are mounted on an upper or inner end 18 of the hub 18 as shown in FIGS. 2-4 and 5-B. As used herein, the upper or inner end 18 of the hub 18 is the end of the hub 18 that is directed or faces inwardly or upwardly towards the interior surfaces 16 of the canopy 16. As should be apparent, the inner or upper end 18 is oppositely disposed to the outer or lower end 18 of the hub, shown in FIGS. 1-D and 4, which is directed or faces downwardly towards a surface on which the shade structure 12 is supported.

(22) Therefore, when operatively positioned in the intended manner, the illumination assembly 20 and specifically, the illumination source 22 and LED array 25 is mounted on the upper or inner end 18 of the hub 18 and in such an orientation, will serve to direct illumination 100, schematically represented as 100 in FIG. 1-D, from the hub 18 into the interior and/or on interior surfaces 16 of the canopy 16. Being mounted on the hub 18, the illumination assembly 20, as well as the control assembly 27, both concurrently move with the hub 18 relative to a support mast 14, center pole 14 or like structure, when the canopy 16 or 16 is disposed between an open orientation as shown in FIGS. 1-A, 1-D and 5-A, and a closed or collapsed orientation, as is partially shown in FIG. 5-B.

(23) It is again emphasized that the indirect lighting assembly 10 may be utilized with different types and sizes of shade structures 12. Therefore, at least some of the different type of shade structures may not have a single hub 18 operative to move along a support mast 14 or center pole 14 during the opening and closing of the canopy 16. However, in many different types of shade structures, the indirect lighting assembly 10 will be mounted on a similar, movable hub or substantially equivalent structure which is moved or displaced relative to and during an opening and closing of a corresponding canopy. In each such variable instance, the illumination source 22 will be disposed to direct illumination 100 into the interior or on the interior surface 16 of a correspondingly positioned canopy 16.

(24) In order to further facilitate the adaptation of the indirect lighting assembly 10 to different shade structures, the illumination assembly 20, and more specifically, the illumination source 22, LED array 25 and illumination mount 24 preferably comprise an at least partially annular configuration. This at least partially annular configuration facilitates the disposition of the illumination assembly 20 in at least partially surrounding relation to a portion of the hub 18, such as a connecting portion 29 of the hub 18, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5-B. Further, and as has been described, the indirect lighting assembly 10 may be mounted on a hub 18 which is part of a cantilevered umbrella or like shade structure such as shown in FIG. 1-A, and as such, may include a supporting arm or supporting rib 200 serving to movably position and/or support the hub in a cantilevered fashion, as well as the indirect lighting assembly 10 thereon, during the opening and closing of the canopy 16.

(25) Therefore, and as perhaps best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the at least partially, annular configuration of the lighting assembly 20 may be further defined as a substantially horseshoe shaped configuration. In turn, this horseshoe configuration is at least partially defined by spaced-apart, free ends 24 of the illumination mount 24 and an open segment 26 disposed therebetween. As further represented, the open segment 26 is disposed along the curvilinear length of the illumination mount 24. Therefore, when the indirect lighting assembly 10 is mounted on a hub 18 of the type associated with a cantilevered umbrella and/or canopy, the open segment 26 is disposed and dimensioned to removably receive the supporting arm or rib 200, as schematically represented FIG. 2, of the cantilevered umbrella. Accordingly, the structural adaptation of the illumination assembly 20, illumination mount 24 and illumination source 22 to include the open segment 26 eliminates any interruptive, abutting engagement and/or physical interference between the movement of the supporting arm or rib 200 and the indirect lighting assembly 10.

(26) The compact and efficient structuring of the indirect lighting assembly 10 is further demonstrated by virtue of the placement of the control assembly 27, specifically including the touch control switching 28, adjacent to or in engagement with the lower, outer end 18 of the hub 18, as perhaps best represented in FIG. 4. Accordingly, due to the fact that the indirect lighting assembly 10 is movable with the hub 18, the indirect lighting assembly 10 and specifically, the control assembly 27 and touch control switching 28 will be disposed at a raised distance from the surface on which the shade structure 12 is disposed, when the canopy 16 is in the open orientation.

(27) As a result, the touch control switching 28, touch control member 30 and circuitry containing casing 32 will be disposed at a predetermined raised distance above the supporting surface of the shade structure 12. Therefore, the touch control switching 28 can be accurately described as being disposed in an access restrictive position, such as being in an overhead position above an average size adult. This will restrict inadvertent access and access by a child to the touch control switching 28.

(28) Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.