Umbrella hub and battery pack assembly

Abstract

An assembly is provided that includes an umbrella hub and a battery pack. The umbrella hub comprises a hub body and a supporting part. And the hub body is arranged around the umbrella rod. The hub body includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The supporting part is arranged on the lower surface of the hub body. A battery pack includes a housing, an outer periphery, an inner periphery, a protrusion, and a battery cell. The housing includes a first portion and a second portion. The outer periphery and the inner periphery are each partially defined by a first portion and a second portion. A protrusion extends from the inner periphery. The protrusion is placed on the support portion of the umbrella hub to connect the battery pack to the umbrella hub. The battery cell is disposed within the housing and provides or receives power through an electrical connection.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to umbrella hubs and battery packs, and umbrella assemblies coupled with or configured to be coupled with such umbrella hubs and battery packs. BACKGROUND

[0002] Umbrellas are a well-known sunshade structure that can be used in a variety of settings. Some umbrellas are well-suited to shade large areas in a pool deck, at a market, at a restaurant, or at home or other environments. Increasingly, portable electronic devices are used away from a power source. As is well-known, portable battery packs are used to power electronic devices. SUMMARY

[0003] While portable battery packs are known, several factors make the use of these devices inconvenient. Portable battery packs are only useful if they can be quickly and easily found. It would be desirable to provide a storage location that is convenient for a user to use in a variety of environments, such as at a pool, at a restaurant or market, and at home. Further, many portable battery packs are charged with a cord. For example, a USB charging cord can be used with a power adapter to plug the battery pack into a power outlet. However, a user can find themselves without the cord, the adapter, or both, in one (or other) of the locations. It would be desirable to equip an umbrella with a receptacle to which a battery pack can be directly connected, e.g., without a power adapter, USB or other charging cord, and without the cord and adapter. It would be beneficial to provide an umbrella with a power source, such as an AC power connection, a solar collector, or both an AC power connection and a solar collector.

[0004] In one embodiment, an assembly includes an umbrella hub and a battery pack. The umbrella hub includes a hub body and a support portion. The hub body is configured to be disposed about a pole. The hub body includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The support portion is disposed at the lower surface of the hub body. The battery pack includes a housing, an outer periphery, an inner periphery, a protrusion, and a battery cell. The housing includes a first portion and a second portion. The outer periphery and the inner periphery are each partially defined by the first portion and the second portion. The protrusion extends from the inner periphery. The protrusion is configured to rest on the support portion of the umbrella hub to couple the battery pack to the umbrella hub. The battery cell is disposed within the housing and is configured to provide or receive power through an electrical connection.

[0005] In some embodiments, the battery pack includes a first electrical contact disposed on the inner periphery, and the umbrella hub includes a downwardly extending surface connecting the support portion and the hub body. The downwardly extending surface includes a second electrical contact configured to align with the first electrical contact.

[0006] In some embodiments, the umbrella hub includes a first locking feature and the battery pack includes a second locking feature. The first locking feature and the second locking feature are examples of alignment features configured to align the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first locking feature comprises a recess in a lower surface of the hub body and the second locking feature comprises a protrusion extending from an upper surface of the battery pack. The recess and protrusion are configured to align the first and second electrical contacts. The locking (or other alignment) features can comprise one or more protrusions and one or more recesses located on the surfaces that are configured to be adjacent to one another when the battery pack is assembled to the hub body.

[0008] In some embodiments, the support portion extends generally perpendicular to the downwardly extending surface.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first portion of the housing and the second portion of the housing are rotatably coupled by a hinge. In some embodiments, the first portion of the housing and the second portion of the housing are configured to separate along one or more portions of their outer periphery, for example, by being pivotably coupled by a hinge, or by separating completely to form two or more separate portions that can be reconnected around the umbrella pole.

[0010] In some embodiments, the battery pack further comprises a button deflectable towards the vertical axis. The button is configured to engage and disengage the coupler that secures the first and second portions of the housing in the closed state.

[0011] In some embodiments, the battery pack comprises a channel and a recessed area. The channel is formed by or disposed within the inner periphery. The channel is configured to dispose or receive the umbrella pole. The recessed area is disposed between an end of the channel and a protrusion extending from the inner periphery. The protrusion encloses a portion of the recessed area. The recessed area is configured to receive the support portion of the umbrella hub to couple the battery pack to the umbrella hub.

[0012] In some embodiments, the channel has a first inner diameter, the recessed area has a second inner diameter, and the protrusion has a third inner diameter. The first inner diameter is smaller than the second inner diameter. The third inner diameter can be smaller than the second inner diameter.

[0013] In some embodiments, the battery pack is separable from the umbrella hub.

[0014] In some embodiments, when securing the battery pack to the umbrella hub, the protrusion is positioned above the support portion and the first portion of the battery pack housing is rotated towards the second portion of the housing to connect the battery pack in the closed state. In other embodiments, the first and second portions are separable from one another. The first and second portions can be brought together by one or more of translation and pivoting into the closed state with the protrusion positioned above the support portion of the umbrella hub.

[0015] In another embodiment, the umbrella hub includes a hub body, a downwardly extending surface, and a support portion. The hub body is configured to be disposed about the umbrella pole and to connect the umbrella structural members thereto. The hub body includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The downwardly extending surface extends from the lower surface of the hub body. The support portion extends generally perpendicular to the downwardly extending surface. The support portion is configured to secure the battery pack to the umbrella hub.

[0016] In some embodiments, one or more surfaces of the umbrella hub, such as the downwardly extending surface, include one or more electrical contacts configured to electrically couple with the battery pack.

[0017] In some embodiments, the umbrella hub includes a first locking feature configured to align with a corresponding second locking feature of the battery pack.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first locking feature includes a recess in the lower surface of the hub body configured to align with the second locking feature of the battery pack.

[0019] In some embodiments, the hub body further includes a plurality of rib engagement portions, each rib engagement portion extending from the upper surface to the lower surface, wherein the lower surface includes the first locking feature in a portion of the lower surface adjacent to one of the plurality of rib engagement portions, the first locking feature configured to align with the second locking feature of the battery pack.

[0020] In some embodiments, the downwardly extending surface has a first diameter that is less than a second diameter of the support portion.

[0021] In some embodiments, the support portion is disposed at an end of the downwardly extending surface.

[0022] In some embodiments, the support portion is configured to be disposed about the umbrella pole, such as to encircle the umbrella pole when the umbrella hub is coupled to the umbrella pole.

[0023] In another embodiment, the battery pack includes a housing, an outer perimeter, an inner perimeter, a channel, a recessed area, and a battery cell. The housing includes a first portion and a second portion. The outer perimeter and the inner perimeter are each defined in part by the first portion and the second portion. The channel is formed by the inner perimeter. The channel is configured to be disposed about the umbrella pole. The recessed area is disposed between an end of the channel and a protrusion extending from the inner perimeter. The protrusion encloses a portion of the recessed area. The recessed area is configured to receive the support portion of the umbrella hub to couple the battery pack to the umbrella hub. The battery cell is disposed within the housing and is configured to provide or receive electrical power.

[0024] In some embodiments, the battery pack includes an electrical contact, such as disposed on the inner perimeter of the protrusion.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first portion of the housing and the second portion of the housing are rotatably coupled by a hinge. In some embodiments, the first portion of the housing and the second portion of the housing are pivotably coupled by a hinge. In some embodiments, the first portion of the housing and the second portion of the housing are detachably connected by a snap fit or other detachable connector.

[0026] In some embodiments, the outward facing surface of the protrusion includes a protrusion configured to align with a recess in the umbrella hub.

[0027] In some embodiments, the channel has a first inner diameter, the recessed region has a second inner diameter, and the protrusion has a third inner diameter. The first inner diameter is smaller than the second inner diameter, and the third inner diameter is smaller than the second inner diameter.

[0028] In some embodiments, the battery pack includes a button deflectable toward the vertical axis. The button is configured to engage and disengage a coupler that secures the first and second portions of the housing in a closed state. The button can allow for hinge operation or cause a detachable connector to detach. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] The features of the present application can be better understood from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0030] Figure 1A Perspective view of an umbrella assembly including an umbrella hub coupled with a battery pack.

[0031] Figure 1B Perspective view of an umbrella assembly including an umbrella hub coupled with a battery pack. Figure 1A Top view of the umbrella assembly of

[0032] Figure 2A Perspective view of an umbrella hub coupled with a battery pack shown in the umbrella assembly of Figure 1A

[0033] Perspective view of an umbrella hub coupled with a battery pack shown in the umbrella assembly of Figure 2B Figure 1A Top perspective view of the battery pack shown in

[0034] Figure 3 Bottom perspective view of the battery pack shown in Figure 1A

[0035] Bottom perspective view of the battery pack shown in Figure 4 Figure 1A Front view of the battery pack shown in

[0036] Figure 5 Figure 1A

[0037] ​​​​Figure 6 is a rear view of the battery pack shown in Figure 1A

[0038] Figure 7 is a first side view of the battery pack shown in Figure 1A

[0039] Figure 8 is a second side view of the battery pack shown in Figure 1A

[0040] Figure 9 is a top view of the battery pack shown in Figure 1A

[0041] Figure 10 is a bottom view of the battery pack shown in Figure 1A

[0042] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack shown in Figure 1A Figure 9

[0043] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the battery pack shown in Figure 1A

[0044] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a canopy hub disposed on a pole of an umbrella assembly shown in Figure 1A

[0045] Figure 14 is a top perspective view of the canopy hub shown in Figure 1A

[0046] Figure 15 is a bottom perspective view of the canopy hub shown in Figure 1A

[0047] Figure 16 is a top view of the canopy hub shown in Figure 1A

[0048] Figure 17 is a bottom view of the canopy hub shown in Figure 1A

[0049] Figure 18 is a front view of the canopy hub shown in Figure 1A

[0050] Figure 19 is a rear view of the canopy hub shown in Figure 1A

[0051] Figure 20 is a first side view of the canopy hub shown in Figure 1A

[0052] Figure 21 ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​for Figure 1A A second side view of the hub is shown.

[0053] Figure 22 for Figure 1A A portion of an umbrella assembly showing the battery pack in the process of being coupled to the umbrella hub.

[0054] Figure 23 for Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of a portion of an umbrella assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] While this description sets forth specific details of various embodiments, it should be understood that this description is illustrative only and should not be construed as limiting in any way. Furthermore, various applications of such embodiments and modifications thereof that may occur to those skilled in the art are also encompassed by the general concepts described herein. Each feature described herein, and each combination of two or more such features, is included within the scope of this utility model, provided that the features included in such combination are not mutually inconsistent.

[0056] This application relates to an umbrella hub assembly configured to couple with a battery pack or battery pack assembly. In some cases, the umbrella hub assembly can be configured to couple with a module, such as a battery pack, a light, a speaker, or other load. If the hub is configured as a wheel, the battery pack can move up and down with the hub. The battery pack assembly can provide power to or receive power from another device on the umbrella or coupled to the umbrella hub assembly.

[0057] Figure 1A An umbrella assembly 50 is shown, comprising a rod or rod assembly 52 that can extend to a central interior region of a sunshade assembly 64. Other embodiments can be provided in which the sunshade assembly 64 is supported from a side position or a top position, such as in a cantilever or wall-mounted umbrella configuration. The rod assembly 52 includes an upper rod portion 54 and a lower rod portion 56, which can be separate or detachable from the upper rod portion 54. The umbrella assembly 50 can include an upper hub 66. The upper hub 66 can be secured (e.g., riveted or bolted) to the upper rod portion 54 at or near an upper end 58 of the upper rod portion 54. The umbrella assembly 50 can include a lower hub 68 configured to be slidably disposed on the rod assembly 52, such as to be movable upward and downward along the umbrella assembly 50. The movement of the lower hub 68 is unrestricted. The lower hub 68 can be coupled to an array of struts 70. The first end 72 of each strut 70 is coupled to the middle portion of a corresponding rib 76 of the plurality of ribs 76 of the umbrella assembly 50. The second end 74 of each strut 70 is coupled to the lower hub 68. Each rib 76 includes a first end coupled to the upper hub 66 and a second end opposite the first end, the second end being disposed on the periphery of the sunshade assembly 64. The sunshade assembly 64 may include a combination of struts 70 and ribs 76, as well as a sunshade member 82 disposed on these umbrella structural members.

[0058] In some embodiments, the umbrella assembly 50 is powered, which means that Figure 1B A power source or load, such as a solar panel 90, is shown mounted to the umbrella assembly 50 (e.g., a motor, light, speaker, camera, or other power-consuming device). In the illustrated embodiment, the solar panel 90 is disposed on top of the upper mast portion 54, such as coupled to the upper hub 66, which can be coupled to the upper end 58 of the mast assembly 52. ​​The solar panel 90 can generate electricity when exposed to solar energy. The solar energy captured by the solar panel 90 can be directed to a battery pack 100 connected to a hub, such as the upper hub 66 or the lower hub 68, as shown.

[0059] Figure 2A and 2B A view of the lower hub 68 is shown coupled to the battery pack 100. Although the battery pack 100 is shown coupled to the lower hub 68, it should be understood that the battery pack 100 may also be coupled to the upper hub 66. Figure 2B , a portion of the battery pack 100 is removed to illustrate the coupling between the battery pack 100 and the lower hub 68 .

[0060] Figures 3-12 Various views of a battery pack 100 are shown. The battery pack 100 may include a housing 101. The housing 101 may include a first portion 104 and a second portion 108. The first portion 104 and the second portion 108 may be rotatably coupled. In some embodiments, the first portion 104 and the second portion 108 may be rotatably coupled via a hinge 112. Figures 3-10 The battery pack 100 is shown in a closed state, and Figure 12 The battery pack 100 is shown in an open position. The battery pack 100 can be converted between an open configuration and a closed configuration to connect and disconnect the battery pack 100 with the lower hub 68. In the case of a hinged connection, a portion of the periphery of the housing 101 is open, while the opposite portion of the periphery is connected and closed, thereby providing a C-shaped configuration. In the case of a connection via a detachable connector, the first portion 104 and the second portion 108 can be completely separated from each other, for example, to form two semicircular peripheries.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first portion 104 and / or the second portion 108 may have inclined walls 105, 106, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10The angled walls 105, 106 can be located at the hinge 112. The angled walls 105, 106 can limit the rotation of the first portion 104 and the second portion 108 away from each other when the battery pack 100 is opened. The angled walls 105, 106 can contact each other to prevent the first portion 104 and the second portion 108 from rotating away from each other. The range of motion provided by the angled walls 105, 106 is configured to provide an opening in the outer periphery of the housing 101 opposite the walls that is larger than the size of the umbrella shaft to be accommodated between the first portion 104 and the second portion 108.

[0062] The battery pack 100 can include a button 116. The button 116 can be disposed in one of the first portion 104 or the second portion 108. The button 116 can be biased toward the central axis Al of the battery pack 100, as shown. Figure 5 The button 116 can actuate a coupler. In some embodiments, the coupler can be a hook 117. A recess 118 in the other of the first portion 104 or the second portion 108 can be configured to accommodate the hook 117. The hook 117 can engage the recess 118 to secure the first portion 104 and the second portion 108 of the battery pack 100 in the closed configuration. A user can press or push the button 116 to disengage the hook 117 and the recess 118, allowing the first portion 104 and the second portion 108 to be rotatably separated.

[0063] The battery pack 100 can include an inner periphery partially defined by the first portion 104 and the second portion 108. The battery pack 100 can include an outer periphery partially defined by the first portion 104 and the second portion 108. The inner periphery can define a channel 120. The channel 120 can be disposed around the stem assembly 52 when the battery pack 100 is supported on the lower hub 68.

[0064] In some embodiments, the channel 120 can have a different diameter along its length LI, as shown. Figure 11The channel 120 can have a first portion with a first diameter Dl, a second portion with a second diameter D2, and a third portion with a third diameter D3, as shown. The first portion can be configured to be disposed about the stem assembly 52. In some embodiments, the first portion can directly contact the stem assembly 52, or can be spaced a small distance from the stem assembly 52, allowing the battery pack 100 to move along the stem assembly 52. In some embodiments, a gap can exist between the first portion and the stem assembly 52. In some embodiments, the second portion can be the recessed region 124. In some embodiments, the third portion can be the protrusion 128 extending toward the central axis Al. In some embodiments, the first diameter Dl can be less than the second diameter D2. In some embodiments, the second diameter D2 can be less than the third diameter D3. In some embodiments, the first diameter Dl and the second diameter D2 can be the same. In some embodiments, the first diameter Dl and the third diameter D3 can be the same. In some embodiments, the first diameter Dl can be less than the third diameter D3.

[0065] The recessed region 124 can be defined in part by the first portion 104, by the second portion 108, or in part by the first portion 104 and the second portion 108. As described herein, the recessed region 124 can be configured to accommodate the support portion 132 of the lower hub 68. In some embodiments, the recessed region 124 can extend around the inner perimeter of the battery pack 100. In some embodiments, the recessed region 124 can extend partially around the inner perimeter of the battery pack 100. In some embodiments, the battery pack can include more than one recessed region 124. The height of the recessed region 124 can correspond to, for example, being greater than the support portion 132 of the lower hub 68, the thickness of the support portion 132 of the lower hub 68 allowing the pack 100 to close around the hub 68, the support portion 132 disposed in the recessed region 124. The recessed region 124 can have a depth corresponding to the width of the support portion 132 of the lower hub 68.

[0066] The protrusion 128 can enclose a portion of the recessed region 124. In some embodiments, the protrusion 128 can be disposed over the support portion 132 of the lower hub 68 as described herein when the battery pack 100 is coupled to the lower hub 68. A lower surface of the protrusion 128 can rest on an upwardly facing surface of the support portion 132. The recessed region 124 and the protrusion 128 can help couple the battery pack 100 to the lower hub 68. In some embodiments, the protrusion 128 can extend around the inner perimeter of the battery pack 100. In some embodiments, the protrusion 128 can extend partially around the inner perimeter of the battery pack 100. In some embodiments, the battery pack can include more than one protrusion 128.

[0067] One or more battery cells 136 can be disposed within the housing 101 of the battery pack 100. The one or more battery cells 136 can be disposed in the first portion 104 and / or the second portion 108. The battery cells 136 can be configured to provide power or receive power. The battery pack 100 can include contacts 140 (e.g., electrical contacts) configured to provide or receive power. While the contacts 140 are shown on the protrusion 128, the contacts 140 can be disposed on any surface or combination of surfaces of the battery pack 100. For example, the contacts 140 can be disposed on any portion of the inner perimeter of the battery pack 100, the contacts 140 can be disposed in the recessed area 124, the contacts 140 can be disposed on the upper surface 144 of the battery pack 100, the contacts 140 can be disposed on the lower surface 148 of the battery pack 100, and / or the contacts 140 can be disposed on any portion of the outer perimeter of the battery pack 140.

[0068] In some embodiments, the battery pack 100 can include a locking feature 152. As described herein, the locking feature 152 can be configured to align with the locking feature 180 of the lower hub 68. The locking feature 152 can be configured to align the contacts 140 with the contacts 178 of the lower hub 68, as described herein. In some embodiments, the locking feature 152 can include a protrusion. In some embodiments, the locking feature 152 can include a recess.

[0069] In some embodiments, the locking feature 152 can be disposed on the upper surface 144 of the battery pack 100. In some embodiments, the locking feature 152 can be disposed on the inner surface of the protrusion 128. In some embodiments, the locking feature 152 can be disposed in the recessed area 124.

[0070] The battery pack 100 can include a charging port 155, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 10 While the charging port 155 is shown on the lower surface 148 of the battery pack 100, the charging port 155 can be located on any surface of the battery pack 100. The charging port 155 can be configured to charge the battery pack 100 by plugging in a power source. The charging port 155 can be configured to connect to other battery-powered devices to charge those devices through the charging port 155, such as a cell phone or electronic device. The charging port 155 can also provide current to directly operate another device, rather than just supplementing a battery in another device. The charging port 155 can include a removable cover to protect the charging port 155.

[0071] The battery pack 100 can include a user interface 157, as shown in Figure 2A and Figure 8A user interface 157 is shown. The user interface 157 can be formed on or in a surface of the housing 101. The user interface 157 can include a power button for turning the battery pack 100 on and off. For example, the power button can allow current stored in the battery cells 136 to be delivered to a load on the umbrella assembly 50. As another example, the power button can allow current to be delivered to the battery cells 136 to be stored. The user interface 157 can also include a visual display for outputting messages to a user. The visual display can include a status bar indicating an amount of charge stored in the battery cells 136, for example, a percentage of a charge capacity that is charged at any particular moment. As a non-limiting example, the visual display can also include one or more lights, for example, lights arranged vertically, which can indicate that the battery pack 100 is powered on and running, or whether current is being drawn from or delivered to the battery pack.

[0072] Figures 13-21 Various views of the lower hub 68 are shown. While a lower hub is shown, it should be understood that an upper hub can incorporate features described herein with reference to the lower hub 68. Figure 13 A perspective view of a portion of a variation of the umbrella assembly 50 is shown, illustrating a lower hub 68 disposed along the pole assembly 52. In some embodiments, the lower hub 68 can include a lower portion 156 and an upper portion 160 connected to the lower portion 156. When connected together, the lower portion 156 and the upper portion 160 can form a hub body. In some embodiments, the hub body can be a monolithic structure without separate parts. The hub body can include a plurality of connection regions 164 that can couple with the second ends 74 of the struts 70. The connection regions 164 can extend through the upper portion 160 and the lower portion 156. Adjacent connection regions 164 can be separated by portions 165 of the hub body. The portions 165 of the hub body can be formed by the upper portion 160 and the lower portion 156.

[0073] The lower hub 68 can include a downwardly extending surface 168. The downwardly extending surface 168 can extend from a lower surface 172 of the lower portion 156 of the hub body. In some embodiments, the downwardly extending surface 168 can extend in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pole assembly 52 when the lower hub 68 is coupled to the pole assembly 52.

[0074] The lower hub 68 may include a support surface 176. The support surface 176 may be disposed at or near the lower surface 172 of the lower portion 156 of the hub body. In some embodiments, the support surface 176 may extend substantially perpendicular to the downwardly extending surface 168. In some embodiments, the support surface 176 may extend outward at an angle (e.g., 90 degrees) to the longitudinal axis of the rod assembly 52, or at another angle, such as where the support surface 176 extends upward and at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the rod assembly 52. ​​The support surface 176 may be configured to couple the battery pack 100 to the lower hub 68. In some embodiments, the support surface 176 may be a continuous surface extending around the rod assembly 52. ​​In some embodiments, the support surface 176 may include one or more portions that may or may not be continuous or connected to each other.

[0075] like Figure 13 As shown, the lower hub 68 can include contacts 178 (e.g., electrical contacts) configured to supply or receive electrical power. Although the contacts 178 are shown on the downwardly extending surface 168, the contacts 178 can be disposed on any surface of the lower hub 68. For example, the contacts 178 can be disposed on the support surface 176 and / or the contacts 178 can be disposed on the lower portion 156 of the hub body. In some embodiments, the contacts 178 can extend through or be located in an opening 184 of the lower hub 68. The opening 184 can extend through the downwardly extending surface 168.

[0076] In some embodiments, the lower hub 68 can include a locking feature 180. The locking feature 180 can be configured to align with the locking feature 152 of the battery pack 100. The locking feature 180 can be configured to align with the contacts 178 and the contacts 140 of the battery pack 100. In some embodiments, the locking feature 180 can be a recess. In some embodiments, the locking feature 180 can be a protrusion. The locking feature 180 can be configured to engage with the locking feature 152 of the battery pack 100. In some embodiments, the locking feature 180 can extend at least partially upwardly from a sidewall 181 of a portion 164 of the hub body, such as Figure 15 shown.

[0077] In some embodiments, the locking feature 180 can be disposed on a lower surface of one of the portions 165 of the hub body separating adjacent connection areas 164. In some embodiments, the locking feature 180 can be disposed on the downwardly extending surface 168. In some embodiments, the locking feature 180 can be disposed on the support surface 176.

[0078] Figure 22The battery pack 100 is shown in the process of being coupled and / or decoupled from the lower hub 68. As shown, the first portion 104 and the second portion 108 can be rotatably separated from one another. A button 116 can be depressed to disengage the hook 117 from the recess 118. While the button 116 is shown in the first portion 104 and the recess 118 is shown in the second portion 108, the positioning of the button 116 and the recess 118 can be switched, e.g., the button 116 can be in the second portion 108 and the recess 118 can be in the first portion 104.

[0079] After the hook 117 and the recess 118 are disengaged and the first portion 104 and the second portion 108 are at least partially open or separated, the battery pack 100 can be positioned around the stem assembly 52. Alternatively, if the battery pack 100 is decoupled from the lower hub 68, the battery pack 100 can be decoupled from around the stem assembly 52.

[0080] When coupling the battery pack 100 to the lower hub 68, the battery pack 100 can be positioned such that the protrusion 128 is positioned above the support portion 132 of the lower hub 68, as shown. Figure 23 The support portion 132 can be placed within the recessed area 124 of the battery pack 100. To ensure that the contacts 140 of the battery pack 100 are aligned with the contacts 178 of the lower hub 68, the locking feature 152 in the battery pack 100 can be aligned with the locking feature 180 of the lower hub. In some embodiments, the locking features 152, 180 can be aligned prior to positioning the protrusion 128 on the support portion 132. To secure the battery pack 100 to the lower hub 68, the first portion 104 and the second portion 108 can be rotated such that the hook 117 engages the recess 118, thereby securing the battery pack 110 in a closed configuration.

[0081] Decorative design

[0082] In another aspect, Figures 3-10 A decorative design of a battery pack is shown. In another aspect, Figures 14-21 A decorative design of an umbrella hub is shown. Dotted lines are used to illustrate features of the battery pack and / or umbrella hub that do not form part of the claimed design. Applicant reserves the right to claim protection of any unclaimed features of the design at a later date, e.g., in one or more divisional or continuation applications, and considers this specification, alone or in combination with other unclaimed and / or claimed features, to disclose and support claims of any unclaimed features.

[0083] It will be appreciated that different features of the embodiments of the drawings are presented for the sake of illustration only, and any feature shown and / or described in one embodiment of the specification can be claimed in any other embodiment of the specification together with any feature, structure or component claimed in any other embodiment of the specification, or instead of any feature, structure or component claimed in any other embodiment of the specification, as disclosed elsewhere herein.

[0084] The examples herein are not meant to be limiting. The Applicant contemplates that the specification discloses and supports Figures 3-10 and Figures 14-21 any other unclaimed feature or any part thereof, and the negation of any other claimed feature or any part thereof.

[0085] Conclusion

[0086] While certain embodiments of the application have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein can be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the systems and methods described herein can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The enclosed claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The scope of the application is to be

[0087] Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification, unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed can be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not to be limited to the details or any specific embodiment described in this specification. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination of the features described in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) or to any novel one, or any novel combination of the steps of the methods or processes so disclosed.

[0088] Furthermore, certain features of the disclosure, which are described in the context of separate implementations, can also be implemented in combinations with each other. Conversely, various features of the disclosure, which are described in the context of a single implementation, can also be implemented on other implementations, either alone or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and the claim can be asserted for the sub-combination.

[0089] Moreover, while operations can be depicted in the drawings or described in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring or implying that such operations are performed in the particular order shown or in the order described, or that all of the operations are performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated into example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or between any of the operations described. Further, the illustrated or other operations can be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will understand that the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and / or disclosed can differ from those shown in the drawings, depending on the implementation. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above can be omitted, others can be performed in a different order, and still others can be performed in parallel. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0090] For purposes of the present disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all of these advantages will be achieved in any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure can 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 can be taught or suggested herein.

[0091] Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that one or more embodiments are required to include a feature, element, and / or step. The

[0092] Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” is used to indicate that at least one of these states (X, Y, and Z) must be included in the embodiment. Thus, the conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that at least one of X, Y, and Z is to be included in some implementations, but rather is to be interpreted that at least one of X, Y, and Z must be included in the embodiment.

[0093] As used herein, the degree language such as the terms“approximately,”“about,”“generally,” and“substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or feature that is acceptably close to one or more other values, amounts, or features so as to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. For example, the terms“approximately,”“about,”“generally,” and“substantially” can refer to an amount that is within 10% of, within 5% of, within 1% of, within 0.1% of, and within 0.01% of a specified amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms“generally parallel” and“substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or feature that deviates less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degrees from being completely parallel.

[0094] The scope of the disclosure is not limited by the specific disclosure provided herein in this section or elsewhere in the specification, and can be defined by the claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in the specification or in the future. The language of the claims should be construed based on the language used in the claims as filed, without limitation to examples described in the specification or examples described during prosecution of the application, which should be construed as non-exclusive.

Claims

1. An assembly comprising: a canopy hub comprising: a hub body configured to be disposed about a pole of an umbrella, the hub body comprising an upper surface and a lower surface; and a support portion disposed at the lower surface of the hub body; and a battery pack comprising: a housing comprising a first portion and a second portion; an outer periphery and an inner periphery, each defined in part by the first portion and the second portion; a protrusion extending from the inner periphery, the protrusion configured to rest on the support portion of the canopy hub to couple the battery pack to the canopy hub; and a battery cell disposed within the housing and configured to provide or receive electrical power through an electrical connection.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, the battery pack comprises a first electrical contact disposed on the inner periphery, the canopy hub comprises a downwardly extending surface connecting the support portion and the hub body, the downwardly extending surface comprising a second electrical contact configured to align with the first electrical contact.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein, the canopy hub comprises a first locking feature, the battery pack comprises a second locking feature, the first locking feature and the second locking feature configured to align the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein, the first locking feature is a recess in the lower surface of the hub body, the second locking feature is a protrusion extending from the upper surface of the battery pack, the recess and the protrusion configured to align the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.

5. The assembly of any of claims 2-4, wherein, the support portion extends generally perpendicular to the downwardly extending surface.

6. The assembly of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, the first portion of the housing and the second portion of the housing are rotatably connected by a hinge.

7. The assembly of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, the battery pack further comprises a button deflectable toward a perpendicular axis, the button configured to engage and disengage a coupler securing the first portion and the second portion of the housing in a closed state.

8. The assembly of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, the battery pack further comprises: a channel formed by the inner periphery, the channel configured to be disposed about the pole of the umbrella; and a recessed area disposed between an end of the channel and the protrusion extending from the inner periphery, the protrusion encircling a portion of the recessed area, the recessed area configured to receive the support portion of the canopy hub to couple the battery pack to the canopy hub.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein, the channel has a first inner diameter, the recessed area has a second inner diameter, and the protrusion has a third inner diameter, the first inner diameter being smaller than the second inner diameter and the third inner diameter being smaller than the second inner diameter.

10. The assembly of any of claims 1-4, wherein, the battery pack is separable from the canopy hub.

11. The assembly of any of claims 1-4, wherein, when securing the battery pack to the canopy hub, the protrusion is positioned above the support portion and the first portion of the housing of the battery pack is rotated toward the second portion of the housing to couple the battery pack in a closed state.

12. A canopy hub comprising: a hub body configured to be disposed about a pole of an umbrella and to connect a structural member of the umbrella thereto, the hub body comprising an upper surface and a lower surface; a downwardly extending surface extending downwardly from the lower surface of the hub body; and a support portion extending generally perpendicular to the downwardly extending surface, the support portion configured to secure a battery pack to the canopy hub. ​ 13. The umbrella hub of claim 12, wherein, The downwardly extending surface includes one or more electrical contacts configured to electrically couple with the battery pack.

14. The hub of any of claims 12-13, wherein, The support portion includes one or more electrical contacts.

15. The hub of any of claims 12-13, wherein, A first locking feature is also included, the first locking feature configured to align with a second locking feature of the battery pack.

16. The hub of claim 15, wherein, The first locking feature includes a recess in a lower surface of the hub body, the recess configured to align with the second locking feature of the battery pack.

17. The umbrella hub of claim 15, wherein, The hub body also includes a plurality of rib engagement portions, each rib engagement portion extending from the upper surface to the lower surface, wherein the lower surface includes a first locking feature in a portion of the lower surface adjacent to one of the plurality of rib engagement portions.

18. The hub of any one of claims 12-13, wherein, The downwardly extending surface has a first diameter that is less than a second diameter of the support portion.

19. The hub of any of claims 12-18, wherein, The support portion is disposed at an end of the downwardly extending surface.

20. The hub of any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein, The support portion encircles the umbrella shaft.

21. An assembly comprising: the umbrella hub of any of claims 12-20, and a module coupled with the support portion of the umbrella hub.

22. The assembly according to claim 21, characterized in that The module is a battery pack.

23. The assembly of claim 22, wherein, The battery pack includes: a housing including a first portion and a second portion; an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter, each defined in part by the first portion and the second portion; a protrusion extending from the inner perimeter, the protrusion configured to rest on the support portion of the umbrella hub to couple the battery pack to the umbrella hub; and a battery cell disposed within the housing and configured to supply or receive power through an electrical connection.

24. The assembly of claim 23, wherein, The battery pack includes an electrical contact disposed on the inner perimeter of the protrusion.

25. The assembly of any of claims 23-24, wherein, An outward facing surface of the protrusion includes a protrusion configured to align with a recess in the umbrella hub.

26. The assembly of any of claims 23-24, wherein, The battery pack also includes: a channel formed by the inner perimeter, the channel configured to be disposed around the umbrella shaft; and a recessed area disposed between an end of the channel and a protrusion extending from the inner perimeter, the protrusion encompassing a portion of the recessed area, the recessed area configured to receive the support portion of the umbrella hub to couple the battery pack to the umbrella hub.

27. A battery pack comprising: a housing including a first portion and a second portion; an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter, each defined in part by the first portion and the second portion; a channel formed by the inner perimeter, the channel configured to be disposed around an umbrella shaft; a recessed area disposed between an end of the channel and a protrusion extending from the inner perimeter, the protrusion encompassing a portion of the recessed area, the recessed area configured to receive a support portion of an umbrella hub to couple the battery pack to the umbrella hub; and a battery cell disposed within the housing and configured to supply or receive power. An electrical contact is also included disposed on the inner perimeter of the protrusion.

28. The battery pack of claim 27, wherein, The first portion of the housing and the second portion of the housing are rotatably coupled by a hinge.

29. The battery pack of any one of claims 27-28, wherein, An outward facing surface of the protrusion includes a protrusion configured to align with a recess in the umbrella hub.

30. The battery pack of any one of claims 27-28, wherein, The battery pack also includes: a channel formed by the inner perimeter, the channel configured to be disposed around the umbrella shaft; and a recessed area disposed between an end of the channel and a protrusion extending from the inner perimeter, the protrusion encompassing a portion of the recessed area, the recessed area configured to receive the support portion of the umbrella hub to couple the battery pack to the umbrella hub.

31. The battery pack of any one of claims 27-28, wherein, The channel has a first inner diameter, the recessed area has a second inner diameter, and the protrusion has a third inner diameter, the first inner diameter being smaller than the second inner diameter and the third inner diameter being smaller than the second inner diameter.

32. The battery pack of any one of claims 27-28, wherein, Also included is a button deflectable toward the vertical axis, the button configured to engage and disengage a coupler securing the first and second portions of the housing in the closed state.

33. An assembly comprising: the battery pack of any of claims 27-32; and the umbrella hub.

34. The assembly of claim 33, wherein, The umbrella hub comprises: a hub body configured to be disposed about a pole, the hub body comprising an upper surface and a lower surface; and a support portion disposed at the lower surface of the hub body.

35. The assembly of claim 34, wherein, The umbrella hub comprises a first locking feature and the battery pack comprises a second locking feature, the first and second locking features configured to align first and second electrical contacts.

36. The assembly of claim 35, wherein, The first locking feature is a recess in the lower surface of the hub body and the second locking feature is a protrusion extending from an upper surface of the battery pack, the recess and the protrusion configured to align the first and second electrical contacts.

37. The assembly of any of claims 34-36, wherein, The battery pack comprises a first electrical contact disposed on the inner perimeter and the umbrella hub comprises a downwardly extending surface connecting the support portion and the hub body, the downwardly extending surface comprising a second electrical contact configured to align with the first electrical contact.

38. The assembly of any of claims 34-36, wherein, The battery pack is separable from the umbrella hub.

39. The assembly of any of claims 34-36, wherein, The hub body further comprises a plurality of rib engagement portions, each rib engagement portion extending from the upper surface to the lower surface, wherein the lower surface comprises a first locking feature in a portion of the lower surface adjacent to one of the plurality of rib engagement portions, the first locking feature configured to align with a second locking feature of the battery pack.

40. The assembly of claim 37, wherein, The support portion is disposed at an end of the downwardly extending surface.

41. The assembly of claim 37, wherein, The support portion encircles the pole.

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