Smart umbrella for computerized beach resorts

Abstract

The present invention finds application in the production of beach umbrellas intended to be used in bathing establishments that have undertaken a process of computerization of their infrastructures. In particular, the invention offers a solution of considerable interest because it defines some characteristics of an intelligent umbrella, so that it can present itself as an elegant, functional, reliable object; as well as designed to integrate all the main features that are required in a computerized beach resort. In summary, the teachings of the present invention allow to satisfy the purposes for which it was conceived, exploiting in a novel way a fundamental intuition regarding the use of spaces in a beach umbrella: that is, the intuition of placing as much as possible all the technological components, which are necessary to create an intelligent beach umbrella (i.e. a highly computerized and automated beach umbrella), on the top of the umbrella itself: by resorting to the use of a main chassis 120, substantially "general purpose". The intuition proved to be particularly useful because it allowed us to equip the smart umbrella with all the features that are necessary to implement this kind of objects, using only two elements to be remotely connected with respect to the main chassis: namely a limit switch detection device, necessary for having a truly precise automation, and a mini-chassis for housing a limited number of physical doors, necessary to offer the user a truly versatile and complete interface towards the umbrella.

Description

[0001] TITLE: SMART UMBRELLA FOR COMPUTERIZED BEACH RESORTS

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Technical field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention finds application in the production of beach umbrellas intended to be used in bathing establishments that have undertaken a process of computerization of their infrastructures.

[0005] In particular, the invention offers a solution of considerable interest because it defines some characteristics of an intelligent umbrella, so that it can present itself as an elegant, functional, reliable object; as well as designed to integrate all the main features that are required in a computerized beach resort.

[0006] Prior Art

[0007] The progressive computerization of all economic sectors, both in the industrial and service sectors, is increasingly affecting commercial activities linked to the provision of services connected to the exploitation of beaches; and in particular the management of beach resorts.

[0008] Traditionally, beach resorts are managed by temporarily renting a space to a customer, where he can stay and enjoy the beach.

[0009] The vast majority of rental sites consist of an umbrella and other furnishings for guests to sit or lie down on (deckchairs or sun loungers). The umbrella is therefore the essential element that defines the site: it is semi-permanently planted on the ground and it is never moved throughout the entire season; it is simply opened and closed depending on its use.

[0010] Beach resorts can also be differentiated by a multitude of additional services offered to customers who have rented a space. These services generally require the assistance of a waiter, or in any case a member of the staff from the resort, who must therefore be called. Beach resorts along sandy coastlines offer a range of services that have existed for many decades; therefore, they are a well-established commercial activity. In these contexts, quality of service has always been associated with certain fundamental characteristics: i. the comfort and elegance of the furnishings, ii. the willingness of the staff to offer additional services, iii. and the space dedicated to each individual rental site.

[0011] Even when the offer of additional services is very limited, the presence of an employee is still necessary to accompany a customer to the site he has just rented, and to open the umbrella (a maneuver that can sometimes be tiring, or that can be performed easily only if you are of a certain height). An operator is also needed to close the umbrellas at the end of the day, as well as to tidy up the deck chairs or sun loungers.

[0012] In recent times, with the spread of loT (Internet of Things) paradigms and with the progressive computerization of all economic and commercial sectors, beach resorts have also begun to be affected by significant changes.

[0013] Some changes are essentially of a managerial nature, for example customers have been given the opportunity to choose, and book (and pay for), a site in advance, before going to the resort. Other changes, introduced by computerization, reduce the need for operators to offer additional services; for example, by equipping the rental sites with tools to communicate with a centralized customer service desk to place food or drink orders, or to provide any type of information or assistance.

[0014] Other changes are strictly technical and concern automation; these too, evidently, allow for a drastic reduction in the need to resort to the use of human operators.

[0015] In the case of solutions that implement automation performances, those that serve to open and close the umbrellas are particularly useful, because they save a burden that absorbs a lot of the operator's time: there are therefore numerous well-known offers in which the opening and closing of the umbrellas is motorized. Although it is not particularly difficult to design motorized opening and closing umbrellas, there are still some aspects that make the known solutions not completely satisfactory.

[0016] The opening of an umbrella, in fact, is based on the fact that a collar element slides on the support pole of the umbrella: when this collar element is raised, the umbrella opens, while when the collar goes down, the umbrella closes.

[0017] The motor that moves the so-called collar can be located, for example, on the collar itself, and via a rack on the pole, the collar can move up and down the pole. This option is almost never used because it is too complex and, above all, has too dramatic an aesthetic impact on the shape of the pole (which can't be beautifully smooth, as we are used to seeing on umbrella support poles).

[0018] The most common are the pulley systems, in which the motor is located at the top of the umbrella and is designed to wind a lifting cord onto a spool; via this cord, hooked to the collar, the latter is lifted and the umbrella opens. This solution is aesthetically pleasing, because it allows the motor to be positioned on top of the umbrella, in one of the most aesthetically manageable positions. However, these types of motorized systems are not very precise in determining the limit switch, so, in an establishment with many open umbrellas, a sense of disorder and approximation can be perceived as seeing umbrellas opened in slightly different ways from each other.

[0019] Furthermore, in all cases, the possibility of excluding automation to switch to a traditional manual use of the umbrellas must always be managed.

[0020] Of course, the requirement to switch to manual mode can be managed in many ways, but for this reason too, it is important to find a mode that is easy to use (intuitive), robust against possible clumsy uses, and compatible with aesthetic appeal.

[0021] Finally, it is reiterated that the computerization of beach resorts is also justified by the possibility of offering an interface for the provision of assistance services of all kinds. In this regard, the problem is not so much a technical one, given that loT technologies have enabled a vast and indefinite variety of technical solutions to offer almost any type of service based on the exchange of information, but rather it is a problem of practical and attractive usability.

[0022] It is observed that a beach station must be beautiful in its essentiality, and must not appear as a kind of control panel with too many controls or displays.

[0023] In essence, the computerization of beach resorts appears to be a process of great interest with respect to the offer of accessory services: this is because it manages to replace with great efficiency what in the past depended substantially on the number of employees in charge of such services, and on their promptness.

[0024] Therefore, this computerization perspective allows for the improvement of the quality of a beach resort with respect to one of the criteria that determine its quality (the offer of services); however, the concrete risk that is slowing down an even more rapid diffusion of this trend towards computerization lies in the fact that there is a fear of compromising quality with respect to the elegance and refinement of the environment.

[0025] In fact, a computerized beach station must not appear hyper-technological and, above all, it must be absolutely reliable and precise, because it would be counterproductive to offer customers something described as cutting-edge, and then have to live with frequent breakdowns or various jams, or with environments that appear messy and confusing (for example, with umbrellas that open more and others less).

[0026] Purpose and summary of the invention

[0027] The general purpose of this invention is to indicate a beach umbrella that defines a state-of-the-art computerized station, and designed to support further progress in the level of computerization, in the sense that it must be possible to flexibly increase the services and performances that can be provided through the station itself.

[0028] More specifically, it is required that the umbrella according to the teachings of the invention be suitable to support the integration of automation functions for the benefit of both the customer and the manager of the beach resort. It is also required that the umbrella according to the teachings of the invention be suitable to support the integration of flexible human-machine interaction interfaces, without this involving the integration of electronic devices significantly impacting the aesthetics of the umbrella.

[0029] In general, it is required that the umbrella according to the teachings of the invention be capable of being manufactured with an aesthetic reminiscent of traditional umbrellas, and that it be usable manually like traditional umbrellas. In general, the implementation of the features that define an umbrella as "intelligent" must not introduce significant constraints on the definition of its "design".

[0030] Finally, it is required that the umbrella according to the teachings of the invention be easy to maintain, with regards to all its “intelligent” components, and that it be as reliable and precise as possible in its automated movements.

[0031] The aims and requirements set for this invention are achieved by means of a smart umbrella which comprises a main chassis designed to house electrical, electronic and electromechanical components, and suitable to be placed at the top of the umbrella itself. And said main chassis contains most of the electrical, electronic and electromechanical components necessary for the operation of said smart umbrella, including: means of power supply, communication means for supporting the communication with devices remote from said main chassis. computing means for data processing, including data received through said communication means, at least one motor for opening the umbrella (100), controlled by said computing means and configured to keep in tension a lifting cord, connected to the opening collar (111) of said smart umbrella (100), said motor being configured to lift said opening collar (111), and thus, to open the umbrella (100), depending on commands generated by said computing means, as a function of the information that is transmitted to them.

[0032] E

[0033] And said smart umbrella is characterized by the fact that it integrates, outside said main chassis, at least two other remote elements of an electronic or electromechanical type. The first one of said at least two remote elements is an end-stop detector device with the following characteristics: it is fixed on the umbrella pole in a position that corresponds to the upper endstop limit of the opening collar (111) of the umbrella, and is connected to said main chassis (120) by means of a wiring integrated into the umbrella pole, said wiring is suitable for supplying power to said end-stop detector device, and for ensuring a communication line for the exchange of data between said endstop detector device and said computing means, when said end-stop detector device is mounted according to a first operating position, it has an end-stop button, facing downwards which is pressed by the collar when this one reaches the end-stop height, and when said end-stop button is pressed said end-stop detector device is configured to generate an end-stop signal which is transmitted to said computing means controlling the motor, and said end-stop detector device also comprises a rotating joint that allows said device to be manually rotated, placing it in a second non-operational position, which leaves a greater stroke available for the opening collar, and when said end-stop detector device is placed according to said second non- operational position, the collar has space to rise to a height slightly greater than the end-stop height and it can be manually moved until it hooks onto a manual hooking system, which protrudes from the umbrella pole so as to keep the umbrella open, even without the traction action of the motor. The second one, of said at least two remote elements is a mini-chassis integrated onto the umbrella pole, which has at least the following characteristics: it is located in the umbrella pole in a lower position than that reached by the opening collar when the umbrella is completely closed, and it is connected to said main chassis by means of a wiring integrated into the umbrella pole, said wiring is suitable for supplying power to said mini-chassis, and for ensuring a communication line for the exchange of data between the mini-chassis and said computing means, said mini-chassis integrates at least one wired communication port in USB (Universal Serial Bus) technology, or equivalent technology, said mini-chassis also integrates an identification device in NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, or equivalent technology access to said wired communication port is permitted thanks to the vertical sliding of an element which, with such movement, allows access to said port to be covered or uncovered.

[0034] As will be clarified more effectively in the following part of this description, the creation of a smart umbrella with the minimum characteristics summarized above satisfies the purposes for which this invention was developed and, above all, it allows to comply with all the various requirements that were imposed to create an umbrella that could be supplied to beach establishment managers interested in objects suitable for setting up beach stations suited to provide high quality services..

[0035] The smart umbrella proposed here also has further advantages, which will become more evident from the following description, which, through the presentation of a real implementation form, that was used, illustrates further details of the invention itself.

[0036] The attached claims and the figures listed below, also attached to this description, form an integral part of this description too. Figure 1 shows a very basic overview of a smart umbrella according to the invention. Figures 2a and 2b show some details of the operation of the end-stop detector, when it is placed in the first operating position. Figures 3a, 3B and 3c show some details of the operation of the end-stop detector, when it is placed in the second non-operating position. Figures 4a and 4b show one implementation form of the mini-chassis envisaged by the teachings of the invention.

[0037] Detailed description

[0038] Figure 1 shows a first image of a smart umbrella according to the invention, indicated as a whole by the number 100.

[0039] A first requirement of the invention is that the performance required to make a beach umbrella a “smart” umbrella must not result in an excessive external transformation compared to the normal umbrellas that bathers are accustomed to using.

[0040] Well, the invention involves concentrating all the devices needed to transform the umbrella at the top of the umbrella itself, in an area that interferes little with the rest of the aesthetic connotation of each umbrella.

[0041] In Figure 1 , the number 120 indicates a main chassis located precisely on top of the umbrella. The shape of the main chassis 120, in Figure 1 , is an absolutely banal shape: a parallelepiped-shaped box. Obviously, to pander aesthetic and stylistic aspects, countless different shapes can be designed: what matters is that the shape of the main chassis 120, precisely because it is placed at the top of the umbrella, does not impose constraints on any other part of the smart umbrella 100.

[0042] The further peculiarity of the smart umbrella 100, given that it must necessarily offer the support of user interface functions, consists in the presence of an element that hosts connection ports for connecting a personal user terminal. The choice indicated in the present invention is implemented by providing a further mini-chassis, indicated in Figure 1 with the number 130, placed more or less halfway up the support pole, and which integrates one or more ports, and which will be better described later with the aid of Figures 4. The positioning of said mini-chassis 130 has the only constraint that it must be located below the sliding area of the collar of the smart umbrella 100. This is because, although it is very small, it still represents a thickening of the support pole, and therefore would interfere with the sliding of the opening collar.

[0043] In any case, regardless of the location, the halfway positioning in the umbrella pole is certainly the most practical, because it is certainly the easiest for the customer to reach, especially since some umbrellas even have a sort of small shelf in the same area.

[0044] Ultimately, a simple analysis of Figure 1 allows us to conclude that the smart umbrella 100 is certainly very basic and very similar to normal umbrellas (i.e. non-intelligent umbrellas), but at the same time, and this will be clarified better later, it is an umbrella that, from the point of view of its intelligent performance, is certainly extremely versatile.

[0045] In fact, said main chassis 120 is a “general purpose” chassis, which, in addition to housing the essential components also mentioned in the claims, can also integrate electrical, electronic or electromechanical components of many types.

[0046] As for power systems, which are obviously necessary for the functioning of any active system (such as computer systems), in some interesting implementations it is possible to foresee that the power supply is supported by batteries and photovoltaic generation power systems.

[0047] In this regard, various systems are known in which the umbrella is used as a structure to support photovoltaic modules. Without going into the details of these systems, it is only reiterated that the main chassis 120 of the intelligent umbrella 100 is a "general purpose" chassis, and as such can consequently be designed to also house what is necessary to exploit a small photovoltaic system suitable for powering the energy needs of the umbrella itself.

[0048] Finally, another advantage that can already be appreciated just from an analysis of Figure 1 concerns maintainability. Indeed, having concentrated almost all the components in the easily accessible main chassis 120, which can be completely replaced with a simple maneuver, the smart umbrella 100 also offers clear advantages in terms of maintainability.

[0049] Figures 2 show a further detail of the intelligent umbrella 100 according to the invention. These figures show the upper part of the umbrella's support pole, without the shade cloth, so as to better see the umbrella's opening mechanism.

[0050] As already mentioned, one of the fundamental features of smart umbrellas must be the ability to open and close them automatically and remotely.

[0051] The implementation choice according to the invention is to use a pulley motor, which pulls the opening collar of the umbrella upwards, using a cord that is rolled up in a spool placed at the top, which, in this way, lifts the opening collar.

[0052] It is recalled that all umbrellas are made more or less the same way. They have a support pole that must be held vertically and a canvas tied centrally at the top of the support pole. When the umbrella is closed, the canvas remains folded all around the support pole; and to open the umbrella it is necessary to lift the canvas, which however always remains centrally tied to the top of the pole.

[0053] When the umbrella is open, the canvas is essentially stretched all around the support pole, held up by a plurality of ribs which also start from an area of the support pole near its top. To open an umbrella, therefore, the support ribs must be raised until they extend almost horizontally and radially; and they are lifted by additional secondary ribs which push the support ribs, raising them radially.

[0054] These secondary ribs, each connected to a different support rib, all converge towards an element called the opening collar which can slide along the support pole; thus, by lifting said opening collar, with a single movement all the secondary ribs are operated, so that they lift all the support ribs, which, in turn, keep the umbrella open.

[0055] In short, opening an umbrella is equivalent to lifting the opening collar towards the top of the support pole, and holding it in that position. The choice of a pulley lifting mechanism (i.e. pulling the collar upwards) is dictated by the fact that it does not impose any shape constraints on either the pole or the collar, and the motor, as well as the reel for winding the cord, can be housed in the main chassis 120, which is already located right on the top of the umbrella pole.

[0056] In all Figure 2 the main chassis is still indicated with the number 120, while the umbrella opening collar is indicated with the number 111.

[0057] The main problem with pulley mechanisms is that the limit switch isn't always precise, meaning that, in a setting with many umbrellas lined up, they can appear untidy if they're not all opened equally. Furthermore, if they open differently, the fabric may be under too much or too little tension, which could even lead to premature failure.

[0058] Obviously, there are many ways to accurately determine an end-stop, however, the application under consideration has different requirements (not only that of precision), and these requirements can be satisfied to varying degrees, therefore it makes sense to choose a solution that can offer the best compromise to satisfy all the requirements.

[0059] Specifically, in addition to precision end-stop detection, it is sought a simple solution, where simplicity also guarantees reliability and ease of use. It is then sought a solution that would allow for intuitive switching between automatic and manual operation, even for those who don't use the umbrella every day. Finally, it is sought a solution that would be visually unobtrusive.

[0060] If we were to focus solely on visual impact and simplicity, it would be enough to set a threshold for the motor's resistive torque and stop the lifting process when that threshold is reached. In fact, the more the umbrella opens, the greater the resistance to the opening collar. This solution is by far the most common, but it is also one of the most imprecise, given that the lifting resistance depends on numerous factors that can change over time and from umbrella to umbrella. The solution indicated by the teachings of the present invention, therefore, does not rely solely on the possibility of setting a stop threshold, on the resistant torque acting on the motor, but uses an end-stop detector device, indicated in Figures 2 with the number 140.

[0061] In Figure 2a, the said end-stop detector device 140 is seen mounted in a first operating position. Said end-stop detector device 140 is applied to the support pole in the area where the collar 111 must reach when the umbrella is open and, when it is in said first operating position, it has a limit switch button, indicated in Figure 2a with the number 141 , facing downwards. The height at which said end-stop detection device 140 is applied to the pole is exactly the height at which, when the collar 111 is at the precise end-stop point, the collar 111 presses the limit switch button 141. In this way, the end-stop detector 140 generates a command that is transmitted to the motor controller implemented inside the main chassis 120. The transmission of said command occurs simply via cable, providing a very short connection, housed in the support pole, which connects the device 140 with the chassis 120. It is observed that this wiring also serves to power the end-stop detector device 140.

[0062] The end-stop position is shown explicitly in Figure 2b, where the detail of the contact between the collar 111 and the end-stop detection device 140, in the operating position, is depicted enlarged.

[0063] The enlargement also highlights a manual coupling system indicated by the number 112. Said coupling system 112 cannot be reached when the end-stop detection device 140 is in its first operating position. This is because the collar is blocked too low due to the presence of the device 140 itself.

[0064] Therefore, when the end-stop detector device 140 is in its first operating position, the umbrella remains open because it is supported by the cord operated by the pulley mechanism used to open the umbrella: therefore, the umbrella can be closed simply by unrolling the cord, and allowing the collar 111 to descend by gravity.

[0065] Figures 3 show how the umbrella 100 according to the invention can switch from the automatic opening and closing control state to the manual state. The opening collar is still indicated with the number 111 , just as the manual locking system is indicated with the number 112. And the end-stop detection device also continues to be indicated with the number 140, just as the limit switch button is indicated with the number 141.

[0066] In Figure 3a, said end-stop detector device 140 is still in the first operating position, however, in the event that for various reasons it is necessary to use the umbrella manually (for example due to a motor failure, or because the cord has broken), said end-stop detector device 140 can be deactivated, and its position can be changed.

[0067] In the embodiment shown with the aid of Figures 3, this option is implemented by providing that the constraint of the end-stop detector device 140 with the support pole allows a short movement away from the pole, as shown with the arrow “A” in Figure 3. Subsequently, as shown by the arrow “B” in Figure 3b, the limit switch detector 140, while slightly detached from the pole (but still being constrained to it), can be rotated so as to no longer expose the limit switch button 141 downwards, i.e. towards the opening collar 111. Finally, as shown with the arrow “C” in Figure 3c, the limit switch detection device 140 can be moved closer to the support pole again, but in a position different than that shown in Figure 3a. The new position assumed in the illustration of Figure 3c is a second non-operational position, i.e., a position in which the end-stop detection device 140 is slightly further from the opening collar 111 and, most importantly, it is a position in which the limit switch button 141 cannot be pressed. In said second non-operational position, the collar 111 is allowed to slide upwards slightly further, just enough to be able to engage the manual hooking system 112. This coupling maneuver between the collar 111 and the manual hooking system 112 is the classic manual opening operation of a beach umbrella, and can therefore be performed, if necessary, by almost anyone.

[0068] It is clear that the closing of the umbrella, which involves the release of the collar 111 from the hooking system 112, must also be done manually. Finally, to reconfigure the umbrella 100, so that it can be opened and closed automatically again, the end-stop detector 140 must be returned to the first operating position, with the limit switch button 141 facing downwards: this operation can be carried out by repeating in reverse order the maneuvers performed to exclude automatic operation.

[0069] Thanks to the simple insertion of the said end-stop detector device 140, it was possible to equip the smart umbrella 100 with an opening and closing system that satisfies all the required requirements: precision, excludability of the mechanism to switch to manual use, ease of use, reliability of the system (associated with the simplicity of the device), and extremely low visual impact.

[0070] Having said that the main automation, which for a beach umbrella consists above all in automating opening and closing, the umbrellalOO, to be a truly versatile umbrella, which can be defined as a smart umbrella, suitable for supporting an indefinite range of computerized services, requires a human-machine interface.

[0071] Sometimes, in a wide variety of sectors, the challenge of providing a control interface for a device involves offering the user a small keyboard and a display. Often, in such cases, the user struggles to understand how it works, proceeds by trial and error, or loses interest in using the device.

[0072] In the case of the present invention, the choice was to let the user to use his own personal terminal. This choice is always possible in general, but, in the case of the smart umbrella according to the present invention, it can be offered with particular efficiency and safety. In fact, the presence of a decidedly “general purpose” main chassis allows for the installation of truly generic programs on board the umbrella itself: and therefore it is sufficient to connect the user terminal directly to a machine resident in the umbrella itself to be able to implement secure, fast, efficient and economical interfaces, with practically no limits, to the IT services that can be offered to the customer. This observation made it natural to implement the user interface function as a pure connection function between the user and the beach umbrella. The interface, therefore, is reduced to a fairly limited set of physical ports, which support the most common standards.

[0073] Therefore, the invention proposes at least one wired interface, which today can be a USB interface, providing for the main connectors widespread on the mobile radio terminal market, and at least one wireless interface: NFC, or “Bluetooth”, or other equivalent technologies.

[0074] As mentioned, from a technological point of view, this is more than enough to keep the smart umbrella 100 at the state-of-the-art for an indefinite series of possible future evolutions: in fact, once connected to an umbrella computer, the user can connect to any network and use, in a secure and operator-controlled manner, any programmable service. Finally, the presence of a wired port also allows for a charging point for the user terminal.

[0075] The further distinctive choice that must be made to implement this kind of interfaces consists in where and how to position the aforementioned ports in the umbrella itself.

[0076] As mentioned several times, the common thread running through all of our choices is to avoid distorting the traditional appearance of a beach umbrella, keeping it as simple as possible and clean in its form.

[0077] Figure 4 shows how has been solved the problem of providing a user with several access ports to a machine in the main chassis of the smart umbrella 100.

[0078] Figure 4a shows a portion of the support pole of the smart umbrella 100 according to the invention: in this portion of the support pole, only one element can be seen, indicated by the number 130, which appears to be a simple number holder to identify a particular beach station (normally all beach establishments number their stations). In reality, this element 130 is a mini-chassis, designed to integrate one or more physical ports for computer connections. In fact, as can be seen in Figure 4b, the mini-chassis 130 includes a sliding door, indicated by the number 131 , which, when sliding, provides access to a socket connector, indicated by the number 133, which in the case shown in the figure is a USB port. Obviously, nothing prevents other implementations from featuring a greater number of ports, or from making other types of ports available in the future, according to other standards that may become widespread.

[0079] In addition to the presence of wired ports, the mini-chassis 130 also houses the components to implement one or more wireless ports.

[0080] In current embodiments, it is undoubtedly very useful to also have a “Bluetooth” technology port, but even in this case the possibility of updating the system by implementing other wireless technologies that could become popular in the future, even the near future, is not precluded.

[0081] Finally, the 130 mini-chassis can certainly be used to host NFC technology labeling, certainly very useful for implementing all applications where fast mutual identification between user and workstation is required.

[0082] Said mini-chassis 130, in the preferred embodiments, in addition to opening via the sliding door 131 , also provides the possibility of opening via the removal of a cover which could be conveniently obtained in the plate which bears the station number, as shown in Figure 4b, where the removable cover is indicated with the number 132. This second opening method, probably less practical than opening via the sliding door 131 , can be conveniently used, for example, to install or uninstall the mini-chassis 130, or to carry out maintenance operations. Furthermore, in the compartment that is discovered by the removable cover 132, some electronic components that are subject to more frequent replacement can be installed, such as an adhesive label incorporating an NFC “tag”.

[0083] Even in the case of the mini-chassis 130, this element must be connected, using appropriate wiring, to the main chassis 120, since it draws power from it and since it must necessarily exchange communications with the components contained within it. Obviously, even the preparation of this wiring is simple, given that the support pole already offers a protected conduit through which to pass the cables.

[0084] The said mini-chassis 130 therefore completes the equipment of the smart umbrella 100 according to the invention, fully satisfying all the requirements, stated several times, that were sought: reliability and maintainability, precision, low aesthetic impact of the technological part, ease of use, and flexibility in supporting future developments.

[0085] Variants and Concluding Considerations

[0086] In summary, the teachings of the present invention allow to be achieved the purposes for which it was conceived, by exploiting in a novel way a fundamental intuition regarding the use of space in a beach umbrella: that is, the intuition of placing as much as possible all the technological components, which are necessary to create a smart beach umbrella (i.e. a highly computerized and automated beach umbrella), on the top of the umbrella itself: by resorting to the use of a main chassis 120, which is substantially “general purpose”.

[0087] This intuition proved particularly useful because it allowed us to equip the smart umbrella with all the features needed to implement this type of object, using just two elements to be remotely controlled from the main chassis 120.

[0088] In particular, it is worth underlining that both of these remote elements can easily communicate with appropriately sized computing devices, because they are housed in the main chassis 120. This is because they are both applied to the umbrella's support pole, and can therefore use the pole itself as a cable duct.

[0089] Furthermore, both remote elements, namely: the end-stop detection device140, necessary for truly precise automation, and the mini-chassis 130 for housing a limited number of physical ports, necessary to offer the user a truly versatile and complete interface towards the umbrella, are elements designed to be visually appealing, easy to use, and maintain; furthermore, the solution proposed for the smart umbrella 100 offers extensive guarantees in terms of technical and mechanical reliability.

[0090] The originality, derived from the exploitation of the aforementioned intuition, has produced a solution that stands out from the known proposals, not only for its performance and ease of use, but also for the aesthetic versatility of the umbrella an object, which lends itself to being created in very refined and elegant shapes.

[0091] It can therefore be stated that if the solution described were a simple implementation choice, within the reach of an expert in the field, it would have been reasonably adopted, given the advantages it objectively offers. Instead, the prior art still seems to propose smart umbrellas that suffer from one shortcoming or another.

[0092] The smart umbrella 100 taught in the present invention, as can already be seen from the preceding description, is susceptible of being implemented in multiple forms and variations. In this regard, it is specified that neither the materials, nor the dimensions, nor the particular shape of the various elements that characterize the invention are the subject matter of teaching.

[0093] Therefore, it can be stated with absolute generality that the invention can be made with any materials that the designer deems suitable for the case, without specific dimensional constraints, and even being able to vary the shapes of the various elements that compose it, provided that these retain the characteristics described which are particularly important for the operation, and which are the subject of the claim.

[0094] Therefore, further developments could be made by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as it results from the present description and the claims attached hereto, which form an integral part of the present description; or, if said developments are not readable in the present description, they may be the subject of further patent applications associated with the present invention, or dependent on it.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A smart umbrella (100), whose opening occurs by lifting an opening collar (111) which is lifted by a lifting cord; and said smart umbrella (100) comprises a main chassis (120) designed to house electrical, electronic and electromechanical components, which is placed at the top of the umbrella (100) itself; and said main chassis (120) contains electrical, electronic and electromechanical components, which are necessary for the operation of said smart umbrella (100), including: a. means of power supply, b. communication means for supporting the communication with devices remote from said main chassis (120), c. computing means for data processing, including data received through said communication means, d. at least one motor for opening the umbrella (100), controlled by said computing means and configured to keep in tension a lifting cord, connected to the opening collar (111) of said smart umbrella (100), said motor being configured to lift said opening collar (111), and thus, to open the umbrella (100), depending on commands generated by said computing means, as a function of the information that is transmitted to them; and said smart umbrella (100) is characterized by the fact that it integrates, outside said main chassis (120), at least two other remote elements of an electronic or electromechanical type:E. the first one of said at least two remote elements is an end-stop detector device (140) with the following characteristics: i. it is fixed on the umbrella pole in a position that corresponds to the upper end-stop limit of the opening collar (111) of the umbrella, and is connectedto said main chassis (120) by means of a wiring integrated into the umbrella pole, ii. said wiring is suitable for supplying power to said end-stop detector device (140), and for ensuring a communication line for the exchange of data between said end-stop detector device (140) and said computing means, iii. when said end-stop detector device (140) is mounted according to a first operating position, it has an end-stop button (141), facing downwards which is pressed by the collar (111) when this one reaches the end-stop height, iv. and when said end-stop button (141) is pressed said end-stop detector device (140) is configured to generate an end-stop signal which is transmitted to said computing means controlling the motor, v. and said end-stop detector device (140) also comprises a rotating joint that allows said device (140) to be manually rotated, placing it in a second non-operational position, which leaves a greater stroke available for the opening collar (111), vi. and when said end-stop detector device (140) is placed according to said second non-operational position, the collar (111) has space to rise to a height slightly greater than the end-stop height and it can be manually moved until it hooks onto a manual hooking system (112), which protrudes from the umbrella pole so as to keep the umbrella (100) open, even without the traction action of the motor;F. the second one, of said at least two remote elements is a mini-chassis (130) integrated onto the umbrella pole (100), which has at least the following characteristics: vii. it is located in the umbrella pole in a lower position than that reached by the opening collar (111) when the umbrella (100) is completely closed,and it is connected to said main chassis (120) by means of a wiring integrated into the umbrella pole, viii. said wiring is suitable for supplying power to said mini-chassis (130), and for ensuring a communication line for the exchange of data between the mini-chassis (130) and said computing means, ix. said mini-chassis (130) integrates at least one wired communication port (133) in USB (Universal Serial Bus) technology, or equivalent technology, x. said mini-chassis (130) also integrates an identification device in NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, or equivalent technology, xi. access to said wired communication port (133) is permitted thanks to the vertical sliding of an element (131) which, with such movement, allows access to said port (133) to be covered or uncovered.

2. Smart umbrella (100), according to claim 1, wherein said mini-chassis (130) integrates more than one wired communication port offering sockets according to more than one standard.

3. Smart umbrella (100), according to claim 1, or claim 2, wherein said one or more wired communication ports are also configured to offer a charging point for a user terminal.

4. Smart umbrella (100), according to claim 1, wherein said mini-chassis (130) also integrates at least one wireless communication port in “Bluetooth” technology.

5. Smart umbrella (100), according to claim 1, wherein said mini-chassis (130) provides the possibility of being opened by removing a removable cover (132).

6. Smart umbrella (100), according to claim 5, wherein said removable cover (132) is obtained in the plate bearing the station number.Smart umbrella (100), according to claim 5, wherein the removal of said removable cover (132) is functional to install or uninstall the mini-chassis (130), or to perform maintenance interventions.

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