Modular accessory
OwnerOliver Joen-an Mainventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An accessory is provided that includes power supply module, a first functional module, and a second functional module. The power supply module can be configured to be suspended beneath an overhead support, such as a hub of an umbrella. The first functional module is configured to affix to the power supply module and to be powered by the power supply module to provide a user directed function. The second functional module is configured to be detachably coupled to either the power supply module or the first functional module to receive power from the power supply module directly or through the first functional module.
Claims23
A modular accessory for mounting beneath a canopy of a cantilevered umbrella, the modular accessory comprising:
- a connection hub having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a protrusion projecting away from the lower portion, the upper portion of the connection hub being configured to connect to or forming a portion of a lower hub of a cantilevered umbrella;
- a power supply module having a lower side and an upper side, a socket, and a threaded recess, the threaded recess projecting from the upper side toward the lower side of the power supply module, the threaded protrusion of the connection hub being positionable in the threaded recess of the power supply module to detachably connect the connection hub and the power supply module, the power supply module configured to house a portable power supply or receiving power from an exterior source, the power supply module comprising one or more contacts disposed within the socket to transfer power;
- and
- a plurality of functional modules, each module having an upper side, a lower side, and a plug, the plug located at the upper side of the module, the plug of a first functional module being positionable into the socket of the power supply module to detachably connect the first functional module and the power supply module, the first functional module receiving power from the power supply module, the plug of a second functional module being positionable into a socket of the first functional module to detachably connect the second functional module and the first functional module;
- the second functional module receiving power through a contact disposed in the socket of the first functional module.
A modular accessory for a cantilevered umbrella, comprising:
- a connection hub having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion of the connection hub being configured to affix to or forming a portion of a lower hub of a cantilevered umbrella to detachably connect the connection hub to the cantilevered umbrella;
- and
- a plurality of functional modules, each module having an upper side and a lower side, the upper side configured to be detachably coupled with the connection hub or with the lower side of another functional module each functional module being detachable from the other module or modules and each module being electrically connectable to a component disposed between the module and the connection hub.
An accessory for a shade structure, comprising:
- a power supply module configured to be suspended beneath a component of a shade structure;
- a first functional module and a second functional module, the first functional module configured to affix to either the power supply module or the second functional module and to receive power from the power supply module directly or through the second functional module;
- and
- a second functional module configured to be detachably coupled to either the power supply module or the first functional module to receive power from the power supply module directly or through the first functional module.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.