(2) oy oy an @ 6s) (6) on) (2 United States Patent trong, PORTABLE FOLDING CANOPY WITH MOVEABLE ELEMENT Applicant: Finn Alexander Strong, San Rafael, CA, Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis pateat is extended of adjusted under 35 USC. 154(b) by O days Appl. No 14/589,865 Filed: Jan, 5, 2015 Prior Publication Data S 201510181991 AL Jul. 2, 2015 Related US. Application Data Continuation-in-par of application No, 141308,875, filed on Jun. 13, 2014, now Pat, No. $926,394, which is continuation-in-part of application No. 19860,516, filed om Apr. 10, 2013, now Pat. No. 8926302, which is 4 continuationsin-part of (Continued) Int.Cl. AG3HT 33/00 (2005.01) AGSB 19702 (2006.01) A438 3700 (2006.01) NSC 1308 (2008.01) MSC 1328 (2005.01), Ag5C 15700 (2006.01) AASB 2324 (2005.01), ANSP 3704 (2006.01) (Continued) us.cl, cbc AASB 19/02 (2013.01); A438 30078 (2013.01), 4438 2424 2013.01): A45B 29700 (2013.01); 445C 1208 (2013 01): A4SC 1228 US009215914B2 (10) Patent No. 4s) Date of Patent: US 9,215,914 B2 Dec. 22, 2015 (2013.01), A45€ 15/00 (2013 01), A4SF 3704 (2013.01); A63ET 34005 (2013.01); A63HT 206 (2013.01); 445C 220000 2013.01); 443 2003003 (2013.01); FSB 18/10 201301) (58) Fleld of Classification Search cre AG3H 300; ASH 3/06; AG3HI 3/88; AGSH 3/52; GSH 3300, AGSH 2027/1075: AG3H 2027/1033; AASB 19/00; A@SB 19/02 usec 446/220-226; 135/202 ce application file for complete search history. 66) References Cited US. PATENT DOCUMENTS Continved) FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS rp esas AL ions (Continved) (OTHER PUBLICATIONS ~Monty Python Rabi Big Poiny TsthPhsh Sppens™—p ww oyenultcomtopivetoptive Mink printed Dee. 21, 2011 rout asserted 10 be available 2001 Primary Examiner — Kien Nguyen (74) Attornes, Agent, or Firm — Patent aw Oilices Michael E. Woods; Michael E, Woods on A system and method for increasing customer interest ia Anicles of manvfactur, inliding hand-held portable enno- Pics, sch 2s umbrellas and parasols. set of actuating com ponents are coupled to moveable elements of the article of ‘manufacture, the moveable elements respond t operation of fan user-contolled actuating mechanism, ABSTRACT 15 Claims, 19 DraUS 9,215,914 B2 Page 2 (60 Gn) 66) Related US. Application Data pplication No. 13/772,316, filed on Feb. 20, 201 now Pat. No. 8,505,116, which isa continuation-in- part of application No. 13/588,035, fled on Aug. 17, 2012, now Pat.No. 8,752,308, which isa continuation ‘of application No. 19/333,462, filed on Dec. 21,2011 now Pat. No 8.266:828, sid application No. 13/860, S16 is a continuation-in-part of application No. 13588.035, filed on Aug. 17, 2012, now Pat. No, 8,752,308, sad application No. 14/304,875 isa con- ‘inuation-in-part of application No. 13/588,035, fled ‘on Aug. 17, 2012, now Pat. No. 8,752,308, Provisional application No. 61/528,100, filed on Aug 26, 2011, provisional application No. 61/429,177, ‘led on Jan. 2, 2011 Int-Cl. AGH 300 (2006.01) AGH 306 (2008.01) AASB 25/00 (2006.01) FISB 1510 (2006.01), ANSE 300 (2006.01) References Cited US. PATENT DOCUMENTS 2ABROLE A 1048 Lakowite Yemado A 34984 Key 2721420 A 101988 Chaten 2758418 AR 1986 Troppe Yausors A 81987 Milome 2827066 A * H198K Nusshamer AASB 1902 2630 3000819 A 81962 Spucitogen A Yet Ostrander A 7964 Mirando A Ges Oatander 32d A 41066 Osender Sots A 91967 Mapiors 34SLLG A 61969 Ryanee al 3S0C14 A Yt9t Shite So3K024 861979. Matsoda S743 A197. Shion SEMEL A $1975 Goldsub ta ooe's28 1077 ila tee Sos7938 A 11/1977 Tera AeT38 & "11978 Codehotm ea 4io9e A 111078 Toran S217728 A 'RIDSO. Sapa ea 4218780 481980 Grove eta Dera A STURT Abr ea 32005 841982. Wile S5m994 8195 Pitman KR KR Kk KR KR KR KR wo wo 4560 997 790737 tnx 5 815 68 pists ont 38a (6389604 30980 ‘00940 en9382 aoos0rsso1a| Sonatas aooanr2607s Sonsi22s60t ao100219221 ani20167270 anig0ts2085| L601 0182639 Kutesen eta Ferenc Schasier et a. Chang eta: ase tis “Murray, I ea. Bosinst ‘Abgeret a Deora Baker Rronenberger et, Je G'Comtt Moulder meas 0404 HSS. hen Gataorta Iurincich Day aka et Ceca Pnec et Ki ance a Pash eta Chel Marines ak Chinetik Martinee MasB 1902 135.202 chen Stone Feldman sta Stone Take Racine a tt Tahinan et Data Zheng ‘Strong va Stone Wise AL ‘92010 AL 72012 AL 62013 2013 Al T2o1a FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS 20-1994-0021732 o-2000.0002938 TOzoD40039218 2.036944 2020 sn20tron0s364 U 200928383 AL 2012092182 A2 487670 jo000s134 U * cited by examinerUS. Patent Dec. 22, 2015 Sheet 1 of 19 US 9,215,914 B2 i 100 FIG. 1U.S. Patent Dee. 22, 2015 Sheet 2 of 19 US 9,215,914 B2 a 200 FIG, 2U.S. Patent Dec. 22, 2015 Sheet 3 of 19 US 9,215,914 B2 i 300 FIG. 3U.S. Patent Dec. 22, 2015 Sheet 4 of 19 US 9,215,914 B2 p— 400 a 400 505 | 405 ) ¥ 410 410 FIG. 5 FIG. 4U.S. Patent Dec. 22, 2015 Sheet 5 of 19 US 9,215,914 B2 f 65 615 625 | | —s20 | | FIG. 6US 9,215,914 B2 f Sheet 6 of 19 Dec. 22, 2015 U.S, Patent FIG. 7U.S. Patent Dec. 22, 2015 Sheet 7 of 19 US 9,215,914 B2U.S. Patent Dec. 22, 2015 Sheet 8 of 19 US 9,215,914 B2 FIG. 9U.S. Patent Dec. 22, 2015 Sheet 9 of 19 US 9,215,914 B2 fo 1000 FIG. 10U.S. Patent Dee. 22, 2015 Sheet 10 of 19 US 9,215,914 B2 FIG. 11US 9,215,914 B2 Sheet 11 of 19 Dec. 22, 2015 U.S, Patent eb ‘OldU.S. Patent Dee. 22, 2015 Sheet 12 of 19 US 9,215,914 B2 FIG. 13U.S. Patent Dee. 22, 2015 Sheet 13 of 19 US 9,215,914 B2 a 1400 1405 1425 FIG. 14U.S. Patent Dee. 22, 2015 Sheet 14 of 19 US 9,215,914 B2 FIG. 16 1520 1515, FIG. 15US 9,215,914 B2 Sheet 15 of 19 Dee. 22, 2015, US. Patent wees Sigh 8b ‘Old ozsL A) sist 4b OldUS 9,215,914 B2 Sheet 16 of 19 Dec. 22, 2015 U.S, Patent 02 ‘Dla 6L ‘OldUS 9,215,914 B2 Sheet 17 of 19 Dec. 22, 2015 U.S, Patent 2 ‘Old ozst +2 Old ozstU.S. Patent Dee. 22, 2015 Sheet 18 of 19 US 9,215,914 B2 1510 q FOLDING FRAME FIG. 23U.S. Patent Dee. 22, 2015 Sheet 19 of 19 US 9,215,914 B2 2405 INSIDE 725 720US 9,215,914 B2 1 PORTABLE FOLDING CANOPY WITH. MOVEABLE ELEMENT (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED "APPLICATIONS, s This application is a continuation-in-part of U'S. patent application Ser. No, 14/304.875 which i tum isa eontinns- tionin-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No, 19/S88,085 ‘and contiauation-in-part of US, patent application See No, 13/860,516 which is @ continvaion-in-part of US. patent application Ser. No. 13/S88,03S and a continsation-in-part of US. patent application Ser. No. 13°772.316, both of which ‘area Continution oF U.S. patent application Ser. No, 15/333, 462, now U.S. Pat, No. 8,266,828, which claims benefit of both U.S. Provisional Application No, 61/429,177, filed 2 an. 2011, and US. Provisions Application No. 61/528,100,, filed 26 Avg. 2011, the contents ofthese applications in theit cetiretes are expressly incorporated by reference thereto for all purposes. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to portable cano~ pies, and more specifically, but not exclusively, to user-por- table canopies having usee-controlled moveable elements BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely asa result ofits mention in the background section. Similarly, problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously ecognized inthe prior art The subject matte in the background section merely repre= sents different approaches, whieh in and of themselves may also be inventions. “There are many types of userportable canopies and por. table coverings tat ate used to protect and shield a ser from the environment (eg, an umbrella for rain and other precip tation and a parasol for sin), Retailers continue to setrch for ‘changes in user portable canopies to increase customer inter- ‘What is needed is @ system and method for increasing ‘customer interes in canopies. BRIEP SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 0 Disclosed isa system and method for inereasing customer Jnerest in portable articles of manufacture, including user- portable canopies. The following summary ofthe invention is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of technical ‘eatures related to active user portable eanopies with one or more maveable elements andthe like, and isnot intendodl 10 bea fill description ofall embodiments ofthe present inven- tion.A full appreciation ofthe various aspeetsof the invention ‘canbe pained by taking the entire specification, claims, d= Ings, and abstract asa whole. The present invention is appli ‘able 10 olher styles of user-portable canopies besides ‘umbrellas and parasols, non-portable user foldable eanopies, ‘and large semi-portabie foldable canopies such as beach ‘umbrellas or other outdoor folding canopies for eovering Tange areas, and to other types and methodologies of actuating mcchanisms, including machine-powered actuating mecha- nisms for larger implementations. o 2 An active canopy, including hand-held eontaner portion including one or more walls defining a cavity accessible through an opening; a handle portion coupled to the one or ‘more walls configured to support the container portion while being carried; and an actuator assembly, including a frst actusting mechanism couple to the handle portion, the frst actuating mechanism having a bulb defining first setting ‘volume containing a ist quantity of ir, the bul repeatably collapsible to expel a portion of the first quantity of air ‘through a first actuating port ofthe bulb, the bulb automat cally expanding to refill the fist actuating volume; a frst remote actuator having a pair of Mlexble layers forming « ‘non-deformable actuating balloon defining a second actat- ing volume accessible through a second aetwating port, the fist remote atuator having a fixed portion foldably coupled {oa moving portion at a fold region withthe moving portion at least partially overlapping the fixed portion defining. » {folded configuration the fixed portion coupled to the one or ‘more walls ofthe container portion withthe fold region and the moving portion both disposed oulside of the cavity, the first remote actor unfolding about the fold region from the {olded configuration in response to air entering into the see- ‘ond etuating volume with the moving portion moving away {rom the fixed portion and the fist remote actuator folding bout the fold region in response to air exiting from the second actuating volume, te fist remote actuator biased to the folded configuration: and an air communication channel ‘couplet the first actuating por of the irs actuating mech nism and to the second actuating port of the fist remote actuator "An active container, incising container portion having 3 rigid inner shell defining a container cavity accessible ‘rough an opening, the rigid iancr shell covered by an om side layer; ad an actuator assembly, including first act ating mechanism having a collapsible structure defining first actuating volume containing a first quantity of ar, the collapsible stractarerepeatably collapsible to expel a portion ofthe frst quantity of aie through a frst setting port ofthe collapsible strcture, the collapsible strture aitomsatially expanding to refill the first actuating volume; frst remote fctustor having a pair of lexble layers forming an actuating balloon defining. @ second actuating volume accessible through a second actuating port configured 4 repeatably inflate and deflate the actuating balloon, the fist remote ‘atuator having & first portion coupled to a second portion {defining an unactuated configuration when the actuating bale Joon s deflated and defining an actuated configuration when the actuating balloon is inflated, the frst portion fixed to the rigid shell with the second portion disposed outside of the container portion, the ist remote actuator teansitioning. rom the unactusted configuration to the actuated configuration in response tsi entering into th second actuating volunte and the first remote actuator trusitioning from the wetuated cor figuration tothe unactuated configuration in response to air exiting from the second actuating volume, the frst remote actuator biased to the unactuated configuration; and an air ‘communication channel coupled tothe first actuating por of the ist actuating mechanism and to the socond actuating port of the frst remote actuator A method for operating an active container, including a) careying container portion using a handle portion coupled 40 the container portion the container portion inckading one oF ‘more walls defining cavity accessible though aa opening: 5) collapsing a collapsible stricture coupled to the handle portion While caerying the container portion to expel a quan- fiy of air from a frst actuating volume of the collapsible structure through a first setwating port €) communicating anUS 9,215,914 B2 3 increased air pressure, responsive to the quantity of a ‘expelled ftom the ist actuating volume, toa remote actuator ‘coupled to the container portion, the remote aetuatorhaving a pair of flexible layers forming ® non-deformable actuating balloon defining. @ second sctuating volume accessible through a sccond actuating port, the remote actuator having 2 fixed portion foldably coupled wo a moving portion ata fold region withthe moving portion a least partially overlapping the fixed portion defining a folded configuration, the fixed portion fixed tothe one or more walls with the fold region and the moving portion both disposed outside of the container portion, the remote actuator unfolding about the fold region trom the folded configuration in response to ar entering into the second actuating volume responsive to the increased air pressure with the moving portion maving away from the fixed portion and the first remote actator Folding aout the fold region in response to ai exiting fom the second actuating volume, the remote actustor biased to the folded comfigun- tion; d) moving, responsive to the increased air presse, 8 sheath (oan operated configuration te sheath coupled to wa ‘outside surface ofthe one or more walls whersin the sheath ‘conceals the fold epion andthe moving portion ofthe remote fsctuator extending outside the container portion with the sheath coupled the moving portion and having the operated ‘configuration when the remote actuator is unfolded: and e) ‘moving the sheath o an unoperated configuration irespective ‘of whether the collapsible structure is released by transiion- ing the remote aetustor 1 the folded configuration by aa ‘exiting of air from the second actuating volume, the sheath having the unoperated configuration when the remote acta toris folded wherein theexiting of airincludes next through ed to the second actuating ing the colapsiblestructure allow to automatically expand and refill the fist actuating volume. Anair-actuated device, including ananieleof manufacture ‘configured tobe earied by a user, the atcle of manfacture having body defining a cavity a collapsible suppor structure ‘coupled othe body configured for supporting tae body. and 3 sheath assembly coupled to the bods, the sheath assembly Jnchiding an exterior wall having. frst outside portion and 2 second outside portion with the sheath assembly having an Uunactuated mode andan actuated mode, theunactusted mode providing the sheath assembly overlying the artiele of manu- ‘ture displaying the first outside portion while concealing the seeond outside portion and the actuated! mode providing the sheath assembly extending ffom the article of manufae- ture and displaying the socond outside porion; and discrete powered actuator assembly eoupledtotheartcleof manu- facture, the discrete arspowered actuator assembling incd- nga first diserete ar bladder disposed within the collapsible support and having a first extenor wall containing & fist ber volume, the frst exterior wall providing a first shape ‘memory repeatedly inflating the fst bladder volume after @ collapse of the frst bladder volume, the frst bladder volume ‘nchidinga fist capacity fora ist quantity of air with the frst «discret sr bladder including an outlet extinga portion ofthe fist quantity of ar fom the fist bladder volume when the first exterior wal s collapse; a second diserete aie bladder ‘coupled to both the body and to the sheath assembly, the Second discrete air Bladder having a second exterior wall ‘containing a second bladder volume, the second discrete a bladder remotely located relative tote first disereteairblad- ‘der andthe second bladder volume including asecand capac ity fora second quantity of ar, the second discrete airbladder inchiding an unactusted mode and an actuated mode, the ‘unaetuated mode providing the second diseree air bladder 0 o 4 a unaetuated configuration having a proximal postion of the sevond discrete aie bladder positioned relative to & distal portion of the second diseree air bladder, the unsctuated configuration defining « separation between the portions ‘equal toa first stance, andthe seated mode providing the second discret ar bladder in an actuated configuration fav~ ‘ng the separation greater than the fst distance, wherein an ‘actuating transition of the second diserete ir badder fom the nactuated mode tothe actuated mode transitions the sheath assembly from the unsctuated mode tothe actuated mode and ‘wherein a biased transition of the second diserete sr bladder {rom the actuated mode to the unactuated mode transitions the sheath assembly from theaetuated mode othe unactuated ‘mode; and an elongate communication channel, coupled 10 the outlet and tothe second diserete ar bladder; wherein the second discrete air bladder i biased wo the unactated mode; ‘wherein the second discrete air bladder moves from the unae- tated configuration to the actuated configuration responsive to sr exiting from the first bladder volume; and wherein the sovond diserete air bladder collapses from the actuated on- figuration tothe wnactuated configuration when air exits the second bladder volume. "A method for operating an airpowered aetuator system