Patent ID: 6334454
Filing Date: 2002-01-01
Classification: A45B

Abstract:
In combination:a collapsible umbrella including an umbrella shaft having a first end and a second end, a folding canopy support attached to the first end of said umbrella shaft, and a canopy attached to said folding canopy support; a cap connected to the second end of said umbrella shaft; a housing defining a housing interior; and connector means for selectively releasably connecting said cap to said housing in two alternate orientations, said cap when in one of said orientations closing off said housing interior with the umbrella in collapsed condition within said housing interior with said housing functioning as a repository for the umbrella, and said cap when in the other of said orientations reversibly received within said housing interior and closing off the housing interior and supporting the umbrella in uncollapsed condition with said housing functioning as a handle for the umbrella, said connector means comprising screw threads on said cap and matingly engageable screw threads within said housing interior, said screw threads on said cap having two sets of screw threads externally disposed adjacent to one another on one end of said cap for said two alternative orientations.