Patent ID: 8336566
Filing Date: 2012-12-25
Classification: A45B

Abstract:
1. A detachable gutter system for draining water collected on an umbrella when the umbrella is in an open condition, wherein said umbrella includes a central pole, an adjustor mounted for movement on the central pole, a plurality of spokes extending from the central pole and movable between an open position and a closed position in connection with movement of the adjustor and generally corresponding with the open and closed condition of the umbrella, and a flexible fabric cover attached to the spokes, said gutter system comprising: a gutter attachable to the umbrella about the perimeter thereof when said umbrella is in its open condition, said gutter defining a plurality of drainage points spread around the perimeter of the gutter; at least one frame connector that connects the gutter to the umbrella via one or more spokes to hold the gutter in place relative to the umbrella when the umbrella is in its open condition; and a drainage path comprising a main tube generally extending down the central pole of the umbrella, a connector tube associated with each drainage point of the gutter and connected between said drainage point and the main tube to drain water from the gutter through the drainage path, and at least one intermediate connector tube between the connector tubes and the main tube, wherein two or more connector tubes join to combine water drained from their respective drainage points into said at least one intermediate connector tube, said drainage path having an open condition and a closed condition such that water collected by the gutter on an opened umbrella is drained through the drainage path when in its open condition and water collected by the gutter is prevented from being drained out of the drainage path when the drainage path is in its closed condition.