Abstract:
A structure for forming an open-air enclosed space is described. The structure includes an umbrella, having a plurality of ribs supporting a cover and a tightly woven netting arranged to hang down from the perimeter of the umbrella when the umbrella is in an open position, to form the open-air enclosed space. At least some of the ribs are further provided with rib extensions arranged to protrude beyond the perimeter of the cover and to support the netting in order to create an extended footprint of the open-air enclosed space. An add-on assembly for umbrellas for forming an insect-protected open-air enclosed space is also described.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The various embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein relate generally to open-air enclosed spaces that are intended to keep insects out. Umbrella nets are used to protect and to enclose the space under an outdoor garden or patio umbrella. Patio tables and chairs are placed under such patio umbrellas so that people can relax in the shade provided by the patio umbrella. A conventional umbrella net is typically placed over the top of an opened patio umbrella, with the side of the umbrella net draped over and hanging from the circumferential edge of the patio umbrella to create a walled or enclosed space under the patio umbrella. These umbrella nets are useful in keeping out insects and dirt, and depending on the material used for the umbrella net, may even be useful in protecting the patio table and chairs from the harsh elements of bad weather. 
         [0002]    Numerous innovations for insect protective devices have been provided. For example, a combination umbrella and gazebo including a frame, a canopy, and a side. The canopy is affixed to the frame and has an open position and a closed position. The side is affixed to the canopy and has an extended position in which the combination functions as the gazebo and a retracted position in which the combination functions as the umbrella. The side achieves its extended and retracted positions by turning a crank which causes a first cord that is operatively connected to eight second cords, which are operatively connected to eight third cords, which are operatively connected to the side to displace half as much as each of the eight third cords so as to reduce the amount of turning of the crank required to lower and raise the side. 
         [0003]    Another example is an umbrella net for use in covering a patio umbrella, the umbrella net having an upper panel having a peripheral edge and a sleeve provided along the peripheral edge. The sleeve has an exposed section, and a first opening and a second opening positioned about the exposed section. The umbrella net further includes a drawstring held within the sleeve and having a first end extending from the first opening and a second end extending from the second opening. The umbrella net also has a wall panel having a top edge connected to the peripheral edge of the upper panel and a bottom edge, the wall panel being adapted to enclose a space defined under the patio umbrella. The drawstring may be used to adjust the height of the wall panel with respect to the ground. 
         [0004]    Yet another example is a portable shelter made from a net material that is to be used for protection from bugs and flying insects. The roof of the shelter comprises an extended umbrella-type structure. The central supporting pole can be either affixed to the top of a table, or be located on a special support stand. The shelter sides extend downwardly and outwardly, and the base portions are held in position by stakes inserted into the ground. 
         [0005]    Even though the above cited insect protective devices address some of the needs of the market, the heretofore known portable shelters have several disadvantages, among which are excessive weight, complicated structures and designs, difficulty in erecting and disassembling, excessive cost and possibility of breakage. Thus, an affordable, practical and effective insect protective add on for umbrellas is still desired. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    In general, in one aspect, the various embodiments of the invention are directed to a structure for forming an open-air enclosed space. The structure includes an umbrella, having a plurality of ribs supporting a cover and a tightly woven netting arranged to hang down from the perimeter of the umbrella when the umbrella is in an open position, to form the open-air enclosed space. At least some of the ribs are further provided with rib extensions arranged to protrude beyond the perimeter of the cover and to support the netting in order to create an extended footprint of the open-air enclosed space. 
         [0007]    Various embodiments may include one or more of the following features. At least some rib extensions can be retractable. At least some rib extensions can be arranged below or on either side of the ribs. At least some rib extensions can be detachably arranged to their respective ribs. At least some rib extensions can be slideably arranged or telescopically arranged in relation to their respective ribs, to be movable between an active extended position and a passive retracted position. At least some rib extensions can be arranged below and in parallel with their respective ribs to provide for a possibility to arrange the netting between the rib and the protruding rib extension. At least some rib extensions can be attached to their respective ribs at a distance from the respective ribs&#39; free ends. At least some rib extensions can be integrated into their respective ribs. 
         [0008]    In general, in another aspect, the various embodiments of the invention are directed to an assembly for umbrellas for forming an insect-protected open-air enclosed space. The assembly includes a tightly woven netting arranged to hang down from the perimeter of the umbrella when the umbrella is in an open position, wherein the netting together with the cover form the open-air enclosed space, and a set of rib extensions that can be attached to the umbrella ribs in such a way that the rib extensions protrude beyond the perimeter of the cover to support the netting and create an extended footprint of the open-air enclosed space. 
         [0009]    Various embodiments may include one or more of the following features. At least some rib extensions can be retractable. At least some rib extensions can be attachable below or on either side of the umbrella ribs. At least some rib extensions can be slideably or telescopically attachable to the ribs to be movable between an active extended position and a passive retracted position. At least some rib extensions can be attachable below and in parallel with the ribs to provide for a possibility to arrange the netting between the rib and the protruding rib extension. At least some rib extensions can be attachable to the ribs at a distance from the ribs&#39; free ends. 
         [0010]    The various embodiments disclosed herein can realize one or more of the following advantages. A modern design is provided. The netting can be made of an essentially transparent material, which can give the user the illusion of the netting not existing. One piece of fabric can be used to create a protected ample space. The size and shape of the open-air enclosed space is variable based on the size and shape of the umbrella and the rib extensions used. The structure and assembly are very portable and can be placed anywhere on a reasonably level surface, such as on a patio, yard, beach, park, and the like, as desired by the user. The structure is very user friendly in that it is easy to install and take down. The netting and rib extensions can stay attached to the ribs of the umbrella when not in use. Only little space is needed for storage during off seasons. 
         [0011]    The structure and assembly are easy to handle in rainy or windy conditions. The structure is easy to enter and exit through the overlapping opening in the netting. The structure is manufactured from high-quality materials that are made to last for several seasons and that are safe for outdoor use. The structure and assembly can generally be manufactured and sold at a cheaper price compared to similar products in the market, such as patio screening, mosquito trappers and luxury garden gazebos. 
         [0012]    These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the various embodiments will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a general perspective view of the structure in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the structure in accordance with one embodiment, showing this time a portion of the netting open to create an access to the open-air enclosed space defined by the umbrella, the rib extensions, and the netting. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a general perspective view of the umbrella including the netting and rib extensions in accordance with one embodiment, this time in a completely folded up position. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a lateral partially sectional view of the rib extensions used to attach the netting to the umbrella, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a partial perspective view of grommets used to secure the netting to the ground, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a partial perspective view of a rib extension in a retracted position, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is another perspective view similar to  FIG. 6 , but this time showing the rib extension in an extended position, in accordance with one embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    As was mentioned above, the embodiments described herein relate to various types of structures and assemblies for forming an open-air enclosed space. The structures are intended to keep out insects and dirt and may also, depending on the material used, be useful in protecting outdoor furniture, such as a patio table and chairs, etc., from the harsh elements of inclement weather. Various embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example, and particular with reference to umbrellas, but as the skilled reader realizes, the various embodiments can be used with any type of canopy. Furthermore, while conventional umbrellas tend to have a central interior stand, it should be noted that the various embodiments can be used in conjunction with umbrellas that are suspended from above, for example, by an arm that is attached to a structure of some kind. It should also be noted that while the figures generally show umbrellas having a hexagonal or octagonal shape, the various embodiments are equally applicable to umbrellas of other shapes, such as rectangular or circular umbrellas, for example. 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  shows a structure ( 10 ) for forming an open-air enclosed space whose interior is generally protected from insects, in accordance with one embodiment. The structure ( 10 ) includes an umbrella ( 30 ), a netting ( 12 ) and eight rib extensions ( 15 ). Together, these elements form an enclosed space ( 11 ). The netting ( 12 ) is typically a tightly woven netting, such as a mosquito netting, and may have different colors depending on the preferences of the user of the structure ( 10 ). It should be noted that while the purpose of the netting ( 12 ) in general is to keep insects out of the enclosed space ( 11 ) by the structure ( 10 ), there may be situations in which a less tightly woven netting ( 12 ) can be used. For example, some users may not be bothered by insects, but may instead be more concerned about other animals such as birds and squirrels, for example, that attempt to steal food from their patio table. In such situations, it may be sufficient with a netting ( 12 ) that is less tightly woven, and which may also be more transparent and allow the users to have a better view of their surroundings while using the structure ( 10 ). 
         [0022]      FIGS. 6 and 7  show partial perspective views of a rib extension ( 15 ), in accordance with one embodiment.  FIG. 6  shows the rib extension ( 15 ) in a retracted position and  FIG. 7  shows the rib extension ( 15 ) in an extended position. As can be seen in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , each rib extension ( 15 ) has an attaching means ( 16 ) and an extendable rod ( 17 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the attaching means ( 16 ) is a clamp-like piece that defines a cylindrical housing in which the extendable rod ( 17 ) can slide. The attaching means ( 16 ) further attaches the rib extension ( 15 ) to one of the umbrella&#39;s ribs ( 31 ). In one embodiment, the rod ( 17 ) that supports the netting ( 12 ) is made of stainless steel. However, it should be realized that other materials may also be used, such as plastic, wood, or various types of metals, depending on the amount of support needed for the netting ( 12 ) and the user&#39;s aesthetical preferences. Furthermore, the rib extensions ( 15 ) may come in different sizes (e.g., the rods ( 17 ) may have different thicknesses) to support different sizes and weights of netting ( 12 ). Also, while cylindrical rods ( 17 ) are illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , it should be realized that the rods ( 17 ) may have differently shaped cross sections, such as square, rectangular, or triangular cross sections, for example, and that the attaching means ( 16 ) can be modified accordingly to define an appropriate shape of a housing in which the rod ( 17 ) can slide. In some embodiments, the rib extension ( 15 ) may also include a grabbing loop ( 19 ) that is attached to the rod ( 17 ). When not in use, the grabbing loop ( 19 ) can be hooked around a protruding feature on the attaching means ( 16 ) to lock the rod ( 17 ) in its retracted position. Of course, this is merely one example among many possible solutions for locking the rod ( 17 ) in its retracted position. Further alternative solutions that fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims can be envisioned by those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0023]    The umbrella ( 30 ) illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , can be a conventional type of umbrella ( 30 ) or parasol with a set of ribs ( 31 ) that supports a substantially waterproof cover ( 32 ). As can be seen, for example, in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , each rib ( 31 ) has a rib extension ( 15 ) that is attached close to the end of the rib ( 31 ). It should, however, be realized that there are also embodiments in which not every single rib ( 31 ) has an attached rib extension ( 15 ), as there may be situations in which the user only wants to extend the footprint of the structure ( 10 ) in one or two directions, or when there is a light-weight netting ( 12 ) that may not need to be supported at every rib ( 31 ). For example, a user may have a rectangular umbrella that she wishes to extend in only one direction to create a substantially square shaped footprint for the structure ( 10 ), or vice versa. 
         [0024]    Typically, every time the user sets up the structure ( 10 ), the rods ( 17 ) of the rib extensions ( 15 ) must be extended, unless they are not already. If the rib extensions ( 15 ) have already been attached to the umbrella&#39;s ribs ( 31 ) through the attaching means ( 16 ), the user can simply grab and pull the rod ( 17 ) to extend it. Once the rods ( 17 ) are in their extended position, the netting ( 12 ) may rest on the rib extensions ( 15 ) and lay flat against the umbrella cover ( 32 ) for a tight seal. The netting ( 12 ) protects the interior space defined by the umbrella ( 30 ) and the extended arms ( 15 ) and lays flat against the umbrella cover ( 32 ), as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 5  is a partial perspective view of grommets ( 23 ) that can be used to secure the netting ( 12 ) to the ground, in accordance with one embodiment. It should be noted that this is an optional feature that may not be present in every embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 5 , to secure the netting ( 12 ) to the ground, a wide hem ( 22 ) with several grommets ( 23 ) is included on the lower part of said netting ( 12 ). Sticks may be inserted in these grommets ( 23 ) to keep the netting ( 12 ) in place close to the ground. Alternatively, instead of (or in addition to) grommets ( 23 ), the hem ( 22 ) may be provided with pockets into which weights can be inserted to keep the netting ( 12 ) in place close to the ground. The choice between sticks or weights typically depends on where the user chooses to put the structure ( 10 ), such as in the back yard, on grass, sand or stone, wood or concrete, etc. Of course, there are also many alternatives to grommets that have an essentially similar functionality, such as o-rings, loops, bands, etc., as can be envisioned by those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0026]      FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the structure ( 10 ) in accordance with one embodiment, and illustrates how a portion of the netting ( 12 ) can be opened to create an access opening to the open-air enclosed space defined by the umbrella ( 30 ), the rib extensions ( 15 ), and the netting ( 12 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the opening can be closed by pulling the two ends of the netting ( 12 ) together and securing them to each other by means of one or more tie strings (not illustrated). Other conventional closing mechanisms, such as hook and loop fasteners, or zippers, etc., are of course also possible in further embodiments. 
         [0027]      FIG. 3  is a general perspective view of the umbrella ( 30 ) including the netting ( 12 ) and rib extensions ( 15 ) in accordance with one embodiment, in a position when the structure ( 10 ) is not in use. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the netting ( 12 ) can easily be hung onto the rib extensions ( 15 ), for example, rather than being completely detached from the umbrella ( 30 ) and rib extensions ( 15 ). 
         [0028]    Finally, it should be noted that while the various embodiments described herein have been focused on the structure ( 10 ) and the use thereof in its assembled position, the invention is also related to an assembly that includes the rib extensions ( 15 ) and netting ( 12 ). By purchasing such an assembly, a user can attach the various parts to her own, existing umbrella ( 30 ), without having to purchase the umbrella ( 30 ) itself. When the various parts of the assembly have been attached to the umbrella ( 30 ), the same functionality and advantages that were described above can be achieved. 
         [0029]    A number of embodiments have been described above. However, it should be recognized and understood that various modifications can be made to these embodiments and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, which may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.