Abstract:
A collapsible umbrella has an open position and a collapsed position. In a collapsed position, the umbrella of the present invention can be used as a towel, to clean, wipe, and or dry objects, hands, faces, and the like. In an open position, the umbrella function is enabled, so as to protect a person or objects from rain and/or sun. In one embodiment, the canopy of the umbrella is constructed from material having two surfaces performing different functions. 
     In one embodiment, the umbrella of the present invention contains a mechanism adapted to collapse the umbrella in a manner that turns the canopy inside out when in the collapsed position, so as to hide the water-resistant surface of the canopy and expose the absorbent surface. The absorbent surface then becomes naturally accessible for use when the umbrella is in the collapsed position.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a collapsible umbrella, and more particularly, to an umbrella that is usable as a towel when in its collapsed position. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    It is often difficult to predict when an umbrella may be needed to shield oneself (and/or one&#39;s possessions) from rain or sun. Golfers in particular are susceptible to being caught in the rain; in such situations, it may be useful to have an umbrella to shield oneself and/or one&#39;s clubs. Moisture on the grip of a club can adversely affect performance; accordingly, golfers try hard to protect their clubs from rain. 
         [0005]    The Club Umbrella, available from The Club Umbrella of Oakville, Ontario, Canada, and described at www.theclubumbrella.com, is a miniature umbrella that clamps onto the side of a golf bag and protects clubs from rain. Clubs can be removed from the bag by bending the umbrella stem so that the canopy moves out of the way, allowing access to the clubs. 
         [0006]    A disadvantage of existing umbrellas, including golf-club umbrellas such as The Club Umbrella, is that they are relatively bulky. Even collapsible umbrellas have a weight and a bulk that can be awkward to carry at all times. When there is no need for protection from sun or rain, umbrellas have no useful purpose. In particular, an umbrella in its collapsed position has no utility. Because of their bulk, and because they are only useful in certain situations, most people do not carry umbrellas with them at all times. As a result, a golfer caught in an unexpected rainstorm without an umbrella may attempt to cover his or her clubs with whatever is at hand (towels, rags, jackets), but such attempts are often inadequate. 
         [0007]    Golfers and other individuals also find it useful to carry a towel, for example to clean or dry off golf clubs, golf balls, and/or hands. Such an item is usually carried in a golf bag or attached thereto. 
         [0008]    What is needed, therefore, is an umbrella that has utility other than protecting from sun or rain, providing an additional function that makes it more likely that an individual, such as a golfer, would carry the device even when it is not raining. What is further needed is an umbrella that performs a useful function when in its collapsed position. 
         [0009]    What is further needed is a device that combines the functionality of a collapsible umbrella and a towel, thus obviating the need to carry both. What is further needed is a device that combines such functionality with additional functionality, for example to be usable as a removable, washable, water-resistant mat. What is further needed is a combination collapsible umbrella and a towel that is adapted to the needs of a golfer. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    In various embodiments, the present invention is a collapsible umbrella that can be used as a towel when in its collapsed position. 
         [0011]    In a collapsed position, the umbrella of the present invention can be used as a towel, to clean, wipe, and or dry objects, hands, faces, and the like. In an open position, the umbrella function is enabled, so as to protect a person or objects from rain and/or sun. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, the canopy of the umbrella is constructed from material having two surfaces performing different functions. This can be accomplished by bonding two materials together, or by the use of a single material having two opposing surfaces with distinct properties. 
         [0013]    For example, one surface of the canopy can be constructed from a waterproof (or water-resistant) material such as nylon, plastic, vinyl, or the like; this first surface forms a top surface of the umbrella canopy when the umbrella is open, to act as a waterproof barrier to keep rain out. The opposite surface can be constructed from an absorbent material such as cotton, terrycloth, or the like, to be used as a towel when the device is in a collapsed position. This second surface forms the underside of the umbrella canopy when the umbrella is open, but is exposed and available for use when the umbrella is collapsed. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment, the umbrella of the present invention contains a mechanism adapted to collapse the umbrella in a manner that turns the canopy inside out when in the collapsed position, so as to hide the water-resistant surface of the canopy and expose the absorbent surface. The absorbent surface then becomes naturally accessible for use when the umbrella is in the collapsed position. Conversely, when the umbrella is opened, the absorbent surface is protected from rain because it is underneath the water-resistant surface. In this manner, the absorbent surface stays dry even when the umbrella is used in the rain, making that surface available for subsequent use as a towel. 
         [0015]    Additional embodiments, variations, and advantages will become apparent in the discussion below. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The accompanying drawings illustrate several embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  depicts an umbrella according to one embodiment of the present invention, in its collapsed position. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  depicts an umbrella according to one embodiment of the present invention, in its open position. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  depicts a third use of an umbrella according to one embodiment wherein the canopy of the umbrella has been removed to function as a mat. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a detail view of a handle of an umbrella according to one embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  depicts an example of a transition from a collapsed position to an open position for an umbrella according to one embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  depicts an umbrella according to one embodiment of the present invention, in its collapsed position. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  depicts an umbrella according to one embodiment of the present invention, in its open position. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  depict a cutaway view of an umbrella according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a detail of a mechanism for locking the umbrella in a collapsed position. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 9A through 9C  depict a cutaway view of an umbrella according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing operation of slider hooks to constrain arms when in an open position. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  depict a mechanism by which the canopy of the umbrella is fastened to the body of the umbrella according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0027]    One skilled in the art will recognize that the described and illustrated embodiments are merely exemplary, and that many other embodiments can be constructed without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention as recited in the claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0028]    The present invention is now described more fully with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which several embodiments of the invention are shown. The present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be complete and will fully convey the invention to those skilled in the art. 
         [0029]    In the following description, the invention is set forth in the context of a collapsible golf-club umbrella that can be used as a towel when in its collapsed position. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be implemented in other ways as well. For example the umbrella of the present invention can be implemented at any desired size, so as to have uses other than for golf clubs. More specifically, a larger-sized embodiment may be used as a personal umbrella. It will be apparent from the description provided herein that many other variations are possible, and that the particular embodiments set forth herein are intended to be exemplary and not limiting. 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is shown an umbrella  100  according to one embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 1 , umbrella  100  is shown in a collapsed position; in  FIG. 2 , it is shown in an open position. 
         [0031]    Umbrella  100  includes handle  108 , by which the user can hold umbrella  100  when in its open or collapsed position. In one embodiment, button  104  allows a user to switch between open and collapsed positions, as described in more detail below. In one embodiment, a sliding grip  103  extends from handle  108  when umbrella  100  is in its collapsed position, to allow easier access for towel functionality. 
         [0032]    In one embodiment, canopy  101  has two surfaces: a waterproof or water-resistant surface  202  that provides protection from rain when umbrella  100  is in its open position, and an absorbent surface  203  that is usable as a towel when umbrella  100  is in its collapsed position. The mechanism of umbrella  100 , as described in more detail below, exposes absorbent surface  203  when umbrella  100  is in its collapsed position, as shown in  FIG. 1 . When umbrella  100  is in the open position, as shown in  FIG. 2 , water-resistant surface  202  is on top and absorbent surface  203  is underneath, so that absorbent surface  203  is protected from getting wet or dirty. 
         [0033]    For example, absorbent surface  203  of canopy  101  can be constructed from terrycloth, cotton, or the like. Water-resistant surface  202  can be constructed from plastic, nylon, or the like. The two surfaces  202 ,  203  can be attached, sewn, glued, or bonded to one another; alternatively, a single material can be used having two distinct surfaces  202 ,  203 . 
         [0034]    Support arms  102 , or spokes, are provided, to support canopy  101  when in the open position. Support arms  102  can be located either above or below canopy  101 , and affixed thereto to provide proper support. Depending on their positions, support arms  102  can be exposed when umbrella  100  is in the collapsed position and/or in the open position. Alternatively, support arms  102  can run through the material of canopy  101 , such as between layers or through sleeves (not shown) in the material of canopy  101 , so that support arms  102  are hidden from view in either position. In the example, five support arms  102  are depicted, although in other embodiments the invention can be implemented using any number of support arms  102 . 
         [0035]    Support arms  102  are attached to sliding grip  103 . In the open position, as shown in  FIG. 2 , shaft  201  connects handle  108  with sliding grip  103 . In one embodiment, shaft  201  can be extended or collapsed, for example via a telescoping arrangement, to be hidden within handle  108  when umbrella  100  is in its collapsed position. 
         [0036]    In one embodiment, umbrella  100  includes a loop  105  for allowing umbrella  100  to hang when in its collapsed position. Loop  105  can be attached to a golf bag, stroller, backpack, hook or other object, so as to make umbrella  100  more accessible for use as a towel when in its collapsed position. One skilled in the art will recognize that a hook, strap, or other similar mechanism can be used in place of loop  105 . 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a third function of the umbrella of the present invention. Canopy  101  can be removed from the assembly shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and used as a mat. In this mode of operation, canopy  101  can be placed on the ground, on a table, or on any other surface. Canopy  101  can be placed so that its water-resistant surface is underneath the absorbent surface, so as to provide protection from the ground or other surface on which canopy  101  is placed, for example if the ground is moist or dirty. 
         [0038]    As described in more detail below, in one embodiment, canopy  101  can be removed from the assembly for cleaning, or to be replaced with another color or style, or for any other reason. In one embodiment, canopy  101  is made from a washable material. 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a detail view of handle  108  for umbrella  100  according to one embodiment, including sliding grip  103 , button  104 , and loop  105  as described above. 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown an example of a transition from a collapsed position to an open position for umbrella  100  according to one embodiment. To transform umbrella  100  from a collapsed position to an open position, the user pushes button  104 . In one embodiment, an internal spring mechanism (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) causes shaft  201  to extend from handle  108  and causes support arms  102  to fold out according to well known techniques for umbrellas. Canopy  101  is thereby supported in an open position, providing protection from sun and rain. 
         [0041]    In one embodiment, to transform umbrella  100  from the open position back to the collapsed position, the user holds down button  104  while pulling sliding grip  103  down towards handle  108 . Shaft  201  retracts, and support arms  102  fold up automatically. Sliding grip  103  clicks into place by a latch, magnet, or other mechanism (not shown) to engage with handle  108 . 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , there is shown another embodiment of umbrella  100  in a collapsed position and in an open position, respectively. In this embodiment, the user changes the position of umbrella  100  by rotating and moving sliding grip  103  along shaft  201 , as described below. Thus, button  104  can be omitted. 
         [0043]    In  FIG. 6 , umbrella  100  is shown in its collapsed position, with absorbent surface  203  exposed for use as a towel, as described above. In  FIG. 7 , umbrella  100  is shown in its open position, with absorbent surface  203  as the underside of canopy  101 . 
         [0044]    Sliding grip  103  includes a collar section  703 . In one embodiment, a set of slider hooks  701  is positioned around the outer surface of collar section  703 . 
         [0045]    When umbrella  100  is in the collapsed position, as shown in  FIG. 6 , collar section  703  supports nubs  702  that are attached to arms  102 , so as to hold arms  102  in position. 
         [0046]    When umbrella  100  is in the open position, as shown in  FIG. 7 , slider hooks  701  engage with nubs  702  to hold support arms  102  in place. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 8A ,  9 A and  9 C show this mechanism in more detail by depicting umbrella  100  with canopy  101  omitted. In  FIG. 8A , collar section  703  supports nubs  702 , holding arms  102  in the collapsed position. In  FIGS. 9A and 9C , slider hooks  701  are engaged with nubs  702  to support arms  102  in the open position. 
         [0048]    In one embodiment, sliding grip  103  is held in place in one of the two positions by an internal mechanism as depicted in cutaway form in  FIGS. 8B and 9B . For illustrative purposes, canopy  101  is omitted from these Figures. 
         [0049]    Sliding grip  103  includes an internal protrusion  901 , not normally visible to the user, that engages with one of two interior ledges  902 ,  903  in shaft  201 . Ledge  902  holds sliding grip  103  so as to maintain the collapsed position of umbrella  100 , while ledge  903  holds sliding grip  103  so as to maintain the open position of umbrella  100 . 
         [0050]    The user can disengage internal protrusion  901  from one of ledges  902 ,  903  by rotating sliding grip  103  by some amount, such as for example 45 degrees. Sliding grip  103  can then be moved along shaft  201  to switch from open position to collapsed position or vice versa. Once sliding grip  103  is in its desired position, user can then rotate sliding grip  103  back, so as to re-engage internal protrusion  901  with one of ledges  902 ,  903 . In one embodiment, an internal spring mechanism can be providing to automatically re-engage protrusion  901  when the user releases sliding grip  103 . 
         [0051]    In one embodiment, when the user lowers sliding grip  103  from its upper position (where protrusion  901  engages with ledge  902 ) to its lower position (where protrusion  901  engages with ledge  903 ), the downward movement of collar  703  causes support arms  102  to rotate downwards by some amount, such as for example  100  degrees, thereby exposing the water-resistant surface of canopy  101  and allowing the device to function as an umbrella. Conversely, when the user raises sliding grip  103  from its lower position (where protrusion  901  engages with ledge  903 ) to its upper position (where protrusion  901  engages with ledge  902 ), the upward movement of collar  703  causes support arms  102  to rotate upwards by some amount, such as for example  100  degrees, thereby exposing the absorbent surface of canopy  101  and allowing the device to function as a towel. 
         [0052]    In one embodiment, the rotational movement that causes protrusion  901  of sliding grip  103  to disengage from ledge  903  when umbrella  100  is in its open position simultaneously causes nubs  702  to disengage from slider hooks  701 . Similarly, the rotational movement that causes protrusion  901  of sliding grip  103  to re-engage from ledge  903  when umbrella is locked into its open position simultaneously causes nubs  702  to re-engage with slider hooks  701 . In this manner, the operation of switching between modes is simplified, as only one motion is needed to perform both functions of engaging (or disengaging) protrusion  901  and nubs  702 . In one embodiment, the optional internal spring mechanism mentioned above keeps slider hooks  701  engaged with nubs  702 . 
         [0053]    To summarize, then, the user can cause umbrella  100  to switch from one position to another by rotating sliding grip  103  counter-clockwise, moving grip  103  along shaft to the desired position, and rotating sliding grip  103  clockwise to lock it into place. 
         [0054]    One skilled in the art will recognize that the mechanisms shown in  FIGS. 8A ,  8 B, and  9 A through  9 C are merely exemplary, and that other mechanisms for holding support arms  102  and for extending shaft  201  can be used. Umbrella  100  can be adapted to extend shaft  201 , for example to provide different heights in the open position. 
         [0055]    Referring now to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , there is shown an example of a mechanism by which canopy  101  is fastened to support arms  102  of umbrella  100  according to one embodiment. Canopy  101  includes a number of button ledges  1003 , adapted to engage with buttons  1002  located at the ends of support arms  102 . In this manner, canopy  1003  is held in place to be supported by arms  102  in either the collapsed or open position of umbrella  100 . 
         [0056]    In one embodiment, canopy  101  is further held in place by center pin  1001 , which passes through hole  1004  in canopy  101  and attaches to upper grip  103 . Center pin  1001  can be fastened by a snap fastener, or by a screw-type threaded connector, or by any other means. To fasten canopy  101 , center pin  1001  is temporarily removed from upper grip  103 , buttons  1002  are inserted in button ledges  1003 , and center pin  1001  is pushed through hole  1004  to re-engage with upper grip  103 . To remove canopy  101 , center pin  1001  is temporarily removed from upper grip  103 , buttons  1002  are detached from button ledges  1003 , and canopy  101  is lifted off of support arms  102 ; center pin  1001  can then be reattached to upper grip  103 . In this manner, canopy  101  is easily removable for cleaning, or for use as a mat, or to be replaced with a different style or color of canopy  101 , for any other reason. 
         [0057]    In one embodiment, umbrella  100  of the present invention and its components are constructed from plastic, wood, metal, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, canopy  101  is constructed from plastic, nylon, terrycloth, cotton, polyester, or any combination thereof, and may further be adapted to have two surfaces to perform the various functions described above. 
         [0058]    In the above description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the invention. 
         [0059]    Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
         [0060]    As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. For example, the particular architectures depicted above are merely exemplary of one implementation of the present invention. Other mechanisms for extending, collapsing, and/or locking the umbrella can be used. 
         [0061]    The functional elements and method steps described above are provided as illustrative examples of one technique for implementing the invention; one skilled in the art will recognize that many other implementations are possible without departing from the present invention as recited in the claims. Likewise, the particular capitalization or naming of the modules, protocols, features, attributes, or any other aspect is not mandatory or significant, and the mechanisms that implement the invention or its features may have different names or formats. In addition, the present invention may be implemented as a method, process, user interface, computer program product, system, apparatus, or any combination thereof. Accordingly, the disclosure of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.