Abstract:
An umbrella with a chamber for storage of material such as an enclosure canopeum of netting. Included are mechanisms for transport and interchange of various canopeums. By turning a crank handle, netting is transported from its storage chamber to the edge of the umbrella canopy, where it can be lowered to the ground. The canopeum will then shield those under the umbrella from incursions by agents such as insect pests. Turning the crank in the opposite direction transports the canopeum to its stowed and protected position within the chamber. Canopeum accouterments facilitate attachment, removal, and interchange of canopeums having varied compositions, textures, and surface details.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
         [0001]    (Not Applicable)  
         STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
         [0002]    (Not Applicable)  
         REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX  
         [0003]    (Not Applicable)  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       Statement of the Field of Endeavor  
         [0004]    United States Patent Class 135  
           [0005]    The present invention relates to an umbrella, tent, or canopy, specifically to an umbrella with a storage chamber for an enclosure canopeum of netting, and having mechanisms for canopeum deployment, retraction, and interchange.  
         REFERENCES TO RELATED ART  
         [0006]    Devices such as umbrellas, canopies, and tents are widely used outdoors. They are familiar features of gardens, yards, patios, restaurants, beaches, pools and parks. These devices interdict unwanted environmental agents approaching from above. Excessive sunlight, rain, and falling debris are blocked. Outdoor living is enhanced by protection from such intrusions. However, umbrellas usually lack protective barriers effective beyond the edge of their canopies. This allows vulnerability to invasion by pests such as mosquitoes, flies, and bees.  
           [0007]    Therefore, inventors have proposed protective enclosures for temporary outdoor structures. Additionally, some inventors have proposed mechanisms to extend and retract umbrella enclosures.  
           [0008]    FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 144,792, November 1873, to Prentiss describes a portable combination of umbrella and netting. The net material is attached to the periphery of the umbrella&#39;s canopy. This enclosure is long enough to reach the ground.  
           [0009]    FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 2,502,984, April 1950, to Parmenter describes an umbrella said to provide enhanced, adjustable protection from the elements.  
           [0010]    FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 2,546,228, March 1951, to Martini describes a transparent shield suspended from an umbrella.  
           [0011]    FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 2,661,752, December 1953, to Kampf et al. describes a “garden” type umbrella with a hollow support. The support contains a cord used to manipulate the umbrella&#39;s canopy. One end of the cord is attached to a runner on the support. The cord&#39;s other end, after passing through a pulley, is connected to a manually operated reel.  
           [0012]    FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 3,477,453, November 1969, to D&#39;Ulisse and D&#39;Ulisse describes a net for converting an umbrella to a shelter from insects. It consists of a dome-shaped net covering for beach-type umbrellas, adapted to rest on the roof of the umbrella. It possessing sidewalls that extend to the ground. A hole is provided in the center of the covering to permit the umbrella support pole to protrude. Loops are provided at the bottom, perimeter of the wall for use staking the wall to the ground. Devices are provided on the dome for securing it to the umbrella.  
           [0013]    FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 3,621,857, November, 1971, to May et al. describes a tent fly supported by a structure that keeps the fly taut. It also separates the fly from the top of the tent. The fly contains parts of the canopy, overhanging the edge of the tent. Methods are also provided to adjust the canopy and to facilitate its deployment.  
           [0014]    FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,022, January 1975, to Arndt et al. describes a umbrella-like structure with sides of netting. These sides drape down and outward, secured to the ground with stakes.  
           [0015]    FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 4,022,233, May 1977, to Grundman describes an umbrella with an attached retractable protective material.  
           [0016]    FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 4,086,931, May 1978, to Hall describes an umbrella whose support is located off-center, at the side of its canopy. The space under the umbrella is enclosed by means of segments of fabric suspended from its periphery.  
           [0017]    FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 4,202,363, May 1980, to Watts et al. describes a collapsible, combination umbrella and tent. The support frame is attached to two central hubs mounted on a central pole. Movement of these hubs facilitate erection and collapsing of the structure and its covering.  
           [0018]    FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 4,422,468, December 1983, to Wilson describes a lawn type umbrella. It has an enlarged canopy and central pole cover that expands to provide increased covering.  
           [0019]    FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,712, December 1992, to Robinson describes a combination beach umbrella and screen apparatus. It includes a flexible, detachable, screen attached around the perimeter of the canopy of the umbrella. The screen is designed to provide additional shade and protection from insects, and inclement weather.  
           [0020]    FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. Des. 352,759, November 1994, to Cantwell describes a screen tent house having slanted walls extending from a central canopy.  
           [0021]    FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,595, September 1997, to Vonderhorst, et al. describes a removable screen apparatus, that may be mounted atop an umbrella. It promises transportable personal protection from flying insects.  
           [0022]    FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,587, October 1997, to Bilotti describes an umbrella net that provides a drawstring for adjusting the height of the umbrella&#39;s net wall. It also offers a method for withdrawing the wall into a sleeve-like storage space located under the peripheral edge of the umbrella.  
           [0023]    FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,822, April 1998, to Einck describes a patio set including an umbrella. A skirt extends down from the umbrella&#39;s canopy. The skirt is moveable, relative to the canopy. It is retracted when the canopy is raised, and extended when the canopy is lowered. In both raised and lowered situations the canopy is itself extended. The raised canopy is for when chairs and table are in use. The lowered location of the canopy protects chairs and table, when they are unoccupied. The skirt is moved between by a set of flexible members connected to the lower end of the skirt. Movement of the flexible members, such as cords, can be accomplished in a variety of ways such as rack and pinion, pneumatic cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, or by motor.  
           [0024]    FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,547, September 1998, to Derlinga describes a combination umbrella and gazebo. Walls dropped from the canopy of the umbrella define the structure as a gazebo. A stepped sequence of cords is attached at one end to a crank. The cords provide a way to raise and lower the sides.  
           [0025]    FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,891, January 2000, to Surface, Decker, and Fanti describes a screen enclosure system providing a tether system attachable to the umbrella and shaped to form an exoskeleton over the umbrella. The skeleton is made by attaching many individual tethers to the umbrella over the spines of the umbrella. Also provided is a screening system attached to the exoskeleton by fasteners.  
           [0026]    FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,278, December 2000, to Lin describes an umbrella with a series of overlapping canopies designed to provide ventilation as well as protection.  
         REFERENCES TO SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF RELATED ART  
         [0027]    Devices referenced above have a number of disadvantages. Protective enclosures temporarily mounted on umbrellas, such as described by U.S. Pat. No. 3,477,453, D&#39;Ulisse and D&#39;Ulisse, November 1969, require considerable time and effort to attach and remove. These are procedures that can excessively challenge many individuals&#39; strength and manual dexterity. Most people apparently shun the demands of such enclosures.  
           [0028]    During periods while removed from the umbrella, enclosures benefit from storage. This avoids damage from destructive agents such as bird droppings, air-borne dirt, and tear inflicting objects. Umbrella enclosures therefore benefit from placement in storage containers, when not in active service.  
           [0029]    To avoid problems described above, various solutions have been proposed. Mechanisms that extend and retract enclosures permanently attached to umbrellas may be seen in prior art. Examples include disclosures such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,587, Bilotti, October 1997, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,547, Derlinga, September 1998. However these devices have significant limitations.  
           [0030]    Bilotti suggested stowing retracted netting around an umbrella&#39;s canopy. However, material gathered at the tips of umbrella ribs inevitably droops. A series of catenary shaped segments then adorns the umbrella canopy. Some may view these hangings as cumbersome protuberances, unsightly and physically intrusive. Such configurations also act as catch basins for airborne debris.  
           [0031]    Recognizing these problems, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,547, September 1998, Derlinga proposed folding sheaths, extensions of the canopy, that wrap around canopy suspended netting. However, opening and closing such sheaths is time consuming, and also may be physically taxing for some individuals.  
           [0032]    Inventors have, for well over a century, recognized advantages of adding enclosures such as netting to umbrellas. However, the prior art shows no adequate solution to the inherent problems indicated above. Past attempts at providing effective, convenient deployment, retraction, and storage of umbrella enclosures have not been successful.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION  
         [0033]    Objects and Advantages  
           [0034]    Accordingly, beside the objects and advantages of the enclosures described in our above patent, several objects and advantages of the present invention are:  
           [0035]    (a) to provide an outdoor structure with a storage chamber (“chamber”) for enclosing material such as netting. The chamber can contain a canopeum of the enclosure material (“canopeum”) when the material is not in use. The word canopeum describes an enclosure of material that protects occupants against intrusions by insects and other unwelcome agents. Canopy is the term used to indicate a standard umbrella covering.  
           [0036]    (b) to provide a transport system for moving the canopeum between the chamber and the enclosure&#39;s operational positions  
           [0037]    (c) to provide ways for attachment, removal, and interchange of canopeums having assorted compositions, textures, and details  
           [0038]    (d) to provide modifications to standard umbrella structures, insuring cooperation with the present invention  
           [0039]    Further objects and advantages of the present invention include the following. The invention encourages use of a canopeum that is convenient to store, deploy, and retract. The invention&#39;s storage chamber and deployment system is both simple to use and cost effective to manufacture. These factors support the invention&#39;s availability to prevent annoyance, and possible disease, from insect pests. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING  
       [0040]    These and other features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions and drawings. Like reference numerals represent like elements in the several views, and in which:  
         [0041]    Sheet 1/5  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 1 is a top view of the umbrella and its transport system with the umbrella canopy open.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the invention assembled with umbrella canopy open and canopeum fully deployed;  
         [0044]    Sheet 2/5  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 3 is a section showing the umbrella canopy open and the canopeum deployed.  
         [0046]    Sheet 3/5  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 4 is an elevation of the upper portion of the umbrella, showing its chamber, with transport system extended.  
         [0048]    Sheet 4/5  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 5 is an elevation of the transport cylinder with transport tubes in fully deployed configuration.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 6 is an elevation of transport cylinder and transport tubes in partially deployed positions.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 7 is an elevation of transport cylinder and transport tubes in their fully retracted configuration.  
         [0052]    Sheet 5/5  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of the invention including upper transport cylinder, flexible connector tubes containing stents, and adjacent ends of transport tubes. 
     
    
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS UTILIZED IN THE DRAWING  
       [0054]    [0054] 10  chamber  
         [0055]    [0055] 15  chamber perforations  
         [0056]    [0056] 20  chamber support transition piece  
         [0057]    [0057] 30  alignment guide  
         [0058]    [0058] 40  guide linkage  
         [0059]    [0059] 50  linkage track  
         [0060]    [0060] 60  crown  
         [0061]    [0061] 65  septum  
         [0062]    [0062] 70  cover  
         [0063]    [0063] 72  cover flexible union  
         [0064]    [0064] 75  cover clip  
         [0065]    [0065] 76  cover clip anchor  
         [0066]    [0066] 80  cover support frame  
         [0067]    [0067] 90  cover support anchors  
         [0068]    [0068] 100  cover support  
         [0069]    [0069] 110  deployer cord pulleys  
         [0070]    [0070] 120  chamber sites for attachment of canopeum  
         [0071]    [0071] 130  transport cylinder  
         [0072]    [0072] 140  transport cylinder attachment  
         [0073]    [0073] 150  attachment tubes  
         [0074]    [0074] 160  flexible plastic tube  
         [0075]    [0075] 170  steel spring stiffener  
         [0076]    [0076] 180  transport tube  
         [0077]    [0077] 190  safety tip  
         [0078]    [0078] 200  transport cylinder key  
         [0079]    [0079] 210  retractor string  
         [0080]    [0080] 220  retractor string pulley  
         [0081]    [0081] 230  deployment cord  
         [0082]    [0082] 240  canopeum  
         [0083]    [0083] 245  canopeum zipper  
         [0084]    [0084] 250  canopeum base ring  
         [0085]    [0085] 255  ground fasteners  
         [0086]    [0086] 260  canopeum wall ring  
         [0087]    [0087] 270  canopeum transport tube ring  
         [0088]    [0088] 280  canopeum chamber fasteners  
         [0089]    [0089] 290  support  
         [0090]    [0090] 300  support keyway  
         [0091]    [0091] 310  retractor string access port  
         [0092]    [0092] 320  deployment cord access port  
         [0093]    [0093] 330  crank, gear, reel assembly  
         [0094]    [0094] 340  canopy  
         [0095]    [0095] 350  canopy rib  
         [0096]    [0096] 360  rib pivot  
         [0097]    [0097] 370  rib support  
         [0098]    [0098] 380  rib slide collar  
         [0099]    [0099] 390  umbrella stand  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     Umbrella with Chamber and Transport for a Canopeum  
       [0100]    Description of Components  
         [0101]    The present invention is distinct from configurations and mechanisms seen in prior art. Our enclosure storage and deployment system is unique in the field of umbrella, tent, and canopy construction and usage. The essence of this distinction may be seen in a typical embodiment of the invention.  
         [0102]    A typical embodiment of the invention is illustrated by SHEET 1, FIG. 1 (top view), FIG. 2 (perspective), and SHEET 2, FIG. 3 (section). The invention includes storage chamber  10 , made of a plastic sufficiently rigid to support attached members. Chamber  10  rests above a 5.1 cm. (2 inch) outside diameter (“OD”) by 1.83 m. (6 ft.) plexiglass support  290  having 0.3 cm. (⅛ inch) thick walls. Support  290  is available from Industrial Plastics, of New York, N.Y. The disclosed invention also includes eight fiberglass transport tubes  180 . Transport tubes  180  are each 107 cm. (3 ft. 6 in.) long with 0.54 cm. (¼ inch) diameters, available from Max-Gain-Systems, Inc., Marietta Ga. Components of the present embodiment generally are comprised of materials having low coefficients of electrical conductivity. This reduces potential danger from lightning strikes.  
         [0103]    Cooperating Members  
         [0104]    [0104]FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3 illustrate several cooperating members seen in prior art of umbrellas. These members include umbrella support  290 , and umbrella stand  390 . Also cooperating are canopy  340 , canopy ribs  350 , and rib pivots  360 . Supporting these members are rib supports  370 , and support mounted rib slide collar  380 .  
         [0105]    In order to cooperate with a typical embodiment of the present invention, a number of standard umbrella members have been modified. For example, canopy ribs  350  made of pine are used to extend and support umbrella canopy  340 . Canopy ribs  350  are connected to rib pivots  360  located around the periphery of storage chamber  10 . This differs from the usual form of traditional umbrellas. In prior art of umbrella construction canopy ribs generally attach to pivots located at a small hub above the umbrella support.  
         [0106]    Storage Chamber Components  
         [0107]    SHEET 3, FIG. 4 illustrates storage chamber  10  and the upper portion of umbrella support  290 . In a typical embodiment of the present invention, chamber  10  and support  290  serve as storage sites for canopeum  240  and members of its transport system. Chamber  10  dimensions are predicated by the size of canopeum  240 . In the present embodiment, chamber  10  is tulip shaped with circular cross section. Chamber  10  has an upper diameter of 35.5 cm. (14 inches), diminishing to a diameter of 5.1 cm. (two inches) where it connects with support  290 . The height of chamber  10  is 47 cm. (18 inches). Chamber support transition piece  20  reinforces the union between chamber  10  and umbrella support  290 .  
         [0108]    Each of eight transport tubes  180  passes through a 1.27 cm. (0.5 inch) inside diameter (“ID”) by 5.1 cm. (2 inch) alignment guide  30 . Each alignment guide  30  is connected to a guide linkage  40 . Guide linkages  40  in turn are attached to 25.4 cm. (ten inch) long linkage track rods  50  evenly spaced around the interior of chamber  10 . Each linkage track rod  50  is attached to the interior wall of chamber  10  adjacent to a canopy rib  350 . Serrated crown  60  contains eight valleys, each centered above a canopy rib  350 . When canopeum  240  is fully deployed, one transport tube  180  rests in each of valley. Transport tubes  180  act as cantilevers, extending radially outward over canopy  340 .  
         [0109]    Transport tubes  180  each join 5.1 cm. (two inch) long, hollow rubber, safety tips  190 . Each safety tip  190  terminates at a perforated 1.9 cm. (0.75 inch) diameter sphere from which retractor strings  210  emerge. Relative flexibility of safety tips  190  helps avoid possible injury resulting from accidental contact with transport tubes  180 . Safety tips  190  also enhance the ability of transport tubes  180  to articulate with septums  65  and alignment guides  30 , near the base of chamber  10 .  
         [0110]    When the canopeum transport system in its fully retracted configuration, tips of transport tubes  180  congregate around the base of the storage chamber  10 . When fully retracted, segments of canopeum  240  wrap around peaks in chamber  10 &#39;s crown, then extend downward towards transport tubes  180  at the bottom of chamber  10 .  
         [0111]    Thin, stiff plastic sheets form septums  65 , radially dividing the interior of storage chamber  10  into eight compartments. Each septum  65  is secured to the interior wall of chamber  10 . Septums are connected to chamber  10  at midpoints of peaks in the serrated crown. Transport tubes  180  are guided through each of the resulting storage chamber segments.  
         [0112]    The surface of chamber  10  contains a multitude of perforations  15  having diameters of approximately ⅛ inch. Perforations  15  allow incidental moisture to exit the chamber. Perforations  15  also allow fresh air to enter and circulate, preventing mildew forming on canopeum  240  while it is stowed. end.  
         [0113]    Chamber Cover  
         [0114]    SHEET 3, FIG. 4 illustrates cover  70  that shields and protects contents of storage chamber  10 . In the present embodiment, cover  70  has the form of a flexible, segmented, plastic shell. A seam in cover  70  is rests on cover support frame  80  directly above a pair of septums  65 . Cover  70  has a diameter of 40.6 cm. (16 inches) extending 5.1 cm. (two inches) beyond the periphery of serrated crown  60  of chamber  10 . Cover  70  is divided diametrically into two halves, joined along their seam by cover flexible union  72 . Cover support  100  extends upwards from two cover support anchors  90  located on the crest of chamber  10 . Cover support frame  80  arches above chamber  10  where its transverse member coincides with the flexible seam joining both halves of cover  70 . Cover  70  is fitted with cover clips  75  that may be attached to corresponding cover clip anchors  76  on chamber  10 .  
         [0115]    Transport Members  
         [0116]    The present embodiment&#39;s transport system includes transport cylinder  130  illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. transport cylinder  130  comprises a 24″ length 1¾″ O.D. poly vinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. It is mounted within umbrella support  290 . Three longitudinal transport cylinder keys  200 , fastened to the exterior of transport cylinder  130 , mate with vertical support keyways  300  placed inside umbrella support tube  290 .  
         [0117]    Illustrated in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, lengths of flexible plastic tube  160 , 5.1 cm. (two inches) long and 0.64 cm. (¼ inch) outside diameter serve as connections. They join and permit articulation between transport tubes  180  and transport cylinder  130 . One end of each flexible plastic tube  160  is force fit onto a transport tube  180 . The opposite ends of flexible plastic tubes  160  are force fit onto 0.64 cm. (¼ inch) by 2.54 cm. (one inch) threaded, hollow, attachment tubes  150 . Attachment tubes  150  are placed in eight threaded holes arrayed in a circular pattern through 4.45 cm. (1.75) inch diameter brass transport cylinder attachment  140 . It, in turn, is connected to the upper end of transport cylinder  130 .  
         [0118]    Each flexible plastic tube  160  contains a 0.32 cm. (⅛ inch) by 2.54 cm. (one inch) long steel spring stiffener  170  that serves as a stent. Spring stiffeners  170  prevent pinching of retractor strings  210  that extend longitudinally through transport system members including flexible plastic tubes  160 .  
         [0119]    Each retractor string  210  passes through transport tubes  180 , canopeum wall rings  260 , then attach to canopeum base rings  250  at the bottom margin of canopeum  240 . The other end of each retractor string  210  passes through transport cylinder  130 , down support  290 , then through retractor string pulleys  220  at the base of the umbrella support  290 . Next, strings  210  pass upwards through support  290 , through retractor string access port  310  and enter crank, gear, reel assembly  330  mounted on umbrella support tube  390 .  
         [0120]    The crank of crank, gear, reel assembly  330  connects, via gear trains, with two counter-rotating take-up reels. Each reel&#39;s rate of rotation is proportional to the length of the deployment cord  230  compared to the length of retractor strings  210 . Use of two reels allows one crank to independently wind unequal lengths of flexible members. A single crank mechanism  330 , can thereby both deploy and retract canopeum  240 .  
         [0121]    Near the base of storage chamber  10  is a set of two deployer cord pulleys  110  through which pass deployer cord  230  connected at one end to the base of transport cylinder  130  and at its other end connected to a reel in crank, gear, reel assembly  330 .  
         [0122]    Canopeum Members  
         [0123]    Canopeum  240  contains netting, style “DURP 50”, from Apex Mills Corporation, Inwood, N.Y. Canopeum  240  is equipped with several attachments, canopeum base ring  250 , canopeum wall ring  260 , and canopeum transport tube ring  270 . These three types of rings may be opened and closed to facilitate replacement of canopeum  240 . Canopeum transport tube rings  270  connect each transport tube  180  to canopeum  240 . Canopeum transport tube rings  270  facilitate gathering upper portions of canopeum  240  into chamber  10 . These rings allow canopeum  240  to slide evenly along transport tubes  180  when the latter are raised or lowered.  
         [0124]    Canopeum storage chamber fasteners  280  are distributed along the upper edge of canopeum  240 . These members facilitate discretionary attachment, detachment, and interchange of canopeums of various constructions. They also support occasional canopeum removal for cleaning. Canopeum zippers  245  facilitate opening a portal into, and the interchange of, canopeum  240 . Ground fasteners  255  provide a way to extend the base of canopeum  240 , and securing it to the ground. These fasteners have the form of elongated spikes, able to penetrate and provide anchorage in soil. Alternately, ground fasteners  255  can connect to anchors or weights independent of the present system.  
       Operation  
       [0125]    Canopeum Deployment  
         [0126]    Deploying canopeum  240  of the invention&#39;s present embodiment is accomplished simply by turning crank, gear, and reel assembly  330 . Force is thereby applied to deployment cord  230 . Deployment cord  230  transmits this force along its length through deployment cord access port  320  in umbrella support  290 . Ultimately the force is relayed, via deployer cord pulleys  110 , to the base of transport cylinder  130 , where one end of deployment cord  230  is attached.  
         [0127]    Winding deployment cord  230  lifts transport cylinder  130  and its eight attached transport tubes  180 . Transport cylinder keys  200  and support tube keyways  300  impede rotation of the transport cylinder  130  and its attachments around the longitudinal axis of umbrella support tube  290 . As continuing force is applied to crank, gear, and reel assembly  330 , transport tubes  180 , connected with transport cylinder  130 , emerge from umbrella support  390 . Components of canopeum  240  are thereby projected from chamber  10 .  
         [0128]    During deployment, and later retraction operations, cover  70  is pushed and folded to allow canopeum  240  and transport mechanisms to exit, and later reenter, storage chamber  10 . Cover clips  75  on the periphery of cover  70  may be attached to corresponding cover clip anchors  76  on storage chamber  10  in order to secure cover  70  in a closed position while the umbrella is being transported or stored.  
         [0129]    As transport tubes  180  progressively emerge from umbrella support tube  290  they are directed by alignment guides  30 . Alignment guides  30  are connected to guide linkages  40  that are free to slide along linkage tracks  50 . Transport tubes  180  are thereby guided radially outward towards valleys in serrated crown  60 &#39;s wall. Transport tubes  180  rotate from an initial near vertical orientation, passing through angles of approximately  110  degrees of arc before coming to rest in wall valleys of crown  60 . As transport tubes  180  rotate, steel spring stiffeners  170  acting as stents prevent flexible plastic tubes  160  from pinching retractor strings  210 . Retractor strings  210  thereby remain free to move, even when transport tubes  180  are fully deployed.  
         [0130]    As transport cylinder  130  reaches its maximum extension from support  290 , transport tubes  180  descend adjacent to corresponding umbrella ribs. Canopeum  240  material then overhangs the end of umbrella ribs  350  by about 7.6 cm. (three inches). Along each transport tube  180  two rings attach to the upper portion of canopeum  240 . This facilitates gathering segments of canopeum  240  that rest on umbrella canopy  340 . These connections allow canopeum  240  to cling to transport tubes  180  as the latter are moved. Canopeum chamber fasteners  280  distributed along the upper edge of the canopeum  240  and outer periphery of the storage chamber  10  facilitate interchange of canopeums  240  having various constructions, textures, and surface details, as well as periodic cleaning of canopeum  240  material.  
         [0131]    When canopeum  240  is fully deployed the valleys in serrated crown  60  help keep transport tubes  180  aligned, above canopy ribs  350 . Valley surfaces support and act as fulcrums for transport tubes  180  as they alternately rotate, translate, and slide, transporting, then suspending canopeum  240 .  
         [0132]    Having been projected beyond the periphery of canopy ribs  350  enclosure material of canopeum  240  is drawn downwards by gravity. It is restrained only by retractor strings  210  attached to its fabric. Additional clockwise rotation of crank, gear, reel assembly  330  allows canopeum  240  to descend towards the ground. Canopeum ground fasteners  255  can alternately be inserted into soil and also attached to ground based links. Use of canopeum ground fasteners  255  facilitate an outwardly tapered configuration for canopeum  240 , thereby providing a larger footprint for additional usable space beneath the enclosure.  
         [0133]    Canopeum Retraction  
         [0134]    Return of canopeum  240  to storage chamber  10  is accomplished by turning crank, gear, reel assembly  330  in a counterclockwise direction. The crank is connected via trains of gears to two counter rotating reels, also mounted on umbrella support tube  290 . The rate of rotation of one reel is proportional to the functional length of deployment cord  320  and the second reel to the length of retractor strings  210 . Therefore, turning a single crank enables both deployment from, and return to, chamber  10  by canopeum  240 . This arrangement also insures that adequate tension is maintained on retractor strings  210  and deployment cord  230 , avoiding possible entanglements.  
         [0135]    Counterclockwise rotation of the crank reduces tension on the deployment cord  230  while simultaneously applying force to retractor strings  210 . Force applied to strings  210  initially draws canopeum  240  upwards as strings  210  retreat in through transport tubes  180 . At the bottom of umbrella support tube  290  each retractor string  210  passes around an individual retractor string pulley  220 . A battery of eight retractor string pulleys  220  reduces inter-string friction, allowing easier movement of canopeum  10 . Extending upwards, strings  210  pass through a small retractor string access port  310  in the wall of umbrella support tube  290 . Retractor strings  210  then wind on a reel, part of crank, gear, reel assembly  330 .  
         [0136]    When canopeum  240  is gathered as far as possible at the tips of transport tube  180 , winding forces transfer to transport tubes  180 . Subsequently, canopeum  240 , transport tubes  180  and transport cylinder  130  are forced to retreat to stowed positions at chamber  10  and umbrella support tube  390 .  
         [0137]    Above chamber  10 , cover  70  shields and protects contents of the chamber. During deployment and retraction phases of the invention&#39;s operation, cover  70  is displaced, rising and folding on support frame  80 . Frame  80  is mounted on two crests of serrated crown  60  attached to cover support anchors  90 . Canopeum  240  and transport tubes  180  displace cover  70  when they enter and leave chamber  10 . Cover  70  is composed of plastic having sufficient flexibility so it can be folded. Cover  70  is also sufficiently heavy so it drops to its original location when displacing forces are removed. When the umbrella is being transported and while in storage cover clips  75  and cover clip anchors  76  may be used to secure cover  70  in its closed position.  
       Advantages of the Present Invention  
       [0138]    From the description above, advantages of our enclosure storage and deployment system become evident:  
         [0139]    (a) At a time when mosquitoes and other insects can be a considerable health hazard as well as nuisance, the present invention provides an easy to manage protective enclosure of netting, canopeum  240 , that significantly enhances the value of outdoor shelters such as umbrellas.  
         [0140]    (b) The invention provides protected storage chamber  10 , an integral part of the umbrella, in which canopeum  240  can be conveniently stowed while not in service. Existing nets for the enclosure of umbrellas lack these features.  
         [0141]    (b) It permits umbrella canopy ribs  350  to be attached to storage chamber  10  providing an opening above the container of sufficient dimensions to facilitate storage, deployment, and retraction of the protective material;  
         [0142]    (c) It permits canopeum  240  to be conveniently extended, retracted, and stowed by use of a crank mechanism.  
         [0143]    (d) It facilitates temporary and permanent replacement of canopeum  240 .  
       Summary, Ramifications, and Scope  
       [0144]    Accordingly, the reader will see that this invention, when integrated with various types of umbrellas, or structures such as tents and canopies serves to deploy, retract, and conveniently store protective canopeum enclosures, without having to detach and remove this canopeum from the primary structure. The invention&#39;s storage chamber provides its stowed canopeum with a readily accessible sanctuary, protected from excessive damage and soiling. Furthermore, the present embodiment of the invention has additional advantages in that:  
         [0145]    It provides a storage chamber, conveniently centered above the umbrella&#39;s support, in which the canopeum of protective material may be secured while not in service.  
         [0146]    it permits the umbrella&#39;s canopy ribs to be attached to the storage chamber. This arrangement allows for an opening above the chamber having sufficient dimensions to facilitate storage, deployment, and return of the canopeum;  
         [0147]    it provides a set of members which project canopeum material from the storage area, then transport the protective material beyond the edge of the umbrella&#39;s canopy, where it can be further extended to the ground;  
         [0148]    it permits the canopeum to be transported by an easily accessed crank;  
         [0149]    Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the present embodiments of this invention. For example, all dimensions can vary, the storage container can have other shapes, such as cylindrical, conical, hemispheric, with other cross-sectional shapes such as circular, oval, trapezoidal, triangular, etc.; guide tubes and septums may have various dimensions and manifestations, transport tubes may have other cross-sectional shapes, flexible tube connections for linking transport tubes to the transport cylinder can be replaced by other types of connection which also enable transport tubes to move from a vertical position, while they move the canopeum outward beyond the periphery of the umbrella canopy.  
         [0150]    In addition, transport cylinder, transport tubes, storage chamber, cover, and canopeum may be composed of alternate materials. The transport cylinder, transport tubes, and canopeum may be brought to their deployed and retracted positions by an alternate method, rather than a manually operated crank, such as a cord pulled by motor, alternate gear or pulley combinations, or by way of a slide mechanism. Alternate devices may be used for attachment, removal, and interchange of canopeums having assorted compositions, textures, and surface details.  
         [0151]    Although our enclosure storage and deployment system functions with a variety of components seen in the prior art, it does not necessarily require all of these. For example, the invention can operate without standard umbrella canopy and ribs. Provided with a support, a canopeum along with our storage and deployment system will provide its own shelter.  
         [0152]    Each part indicated above may also find a useful application in other types of structure differing from those described.  
         [0153]    The present invention has been illustrated as embodied in an umbrella but it is not limited to that embodiment, because various omissions, and changes in the shapes and specifics of the illustrated invention, and its operation, can be made without altering the fundamental character of the invention. The description of this invention has been made for purposes of revealing a particularly useful embodiment. It is not intended to limit the invention to only the disclosed form.  
         [0154]    The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.