Abstract:
Generally speaking, an umbrella having a frame formed by a plurality of rod members joined together by a plurality of hinges, is disclosed. The frame forms a periphery of a shape, such as a circle, square, hexagon, etc., and the frame is capable of movement between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration. A canopy is attached to the frame, and may be detachable there from, and is also capable of movement with the frame between the folded configuration and the unfolded configuration. A stem having a first end attached to the frame along the periphery and extending there from allows the user to position the umbrella to achieve ideal coverage during use. The stem may include a handle formed at a second end opposite the first end, for improved gripping and control of the umbrella.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the filing priority of Provisional Application No. 61/203,077, filed on Dec. 18, 2008, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present device relates to umbrellas. Particularly, the present device relates to folding or collapsible umbrella. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The purpose of the umbrella has remained unchanged throughout the years. That is, the umbrella protects a user, to some degree, from the severity of weather, such as rain, snow, wind and the sun. The basic umbrella includes a dome-shaped frame supporting a weather resistant fabric canopy and a handle which allows the user to best position the umbrella for the weather conditions. Such umbrellas come in all shapes and sizes. 
         [0004]    However, significant drawbacks exist for the standard umbrella. First, prior art umbrellas are typically symmetrical, seemingly giving the user equal coverage in all directions. However, rarely is coverage needed equally to all areas. Second, the supporting frame, which usually consists of radially extending rods, is prone to inversion in moderate and strong winds. Umbrellas can be quickly damaged from such inversion and are not easily reverted to protect the user. Third, umbrellas tend to maintain a high-profile, which adds to the inversion problem. By providing a deep pocket for air, wind gusts become trapped and are not easily funneled out from beneath the umbrella. Finally, the umbrella handle is often connected to the frame and centered in the space of the umbrella most desirable for the user&#39;s head. 
         [0005]    The present invention overcomes these and many other disadvantages of previous devices. Disclosed is an umbrella which is attractive, yet functional; compactable for easy storage and transport, yet spacious and sturdy; and is simple and easy to manufacture and operate. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    There is disclosed herein an improved umbrella which avoids the disadvantages of prior devices while affording additional structural and operating advantages. 
         [0007]    Generally speaking, the umbrella of the present invention comprises a frame including a plurality of members joined together by a plurality of hinges, the frame forming a periphery of a shape and the frame being capable of movement between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration, a canopy attached to the frame and capable of movement with the frame between the folded configuration and the unfolded configuration, and a stem having a first end attached to the frame and extending there from. The stem may include a handle formed at a second end opposite the first end, for improved gripping and control of the umbrella. 
         [0008]    In an alternate embodiments, the umbrella further comprises internal support members attached to the frame and extending inward of the periphery to engage the canopy. Further, the canopy may be vented. That is, the canopy may comprise a plurality of openings to allow air to flow in a single direction from one side of the canopy to the other. 
         [0009]    In other alternate embodiments, the canopy may be detachable from the frame. The canopy may attach to the frame via a hook-and-loop material or by other releasable means. 
         [0010]    These and other aspects of the invention may be understood more readily from the following description and the appended drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanying drawings embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 1-4  illustrate a number of views showing a preferred embodiment of the present collapsible umbrella; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 6-12  illustrate a number of views of a preferred embodiment of a frame structure for the present collapsible umbrella; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 13-19  illustrate a number of views of another preferred embodiment of a frame structure for the present collapsible umbrella; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 20-26  illustrate a number of views of still another preferred embodiment of a frame structure for the present collapsible umbrella; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 27-29  illustrate a number of views of still another preferred embodiment of a frame structure for the present collapsible umbrella; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 30-37  illustrate a number of views of a preferred assembly for the stalk and frame of the present collapsible umbrella; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 38-41  illustrate a number of views of one preferred hinge assembly for the frame of the present collapsible umbrella; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 42-46  illustrate a number of views of another preferred hinge assembly for the frame of the present collapsible umbrella; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 47-54  illustrate the closing of a preferred frame embodiment for the present collapsible umbrella; and 
           [0022]      FIGS. 55-57  illustrate three preferred embodiments of a handle for the present collapsible umbrella. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]    While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to embodiments illustrated. 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is illustrated a collapsible umbrella, generally designated by the numeral  10 . The umbrella  10  is generally comprised of three elements, canopy  12 , frame  14 , and stem  16 , each of which will be described in greater detail below with reference to the various appended drawing figures. 
         [0025]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the present umbrella  10  has a triangular-shaped canopy  12 . The triangular shape has been found to be effective for structural integrity, coverage of the user, and the resistance of wind. Of course, other shapes, including the traditional round-shaped canopy, could be used with a modified frame of the present invention. The canopy  12  is to be made from a strong, water-resistant material, such as a treated canvas or nylon. The canopy  12  is preferably vented using any of the embodiments and techniques disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,055 to Johnson et al., the relevant portions of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Further, the canopy  12  may be removable from the frame  14 . In one embodiment, the canopy  12  might include a plurality of fasteners (not shown) appended thereto and the frame  14  might include a plurality of receivers (not shown) for the fasteners, and the canopy  12  could be readily attached and detached by manipulating the coupling between the fasteners and the receivers. Other methods for attaching the canopy  12  to the frame  14  could also be employed by the different embodiments described herein. 
         [0026]    The frame  14  extends along the periphery of the canopy  12 , as best illustrated in the several embodiments of  FIGS. 2-29 . With reference to  FIG. 2 , the disclosed frame  14  is comprised of six rod (or support) members  20  and six connecting hinges  22 . The rod members  20  may be straight or bowed along the middle to provide lift to the attached canopy  12 . Adjacent ends of the rod members  20  are coupled together by hinges  22 . The hinges  22  are comprised of three inward folding (IF) hinges  22 A and three outward folding (OF) hinges  22 B. The IF hinges  22 A and OF hinges  22 B alternate to allow the frame  14  to properly fold for easy carrying and storage, as shown in  FIGS. 47-54 . 
         [0027]    A canopy frame  18  is preferably used to support the canopy  12  when opened. The canopy frame  18  consists of a number of spars  24  extending directly from the frame  14  and engaging the canopy  12 . The number of spars  24  used may vary widely. The disclosed embodiments illustrate a few variations with respect to the number of spars  24  used in the canopy frame  18 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 6-12 , three spars are used to support the canopy, while the embodiment of  FIGS. 20-26  uses only a single spar. The embodiment of  FIGS. 13-19  uses the spars to support the canopy  12  both inside and outside the frame periphery. Side riggers  34  are also used in this embodiment for canopy support. The embodiment of  FIGS. 27-29  also uses spars  24  and side riggers  34  to support a canopy, though only the side riggers  34  extend outward of the frame  14 . 
         [0028]    The canopy frame  18 , consisting of the spars  24  and side riggers  34 , serves primarily to create a billow in (or about) the center of the canopy  12  with a slope toward the periphery, which prevents moisture from pooling on the umbrella  10  surface. The spars  24  are comprised of flexible rods and may be straight or curved to provide the desired canopy shape. The side riggers  34  are preferably comprised of a four bar linkage and attach directly to a frame hinge  22 . The four bar linkage (i.e., bars  34 A-D) allows the side rigger  34  to collapse or compact during folding of the umbrella  10 . As shown in the two embodiments employing side riggers  34 , the attachment bar  34 A of the side rigger  34  may be of varying lengths to alter the extension from the frame  14 . Obviously, the embodiment of  FIGS. 27-29  need not use outward spars, as the side riggers  34  extend a significant distance outward of the periphery. 
         [0029]    The spars  24  and side riggers  34  also serve to create a “head area” for the user beneath the canopy  12 . The “head area” helps maximize the protection provided to the user from the weather. Increasing the number of spars  24  may also increase the complexity of the folding process as described in combination with  FIGS. 47-54 . 
         [0030]    As illustrated best in  FIG. 5 , along the outside periphery of the frame  14  are attached optional visor members  19 . The visor members  19  are not for structural support, but rather they add a small extension to the periphery of the umbrella  10  which can be used to shade the user&#39;s eyes (similar to the visor of a ball cap) and to channel water to specific areas of the umbrella  10 . The visor members  19  are preferably made of a semi-rigid material, such as a plastic, and attach to the rod members  20  between the hinges  22 . 
         [0031]    Finally, the stem  16  of the umbrella  10  is attached to the frame  14  and extends at an angle toward a central axis. The offset of the stem  16  in this manner is an important feature of the present umbrella  10 . Unlike most umbrellas which position the stem at the center of the umbrella canopy, the present umbrella  10  allows the user to hold the umbrella closer to the user&#39;s head at the center of the canopy  12 . The offset stem  16  permits centering the user under the umbrella to provide better coverage to the user, allows the umbrella to be kept lower, and gives the user better control of the umbrella  10  in all conditions. 
         [0032]    While the stem  16  is preferably attached at the front of the umbrella  10  to the frame  14 , as previously mentioned, the angle of attachment of the stem  16  serves to position the handle  26  such that the user is well beneath the umbrella when holding the handle  26  close to the body. In a preferred embodiment, the stem  16  is retractable or telescoping. Such a feature provides better compactability for achieving an even smaller, storable, folding umbrella. 
         [0033]    At the lower end of the stem  16  is positioned a handle  26  for gripping by the user (see  FIGS. 55-57 ).  FIGS. 30-37  best illustrate the connection between the stem  16  and the frame  14 . First, the stem  16  attaches directly to an IF hinge  22 A via support subassembly  28 . The support subassembly  28  attaches to stem  16  and IF hinge  22 A and includes two arms  29  which attach to the immediately adjacent rod members  20 A and  20 F. A runner  30  is slideably mounted on the stem  16  and includes two arms  31  fixed to rod members  20 A and  20 F at approximately the center of each. A release button  32  at the handle  26  of the stem  16  allows the runner  30  to move along the stem  16  to collapse the umbrella  10 . 
         [0034]    As mentioned above, the embodiments of  FIGS. 6-29  are differentiated only by the varied use of spars  24  and side riggers  34  for supporting the canopy  12  of umbrella  10 . To allow better illustration of the frame  14  in each of the embodiments, the canopy has been left out of the drawings of  FIGS. 6-29 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 6-12 , three spars  24  are used, with each spar  24  being attached to an OF hinge  22 B. The spars  24  do not necessarily connect at the free end, and may actually be shorter than those illustrated. Attachment of the spars  24  to the OF hinges  22 B permits the greatest amount of compaction of the folded umbrella to occur. 
         [0035]    The embodiment of  FIGS. 20-26  includes only a single spar  24  attached to the IF hinge  22 A of the stem  16 . As a single spar  24 , it may be necessary to extend such a distance greater than those of the previous embodiment. Attachment to the stem hinge creates the necessary “head area” beneath the canopy  12 . 
         [0036]    Slightly different from the previous two embodiments, the umbrella  10  of  FIGS. 13-19  uses side riggers  34  to extend spars  24  into the center of the frame periphery and outward from the frame  14 . The side riggers  34  and spars  24  elevate the canopy  12 , but not just interior to the frame  14 . The spars  24 B allow the canopy to extend beyond the frame  14  for a much larger coverage area. As with the previous three spar embodiment, the spars  24  of this embodiment attach at the OF hinges  22 B. That is, the side riggers  34  which hold the spars  24  attach at the OF hinges  22 B. 
         [0037]    The embodiment of  FIGS. 27-29  is another which uses the four bar linkage or side riggers  34  for canopy support. In this embodiment, the attachment bar  34 A of the side rigger  34  extends significantly outward of the frame  14  and, therefore, utilizes only inward spars  24  for supporting a canopy. The three spars  24  attach at a center point which allows them to tension against one another when the umbrella  10  is fully opened. Accordingly, the spars  24  may be made from a more flexible, and even stretchable if desired, material such as metal wire, nylon cord, or the like. 
         [0038]    Having adequately described the canopy  12 , frame  14 , and stem  16 , the additional components, such as the rod members  20 , hinges  22 , runner  30  and handle  26 , can now be described in more detail. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIGS. 30-37 , the stem  16  and frame  14  connection can be more readily understood. As previously mentioned, the stem  16  connects to the frame at an IF hinge  22 A via support subassembly  28 . The support assembly  28  is comprised of fixed collar  40 , support arms  42 , and sliding collars  44 . The support arms  42  pivotably attach to both the fixed collar  40 , which is coupled to the stem  16 , and to sliding collars  44 , which attach to the adjacent rod members  20 . The support assembly  28  is for added stability of the stem  16 , but may be eliminated if desired. In such case, the stem  16  would connect directly to the IF hinge  22 A. As the umbrella  10  is collapsed, the IF hinge  22 A moves the adjacent rod members  20  inward and the support arms  42  push outward on the sliding collars  44 . 
         [0040]    The stem  16  is further connected to the frame  14  by runner assembly  30 , as shown in the previously referenced drawings. The runner assembly  30  includes runner  50 , support arms  52 , and fixed collars  54 . The runner assembly operates similar to support subassembly  28 , except reversed. That is, the runner  50  is movable along the stem  16  while fixed collars  54  pull inward on the adjacent rod members  20  to activate the folding process. 
         [0041]    The ball-and-socket joints  48  used to attach the support arms  42  to the sliding collars  44  and the support arms  52  to both the runner  50  and the fixed collars  54 , are well known in the art. The freedom of movement of these joints  48  allows the proper folding operation of the present invention, though other more restrictive joints may be used, working less effectively. 
         [0042]    Each of the disclosed embodiments of umbrella  10  is comprised of a frame  14  including multiple hinges  22 . As previously mentioned, the hinges are divided into IF hinges  22 A and OF hinges  22 B. The two hinges are distinguishable by the direction in which they fold the adjacently attached rod members  20 . Each rod member  20  is attached to both an IF hinge  22 A at one end and an OF hinge  22 B at the opposing end. Accordingly, the IF hinges  22 A alternate with the OF hinges  22 B around the frame  14 , beginning with an IF hinge  22 A at the stem mount depicted in  FIGS. 30-37  and described above. This arrangement of hinges  22  provides the frame  14  with a bi-foldability giving it greater compactibility over similarly sized umbrellas. The IF hinge  22 A is best illustrated in the  FIGS. 38-41  of this application. 
         [0043]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 38 and 39 , the ends of the rod members  20  are allowed to pass through the hinge  22 A until the two ends abut. The pivot point  60  of the hinge  22 A is found at the interior of the frame periphery. The ends are preferably cut at an angle (about 30 degrees each) so that together the ends form a proper corner (i.e., 60 degrees) for the six-sided umbrella frame  14 . Of course, this configuration allows the hinge  22 A to open until the two ends contact one another. As the hinge  22 A is closed, the two ends move apart and the rod members  20  move toward a roughly parallel orientation. 
         [0044]    Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 40 and 41 , the ends of the rod members  20  may seat within the hinge  22 A and stops (not shown) may be used to halt the hinge at 60 degrees when opened. Those skilled in the art would certainly understand the manner in which alteration could be accomplished to this embodiment by providing different ways in which to prevent the hinge  22 A from opening beyond the desired angle. 
         [0045]    The OF hinge  22 B is best illustrated in the drawings of  FIGS. 42-46 . Similar to the IF hinge  22 A, the OF hinge  22 B could be attached to the rod members  20  and allow the ends of each to extend there through. Again, the ends of the rod members  20  would act as the stop. Alternatively, the hinge  22 B would have a stop as part of the receiving sleeve of the hinge. As with the IF hinge  22 A, the OF hinge  22 B would need to form a 60 degree angle for the six-sided umbrella  10 . However, the pivot point  62  of the OF hinge  22 B is outside the periphery of the umbrella frame  14 . 
         [0046]    Referring now to the series of drawings of  FIGS. 47-54 , the closing operation of the frame  14  can be most readily understood. Beginning with  FIG. 47 , the umbrella  10 , sans canopy  12 , is shown in a fully open configuration. An automatic or manual release button  32  could be positioned either on the runner  50  or on the handle  26 . Preferably, the present umbrella  10  would use an automatic open and close mechanism to operate the movement of the umbrella  10 . Such manual and automatic open and close mechanisms are well-known in the relevant art. In each, depressing the release button  32  would cause the runner  50  to begin travel downward along stem  16 , as shown in  FIG. 48 . Using the automatic mechanism the movement as described hereafter would occur without further assistance from the user. The manual release mechanism, of course, would operate similarly, but under the work provided by the user manually sliding the runner  50  along the stem  16 . 
         [0047]    As for folding the umbrella  10  after the release button is pushed, the arms  52  would begin moving with the runner  50 , thereby pulling inward on adjacent rod members  20 A and  20 F. The support subassembly  28 , if provided, would also begin movement as sliding collars  44  would move along adjacent rods  20 A and  20 F. As shown in  FIG. 49 , the first two OF hinges  22 B attached to rod members  20 A and  20 F would begin to close, which would likewise affect the remaining two IF hinges  22 A, until the illustrated triangular configuration is achieved. Referring to  FIG. 50 , continued movement of the runner  50  continues pulling in on rod members  20 A and  20 F, causing OF hinges  22 B and IF hinges  22 A to close. The stem  16  is also being pulled into a parallel relationship with the rod members  20 A and  20 F.  FIGS. 51 and 52  show how the rod members  20 C and  20 D begin being pulled inward as the travel of runner  50  nears an end. Three upward peaks  70  are formed by rod members  20 A/ 20 F,  20 B/ 20 C, and  20 D/ 20 E and three downward peaks  71  are formed by rod members  20 A/ 20 B,  20 C/ 20 D, and  20 E/ 20 F. Finally,  FIGS. 53 and 54  illustrate the completed folding, as each of the peaks  70  and  71  are pulled into a tight arrangement with stem  16 . 
         [0048]    With a canopy attached to the frame  14 , the material adds bulk to the folds and, therefore, the closure may require some additional oversight to prevent any inadvertent tearing of the material. Naturally, the thickness of the canopy used will also be a factor in the folding process. 
         [0049]    Finally, referring to the illustrations of  FIGS. 55-57 , a variety of handles may be used effectively with the umbrella  10  of the different embodiments. The first handle ( FIG. 55 ) illustrates an ergonomic grip with a hard interior and a soft rubber exterior. The second handle ( FIG. 56 ) is a standard cylindrical handle, but includes a soft flexible band which can be looped around the fingers or beneath the fingers, as desired.  FIG. 57  illustrates a third alternative design, which includes a two finger loop at the bottom to provide stability. Obviously, there are nearly an infinite number of alternatives and grip variations that could be used to achieve different results. The handle of the present invention is not limited to those shown or described herein. 
         [0050]    The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of applicants&#39; contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.