Abstract:
A foldaway umbrella ( 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 ) moveable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, said umbrella comprising: k) a central spine ( 12, 112, 212, 312, 312, 412, 512 ); l) an upper crown ( 24, 124, 224, 324, 424, 524 ) moveable with respect to the central spine; m) a lower crown ( 38, 138, 238, 338, 438, 538 ) fixed with respect to the central spine; n) a collapsible canopy framework ( 16, 116, 216, 316, 416, 516 ) connected to the upper crown and the lower crown; and o) a main canopy ( 18, 118, 218, 318, 418, 518 ) covering the collapsible canopy framework said main canopy ( 18, 118, 218, 318, 418, 518 ) covering the collapsible canopy framework said main canopy having an inside face closest to the collapsible canopy framework and an outside face crown from a position remote of the lower crown to a position close to the lower crown results in the collapsible canopy framework, and thus the main canopy, to move from the open configuration to the closed configuration wherein the main canopy is folded inside out such that only the inside face of the main canopy is exposed and vice versa.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to folding umbrellas. It is particularly applicable to folding umbrellas in which the umbrella canopy folds away inside out. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    There have been many years of development in designing compact umbrellas, typically following the same principle of utilising a taut wire to stiffen the spokes that support the canopy. The spokes are normally in 3 or 4 hinged segments, which are foldable, with the canopy fabric being gathered around them. Normally a pouch is also provided for storing the folded umbrella. There are a number of disadvantages of the conventionally designed compact umbrellas as listed below: 
         [0003]    The supporting spokes are folded such that the canopy fabric is gathered around them and a substantial part of the wet side of the fabric is on the outside. 
         [0004]    The folding process requires handling of the wet fabric and even when fully folded it does not prevent water dripping from it. 
         [0005]    A separate pouch is required to store the folded umbrella and as much of the fabric is loose and wet, it is difficult to store in a cover pouch. It is also difficult to incorporate the cover and the lid as part of a single unit. 
         [0006]    The arrangement of the spokes, fabric and the folding process limits capacity of the umbrella frame to resist turning inside out against wind. The wire supported hinged spokes have no inherent stiffness to right themselves if the umbrella is blown inside out in the wind. The hinge mechanism presented in this invention is inherently stiffer and more stable. 
         [0007]    Various attempts have been made to improve on the conventional umbrella design but, for various reasons, none have yet met with any significant commercial success. For example GB2329123 (Harasawa) describes an umbrella having a cylindrical sleeve used either as a handle or for storing the umbrella. However, although collapsible, the umbrella in this invention still folds up with the wet side outermost. An umbrella, which folds up reversibly, is known from JP08056725 (Okumura). However, this is not of the collapsible type. Furthermore, any water trapped within the canopy fabric is simply free to drain out if the furled umbrella falls over or is inverted. 
         [0008]    EP0596180 (Vincenzi) describes an umbrella, which collapses into a handle. Once again, this is not of the collapsible type and, from the geometry of the struts and ribs, it is doubtful if this could ever be erected. 
         [0009]    GB9903285 (Kazim) describes an umbrella that attempts to solve the shortcomings outlined above, but which dispenses with a central spine. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a foldaway umbrella moveable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, said umbrella comprising:
       a) a central spine;   b) an upper crown moveable with respect to the central spine;   c) a lower crown fixed with respect to the central spine;   d) a collapsible canopy framework connected to the upper crown and the lower crown; and   e) a main canopy covering the collapsible canopy framework said main canopy having an inside face closest to the collapsible canopy framework and an outside face remote from the collapsible canopy framework;
 
wherein movement of the upper crown from a position remote of the lower crown to a position close to the lower crown results in the collapsible canopy framework, and thus the main canopy, to move from the open configuration to the closed configuration wherein the main canopy is folded inside out such that only the inside face of the main canopy is exposed and vice versa.
       
 
         [0016]    Preferably the central spine comprises an outermost section and an inner section, the inner section movable inside the outermost section. 
         [0017]    Preferably the lower crown is fixed to the outermost section of the central spine and the upper crown is moveable with respect to the outermost section of the central spine. 
         [0018]    Preferably movement of the inner section of the central spine out of the outermost section of the central spine results in the movement of the upper crown from a position close to the lower crown to a position remote from the lower crown. 
         [0019]    Preferably the inner section of the central spine is connected to the upper crown by a string and pulley system. 
         [0020]    Preferably the upper crown comprises an upper section and a lower section. 
         [0021]    Preferably the upper section of the upper crown is movable with respect to the lower section of the upper crown. 
         [0022]    Preferably the upper section of the upper crown is connected to the lower section of the upper crown with a connecting member. 
         [0023]    Preferably the umbrella further comprises a compression spring to move the upper crown from a position remote of the lower crown to a position close to the lower crown. 
         [0024]    Preferably the upper crown is not telescopically connected to the lower crown. 
         [0025]    According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a umbrella frame comprising:
       a) an inner strut;   b) an outer strut; and   c) a hinge assembly pivotally connecting the inner strut to the outer strut;   wherein the hinge assembly is adapted to allow the outer strut to pivot about 180° from a closed position wherein the outer strut is parallel with the inner strut to an open position wherein the outer strut extends from the end of the inner strut       
 
         [0030]    Preferably the motion of the outer strut is actuated by means of a push pull rod which connects via a lever arm to the outer strut wherein pushing or pulling the push pull rod results in the outer strut pivoting the hinge assembly. Preferably the hinge assembly further comprises a spring rod the spring rod being adapted to resist movement of the outer strut about the hinge assembly without the movement being replicated by the push pull rod. This results in a wind resistant outer strut which will always return to its open rest position after being blown in the wind, but which will easily fold away when desired. 
         [0031]    According to the present invention there is provided a foldaway umbrella moveable between an open configuration and a closed or stored configuration such that when it is closed, the wet side or outside of the canopy is folded upon itself substantially preventing water dripping and allows the user to handle the dry side of the canopy. A cover sleeve and lid provides further protection against leakage and dripping. Key components of an umbrella according to the present invention comprise:— 
         [0032]    A Central Spine. This is telescopic, typically tubular structure that supports the canopy frame and the canopy. In its lowest section, it supports a handle grip. In its uppermost section it supports a pulley system holder. The uppermost section either has a vertical slit or a vertical groove along part of or whole of its length to allow a string system to run within it. The next section down from the uppermost section, run within the uppermost section and provides an anchor for the string system and incorporates latch system for locking the Central Spine and the canopy frame together when the canopy is fully opened. 
         [0033]    Handle Grip is fixed on to the lowest segment of the Central Spine. This is also usually cylindrical and usually made out of plastic or wood. The sleeve cover for the umbrella can be fixed onto the handle grip. It can be made out of flexible material such as fabric which can roll up or down, or it can be made out of tubing, preferably telescopic with one or more segments and preferably see through to minimise its visual impact. Uniquely, the lid to the cover is incorporated onto it. The closing action of the cover closes the lid and the opening action opens it. The advantage of this is that the whole system, including the umbrella cover and the lid are part of the same unit. Alternatively, the lid of the cover can be a separate preferably cylindrical cap to cover the part of the umbrella on the opposite end to the handle or fabric fold and Velcro to fix it. This arrangement has the advantage that the umbrella folds up inside out as well as folding completely within the handle body and the cover. By then closing off the open end of the handle and the cover in some waterproof manner the dampness associated with a used umbrella is fully contained within the handle. 
         [0034]    A Canopy Framework. Preferably comprises a plurality of support arms extending radially from the Central Spine. Each support arm comprising a series of pivotally linked struts in substantially linear end-to-end alignment. In this particular example there are two struts pivoted together for each arm extending from the centre. The inner strut is pivoted on to a Sliding Support which is designed to slide vertically along the uppermost section of the Central Spine. The inner end of the inner strut is shaped so that the central axis of the strut is offset from the pivot point on the Sliding Support. In its closed position, this offset allows the canopy frame to fold within the space between the inner strut and the Central Spine. It also has the added benefit of providing additional leverage for moving the inner arm. The inner arm is supported by a brace. The brace is pivoted on one end on to the inner arm and on the other end on to a Brace Support fixed on to the lower part of the outermost section of the Central spine. 
         [0035]    Upper Crown or Sliding Support. Preferably made of plastic, it provides pivotal support for the inner struts. The upper crown is circular with a hole in the middle and slides up an down the central spine. 
         [0036]    Lower Crown or Brace supports. Preferably made of plastic, it provides pivotal support for the brace for the inner strut. It also incorporates a pulley system that along with the string system and the pulley system on the top of the central spine facilitate the movement of the Sliding Supports. The lower crown is circular with a hole in the middle and is fixed to the central spine. 
         [0037]    String System. It is designed so that opening action of the Central Spine moves the sliding support up, deploying the canopy. Closing of the Central Spine moves the Sliding Support down in towards the Brace Support, closing the canopy. Another feature of the string system is that it incorporates a loop on to the Sliding Support that partially de-couples the movement of the Central Spine Sections from the movement of the Sliding Support. This has an advantage of being able optimise the length of the section of Central Spine without being constrained by the movement range of the Sliding Support. 
         [0038]    Hinge System. In this innovation, the outer strut is pivoted on to the inner strut and able to rotate with respect to the inner strut far beyond 180 degrees. To do this and then rotate the strut back to its original position on top of the inner strut is not possible with use of mechanical links. The present innovation overcomes this problem by ensuring that although the strut rotates more then 180 degrees the link point does not. 
         [0039]    Actuation System for the hinge lever. The outer strut rotates by a rod pushing or pulling on the hinge lever arm. The length of the lever arm affects the force required to pull or push it. Longer the lever arm less the force. However, this has an impact on the size of the umbrella. The sliding support also has a pre-determent movement range and the rod pulling and pushing the hinge lever arm has to be moved the required distance within this movement range. The present invention solves this problem by providing a linkage system which is connected to the movement of the sliding support so that when the sliding support moves up, deploying the canopy, the linkage opens up pulling on the rod pulling the hinge lever arm open. Preferably the arm of the linkage connected to the pulling/pushing rod extends beyond its pivot and preferably sliding within the slit provided on the inner strut. The extent of which the link pulling the rod extends beyond the pivot is dependent on the required by the rod. 
         [0040]    Main Canopy: This is made from typical materials used in the industry. It will have creased to ensure when closed the canopy fold in a pre-determined manner. Preferably the outer edge of the canopy between the struts will be creased or stiffened to prevent the outer edge of the canopy folding back on itself. The canopy will be stitched on to the struts so that in open position the canopy has a taut configuration. The innermost part of the canopy takes the shape of a fabric tube extending up away from the sliding support. The top of this tube is preferably left open to allow the wind pressure under the canopy to force the air flow through the tube and under the Mini Canopy covering the Crown of the umbrella. This allows the release of the wind pressure through the tube and out from under the Mini Canopy and over the top of the Main Canopy. 
         [0041]    Latch Stop Spring. Preferably a latch is incorporated in the top but sliding section of the Central Spine. This latch will act as a stopper preferably acting on either on the Fixed Brace Support or on the uppermost section of the Central Spine. A unique feature of this innovation is that a small movement of the sliding support from its uppermost position results in a relatively large movement of the outer strut. A strong spring positioned between the latch and its stopper will facilitate this movement. This will allow the outer struts to move up in a control manner forced by a strong wind pressure, further releasing the force acting on the umbrella. When the wind pressure is released the spring pushes the spine down relative to brace support which pushes the sliding support up and the canopy back to its original position. 
         [0042]    The present invention primarily relates to umbrellas. It is particularly applicable to folding umbrellas in which the umbrella canopy folds away inside out and preferably into the umbrella handle or a sleeve attached to the handle during storage. This folding arrangement keeps the wet side of the umbrella canopy away from the user and once folded, entraps the remaining water within the wet side of the canopy and prevents it from dripping out. Optionally, an umbrella casing cover or sleeve is so arranged to be an extension of the handle grip and to provide further seal against leakage. Uniquely, this cover is designed to minimise the visual impact on the handle and incorporates a unique lid. 
         [0043]    The present invention provides an umbrella that can be folded dry side out in such a way to provide a substantial non-drip seal without a separate pouch and without the need to handle the wet side of the fabric. The present invention also incorporates a cover system attached to the handle grip. Uniquely this cover incorporates its lid as part of itself. Advantageously, umbrellas according to the present invention incorporates and inherent venting system as well as having inherent stiffness against being blown inside out in the wind. The specially developed folding process is also better suited for more compact packing of the fabric minimising its size and weight. 
         [0044]    It is recognised by the inventor that the existing umbrellas, even with the weaknesses outlined above are commercial reality and as such they have public acceptance. This innovation maintains the visual and operational characteristics of the existing umbrellas but with added advantage of being dry to handling, non drip, wind resistant and inherently safer to fold. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0045]    The invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0046]      FIG. 1  illustrates an umbrella according to a first embodiment of the present invention in the open position; 
           [0047]      FIG. 2  illustrates an enlarged view of the top of the umbrella of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0048]      FIG. 3  illustrates an arm of the collapsible canopy framework of the umbrella according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0049]      FIG. 4  illustrates the collapsible canopy framework according to a first embodiment of the present invention in closed configuration; 
           [0050]      FIG. 5  illustrates the collapsible canopy framework according to a first embodiment of the present invention in partially open configuration; 
           [0051]      FIG. 6  illustrates the top of the central spine, upper crown and lower crown according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0052]      FIG. 7  illustrates the top of the central spine according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0053]      FIG. 8  illustrates an enlarged view of the top of the collapsible canopy framework according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a partially open configuration; 
           [0054]      FIG. 9  illustrates an enlarged view of the lower brace support and the arm braces for the collapsible canopy framework where they connect to the lower crown according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0055]      FIG. 10  illustrates an enlarged view of the lower crown according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0056]      FIG. 11  illustrates an arm of the collapsible canopy framework of the umbrella in a closed position according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0057]      FIG. 12  illustrates an arm of the collapsible canopy framework of the umbrella in a partially open position according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0058]      FIG. 13  illustrates an umbrella according to a second embodiment of the present invention in the open position with the sleeve present and retracted to its open position; 
           [0059]      FIG. 14  illustrates an umbrella according to a second embodiment of the present invention in the closed position with the sleeve present; 
           [0060]      FIG. 15  illustrates an umbrella according to a second embodiment of the present invention in the closed position with the sleeve present and partially open; 
           [0061]      FIG. 16  illustrates an umbrella according to a second embodiment of the present invention in the closed position with the sleeve present and fully open; 
           [0062]      FIG. 17  illustrates an umbrella according to a second embodiment of the present invention in the closed position with the sleeve present and fully open and the umbrella beginning to emerge from the sleeve; 
           [0063]      FIG. 18  illustrates an umbrella according to a second embodiment of the present invention in the closed position with the sleeve present and fully open and the umbrella emerging further from the sleeve; 
           [0064]      FIG. 19  illustrates an arm of the collapsible canopy framework of the umbrella according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0065]      FIG. 20  illustrates an arm of the collapsible canopy framework of the umbrella according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0066]      FIG. 21  illustrates an enlarged view of the hinge arrangement shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20  according to the third and fourth embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0067]      FIG. 22  illustrates the top of the central spine, upper crown and lower crown according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0068]      FIGS. 23   a  and  23   b  illustrate the top of the central spine, upper crown and lower crown according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0069]      FIGS. 24   a ,  24   b  and  24   c  illustrate the top of the central spine, upper crown and lower crown according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0070]      FIGS. 25   a  and  25   b  illustrate the top of the central spine, upper crown and lower crown according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0071]      FIGS. 26   a  and  26   b  illustrate the top of the central spine, upper crown and lower crown according to ninth embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0072]    Referring to  FIG. 1  this illustrates an umbrella  10  according to a first embodiment of the present invention in its open position. The umbrella  10  has a central spine  12  a handle grip  14 , a collapsible canopy framework  16 , a main canopy  18  and a mini canopy  20 . The main canopy  18  and the mini canopy  20  are both shown as being semi transparent so that the supporting collapsible canopy framework  16  is visible. 
         [0073]    The central spine  12  is telescopic, typically tubular structure that supports the collapsible canopy framework  16  and the main canopy  18 . In its lowest section, it supports a handle grip  14 . In its uppermost section it supports a pulley system holder which will be described later. 
         [0074]    The handle grip  14  is fixed on to the lowest segment of the central spine  12 . This is also usually cylindrical and usually made out of plastic or wood. The optional sleeve cover (not shown) for the umbrella  10  can be fixed onto the handle grip  14 . 
         [0075]    The collapsible canopy framework  16  comprises a plurality of support arms  22  extending radially from the central spine  12  (illustrated further in  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0076]    The main canopy  18  is made from typical materials used in the industry. It will be pre-creased to ensure when closed the main canopy  18  folds in a pre-determined manner. In one alternative the outer edge of the main canopy  18  between the support arms  22  of the collapsible canopy framework  16  will be creased or stiffened to prevent the outer edge of the main canopy  18  folding back on itself. The main canopy  18  will be stitched on to the support arms  22  of the collapsible canopy framework  16  so that in open position the main canopy  18  has a taut configuration. 
         [0077]    Referring to  FIG. 2  this illustrates an enlarged view of the top of the umbrella of  FIG. 1 . The innermost part of the main canopy  18  takes the shape of a fabric conical or tube  22  extending up away from the upper crown  24 . The top of this conical or tube  22  is preferably left open to allow the wind pressure under the main canopy  18  to force the air flow through the conical or tube  22  and under the mini canopy  20  covering the upper crown  24  of the umbrella  10 . This allows the release of the wind pressure through the conical or tube  22  and out from under the mini canopy  20  and over the top of the main canopy  18 . 
         [0078]    Referring to  FIG. 3  this illustrates a support arm  26  of the collapsible canopy framework  16  of the umbrella  10  according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Each support arm  26  comprising a series of pivotally linked struts  28 ,  30  in substantially linear end-to-end alignment. In this embodiment there are two struts  28 ,  30  pivoted together for each arm extending from the centre. The inner strut  28  is pivotally connected to the upper crown  24 , the upper crown  24  is designed to slide vertically along the uppermost section of the central spine  12 . The inner end  32  of the inner strut  28  is shaped so that the central axis of the strut is offset from the pivot point on the upper crown  24 . In its closed position, this offset allows the collapsible canopy framework  16  to fold within the space between the inner strut  28  and the central spine  12 . It also has the added benefit of providing additional leverage for moving the inner strut  28 . The inner strut  28  is supported by a brace  34 . The brace  34  is pivotally connected on one end  36  on to the inner strut  28  and on the other end  40  to the lower crown  38 . The lower crown  38  is fixed on to the lower part of the outermost section  44  of the central spine  12 . 
         [0079]    The upper crown  24  is made of a plastics material, it provides pivotal support for the inner struts  28 . 
         [0080]    The lower crown is made of a plastics material, it provides pivotal support for the brace  34  for the inner strut  28 . It also incorporates a pulley system that along with the string system and the pulley system on the top of the central spine  12  facilitate the movement of the upper crown  24 . 
         [0081]    The string system is designed so that opening action of the central spine  12  moves the upper crown  24  up, deploying the canopy. Closing of the central spine  12  moves the upper crown  24  down in towards the lower crown  38 , closing the canopy. Another feature of the string system is that it incorporates a loop on to the upper crown  24  that partially de-couples the movement of the central spine sections from the movement of the upper crown  24 . This has an advantage of being able optimise the length of the section of central spine  12  without being constrained by the movement range of the upper crown  24 . 
         [0082]    The top pulley system housing  42  not only provides support and housing for the pulley system which moves the upper crown  24  relative to the lower crown  38  it also provides support for the mini canopy  20  that is provided at the top of the central spine  12 . 
         [0083]    The uppermost section  44  of the central spine  12  has a vertical slit or groove  46  along part of or whole of its length to allow a string system  48  to run within it. The next section  50  of the central spine  12  down from the uppermost section  44 , runs within the uppermost section  44  and provides an anchor for the string system  48  and incorporates latch system (shown more clearly in  FIGS. 9 and 10 ) for locking the central spine  12  and the collapsible canopy framework  16  together when the main canopy  18  is fully opened 
         [0084]    The collapsible canopy framework  16  of the umbrella  10  is further provided with an actuation system  52  that facilitates the movement of the push and pull rod  54 . The actuation system  52  is connected to both the upper crown  24  with connecting member  56  and the lower crown  38 . When the lower crown  24  moves, the actuator system  52  moves forward or backwards pushing or pulling the push and pull rod  54 . 
         [0085]    The hinge mechanism  58  is adapted to allow the outer strut  30  rotate and come back beyond 180 degrees to fold back on the inner strut  28 . The hinge mechanism has a hinge  60  and a spring  62  that acts to move the outer strut from the closed position (folded back on the inner strut  28 ) to the open position as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0086]    Referring to  FIG. 4  this illustrates the collapsible canopy framework  16  according to a first embodiment of the present invention in closed configuration. 
         [0087]    Referring to  FIG. 5  this illustrates the collapsible canopy framework  16  according to a first embodiment of the present invention in partially open configuration. 
         [0088]    Referring to  FIG. 6  this illustrates the top of the central spine  12 , upper crown  24  and lower crown  38  according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0089]    The top pulley system housing  42  is located on the top of the outermost section  44  of the central spine  12  and houses a pulley system (not shown) for the string  48  that moves the upper crown  24 . An anchor housing  64  is fixed on to the next section  50  of the central spine  12  which is located within the outermost section  44  of the central spine  12 . The anchor housing  64  houses an anchor  66 , for the string  48 . When section  50  of the central spine  12  moves relative to outermost section  44  of the central spine  12 , the string  48  moves the upper crown  24  up or down along the central spine  12 . The string  48  in one alternative is also used to allow some movement in the anchor housing  64  without moving the upper crown  24 . This is an advantage when optimising the lengths of the sections for the central spine  12 . The string  48  is formed in a string loop from the anchor  66  up and over the top pulley system (not shown) which is housed in the top pulley system housing  42 , down through the upper crown and over the lower pulley system (not shown) which is housed within the lower crown  38 . The string  48  then goes up through the upper crown  24 , where a knot is formed so that when the central spine  12  is being opened, the knot moves up away from the upper crown  24  until the string  48  is tight and as such pulls the upper crown  24  upwards opening the collapsible canopy framework  16  and thus the main canopy  18 . When the central spine  12  is being closed, the string  48  moves the other way, the string  48  is loose and there is no movement on the upper crown  24  until the knot above the upper crown  24  makes contact with the upper crown  24 . Thereafter, upper crown  24  moves down as the central spine  12  is being closed, folding the collapsible canopy framework  16  and thus the main canopy  18  to its closed configuration. 
         [0090]    Referring to  FIG. 7  this illustrates the top of the central spine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This Figure shows the inner section  50  of the central spine  12  and the string anchor housing  64  and anchor  66 . The anchor is made up of two holes  68 ,  70 . The string  48  is placed through the holes  68 ,  70  and secured with one portion string  48  going upwards the other downwards. The string anchor housing  64  in an alternative is also used to house the latch system which may be in the form of a latch mechanism or a hole for an external latch (illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 ). 
         [0091]    Referring to  FIG. 8  this illustrates an enlarged view of the top of the collapsible canopy framework according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a partially open configuration. The opening of the umbrella  10  of the present invention is achieved as per conventional umbrellas by holding the lower crown  38  which is fixed on to the outermost section  44  of the central spine  12  with one hand and pulling the handle grip  14  with the other. This can also be automated by using springs between two top sections  44 ,  50  to open the handle  14 . The reverse will be done to close the collapsible canopy framework  16  and thus the main canopy  18 . 
         [0092]    Referring to  FIG. 9  this illustrates an enlarged view of the lower crown  38  and the braces  34  and actuator system  52  for the collapsible canopy framework  16  where they connect to the lower crown  38  according to a first embodiment of the present invention. A slit or a groove  46  is provided within which the string  48  moves. 
         [0093]    Referring to  FIG. 10  this illustrates an enlarged view of the lower crown  38  according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In this view the upper crown  24  is substantially retracted in to the lower crown  38 . The lower crown  38  is designed with the middle of its top part hollow to allow the upper crown  24  to be retraced in to it. This helps with the compactness of the umbrella  10 . This figure show only part of the collapsible canopy framework  16  for clarity and the part of the central spine  12 . In this version an optional latch  70  is shown that can lock the handle grip  14  in to position when the umbrella  10  is closed. 
         [0094]    Referring to  FIG. 11  this illustrates an arm  26  of the collapsible canopy framework  16  of the umbrella  10  in a closed position according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In particular  FIG. 11  shows the hinge mechanism  58  which connects the inner strut  28  and the outer strut  30 . The hinge mechanism has a lever arm  72  with a stopper  74  that when in contact with the hinge  60  rotates the hinge around the pivot point  76  on inner arm. This movement is facilitated by the push, pull rod  54 . When the lever arm  72  contacts the barrier  78  fixed on to inner arm  28  it slides along it. This forces the spring  62  to stretch by pulling the string  80  which is secured on the lever arm  72 . 
         [0095]    Referring to  FIG. 12  this shows the hinge mechanism of  FIG. 11  in partial open configuration. 
         [0096]      FIG. 13  illustrates an umbrella  110  according to a second embodiment of the present invention in the open position with the sleeve  182  present and retracted to its open position. The sleeve  182  can be made out of flexible material such as fabric which can roll up or down, or it can be made out of tubing, preferably telescopic with one or more segments and preferably see through to minimise its visual impact. Uniquely, the lid  184  to the sleeve  182  is incorporated onto it. The closing action of the sleeve  182  closes the lid  184  and the opening action of the sleeve  182  opens the lid  184 . The advantage of this is that the whole system, including the umbrella  110  and the lid  184  are part of the same unit. Alternatively, the lid  184  of the sleeve  182  can be a separate preferably cylindrical cap to cover the part of the umbrella  110  on the opposite end to the handle  114  or fabric fold and Velcro to fix it. This arrangement has the advantage that the umbrella  110  folds up inside out as well as folding completely within the handle  114  body and the sleeve  182 . By then closing off the open end of the handle  114  and the sleeve  182  in some waterproof manner the dampness associated with a used umbrella  110  is fully contained within the handle  114 . 
         [0097]      FIG. 14  illustrates an umbrella  110  according to a second embodiment of the present invention in the closed position with the sleeve present  182 . 
         [0098]      FIG. 15  illustrates an umbrella  110  according to a second embodiment of the present invention in the closed position with the sleeve  182  present and partially open. 
         [0099]      FIG. 16  illustrates an umbrella  110  according to a second embodiment of the present invention in the closed position with the sleeve  182  present and fully open. 
         [0100]      FIG. 17  illustrates an umbrella  110  according to a second embodiment of the present invention in the closed position with the sleeve  182  present and fully open and the umbrella  110  beginning to emerge from the sleeve  182 . 
         [0101]      FIG. 18  illustrates an umbrella  110  according to a second embodiment of the present invention in the closed position with the sleeve  182  present and fully open and the umbrella  110  emerging further from the sleeve  182 . 
         [0102]    There are two possible ways the braces and the inner struts can be arranged and they are both equally applicable to the present invention. They can either be arranged so that the inner struts  28 ,  228  are connected to the upper crown  24 ,  224  and the braces  34 ,  234  to the lower crown  38 ,  238 , as shown in  FIG. 3  and in  FIG. 19  or the other way round, where the inner struts  328  are connected to the lower crown  338  and the braces  334  to the upper crown  324  as shown in  FIG. 20 . 
         [0103]    Referring to  FIG. 19  this illustrates an arm  226  of the collapsible canopy framework  216  of the umbrella  210  according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In this case, inner strut  228  is shown on top and the brace  234  at the bottom. The upper crown  224  is shown in two sections, upper section  223  supports the connecting member  256  which connects to the actuation system  256  and the lower section  225  supports the inner strut  228 . The brace  234  is supported by the lower crown  238  which also supports the connecting member  256  of the secondary linkage. The connector  277  which connects the two sections  223 ,  235  of the upper crown  234  allows the upper section  223  to move independently of the lower section  225  up to a certain height and couple them thereafter. On the way down the upper section  223  is free to move until in contact with the lower section  225 . In an alternative this can also be achieved using strings or fabric joining the upper section  223  and the lower section  235  of the upper crown  234   
         [0104]    When there is a movement forcing the lower crown  238  and upper crown  224  apart, this causes the primary linkage arms being the inner strut  228  and brace  234  as well as secondary linkage arms being the connecting member  256  and actuation system  252  to open up. This action pulls the push pull rod  254  connected to the lever arm  272  rotating the hinge  260  opening the outer strut  230 . The main canopy  218  is stretched by the collapsible canopy framework  216  of the umbrella  210 . A compression spring  286  can be used to push the upper crown  224  back down to close the collapsible canopy framework  216  of the umbrella  210 . 
         [0105]    Referring to  FIG. 20  this illustrates an arm  326  of the collapsible canopy framework  316  of the umbrella  310  according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 20  is essentially the same as  FIG. 19  but in this case the primary linkage brace  334  is on top and is connected to the lower section  225  of the upper crown  224  and the inner strut  328  is connected to the lower crown  338 . 
         [0106]      FIG. 21  shows the hinge arrangement  258 ,  358  shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20  in more detail. The push pull rod  254 ,  354  is actuated by the movement of the actuation system  252 ,  352 . This in turn pushes or pulls the lever arm  272 ,  372 , which in turn rotates the outer strut  230 ,  330 . The spring rod  288 ,  388  gives spring support to lever arm  272 ,  372 . In order to rotate the outer strut to the open position the lever arm  272 ,  372  is pulled until it contacts the hinge casing  260 ,  360 . When pushed, the lever arm  272 ,  372  supported by the spring rod  288 ,  388  forces the outer strut  230 ,  330  to rotate and close on to the inner strut  228 , or brace  334 . 
         [0107]      FIGS. 3 ,  19  and  20  show one arm. The collapsible canopy framework of the umbrella will be made from one or a number of arms to suit specific application. The movement of the supports relative to each other around the central spine facilitate the opening and closing of the collapsible canopy framework.  FIG. 19  shows an alternative arrangement to that shown in  FIG. 3  where top support can be made in two parts, partially connected so that the outer strut can be actuated differently to the inner strut. It also may help make the manufacturing process easier. 
         [0108]    Typically with conventional umbrellas, the opening of the collapsible canopy framework is achieved by moving the upper and lower crowns towards each other and closing of the collapsible canopy framework is achieved by moving the upper and lower crowns away from each other. In order to seal the inner part, around the crown of the canopy and minimise the excess loose fabric around the frame, the crown of the canopy is best pulled down towards the lower part of the folded frame close to the bottom support. This allows the largest, outermost part of the fabric to be folded in and contained by the much smaller inner part and substantially improves the seal for water contained within the canopy. It is not possible to achieve the above objective by opening and closing the frame this convention way. 
         [0109]    This problem is fundamentally solved by the present invention by moving the supports in the opposite way to the current convention. In this invention, the opening of the frame is achieved by moving the upper and lower crowns away from each other and closing of the frame is achieved by moving the upper and lower crowns towards each other. 
         [0110]      FIGS. 22 to 26  show some of the ways the two supports can be made to move apart during unfolding of the frame and come closer during folding, without altering the current operating practices. For example, when unfolding the umbrella, the frame is held whilst, the telescopic central spine is pulled open to near its full length and then the bottom support is pushed away from the handle grip to unfold the frame. The reverse is done to close the frame. This is operationally same as the conventional umbrellas. There are many ways this can be achieved, some of which are listed below as further embodiment of the same invention. 
         [0111]    Referring to  FIG. 22  this illustrates the top of the central spine, upper crown and lower crown according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The opening and closing action of the collapsible canopy framework of the umbrella in this embodiment is facilitated by a string and pulley system attached to a segment of the telescopic central spine within the outermost segment. In this example string  448  is shown to run within a grove or slot  446  on the outermost segment  444  of the central spine  412 . When the handle  414  is pulled, the string loop  448  which is also attached to the upper section  423  of the upper crown  424  rotates pulling up the upper section  423  and the lower section  425  of the upper crown  424 . When the handle  414  is pushed against the outermost segment  444 , the string loop  448  rotates the other way pulling the upper section  423  and the lower section  425  of the upper crown  424  down towards the lower crown  438 . 
         [0112]      FIG. 22  shows one way the upper crown  424  and lower crown  438  can be made to move relative to each other, thus actuating the closing and opening of the umbrella  410 . In this case the lower crown  438  is fixed to the outermost segment  444  of the central spine  412 . This outermost segment  444  has a slit or groove  446  on it. The slit or groove  446  allows the anchor housing  464  to connect the string  448  from the top pulley  490  and the string  448  from the bottom pulley  492  to the inner segment  450  of the central spine  412 . The other end of the string  448  from the top pulley  490  as well as the other end of the string  448  from the bottom pulley  492  are connected to the upper section  423  of the upper crown  424  via a connector or knot  494 . When the inner section  450  of the central spine  412  is pulled down relative to outermost section  444  of the central spine, the connector anchor pulls the string  458  over the top pulley  490  down, which makes the upper section  423  of the upper crown  424  go up. When the inner section  450  of the central spine  412  is pushed up further in to the outermost section  444  of the central spine  412 , the anchor  464  goes up pulling the string  448  from the bottom pulley  492  up with it, which in turn pulls the upper section  423  of the upper crown  424  down. The latch  470  is used to fix the outermost section  44  to the inner section  450  of the central spine when the umbrella  410  is fully deployed. When the inner section  450  is pulled outwards from the outermost section  444 , the arms around the outermost section move away from each other, opening the collapsible canopy framework  416  and the opposite happens when the inner section  450  is pushed in to the outermost section  444  of the central spine  412 . 
         [0113]    The top pulley system housing  442  is located on the top of the outermost section  444  of the central spine  412  and houses a pulley system  490  for the string  448  that moves the upper crown  424 . An anchor housing  464  is fixed on to the next section  450  of the central spine  412  which is located within the outermost section  444  of the central spine  412 . The anchor housing  464  houses an anchor  466 , for the string  448 . When section  450  of the central spine  412  moves relative to outermost section  444  of the central spine  412 , the string  448  moves the upper crown  424  up or down along the central spine  412 . The string  448  in one alternative is also used to allow some movement in the anchor housing  464  without moving the upper crown  424 . This is an advantage when optimising the lengths of the sections for the central spine  412 . The string  448  is formed in a string loop from the anchor  466  up and over the top pulley system  490  which is housed in the top pulley system housing  442 , down through the upper crown  424  and over the lower pulley system  492  which is housed within the lower crown  438 . The string  448  then goes up through the upper crown  424 , where a knot  494  is formed so that when the central spine  412  is being opened, the knot  494  moves up away from the upper crown  424  until the string  448  is tight and as such pulls the upper crown  424  upwards opening the collapsible canopy framework  416  and thus the main canopy  418 . When the central spine  412  is being closed, the string  448  moves the other way, the string  448  is loose and there is no movement on the upper crown  424  until the knot above the upper crown  424  makes contact with the upper crown  424 . Thereafter, upper crown  424  moves down as the central spine  412  is being closed, folding the collapsible canopy framework  416  and thus the main canopy  418  to its closed configuration. 
         [0114]    Referring to  FIGS. 23   a  and  23   b  these illustrate the top of the central spine, upper crown and lower crown according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In  FIGS. 23   a  and  23   b  the opening and closing action of the collapsible canopy framework  516  and thus the main canopy  518  is facilitated by the movement of the upper crown  524  relative to the lower crown  538  around the central spine  512 , which could be incorporated to be part of a telescopic central handle. In this case the upper crown  524  is pulled up by a spring and pulley system connected to the segment of the central spine  512 . When handle  514  is pulled open, a string  548  attached to inner section  550  of the central spine  512  pulls the upper crown  524  up opening the collapsible canopy framework  516  and thus the main canopy  518 . The upper section  523  of the upper crown  524  is pulled against a compression spring  586  which helps push the upper section  523  of the upper crown  524  when the latch  570  is released to close the collapsible canopy framework  516  and thus the main canopy  518 . A spring can  596  also be incorporated in series with the string  548  to give the upper crown  524  the ability to move down when the open umbrella  510  is forced by the wind. This provides a spring action to bring the arms  526  back to their normal open positions. 
         [0115]      FIG. 23  shows an alternative arrangement to move the upper crown and lower crown relative to each other but in the case it is not required to have a slit on the outermost section  544  of the central spine  512 . The lower crown  538  is fixed on to the outermost section  544  of the central spine  512 . A spring  596  and a string  548  are connected on to the inner section  550 . The other end of the string  548  goes over a pulley  590  and connects on the upper section  523  of the upper crown  524 . When the inner section  550  is pulled outwards in the outermost section  544  of the central spine  512 , the upper section  523  of the upper crown  524  moves up and when the  527  is tight, this action also moves the lower section  525  of the upper crown  524 . This movement away from the lower crown  538  opens up the collapsible canopy framework  516  and thus the main canopy  518 . As a consequence of this movement, the compression spring  586  is energised, whilst the umbrella is opened. When the latch  570  is released, the umbrella closes because the spring  586  pushes the upper crown  524  towards the lower crown  538  as shown in  FIG. 23   b.    
         [0116]    Referring to  FIGS. 24   a ,  24   b  and  24   c  these illustrate the top of the central spine, upper crown and lower crown according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 24 , both the upper crown  624  and the lower crown  638  are adapted to slide type over a central spine  612 , which could be incorporated to be part of a telescopic central handle. The movement of the upper crown  624  is activated by the movement of the lower crown  638 . This again is achieved by string and pulley arrangements, but interestingly, this innovation does not require movement of the sections in the central spine  612  to open or close the umbrella frame. When the lower crown  638  is pushed up, the upper crown  624  moves up at a faster rate opening the gap between the upper crown  624  and the lower crown  638 , and therefore opening the frame. When the lower crown  638  is pulled down to close the umbrella, the strings and pulleys are so arranged that the upper crown  624  again moves at a faster rate closing the gap between the upper crown  624  and lower crown  638  and therefore closing the frame. An alternative way of closing the frame is to use the same method as  FIG. 23 , that is to use a compression spring  686 , which is energised when the umbrella is open and when the latch  670  is released, the spring  686  forces closed the umbrella as shown in  FIG. 24   c.    
         [0117]      FIG. 24  shows another alternative arrangement to move the supports relative to each other. In this case both the upper crown  624  (upper section  623  and lower section  625 ) and the lower crown  638  are free to slide over the outermost section  644  of the central spine  612 . The spring sling system  698  is fixed on to the bottom end of the outermost section  644  of the central spine  612 . The string  648  loops over the pulley  6100  which is fixed on to the lower crown  638 . The other end of the string  648  from pulley  6100  loops over the bottom pulley  692  fixed on to the outermost section  644  of the central spine  612 . The other end of the string  648  from bottom pulley  692  loops over top pulley  690  and down on to the upper section  623  of the upper crown  624  where it is fixed  6102  as shown on  FIG. 24   a  with the upper crown  624  and lower crown  638  in a substantially open configuration. With this arrangement when the lower crown  638  is pushed up over the outermost section  644  of the central spine  612  because the string  648  is double length over the lower crown  638  and single everywhere else, the upper crown  624  moves away from the lower crown. 
         [0118]      FIG. 24   b  shows the arrangement for bringing the upper crown  624  towards the lower crown  638  to close the frame. In this case the spring  6104  and string  6106  are fixed close to the top of the outermost section  644  of the central spine  612 . The string  6106  is then is looped around the pulley  6108  fixed on to the lower crown  638  and back up on to a pulley  6110  close to the top of the outermost section  644  of the central spine  612 . The string  6106  from pulley  6110  is the looped over a pulley  6112  close to the bottom of the outermost section  644  of the central spine  612  and back up and fixed  6114  on to upper section  623  of the upper crown  624 . When the lower crown  638  is pulled away from the upper crown  624 , the upper crown  624  moves towards the lower crown  638 . This is because the string  6106  is double length over the lower crown  638  and single everywhere else and therefore, the movement of the lower crown  638  causes twice the movement on the upper crown  624 .  FIG. 24   c  shows an alternative way of pushing the upper crown  624  towards the lower crown  638  and this is a compression spring  686  which is energised when the upper crown  624  is forced up away from the lower crown  638 . 
         [0119]      FIGS. 25   a  and  25   b  illustrate the top of the central spine, upper crown and lower crown according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 25 , again both crowns are sliding type over a central spine, which could be incorporated to be part of a telescopic central handle. However in this case the upper crown is fixed and the lower crown is sliding. The movement of the bottom support activated opening and closing of the frame.  FIG. 25  illustrates another alternative way of achieving the relative movement between the crowns. In this case the upper crown is fixed and to open the umbrella, the lower crown is pulled away from the top  FIG. 25A , and reverse is done when closing the umbrella. This is the same as a standard umbrella however this can be incorporated into a standard type umbrella wherein with the wind resistant hinge mechanism of the outer struts or the gap between the main canopy and the mini canopy from the embodiments already described. 
         [0120]      FIGS. 26   a  and  26   b  illustrate the top of the central spine, upper crown and lower crown according to ninth embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 26 , both crowns are fixed on to the central spine but the central spine is telescopic so that it can collapse bringing the crowns towards each other.  FIG. 26  shows another alternative way of moving the two crowns relative to each other. In this case the two crowns are connected via telescopic connectors. When the telescopic connectors are closed the upper and lower crowns move closer together closing the frame and reverse to open the frame. This is the same as described in a prior art umbrella however this can be incorporated into a new type umbrella with the new wind resistant hinge mechanism of the outer struts or the gap between the main canopy and the mini canopy from the embodiments already described. 
         [0121]    All of the above arrangements are equally applicable for either arrangement of the braces and the first arms shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 . Either the braces are on top connected to the top supports as shown in  FIG. 20  or they are at the bottom connected to the bottom support as shown in  FIG. 19 . 
         [0122]    In this innovation the movement of the supports relative to each other not only actuates the movement of the inner arms and braces, but also actuates the movement of the second arms via a second linkage. The second linkage can either be connected to the same supports as the brace and the inner arms or the top support can be made in two parts one connected to the main arm or brace and the second connected to the second linkage that actuates the second arm. 
         [0123]    The present aspects and embodiments represent currently the best ways known to the applicant of putting the invention into practice. But they are not the only ways in which this could be achieved. They are illustrated, and they will now be described, by way of example only. 
         [0124]    The present invention primarily relates to umbrellas. It is particularly applicable, but in no way limited, to folding umbrellas in which the umbrella canopy folds inside out and preferably into the umbrella handle or a optional sleeve attached to the handle during storage. This folding arrangement keeps the wet side of the umbrella canopy away from the user and once folded, traps the remaining water within the wet side of the canopy and prevents it from dripping out. The umbrella casing cover or sleeve is so arranged to be an extension of the handle grip and to provide further seal against leakage. Uniquely, this cover is designed to minimise the visual impact on the handle and incorporates a unique lid. The specially developed folding process is also better suited for more compact packing of the fabric minimising its size and weight. Uniquely, the movement of the outer arms are partially uncoupled from the movement of the inner arms. The reason for this is to have the umbrella open in a flowing manner rather than in a disjointed manner. This is done in order to prevent the outer arms clashing onto each other as they fold. 
         [0125]    This invention also is inherently more stable and resistant to wind action than conventional umbrellas. 
         [0126]    It will be understood that a conventional fabric sleeve could be used to cover an umbrella of this general construction if required.