Patent Publication Number: US-2022232934-A1

Title: Umbrella assembly

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Application 63/140,335, filed on Jan. 22, 2021, the contents of which are herein fully incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The field of the invention and its embodiments relate to an improved umbrella assembly. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     An umbrella or parasol is a folding canopy supported by wooden or metal ribs that is usually mounted on a wooden, metal, or plastic pole. An umbrella is designed to protect a person against environmental elements, such as rain, snow, or sunlight. Umbrellas may be both portable and stationary. Portable umbrellas may comprise light-weight materials and a minimum amount of structure for ease of transportation. However, such materials may result in the umbrella&#39;s moving parts being destroyed when exposed to unpredictable high winds to an extent that the umbrella is no longer usable. Moreover, some umbrellas are difficult to expand into an in-use and open position and to retract into a non-use and stored position. Thus, what is needed is an improved umbrella assembly that is configured to maintain the frame integrity of the umbrella and is also easy for a user to convert from a non-use position to an in-use position. 
     Review of Related Technology: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 10,441,040 B2 describes an umbrella. The umbrella has a canopy, a main shaft, and a plurality of ribs pivotally attached to the main shaft, Each rib is of adjustable length and includes a pair of outer rib elements. The outer rib elements are flexible and normally adopt a straight configuration aligned with the main shaft in a closed position of the umbrella. In an open position of the umbrella, the outer rib elements flex so that outer ends of the outer rib elements extend generally circumferentially with respect to the canopy. The umbrella can have ribs that would normally be of one piece, in which case accommodation is made for an effective change in the radius of the ribs as the outer rib elements flex. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 10,182,627 B2 describes a sunshade apparatus, such as an umbrella or sunshade, that includes a canopy with extendable portions that may be positioned in a manner so as to maximize shade. The sunshade device includes a canopy and a rib assembly connected to a shaft. The rib assembly includes a first joint coupled to a first assembly arm. The first joint connects a first arm extension to the rib assembly at a first angle with respect to a surface. The rib assembly also includes a second joint is coupled to a second assembly arm. The second joint connects a second arm extension to the rib assembly at a second angle with respect to the surface. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 9,629,428 B1 relates t) a sunshade apparatus, such as an umbrella or sunshade, that includes a canopy with extendable portions that may be positioned in a manner so as to maximize shade. The sunshade device includes a canopy and a rib assembly connected to a shaft. The rib assembly includes a first joint coupled to a first assembly arm. The first joint connects a first arm extension to the rib assembly at a first angle with respect to a surface. The rib assembly also includes second joint coupled to a second assembly arm. The second joint connects a second arm extension to the rib assembly at a second angle with respect to the surface. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 9,526,306 B2 describes an umbrella assembly. The umbrella assembly includes a housing for a canopy. The umbrella assembly has a mechanism powered to open and close the canopy. During opening, the canopy slides upward through the housing and extends outward in a blooming formation. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 9,468,273 B1 describes a retractable umbrella that includes a canopy with supporting ribs and a shaft with a handle located on a proximal end thereof Inside the shaft resides an electric motor and a gearing mechanism for power transmission. When activated, the electric motor actuates the gearing mechanism to extend and retrieve the canopy from and into the shaft. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 9,526,306 B2 describes an umbrella assembly that includes a housing for a canopy. The umbrella assembly has a mechanism powered to open and close the canopy. During opening, the canopy slides upward through the housing and extends outward in a blooming formation. 
     GB 2525477 A describes a collapsible umbrella-like device comprising flexible ribs and a hollow storage tube. The device includes short restraining lines connected to the flexible ribs at one end and to a. portion of the tube at their other end. When the ribs are pushed out of an open end of the tube, the restraining lines pull on the flexible ribs causing them to arc downwards. The device may comprise a reservoir for collecting rain that falls on the canopy. The canopy of the device may include photovoltaic cells or solar thermal collectors. Also disclosed is an umbrella-like device that makes use of a reel to control the extension of two or more flexible shafts. 
     WO 2006/048026 A1 relates to a folding umbrella comprising: a longitudinal tube shaft which contains the entire umbrella mechanism therein, a system of flexible rods which are fixed in place using wires that are anchored inside the tubular shaft, a polygonal piece of fabric which is supported by the flexible rod system and which forms a small protective awning in the extended position, an elastic element which guides the fabric when the umbrella is being closed, a mechanism comprising grooved and perforated stop elements, springs and coils which enable the entire system to be correctly extended and compressed and which are used to maintain the umbrella in the open position, a cord enabling the  - umbrella closure mechanism to be correctly actuated and the umbrella to be transported, a tube closure device which is designed to house the umbrella in the folded position, and a system fastening/release hook. 
     U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2009/0223545 A1 relates to an umbrella system, substantially comprising an umbrella with elements that include a hollow shaft, a cover, as well as a frame consisting of ribs and stretchers mounted on the exterior of the hollow shaft. When retracted, the cover is stowed inside the shaft. When deployed, the umbrella&#39;s cover is supported by ribs and stretchers as well as by the shaft. Ribs and stretchers slide along the hollow shaft&#39;s exterior as the invention&#39;s cover is deployed and retracted. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,225,806 B1 describes an umbrella having housing with a deployable canopy extendable and retractable therefrom. The canopy comprises a material covering supported by flexible ribs and rib extension retainer cords. The umbrella further provides an. adjustable strap extending between the exterior distal ends and a handle on one distal end of a flexible collapsible material. The adjustable strap further provides a D-ring and clasp on one end allowing for removal of said strap. 
     Vatious umbrellas exist. However, their means of operation are substantially different from the present disclosure, as the other inventions fail to solve all the problems taught by the present disclosure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention and its embodiments relate to an improved umbrella assembly. 
     A first embodiment of the invention describes an umbrella assembly. The umbrella assembly generally comprises a canopy component, a handle component, and a frame component. The canopy component comprises an interior side disposed opposite an exterior side The exterior side of the canopy component comes into contact with an environmental condition, such as rain. As such, a material of the canopy component may be a water or weather resistant material, such as a nylon material or a polyester material. 
     The frame component of the umbrella assembly is affixed between the canopy component and the handle component. In some examples, the handle component may comprise a non-slip material. In other examples, the handle component may comprise a portion of non-slip material. The frame component has a first end disposed opposite a second end. Moreover, a body portion is located between the first end and the second end of the frame component. The first end of the frame component comprises an opening and the second end of the frame component engages the handle component. 
     The body portion of the frame component includes an inner hollow component surrounded by an outer component. The inner hollow component of the frame component is configured to house numerous components that are used for the functioning of the umbrella assembly, such as: a spring, a set of ribs, a seat component, a support rod, and/or a base component, among other components not explicitly listed herein. 
     The spring has a first end disposed opposite a second end, where the second end is affixed to the base component proximate the second end of the frame component. The base component is substantially planar in shape. In some examples, the spring is an extension spring. In other examples, the spring is a compression spring. However, it should be appreciated that the spring is not limited to these examples, as such examples are provided for illustrative purposes only. 
     Each rib of the set of ribs has a first end disposed opposite a second end. The first end of each rib of the set of ribs is affixed to the interior side of the canopy component. The first end of a first subset from the set of ribs are affixed to a first location along a periphery of the interior side of the canopy component. Further, the first end of a second subset from the set of ribs are affixed to a second location on the interior side of the canopy component. It should be appreciated that the first location differs from the second location. Moreover, the second location is proximate a center of the canopy component as compared to the first location. Further, it should be appreciated that in some examples, the first end of each rib of the set of ribs may be curved in a horn shape (e.g., similar to that of a shoe horn) to allow for easy retraction into the inner hollow component of the frame component. A material of each rib of the set of ribs may be a metal material, a fiberglass material, or a plastic material, among other materials not explicitly listed herein. Unlike traditional systems, the instant invention requires no such stringlrestraini ng line for the set of ribs. 
     In some examples, the seat component is substantially cylindrical in shape. The seat component has a first side disposed opposite a second side. The first side of the seat component is configured to receive the second end of each rib of the set of ribs. The second side of the seat component is affixed to the first end of the spring. 
     The support rod has a first side disposed opposite a second side. The first side of the support rod is configured to contact the interior side of the canopy component. The second side of the support rod contracts the first side of the seat component. 
     A manual mechanism to open and close the umbrella assembly is also described. The outer component of the frame component comprises a knob affixed to a planar portion. The planar portion is located partially within the inner hollow component and extends to a location outside of the frame component. The planar portion is affixed to the seat component such that a force exerted on the knob in a direction away from the handle component (e.g., an upward, direction) moves each rib of the set of ribs from the closed position within the inner hollow component of the body portion of the frame component to the open position at a location outside of the frame component. This movement also brings the canopy component to a position outside of the frame component. An elastic potential energy of the spring retracts each rib of the set of ribs and the canopy component into the inner hollow component of the body portion of the frame component. 
     In some examples, the knob comprises a lock component that may lock the knob in the open position or the closed position. In other examples, the second side of the support rod may include a hook component that may be configured to engage the first end of the spring component in an event that the lock component becomes accidentally disengaged or fails to function as expected. 
     In some examples, the body portion of the frame component may comprise one or more openings (or vent holes) disposed therethrough to allow the canopy component to dry. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts a schematic diagram of an umbrella assembly, according to at least some embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a schematic diagram of a frame component of an umbrella assembly, according to at least some embodiments disclosed herein, 
         FIG. 3  depicts a schematic diagram of an interior of an umbrella assembly, according to at least some embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a schematic diagram of a spring and a set of ribs of an umbrella assembly, according to at least some embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a schematic diagram of a shape of a rib of an umbrella assembly in an open and in-use position, according to at least some embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 6  depicts a schematic diagram of a shape of a rib of an umbrella assembly in a closed and non-use position, according to at least some embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 7  depicts a schematic diagram of a base component, a spring, and a seat component of an umbrella assembly, according to at least some embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 8  depicts a schematic diagram depicting movement of a knob of an umbrella assembly from an open and in-use position to a closed and non-use position, according to at least some embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 9  depicts a schematic diagram of a hook component affixed to a rod component of an umbrella assembly, according to at least some embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 10  depicts a schematic diagram of openings located on a handle component of an umbrella assembly, according to at least some embodiments disclosed herein. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals. 
     Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto. 
     As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     The phrase “andlor,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc. 
     As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc. 
     It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     An umbrella assembly  100  is described and depicted herein in at least  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 3 , and  FIG. 4 , As shown in at least  FIG. 1 , the umbrella assembly  100  generally comprises a canopy component  102 , a handle component  108 , and a frame component  110 . The frame component  110  allows for the containment, storage, protection and mobility of the several components of the umbrella assembly  100 , which will be discussed in turn. 
     The canopy component  102  comprises an interior side  106  disposed opposite an exterior side  104 . The exterior side  104  of the canopy component  102  comes into contact with a weather event, such as rain. As such, a material of the canopy component  102  may be a water or weather resistant material, such as a nylon material or a polyester material. Though materials comprising the canopy component  102  have been explicitly listed herein, such listing is for illustrative purposes only and oilier materials are contemplated. 
     The frame component  110  is affixed between the canopy component  102  and the handle component  108 . The handle component  108  may be of any shape and the handle component  108  is not limited to a curved shape as shown in  FIG. 1 . In some examples, the handle component  108  may comprise a non-slip material. In other examples, the handle component  108  may comprise a portion of non-slip material. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the frame component  110  has a first end  116  disposed opposite a second end  118 . Moreover, a body portion is located between the first end  116  and the second end  118  of the frame component  110 . As shown in various figures, the first end  116  of the frame component  110  flares outward. However, the shape of the frame component  110  is not limited to any particular shape. The first end  116  of the frame component  110  comprises an opening  146 . The second end  118  of the frame component  110  engages the handle component  108 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the body portion of the frame component  110  includes an inner hollow component  112  surrounded by an outer component  114 . The inner hollow component  112  of the frame component  110  is configured to house numerous components that are used for the functioning of the umbrella assembly  100 , such as: a spring  122  (of  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 7 , and  FIG. 8 ), a set of ribs  128  (of  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5 , and  FIG. 6 ), a seat component  134  (of  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 7 ), a support rod  140  (of  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 3 , and  FIG. 9 ), andlor a base component  152  (of  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 7 , and  FIG. 8 ), among other components not explicitly listed herein. 
     The spring  122  has a first end disposed opposite a second end, where the second end is affixed to the base component  152  proximate the second end  118  of the frame component  110 . The base component  152  is substantially planar in shape and may comprise any geometric shape. In some examples, the spring  122  is an extension spring. In other examples, the spring  122  is a compression spring. It should be appreciated that the spring  122  may be another type of spring not explicitly listed herein. 
     Each rib of the set of ribs  128  has a first end disposed opposite a second end. The first end of each rib of the set of ribs  128  is affixed to the interior side  106  of the canopy component  102 . The first end of a first subset from the set of ribs  128  are affixed to a first location along a periphery of the interior side  106  of the canopy component  102 , Further, the first end of a second subset from the set of ribs  128  are affixed to a second location on the interior side  106  of the canopy component  102 . It should be appreciated that the first location differs from the second location. Moreover, the second location is proximate a center of the canopy component  102  as compared to the first location. As such, the second subset from the set of ribs  128  may be shorter in length than the first subset from the set of ribs  128 . Further, it should be appreciated that in some examples, the first end of each rib of the set of ribs  12 . 8  may be curved in a horn shape (e.g., similar to that of a shoe horn) to allow for easy retraction into the inner hollow component  112  of the frame component  110 . A material of each rib of the set of ribs  128  may be a metal material, a fiberglass material, or a plastic material, among other materials not explicitly listed herein. Unlike traditional systems that require use of a string/&#39;restraining line to pull on the flexible ribs (e.g., the set of ribs  128 ) to cause them to arc downwards, the instant invention requires no such string/restraining line. 
     In some examples, the seat component  134  is substantially cylindrical in shape. The seat component  134  has a first side disposed opposite a second side, The first side of the seat component  134  is configured to receive the second end of each rib of the set of ribs  128 . The second side of the seat component  134  is affixed to the first end of the spring  122 . 
     The support rod  140  has a first side disposed opposite a second side and is substantially cylindrical in shape. The first side of the support rod  140  is configured to contact the interior side  106  of the canopy component  102 . The second side of the support rod  140  contracts the first side of the seat component  134 . 
     A manual mechanism to open and close the umbrella assembly  100  is also described. The outer component  114  of the frame component  110  comprises a knob  148  affixed to a planar portion  150 . The planar portion  150  is located perpendicular to the frame component  110 , The planar portion  150  is located partially within the inner hollow component  112  and extends to a location outside of the frame component  110 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the planar portion  150  is affixed to the seat component  134 . Moreover, a force exerted on the knob  148  by the user in a direction away from the handle component  108  (e.g., an upward direction) from a first location  162  to a second location  160  moves each rib of the set of ribs  128  from the closed position within the inner hollow component  112  of the body portion of the frame component  110  to the open position such that each rib of the set of ribs  128  and the canopy component  102  are moved to a location outside of the frame component  110 . The open or in-use position of the canopy component  102  may also be referred to as a blooming formation or configuration. It should be appreciated that the force exerted on the knob  148  in the upward direction results in the open position due to the spring  122  being extended. 
     When a lock component/mechanism is not used or is disengaged, an external force exerted by the user is not needed to bring the spring  122  from the second location  160  to the first location  162  (e.g., moving each rib of the set of ribs  128  from an open position or an in-use position to a closed position or a non-use position by retracting each rib of the set of ribs  128  and the canopy component  102  into the inner hollow component  112  of the body portion of the frame component  110 ), In fact, the elastic potential energy of the spring  122  draws each rib of the set of ribs  128 , as well as the canopy component  102 , back into the inner hollow component  112  of the body portion of the frame component  110 . As described herein, “elastic potential energy,” is potential energy stored as a result of deformation of an elastic object, such as the stretching of the spring  122 . The elastic potential energy is equal to the work done to stretch the spring  122 , which depends upon the spring  122  constant k, as well as the distance stretched. According to Hooke&#39;s law, the force required to stretch the spring will be directly proportional to the amount of stretch. The force has the form F=−kx, where the work done to stretch the spring a distance x is Work=½ kx 2 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the knob  148  moves a distance “D” between the open and in-use position to the closed and non-use position. 
     It should be appreciated that typical collapsible/foldable umbrella assemblies are known in the art. However, such systems require use of a string/restraining line to pull on the flexible ribs to cause them to arc downwards, The instant invention requires no such string/restraining line. In fact, in the open and in-use position, a natural shape of the first end of each rib of the set of ribs  128  is a curved shape, as shown in  FIG. 5 . Further, in the instant invention, each rib of the set of ribs  128  comprises a bending resistance such that when each rib of the set of ribs  128  is retracted into the inner hollow component  112  of the body portion of the frame component  110 , a shape of each rib of the set of ribs  128  moves towards planar shape, as shown in  FIG. 6 . No pulley or string is needed by the instant invention for each rib of the set of ribs  128  to bend. 
     In some examples, the knob  148  comprises a lock component (not shown). The lock component may be configured to lock the knob  148  in the open position or in the closed position. In other examples, and as shown in  FIG. 9 , the second side of the support rod  140  may include a hook component  154 . The hook component  154  may be configured to engage the first end of the spring component  122  in an event that the lock component becomes accidentally disengaged or fails to function as expected. 
     Though a manual mechanism has been described, an automatic mechanism may also be used, in some examples, the mechanism may be partially or fully automated. 
     In some examples, and as shown in  FIG. 10 , the body portion of the frame component  110  may comprise one or more openings  156  (or vent holes) disposed therethrough to allow the canopy component  102  to dry when the canopy component  102  is in the closed or non-use position. In some examples, the one or more openings  156  may be randomly spaced. In other examples, the one or more openings  156  may be spaced in a repetitive pattern. 
     The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others or ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein. 
     Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.