Patent Publication Number: US-9888751-B2

Title: Umbrella

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This disclosure relates to the field of umbrellas. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many conventional automatic umbrellas are operated by releasing a tensioned lock, button or trigger to automatically deploy a canopy of the umbrella from a closed position to an open position, and then downwardly pulling on a ring, which slides along a shaft of the umbrella, to return the canopy to the closed position. Described herein is a new and different design for opening and closing an umbrella. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects of the invention relate to an umbrella. 
     In accordance with one aspect, the invention provides an umbrella comprising: (a) a rod assembly including a plurality of rods; (b) a canopy connected to the rod assembly and movable between an open position in which the canopy is deployed and a closed position in which the canopy is retracted; (c) a stationary handgrip connected to the rod assembly for grasping the umbrella; (d) a trigger that is configured to cause the canopy to move from the closed position to the open position, and (e) a handle movable with respect to the handgrip and connected to the rod assembly, the handle being translatable to move the canopy from the open position to the closed position. 
     In accordance with another aspect, the invention provides an umbrella comprising: (a) a rod assembly including a plurality of rods; (b) a canopy connected to the rod assembly and movable between an open position in which the canopy is deployed and a closed position in which the canopy is retracted; (c) a stationary handgrip for grasping the umbrella that is connected to said rod assembly; (d) a compression spring that is located within the handgrip and is biased to deploy at least one rod of the rod assembly and move the canopy toward the open position; (e) a trigger assembly that is releasably connected to said at least one rod of the rod assembly, wherein, upon actuation of the trigger assembly, the trigger releases said at least one rod of the rod assembly which deploys and causes the canopy to move from the closed position to the open position; (f) a handle movable with respect to said handgrip and connected to said rod assembly, the handle being translatable from a retracted position to an extended position to move the canopy from the open position to the closed position; and (g) a tension spring that is positioned to move the handle from the extended position back to the retracted position after the canopy is closed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with reference to the accompanying drawings. According to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features may be expanded or reduced for clarity. Included in the drawings are the following figures: 
         FIG. 1A  depicts an elevation view of an umbrella shown in a fully-closed state, according to one example of the invention; 
         FIG. 1B  depicts an elevation view of the umbrella of  FIG. 1A  shown in a mid-opened state; 
         FIG. 1C  depicts an elevation view of the umbrella of  FIG. 1A  shown in a fully-open state; 
         FIG. 1D  depicts an elevation view of the umbrella of  FIG. 1A  shown in an early-closing state; 
         FIG. 1E  depicts an elevation view of the umbrella of  FIG. 1A  shown in a mid-closing state; 
         FIG. 1F  depicts an elevation view of the umbrella of  FIG. 1A  shown in a late-closing state; 
         FIGS. 2 and 3  are cross-sectional views of the umbrella of  FIG. 1A  taken along the lines I-I and II-II, respectively; 
         FIG. 2A  is a detailed view of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIGS. 4 and 5  are cross-sectional views of the umbrella of  FIG. 1B  taken along the lines III-III and IV-IV, respectively; 
         FIGS. 6 and 7  are cross-sectional views of the umbrella of  FIG. 1C  taken along the lines V-V and VI-VI, respectively; 
         FIGS. 8 and 9  are cross-sectional views of the umbrella of  FIG. 1D  taken along the lines VII-VII and VIII-VIII, respectively; 
         FIGS. 10 and 11  are cross-sectional views of the umbrella of  FIG. 1E  taken along the lines IX-IX and X-X, respectively; 
         FIGS. 12 and 13  are cross-sectional views of the umbrella of  FIG. 1F  taken along the lines XI-XI and XII-XII, respectively; 
         FIG. 14  is a partially exploded view of the umbrella base of  FIGS. 1A-1F  and including a detailed view of the handgrip; 
         FIG. 14A  is a detailed view of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIGS. 15, 16 and 17  are isometric views of the top end of the umbrella of  FIGS. 1A-1F , with various components omitted, in a fully-open state, a mid-open/closed state and a fully-closed state, respectively; 
         FIGS. 15A and 16A  are detailed views of  FIGS. 15 and 16 , respectively; 
         FIG. 18  depicts a perspective view of the canopy of the umbrella including a magnetic closure system; 
         FIG. 19  depicts a perspective view of a handgrip for a compact model of the umbrella; 
         FIG. 20A  depicts a partial cross-sectional view of another umbrella shown in a fully-closed state, according to another example of the invention; 
         FIG. 20B  depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the umbrella of  FIG. 20A  shown in a mid-opened state; 
         FIG. 20C  depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the umbrella of  FIG. 20A  shown in a fully-open state; 
         FIG. 20D  depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the umbrella of  FIG. 20A  shown in an early-closing state; 
         FIG. 20E  depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the umbrella of  FIG. 20A  shown in a mid-closing state; and 
         FIG. 20F  depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the umbrella of  FIG. 20A  shown in a late-closing state. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and the range of equivalents of the claims without departing from the invention. 
     As used herein, “proximal” and “distal” refer to either a position or a direction relative to the free end of handle  20 / 220 . For example, a proximal portion of a particular component is a portion nearer handle  20 / 220 , and a distal portion is a portion further from handle  20 / 220 . Furthermore, a proximal direction is a direction toward handle  20 / 220  and a distal direction is a direction away from handle  20 / 220 . 
       FIGS. 1A-1F  depict views of an umbrella  10 , according to one example of the invention, shown moving between closed, open and late closing stages. Umbrella  10  is movable between the fully-closed and fully-open states shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1C , respectively. Umbrella  10  generally includes a stationary handgrip  11  connected to a deployable canopy  12  by a rod assembly  13 . Rod assembly  13  includes mechanisms for deploying and retracting canopy  12  between the opened and closed states. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A, 2 and 3 , handgrip  11  includes a large diameter distal portion  15  to be grasped by a user of umbrella  10  and a small diameter proximal portion  17 , each of which is substantially tubular in shape and includes a hollow interior region. A shoulder  19  is formed at the interface between distal portion  15  and proximal portion  17  for bearing upon the distal end of movable handle  20  in the fully-closed and fully-open positions of umbrella  10 . Proximal portion  17  is sized to fit within the hollow interior of a movable handle  20 . The revolved exterior surface of distal portion  15  may include a surface texture for enhanced dexterity. 
     The hollow interior region of handgrip  11  is sized to accommodate a portion of rod assembly  13 . The top distal end of distal portion  15  includes an aperture  21  through which at least two rods of rod assembly  13  extend. The lower proximal end of proximal portion  17  also includes an aperture  26  through which two rods of rod assembly  13  are at least partially positioned. Another aperture  23  is provided on the side surface of proximal portion  17  through which a spring-loaded trigger assembly  16  is moveably positioned. 
     Spring-loaded trigger assembly  16  may be considered as forming part of handgrip  11  because it is mounted to handgrip  11 . Spring-loaded trigger assembly  16  generally includes a circular ring  22  surrounding rod assembly  13 . A cylindrical trigger  25  is fixed to ring  22  and is positioned to extend outwardly in a radial direction from the exterior surface of ring  22 . Trigger  25  may be a separate component, such as a pin, that is mounted to ring  22  or trigger  25  may be integral with ring  22 . A hook  28  (see  FIG. 3 ) is fixed to ring  22  and is positioned to extend inwardly in a radial direction from the interior surface of ring  22 . As best shown in  FIG. 2A , hook  28  includes a flat lower surface  28 ′ that intersects a curved outer surface. The curved outer surface of hook  28  extends along the length of ring  22  and increases in depth toward the bottom end of ring  22 . The flat lower surface  28 ′ of hook  28 , which acts as a catch, is formed at the lower proximal end of ring  22 . Hook  28  and trigger  25  are positioned on opposing sides of ring  22 . A compression spring  30  is fixed to the exterior surface of ring  22 , and is located directly opposite hook  28 . Spring  30  biases trigger assembly  16  to the left, as taken from the view shown in  FIG. 1 . More particularly, spring  30  biases hook  28  toward rod assembly  13 , the purpose of which will be described in greater detail later. Spring  30  is sandwiched between the outer surface of ring  22  and the interior surface of proximal portion  17  of handgrip  11 . Spring  30  may also be additionally or alternatively fixed to the interior surface of proximal portion  17  of handgrip  11 , if so desired. 
     Moveable handle  20  is substantially tubular in shape and includes a hollow interior region for accommodating proximal portion  17  of handgrip  11 . The revolved exterior surface of handle  20  may include a surface texture for enhanced dexterity. The outer diameter of handle  20  is substantially equal to the outer diameter of distal portion  15  of handgrip to provide a seamless transition along the length of portion  15  and handle  20 . 
     A ramp surface  27  is defined on the interior surface of handle  20  for engaging spring-loaded trigger assembly  16 , the purpose of which will be described later. As best shown in  FIGS. 6 and 14 , ramp surface  27  transitions from the regular inner diameter  29  of handle  20  to an enlarged inner diameter  31 . Ramp surface  27  extends only partially along the inner circumference of handle  20 , i.e., by about 30 degrees, for example, as viewed from the top end of handle  20 . In operation, handle  20  is capable of translating in two opposite directions along Z-axis shown in  FIG. 3 , and rotating about the Z-axis in two opposite rotational directions. Ramp surface  27  is configured to interact with spring-loaded trigger assembly  16  to accomplish the deployment function of umbrella  10 , which will be described in greater detail later. 
     Although not shown, and in an alternative embodiment of umbrella  10 , handle  20  may not be configured to rotate, and ramp surface  27  may be omitted. In this alternative embodiment, handle  20  would include an aperture through which trigger  25  extends to the outside of handle  20 , thereby enabling a user of umbrella  10  to directly actuate trigger  25  of spring-loaded trigger assembly  16 . 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 1A, 2 and 3 , telescoping rod assembly  13  generally includes three telescoping hollow rods, i.e., an inner rod  33 , a central rod  35  surrounding inner rod  33 , and an outer rod  37  surrounding central rod  35 ; in addition to an upper spring loaded hook assembly  40  that is configured to interact with all three rods of rod assembly  13  for controlling the telescoping motion of rod assembly  13 . 
     Inner rod  33  includes a proximal end that is fixedly mounted to aperture  26  formed in the bottom end of proximal portion  17  of handgrip  11 . Inner rod  33  extends to the top end of umbrella  10  and the top distal end of inner rod  33  is connected to the arms of canopy  12 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . Inner rod  33  includes an elongated slot  34  (see  FIGS. 1 and 7 ) along which upper spring loaded hook assembly  40  translates in operation. Elongated slot  34  extends along axis Z and along a portion of the length of inner rod  33 . Inner rod  33  does not translate in operation, rather the other rods  35  and  37  and upper spring loaded hook assembly  40  translate with respect to inner rod  33  and handgrip  11 . 
     Central rod  35 , which surrounds inner rod  33 , includes a base end that is connected to the lower interior surface of handle  20 . As shown in  FIG. 8  (only), the proximal end  36  of rod  35  is flared outwards and is captivated within fingers  38  extending upward from the lower interior surface of handle  20 . By virtue of the connection between end  36  and fingers  38 , handle  20  is configured to rotate about the Z-axis with respect to central rod  35  (central rod  35  is unrotatable), and central rod  35  is capable of translating along the Z-axis along with handle  20 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that other means exist for connecting handle  20  and rod  35  such that handle  20  can rotate about rod  35  and translate with rod  35 . The top distal end of central rod  35 , which is free and disconnected, is substantially positioned within the interior of handgrip  11  in both the closed and opened states of umbrella  10 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 2, 3 and 14 , central rod  35  includes two elongated and open-ended slots  42  each of which extends through the bottom end of central rod  35 . Slots  42  are positioned on opposite diametric sides of rod  35 . In assembled form of umbrella  10 , slots  42  are positioned within tabs  44  (see  FIG. 14 ) that extend inwardly from lower aperture  26  of handgrip  11 . Engagement between slots  42  and tabs  44  controls motion of central rod  35  as it translates along handgrip  11  and prevents relative rotation between central rod  35  and handgrip  11 . Central rod  35  also includes an aperture  46  near its top end for interacting with upper spring loaded hook assembly  40 . Aperture  46  is positioned diametrically between slots  42  and is sized to receive hook assembly  40 . 
     Outer rod  37 , which surrounds central rod  35 , includes a proximal lower end positioned within handgrip  11  and a distal top end that is fixedly connected to a hinged arm assembly  50  (see  FIG. 15 ) such that central rod  35  and hinged arm assembly  50  move together. 
     A lower aperture  52  is disposed through the sidewall of outer rod  37  at a location near the proximal end of outer rod  37 . Lower aperture  52  is sized to receive triangular hook  28  of spring-loaded trigger assembly  16  in a closed position of umbrella  10 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . An upper aperture  54  is also disposed through the sidewall of outer rod  37  at a location directly above lower aperture  52 . Upper aperture  54  is sized to receive hook  60  of upper spring loaded hook assembly  40  in the open and partially-open states of umbrella  10 , as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 8 . 
     A compression spring  56  is positioned between the proximal end of outer rod  37  and lower aperture  26  of handgrip  11  to bias outer rod  37  in an upward direction and away from aperture  26  and handle  20 . Compression spring  56  may be fixed to the proximal end of outer rod  37  by a weld, for example. Alternatively, spring  56  may simply bear upon the proximal end of outer rod  37 . Although not shown, a flange (not shown) or other surface may be formed on the proximal end of outer rod  37  upon which spring  56  bears. 
     Upper spring-loaded hook assembly  40  generally includes a circular ring  41  positioned within the interior of inner rod  33 . A spring-loaded hook  60  is positioned at least partially within ring  41 . Hook  60  includes a flat lower surface that intersects a curved outer surface. As shown in  FIG. 4 , hook  60  includes a flange  64  that is formed on its interior facing surface. Flange  64  is configured to retain hook  60  at least partially within the boundary of ring  41  during operation of umbrella  10 . A curved outer surface  61  extends outwardly from flange  64 , and curved outer surface  61  terminates at a planar surface  63  that extends in a radial direction. Hook  60  is sized to selectively engage with the interior side wall of outer rod  37 , aperture  46  of central rod  35 , aperture  54  of outer rod  37 , and elongated slot  34  of inner rod  33 , as shown throughout the figures. A compression spring  62  is sandwiched between the interior surface of ring  41  and the interior facing surface of hook  60  to bias hook  60  outwardly in a radial direction. Spring  62  may be fixed to ring  41  and/or hook  60  by a weld, for example. In operation, the axial position of hook assembly  40  shifts within the interior of handgrip  11 , as will be described later. 
       FIGS. 15-17  depict the distal end of umbrella  10  including the distal end of telescoping rod assembly  13 , hinged arm assembly  50 , canopy arm assembly  66  and canopy  12 . Although not shown in  FIGS. 15-17 , it should be understood that the fabric canopy  12  is fixedly mounted to each arm  77  of canopy arm assembly  66  (either directly or indirectly) such that the fabric canopy  12  moves with arms  77 . The material of canopy  12  may vary. 
     Hinged arm assembly  50  includes a ring connector  68  that is fixed to the top distal end of outer rod  37 . Ring connector  68  includes a central hole through which inner rod  33  translates up and down. The outer surface of ring connector  68  is substantially hexagonal. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the outer surface of the ring connector  68  may take any another polygonal shape. A plurality of arms  70  (six shown) are pivotably and hingedly connected to ring connector  68 . The proximal ends of arms  70  are interconnected by a web of material  73  such that the arms  70  pivot together in unison. Alternatively, the proximal ends of arms  70  may be separated from each other. The number of arms  70  may vary. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 15A , the proximal end  71  of each arm  70  includes a cylindrical hinge element  72 . Each hinge element  72  is pivotably connected to a respective semi-cylindrical recess  74  formed on the surfaces of the hexagon of ring connector  68 . The connection between hinge element  72  and recess  74  may be a snap-fit, for example. Alternatively, hinge element  72  may be connected to ring connector  68  by a pin (not shown) or any other device known to those skilled in the art that would permit arm  70  to pivot with respect to ring connector  68 . 
     The distal end  75  of each arm  70  includes a cylindrical hinge element  76 . Each hinge element  76  is pivotably and hingedly connected to a respective arm  77  of canopy arm assembly  66 . The connection between each hinge element  76  and its respective arm  77  may be snap-fit, pinned, press-fit, or any other device known to those skilled in the art that would permit arm  70  to pivot with respect to arm  77 . 
     Canopy arm assembly  66  includes a ring connector  79  that is fixed to the top distal end of inner rod  33 . The outer surface of ring connector  79  is substantially hexagonal. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the outer surface of the ring connector  79  may take any another polygonal shape. A plurality of arms  77  (six shown) are pivotably and hingedly connected to ring connector  79 . The number of arms  77  may vary. 
     Alternatively, the arms  77  may be omitted in favor of attaching the arms  70  directly to the canopy  12 . In such an embodiment, the tension between the canopy panels would assist in opening and closing the canopy  12  of the umbrella  10  like an origami figure (as well as umbrella  200  described later). 
     As best shown in  FIG. 16A , the distal end  78  of each arm  77  includes a cylindrical hinge element  80 . Each hinge element  80  is pivotably connected to a respective semi-cylindrical recess  82  formed on the surfaces of the hexagon of ring connector  79 . The connection between hinge element  80  and recess  82  may be a snap-fit, for example. Alternatively, hinge element  80  may be connected to ring connector  79  by a pin (not shown) or any other device known to those skilled in the art that would permit arm  77  to pivot with respect to ring connector  79 . Cutouts  90  are formed on each surface of the hexagon of ring connector  79  beneath recesses  82 . As best shown in  FIG. 17 , the distal end  78  of each arm  77  is positioned flush within a respective cutout  90  when umbrella canopy  12  is maintained in a closed state. 
       FIG. 18  depicts a perspective view of canopy  12  including a magnetic closure system. In the magnetic closure system, adjacent panels of canopy  12  include magnets  95   a  and  95   b  having opposite polarity such that when canopy  12  nears its closed position, the adjacent magnets  95   a  and  95   b  will attract and connect with each other. The user then rolls the closed canopy causing the adjacent connected magnets to connect with each other thereby forming a tight and evenly rolled canopy to be stowed. 
     It should be understood that the number of magnets, as well as canopy panels, may vary from that which is shown and described, so long as the magnets are together capable of forming a magnetic loop closure system for stowing the canopy. For example, the canopy  12  may include six magnets  95  (one for every other panel) to achieve a similar effect. Alternatively, the canopy  12  may include as little as two magnets  95  to form a basic clasp. An umbrella canopy having 16 panels many include eight or sixteen magnets to create a loop. It should be understood that magnetic closure system is an optional feature of the umbrella. 
     Canopy  12  has a hexagonal shape and six rectangular arms  77  for moving the canopy between the open and closed positions. It is envisioned, however, that the shape of the canopy  12  may be that of an octagon, a decagon, or some other polygonal shape; and, the shape of the arms  77  may be triangular or any other polygonal shape rather than rectangular. Like an origami figure, the tension between the panels assists in opening and closing the canopy  12  of the umbrella  10  (as well as umbrella  200  described later). 
     Operation of the umbrella  10  from the fully-closed state of  FIG. 1A  to the late-closing state of  FIG. 1F  will now be described. 
     Starting from the fully-closed position of umbrella  10  shown in  FIGS. 1A, 2, 3 and 17 , canopy  12  is retracted in the fully-closed position and arms  70  and  77  are all positioned in the substantially vertical closed state shown in  FIG. 17 . Proximal end  17  of handgrip  11  is positioned within the interior of handle  20 . Hook  28  of trigger assembly  16  is positioned within lower aperture  52  of outer rod  37  thereby locking umbrella  10  in the closed state. Spring  56  is maintained in a compressed position between the proximal end of outer rod  37  and the lower interior surface of handgrip  11 . Hook  60  is positioned at the top distal end of elongated slot  34  of inner rod  33 . Hook  60  is also positioned through aperture  46  of central rod  35 . Ramp  27  is spaced apart from trigger  25  of trigger assembly  16  such that the surface of ramp  27  does not contact trigger  25 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1B, 4, 5 and 16 , a user rotates handle  20  in a clockwise direction relative to handgrip  11  (see arrow in  FIG. 1B ), which causes the enlarged inner diameter  31  of handle ramp  27  to bear on trigger  25  of trigger assembly  16 , as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . Ramp  27  urges trigger  25  inwardly, which causes ring  22  to move to the right (as viewed in  FIG. 4 ) against the force of spring  30 . Hook  28  translates to the right along with ring  22 , thereby causing landing surface  28 ′ of hook  28  to separate from aperture  52  of outer rod  37 . Once landing surface  28 ′ separates from aperture  52  of outer rod  37 , outer rod  37  is no longer fixed in position, and the stored energy of spring  56  translates outer rod  37  in an upward direction (compare  FIGS. 2 and 4 ). As outer rod  37  translates upwardly, the inner surface of rod  37  slides along the tip of hook  60  while hook  60  remains stationary. Outer rod  37  translates over the stationary inner rod  33 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , as outer rod  37  translates upwardly, ring connector  68  of arm assembly  50  also translates upwardly, which causes arms  70  to pivot outwardly due to the hinged connection between ring connector  68  and arms  70 . As arms  70  pivot outwardly, the arms  77  of canopy arm assembly  66  also pivot outwardly due to the hinged connection between arms  77  and arms  70  as well as the hinged connection between arms  77  and ring connector  79  of canopy arm assembly  66 . As arms  77  pivot outwardly, canopy  12  moves toward the open and expanded state, as shown in  FIG. 1B . 
     Once outer rod  37  detaches from the lower spring-loaded trigger assembly  25  and begins its upward ascent, handle  20  returns to the starting position shown in  FIGS. 1C and 1A . As noted above, umbrella  10  may include a torsion spring (not shown) that is configured to automatically rotate handle  20  in a counter-clockwise direction, or, alternatively, the user may manually rotate handle  20  in a counter-clockwise direction to return it to the starting position. As also noted above, in an alternative embodiment, handle  20  does not rotate at all, and trigger  25  protrudes from the exterior surface of handle  20 . In such an alternative embodiment, the user can manually depress the trigger to deploy the umbrella from the closed state to the open state. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1C, 6, 7 and 15 , as outer rod  37  continues to translate upwardly, arms  70  and  77  continue to pivot outwardly. Outer rod  37  continues to translate upwardly until spring loaded hook  60  engages with upper aperture  54  of outer rod  37 . More particularly, once the end of hook  60  engages aperture  54 , spring  62  of hook assembly  41  pushes hook  60  outwardly such that hook  60  springs into aperture  54 . Hook assembly  41  cannot move upwardly along with outer rod  37  (by virtue of the force of spring  56 ) because hook  60  of hook assembly  41  is also engaged with stationary inner rod  33  and central rod  35 . Thus, outer rod  37  is now locked in the fully-open state shown in  FIGS. 1C, 6, 7 and 15 . In the fully-open state of umbrella  10 , canopy  12  is completely expanded, as best shown in  FIGS. 1C and 15 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1D, 8, 9 and 16 , once the user desires to close umbrella  10 , the user translates handle  20  in downward vertical direction (as indicated by the downward arrow in  FIG. 1D ). It is noted that the user could rotate handle  20  in a counter-clockwise direction while translating handle  20  downward assuming that (i) the user has not already rotated handle  20  in a counter-clockwise direction, and (ii) umbrella  10  does not include the torsion spring (not shown) that was described above for automatically rotating handle  20  in a counter-clockwise direction. 
     As handle  20  translates in a downward direction, central rod  35  translates downwardly along with handle  20  due to the connection between rod  35  and handle  20 . Because hook  60  of hook assembly  40  is locked in aperture  46  of central rod  35 , hook assembly  40  translates downward along with handle  20  and central rod  35 . Because hook  60  of hook assembly  40  is also locked in aperture  54  of outer rod  37 , outer rod  37  also translates downwardly against the force of spring  56  along with hook assembly  40 , central rod  35  and handle  20 . Spring  56  becomes compressed by outer rod  37  as it moves downwardly. Hook  60  freely travels along elongated slot  34  formed in stationary inner rod  33  as hook  60  translates downwardly along with outer rod  37 . 
     As outer rod  37  translates downwardly, canopy  12  moves from the open position of  FIG. 1C  to the partially closed position of  FIG. 1D . More particularly, as outer rod  37  translates downwardly, ring connector  68  of arm assembly  50  also translates downwardly, which causes arms  70  to pivot inwardly due to the hinged connection between ring connector  68  and arms  70 . As arms  70  pivot inwardly, the arms  77  of canopy arm assembly  66  also pivot inwardly due to the hinged connection between arms  77  and arms  70  as well as the hinged connection between arms  77  and ring connector  79  of canopy arm assembly  66 . Arm assemblies  50  and  66  eventually reach the partially-closed/open state shown in  FIG. 16 . Also, as arms  77  pivot inwardly to the position shown in  FIG. 16 , canopy  12  is drawn toward the partially-closed/open state shown in  FIG. 1D . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1E, 10, 11 and 17 , the user continues to translate handle  20  in the downward direction along with outer rod  37 , hook assembly  40  and central rod  35  until hook  28  of spring-loaded trigger assembly  16  springs into lower aperture  52  of outer rod  37  by virtue of the spring force of spring  30 . Engagement between hook  28  and aperture  52  prevents handle  20  from moving further downward. At this stage of the closing process, canopy  12  reaches the fully-closed position shown in  FIG. 1E , and arm assemblies  50  and  66  reach the fully-closed position shown in  FIG. 17 . If canopy  12  includes the magnetic closure system of  FIG. 18 , the adjacent magnets  95   a  and  95   b  will attract causing canopy  12  to take a tight and evenly rolled form. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1F, 12 and 13 , at this point in the closing process, the canopy  12  is maintained in a fully-closed state while handle  20  remains in an extended state relative to handgrip  11  (as shown in  FIG. 1E ). The user then translates handle  20  in an upward direction (as indicated by the vertical arrow in  FIG. 1F ) in order mate handle  20  with the proximal portion  17  of handgrip  11 . More particularly, central rod  35  and hook assembly  40  move in an upward direction as the user translates handle  20  in the upward direction. As hook assembly  40  moves upwardly along with handle  20 , the curved surface of hook  60  bears against the upper edge of upper aperture  54  of outer rod  37 , which ultimately causes hook  60  to translate inwardly against the bias of spring  62  until hook  60  disengages entirely from upper aperture  54  of outer rod  37 . Outer rod  37  remains stationary as handle  20  is translated upwardly due to the engagement between hook  28  and lower aperture  52  of outer rod  37 . As handle  20  is translated further upward the edge of hook  60  travels along the interior surface of outer rod  37 . Hook  60  freely translates upwardly through elongated slot  34  of stationary inner rod  33  as hook  60  is moved upwardly. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1A, 1F, 2 and 12 , as handle  20  is moved further upwardly, handle  20  moves over proximal portion  17  of handgrip  11 . As this happens, trigger  25  of trigger assembly  16  freely translates into the interior of handle  20  without contacting any surfaces of handle  20 , such as ramp  27 , which could inadvertently deploy trigger  25 . This may be accomplished through dimensioning of the parts, or, alternatively, the top surface of handle  20  could include a radially and axially-extending channel  92  (partially shown in  FIG. 12 ) through which trigger  25  passes as handle  20  moves over proximal portion  17  of handgrip  11 . In other words, trigger  25  is not contacted by handle  20  until handle  20  is purposefully rotated (as described with reference to  FIGS. 1B and 4 ) such that ramp  27  is positioned to positively contact the end of trigger  25 . 
     Handle  20  is continued to be moved upwardly until the proximal portion  17  of handgrip  11  is seated in the interior of handle  20 , as shown in  FIG. 1A . At the same time, hook  60  bears on the top end of elongated slot  34  of stationary inner rod  33  such that handle  20  can no longer be translated upwardly relative to handgrip  11 . Umbrella  10  is now returned to the fully-closed position shown in  FIGS. 1A, 2 and 3 . 
       FIG. 19  depicts an alternative version of handgrip  11 ′ for use with a compact version of the umbrella. The compact version of the umbrella shares the same structure and operation as umbrella  10  with at least the following exceptions: (i) the canopy of the compact umbrella contains more panels, which may be layered, to enhance foldability, (ii) the canopy is capable of translating downward with respect to handgrip  11 ′, and (iii) handgrip  11 ′ is sized to accommodate and conceal the entire length of the closed canopy so that the closed canopy is not visible to the user. Inner rod  33  of the compact umbrella would be configured to translate downward as canopy  12  is moved to the closed position (unlike umbrella  10 ) so that closed canopy could move downward into handgrip  11 ′. 
     The distal top end of handgrip  11 ′ includes a seal  99  that substantially covers the aperture at the top end of handgrip  11 .′ Seal  99  is provided to either limit or prevent any trapped water on the canopy from escaping handgrip  11 ′ after the canopy is stowed. The seal  99  may be configured to open and close like an adjustable aperture of a camera lens, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,618,499, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Also, the seal  99  may be linked with movements of the handgrip  11 ′ or the rod assembly. Also, the magnetic closure system may be utilized with the compact version of the umbrella so that the evenly rolled and closed canopy can fit within the interior region  111  of handgrip  11 ′. 
       FIGS. 20A-20F  depict views of an umbrella  200 , according to another example of the invention, shown moving between closed, open and late closing stages. The exterior of the umbrella  200  is substantially similar to that of umbrella  10 , and the umbrellas share many of the same components, such as hinged arm assembly  50 , canopy arm assembly  66  and canopy  12 . The primary distinctions between umbrellas  10  and  200  are found in the handle, handgrip, rods and hooks, and those distinctions will be described hereinafter. 
     Umbrella  200  generally includes a stationary handgrip  211  and a handle  220  that are interconnected by a rod assembly  213 . Rod assembly  213  includes mechanisms for deploying and retracting canopy  12  between the opened and closed states, like rod assembly  13  of umbrella  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 20A and 20D , handgrip  211  includes an exterior tube  211   a , an interior tube  211   b  that is positioned radially inside of tube  211   a , and an annular space  211   c  defined between the tubes  211   a  and  211   b . Exterior tube  211   a  includes a frusto-conically shaped outer surface that is intended to be grasped by a user of umbrella  200 . A shoulder  211   d  is defined at the proximal end of exterior tube  211   a  for seating against handle  220 , and an opening  211   e  is defined at the distal end of tube  211   a  through which one or more rods of rod assembly  213  pass. Interior tube  211   b  also includes a frusto-conically shaped outer surface that is intended to be grasped by a user of umbrella  200 . Interior tube  211   b  extends proximally of exterior tube  211   a  and terminates at a closed proximal end in which an opening  211   f  is defined. 
     Handle  220  is an elongated tube having an open distal end, a closed proximal end to which the rod assembly  213  is fixedly mounted, a large diameter proximal portion  217 , a small diameter distal portion  215 , and a shoulder  219  that is defined at the intersection of portions  215  and  217 . 
     In the assembled form of the handle  220  and handgrip  211 , the distal portion  215  of the handle  220  slides over the interior tube  211   b  of the handgrip  211  and within annular space  211   c  of handgrip  211 . The handle  220  and handgrip  211  are interconnected by telescoping rod assembly  213 . 
     Telescoping rod assembly  213  generally includes three telescoping hollow rods, i.e., an inner rod assembly  233 , a central rod  235  surrounding inner rod  233 , and an outer rod assembly  237  surrounding central rod  235 . 
     Inner rod assembly  233  includes a lower rod portion  233   a  that is fixedly connected to the proximal base end of handle  220 ; an upper rod portion  233   b  mounted distally of lower rod portion  233   a ; a tension spring  262  having a proximal end that is fixed to the distal end of the upper rod portion  233   b ; and, a spring-loaded hook  260  (like hook  60 ) that extends radially outward from the distal end of the upper rod portion  233   b.    
     Rod portions  233   a  and  223   b  are rotatably connected at rotatable connection  233   c  such that lower rod portion  233   a  can rotate with respect to upper rod portion  233   b  while rod portions  233   a  and  233   b  translate together. Lower rod portion  233   a  includes a cam surface  223  at its distal end which interacts with a spring loaded hook  228 , the purpose of which will be described later. The cam surface  223  is a ramped surface that extends radially from the outer diameter of the rod portion  233   a  to a location that is radially inward of the outer diameter (like ramp surface  27 , with one exception that cam surface  223  is disposed on an outer diameter). Lower rod portion  233   a  may or may not be directly integrated with handle  220 . The distal end of upper rod portion  233   b  includes spring-loaded hook  260 , which is structurally and functionally equivalent to hook  60 . Alternatively, hook  260  (as well as hook  60 ) may be elastically deformable without being spring-loaded. 
     Tension spring  262  includes a proximal end  262   a  that is fixed to the distal end of the upper rod portion  233   b . Spring  262  further includes a distal end that is fixed to the distal end of the central rod  235 , the ring connector  79  or an end cap of the umbrella that is fixedly positioned at or near the ring connector  79 . Spring  262  functions to automatically return handle  220  to its retracted position shown in  FIG. 20A  after it has been extended downward by a user (see  FIG. 20E ). 
     Central rod  235 , which surrounds inner rod  233 , includes a proximal end that is fixedly connected to the opening  211   f  at the proximal end of handgrip  211 . The top distal end of central rod  235  is fixedly connected to the ring connector  79  of canopy arm assembly  66 . The connection may be either direct or indirect. Central rod  235  includes one elongated slot  242  (the ends of the slot  242  are best shown in  FIG. 20B ) on its sidewall along which hook  260  travels as umbrella  200  moves between the closed and open positions. 
     Central rod  235  also includes an aperture  246  on its sidewall, which is both radially aligned with and positioned proximal of slot  242 , for interacting with spring-loaded hook  228 . Aperture  246  is also axially and radially aligned with cam surface  223  in the closed position of umbrella  200  shown in  FIG. 20A . Aperture  246  permits hook  228  to interact with cam surface  223  in the closed position shown in  FIG. 20A  because central rod  235  surrounds inner rod  233 . In other words, in the absence of aperture  246 , central rod  235  would cover cam surface  223  and prevent hook  228  from interacting with cam surface  223 . Central rod  235  is stationary, along with handgrip  211 , as umbrella  200  moves between its open and closed positions. 
     Outer rod assembly  237  generally includes a hollow rod  237   a  that is positioned to surround central rod  235 ; a ring assembly  237   b  fixedly mounted to the proximal end of hollow rod  237 ; and a spring  256  positioned proximal of ring assembly  237   b.    
     Hollow rod  237   a  includes a proximal end that is fixedly mounted to the distal end of ring assembly  237   b , and a distal end that is fixedly mounted to hinged arm assembly  50  (see  FIG. 15 ). Movement of hollow rod  237   a  causes the canopy  12  to open and close, which will be described in greater detail later. 
     Ring assembly  237   b  includes an annular ring  237   c  having a recess  237   d  formed in the interior sidewall of the annular ring  237   c  for accommodating spring-loaded hook  228 . Another recess  237   e  is also formed in the interior sidewall of the annular ring directly above recess  237   d . As will be described with reference to the operation of umbrella  200 , hook  260  interacts with recess  237   e  to control translation of outer rod  237   a.    
     Spring  256  is a compression spring that may or may not be fixedly connected to the proximal end of the annular ring  237   c.    
     Operation of the umbrella  200  from the fully-closed state of  FIG. 20A  to the late-closing state of  FIG. 20F  will now be described. 
     Starting from the fully-closed position of umbrella  200  shown in  FIGS. 20A and 17 , canopy  12  is retracted in the fully-closed position and arms  70  and  77  are all positioned in the substantially vertical closed state shown in  FIG. 17 . Hook  228  is positioned within opening  246  and engaged with the small outer diameter of cam  223  thereby locking umbrella  200  in the closed state. Spring  256  is maintained in a compressed state between the proximal end of handgrip  211  and the proximal end of ring assembly  237   b . It should be understood that the closed umbrella  200  is substantially equivalent to the closed umbrella  10  of  FIG. 1A . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 20B and 16 , a user manually rotates handle  220  in a clockwise direction relative to handgrip  211 , which causes the large outer diameter of cam surface  223  to bear on the end of hook  228 . The cam  223  consequently urges hook  228  outwardly, which causes the distal end (i.e., upper end) of hook  228  to withdrawal from opening  246 . At this point, outer rod assembly  237  is no longer fixed in position by hook  228 , and the stored energy of spring  256  translates outer rod assembly  237  in a distal upward direction (compare  FIGS. 20A and 20B ). As outer rod assembly  237  translates upwardly, it translates over the stationary inner rod  233  and the stationary central rod  235 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , as outer rod assembly  237  translates upwardly, ring connector  68  of arm assembly  50  also translates upwardly, which causes arms  70  to pivot outwardly due to the hinged connection between ring connector  68  and arms  70 . As arms  70  pivot outwardly, the arms  77  of canopy arm assembly  66  also pivot outwardly due to the hinged connection between arms  77  and arms  70  as well as the hinged connection between arms  77  and ring connector  79  of canopy arm assembly  66 . As arms  77  pivot outwardly, canopy  12  moves toward the open and expanded state, as shown in  FIG. 1B . 
     Once outer rod assembly  237  begins its upward descent, handle  220  returns to the starting position shown in  FIG. 20A  (like handle  20 ). Like umbrella  10 , umbrella  200  may include a torsion spring (not shown) that is configured to automatically rotate handle  220  in a counter-clockwise direction, or, alternatively, the user may manually rotate handle  220  in a counter-clockwise direction to return it to the starting position after the umbrella has opened. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 20C , as outer rod assembly  237  continues to translate upwardly, arms  70  and  77  continue to pivot outwardly. Outer rod assembly  237  continues to translate upwardly until spring loaded hook  260  springs into and positively engages recess  237   e  of outer rod assembly  237 . More particularly, once the end of hook  260  aligns with recess  237   e , the spring of hook  260  pushes hook  260  outwardly such that hook  260  springs into recess  237   e . Hook  260  cannot move further upward along with outer rod assembly  237  (by virtue of the force of spring  256 ) because hook  260  is also engaged with stationary inner rod  233 . Thus, outer rod assembly  237  is now locked in the fully-open state. In the fully-open state of umbrella  200 , canopy  12  is completely expanded, as best shown in  FIGS. 1C and 15 . It should be understood that the open umbrella  200  is substantially equivalent to the open umbrella  10  of  FIG. 1C . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 20D , once the user desires to close umbrella  200 , the user translates handle  220  in downward vertical direction. Handgrip  211  remains stationary. As handle  220  translates in a downward direction, inner rod assembly  233  translates downwardly along with handle  220  due to the connection between rod  233   a  and handle  220 . As inner rod assembly  233  translates downwardly, tension spring  262  expands and reaches a tensioned state. Because hook  260  is also locked in aperture  237   e  of outer rod assembly  237 , outer rod assembly  237  also translates downwardly against the force of compression spring  256  along with hook  260 , inner rod assembly  233  and handle  220 . Hook  260  freely travels along elongated slot  234  formed in central rod  235  as hook  260  translates downwardly along with outer rod assembly  237 . 
     As outer rod assembly  237  translates downwardly, canopy  12  moves from the open position of  FIG. 1C  to the partially closed position of  FIG. 1D . More particularly, the distal end of outer rod assembly  237  is connected to ring connector  68  of arm assembly  50 . Thus, as outer rod assembly  237  translates downwardly, ring connector  68  of arm assembly  50  also translates downwardly, which causes arms  70  to pivot inwardly due to the hinged connection between ring connector  68  and arms  70 . As arms  70  pivot inwardly, the arms  77  of canopy arm assembly  66  also pivot inwardly due to the hinged connection between arms  77  and arms  70  as well as the hinged connection between arms  77  and ring connector  79  of canopy arm assembly  66 . Arm assemblies  50  and  66  eventually reach the partially-closed/open state shown in  FIG. 16 . Also, as arms  77  pivot inwardly to the position shown in  FIG. 16 , canopy  12  is drawn toward the partially-closed/open state shown in  FIG. 1D . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 20E , the user continues to translate handle  220  in the downward direction along with outer rod assembly  237  and inner rod assembly  233  (by virtue of the engagement between hook  228  and recess  237   e ) until hook  228  springs into opening  246  of central rod  235 . Engagement between hook  228  and aperture  246  locks the umbrella canopy  12  in the closed position, and also prevents handle  20  from moving further downward. Also, engagement between hook  228  and aperture  246  locks the outer rod assembly  237  to the central rod assembly  235 . At this stage of the closing process, canopy  12  reaches the fully-closed position shown in  FIG. 1E , and arm assemblies  50  and  66  reach the fully-closed position shown in  FIG. 17 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 20F , at this point in the closing process, the canopy  12  is maintained in a fully-closed state while handle  220  remains in an extended state relative to handgrip  211 . The user then releases the handle  220 . Upon releasing handle  220 , tension spring  262 , which is in a tensioned and extended state, pulls inner rod assembly  233  in an upward direction. As hook  260  of inner rod assembly  233  moves upwardly along with handle  220 , the curved surface of hook  260  bears against the upper edge of aperture  237   e  of outer rod assembly  237 , which ultimately causes hook  260  to translate inwardly against the bias of its spring until hook  260  disengages entirely from aperture  237   e , and, eventually, outer rod assembly  237 . Outer rod  237  remains stationary and locked to central rod  235 , which is also stationary, as handle  220  is translated upwardly due to the engagement between hook  228  and aperture  246  of central rod  235 . As handle  220  is translated further upwardly, the edge of hook  228  travels along the outer surface of inner rod assembly  233 . Also, as the handle  220  moves upwardly, the distal portion  215  of the handle  220  slides over the interior tube  211   b  of the handgrip  211  and further into annular space  211   c  of handgrip  211 . 
     Turning back to  FIG. 20A , as handle  220  is moved further upwardly, the shoulder  211   d  of handgrip  211  eventually bears on shoulder  219  of handle  220 . At the same time or shortly before those shoulders bear on each other, hook  228  springs through opening  246  to contact the small diameter portion of cam surface  223 . Engagement between the hook  228 , opening  246  and cam surface  223  serve to lock umbrella  200  in the closed position. Umbrella  200  is now returned to the fully-closed position shown in  FIGS. 1A and 20A . To move umbrella  200  from the fully-closed position to the open position, it is necessary to rotate handle  220 , as described above. 
     While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. 
     It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all applications, modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings.