Abstract:
An umbrella cover system for covering an umbrella is provided. The umbrella has a center post. The umbrella cover system comprises a round cover having a first side, a second side, and an outer perimeter edge. An aperture is formed in the center of the cover with the aperture having a center point and the center point of the aperture being equidistant from every point of the perimeter edge. A fastening mechanism is positioned between the cover and the umbrella for releasably securing the cover to the umbrella. Upon positioning the first side of the cover against the umbrella with the center post of the umbrella extending through the aperture, the fastening means are activated to releasably secure the cover directly against the umbrella.

Description:
The present application claims the benefit of priority of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/658,952, filed on Jun. 13, 2012, entitled “Umbrella Cover”. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to an umbrella cover system and, more particularly, the invention relates to an umbrella cover system providing a decorative cover easily applied over an existing tabletop or outdoor umbrella thus protecting and/or improving the appearance of the umbrella. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     While there is little dispute that tabletop umbrellas are a practical accessory item, over time, constant exposure to the elements can cause these umbrellas to fade, resulting in a less than pristine appearance. As can be imagined, a once bright red tabletop umbrella which has faded to splotchy pink can detract from festive party decor when throwing a backyard barbecue. While the umbrella itself may still be fully functional and in great shape, the very appearance of a weathered umbrella can result in one discarding the umbrella entirely in order to replace it with a new unit. A costly waste, throwing out a perfectly good umbrella, simply because it is faded is not an option for many conscientious consumers, particularly during these trying economic times. Considering that umbrellas can be expensive, most consumers try to get the most out of their money, using an umbrella long after it has lost its like-new appearance. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention is an umbrella cover system for covering an umbrella. The umbrella has a center post. The umbrella cover system comprises a round cover having a first side, a second side, and an outer perimeter edge. An aperture is formed in the center of the cover with the aperture having a center point and the center point of the aperture being equidistant from every point of the perimeter edge. A fastening mechanism is positioned between the cover and the umbrella for releasably securing the cover to the umbrella. Upon positioning the first side of the cover against the umbrella with the center post of the umbrella extending through the aperture, the fastening means are activated to releasably secure the cover directly against the umbrella. 
     In addition, the present invention includes a method for covering an umbrella, the umbrella having a center post. The method comprises providing a round cover having a first side, a second side, and an outer perimeter edge, forming an aperture in the center of the cover with the aperture having a center point and the center point of the aperture being equidistant from every point of the perimeter edge, positioning the first side of the cover against the umbrella with the center post of the umbrella extending through the aperture, and releasably securing the cover directly against the umbrella. 
     The present invention further includes an umbrella cover system for covering an umbrella. The umbrella has a center post. The umbrella cover system comprises a round cover having a first side, a second side, and an outer perimeter edge. An aperture is formed in the center of the cover with the aperture having a center point and the center point of the aperture being equidistant from every point of the perimeter edge. A plurality of evenly spaced fastening mechanisms are positioned along the perimeter of the cover between the cover and the umbrella for releasably securing the cover to the umbrella. A least one solar light is positioned on the cover and a solar panel is positioned on the second side of the cover and electrically connected to the solar light. Upon positioning the first side of the cover against the umbrella with the center post of the umbrella extending through the aperture, the fastening means are activated to releasably secure the cover directly against the umbrella. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an umbrella cover system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the umbrella cover system having snap attachment mechanisms for securing to an umbrella; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view illustrating the umbrella cover system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the umbrella cover system having hook and loop fastener attachment mechanisms for securing to the umbrella; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating the umbrella cover system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with draw strings for further securing the umbrella cover system to the umbrella; and 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating the umbrella cover system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with decorative solar lights powered by a solar panel. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , the present invention is an umbrella cover system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, providing a decorative cover easily applied over an existing tabletop or outdoor umbrella  12  thus protecting and/or improving the appearance of the umbrella. The umbrella cover system  10  of the present invention includes a circular shaped cover  14  preferably constructed of weather resistant canvas, nylon or comparable fabric material. 
     The cover  14  of the umbrella cover system  10  of the present invention can be offered in a variety of sizes to accommodate various size table top and outdoor umbrellas available on the market. Preferably a one piece unit, the circular cover  14  can be double stitched and reinforced to ensure the structural integrity of the cover  14 . Located in the center of the cover  14  is a circular shaped opening  16  accommodating the top of an umbrella post  18  of the umbrella  12 . The opening  16  can include either a solid ring support or an adjustable pull string fastener  20  for use in securing the cover  14  to the top of the umbrella pole  18 . 
     In addition, the cover  14  of the umbrella cover system  10  of the present invention includes a plurality of fastening mechanisms  21  spaced along an outer perimeter  22  of the cover  14  for use in anchoring the cover  14  to the existing umbrella  12 . Preferably, the fastening mechanisms  21  are evenly spaced around the entire perimeter  22  of the cover  14  although any type of spacing of the fastening mechanisms  21  is within the scope of the present invention. The fastening mechanisms  21  can include Velcro straps, self-affixing Velcro tabs, snaps, and sturdy clips, to name a few options, with the fastening mechanisms  21  secured beneath the existing umbrella canopy  12 , thus hiding the fastening mechanisms  21  from view. 
     Most notably, the cover  14  of the umbrella cover system  10  is offered in a host of vibrant colors, patterns and printed designs. Patterns include brightly colored floral prints, tropical and aquatic prints, geometric patterns and stripes, to name a few options. Covers  14  can also be made available that celebrate specific themes or events. For instance, covers  14  adorned with sporting equipment, prints that celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and a myriad of holiday designs including covers for use during Independence Day celebrations, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, can all be offered in the cover line. The covers  14  can also be imprinted with the names and logos of professional and amateur sports teams, beer manufactures and other corporate logos. Versions of the cover  14  can also be offered in versions adorned with solar lights  24  powered by a solar panel  26  thus serving to illuminate the umbrella  12  after dark. As can be imagined, design possibilities for the cover  14  are virtually limitless. Although the primary purpose of the cover  14  is to accommodate tabletop and outdoor umbrellas  12 , the cover  14  can also be constructed to include covers  14  for use with handheld rain umbrellas. 
     The manner of use of the umbrella cover system  10  of the present invention will now be described. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the manner of use of the umbrella cover system  10  described herein is merely one method of use and other methods of use of the umbrella cover system  10  are within the scope of the present invention. 
     Use of the umbrella cover system  10  of the present invention is very simple and straightforward. First, the user purchases one or more covers  14  in the appropriate size and desired color. For instance, a brightly colored blue cover  14  adorned with the image of tropical fish look striking on a poolside outdoor table. Alternately, one may purchase a cover  14  adorned with the image of colorful balloons, streamers and confetti and emblazoned with the repeated message of “Happy Birthday!” for use during a child&#39;s birthday party. Once purchased, the user closes the existing tabletop umbrella  12 , sliding the cover  14  over the top of the closed canopy and positioning the cover  14  so that the small circular opening  16  located in the center of the cover  14  is positioned over and around the existing umbrella post  18 . In the case of the cover  14  featuring a solid ring support, the user simply sets the ring atop the juncture of the post  18  and the umbrella&#39;s expandable side arms. Alternately, in the case of the cover  14  featuring a pull string fastener  20 , the user tightens and tie the fastener around the umbrella post  18 , thus securing the top of the cover  14  to the post  18 . With the top of the cover  14  secured, the fabric of the cover  14  drapes over the existing umbrella  12 , with the user opening the umbrella canopy partially in order to further secure the cover  14  in place. With the umbrella canopy partially opened, the user secures the Velcro straps, self-affixing tabs, snaps, or clip fasteners located on the bottom of the cover  14  about the perimeter of the base of the umbrella canopy. With the cover  14  properly applied, the user simply opens their umbrella  12 , enjoying the festive new look provided. The cover  14  is then left in place as long as desired, as well as periodically replaced and/or updated with a new cover of a different design. 
     The umbrella cover system  10  of the present invention offers users a number of significant benefits and advantages. Foremost, the umbrella cover system  10  provides those who own tabletop or outdoor umbrellas  12  a simple way in which to dramatically improve and alter the appearance of their umbrella  12 . An easily applied decorative cover  14 , the cover  14  of the umbrella cover system  10  discreetly hides a faded and frayed umbrella  12  from view, via a vibrantly colored cover  14 . Offered in a myriad of charming patterns and designs for everyday or party use, the cover  14  provides an affordable means of enhancing the appearance of these outdoor accessories. An affordable alternative to entirely replacing an umbrella canopy, simply because it is faded or outdated, the umbrella cover system  10  effectively saves users money, while also providing a plethora of design options. Users will enjoy picking one or more covers  14  from the umbrella cover system line in order to complement their backyard decor, a particular party theme or holiday celebration. Whether a diehard baseball aficionado who prefers a cover  14  adorned with baseballs and bats; a homemaker who chooses a festive ladybug print for a child&#39;s birthday party; or a backyard barbecue chef who chooses a brightly colored cover  14  adorned with the repeated image of the American flag to compliment a 4th of July celebration, the cover  14  offers users virtually endless design possibilities. Ideal for general household use, the umbrella cover system  10  can also be utilized at restaurants, beach resorts and similar public establishments where tabletop umbrellas  12  are employed. Further, as the umbrella cover system  10  can be expanded to include covers  14  for handheld rain umbrellas, users can purchase covers  14  to complement their wardrobe or a particular mood. Simple to use, users will appreciate the ease of which the cover  14  of the umbrella cover system  10  can be applied and changed. 
     The umbrella cover system  10  of the present invention provides users a practical means of dramatically improving or altering the appearance of their outdoor umbrella  14 . Simple to use, the umbrella cover system  10  proves a favorite of anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors. 
     The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present invention to be limited only to the claims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which are disclosed herein.