COLLAPSIBLE PERSONAL CANOPIES

BACKGROUND

The following information is provided to assist the reader in understanding technologies disclosed below and the environment in which such technologies may typically be used. The terms used herein are not intended to be limited to any particular narrow interpretation unless clearly stated otherwise in this document. References set forth herein may facilitate understanding of the technologies or the background thereof. The disclosure of all references cited herein are incorporated by reference.

Resilient, flexible metallic bands have been used for fabricating collapsible structures in a number of such as laundry hampers, sun shade for car windows, and tents for campers. The resilient, flexible metallic band is often made of stainless steel or galvanized steel to avoid corrosion when the products contact rain or water. The cross-section of the metallic band may, for example, be rectangular in shape to increase the memory properties of the metallic band so that folding and unfolding actions (associated with collapsing and expanding/popping up respectively) do not change the product's original shape.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,815,372, 6,006,772, and 5,964,533, for example, described pop up disposal bags, containers, and laundry hampers that are light-weight disposable container assemblies capable of self-erecting and self-standing. These bags or containers use one or more flexible steel memory bands or wires and can be folded to a more compact form for packaging and sale, and can be easily opened into a self-standing position by removing a retainer.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,152,733 describes a grill cover device including a flexible, resilient frame which is connected to a flexible cover to protect grills from rain, snow, or UV. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,794 describes a collapsible shade structure wherein overlaying side fabric panels are collapsed by twisting and folding to form a plurality of concentric frame members and side fabric panels to substantially reduce the size of the shade structure.

People use umbrellas to avoid contact with rain, snow, and UV rays from the sun. Protection from environmental elements with a smaller and lighter umbrella has long been desirable to increase convenience and portability.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,148,102, for example, describes an umbrella-like hat which attaches to one's head, resulting in hands-free use and protection. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,727,250 describes a sun shade that is an attachment for hard hats, providing shade and ultraviolet protection for the wearer. The sun shade includes a vinyl disk with a hole dimensioned to conform to the crown of a hard hat.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,370,994 describes an inflatable umbrella which may be collapsed and retained in the form of a small easily carried package when not in use. It may be inflated to an operative configuration by the breath of the user or other air source. U.S. Pat. No. 9,339,092 describes another inflatable umbrella which has an inflatable covering made from a flexible material.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,337,770 describes a collapsible umbrella having a canopy frame which is collapsible in for example, a four-fold manner. A telescoping pole is attached as a handle. The umbrella can be reduced in size in an at least a four-stage manner.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,174,906 describes a foldable umbrella frame having six ribs that require assembly and disassembly to obtain a small volume for facilitating carrying by users.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,783,275 describes a compact, light-weight folding umbrella with ribs that have a hybrid structure which increases the structural strength of the umbrella without increasing the weight and size of the umbrella.

All canopy devices that protect the user from rain or UV have suffered from one or more significant defects. Most such devices include metallic ribs which increase manufacturing cost. Furthermore, a plurality of metallic ribs in umbrellas and/or other canopies limits the collapsibility of the device and increases the weight.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a collapsible canopy device includes an assembly including a water-resistant canopy (that is, a layer of water-resistant material or layer of water-resistant canopy material) operatively attached to a resilient, flexible metallic band extending around a perimeter of the water resistant canopy, the assembly having attached thereto at least one holder extendible from the assembly, wherein the assembly is reversibly collapsible via twisting and folding the assembly. The holder may, for example, be configured to be grasped by a user.

In a number of embodiments, the holder is formed from a flexible material. The flexible materials may, for example, be attached to the assembly at a first end thereof and is attached to the assembly at a second end thereof to form a handle extending from the assembly.

The holder may, for example, include a first section attached to the assembly and a second section articulatably attached to the first section via a joint. Such a holder may be formed from relatively rigid or rigid materials such a polymeric materials or metals. The second section may, for example, be adjustable in length. The second section may, for example, be telescopically adjustable in length via a plurality of telescoping sections. The first section may, for example, encompasses the resilient, flexible metallic band to further stabilize the collapsible canopy device.

In a number of embodiments, the holder is configured to be used as a chin strap to retain the assembly on the head of a user. The chin strap may, for example, include an elastic material.

The collapsible canopy device may further include a plurality of suction cup attachment devices for attachment to a window.

In a number of embodiments, the canopy is waterproof. In a number of embodiments, the canopy is air proof, airtight or air/gas impermeable. The canopy may take virtually any shape. In a number of embodiments, the canopy is circular, oval, or rectangular with smooth corners.

The resilient, flexible metallic band may, for example, include a flat spring metal. In a number of embodiments, the collapsible canopy device further includes a perimeter band attached to the perimeter of the canopy through which the resilient, flexible metallic band passes.

In a number of embodiments, the canopy is in operable connection with an inflatable bladder, and the device further comprises a valve attached to the inflatable bladder. In a number of embodiments, the canopy comprises or forms a portion of an inflatable bladder. The bladder includes the canopy a second canopy (or a second layer of canopy material), the first canopy and the second canopy being sealably connected around a perimeter thereof to form the bladder.

In a number of embodiments, the collapsible canopy device further includes a plurality of suction cup attachment devices for attachment to a window.

In another aspect, a collapsible device includes an inflatable bladder in operative connection with a canopy (that is, a layer of material or canopy material), the canopy and the inflatable bladder being in operative connection with a resilient, flexible metallic band extending around a perimeter of the inflatable bladder and the canopy, and a valve attached to the inflatable bladder, wherein the collapsible device is reversibly collapsible via twisting and folding the collapsible device. In a number of embodiments, the bladder is adjacent to the canopy or the bladder comprises the canopy (that is, the canopy forms a portion of the bladder). In a number of embodiments, the bladder includes the canopy (or layer of canopy material) and another or a second canopy (that is, a second layer of material or canopy material). The canopy layer and the second canopy may be sealably connected around a perimeter thereof to form the bladder. The canopy and the second canopy, when present, may be water resistant or waterproof.

The collapsible device may further include a plurality of suction cup attachment devices attached thereto for attachment to a window.

In a number of embodiments, the collapsible device further includes a perimeter band attached to at least one of the perimeter of the bladder or the perimeter of the canopy through which the resilient, flexible metallic band passes.

In a number of embodiments, the collapsible device includes at least one or at least two holders extendible therefrom.

In other aspects, the present devices or systems may be used as, for example, an umbrella, a sunshade, a seat or a shield.

In still further aspect, methods of fabricating devices or systems hereof are provided as described herein.

The present devices, systems, and methods, along with the attributes and attendant advantages thereof, will best be appreciated and understood in view of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top, partially cutaway view of an embodiment of a collapsible canopy device, system or structure usable as, for example, an umbrella, in an open or expanded configuration, revealing a resilient, flexible metal band or frame extending around the perimeter thereof.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the collapsible canopy structure of FIG. 1 in an open configuration.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the collapsible canopy structure of FIG. 1 as the collapsible canopy structure is being twisted once.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the collapsible canopy structure of FIG. 1 as the collapsible canopy structure is being twisted twice.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the collapsible canopy structure of FIG. 1 as the collapsible canopy structure is being folded after being twisted twice.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the collapsible canopy structure of FIG. 1, including a handle or holder attached to the bottom surface of the canopy.

FIG. 7 illustrates a hinging handle or holder for use in operative connection with the canopy of the collapsible canopy structure of FIG. 1 which can hinged to a closed or generally flat position as the collapsible canopy structure is folded.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the hinging handle or holder of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom view of the collapsible canopy structure of FIG. 1, including the hinging handle or holder of FIG. 7 attached to the canopy structure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of the collapsible canopy structure of FIG. 1, illustrating the hinging handle or holder of FIG. 7 attached to the canopy structure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the collapsible canopy structure of FIG. 1, showing the working mechanisms of the hinging handle or holder wherein the hinging handle or holder is closed/flattened before the collapsible canopy structure is twisted/folded to a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of the collapsible canopy structure of FIG. 1, showing the operating configuration of the hinging handle or holder, wherein a user can hold an extending section of the hinging handle or hole holder while using the collapsible canopy structure as an umbrella.

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of a collapsible canopy structure hereof including a hinging handle or holder and a chin strap illustrated around the chin/neck of a user.

FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of the collapsible canopy structure of FIG. 13 wherein the chin strap is in a stored position when not in use.

FIG. 15 illustrates a front view of another embodiment of a collapsible canopy structure hereof with a flexible handle or holder which may be formed from a flexible fabric or polymeric material, and a chin strap in operative connection with a user.

FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of the collapsible canopy structure of FIG. 15 wherein the chin strap that is in a stored position when not in use.

FIG. 17 illustrates a top view of the inflatable of an embodiment of a collapsible canopy structure, device or system hereof which may, for example, be used as a seat of cushion and which is inflatable via an air inlet/outlet or valve structure.

FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of the inflatable collapsible canopy structure of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a collapsible canopy structure, device or system hereof including two suction cups for attachment to a car window and/or windshield for use as a sunshade for car windows/windshields.

FIG. 20 illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of a collapsible canopy structure, device or system hereof include two handles or holders to be used as, for example, a shield in a game.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations in addition to the described representative embodiments. Thus, the following more detailed description of the representative embodiments, as illustrated in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments as claimed, but it is merely illustrative of representative embodiments.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” (or the like) means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, et c. In other instances, well known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obfuscation.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to “a layer” includes a plurality of such layers and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth, and reference to “the layer” is a reference to one or more such layers and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value, as well as intermediate ranges, are incorporated into the specification as if individually recited herein. All methods can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contraindicated by the text.

In a number of embodiments, devices, systems and method hereof provide improved function and ergonomic factors via a collapsible personal canopy, which may, for example, take the form of a pop-up/collapsible umbrella, or a pop-up/collapsible seat or cushion for outdoor activities. In a number of embodiments, devices and/or systems hereof include a pop-up or collapsible water resistant or water proof canopy that is collapsible and can be used as a collapsible umbrella or as a collapsible cushion for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and picnics. Waterproof canopies are completely impervious to water (for example, even if submerged in water), while water resistant canopies are resistant to the passage of water therethrough but may allow some water to pass therethrough under conditions such as submergence. The collapsible canopy structures hereof are constructed from a water resistant or waterproof material (for example, a polymeric material or a fabric material). Examples of materials suitable for use in canopies hereof include, but are not limited to, fabrics coated with polymers. Such fabrics may, for example, be coated with polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, poly(vinyl chloride) or PVC, or silicone to have water resistant, waterproof and/or rain proof features.

Further, the canopy devices and systems hereof include a, resilient, flexible band (for example, a resilient, flexible metallic band) which is integrated along the edge or perimeter of the canopy material to allow for the pop-up/collapsible functionality. In a number of embodiments, canopy devices and/or systems hereof further include a handle so that a user can hold a canopy hereof functioning as an umbrella with one hand and/or a chin strap for users to use the umbrella hands-free. In addition to the uses described above, the pop-up/collapsible canopies hereof may be used as a sun shade for automobiles as well as a shield to block soft bullets from children's toy guns. The canopies of the devices and systems hereof may be used for advertising materials.

As described above, in a number of embodiments, collapsible canopy structures, devices or systems (which may also be described a foldable or pop-up canopy structures) hereof are collapsible or foldable via a resilient, flexible metallic band attached to a water resistant or waterproof collapsible canopy. In a number of such embodiments, collapsible canopy devices hereof include a mechanism or system for effectively folding and deploying umbrellas with a resilient, flexible metallic band. In the case of use as an umbrella or rain shielding device, the collapsible canopy devices hereof may include a handle or holder that can stabilize the device while user walks through the rain. The resilient, flexible metallic band or frame provided along the edge or perimeter of the umbrella allows for easy deployment of the umbrella. The perimeter band or frame enables the formation of umbrellas hereof without ribs, making the umbrella lighter in weight as compared to previous umbrellas.

The collapsible canopy device hereof have numerous applications including, but not limited to, use as personal shields/umbrellas for rain, snow, and sun protection. In addition, collapsible canopy devices hereof may be used as seats or cushions for outdoor activities such as picnics and hunting. Particularly, for hunting, the canopy of the collapsible canopy device hereof may include two gas/airproof (that is, impervious to gas/air) layers so that the canopy device can be inflatable by air (or other gas). The inflatable collapsible canopy devices hereof may be collapsed and retained in the form of a small easily carried package when not in use. The inflatable, collapsible canopy devices may also be rapidly expanded and inflated to an operative configuration by the breath of the user or other air/gas source such as a small handheld air pump. The inflated collapsible canopy devices may provide good insulation to the hunters when sitting in the woods in cold weather. Forming the canopy section of the collapsible canopy devices from a water resistant or waterproof materials also protects the user from dampness/water. In addition, collapsible canopy devices hereof may include suction cups and/or other attachment mechanisms to enable use as a sunshade for automobiles which may be attached to the car's windows and/or windshield.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, an embodiment of a collapsible canopy device 10 hereof includes a water resistant or waterproof canopy 110 and a resilient, flexible metallic band or frame 120 in operative connection with a perimeter or edge of canopy 110. Canopy 110 may, for example, include a flexible band 130 of material attached to a perimeter of canopy 110 through which resilient, flexible metallic band 120 passes. In a number of embodiments, metallic band 120 is a flat steel wire or band, which has resilience, flexibility and strength. Perimeter band 130 is flexible, and may, for example, be formed from a fabric or polymeric material. The material for perimeter band 130 may, for example, be made elastic. The material for perimeter band 130 is configured to be fastened to water resistant or waterproof canopy 110. Canopy 110 and flexible perimeter band 130 may, for example, be sewn, glued or bonded together. In a number of embodiments, canopy 110 and perimeter band 130 may be made integrally from the same material by folding the material over itself, around metallic band 120, and attaching, bonding or sealing the material to itself around the perimeter thereof.

The embodiments of FIGS. 2 through 5 illustrate a procedure to collapse or fold a collapsible canopy device 10 hereof. FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of canopy device 10 in an expanded or open configuration. FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of canopy device 10 as canopy device 10 is being twisted once. FIG. 4 shows a top view of canopy device 10 as canopy device 10 is being twisted a second time. FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of canopy device 10 as canopy device 10 is being folded after being twisted twice. Folded canopy device 10 can be easily stored in a purse, pouch, backpack or other container.

FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of collapsible canopy device 10 further including a handle or a holder 140 attached to and extending from a bottom surface of canopy 110. Users can grab handle or holder 140 while walking through rain. Handle or holder 140 may, for example, be made of a flexible materials such as a fabric plastic polymeric material so that holder 140 may fold as canopy device 10 is being folded. Holder 140 may, for example, be attached to canopy 110 with double cap rivets. Alternatively, holder 140 may be sewn, glued or bonded to canopy 110.

FIG. 7 shows another type of handle or holder 20 for use in collapsible canopy device 10. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, holder 20 includes a hinge or hinging/articulating mechanism. In the illustrated embodiments, hinging or articulating holder 20 includes a first or long leaf or section 200 and a second or short leaf or section 220 connected by an articulating joint or hinging joint 212. A user can, for example, hold first/long leaf 200 and second/short leaf 220 may be attached to canopy 110 (for example, via double cap rivets, nuts and bolts, sewing, or glue). Holes 210 may be used when holder 20 is attached to canopy 110 with nuts and bolts or with double cap rivets. FIG. 8 shows a side view of holder 20. A C-shape portion 230 of second or short leaf 220 enables holder 20 to wrap around or encompass perimeter band 130 which (as described above) has resilient, flexible metallic band 120 passing therethrough. In this manner, holder 20 is stabilized by resilient, flexible metallic band 120. Collapsible canopy device 10 will not sway while used as an umbrella when the user holds handle or holder 20 when walking, especially when there is strong wind, because holder 20 is operatively connected to resilient, flexible metallic band 120 as well as to canopy 110.

FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom view of collapsible canopy device 10 which shows hinging or articulating holder 20. In FIG. 9, long leaf 200 is oriented toward the center of device 10 and short leaf 220 is attached to perimeter band 130 which has metallic band 120 passing through an inner passage thereof. FIG. 10 shows a top view of device 10 with hinging or articulating holder 20. Because FIG. 10 is a top view of device 10, only the upper side of C-shaped portion 230 of holder 10 is visible in FIG. 10.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate enlarged side views of collapsible canopy device 10 with hinging or articulating handle or holder 20 and the working mechanism of the hinging or articulating holder 20. Long leaf 200 of holder 20 is generally horizontal or oriented in generally the same plane as canopy 10 when device 10 is twisted/folded to a collapsed configuration. However, long leaf 200 will be generally vertical or oriented generally perpendicular to canopy 10 when device 10 is deployed into an expanded configuration (that is, for use thereof) so that the user can grab holder 20. In FIGS. 11 and 12, holder 20 is strongly attached to device 10 via double cap rivets 211 and the C-shaped connector section 230. In this way, device 10 and holder 20 are stabilized and cannot move independently while walking, which may be particularly important when there is strong wind. Long leaf 200 of holder 20 can be telescopic to adjust the length thereof. Long leaf 200 and the remainder of holder 20 may, for example, be fabricated with, for example, polymeric and/or metallic materials. Increasing the length of long leaf 200 may, for example, decrease arm discomfort or pain of the user in gripping long leaf 200 over extended periods of time. In a number of embodiments, long leaf 200 is located about 1 or 2 inches inside perimeter band 130. In this position, the user's hand may be shielded from exposure to the rain.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show collapsible canopy structure 10 including an umbrella chin strap 320 which enables users to wear and use device/umbrella 10 without using hands (for example, to grip holder 20 or another handle or holder). In this embodiment, both the user's hands are available for other activities. In the illustrated embodiment, chin strap 320 may, for example, include quick release buckles 340 and 350. In addition, chin strap 320 may include hook-and-loop patches or sections 310 and 330 (for example, VELCRO®) where section 330 may be attached to section 310 when the user does not need chin strap 320. FIGS. 15 and 16 shows similar views as the illustrations as FIGS. 13 and 14. However, FIGS. 15 and 16 show device 10 including a flexible handle or holder 140 (for example, formed from a flexible fabric of polymer material).

Collapsible canopy structure, devices and/or systems hereof may also be used as a seat or cushion for outdoor activities. FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of collapsible canopy device 40 that include an air inlet/outlet or valve 410 to inflate a volume between two canopy layers 110 and 111. An inflatable bladder may, for example, be positioned between canopy layers 110 and 111. Alternatively, one or bother of canopy layers 110 and 112 may form a surface of the inflatable bladder. In the illustrated embodiment, two canopy layers 110 and 111 are attached at the perimeter thereof (for example, glued or bonded together) so that device 40 can be inflatable. In the illustrated embodiment, canopy layers 110 and 111 form an inflatable bladder. The inflatable bladder may also be formed from a monolithic layer of material of which canopy layers 110 and 111 form portions. FIG. 18 shows a side view of inflatable device 40, showing both air/gas tight layers 110 and 111 and air/gas valve 410 sealingly. Similar to device 10, a resilient, flexible metallic band (not shown) may pass through a perimeter band 130 attached to the perimeter of canopy layers 110 and 111. Inflatable device 40 may provide good insulation to the user as a result of filled air inside of inflatable device 40. Canopy layers 110 and 111 may be formed from water resistant or waterproof materials to also shield the user from water/dampness. Folding of inflatable device 40 for storage may be achieved simply by removing air through the air valve 410 and then folding as described above in connection with device 10.

FIG. 19 shows a top view of an embodiment of collapsible canopy device 10 with two suction cups 510. Suction cups 510 may, for example, be used as attachment mechanisms so that device 10 may operates as a sunshade for automobiles. In that regard, device 10 may be attached to the car's window or windshield using one or more of a plurality of suction cups 510.

The functionality of an umbrella or rain shield may, for example, be combined with the functionality of a seat cushion as described herein for a collapsible canopy device hereof. For example, providing an inflatable bladder as described above in connection with device 40 of FIGS. 17 and 18 may provide a convex upper surface of an umbrella to prevent rain from pooling in the upper surface of the umbrella. When provided with a holder such as a handle or a chin strap, such a device may be used as an umbrella or a seat cushion. Any collapsible canopy device hereof may also be provided with one or more attachment mechanisms as described above to facilitate use as a sunshade.

FIG. 20 illustrates collapsible canopy device or system 10 including two handles or holders 140 attached to canopy 110 via attachments 150 (as described above) to be used as, for example, a shield in a game.

In a number of embodiments hereof, devices hereof, when used as an umbrella, have a diameter or width in the range of 18 to 36 inches or in the range of 22 to 30 inches. In a number of embodiments hereof, when used as a seat or seat cushion, have a diameter or width in the range of 15 to 36 inches, in the range of 18 to 36 inches or in the range of 18 to 24 inches.

The foregoing description and accompanying drawings set forth a number of representative embodiments at the present time. Various modifications, additions, and alternative designs will, of course, become apparent to those skilled in the art of the foregoing teachings without departing from the scope hereof, which is indicated by the following claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes and variations that fall within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

COLLAPSIBLE PERSONAL CANOPIES

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)