Patent Application
20250113901
The present invention relates generally to the field of hands-free umbrella devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an umbrella that can be worn as a backpack to provide shade or protection from the elements. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in hands-free umbrella devices. Generally, outdoor activities, such as walking the dog, camping, hiking, cutting the grass, etc., all require some form of exposure to the elements. Further, using an umbrella for protection from the sun or from the rain is ideal, however, it is most often inconvenient. For example, holding an umbrella forces the user to perform tasks with only one hand. Thus, ensuring protection from the sun or rain can be difficult without a hands-free means of holding an umbrella.
Generally, conventional umbrellas must be held in the hand of the user. This makes it difficult for individuals who are carrying packages, walking or holding children or pets, on crutches, or using a cane. Holding an umbrella in these instances and other similar situations is impractical because the individual has no free hand to take out money or a bus token, carry a bottle of water, open a door, carry a shopping bag, etc.
Accordingly, there is a demand for an improved hands-free umbrella device that can be worn as a backpack or with shoulder straps to protect a user from the rain/sun even while carrying parcels, speaking on a cell phone, walking a pet, making use of a cane or crutch, etc. The device eliminates the need to hold an umbrella with your hands and enables users to perform tasks with both hands while still being protected from the elements.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a hands-free umbrella device that provides users with an umbrella that can be worn as a backpack to provide shade or protection from the elements. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a hands-free umbrella device that enables individuals to perform a variety of outdoor tasks using both hands while still benefitting from umbrella protection. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a hands-free umbrella device that eliminates the need to hold an umbrella while walking the dog, cleaning the pool, cutting the grass, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that ensures that individuals are protected from the elements while outdoors, minimizing sun exposure. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a hands-free umbrella device that can be manufactured onto a backpack or on its own shoulder straps. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a hands-free umbrella device that is available in a wide variety of colors and designs.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a hands-free umbrella device. The device is a hands-free means for holding an umbrella when spending time outdoors in the sun or rain. The hands-free umbrella device comprises a body component that is configured as a conventional umbrella with a canopy and supports secured to a rod-like base component. The base component is then secured to a plurality of straps that secure around a user's wrist and/or shoulders. In another embodiment, the base component can be secured to a small backpack. The plurality of straps and/or small backpack are adjustable. The plurality of straps and/or small backpack, as well as the umbrella, is available in a wide variety of colors and designs.
In this manner, the hands-free umbrella device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that enables users to perform a variety of outdoor tasks while still benefitting from umbrella protection. The device is an umbrella secured to a backpack or shoulder straps. The device can be available in multiple colors and designs.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a hands-free umbrella device. The device is a hands-free means for holding an umbrella when spending time outdoors in the sun or rain. The hands-free umbrella device comprises a body component that is configured as a conventional umbrella with a canopy and supports secured to a rod-like base component. The base component is then secured to a plurality of straps that secure around a user's waist and/or shoulders for hands-free use.
In one embodiment, the hands-free umbrella device is a device that can be supported in an upright position without the user having to hold the umbrella device with his hands, while still protecting a user from the outside elements. Accordingly, the device enables users to perform a variety of outdoor tasks using both hands while still benefitting from umbrella protection.
In one embodiment, the hands-free umbrella device comprises a body component. The body component is configured as a conventional umbrella with a canopy or umbrella shade that is supported by a plurality of ribs or supports, which are positioned on an underside of the canopy. Typically, a water-resistant material is attached to the supports to form the canopy. Further, a means for deploying the supports is included, such that when the supports are deployed the canopy is positioned above the user's head covering an area around the entire diameter of the user's standing body. Accordingly, the user has the use of both their hands while protecting the user from precipitation and preserving visual access.
In use, the canopy and supports open and close in a well-known, conventional manner. Further, the canopy and supports are secured to a rod-like base component. The base component supports the umbrella (i.e., body component) in an open and/or closed position. Typically, the base component comprises opposing first and second ends, with the first end being secured to the canopy and supports and the second end being secured to an umbrella handle of conventional design. In an open position, the canopy supports shade and/or protects a user from rain, snow, sleet, hail, etc.
In one embodiment, the handle is attached to the bottom end of the base component and extends downwardly away therefrom. The handle is a conventional l-shaped or u-shaped handle or other suitable shapes known to those of skill in the art. For example, the handle may be coated with rubber to form a straight handle or the handle may be wood, metal or plastic, etc.
In one embodiment, the base component is telescoping to allow for height adjustment, as needed. Specifically, the telescopic base component is mounted internally within a coaxial sleeve. The coaxial sleeve slides over the base component and a spring-loaded button extends through one of a plurality of linearly arranged adjustment apertures spaced along the coaxial sleeve. A second spring, within the coaxial sleeve, and located below the bottom of the base component and exerts a constant and steady upward pressure on the base component, resulting in the base component being additionally secured in a fixed position relative to the coaxial sleeve.
In one embodiment, the position of the base component can be changed by depressing the spring-loaded button and pushing the base component downward until the spring-loaded button catches on another aperture from the plurality of apertures, thereby adjusting the height of the canopy in relation to the user's head. This adjustment means is well-known to those of skill in the art and is not a point of novelty with this invention. Further, an expansion button, located on the coaxial sleeve near the handle is provided to open the umbrella canopy in a manner well known in the art.
In one embodiment, the hands-free umbrella device is shown having a harness (i.e., shoulder straps) secured thereto and adapted to be worn about an individual's body to hold an opened umbrella (i.e., body component) in a generally vertical or upright orientation, thereby freeing the individual's hands for other tasks. In one embodiment, the harness comprises a waist strap and a pair of shoulder straps connected by a transverse member.
In one embodiment, the base component is attached to a plurality of shoulder straps, which are secured around a user's shoulders and/or waist. The base component is secured to the shoulder straps via sewing, gluing, adhesives, brackets, etc. The plurality of straps can be secured only around a user's shoulders like a harness or for more support, can be secured around a user's shoulders and waist. The shoulder straps are positioned around a user's shoulders and/or waist and are secured in place with hook and loop fasteners, buckles, snaps, etc. The shoulder straps are adjustable to fit any size user.
The shoulder straps of the first embodiment comprise a pair of shoulder loops and a transverse member securing the shoulder loops together. A securing member releasably attaches the base component to the transverse member. Preferably, the securing member is formed by a clasp or connector fixed to the transverse member transversely extending between the two shoulder loops. The securing member may take many forms. The preferred embodiments include a hinged clasp that may be opened to receive the base component. Alternatively, the securing member may be a sleeve with an internal rubber or otherwise resilient stopper that frictionally grips the base component, such that the vertical height of the umbrella canopy may be adjusted by the user. Further, the securing members are preferably adhered to the transverse member via glue or stitching. Alternatively, the securing member may be secured to the transverse member via Velcro or other securing means.
In another embodiment, the shoulder straps comprise an additional pair of transverse members positioned along the front of the user to add stability to the securing member. The two transverse members help secure the base member to the securing member and maintain vertical orientation of the device during use.
In one embodiment, the shoulder straps are preferably fabricated of a flexible lightweight material, such as nylon webbing, to permit the device to be comfortably worn under one's jacket or outer clothing. In another embodiment, the body component (i.e., umbrella canopy and base component) can be removed without removing the shoulder straps. Therefore, permitting the user to simply remove the body component and base component when moving indoors, while permitting the user to leave the shoulder straps comfortably in place until the umbrella device is needed again.
In one embodiment, the body component is secured to a structure similar in exterior form to that of a backpack, with an interior form consisting of a convertible, overhead structure (i.e., umbrella) that, with minimal use of the user's hands and without being removed from the backpack, expands/deploys for use and collapses for storage, all while remaining attached at its base component within the backpack. Both the user's hands are then free for other functions. This “backpack” is held on the body with simple straps similar to those of backpacks often used by hikers and campers.
In the embodiment with the backpack, the base component is attached to a small backpack, which is secured around a user's shoulders. The base component is secured to the small backpack via sewing, gluing, adhesives, brackets, etc. Once secured to the backpack, a user can merely put their arms through the backpack straps to secure the backpack to their back and utilize the device. The straps of the backpack are adjustable to fit any size user.
In one embodiment, a front panel of the umbrella canopy is transparent, to facilitate visibility during use. The transparent material can be made of PVC, EVA, or POE but is not limited to such.
In one embodiment, the shoulder straps and/or small backpack, as well as the umbrella canopy and base component are available in a wide variety of colors and designs, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.
In operation, the hands-free umbrella device is utilized via a user opening up the umbrella canopy and tightly wrapping the shoulder straps (or backpack) around themselves and securing the straps in place with either hook and loop fasteners, snaps, or a buckle. Further, an adjustment for the height of the user may also be made by depressing the spring-loaded button, and sliding the base component within the coaxial sleeve until the spring-loaded button reaches the desired aperture corresponding to the desired height of the umbrella canopy.
When not in use, the overhead structure (i.e., umbrella canopy) sits in a collapsed state inside the backpack. When needed, the user deploys the umbrella canopy by reaching behind his or her head to grasp its central, base component and pushing the spring-loaded button. It unfurls over the user while still being held at its base component within the backpack. Further, the umbrella device provides ventilation for air so that the user is not lifted off the ground by incoming wind.
In yet another embodiment, the hands-free umbrella device comprises a plurality of indicia.
In yet another embodiment, a method of providing hands-free protection from the elements is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a hands-free umbrella device comprising a body component configured as a conventional umbrella with a canopy and supports secured to a rod-like base component. The method also comprises securing the base component to shoulder straps. Further, the method comprises securing the base component to a small backpack. The method also comprises positioning the shoulder straps or the backpack onto a user's shoulders for use. The method comprises opening the umbrella canopy. Finally, the method comprises performing a variety of outdoor tasks hands-free while still being protected from outdoor elements.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a hands-free umbrella device that provides users with an umbrella that can be worn as a backpack to provide shade or protection from the elements. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a hands-free umbrella device that enables individuals to perform a variety of outdoor tasks using both hands while still benefitting from umbrella protection. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a hands-free umbrella device that eliminates the need to hold an umbrella while walking the dog, cleaning the pool, cutting the grass, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that ensures that individuals are protected from the elements while outdoors, minimizing sun exposure. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a hands-free umbrella device that can be manufactured onto a backpack or on its own shoulder straps. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a hands-free umbrella device that is available in a wide variety of colors and designs.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel hands-free umbrella device. The device is a hands-free means for holding an umbrella when spending time outdoors in the sun or rain. The hands-free umbrella device comprises a body component that is configured as a conventional umbrella with a canopy and supports secured to a rod-like base component. The base component is then secured to a plurality of straps that secure around a user's wrist and/or shoulders. In another embodiment, the base component can be secured to a small backpack. The plurality of straps and/or small backpack are adjustable and available in a wide variety of colors and designs. The present invention also includes a novel method of providing hands-free protection from the elements. The method includes the steps of providing a hands-free umbrella device comprising a body component configured as a conventional umbrella with a canopy and supports secured to a rod-like base component. The method also comprises securing the base component to shoulder straps. Further, the method comprises securing the base component to a small backpack. The method also comprises positioning the shoulder straps or the backpack onto a user's shoulders for use. The method comprises opening the umbrella. Finally, the method comprises performing a variety of outdoor tasks hands-free while still being protected from outdoor elements.
Referring initially to the drawings,
Generally, the hands-free umbrella device 100 is a device that can be supported in an upright position without the user 116 having to hold the umbrella device 100 with his hands 118, while still protecting a user 116 from the outside elements. Accordingly, the device 100 enables users 116 to perform a variety of outdoor tasks using both hands 118 while still benefitting from umbrella protection.
Furthermore, the hands-free umbrella device 100 comprises a body component 102. The body component 102 is configured as a conventional umbrella with a canopy 104 or umbrella shade that is supported by a plurality of ribs or supports 106, which are positioned on an underside 120 of the canopy 104. Typically, a water-resistant material is attached to the supports 106 to form the canopy 104. Further, a means for deploying the supports 106 is included, such that when the supports 106 are deployed the canopy 104 is positioned above the user's head 122 covering an area around the entire diameter of the user's standing body 116. Accordingly, the user 116 has the use of both their hands 118 while protecting the user 116 from precipitation and preserving visual access.
As shown in
Further, the handle 204 is attached to the bottom end 202 of the base component 108 and extends downwardly away therefrom. The handle 204 is a conventional l-shaped or u-shaped handle or other suitable shapes known to those of skill in the art. For example, the handle 204 may be coated with rubber to form a straight handle or the handle 204 may be wood, metal or plastic, etc.
Additionally, the base component 108 is telescoping to allow for height adjustment, as needed. Specifically, the telescopic base component 108 is mounted internally within a coaxial sleeve 206. The coaxial sleeve 206 slides over the base component 108 and a spring-loaded button 208 extends through one of a plurality of linearly arranged adjustment apertures 210 spaced along the coaxial sleeve 206. A second spring 212, within the coaxial sleeve 206 and located below the bottom of the base component 108, exerts a constant and steady upward pressure on the base component 108, resulting in the base component 108 being additionally secured in a fixed position relative to the coaxial sleeve 206.
Furthermore, the position of the base component 108 can be changed by depressing the spring-loaded button 208 and pushing the base component 108 downward until the spring-loaded button 208 catches on another aperture 210 from the plurality of apertures, thereby adjusting the height of the canopy 104 in relation to the user's head 122. This adjustment means is well-known to those of skill in the art and is not a point of novelty with this invention. Further, an expansion button 214, located on the coaxial sleeve 206 near the handle 204 is provided to open the umbrella canopy 104 in a manner well known in the art.
As shown in
Furthermore, the base component 108 is attached to a small backpack 300, which is secured around a user's shoulders 114. The base component 108 is secured to the small backpack 300 via sewing, gluing, adhesives, brackets, etc. Once secured to the backpack 300, a user 116 can merely put their arms through the backpack straps 302 to secure the backpack 300 to their back and utilize the device 100. The straps 302 of the backpack 300 are adjustable to fit any size user 116.
In one embodiment, a front panel 304 of the umbrella canopy 104 is transparent, to facilitate visibility during use. The transparent material can be made of PVC, EVA, or POE but is not limited to such.
As shown in
Generally, the base component 108 is attached to a plurality of shoulder straps 110, which are secured around a user's shoulders 114 and/or waist 112. The base component 108 is secured to the shoulder straps 110 via sewing, gluing, adhesives, brackets, etc. The plurality of straps 110 can be secured only around a user's shoulders 114 like a harness 400 or for more support, can be secured around a user's shoulders 114 and waist 112. The shoulder straps 110 are positioned around a user's shoulders 114 and/or waist 112 and are secured in place with hook and loop fasteners, buckles, snaps, etc. The shoulder straps 110 are adjustable to fit any size user 116.
Furthermore, the shoulder straps 110 of the first embodiment comprise a pair of shoulder loops 110 and a transverse member 404 securing the shoulder loops 110 together. A securing member 406 releasably attaches the base component 108 to the transverse member 404. Preferably, the securing member 406 is formed by a clasp or connector fixed to the transverse member 404 transversely extending between the two shoulder loops 110. The securing member 406 may take many forms. The preferred embodiments include a hinged clasp that may be opened to receive the base component 108. Alternatively, the securing member 406 may be a sleeve with an internal rubber or otherwise resilient stopper that frictionally grips the base component 108, such that the vertical height of the umbrella canopy 104 may be adjusted by the user 116. Further, the securing members 406 are preferably adhered to the transverse member 404 via glue or stitching. Alternatively, the securing member 406 may be secured to the transverse member 404 via Velcro or other securing means.
In another embodiment, the shoulder straps 110 comprise an additional pair of transverse members 408 positioned along the front of the user 116 to add stability to the securing member 406. The two transverse members 408 help secure the base member 108 to the securing member 406 and maintain vertical orientation of the device 100 during use.
Further, the shoulder straps 110 are preferably fabricated of a flexible lightweight material, such as nylon webbing, to permit the device 100 to be comfortably worn under one's jacket or outer clothing. In another embodiment, the body component 102 (i.e., umbrella canopy 104 and base component 108) can be removed without removing the shoulder straps 110. Therefore, permitting the user 116 to simply remove the body component 102 and base component 108 when moving indoors, while permitting the user 116 to leave the shoulder straps 110 comfortably in place until the umbrella device 100 is needed again.
As shown in
In operation, the hands-free umbrella device 100 is utilized via a user 116 opening up the umbrella canopy 104 and tightly wrapping the shoulder straps 110 (or backpack 300) around themselves and securing the straps 110 in place with either hook and loop fasteners, snaps, or a buckle. Further, an adjustment for the height of the user 116 may also be made by depressing the spring-loaded button 208, and sliding the base component 108 within the coaxial sleeve 206 until the spring-loaded button 208 reaches the desired aperture 210 corresponding to the desired height of the umbrella canopy 104.
When not in use, the overhead structure (i.e., umbrella canopy 104) sits in a collapsed state inside the backpack 300. When needed, the user 116 deploys the umbrella canopy 104 by reaching behind his or her head 122 to grasp its central, base component 108 and pushing the spring-loaded button 208. It unfurls over the user 116 while still being held at its base component 108 within the backpack 300. Further, the umbrella device 100 provides ventilation for air so that the user 116 is not lifted off the ground by incoming wind.
In yet another embodiment, the hands-free umbrella device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 500. The body component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the body component 102, or any other indicia 500 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 500 as is known in the art can be included, such as but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be an umbrella, backpack, or brand related.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “hands-free umbrella device”, “hands-free device”, “umbrella device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the hands-free umbrella device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the hands-free umbrella device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hands-free umbrella device 100 as shown in
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/588,065, which was filed on Oct. 5, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63588065 | Oct 2023 | US |
