Patent Application
20240373998
The present invention relates to an umbrella, in particular to a portable umbrella. The invention further relates to an umbrella adaptor for retrofitting to a handholdable portable umbrella, and a method of using a portable umbrella in a standing position.
Portable umbrellas are held by users to shield themselves from rain or sunlight, in particular for ultra-violet light protection. When used for sun, umbrellas may be termed parasols. Conventional umbrellas can be tiring to hold for long durations, since a user must support the weight of the umbrella with one hand. This is especially true of larger and so heavier umbrellas, such as golf umbrellas. Additionally, umbrellas can be caught by even relatively light winds, exerting a pulling and twisting force on the user's hand and wrist.
The mechanical disadvantages of using a conventional umbrella 100 are illustrated in
It can be necessary to stand in a stationary position in an exposed location for long durations. This includes, for example, when spectating at outdoor sporting events such as golf, motor sport, or horse racing, or waiting at uncovered railway stations such as when commuting.
In such circumstances, a conventional umbrella would therefore need to be held for a long duration if it were raining or there was strong sunlight. This would be tiring on the wrist, and would limit the ability to use handholdable items, for example to use a mobile phone, or read an event programme or newspaper.
The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable umbrella comprising: a collapsible umbrella canopy; a first shaft which extends from the collapsible umbrella canopy; a handle at or adjacent to an end of the first shaft distal to the collapsible umbrella canopy; a second shaft connected to and telescopically stowable in the first shaft and/or the handle, the second shaft being securable in a stowed condition; and a ground engagement element at an end of the second shaft distal to the first shaft and the handle.
Thus, the umbrella can be used in two conditions. In a first condition, the second shaft is secured in a stowed position, and the umbrella can be used normally, as a conventional umbrella would, with the user holding the handle. For an external observer it would not be apparent that the umbrella was different to a conventional umbrella. Additionally, the user experience of the umbrella in the first condition is similar or identical to that of a conventional umbrella. The first condition is suitable for walking with the umbrella with the canopy deployed or being stationary for brief durations. In a second condition, the second shaft is extended from the first shaft and/or handle so that the ground engagement element can be rested on the ground. The user can hold the handle with one hand or brace one of the shafts against an inner arm, and stand under the collapsible umbrella canopy. The second condition is suitable for standing with the umbrella for longer than brief durations.
The umbrella may for shielding the user from rain and/or from sunlight.
The second shaft thereby provides a retractable stand which allows for the umbrella to be supported on the ground in the second condition whilst having the canopy at a height suitable for standing underneath. Additionally, any rotation of the umbrella is made about a pivot point between the ground and the ground engagement element, rather than on the user's wrist. Due to the distance between the handle and the pivot point, only a relatively low force is required to be applied to the handle to provide a sufficient moment to counteract the rotation caused by the wind.
Preferably, the umbrella further comprises a flexible tethering element at or adjacent to the ground engagement element for a user to step on. The flexible tethering element or restraint allows for the user to prevent or limit uplift of the umbrella via use of their foot applying a downward force. Since the tethering element is flexible, it minimises any disruption to the user when using the umbrella in the first condition.
Advantageously, the flexible tethering element may be sufficiently flexible so as to be foldable in half. This may further reduce any disruption to the user when using the umbrella in the first condition and can make the tethering element easier to position to step thereon.
Optionally, the flexible tethering element may comprise a fabric. Additionally or alternatively, the flexible tethering element may be water resistant, water impermeable and/or hard wearing since it is typically used underfoot.
In a preferable embodiment, the ground engagement element may be devoid of ground penetration means, a ground penetrator, a pointed end, or a tapered end directed downwards in an opposing direction to the canopy and towards the ground. Thus, the ground engagement element does not include a spike or tapered point to ease penetration of the ground. Thus, the umbrella is convenient to use in the first condition if the ground engagement element is exposed.
Additionally, the second shaft may be stowable so as to be completely or substantially completely received within the first shaft. Therefore, the umbrella has the appearance of a typical umbrella when the second shaft is stowed.
Optionally, the second shaft may be securable to the handle and/or first shaft in a stowed condition by any one of a push-fit interference connection, a bayonet connection, a sprung ball connection, a quarter-turn connection, a half-turn connection, and a screw connection.
Preferably, the first shaft and/or the second shaft may comprise a fibre composite material. In particular, the fibre composite material may be a carbon fibre reinforced polymer material. A fibre composite material provides a relatively high strength and stiffness at a relatively low weight or density. Low density is particularly advantageous for the present invention, since the umbrella has two shafts which would otherwise be heavy to hold in the first condition. High stiffness is particularly advantageous for the present invention, in view of the length of the two shafts
Advantageously, the ground engagement element may be a cap having a similar or identical diameter to that of the first and/or second shaft. As such, the ground engagement element is devoid of or does not comprise feet for providing support and so has a smaller profile in a first condition.
Beneficially, a distance between the ground engagement element and a top of the collapsible umbrella canopy may be greater than a height of a typical adult person.
In a preferable embodiment, a distance between the ground engagement element and a top of the collapsible umbrella canopy may be between 1750 mm and 2200 mm.
Additionally, the first shaft may have a length such that a typical adult person can hold the handle at torso height to be received under the collapsible umbrella canopy when deployed.
Preferably, the first shaft may have a length of between 850 mm and 1050 mm.
Beneficially, the second shaft may have a length of between 700 mm and 1350 mm.
Advantageously, a length of the second shaft may be adjustable. Therefore, the umbrella can be adjusted so as to be better suited for persons of different heights.
Optionally, the second shaft may comprise at least first and second shaft sub-parts which are telescopically receivable in first shaft and/or the handle, the second shaft sub-part being securable in a stowed condition independently of the first shaft sub-part so as to allow length adjustment of the second shaft.
Preferably, the second shaft sub-part may be securable relative to the first shaft sub-part by a twist-cam or twist-cone mechanism.
In a preferable embodiment, the first shaft sub-part may have a length of between 700 mm and 900 mm, and the second shaft sub-part has a length of between 350 mm and 550 mm.
Preferably, the portable umbrella further comprises a strap having first and second ends, the first end being selectably detachably connectable at or adjacent to a top of the collapsible umbrella canopy and at or adjacent to the handle, and the second end being connected at or adjacent to the handle. In a carrying condition, the first end of the strap is connected at or adjacent to a top of the collapsible umbrella canopy and the second end is connected at or adjacent to the handle. As such, in the carrying condition, the strap acts as a carry strap which can be slung across a shoulder or across the chest to transport the umbrella with the second shaft stowed and with the canopy collapsed. In a restraining condition, the first end of the strap is connected at or adjacent to the handle, as is the second end of the strap. As such, when adopting the restraining condition, the strap can be looped around the user's body, for example the user's torso. This can assist with handsfree use of the umbrella with the umbrella canopy and the second shaft deployed, since the strap, secured around the user's body, restrains the lateral movement of the umbrella. The second end of the strap may be detachable from the handle.
Advantageously, the portable umbrella further comprises a garment clamp connected to the first shaft and/or handle for clamping a user's garment. The garment clamp is preferably secured to the first shaft, and may be able to slide up and down the first shaft to alter the position thereof. Jaws of the clamp can be secured around the user's clothing to restrain the lateral movement of the umbrella when deployed. The jaws may be spring-biased, for example.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable umbrella comprising: a collapsible umbrella canopy; a first shaft having a length of between 850 mm and 1050 mm which extends from the collapsible umbrella canopy, the first shaft being hollow; a handle at or adjacent to an end of the first shaft distal to the collapsible umbrella canopy, the handle being hollow and extending around the perimeter of the first shaft; a second shaft connected to and telescopically stowable in the first shaft and/or the handle so as to be completely or substantially completely received therein, the second shaft being securable in a stowed condition and having a length of between 700 mm and 1350 mm; a ground engagement element at an end of the second shaft distal to the first shaft and the handle, the ground engagement element being a cap having a similar diameter to that of the first and/or second shaft, and being devoid of ground penetration means; a flexible tethering element at or adjacent to the ground engagement element for a user to step on, the flexible tethering element being sufficiently flexible so as to be foldable in half.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using a portable umbrella in a standing position, the method comprising: a) providing an umbrella as claimed in any one of the preceding claims; b) deploying the collapsible umbrella canopy; c) extending the second shaft from the first shaft so that the ground engagement element rests on the ground; d) standing underneath the collapsible umbrella canopy; e) holding the handle with one hand or bracing one of the shafts against an inner arm.
Such a method could find industrial application in at least professions which require holding an umbrella; for example, golf caddies or doormen.
Preferably, the method further comprises the step f) of stepping on the flexible tethering element.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an umbrella adaptor for retrofitting to a handholdable portable umbrella, the umbrella adaptor comprising: a connector for detachably connecting to the handholdable portable umbrella at or adjacent to a base of the handholdable portable umbrella; a telescopic shaft which extends from the connector; a ground engagement element at an end of the telescopic shaft distal to the connector; and a flexible tethering element at or adjacent to the ground engagement element for a user to step on; the telescopic shaft being sized so that when the connector is connected to the handholdable portable umbrella, a distance between the ground engagement element and a canopy of the handholdable portable umbrella is greater than or equal to a height of a typical adult person.
Preferably, the connector may comprise a tubular receiver for receiving at least the base of the handholdable umbrella, and a turn screw for bracing against the handholdable umbrella.
Alternatively, the connector may comprise a tubular receiver for receiving at least the base of the handholdable umbrella, and a cam lock lever.
Optionally, the telescopic shaft may have an extended length of between 700 mm and 1350 mm.
Where relevant, the umbrella adaptor may have similar or identical preferable and optional features to the umbrella according to the first aspect of the invention.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided an umbrella comprising a handle and a stand, the stand being connected to and telescopically stowable in the handle.
The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Referring firstly to
The collapsible umbrella canopy 12 operates in the same way as typical umbrellas. This is well understood in the art, and so the workings of a collapsing mechanism of the canopy 12 is omitted for brevity. Nevertheless, the umbrella canopy 12 may have two conditions: an extended or deployed condition, as shown in
The size of the umbrella 10 is preferably suitable for individual or personal use, or potentially for two-person use in larger sizes. As such, when extended, the canopy 12 preferably has a diameter of between 50 cm and 180 cm, and more preferably has a diameter of between 120 cm and 160 cm since a larger diameter is preferred for stationary uses, although an overly large diameter becomes difficult to hold.
The umbrella 10 is preferably a rain umbrella 10, and therefore the umbrella canopy 12 is preferably made of water impermeable or resistant material or substantially water impermeable or resistant material, as per typical rain umbrellas. However, it will be appreciated that the umbrella 10 may not be water impermeable or resistant, and therefore may be solely for protecting a user from direct sunlight, in particular ultra-violet light protection. As such, the canopy 12 should be at least relatively opaque. For additional ultra-violet light protection, a reflective coating for reflecting ultra-violet light may be provided on the canopy. The umbrella 10 may be suitable for shading the user from both rain and sunlight.
The canopy 12 and/or collapsing mechanism may be automatically collapsible and/or deployable, for example being actuated by a push-button and a spring mechanism.
The first shaft 14 extends from and supports the collapsible umbrella canopy 12.
The first shaft 14 preferably comprises a composite material, more preferably a fibre composite material, and most preferably carbon fibre material. However, other materials may be considered such as metal, for example aluminium or steel, plastics, or wood.
The first shaft 14 is preferably hollow to permit the telescopic receipt of the second shaft 18 therein.
The first shaft 14 may have a larger than typical diameter for providing additional structural strength and rigidity, and for permitting receipt of the second shaft 18. For example, here an outer diameter of the first shaft 14 is 18 mm or substantially 18 mm, and an inner diameter of the first shaft 14 is 16 mm or substantially 16 mm.
The handle 16 is at or adjacent to an end of the first shaft 14 and may be considered to be a designated gripping portion for holding or supporting the umbrella 10 when in use. The handle 16 is preferably hollow to allow receipt of the second shaft 18 therein or therethrough.
The handle 16 may be received around the first shaft 14, or may be attached to an end of the first shaft 14. The handle 16 preferably has a diameter greater than that of the first shaft 14, which can assist with ergonomics, and/or may be formed from a high friction material, such as rubber or foam to assist with gripping.
The first shaft 14 preferably has a length such that a typical adult person can hold the handle 16 at torso height to be received under the collapsible umbrella canopy 12 when deployed. The length of the first shaft 14 is preferably between 850 mm and 1050 mm, and is more preferably 1000 mm or substantially 1000 mm, for example 950 mm.
The second shaft 18 is telescopically receivable within the first shaft 14 and/or handle 16. Thus, the second shaft 18 has a smaller diameter than that of the internal diameter of the first shaft 14 so that the second shaft 18 can be received therein. The second shaft 18 can therefore alternately be extended from the first shaft 14 and received in the first shaft 14. There is a stop or connection between the first shaft 14 and the second shaft 18 to stop the second shaft 18 from becoming disconnected from the first shaft 14 when extended.
Preferably, the entirety or substantially the entirety of the second shaft 18 is receivable in the first shaft 14. However, it will be appreciated that it may in fact be that only at least part of the second shaft 18 is receivable.
The second shaft 18 is securable relative to the first shaft 14 in a stowed condition or stowed position. In other words, the second shaft 18 can be secured in its position of being received in the first shaft 14. For example, the second shaft 18 is securable to or relative to the handle 16 and/or first shaft 14 in a stowed condition by any one of a push-fit interference connection, a bayonet connection, a sprung ball connection, a quarter-turn connection, a half-turn connection, and a screw connection. Such securing means lock, or catch is therefore readily releasable when it is desired to extend the second shaft 18.
The second shaft 18 may also be securable relative to the first shaft 14 in an extended condition to prevent the weight of the umbrella collapsing the telescopic second shaft 18 back into the first shaft 14.
The second shaft 18 preferably has a length of between 700 mm and 1350 mm, for example 800 mm or 1250 mm.
The second shaft 18 preferably comprises at least first and second shaft sub-parts 22, 24 which are telescopically receivable in first shaft 14 and/or the handle 16, the second shaft sub-part 24 being securable in a stowed condition independently of the first shaft sub-part 22 so as to allow length adjustment of the second shaft 18. The first shaft sub-part 22 may therefore be telescopically receivable within the second shaft sub-part 24 when the first shaft sub-part 22 is received in the first shaft 14 and/or handle 16. The first shaft sub-part 22 can be deployed or extended independently of the second shaft sub-part 24, and the second shaft sub-part 24 can be deployed at the same time as the first shaft sub-part 22.
The first shaft sub-part 22 has a length of between 700 mm and 900 mm, and the second shaft sub-part 24 has a length of between 350 mm and 550 mm. More particularly, the first shaft sub-part 22 has a length of 800 mm and the second shaft sub-part 24 has a length of 450 mm.
The second shaft sub-part 24 is securable relative to the first shaft sub-part 22 by a twist-cam or twist-cone mechanism, although other similar mechanisms or controls may be considered.
The second shaft sub-part 24 may be extendable relative to the first shaft 14 and/or first shaft sub-part 22 by various amounts. As such, the second shaft sub-part 24 may be considered to be of variable length and/or securable in intermediate extended conditions. This can permit fine-tuning of the overall height of the umbrella.
Although two shaft sub-parts are described for the second shaft 18, it will be appreciated that this may not be the case. For example, the second shaft 18 may be a single piece telescopically received in the first shaft 14, or the second shaft 18 may comprise more than two sub-parts, such as three sub-parts. In the case of the second shaft being a single piece, it will be appreciated that the second shaft may be extendable relative to the first shaft by various amounts. In other words, the second shaft may be considered to be of variable length and/or securable in intermediate extended conditions. This can permit fine-tuning of the overall height of the umbrella.
Rather than describing a second shaft 18 which has two sub-parts 22, 24, it will be appreciated that the second shaft sub-part 24 may instead be referred to as a second shaft and the first shaft sub-part 22 may instead be referred to as a third shaft, or vice versa. Alternatively, the second shaft 18 may simply be referred to as a stand, which preferably has two sub-parts.
The ground engagement element 20 is at an end of the second shaft 18. Said end is distal to the first shaft 14 and the handle 16 when the second shaft 18 is extended from the first shaft 14. Since the second shaft 18 has two sub-parts, the ground engagement element 20 is preferably at an end of the first shaft sub-part 22 which is distal to the second shaft 18.
The ground engagement element 20 is preferably devoid of or does not comprise ground penetration means. As such, the ground engagement element 20 does not have a spike, point or tapered portion for penetrating the ground.
The ground engagement element 20 is preferably a cap which has a similar or identical diameter to that of the first and/or second shaft 16, 18. As such, the ground engagement element 20 is devoid of or does not comprise feet for providing support.
The ground engagement element 20 may at least in part provide the securing means which secures the second shaft 18 to the handle 16 and/or the first shaft 14. For example, the ground engagement element 20 may have an insertable portion having a diameter so that it can be received in the first shaft 14 and/or handle 16 in a push-fit or interference fit arrangement. Alternatively, the ground engagement element 20 may have the components necessary for a bayonet connection, a sprung ball connection, a quarter-turn connection, a half-turn connection, and a screw connection with the handle 16 and/or first shaft 14.
The ground engagement element 20 may comprise a material for providing additional friction with or grip on the ground. For example, the ground engagement element 20 may comprise rubber or plastics which may provide high grip on asphalt or concrete.
A distance between the ground engagement element 20 and a top of the collapsible umbrella canopy 12 is greater than a height of a typical adult person. For example, the distance is between 1750 mm and 2200 mm.
The umbrella 10 preferably further comprises a flexible tethering element 26 at or adjacent to the ground engagement element 20 for a user to step on. As such, the tethering element 26 should have a length sufficient to extend from its connection with the second shaft 18 or ground engagement element 20 to the ground so as to rest on the ground with enough length to be securely stepped upon. The flexible tethering element 26 may otherwise be referred to as a tether, restraint or a strap. The flexible tethering element 26 is preferably sufficiently flexible so as to be foldable in half, for example being formed from fabric. It is preferable that the flexible tethering element 26 is hard-wearing and/or is water resistant or water impermeable, since the flexible tethering element 26 is on the ground and under-foot for long durations. Whilst a flexible tethering element 26 is preferred, an outwardly projecting rigid or semi-rigid tethering element 26 could also be considered.
The flexible tethering element 26 is preferably attached to a ring or a pin which is received through a hole in the ground engagement element 20 or the second shaft 18. Thus, the flexible tethering element 26 can pivot relative to the ground engagement element 20 to adopt different orientations. The flexible tethering element 26 is preferably detachable from the rest of the umbrella, which may be useful for replacement or cleaning purposes. This may also be the case for the ground engagement element 20.
When the second shaft 18 is in the stowed condition, the flexible tethering element 26 is preferably exposed and therefore could feasibly be used as a handle 16 assuming that the second shaft 18 is sufficiently strongly secured in the stowed condition.
The tethering element 26 is preferably not a loop to avoid causing a trip hazard, although it will be appreciated that a loop could be considered. Hinging mechanisms for the tethering element could be considered, although these may preferably be avoided in view of their potential mechanical vulnerability.
There may be a strap or hook at or adjacent to the top of the umbrella 10, proximal to the collapsible umbrella canopy 12.
The umbrella 10, in particular the canopy 12 or shafts, may be customised with bespoke text or images, for example with the branding of corporate customers.
Referring now in addition to
In a first condition, the second shaft 18 is received in and secured to the first shaft 14. Such an arrangement is shown in
In a second condition, for example when a person is standing for a long duration outside, the second shaft 18 can be released and extended or deployed from the first shaft 14 so that the ground engagement element 20 rests on the ground. The canopy 12 is deployed, if not already done so, and the person stands under the umbrella 10. The flexible tethering element 26 is stepped upon by the user, and the handle 16 can be held with one hand, or one of the shafts can be braced against an inner arm.
There are preferably two variants of the second condition, depending on the height of the user, as shown in
Comparing
Such an arrangement lets the user 28 use the umbrella 10 hands-free, for example as shown in
Referring now to
The connector 34 preferably comprises a tubular receiver for receiving at least the base of the handholdable umbrella and in particular for receiving at least a portion of a handle of the umbrella. For example, the tubular receiver may have a cylindrical recess for receiving a handle of the umbrella, since umbrella handles are commonly cylindrical in shape. To secure the handle in the tubular receiver the connector 34 preferably comprises a securing means, clamp, lock, grip, or catch. For example, the connector 34 may include a turn screw 38 for bracing against the handle of the handholdable umbrella, such as in the manner of a grub screw. Alternatively, the connector 34 may include a cam lock lever for securing the handle of the handholdable umbrella.
Whilst a tubular receiver is described, it will be appreciated that other configurations may be considered, especially to permit connection with umbrellas without a cylindrical handle, such as umbrellas with U-shaped handles. For example, other clamps or pincers may be considered.
The telescopic shaft 36 is sized so that when the connector 34 is connected to the handholdable portable umbrella, a distance between the ground engagement element 20 and a canopy 12 of the handholdable portable umbrella is greater than or equal to a height of a typical adult person. For example, the telescopic shaft 36 may have an extended length of between 700 mm and 1350 mm.
The telescopic shaft 36 is securable in a retracted condition, in a similar or identical way as for the aforementioned umbrella 10. The ground engagement element 20, flexible tethering element 26, and telescopic shaft 36 are also similar or identical as for those components of the aforementioned umbrella 10.
Although a telescopic arrangement for the shaft is described for the portable umbrella and the adaptor, it will be appreciated that an arrangement whereby the telescopic parts are slidably received next to each may be considered. For example, for the portable umbrella, the second shaft may be slidably receivable next to the first shaft and/or handle, rather than being telescopically stowable therein.
It is therefore possible to provide an umbrella which has an internal stand which is deployable from a normal handle to support the umbrella. The handle may be considered to be a two-part handle. A flexible tethering element or restraint prevents or limits the umbrella from uplifting.
The words ‘comprises/comprising’ and the words ‘having/including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.
It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.
The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2116367.0 | Nov 2021 | GB | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/GB2022/052876 | 11/11/2022 | WO |
