WIND RESISTANT UMBRELLA

Abstract

An inversion resistant umbrella. The inversion resistant umbrella is configured to minimize the likelihood of a protective canopy from turning inside out, thereby minimizing the risk of damage to the umbrella. The inversion resistant umbrella comprises a canopy sized and shaped to protect a user from one or more environmental elements, such as rain. Attached to, or integrally formed from the canopy, is an inversion resistant member. The inversion resistant member, or sleeve, is configured to act as a valve to allow air to travel through the interior portion of the umbrella and out through at least a portion of the canopy. As such, when a gust of wind catches the canopy from underneath, the inversion resistant member extends upwardly and outwardly to allow for the air to pass through.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a protective and shielding device; to a device designed to protect a user from outdoor elements, such as rain, wind, or sunshine; and more particularly, to a more stable umbrella designed to minimize the risk of wind damage to the umbrella canopy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Umbrellas are widely available devices used to protect individuals from sunlight or rain. Typical umbrellas contain a foldable, protective canopy supported by a central rod. While most umbrellas are small and portable, larger, less portable umbrellas, such as beach umbrellas or outdoor furniture umbrellas, generally have the same construction. In either case, the construction of the umbrella lends itself to damage during windy conditions. During windy periods or sudden wind gusts, it is not uncommon that the canopy of the typical umbrella inverts. When this occurs, one or more components of the umbrella often become permanently damaged.

Several patents have attempted to address problems associated with wind. U.S. Pat. No. 8,939,163 describes an anti-inversion umbrella which utilizes a removable cuff attached to the umbrella, utilizing the shaft and several straps connected to the tip of the canopy. U.S. Pat. No. 9,173,461 describes an umbrella in which the canopy contains slits. U.S. Pat. No. 9,138,035 describes an umbrella having a flexible canopy. U.S. Pat. No. 8,960,210 teaches an umbrella that utilizes a flexible shaft. While each of these patents attempt to provide solutions for umbrellas with regards to wind damage, there remains a need in the art to provide for an umbrella that minimizes the risk of damage associated with wind and wind gusts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to a protective device, such as an umbrella, configured to minimize the likelihood that a protective canopy associated with the device turns inside out. The umbrella contains a sleeve positioned on the top of the canopy. Under normal conditions, the sleeve is designed to lay flat on top of the canopy. When a gust of wind catches the umbrella from the underneath the canopy, the sleeve extends to an open position. In this position, air passes through the sleeve, relieving the pressure on the canopy. In use, such features allow for the umbrella to be used in windy conditions without the fear of damage, as the likelihood of the canopy turning inside out is reduced.

In one embodiment, the inversion resistant umbrella comprises a canopy constructed and arranged to protect a user from direct contact with one or more environmental elements; a shaft having a first end positioned at or near the canopy, and a second opposing end positioned at a distance from the canopy; and an inversion preventing valve. The inversion preventing valve may be of sufficient length to fold over and extend past a canopy opening when in a closed position.

In another embodiment, the inversion resistant umbrella comprises a canopy constructed and arranged to protect a user from direct contact with one or more environmental elements, the canopy having an opening and an inversion preventing sleeve extending therefrom. The inversion preventing sleeve has a first end, a second end, and a main body separating the first end and the second end. The inversion resistant umbrella may also comprise a shaft having a first end positioned at or near the canopy, and a second opposing end positioned at a distance from the canopy. The inversion resistant umbrella sleeve may be sized and shaped to rest against an outer surface of the canopy and close the opening when in a non-extended situation. The inversion resistant umbrella sleeve may be sized and shaped to extend upwardly, and oriented away from the canopy and the canopy opening when in the extended state.

Accordingly, it is an objective of the invention to provide a protective and shielding device that is resistant to inversion.

It is a further objective of the invention to provide an improved umbrella.

It is yet another objective of the invention to provide an improved umbrella resistant to damage resulting from sudden bursts of wind.

It is a still further objective of the invention to provide an improved umbrella which utilizes a valve system to minimize damage caused by wind.

It is a further objective of the invention to provide an umbrella which comprises a sleeve at the top of a canopy.

It is yet another objective of the invention to provide an umbrella which comprises a sleeve at the top of a canopy, wherein the sleeve member is traversable between a closed position and an open position.

It is a still further objective of the invention to provide an umbrella which comprises a sleeve having a sufficient length to lay flat against the canopy in normal conditions.

It is a further objective of the invention to provide an umbrella which comprises a sleeve having a sufficient length to protect and cover the umbrella when not in use.

Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification, include exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of the inversion resistant umbrella in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the inversion resistant umbrella shown with the inversion resistant sleeve in the closed position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the inversion resistant umbrella shown with the inversion resistant sleeve in the open position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the inside of the inversion resistant umbrella;

FIG. 5 illustrates a standard umbrella in an inverted position in which the canopy is flipped inside out;

FIG. 6 illustrates the inversion resistant umbrella in accordance with the present invention in which the canopy is in the closed position;

FIG. 7 illustrates the inversion resistant umbrella in accordance with the present invention in which the sleeve is pulled back over the inversion resistant umbrella; and

FIG. 8 illustrates the inversion resistant umbrella in accordance with the present invention in which the umbrella is closed using a strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an inversion resistant protective device, referred to as an inversion resistant umbrella 10, is shown. In general, the inversion resistant umbrella 10 is constructed and arranged to protect one or more individuals from outdoor elements, such as rain or sunshine, while minimizing the risk of changes in structural configuration during high wind periods. The inversion resistant umbrella 10 comprises a canopy 12 sized and shaped to protect, i.e. cover, a user from direct contact with environmental elements, i.e. rain, when placed over his/her head. The canopy 12 can be constructed of any material. Preferably, the material, such as nylon, can withstand rain, is impermeable to water, dries quickly, and is foldable.

The inversion resistant umbrella 10 further comprises a shaft 14 having a first end 16 (terminating in cap 17) positioned at or near the canopy 12, and a second opposing end 18 positioned at a distance from the canopy 12. The second opposing end 18 preferably contains a handle 20 sized and shaped to be grabbed and held by a user's hand. A plurality of ribs 22 runs underneath the canopy 12. The ribs 22 are preferably made of a thin steel or other metal material, and help maintain the configuration of the canopy 12 when in the open position. One or more stretchers 24 connect the ribs 22 to the shaft 14 via a runner 26 and provide a mechanism to expand the canopy 12 from a closed position to an open position. The runner 26 is configured to move or slide along the shaft 14, thereby extending (open, protective position) or retracting (closed, non-protective position) the canopy 12. The shaft 14 may contain catch springs 28 to aid in opening and closing the inversion resistant umbrella.

Referring to FIG. 5, a standard umbrella 100 in an inverted position is illustrated. In this orientation, the canopy 112 is flipped inside out, exposing the internal components, the ribs 114, and the stretchers 116. This orientation typically results from wind gusts that get underneath the umbrella 100. In this position, the user may try to flip the canopy 112 back to its original position. While this may be an option, many times one or more of the components are destroyed. For example, during the sudden inversion, the ribs 114 or the stretchers 116 may be bent or disfigured. Alternatively, the canopy 112 may become ripped or torn. Even if the components are still intact and usable, the user would be required to get the umbrella back in its original position, thereby exposing him/her to the elements.

To prevent inversion, or flipping inside out, the inversion resistant umbrella 10 comprises an inversion preventing valve, illustrated herein as a sleeve 30. The sleeve 30 comprises a first, open top end 32, a second, open bottom end 34, and a main body 36 therebetween. The first, open top end 32 may be tapered inwardly (from dotted lines 37A and 37B. The tapered end may be slight, with diameter 39 of the open end being about 1-5% smaller than a diameter 41 of the main body 36. The tapered end allows the sleeve 30 to maintain its shape when filed with air, thus lowering the wind resistance by reducing turbulence. The sleeve 30 may be integrally formed with the canopy 12, or may be constructed independently and separately attached. The bottom end 34, preferably, is secured to, or extends from a canopy opening 38 (see FIGS. 1 and 3), which is formed at the top portion (first end 16 of the shaft 14) of the canopy 12. The canopy opening 38 may be centrally positioned within the canopy 12. The length of the sleeve 30 is preferably sufficient to maintain a position flat on top of the canopy and covering the canopy opening 38.

In use, the inversion resistant umbrella 10 is configured to prevent inversion, or having the canopy 12 flip inside out, through the traversal of the sleeve 30 between a first non-extended position, see FIG. 2, and a second extended position, see FIG. 3. In the non-extended position, the sleeve 30 is configured to rest, preferably lying flat, against the outer surface 40 of the canopy 12. As shown in FIG. 2, as wind currents flow over the canopy 12, see arrows 40A, 40B, 40C, a low pressure zone is created above the canopy 12. In addition to this low pressure zone, gravity keeps the sleeve lying flat against the canopy 12. In the situation in which a strong gust of wind catches the canopy 12 from underneath, see arrows 42A and 42B in FIG. 3, the sleeve 30 extends upwardly and orients away from the canopy 12. The wind travels into the interior section 44 of the canopy 12, see FIG. 4, through the canopy opening 38 and into the sleeve 30. The air exits out of the sleeve 30, see arrows 46A and 46B through the sleeve opening 48. A plurality of triangular flanges 51 (also seen on FIG. 1) are sown into or attached to seams at the inner most frame attachment points. The inclusion of the triangular flanges force the extended canopy 12 to assume an ideal funnel shape, thereby helping to minimize turbulence.

In addition to acting as a valve for allowing directional air flow through the canopy 12, thereby preventing inversion of the canopy 12, the sleeve 30 can be used as a protective covering for the inversion resistant umbrella 10. Referring to FIG. 6, the inversion resistant umbrella 10 is shown in the closed configuration, in which the canopy 12 does not extend outwardly and radially relative to the shaft 14. In this configuration, the sleeve 30 extends above the closed canopy 12. Folding the sleeve 30 back against the closed canopy 12 in the direction of arrows 50A and 50B allows the sleeve 30 to fully enclose the closed canopy 12, see FIG. 7. As such, the sleeve 30 may be sized sufficiently to fully cover the inversion resistant umbrella 10 when the canopy 12 is in the closed position. Alternatively, the sleeve 30 may be sized and shaped to wrap around the exterior of the closed umbrella canopy 12. A strap 52 having a first fastening member 54, illustrated as one portion of VELCRO, either a loop fastener or hook fastener, and a second fastening member 56, illustrates a second portion of the VELCRO, either a loop fastener or hook fastener FIG. 8 illustrates the inversion resistant umbrella 10 shown in a closed position, with the canopy wrapped together and held by the strap 52

All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An inversion resistant umbrella comprising: a canopy constructed and arranged to protect a user from direct contact with one or more environmental elements;a shaft having a first end positioned at or near said canopy, and a second opposing end positioned at a distance from said canopy; andan inversion preventing valve.

2. The inversion resistant umbrella according to claim 1 wherein said canopy includes an opening operatively linked to said inversion preventing valve.

3. The inversion resistant umbrella according to claim 1 wherein said inversion preventing valve is made of a flexible material that can be traversed between an extended position and a non-extended position.

4. The inversion resistant umbrella according to claim 1 wherein said inversion preventing valve comprises a body positioned on a top surface of said canopy.

5. The inversion resistant umbrella according to claim 4 wherein said inversion preventing valve body is of sufficient length to fold over and extend past said canopy opening when in a closed position.

6. The inversion resistant umbrella according to claim 1 further including a plurality of ribs constructed and arranged to maintain a configuration of said canopy when in an open position.

7. The inversion resistant umbrella according to claim 3 further including one or more stretchers constructed and arranged to expand said canopy from a closed position to said open position.

8. An inversion resistant umbrella comprising: a canopy constructed and arranged to protect a user from direct contact with one or more environmental elements, said canopy having a opening and an inversion preventing sleeve extending therefrom, said inversion preventing sleeve having a first end, a second end, and a main body separating said first end and said second end; anda shaft having a first end positioned at or near said canopy, and a second opposing end positioned at a distance from said canopy.

9. The inversion resistant umbrella according to claim 8 wherein said sleeve is sized and shaped to rest against an outer surface of the canopy and close said opening when in a non-extended position.

10. The inversion resistant umbrella according to claim 8 wherein said sleeve is sized and shaped to extend upwardly, and oriented away from said canopy and said canopy opening when in the extended state.

11. The inversion resistant umbrella according to claim 8 wherein said sleeve is integrally formed with said canopy.

12. The inversion resistant umbrella according to claim 8 wherein said shaft second opposing end comprises a handle sized and shaped to be engagable with a user's hand.

13. The inversion resistant umbrella according to claim 8 further including a plurality of ribs constructed and arranged to maintain a configuration of said canopy when in an open position.

14. The inversion resistant umbrella according to claim 13 further including one or more stretchers constructed and arranged to expand said canopy from a non-extended position to an extended position.

15. The inversion resistant umbrella according to claim 8 wherein said canopy is made of a foldable material.

16. The inversion resistant umbrella according to claim 8 wherein said canopy is made of a water impermeable material.

17. The inversion resistant umbrella according to claim 8 wherein said sleeve has a tapered end.

18. The inversion resistant umbrella according to claim 8 further including a plurality of triangular flanges.