U.S. patent application number 12/798467 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-16 for hands-free umbrella.
Invention is credited to Sharon Raider.
Application Number | 20100313922 12/798467 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43305327 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100313922 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Raider; Sharon |
December 16, 2010 |
Hands-free umbrella
Abstract
A hands free umbrella device comprised of a housing attached to
the body of a user, including a surface for attachment; at least
four ribs attached to said surface within said housing, such that
when said ribs are deployed from said housing they extend over the
user to form a frame work for a canopy-like overhead protective
surface acting as an umbrella; a water-resistant material is
attached to said ribs covering and connecting each of said ribs to
form said canopy; a means for deploying said ribs, such that when
the ribs are deployed said canopy is positioned above the users
head covering an area around the entire diameter of the users
standing body; and a means for collapsing said ribs, such that when
the ribs are collapsed they fit within said housing; wherein the
user has the use of both their hands while the device protects the
user from precipitation and preserving visual access; and a related
method for using the hands free umbrella device.
Inventors: |
Raider; Sharon; (Brooklyn,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Dara L. Onofrio, Esq.;c/o ONOFRIO LAW
Suite 225, 15 N. Mill Street
Nyack
NY
10960
US
|
Family ID: |
43305327 |
Appl. No.: |
12/798467 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61202795 |
Apr 6, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
135/16 ;
135/20.3; 135/31 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 2011/005 20130101;
A45B 11/02 20130101; A45B 11/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/16 ; 135/31;
135/20.3 |
International
Class: |
A45B 25/16 20060101
A45B025/16; A45B 25/06 20060101 A45B025/06; A45B 25/14 20060101
A45B025/14; A45B 25/00 20060101 A45B025/00 |
Claims
1. A hands free umbrella device comprised of: a housing attached to
the body of a user, including a surface for attachment; at least
four ribs attached to said surface within said housing, such that
when said ribs are deployed from said housing they extend over the
user to form a frame work for a canopy-like overhead, protective
surface acting as an umbrella; a water-resistant material is
attached to said ribs covering and connecting each of said ribs to
form said canopy; a means for deploying said ribs, such that when
the ribs are deployed said canopy is positioned above the users
head covering an area around the entire diameter of the users
standing body; and a means for collapsing said ribs, such that when
the ribs are collapsed they fit within said housing; wherein the
user has the use of both their hands while the device protects the
user from precipitation and preserving visual access.
2. The hands free umbrella device according to claim 1, wherein
each of said ribs comprise three segments: a telescoping segment, a
straight segment and a curved segment.
3. The hands free umbrella device according to claim 1, wherein
said means for deploying and collapsing said ribs is a button or
other similar mechanism which automatically deploys or collapses
said ribs.
4. The hands free umbrella device according to claim 1, wherein
said means for deploying and collapsing said ribs is manually done
by the user.
5. The hands free umbrella device according to claim 1, wherein
said ribs are comprised of a flexible plastic material.
6. The hands free umbrella device according to claim 1, wherein
said ribs are selected from the group consisting of nylon,
polyethelene, carbon fiber, aluminum, Kevlar and titanium.
7. The hands free umbrella device according to claim 1, wherein
said housing is a backpack worn on the back of the user.
8. The hands free umbrella device according to claim 1, wherein
said water-resistant material is selected from the group consisting
of Gore-tex, nylon, polyester, PVC, EVA and POE.
9. The hands free umbrella device according to claim 1, wherein
said ribs are not removable from said housing.
10. A method for using a hands free umbrella device comprising the
steps of: providing an umbrella device which comprises a housing
attached to the body of a user, at least four ribs attached to a
surface within said housing; and a water-resistant material
attached to said ribs covering and connecting each of said ribs;
and deploying said umbrella device, such that said ribs are
deployed to form a canopy which is positioned above the user's head
covering an area around the entire diameter of the users standing
body; wherein the user has the use of both their hands while the
device protects the user from precipitation and preserving visual
access.
11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising collapsing
said umbrella device, such that when said ribs are collapsed they
fit within said housing.
12. The method according to claim 10, wherein the device is
deployable and collapsible without being removed from the body.
13. The method according to claim 10, wherein a button or other
similar mechanism is used which automatically deploys or collapses
said umbrella device in one step.
14. The method according to claim 10, wherein said umbrella device
is manually deployed or collapsed in one step.
15. The method according to claim 10, wherein a button or other
similar mechanism is used which automatically deploys or collapses
said umbrella device in multiple steps.
16. The method according to claim 10, wherein said umbrella device
is manually deployed or collapsed in multiple steps.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
application No. 61/202,795 filed Apr. 6, 2009, which is
incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a hands-free umbrella. In
particular, the invention relates to an umbrella that is worn on
the body of the individual, preferably within a backpack, that is
easily deployed and collapsed with minimal use of the user's hands
but requires no hands to hold in place so that the user's hands are
free for other functions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] When in use 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.
[0004] In general, umbrellas where the user's hands are free are
known. Representative uses include umbrellas mounted on a bicycle
cross-bar and umbrellas provided in shoulder strap carriers and
backpacks. However, in all these applications, a conventional
umbrella is provided with a rod used to deploy the umbrella. The
umbrella itself is detachable from the mount or carrier and must be
opened and then placed back in the mount or carrier when in
use.
[0005] The invention is a protective apparatus providing the same
function as standard rain umbrellas in use today. Advantageously,
the invention is device worn by the user to deploy a canopy-like
structure positioned above the user's head, and covering an area
around the entire diameter of the user's standing body, protecting
them from precipitation while having visual access preserved.
[0006] The invention is different from standard and other known
umbrellas in its wearability and asymmetrical structure. The device
enables the user to be protected from the rain even while carrying
parcels, speaking on a cell phone, making use of a cane or crutch,
or anything else that would require continuous use of a hand and
make carrying a standard umbrella impractical. The device is
deployed and collapsed with minimal use of hands, in one, two or
three simple steps, without needing to remove the apparatus from
the body, as it preferably held in a backpack structure worn on the
body. A waist strap may also included to tether the canopy
structure of the invention.
[0007] In the invention, the body of the user basically replaces
the conventional umbrella rod, thus enabling the user to have use
of both hands while in use and when not in use.
[0008] A general objective of the invention is to provide a
wearable umbrella device used to protect the user from inclement
weather as well as enable the user to have both hands free.
[0009] A more specific objective of the invention is to protect
pedestrians from rain and snow while not requiring the use of a
hand to hold the umbrella, and not requiring them to let go of what
they are carrying just to deploy or collapse the umbrella.
[0010] Yet another objective of the invention is that it requires
no hands to carry when in use.
[0011] Another objective of the invention is that it requires no
hands to carry when not in use.
[0012] Another specific object of the invention is that it is
deployable and collapsible without being removed from the body.
[0013] Another objective is to provide blind and visually impaired
people--being people who always have one hand occupied holding a
dog's harness or a cane--the ability to use their hands while being
protected from the elements.
[0014] Another objective is to provide parents or caregivers of
young children using strollers a means protect them from the
elements so that they can use their two hands to push the
stroller.
[0015] Yet another object of the invention is to provide people
walking dogs and pulling wheeled suitcases and grocery baskets on
wheels a benefit from the hands-free umbrella of the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] In the present invention, these purposes, as well as others
which will be apparent, are achieved generally by providing a hands
free umbrella device. In particular the umbrella device is made of
a housing, similar to a typical daypack, bookbag or backpack,
attached to the users body and at least four ribs which are
attached to the surface within the housing. When the ribs are
deployed from the housing they extend over the user to form a frame
work for a canopy-like overhead protective surface acting as an
umbrella. A water-resistant material is attached to the ribs
covering and connecting each of the ribs to form the canopy.
[0017] A means for deploying the ribs is provided such that when
the ribs are deployed the canopy is positioned above the users head
covering an area around the entire diameter of the users standing
body.
[0018] A means for collapsing the ribs is also provided such that
when the ribs are collapsed they fit within the housing.
[0019] The user has the use of both their hands while protecting
them from precipitation and preserving visual access.
[0020] In an alternate embodiment, each of the ribs may comprise
three segments: a telescoping segment, a straight segment and a
curved segment to form the canopy.
[0021] The means for deploying and collapsing said ribs is a button
or other similar mechanism which automatically deploys or collapses
the ribs. Alternatively, the means for deploying and collapsing the
ribs is manually done by the user, preferably with one hand.
[0022] The ribs are made of a durable and flexible plastic material
which permits easy deployment and collapsing of the umbrella
device. Other materials used include nylon, polyethelene, carbon
fiber, aluminum, Kevlar, titanium or any other material with a high
strength-to-weight ratio.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment the housing is a backpack worn on
the back of the user. A waist strap may also be included to tether
the canopy structure of the invention.
[0024] The water-resistant material is selected from the group
consisting of Gore-tex or a similar material, nylon, polyester or a
water and dirt resistant variation of polyester. The front
transparent panel can be made of PVC, EVA or POE.
[0025] The ribs in the umbrella device are an integral part of the
housing, or backpack, and are not removable.
[0026] The invention also provides a method for using a hands free
umbrella device comprising the steps of providing an umbrella
device which comprises a housing attached to the body of a user, at
least four ribs attached to a surface within the housing; and a
water-resistant material attached to the ribs covering and
connecting each of the ribs.
[0027] The umbrella device is deployed such that said ribs form a
canopy positioned above the user's head covering an area around the
entire diameter of the users standing body. The user has the use of
both their hands while protecting them from precipitation and
preserving visual access.
[0028] When the device is not in use it is collapsed such that the
ribs fit within said housing.
[0029] The device is deployable and collapsible without being
removed from the body. This can be done with a button or other
similar mechanism, to automatically deploy or collapse the umbrella
device in one step or multiple steps. Alternatively, the umbrella
device is manually deployed or collapsed in one step or multiple
steps.
[0030] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent when the detailed description of the
preferred embodiments of the invention are considered with
reference to the drawings, which should be construed in an
illustrative and not limiting sense.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] FIGS. 1A and 1B is an illustration of the general features
and dimensions of the hands-free umbrella according to the
invention
[0032] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the ribs which form the frame
work for the canopy according to the invention;
[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the umbrella device
according to the invention in an open/deployed position;
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view representing the surface area
covered by the umbrella in an open/deployed position.
[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view representing a single rib and
the surface area covered by the umbrella in an open/deployed
position.
[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates the ribs which form the frame work for
the canopy according to the invention;
[0037] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a single rib and the place of
attachment thereon for the fabric material according to the
invention;
[0038] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate inside and side views of the
umbrella device in deployment according to the invention;
[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the canopy according to
the invention;
[0040] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the invention umbrella in
a closed/collapsed position.
[0041] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate the manual deployment of the
invention.
[0042] FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D illustrate an alternate
embodiment of the hands-free umbrella according to the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0043] In accordance with the present invention a hands free
umbrella device is provided.
[0044] The invention umbrella device is worn on the body. It
consists of a structure similar in exterior form to that of a
backpack, with an interior form consisting of a convertible,
overhead structure (umbrella) that--with minimal use of the user's
hands and without being removed from the body--expands/deploys for
use and collapses for storage, all while remaining attached at its
base 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.
[0045] A waist strap to which the canapy structure gets tethered is
included in the invention. In manual mode, a user will pull the
canopy structure over their head and secure it to a belt with a
tether with the same or other hand.
[0046] When not in use, the overhead structure (umbrella) sits in a
collapsed state inside the backpack. When needed, the user deploys
the umbrella apparatus by reaching behind his or her head to grasp
its central, front portion. It unfurls over the user while still
being held at its base within the backpack. The umbrella device
provides ventilation for air so that the user is not lifted off the
ground by incoming wind.
[0047] The front panel of the umbrella is transparent, to
facilitate visibility. When the user wishes to collapse the
umbrella, he or she does so with one hand and the structure
collapses back into its encasement. The transparent material can be
made of PVC, EVA or POE but is not limited to such. The backpack
encasement is designed to enable water drainage at its base, well
behind the user's body.
[0048] In general FIGS. 1A and 1B represents the components and
dimensions of the invention which describes a housing 10 attached
to the body of a user, including a surface for attachment 2; at
least four ribs 3 attached to the surface within said housing, such
that when the ribs are deployed from the housing they extend over
the user to form a frame work for a canopy-like 5 umbrella; a
water-resistant material is attached to the ribs covering and
connecting each of the ribs to form the canopy.
[0049] A means for deploying the ribs, such that when the ribs are
deployed the canopy is positioned above the users head covering an
area around the entire diameter of the users standing body.
[0050] A means for collapsing the ribs, such that when the ribs are
collapsed they fit within the housing; wherein the user has the use
of both their hands while protecting the user from precipitation
and preserving visual access.
[0051] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the ribs 3 which form the frame
work for the canopy according to the invention. In a preferred
embodiment the ribs comprise three segments: a telescoping segment
6, a straight segment 7 and a curled segment 8. The telescoping
segment is attached to the housing 2. FIG. 2A illustrates the
direction of the rib segments in collapsing the device and FIG. 2B
illustrates the rib segments in deployment.
[0052] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the umbrella device
according to the invention in an open/deployed position. The ribs 3
and housing 1 are shown. FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view
representing the surface area covered by the umbrella in an
open/deployed position. The ribs 3 and canopy 5 are shown.
[0053] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view representing a single rib 3
and the surface area covered by the umbrella in an open/deployed
position.
[0054] FIG. 6 illustrates the ribs 3 which form the frame work for
the canopy according to the invention. At least four ribs 3 are
attached to the surface of the housing 2. As illustrated the ribs
are deployed and extend over the user to form the framework for the
canopy.
[0055] FIG. 7A illustrates a single rib 3 from a side profile and
the places of attachment 9, 10 for the material for the canopy.
FIG. 7B shows the fabric material attached to the rib.
[0056] FIG. 8A illustrates the inside view of the umbrella device
in deployment. The ribs 3 and canopy 5 are illustrated. FIG. 8B
shows the side views of the umbrella device in deployment. FIG. 9
illustrates a front view of the canopy 5. FIG. 10 illustrates a
side view of the invention umbrella in a closed/collapsed
position.
[0057] FIG. 11A illustrates the user reaching behind and grasping
the handle 30 and FIG. 1B shows the umbrella device in use.
[0058] FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D illustrate an alternate
embodiment of the hands-free umbrella according to the invention.
FIG. 12A shows a ribbed awning structure 12 that includes two
hinges 13 on opposite sides. FIG. 12B shows the awning in a closed
(not in use) position with a pull down knob 14. FIG. 12C shows the
awning in an open (in use) position with a clear panel 15 in front
of the user. FIG. 12D shows a side profile of the alternate
embodiment in use.
[0059] The foregoing description of various and preferred
embodiments of the present invention has been provided for purposes
of illustration only, and it is understood that numerous
modifications, variations and alterations may be made without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth
in the following claims.
* * * * *