Back Um-brella

Abstract

The invention provides a specially designed backpack featuring an integrally attached umbrella incorporated into its construction. The backpack is manufactured with a durable material such as reinforced canvas or rip-stop nylon. Positioned on the back of this backpack are two adjustable shoulder straps designed for easy transport. The backpack comprises an ample number of large and small cargo compartments with sturdy zipper closures. The umbrella comprising a water resistant canopy held open over the user's head using a series of expandable rods.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/61/464,633 filed Mar. 7, 2011, of common inventorship herewith entitled, "Back Um-Brella."

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention pertains to the field of outdoor equipment, and more specifically to the field of outdoor backpacks and umbrellas.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The prior art has put forth several designs for outdoor backpacks and umbrellas. Among these are:

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,866,173 to Robert Haber describes a backpack assembly including a back portion and a front portion. The front portion includes a strap member with supports for holding an umbrella in an open and closed position over the wearer for protection from the elements. In an upright open position the umbrella can be adjusted to tilt backwards and cover the wearer and an infant carried in the back portion of the back pack. In a closed position the umbrella swings downward and resides adjacent to the front of the wearer's body. The top and pointed end of the umbrella falls to the wearer's thigh and faces the ground.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,722 to Joseph L. Christie describes an umbrella and backpack combination with an umbrella having a collapsible canopy and a straight center shaft extending to a lower extremity with a spring based locking feature. A vertically oriented tubular receiver with horizontally oriented stabilizing bars resides on the backpack. The lower extremity of the umbrella shaft enters and locks into the tubular receiver with a releasable lock.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,385 to Janet Ward and Ken DeBono describes a backpack that includes an umbrella support assembly and an umbrella. The umbrella is storable within an umbrella storage compartment provided along an entire side edge of the backpack. The collapsible rain canopy is sized to shield the backpack and the user when deployed.

[0007] None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a hands free umbrella mounted on a backpack for carrying supplies or a child.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of a wearer carrying a baby in a front pack and shows the umbrella in an open position.

[0010] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the umbrella attached to the backpack through a tube.

[0011] FIG. 3 is an illustrative view of a child wearing the pack on their back and shows the umbrella in an open position.

[0012] FIG. 4 shows how the umbrella retracts into the backpack and attaches to a clip secured to the backpack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Getting caught in a sudden rain shower can be very frustrating. Running to the car with a soggy newspaper over the head, dashing under an awning and waiting for the rain to stop are annoying situations. Umbrellas offer protection from sudden or expected storms, but they can be extremely difficult to carry, especially when one is juggling other personal belongings such as a cellular phone, shopping bag, briefcase or hot cup of coffee. Keeping an umbrella positioned over one's head while carrying a heavy bag of groceries or a small infant and a diaper bag can be difficult and frustrating at best. Children who walk to school or catch a school bus on the street often are caught in the rain. Most school children lug heavy backpacks and arrive to school cold and soaking wet.

[0014] The present invention, hereinafter referred to as the Back Um-Brella, incorporates the functionality of an umbrella with the functionality with a backpack for dry and comfortable travel in the rain. The Back Um-Brella also provides shade and protects the user from intense rays of the sun during hot summer months. The Back Um-Brella is a specially designed backpack featuring an integrally attached umbrella incorporated into its construction. The Back Um-Brella is comprised of two major components, the backpack and the umbrella. The first component is a backpack which is manufactured with a durable material such as reinforced canvas or rip-stop nylon. Positioned on the back of this backpack are two adjustable shoulder straps designed for easy transport. The backpack comprises an ample number of large and small cargo compartments with sturdy zipper closures. The second component of the Back Um-Brella is an umbrella comprising a water resistant canopy held open over the user's head using a series of expandable rods. These rods, integrally attached to the umbrella's central hub, are opened and closed using a simple release mechanism positioned on an umbrella handle below the hub. The umbrella handle is integrally attached to the backpack, or the umbrella handle is removable and secured in place with heavy duty clip fasteners. The handle can be discreetly housed within an elongated pouch which is vertically positioned on the side or the back of the unit. The telescoping handle extends when opening the umbrella and retracts back within the backpack when closing the umbrella. The Back Um-Brella is manufactured in neutral black, gray, beige, and vibrant colors. The present invention can be produced in sizes for children, teens and adults, and in a one-size-fits-all size.

[0015] Use of the Back Um-Brella is very simple and straightforward. The consumer fills the Back Um-Brella with the various goods necessary for their day's activities. A child utilizes the Back Um-Brella to store school accessories, placing pencils, calculators and similar small items within the backpack's small front or side pockets. Books, jackets or other large items are placed in the main storage compartment. A mother utilizes the Back Um-Brella as a diaper bag, placing baby wipes, pacifiers and extra bottles in the side pockets. Diapers, a changing pad and small toys are placed in the main storage compartment. Slipping each arm through the shoulder straps, the Back Um-Brella is comfortably positioned on the back, just below the shoulder blades and slightly above the waist. After making any necessary adjustments for comfort, the user then goes about their day's activities. In the event of rain, snow or excessive sunlight, the user accesses the unit's collapsed umbrella. To deploy the umbrella canopy, users extend the umbrella's handle by pulling up on the folded canopy until the handle reaches full extension. The user then presses the integrated release button, fully unfolding the canopy up over their head. With the canopy comfortably positioned over the head, the user resumes walking. When no longer needed, the Back Um-Brella is closed and stored. Quality constructed of durable materials, the Back Um-Brella provides years of reliable use. This present invention is a practical means to assist consumers in hauling heavy books and materials and in avoiding exposure to rain, snow or direct sunlight.

[0016] Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of Ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A backpack with hands free umbrella device, comprising: a backpack having an integrally attached umbrella, wherein the backpack is manufactured with a durable material such as reinforced canvas or rip-stop nylon and wherein two adjustable shoulder straps are positioned on the back of the backpack.

2. The backpack with umbrella device of claim 1 wherein the backpack comprises an ample number of large and small cargo compartments with sturdy zipper closures.

3. The backpack with umbrella device of claim 1 wherein the umbrella comprises a water resistant canopy held open over the user's head using a series of expandable rods, wherein these rods are integrally attached to the umbrella's central hub, and these rods are opened and closed using a simple release mechanism positioned on an umbrella handle below the hub.

4. The backpack with umbrella device of claim 1 wherein the umbrella has a handle, wherein the handle is integrally attached to the backpack.

5. The backpack with umbrella device of claim 1 wherein the umbrella has a handle, wherein the handle is removable and can be secured in place with heavy duty clip fasteners.

6. The backpack with umbrella device of claim 1 wherein the umbrella has a handle, wherein the handle can be housed within an elongated pouch which is vertically positioned on the side or the back of the backpack.

7. The backpack with umbrella device of claim 1 wherein the umbrella has a telescoping handle, wherein the telescoping handle extends when opening the umbrella and retracts back within the backpack when closing the umbrella.

8. The backpack with umbrella device of claim 1 wherein the device is manufactured in neutral black, gray, beige, and vibrant colors.

9. The backpack with umbrella device of claim 1 wherein device is produced in sizes for children, teens and adults, and in a one-size-fits-all size.