U.S. patent application number 16/160031 was filed with the patent office on 2019-04-18 for collapsible personal canopies.
The applicant listed for this patent is Brian Lee, Do Hyun Lee, Sang Beom Lee. Invention is credited to Brian Lee, Do Hyun Lee, Sang Beom Lee.
Application Number | 20190110563 16/160031 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66097161 |
Filed Date | 2019-04-18 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190110563 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Sang Beom ; et
al. |
April 18, 2019 |
COLLAPSIBLE PERSONAL CANOPIES
Abstract
A collapsible canopy device includes an assembly including a
water-resistant canopy operatively attached to a resilient,
flexible metallic band extending around a perimeter of the water
resistant canopy, the assembly having attached thereto at least one
holder extendible from the assembly, wherein the assembly is
reversibly collapsible via twisting and folding the assembly.
Inventors: |
Lee; Sang Beom; (Harrison
City, PA) ; Lee; Do Hyun; (Harrison City, PA)
; Lee; Brian; (Harrison City, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lee; Sang Beom
Lee; Do Hyun
Lee; Brian |
Harrison City
Harrison City
Harrison City |
PA
PA
PA |
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
66097161 |
Appl. No.: |
16/160031 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62572496 |
Oct 15, 2017 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 2023/0006 20130101;
A45B 2011/005 20130101; A45B 2023/0093 20130101; A45B 19/02
20130101; A45B 2023/0025 20130101; A45B 11/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45B 11/04 20060101
A45B011/04; A45B 19/02 20060101 A45B019/02 |
Claims
1. A collapsible canopy device, comprising: an assembly comprising
a water resistant canopy operatively attached to a resilient,
flexible metallic band extending around a perimeter of the water
resistant canopy, the assembly having attached thereto at least one
holder extendible from the assembly, wherein the assembly is
reversibly collapsible via twisting and folding the assembly.
2. The collapsible canopy device of claim 1 wherein the holder is
configured to be grasped by a user
3. The collapsible canopy device of claim 2 wherein the holder is
formed from a flexible material.
4. The collapsible canopy device of claim 3 wherein the flexible
materials is attached to the assembly at a first end thereof and is
attached to the assembly at a second end thereof to form a handle
extending from the assembly.
5. The collapsible canopy device of claim 2 wherein the holder
comprises a first section attached to the assembly and a second
section articulatably attached to the first section via a
joint.
6. The collapsible canopy device of claim 5 wherein the second
section is adjustable in length.
7. The collapsible canopy device of claim 6 wherein the second
section is telescopically adjustable in length via a plurality of
telescoping sections.
8. The collapsible canopy device of claim 1 wherein the holder is
configured to be used as a chin strap to retain the assembly on the
head of a user.
9. The collapsible canopy device of claim 1 further comprising a
plurality of suction cup attachment devices for attachment to a
window.
10. The collapsible canopy device of claim 1 wherein the canopy is
waterproof.
11. The collapsible canopy device of claim 10 wherein the canopy is
air proof, airtight or gas impermeable.
12. The collapsible canopy structure of claim 1 wherein the canopy
is circular, oval, or rectangular with smooth corners.
13. The collapsible canopy device of claim 1 wherein the resilient,
flexible metallic band comprises a flat spring metal.
14. The collapsible canopy device of claim 1 further comprising a
perimeter band attached to the perimeter of the canopy through
which the resilient, flexible metallic band passes.
15. The collapsible canopy device of claim 5 wherein first section
encompasses the resilient, flexible metallic band to further
stabilize the collapsible canopy device.
16. The collapsible canopy device of claim 8 wherein the chin strap
comprises an elastic material.
17. The collapsible canopy device of claim 1 wherein the canopy is
in operable connection with an inflatable bladder, and the device
further comprises a valve attached to the inflatable bladder.
18. The collapsible canopy device of claim 17 wherein the bladder
comprises the canopy.
19. The collapsible canopy device of claim 17 wherein the bladder
comprises the canopy and a second canopy, the canopy and the second
canopy being sealably connected around a perimeter thereof to form
the bladder.
20. A collapsible device, comprising: an inflatable bladder in
operative connection with a canopy, the canopy and the inflatable
bladder being in operative connection with a resilient, flexible
metallic band extending around a perimeter of the inflatable
bladder and the canopy, and a valve attached to the inflatable
bladder, wherein the collapsible device is reversibly collapsible
via twisting and folding the collapsible device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 62/572,496, filed Oct. 15, 2017, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The following information is provided to assist the reader
in understanding technologies disclosed below and the environment
in which such technologies may typically be used. The terms used
herein are not intended to be limited to any particular narrow
interpretation unless clearly stated otherwise in this document.
References set forth herein may facilitate understanding of the
technologies or the background thereof. The disclosure of all
references cited herein are incorporated by reference.
[0003] Resilient, flexible metallic bands have been used for
fabricating collapsible structures in a number of such as laundry
hampers, sun shade for car windows, and tents for campers. The
resilient, flexible metallic band is often made of stainless steel
or galvanized steel to avoid corrosion when the products contact
rain or water. The cross-section of the metallic band may, for
example, be rectangular in shape to increase the memory properties
of the metallic band so that folding and unfolding actions
(associated with collapsing and expanding/popping up respectively)
do not change the product's original shape.
[0004] U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,815,372, 6,006,772, and 5,964,533, for
example, described pop up disposal bags, containers, and laundry
hampers that are light-weight disposable container assemblies
capable of self-erecting and self-standing. These bags or
containers use one or more flexible steel memory bands or wires and
can be folded to a more compact form for packaging and sale, and
can be easily opened into a self-standing position by removing a
retainer.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 7,152,733 describes a grill cover device
including a flexible, resilient frame which is connected to a
flexible cover to protect grills from rain, snow, or UV. In
addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,794 describes a collapsible shade
structure wherein overlaying side fabric panels are collapsed by
twisting and folding to form a plurality of concentric frame
members and side fabric panels to substantially reduce the size of
the shade structure.
[0006] People use umbrellas to avoid contact with rain, snow, and
UV rays from the sun. Protection from environmental elements with a
smaller and lighter umbrella has long been desirable to increase
convenience and portability.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,148,102, for example, describes an
umbrella-like hat which attaches to one's head, resulting in
hands-free use and protection. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,727,250
describes a sun shade that is an attachment for hard hats,
providing shade and ultraviolet protection for the wearer. The sun
shade includes a vinyl disk with a hole dimensioned to conform to
the crown of a hard hat.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,370,994 describes an inflatable umbrella
which may be collapsed and retained in the form of a small easily
carried package when not in use. It may be inflated to an operative
configuration by the breath of the user or other air source. U.S.
Pat. No. 9,339,092 describes another inflatable umbrella which has
an inflatable covering made from a flexible material.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,337,770 describes a collapsible umbrella
having a canopy frame which is collapsible in for example, a
four-fold manner. A telescoping pole is attached as a handle. The
umbrella can be reduced in size in an at least a four-stage
manner.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 7,174,906 describes a foldable umbrella frame
having six ribs that require assembly and disassembly to obtain a
small volume for facilitating carrying by users.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 8,783,275 describes a compact, light-weight
folding umbrella with ribs that have a hybrid structure which
increases the structural strength of the umbrella without
increasing the weight and size of the umbrella.
[0012] All canopy devices that protect the user from rain or UV
have suffered from one or more significant defects. Most such
devices include metallic ribs which increase manufacturing cost.
Furthermore, a plurality of metallic ribs in umbrellas and/or other
canopies limits the collapsibility of the device and increases the
weight.
SUMMARY
[0013] In one aspect, a collapsible canopy device includes an
assembly including a water-resistant canopy (that is, a layer of
water-resistant material or layer of water-resistant canopy
material) operatively attached to a resilient, flexible metallic
band extending around a perimeter of the water resistant canopy,
the assembly having attached thereto at least one holder extendible
from the assembly, wherein the assembly is reversibly collapsible
via twisting and folding the assembly. The holder may, for example,
be configured to be grasped by a user.
[0014] In a number of embodiments, the holder is formed from a
flexible material. The flexible materials may, for example, be
attached to the assembly at a first end thereof and is attached to
the assembly at a second end thereof to form a handle extending
from the assembly.
[0015] The holder may, for example, include a first section
attached to the assembly and a second section articulatably
attached to the first section via a joint. Such a holder may be
formed from relatively rigid or rigid materials such a polymeric
materials or metals. The second section may, for example, be
adjustable in length. The second section may, for example, be
telescopically adjustable in length via a plurality of telescoping
sections. The first section may, for example, encompasses the
resilient, flexible metallic band to further stabilize the
collapsible canopy device.
[0016] In a number of embodiments, the holder is configured to be
used as a chin strap to retain the assembly on the head of a user.
The chin strap may, for example, include an elastic material.
[0017] The collapsible canopy device may further include a
plurality of suction cup attachment devices for attachment to a
window.
[0018] In a number of embodiments, the canopy is waterproof. In a
number of embodiments, the canopy is air proof, airtight or air/gas
impermeable. The canopy may take virtually any shape. In a number
of embodiments, the canopy is circular, oval, or rectangular with
smooth corners.
[0019] The resilient, flexible metallic band may, for example,
include a flat spring metal. In a number of embodiments, the
collapsible canopy device further includes a perimeter band
attached to the perimeter of the canopy through which the
resilient, flexible metallic band passes.
[0020] In a number of embodiments, the canopy is in operable
connection with an inflatable bladder, and the device further
comprises a valve attached to the inflatable bladder. In a number
of embodiments, the canopy comprises or forms a portion of an
inflatable bladder. The bladder includes the canopy a second canopy
(or a second layer of canopy material), the first canopy and the
second canopy being sealably connected around a perimeter thereof
to form the bladder.
[0021] In a number of embodiments, the collapsible canopy device
further includes a plurality of suction cup attachment devices for
attachment to a window.
[0022] In another aspect, a collapsible device includes an
inflatable bladder in operative connection with a canopy (that is,
a layer of material or canopy material), the canopy and the
inflatable bladder being in operative connection with a resilient,
flexible metallic band extending around a perimeter of the
inflatable bladder and the canopy, and a valve attached to the
inflatable bladder, wherein the collapsible device is reversibly
collapsible via twisting and folding the collapsible device. In a
number of embodiments, the bladder is adjacent to the canopy or the
bladder comprises the canopy (that is, the canopy forms a portion
of the bladder). In a number of embodiments, the bladder includes
the canopy (or layer of canopy material) and another or a second
canopy (that is, a second layer of material or canopy material).
The canopy layer and the second canopy may be sealably connected
around a perimeter thereof to form the bladder. The canopy and the
second canopy, when present, may be water resistant or
waterproof.
[0023] The collapsible device may further include a plurality of
suction cup attachment devices attached thereto for attachment to a
window.
[0024] In a number of embodiments, the collapsible device further
includes a perimeter band attached to at least one of the perimeter
of the bladder or the perimeter of the canopy through which the
resilient, flexible metallic band passes.
[0025] In a number of embodiments, the collapsible device includes
at least one or at least two holders extendible therefrom.
[0026] In other aspects, the present devices or systems may be used
as, for example, an umbrella, a sunshade, a seat or a shield.
[0027] In still further aspect, methods of fabricating devices or
systems hereof are provided as described herein.
[0028] The present devices, systems, and methods, along with the
attributes and attendant advantages thereof, will best be
appreciated and understood in view of the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a top, partially cutaway view of an
embodiment of a collapsible canopy device, system or structure
usable as, for example, an umbrella, in an open or expanded
configuration, revealing a resilient, flexible metal band or frame
extending around the perimeter thereof.
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the collapsible canopy
structure of FIG. 1 in an open configuration.
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the collapsible canopy
structure of FIG. 1 as the collapsible canopy structure is being
twisted once.
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the collapsible canopy
structure of FIG. 1 as the collapsible canopy structure is being
twisted twice.
[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the collapsible canopy
structure of FIG. 1 as the collapsible canopy structure is being
folded after being twisted twice.
[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the collapsible canopy
structure of FIG. 1, including a handle or holder attached to the
bottom surface of the canopy.
[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates a hinging handle or holder for use in
operative connection with the canopy of the collapsible canopy
structure of FIG. 1 which can hinged to a closed or generally flat
position as the collapsible canopy structure is folded.
[0036] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the hinging handle or
holder of FIG. 7.
[0037] FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom view of the collapsible canopy
structure of FIG. 1, including the hinging handle or holder of FIG.
7 attached to the canopy structure.
[0038] FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of the collapsible canopy
structure of FIG. 1, illustrating the hinging handle or holder of
FIG. 7 attached to the canopy structure.
[0039] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the collapsible canopy
structure of FIG. 1, showing the working mechanisms of the hinging
handle or holder wherein the hinging handle or holder is
closed/flattened before the collapsible canopy structure is
twisted/folded to a collapsed configuration.
[0040] FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of the collapsible canopy
structure of FIG. 1, showing the operating configuration of the
hinging handle or holder, wherein a user can hold an extending
section of the hinging handle or hole holder while using the
collapsible canopy structure as an umbrella.
[0041] FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of a collapsible canopy
structure hereof including a hinging handle or holder and a chin
strap illustrated around the chin/neck of a user.
[0042] FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of the collapsible canopy
structure of FIG. 13 wherein the chin strap is in a stored position
when not in use.
[0043] FIG. 15 illustrates a front view of another embodiment of a
collapsible canopy structure hereof with a flexible handle or
holder which may be formed from a flexible fabric or polymeric
material, and a chin strap in operative connection with a user.
[0044] FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of the collapsible canopy
structure of FIG. 15 wherein the chin strap that is in a stored
position when not in use.
[0045] FIG. 17 illustrates a top view of the inflatable of an
embodiment of a collapsible canopy structure, device or system
hereof which may, for example, be used as a seat of cushion and
which is inflatable via an air inlet/outlet or valve structure.
[0046] FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of the inflatable
collapsible canopy structure of FIG. 17.
[0047] FIG. 19 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a
collapsible canopy structure, device or system hereof including two
suction cups for attachment to a car window and/or windshield for
use as a sunshade for car windows/windshields.
[0048] FIG. 20 illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of a
collapsible canopy structure, device or system hereof include two
handles or holders to be used as, for example, a shield in a
game.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0049] It will be readily understood that the components of the
embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures
herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different
configurations in addition to the described representative
embodiments. Thus, the following more detailed description of the
representative embodiments, as illustrated in the figures, is not
intended to limit the scope of the embodiments as claimed, but it
is merely illustrative of representative embodiments.
[0050] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment"
or "an embodiment" (or the like) means that a particular feature,
structure, or characteristic is included in at least one
embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment"
or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this
specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment.
[0051] Furthermore, described features, structures, or
characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or
more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific
details are provided to give a thorough understanding of
embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize,
however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without one
or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components,
materials, et c. In other instances, well known structures,
materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to
avoid obfuscation.
[0052] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular
forms "a," "an", and "the" include plural references unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to "a
layer" includes a plurality of such layers and equivalents thereof
known to those skilled in the art, and so forth, and reference to
"the layer" is a reference to one or more such layers and
equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so
forth. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to
serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each
separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated
herein, and each separate value, as well as intermediate ranges,
are incorporated into the specification as if individually recited
herein. All methods can be performed in any suitable order unless
otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contraindicated by
the text.
[0053] In a number of embodiments, devices, systems and method
hereof provide improved function and ergonomic factors via a
collapsible personal canopy, which may, for example, take the form
of a pop-up/collapsible umbrella, or a pop-up/collapsible seat or
cushion for outdoor activities. In a number of embodiments, devices
and/or systems hereof include a pop-up or collapsible water
resistant or water proof canopy that is collapsible and can be used
as a collapsible umbrella or as a collapsible cushion for outdoor
activities such as hunting, fishing and picnics. Waterproof
canopies are completely impervious to water (for example, even if
submerged in water), while water resistant canopies are resistant
to the passage of water therethrough but may allow some water to
pass therethrough under conditions such as submergence. The
collapsible canopy structures hereof are constructed from a water
resistant or waterproof material (for example, a polymeric material
or a fabric material). Examples of materials suitable for use in
canopies hereof include, but are not limited to, fabrics coated
with polymers. Such fabrics may, for example, be coated with
polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, poly(vinyl chloride) or PVC,
or silicone to have water resistant, waterproof and/or rain proof
features.
[0054] Further, the canopy devices and systems hereof include a,
resilient, flexible band (for example, a resilient, flexible
metallic band) which is integrated along the edge or perimeter of
the canopy material to allow for the pop-up/collapsible
functionality. In a number of embodiments, canopy devices and/or
systems hereof further include a handle so that a user can hold a
canopy hereof functioning as an umbrella with one hand and/or a
chin strap for users to use the umbrella hands-free. In addition to
the uses described above, the pop-up/collapsible canopies hereof
may be used as a sun shade for automobiles as well as a shield to
block soft bullets from children's toy guns. The canopies of the
devices and systems hereof may be used for advertising
materials.
[0055] As described above, in a number of embodiments, collapsible
canopy structures, devices or systems (which may also be described
a foldable or pop-up canopy structures) hereof are collapsible or
foldable via a resilient, flexible metallic band attached to a
water resistant or waterproof collapsible canopy. In a number of
such embodiments, collapsible canopy devices hereof include a
mechanism or system for effectively folding and deploying umbrellas
with a resilient, flexible metallic band. In the case of use as an
umbrella or rain shielding device, the collapsible canopy devices
hereof may include a handle or holder that can stabilize the device
while user walks through the rain. The resilient, flexible metallic
band or frame provided along the edge or perimeter of the umbrella
allows for easy deployment of the umbrella. The perimeter band or
frame enables the formation of umbrellas hereof without ribs,
making the umbrella lighter in weight as compared to previous
umbrellas.
[0056] The collapsible canopy device hereof have numerous
applications including, but not limited to, use as personal
shields/umbrellas for rain, snow, and sun protection. In addition,
collapsible canopy devices hereof may be used as seats or cushions
for outdoor activities such as picnics and hunting. Particularly,
for hunting, the canopy of the collapsible canopy device hereof may
include two gas/airproof (that is, impervious to gas/air) layers so
that the canopy device can be inflatable by air (or other gas). The
inflatable collapsible canopy devices hereof may be collapsed and
retained in the form of a small easily carried package when not in
use. The inflatable, collapsible canopy devices may also be rapidly
expanded and inflated to an operative configuration by the breath
of the user or other air/gas source such as a small handheld air
pump. The inflated collapsible canopy devices may provide good
insulation to the hunters when sitting in the woods in cold
weather. Forming the canopy section of the collapsible canopy
devices from a water resistant or waterproof materials also
protects the user from dampness/water. In addition, collapsible
canopy devices hereof may include suction cups and/or other
attachment mechanisms to enable use as a sunshade for automobiles
which may be attached to the car's windows and/or windshield.
[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 1, an embodiment of a collapsible
canopy device 10 hereof includes a water resistant or waterproof
canopy 110 and a resilient, flexible metallic band or frame 120 in
operative connection with a perimeter or edge of canopy 110. Canopy
110 may, for example, include a flexible band 130 of material
attached to a perimeter of canopy 110 through which resilient,
flexible metallic band 120 passes. In a number of embodiments,
metallic band 120 is a flat steel wire or band, which has
resilience, flexibility and strength. Perimeter band 130 is
flexible, and may, for example, be formed from a fabric or
polymeric material. The material for perimeter band 130 may, for
example, be made elastic. The material for perimeter band 130 is
configured to be fastened to water resistant or waterproof canopy
110. Canopy 110 and flexible perimeter band 130 may, for example,
be sewn, glued or bonded together. In a number of embodiments,
canopy 110 and perimeter band 130 may be made integrally from the
same material by folding the material over itself, around metallic
band 120, and attaching, bonding or sealing the material to itself
around the perimeter thereof.
[0058] The embodiments of FIGS. 2 through 5 illustrate a procedure
to collapse or fold a collapsible canopy device 10 hereof. FIG. 2
illustrates a top view of canopy device 10 in an expanded or open
configuration. FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of canopy device 10 as
canopy device 10 is being twisted once. FIG. 4 shows a top view of
canopy device 10 as canopy device 10 is being twisted a second
time. FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of canopy device 10 as canopy
device 10 is being folded after being twisted twice. Folded canopy
device 10 can be easily stored in a purse, pouch, backpack or other
container.
[0059] FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of collapsible canopy device 10
further including a handle or a holder 140 attached to and
extending from a bottom surface of canopy 110. Users can grab
handle or holder 140 while walking through rain. Handle or holder
140 may, for example, be made of a flexible materials such as a
fabric plastic polymeric material so that holder 140 may fold as
canopy device 10 is being folded. Holder 140 may, for example, be
attached to canopy 110 with double cap rivets. Alternatively,
holder 140 may be sewn, glued or bonded to canopy 110.
[0060] FIG. 7 shows another type of handle or holder 20 for use in
collapsible canopy device 10. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, holder
20 includes a hinge or hinging/articulating mechanism. In the
illustrated embodiments, hinging or articulating holder 20 includes
a first or long leaf or section 200 and a second or short leaf or
section 220 connected by an articulating joint or hinging joint
212. A user can, for example, hold first/long leaf 200 and
second/short leaf 220 may be attached to canopy 110 (for example,
via double cap rivets, nuts and bolts, sewing, or glue). Holes 210
may be used when holder 20 is attached to canopy 110 with nuts and
bolts or with double cap rivets. FIG. 8 shows a side view of holder
20. A C-shape portion 230 of second or short leaf 220 enables
holder 20 to wrap around or encompass perimeter band 130 which (as
described above) has resilient, flexible metallic band 120 passing
therethrough. In this manner, holder 20 is stabilized by resilient,
flexible metallic band 120. Collapsible canopy device 10 will not
sway while used as an umbrella when the user holds handle or holder
20 when walking, especially when there is strong wind, because
holder 20 is operatively connected to resilient, flexible metallic
band 120 as well as to canopy 110.
[0061] FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom view of collapsible canopy
device 10 which shows hinging or articulating holder 20. In FIG. 9,
long leaf 200 is oriented toward the center of device 10 and short
leaf 220 is attached to perimeter band 130 which has metallic band
120 passing through an inner passage thereof. FIG. 10 shows a top
view of device 10 with hinging or articulating holder 20. Because
FIG. 10 is a top view of device 10, only the upper side of C-shaped
portion 230 of holder 10 is visible in FIG. 10.
[0062] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate enlarged side views of
collapsible canopy device 10 with hinging or articulating handle or
holder 20 and the working mechanism of the hinging or articulating
holder 20. Long leaf 200 of holder 20 is generally horizontal or
oriented in generally the same plane as canopy 10 when device 10 is
twisted/folded to a collapsed configuration. However, long leaf 200
will be generally vertical or oriented generally perpendicular to
canopy 10 when device 10 is deployed into an expanded configuration
(that is, for use thereof) so that the user can grab holder 20. In
FIGS. 11 and 12, holder 20 is strongly attached to device 10 via
double cap rivets 211 and the C-shaped connector section 230. In
this way, device 10 and holder 20 are stabilized and cannot move
independently while walking, which may be particularly important
when there is strong wind. Long leaf 200 of holder 20 can be
telescopic to adjust the length thereof. Long leaf 200 and the
remainder of holder 20 may, for example, be fabricated with, for
example, polymeric and/or metallic materials. Increasing the length
of long leaf 200 may, for example, decrease arm discomfort or pain
of the user in gripping long leaf 200 over extended periods of
time. In a number of embodiments, long leaf 200 is located about 1
or 2 inches inside perimeter band 130. In this position, the user's
hand may be shielded from exposure to the rain.
[0063] FIGS. 13 and 14 show collapsible canopy structure 10
including an umbrella chin strap 320 which enables users to wear
and use device/umbrella 10 without using hands (for example, to
grip holder 20 or another handle or holder). In this embodiment,
both the user's hands are available for other activities. In the
illustrated embodiment, chin strap 320 may, for example, include
quick release buckles 340 and 350. In addition, chin strap 320 may
include hook-and-loop patches or sections 310 and 330 (for example,
VELCRO.RTM.) where section 330 may be attached to section 310 when
the user does not need chin strap 320. FIGS. 15 and 16 shows
similar views as the illustrations as FIGS. 13 and 14. However,
FIGS. 15 and 16 show device 10 including a flexible handle or
holder 140 (for example, formed from a flexible fabric of polymer
material).
[0064] Collapsible canopy structure, devices and/or systems hereof
may also be used as a seat or cushion for outdoor activities. FIG.
17 shows an embodiment of collapsible canopy device 40 that include
an air inlet/outlet or valve 410 to inflate a volume between two
canopy layers 110 and 111. An inflatable bladder may, for example,
be positioned between canopy layers 110 and 111. Alternatively, one
or bother of canopy layers 110 and 112 may form a surface of the
inflatable bladder. In the illustrated embodiment, two canopy
layers 110 and 111 are attached at the perimeter thereof (for
example, glued or bonded together) so that device 40 can be
inflatable. In the illustrated embodiment, canopy layers 110 and
111 form an inflatable bladder. The inflatable bladder may also be
formed from a monolithic layer of material of which canopy layers
110 and 111 form portions. FIG. 18 shows a side view of inflatable
device 40, showing both air/gas tight layers 110 and 111 and
air/gas valve 410 sealingly. Similar to device 10, a resilient,
flexible metallic band (not shown) may pass through a perimeter
band 130 attached to the perimeter of canopy layers 110 and 111.
Inflatable device 40 may provide good insulation to the user as a
result of filled air inside of inflatable device 40. Canopy layers
110 and 111 may be formed from water resistant or waterproof
materials to also shield the user from water/dampness. Folding of
inflatable device 40 for storage may be achieved simply by removing
air through the air valve 410 and then folding as described above
in connection with device 10.
[0065] FIG. 19 shows a top view of an embodiment of collapsible
canopy device 10 with two suction cups 510. Suction cups 510 may,
for example, be used as attachment mechanisms so that device 10 may
operates as a sunshade for automobiles. In that regard, device 10
may be attached to the car's window or windshield using one or more
of a plurality of suction cups 510.
[0066] The functionality of an umbrella or rain shield may, for
example, be combined with the functionality of a seat cushion as
described herein for a collapsible canopy device hereof. For
example, providing an inflatable bladder as described above in
connection with device 40 of FIGS. 17 and 18 may provide a convex
upper surface of an umbrella to prevent rain from pooling in the
upper surface of the umbrella. When provided with a holder such as
a handle or a chin strap, such a device may be used as an umbrella
or a seat cushion. Any collapsible canopy device hereof may also be
provided with one or more attachment mechanisms as described above
to facilitate use as a sunshade.
[0067] FIG. 20 illustrates collapsible canopy device or system 10
including two handles or holders 140 attached to canopy 110 via
attachments 150 (as described above) to be used as, for example, a
shield in a game.
[0068] In a number of embodiments hereof, devices hereof, when used
as an umbrella, have a diameter or width in the range of 18 to 36
inches or in the range of 22 to 30 inches. In a number of
embodiments hereof, when used as a seat or seat cushion, have a
diameter or width in the range of 15 to 36 inches, in the range of
18 to 36 inches or in the range of 18 to 24 inches.
[0069] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings set
forth a number of representative embodiments at the present time.
Various modifications, additions, and alternative designs will, of
course, become apparent to those skilled in the art of the
foregoing teachings without departing from the scope hereof, which
is indicated by the following claims rather than by the foregoing
description. All changes and variations that fall within the
meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced
within their scope.
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