DUAL UMBRELLA

Abstract

An umbrella in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a canopy that is extendable into an extra wide configuration to cover two users. In accordance with one embodiment the umbrella opens to a first open position to provide coverage for one person and expands to a second open position to provide coverage for a second person.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/222,853 filed Jul. 2, 2009 entitled DUAL UMBRELLA, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to an umbrella with an extendable canopy to provide extended coverage to cover multiple users.

2. Related Art

Umbrellas have been in use to protect users from rain for many years. One problem with umbrellas, however, is that they are generally only sufficiently large to protect a single user. Thus, each user will generally have to have their own umbrella.

It would be beneficial to have an umbrella that is extendable to accommodate multiple users.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an umbrella with a single handle that provides protection for multiple users.

An umbrella in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a first vertical shaft, a plurality of spars pivotably mounted on the first vertical shaft, and a canopy connected to the spars, wherein the spars are movable from a closed position to a first open position to provide a first area of protection under the canopy; and wherein at least one spar of the plurality of spars is movable to a second open position from the first open position to provide a second area of protection, larger than the first area of protection.

A method of operating an umbrella in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes steps of providing a first vertical shaft, mounting a canopy on the first vertical shaft, raising the canopy from a closed position to a first open position with a first protected area under the canopy; and moving at least a portion of the canopy from the first open position to a second open position with a second protected area under the canopy, the second protected area larger than the first protected area.

An umbrella in accordance with another embodiment of the present application includes a first vertical shaft, a second vertical shaft, a plurality of spars pivotably mounted on the first vertical shaft, at least one spar pivotally mounted on the second vertical shaft, a canopy connected to the spars, a first movable member mounted on the first vertical shaft and configured to move on the first vertical shaft to raise the spars from a closed position to a first open position to provide a first area of protection under the canopy and a second movable member mounted on the first vertical shaft and configured to move on the first vertical shaft to move the at least one spar of the plurality of spars to a second open position from the first open position to provide a second area of protection, larger than the first area of protection.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an umbrella suitable for use by two people in accordance with an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 2 is a view of the umbrella of FIG. 1 from below the canopy.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an umbrella in accordance with an embodiment of the present application where the canopy is opened to a first position.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an umbrella in accordance with an embodiment of the present application where the canopy is opened to a second position.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an umbrella in accordance with an embodiment of the present application where the canopy is opened to a third position.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a cross section of the pole of the umbrella of FIGS. 3-5.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an umbrella in accordance with another embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 8 illustrates the umbrella of FIG. 7 in a first open position.

FIG. 9 illustrates the umbrella of FIG. 7 expanding into a second open position.

FIG. 10 illustrates a more detailed view of a portion the umbrella of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 illustrates the umbrella of FIG. 7 between the first and second open positions.

FIG. 12 illustrates the umbrella of FIG. 7 in the second open position.

FIG. 13A is a detailed view of a lower movable member, upper movable member and brackets of the umbrella of FIG. 7.

FIG. 13B is a detailed view of a lower movable member, upper movable member and brackets of the umbrella of FIG. 9

FIG. 14 is an exemplary illustration of an umbrella in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present application utilizing more than one scissors structure.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of the umbrella of FIG. 7 including the canopy.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of the umbrella of FIG. 8 including the canopy.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of the umbrella of FIG. 12 including the canopy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

An umbrella 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present application is illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated, the umbrella 10 includes a handle 12 connected to a single pole 14 that supports the canopy 16 via a plurality of folding risers 18 and spars 22. The risers 18 are folded and unfolded via the slidable ring 20 to which they are rotatably attached. When the ring 20 slides up the pole 14, the risers 18 fold out to lift spars 22 and the canopy 16 is extended. When the ring 20 slides back down, the spars 22 fold in toward the pole 14 and the canopy 16 collapses. The risers 18 are rotatably attached to spars 22 that are provided in the canopy 16 to provide support therefore and that extend outward as the risers 18 fold out.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, for example, the risers 18 that extend to the left in FIGS. 1 and 2 are longer than the other risers, such that the canopy 16 is extended to that side. In this manner, the canopy 16 is sufficiently wide to cover two people while only one person holds the handle 12.

In a preferred embodiment, a single button is provided to both open and close the umbrella 10. In addition, a battery powered flashlight is preferably positioned in the handle 12 as well.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the umbrella 10 in which the canopy 16 may be opened to different widths. In FIG. 3, the canopy 16 is extended to a first position in which it is suitable for use by a single person. In FIG. 2, the canopy 16 is extended to a second position, wider than the first position, and can be locked into that position. In FIG. 5, the canopy 16 is extended into a third position, similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and suitably wide for two people. The canopy 16 is preferably lockable in each position.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a cross section of the pole 14 in which a wire 30 that extends through the pole 14 and out an opening in a top thereof is visible. In this case, the ring 20 is used to apply a force to the wire 30. The wire 30 is, in turn, connected to the risers 18 and is used to pull them outward into the three positions illustrated in FIGS. 3-5. In a preferred embodiment, the ring 20 is lockable in place along the pole 14 to maintain the canopy 16 in the desired positions. When the ring 20 is pulled all the way down, as illustrated in FIG. 6, for example, the canopy will be in the position of FIG. 5 since the risers 18 are fully extended. As the ring 20 is moved up, tension on the wire 30 decreases and the risers 18 begin to fold and the canopy 16 retracts.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an umbrella 110 in accordance with another embodiment of the present application. The canopy 116 (See FIG. 15-17, for example) is not illustrated in FIG. 7, however, the canopy is preferably connected to and extends over, or in between, the spars 118. The umbrella 110 is illustrated in FIG. 7 in a closed state. In this embodiment, a main pole 114 is provided in a manner similar to that of the pole 14 described above. A secondary pole 114a is connected to the pole 114 via a lower collar, or other movable member, 120a. The secondary pole 114a is positioned adjacent to the pole 114 and extends substantially parallel thereto in the closed position illustrated in FIG. 7. The secondary pole 114a is preferably pivotally connected to the shaft 114 at the lower collar, 120a at pivot point 120b. A handle 160 may be provided at the bottom of the first vertical pole 114, if desired. See FIG. 14, for example.

An upper secondary collar, or other movable member, 120 is configured to move up and down the pole 114 to raise and lower the spars 118. As the collar 120 slides up pole 114, the spars 118 extend outward into the first open position illustrated in FIG. 8, for example. In this configuration, the spars 118 are spaced sufficiently away from the posts 114, 114a such that the canopy 116 provides a first area of coverage suitable for a single person. Specifically, the collar 120 and the spars 118 are connected via the risers 119. As the collar 120 moves up the shaft 114, the risers 119 pivot outward to extend the spars 118 up and out to the first open position illustrated in FIG. 8. The spars 118 on one side of FIG. 8 extend out from the first pole 114, while the spars on the other side of FIG. 8 extend out from the secondary pole 114a. More specifically, these spars extend from the top portion 114d of the secondary pole 114a. In a preferred embodiment, a latch 150 (see FIGS. 8-9, for example) on the pole 114 releasably holds the collar 120 in place on the pole 114 to maintain the umbrella 110 in the first open position. While a latch 150 is illustrated, a depression, recess, protuberance or any other suitable stop may be used in place of latch 150. While not explicitly illustrated, a spring may be provided on the pole 114 to aid lifting the collar 120 into place such that the umbrella 110 is in the first open position, as is common in conventional umbrellas. Pressing a button, or other release, preferably in handle 160 of the umbrella 110 may trigger the upward motion of the collar 120 under bias of the spring.

As is illustrated in FIG. 9, however, the umbrella 110 may be opened further to cover an additional user. The collar 120 preferably includes two elements, 220, 222. The first element 220 slides up and down the shaft 114 and is releasably connected to the shaft 114a. The second element 222 is connected to the shaft 114a and positioned over the portion of the element 220 that connects to shaft 114a in the closed position. This second element 222 separates from element 220 to allow for the further expansion of the canopy 116 to provide a second coverage area suitable for covering a second person. The initial stage of this separation is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10.

As can be seen in FIG. 10, a pivot point 114b is provided in shaft 114a just below the second element 222 of the collar 120. This pivot point 114b is not visible in FIGS. 7 and 8 since the portion of element 220 connected to the pole 114a covers it. As noted above, the shafts 114, 114a remain substantially parallel to each other while the umbrella is in the closed position. This relationship is also maintained in the first open position of FIG. 8. Thereafter, middle section 114c of the pole 114a rotates outward relative to the pole 114 between pivot points 120b and 114b. The top portion 114d of the pole 114a remains substantially parallel to pole 114, however, is separated therefrom as the middle section 114c rotates.

As noted above, some of the spars 118 are connected to the pole 114a, while some are connected to pole 114. In the first open position, the poles 114, 114a are positioned relatively close together such that the area under the open spars 118 is large enough to accommodate a single user. As the umbrella 110 opens further, as is noted above, the top portion 114d of the pole 114a moves away from the pole 114. Thus, the area under the spars 118 increases.

The risers 119 are more specifically connected between the first and second collar elements 220, 222 and the spars 118. As illustrated in FIG. 9, once the first open position is reached, the risers 119 and the spars 118 are in their open position. Separating the top portion 114d of pole 114a from the pole 114 increases the area under the spars 118. This is accomplished via the scissors, or accordion structure, 140 illustrated in FIG. 11, for example.

The scissors structure 140 is connected between the two poles 114a, 114. More specifically, the scissors structure 140 is connected on one side to the bracket 122a and the top portion 114d of pole 114a. The second side of the structure 140 is connected to the top of pole 114 and the bracket 122. The brackets 122a, 122 are mounted above the elements 222, 220, respectively, of the collar 120 on the poles 114a, 114. The brackets 122a, 122 are mounted on the poles 114a, 114, respectively, such that they are slidable up and down the poles to allow for expansion of the scissors structure 140, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, for example. As illustrated, as the scissors structure 140 expands laterally to space the top portion 114d of the pole 114a away from the pole 114, the brackets 122a, 122 slide up the poles 114d, 114.

In one embodiment, the brackets 122a, 122 may be spring loaded to separate when desired. The brackets 122a, 122 are preferably connected to each other while the umbrella 110 is in the closed position of FIG. 7 and the first open position of FIG. 8. In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 10, for example, a pin 322a extends out from the bracket 122a into a receptacle 322b formed in the bracket 122. The pin 322a preferably includes a notch that mates with a release trigger, or latch within the bracket 122 to latch the brackets together. This latch is releasable when desired, via a button in the handle of the umbrella 110, for example, or any other suitable release. Once released, the brackets 122a, 122 are separable from each other, and thus, separate the top portion 114d of the pole 114a from the pole 114. A spring (not shown) may be provided to bias the brackets 122a, 122 away from each other after the latch is released. In another embodiment, the pin 322a is simply fit into the receptacle 322b, with no notch or latch mechanism.

Alternatively, or in addition, movement of the lower collar 120a up the shaft 114 may be used to urge the bracket 122a away from the bracket 122 as is illustrated in FIG. 11, for example. As the collar 120a moves up pole 114, the middle portion 114c of the shaft 114a pivots outward to extend the top portion 114d of the pole 114a further away from the pole 114 in the lateral direction. Similarly, movement of the lower collar 120a down the pole 114 will pull the bracket 122a toward bracket 122 to return the umbrella 110 to the first open position.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the scissors structure 140 expands to a second open position where the top portion 114d of the pole 114a is separated from the pole 114 by a maximum distance D. The lower collar 120a is preferably releasably held in place in the second open position via a latch 152 on the pole 114, in a manner similar to the collar 120, noted above. Alternatively, a slot, recess, depression, protuberance or other stop may be provided on the pole 114 to resist downward movement of the collar 120a, as desired. The canopy 116 includes additional material that will cover the expanded area between the poles 114a, 114 such that in the second open position, illustrated in FIG. 12, the entire area under the spars 118, including the area under the scissors structure 140 is covered by the canopy. Additional support spars 118a, not connected to the poles 114a, 114 may be provided in the canopy to provide support in this expanded area, if desired. See FIG. 14, for example. The spars 118a may be supported by support members 142 on the top of the scissors structure 140 (See FIGS. 11-12, for example). As a result, the canopy 116 will cover at least two users in the second open position.

FIG. 13A is a more detailed view of the lower collar 120a, the collar 120, including elements 220, 222 and the brackets 122a, 122 in the closed position and in the first open position. As illustrated, the collar element 222 may also include a pin 222a that fits in a receptacle 220a formed in the collar element 220. A notch is illustrated formed on the pin 222a which may be used to latch the collar elements together, if desired, in a manner similar to that described above with respect to brackets 122a, 122. A spring (not shown) may also be provided to bias the brackets 122a, 122 away from each other. In another embodiment, the notch may be removed from the pin 222a.

FIG. 13B illustrates the same elements of FIG. 13A at the point where the umbrella 110 begins to move from the first open position to the second open position, as illustrated in FIGS. 9-10, for example. That is, FIG. 13B shows a more detailed view of the brackets 122a, 122, collar elements 222, 220 and lower bracket 120a, as the umbrella 110 begins to transition from the first open position of FIG. 8 to the second open position of FIG. 12.

In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, additional scissors structures 140a, 140b may be provided between opposing risers 119 connected to the posts 114d, 114. The additional scissors structures 140a, 140b help to support the spars 118a provided in the expanded section of the canopy, for example.

FIG. 15 illustrates the umbrella 110, with the canopy 116 connected to the spars 118 in the closed position. FIG. 16 illustrates the umbrella 110, with the canopy 116 in the first open position. FIG. 17 illustrates the umbrella 110 with the canopy 116 in the second open position.

In a preferred embodiment, the umbrella 10, 110 is movable between the closed position, first open position and second open position automatically. It is common for conventional umbrellas to be openable upon pressing a button in the handle, as is noted above. This button releases a latch and allows the canopy, which is typically biased in the open position via a spring to open. As is noted above, a similar arrangement may be provided in the umbrella 10, 110 to move the umbrella into the first open position from the closed position.

As is also noted above, a spring may also be provided between the first and second elements 220, 222 of the first collar and/or the first and second brackets 122a, 122. Once the latch holding them together is released, they will separate by action of the spring to open the umbrella to the second open position. The latch is preferably also released by operation of a button, or other release in or near the handle 160. While springs are commonly used to move the canopy, any suitable actuator may be used, including but not limited to electric motors and/or hydraulic pistons.

While the umbrella 10, 110 of the present application is illustrated as a hand held rain umbrella, it is not limited to this embodiment and may be a beach umbrella, or patio umbrella for example. In addition, additional open positions may be provided to extend the coverage of the umbrella in multiple directions. That is, the umbrella may be extendable to additional open positions in additional directions to further extend the coverage area provided under the canopy 116. This would be particularly useful when the umbrella is a beach or patio umbrella.

Accordingly, the umbrella 10, 110 of the present application includes at least two open positions, which allow a user to use it for one person, or two people, as they desire. In the first open position, the canopy 16, 116 opens to cover a single, user. In the second open position, the canopy 16, 116 extends to cover at least one additional user.

Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An umbrella comprising:

a first vertical shaft;

a plurality of spars pivotably mounted on the first vertical shaft; and

a canopy connected to the spars;

wherein the spars are movable from a closed position to a first open position to provide a first area of protection under the canopy; and

wherein at least one spar of the plurality of spars is movable to a second open position from the first open position to provide a second area of protection, larger than the first area of protection.

2. The umbrella of claim 1, further comprising:

a first movable member slidable along the first vertical shaft; and

a plurality of risers connected between the first movable member and the plurality of spars, wherein each riser of the plurality of risers is pivotally connected to the first movable member on a bottom end thereof and pivotally connected to a single spar of the plurality of spars at a top end thereof such that each riser rotates outward with respect to the first vertical shaft as the first movable member slides up the first vertical shaft to raise the spars into the first open position and provide the first area of protection under the canopy.

3. The umbrella of claim 2, further comprising:

a second movable member mounted on the first vertical shaft below the first movable member; and

a second vertical shaft connected at a bottom end thereof to the second movable member and extending substantially parallel to the first vertical shaft when the umbrella is in the closed position and the first open position.

4. The umbrella of claim 3, wherein the first movable member further comprises:

a first element mounted on the first vertical shaft and removably connected to the second vertical shaft; and

a second element, removably attached to the first element and mounted on the second vertical shaft, the second element positioned above the pivot point in the first open position and including a pivot point formed therein a distance from the second movable member.

5. The umbrella of claim 4, wherein the second vertical shaft further comprises a middle section pivotally connected to the second movable member on a bottom end thereof and to the pivot point on a top end thereof, the pivot point positioned below the first element of the first movable member.

6. The umbrella of claim 5, wherein the second vertical shaft further comprises a top portion extending above the pivot point substantially parallel to the first vertical shaft, at least one spar of the plurality of spars pivotally connected to the top portion of the second vertical shaft.

7. The umbrella of claim 6, further comprising:

a first bracket mounted on the first vertical shaft above the first element of the first movable member when the spars are in the first open position, the first bracket configured to slide on the first vertical shaft;

a second bracket mounted on the top portion of the second vertical shaft, the second bracket configured to slide on the top portion of the second vertical bracket; and

a scissors structure connected on a first end to the top of the first vertical shaft and the first bracket and on a second end, laterally opposite the first end, connected to the top portion of the second vertical shaft and to the second bracket, the scissors structure configured to expand in a lateral direction to separate the top portion of the second vertical shaft from the first vertical shaft.

8. The umbrella of claim 7, wherein the first and second brackets slide up the first vertical shaft and the top portion of the second vertical shaft, respectively, as the scissors structure expands.

9. The umbrella of claim 7, wherein the second movable member slides up the first vertical shaft to expand the scissors structure to position the at least one spar in the second open position.

10. The umbrella of claim 9, further comprising a first stop positioned on the first vertical shaft to hold the second movable member in place when the at least one spar reaches the second open position.

11. The umbrella of claim 1, further comprising a second stop positioned on the first vertical shaft configured to hold the first movable member substantially in place when the umbrella is in the first open position.

12. The umbrella of claim 1, further comprising a handle positioned at a bottom end of the first vertical shaft.

13. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the first and second movable members are movable members slidable up and down the first vertical shaft.

14. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the plurality the spars are pivotally mounted on a top end of the first vertical shaft.

15. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein at least a second spar of the plurality of spars is movable to a third open position to provide a third area of protection larger than the first area of protection and the second area of protection.

16. A method of operating an umbrella comprising the steps of:

providing a first vertical shaft;

mounting a canopy on the first vertical shaft,

raising the canopy from a closed position to a first open position with a first protected area under the canopy; and

moving at least a portion of the canopy from the first open position to a second open position with a second protected area under the canopy, the second protected area larger than the first protected area.

17. The method of operating an umbrella according to claim 16, further comprising the steps of:

returning the canopy to the first open position; and

lowering the canopy to the closed position.

18. The method of operating an umbrella according to claim 16, wherein the step of mounting the canopy further comprises the steps of:

connecting a plurality of spars to a top end of the first vertical shaft, each spar of the plurality of spars pivotable outward away from the first vertical shaft; and

attaching the canopy to the plurality of spars.

19. The method of operating an umbrella according to claim 18, wherein the raising step further comprises the steps of:

providing a first movable member on the first vertical shaft;

providing a plurality of risers;

connecting a bottom end of each riser of the plurality of risers to the first movable member and a top end of each riser of the plurality to one of the plurality of spars; and

moving the first movable member up the first vertical shaft to raise the spars up and away from the first vertical shaft into the first open position.

20. The method of operating an umbrella according to claim 19, wherein the step of moving at least a portion of the canopy further comprises the steps of:

mounting a second movable member on the first vertical shaft below the first movable member;

providing a second vertical shaft with a pivot point; and

connecting a bottom end of the second vertical shaft to the second movable member such that the second vertical shaft extends substantially parallel to the first vertical shaft when the umbrella is in the closed position and the first open position and is pivotable away from the umbrella between the pivot point and the second movable member to move at least a portion of the canopy away from the first vertical shaft to the second open position.

21. The method of operating an umbrella according to claim 20, wherein the step of moving at least a portion of the canopy further comprises the steps of:

providing a first element of the first movable member mounted on the first vertical shaft and removably connected to the second vertical shaft;

providing a second element of the first movable member removably attached to the first element and mounted on the second vertical shaft, the second element positioned above the pivot point in the first open position; and

moving the second movable member up the first vertical shaft to separate the second element of the first movable member from the first element of the first movable member and move at least a portion of the canopy to the second open position.

22. The method of operating an umbrella of claim 16, further comprising a step of moving at least a second portion of the canopy to a third open position with a third protected area under the canopy, the third protected area larger than the first protected area and the second protected area.

23. An umbrella comprising:

a first vertical shaft;

a second vertical shaft;

a plurality of spars pivotably mounted on the first vertical shaft;

at least one spar pivotally mounted on the second vertical shaft;

a canopy connected to the spars;

a first movable member mounted on the first vertical shaft and configured to move on the first vertical shaft to raise the spars from a closed position to a first open position to provide a first area of protection under the canopy; and

a second movable member mounted on the first vertical shaft and configured to move on the first vertical shaft to move the at least one spar of the plurality of spars to a second open position from the first open position to provide a second area of protection, larger than the first area of protection.