Umbrella with dome shape
An umbrella comprises a vertical support member and a plurality of ribs operatively associated with the vertical support member and extending generally radially outward from a central location. The umbrella further includes a plurality of elongated, laterally flexible members, one of the flexible members being operatively associated with each of the plurality of ribs and extending outward therefrom. A canopy is supported by the plurality of ribs and has a periphery extending beyond the ribs. Receptacles are disposed on the inner surface of the canopy at points proximate the periphery of the canopy and in substantial alignment with a corresponding rib. The outer end of each flexible member engages a corresponding one of the receptacles. The canopy and the flexible members are configured such that the canopy exerts a tension on the flexible member that causes it to flex inward and downward.
The present invention relates generally to patio umbrellas and relates more specifically to a patio umbrella with a dome shape.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONPatio umbrellas are well known. The conventional patio umbrella is supported by a vertical member either in the center of the umbrella or laterally offset from the umbrella. Typically the umbrella consists of a plurality of radially extending ribs with a canopy stretched over the ribs. The perimeter of the canopy drapes downward loosely over the ends of the ribs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONStated generally, the present invention comprises a patio umbrella in which the perimeter of the canopy extends outward and downward in an arcuate shape, creating a canopy with a domed appearance. The patio umbrella of the present invention is preferably supported by a vertical member either in the center of the umbrella or laterally offset from the umbrella.
Stated somewhat more specifically, the present invention relates to an umbrella comprising a vertical support member and a plurality of ribs operatively associated with the vertical support member and extending generally radially outward from a central location. The umbrella further includes a plurality of elongated, laterally flexible members, one of the flexible members being operatively associated with each of the plurality of ribs and extending outward therefrom. A canopy is supported by the plurality of ribs and has a periphery extending beyond the ribs. Receptacles are disposed on the inner surface of the canopy at points proximate the periphery of the canopy and in substantial alignment with a corresponding rib. The outer end of each flexible member engages a corresponding one of the receptacles. The canopy and the flexible members are configured such that the canopy exerts a tension on the flexible member that causes it to flex inward and downward.
Thus it is an object of the present invention to provide an umbrella of enhanced aesthetic appeal.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an umbrella whose canopy is shaped somewhat like a dome.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification, when taken in conjunction with the drawings and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views,
Patio umbrellas are also known in which the vertical mast is offset laterally from the rib structure and canopy. An example of an offset umbrella is shown in my U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,882, which is incorporated herein by reference. In an offset umbrella, a cantilever support arm extends from the offset mast to the central portion of the canopy. The umbrella structure herein disclosed is equally applicable to such offset umbrellas. As used herein, when it is stated that ribs are “operatively associated” with a vertical support member, it will be understood to include both central mast umbrellas, in which the ribs are directly mounted to the central mast, and offset umbrellas, where the ribs are operatively associated with the offset mast by way of the cantilever arm.
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In the disclosed embodiment the flexible members 35 are fiberglass rods, but a resilient, flexible metal such as spring steel can also be used. Also, while the flexible members 35 of the preferred embodiment are rods, it will be understood that flexible strips, that is, material having a greater width than thickness, can also be used.
Also, in the preferred embodiment the outer ends 36 of the flexible members 35 are constrained by a fitting 28 attached to the inner surface 26 of the canopy 16. As an alternative, a pocket can be sewn into the inner surface 26 of the canopy 16 adjacent the periphery 18 into which the outer end 36 of the flexible member 35 can be inserted.
Finally, it will be understood that the preferred embodiment has been disclosed by way of example, and that other modifications may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.
Claims
1. An umbrella, comprising:
- a vertical support member;
- a plurality of ribs operatively associated with said vertical support member and extending generally radially outward from a central location;
- a plurality of elongated, laterally flexible members, one of said flexible members being operatively associated with each of said plurality of ribs and extending outward therefrom;
- a canopy supported by said plurality of ribs and having a periphery extending beyond said ribs, said canopy having an inner surface;
- a plurality of receptacles disposed on the inner surface of said canopy, each of said receptacles located at a point proximate the periphery thereof and in substantial alignment with a corresponding one of said plurality of ribs,
- each of said plurality of flexible members engaging a corresponding one of said plurality of receptacles,
- said canopy and said flexible members being configured such that said canopy exerts a tension on said flexible member that causes it to flex inward and downward.
2. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein said elongated, laterally flexible members comprise rods.
3. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein said elongated, laterally flexible members comprise strips.
4. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein said elongated, laterally flexible members are formed of fiberglass.
5. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein said elongated, laterally flexible members are formed of metal.
6. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein said elongated, laterally flexible members have a length of from six to twelve inches.
7. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein said receptacles comprise fittings attached to said inner surface of said canopy, said fittings having a hole therein for receiving an end of an elongated flexible member.
8. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein said receptacles comprise pockets formed in said inner surface of said canopy and configured to receive an end of an elongated flexible member.
9. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein said plurality of elongated, laterally flexible members extend outward beyond said ribs by zero to two inches more than said canopy extends outward beyond said ribs.
10. The umbrella of claim 9, wherein said plurality of elongated, laterally flexible members extend outward beyond said ribs by one-half to one inches more than said canopy extends outward beyond said ribs.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 20, 2005
Publication Date: Mar 22, 2007
Inventor: Kenneth Harbaugh (Douglasville, GA)
Application Number: 11/231,338
International Classification: A45B 19/06 (20060101); E04H 15/28 (20060101);