Umbrella cover and related systems and methods

Abstract

A cover for a canopy of an umbrella or parasol includes a body configured to extend over the canopy of the umbrella while the canopy is open, and a fastening component operable to releasably attach the body to the umbrella. The cover can protect the canopy and extend the life of the umbrella. The cover can also include a restraining component to hold the canopy in an un-inverted position while the canopy is open. Thus, in windy conditions the cover helps the umbrella's canopy stay in the un-inverted position to shed water. Also, the body of the cover can include an image that is displayed to the environment when the cover extends over an open canopy. Thus, a user may have multiple covers, each having an image that conveys a different expression, such as a design for fashion, and each being releasably attachable to an umbrella to allow the user to express his/her emotion or dress the umbrella in the latest fashion, as desired, or promote a person's or a party's product or service. Also, the body can extend beyond the canopy's perimeter to provide a user additional protection, and personal or promotional space, or to provide a structure that kids can play in.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from commonly owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/742,375, filed 6 Dec. 2005, and titled UMBRELLA SLIPCOVER, presently pending, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all its teachings and disclosures.

BACKGROUND

Umbrellas are used for many different purposes, such as shielding one from the rain or shading one from the sun. When used to shade one from the sun, an umbrella is referred to as a parasol. Umbrellas/parasols are also available in many different sizes and configurations. For example, some umbrellas/parasols are sized for use by a single person, and are often held by one's hand during use. Others are sized for use by more than one person, and are often held by a support structure such as a base located under a table or a frame extending from a wall. Some umbrellas/parasols can be folded down to a small size when closed to make them easier to carry. Others can simply be narrowed when closed, and still others may not be closed.

Most umbrellas/parasols include a canopy to shield one from the rain or shade one from the sun, and a frame to support the canopy. Unfortunately, the canopy is often attached to the frame in a manner that prevents its easy removal from the frame.

This can be inconvenient and present problems. For example, if the canopy gets damaged, such as torn, one does not simply purchase a new canopy to replace the damaged canopy. Instead, one purchases a new umbrella/parasol to replace the old umbrella/parasol. Also, canopies are often designed for a single, specific purpose, such as diverting the rain or shading the sun. Thus, when one wants to shield one's self from the rain, one uses an umbrella designed for this purpose, and when one wants to shade one's self from the sun, one uses a different umbrella/parasol designed for that purpose. In addition, because the canopy is often attached to the frame in a manner that prevents its easy removal, one can not easily change the aesthetic design of the canopy to match one's current desired expression, or to promote different products or services.

Another problem with umbrellas is the canopy often inverts in windy conditions, that is all or a portion of the perimeter rises past the center of the canopy. When this happens, the canopy is no longer concave and does not shed water. Instead, the canopy becomes convex and collects water. Also, when inverted, the canopy typically does not protect one as well as it does when not inverted. In addition, inverting the canopy can also damage the canopy and the mechanisms of the umbrella that allow the canopy to be extended to an open position and retracted to a closed position.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the invention, a cover for a canopy of an umbrella includes a body configured to extend over the canopy of the umbrella while the canopy is open, and a fastening component operable to releasably attach the body to the umbrella. When extended over an umbrella's canopy, the cover can protect the canopy and can extend the life of the umbrella. If the cover is damaged or permanently stained, the cover can be removed from the umbrella, and another undamaged cover can be releasably attached to the umbrella. When the cover gets dirty, the cover can be removed from the umbrella, washed, and reattached. The cover can also include a restraining component to hold the canopy in an un-inverted position while the canopy is open. Thus, in windy conditions, the cover helps the umbrella's canopy stay in the un-inverted position to shed water and helps protect from damage the mechanism that allows the canopy to be extended to an open position and retracted to a closed position.

In another aspect of the invention, the body of the cover can include an image that is displayed to the environment when the cover extends over an open canopy. Thus, a user may have multiple covers, each having an image that conveys a different expression, and each being releasably attachable to an umbrella to allow the user to convey his/her expression as desired. In addition, an image may advertise or promote a person's or a party's product or service, and thus the cover may be used like a billboard or as a promotional gift with one or multiple covers per one umbrella.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the body can extend beyond the canopy's perimeter. Thus, the cover can provide a user additional protection, and personal or promotional space. The cover can also convert the umbrella into a structure that kids can play in, or that a person can find privacy in.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of an umbrella that includes a cover, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a fastening component of the cover in FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cover according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cover according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a view of a cover, according to still another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a view of the cover in FIG. 5, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a view of a personal pocket umbrella that includes a cover, according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a view of the personal pocket umbrella and cover in FIG. 7 in a closing position, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an umbrella that includes a cover, according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an umbrella that includes a cover, according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a view of a cover, according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present discussion. Thus, the present discussion is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of an umbrella 20 that includes a cover 22, according to an embodiment of the invention. The cover 22 includes a fastening component 24 to releasably attach the cover 22 to the umbrella 20, and thus allow one to attach and remove the cover 22 from the umbrella 20 as desired. In addition, the cover includes a body 26 that has an image 28. When attached to the umbrella 20, the cover 22 can protect the umbrella's canopy 30 and extend the life of the umbrella 22, and can display the image 28 to the environment. Thus, with multiple covers 22 (only one shown), each having an image that conveys a different expression, one can change the look, feel and style of the umbrella 20 to match one's desired expression. Furthermore, one may advertise or promote a product or service when using the umbrella 20, and can promote different products and services at different times using the same umbrella 20.

The umbrella 20 may be any desired umbrella configured for any desired purpose. For example, in this and certain other embodiments the umbrella 20 is a personal umbrella that includes the canopy 30 configured to shield one from rain, and a frame 32 configured to be opened (shown in FIG. 1) for use, and closed for storage. The frame 32 includes ribs 34 (here eight) that the canopy 30 is attached to, and a handle 36 that one grips to suspend the ribs 34 and canopy 30 above one's head when the umbrella 20 is used. When the umbrella 20 is closed (not shown), the end 38 (only six shown) of each rib 34 lies adjacent to the handle 36.

Other embodiments of the umbrella 20 are possible. For example, in some embodiments the umbrella may be a parasol that includes a canopy configured to shade one from the sun. The umbrella 20 may also be an umbrella that includes a large canopy, such as a golf umbrella. The umbrella 20 may also be a personal, pocket umbrella (such as one shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) that includes a frame that folds down to a small size when closed to facilitate carrying it. The umbrella 20 may also be a large multiple-person umbrella (such as one shown in FIGS. 9 and 10) that can be supported by a base under a table and that can extend over the table, or that can be mounted to a wall and can extend away from the wall. The umbrella may also be a freestanding umbrella that can be anchored in the ground.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the fastening component 24 may be any desired component capable of releasably attaching the cover 22 to the umbrella 20. For example, in this and certain other embodiments, the fastening component 24 includes a cap 40 (discussed in greater detail in conjunction with FIG. 2) that has a receptacle 42 to receive and hold the end 38 of one of the ribs 34. Furthermore, the cover 22 includes eight caps 40, each corresponding to the end 38 of a respective one of the ribs 34, to secure the cover 22 to the umbrella 20. In other embodiments, the fastening component 24 can include more or fewer that eight caps 40. In still other embodiments, the fastening component 24 includes a pocket (discussed in greater detail in conjunction with FIG. 3) sewn into the body 26 of the cover 22 that receives and holds the end 38 of one of the ribs 34. In still other embodiments, the fastening component 24 includes an elastic band (discussed in greater detail in conjunction with FIG. 4) sized and configured to hold the body on the canopy 30 similar to a shower cap worn on one's head.

Other embodiments of the fastening component are possible. For example, in some embodiments the fastening component 24 may include snaps or Velcro® and some or all of the components 24 may be disposed in regions of the body 26 other than the body's perimeter. In other embodiments, the fastening component can include a magnet or a click-in that has a detent sized and configured to fit into a groove to hold detent and thus the rib's end.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the body 26 of the cover 22 can be sized and configured as desired. For example, in this and certain other embodiments the body 26 is sized and configured to correspond to the size and configuration of the canopy 30. Thus, when the umbrella 20 is open, the body 26 extends over all or substantially all of the canopy 30. In other embodiments, the body 26 may extend over a portion of the canopy 30. In still other embodiments, the body 26 may extend beyond the canopy 30 (discussed in greater detail in conjunction with FIG. 10).

The body 26 may include any desired material capable of performing one's desired function. For example, in this and certain other embodiments, the body 26 may include any conventional plastic that elastically stretches, shields one from rain, and shades one from the sun. In other embodiments, the body 26 may include silk or any other decorative material to provide a decorative aspect to the cover. In other embodiments, the body 26 may include a woven cloth such as canvass that stretches little and shades one from the sun. In still other embodiments, the body 26 may include more than one material. For example, the body 26 may include a conventional plastic for a portion of the body 26 that extends over the canopy 30, and may include mosquito netting for a portion of the body that extends beyond the canopy 30 (discussed in greater detail in conjunction with FIG. 10). This may be desirable to protect one against mosquitoes while one sits at a table under a table umbrella.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the image 28 can be any desired image and can be mounted on the body 26 using any desired technique. For example, in this and certain other embodiments, the image 28 is an illustration of a drinking glass on a region 44 of the body 26, and is designed to promote a beverage. In other embodiments, the image 28 may be a geometric design painted, drawn on or woven into the fabric and appearing in region 44. In still other embodiments, the image 28 may include text and may be embedded in the body 26. In still other embodiments, the image 28 may cover the whole externally visible surface of the body. In still other embodiments the image may include a photograph or design for fashion.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the cover 22 may also include a vent 46 to allow air to flow through the body 26. For example, in this and certain other embodiments, the vent 46 includes a one-way valve 48 that allows air to flow from a first surface 50 of the body 26 toward the second surface 52 of the body 26. This may be desirable to equalize the local air pressure between the canopy and the body 26 with the local air pressure above the body 26, and thus reduce the amount of lift that might be generated under the cover 22.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a cap 40 in FIG. 1 and a portion of the cover 22 in FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the invention. Although only one cap 40 is shown in cross-section, in this and certain other embodiments of the cover 22, the illustration of the cap 40 applies to the remaining seven caps 40 of the cover 22 shown in FIG. 1.

The cap 40 includes the receptacle 42 to hold the end 38 of the umbrella's rib 34 (FIG. 1), and may be made of any desired material capable of holding the end 38. In this and certain other embodiments the cap 40 is made of any conventional plastic and the receptacle 42 is sized and configured to receive the end 38. If the body 26 includes stretchable material, then the force generated by the material's stretch forces and holds the receptacle over the end 38. If the body's material is not capable of generating this retaining force, then the receptacle's size may be slightly less than the circumference of the end 38. This interference fit generates friction between the end 38 and receptacle 42 that can hold the end 38 inside the receptacle 42. In other embodiments, the cap 40 may include other mechanisms for releasably attaching the end 38 to the cap 40, such as a snap, Velcro® magnet or click-in as discussed elsewhere herein.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the cap 40 may be mounted to the body 26 of the cover 22 in any desired manner. For example, in this and certain other embodiments the cap 40 is sewn to the body 26 with thread 54. In other embodiments, the cap 40 may be mounted to the body 26 using any fastening mechanism such as rivets or any conventional adhesive.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cover 56 according to another embodiment of the invention. The cover 56 is similar to the cover 22 (FIG. 1) except the fastening component 24 includes a pocket 58 sewn into the body 26 of the cover 22 that receives and holds the end 38 (FIG. 1) of one of the ribs 34. In this and certain other embodiments the cover 56 includes eight pockets 58 each corresponding to the end 38 of a respective one of the ribs 34 (FIG. 1), to secure the cover 56 to the umbrella 20 (FIG. 1). Similar to the cap 40 (FIG. 2), each pocket 58 may be sized and configured as desired. For example, in this and certain other embodiments, the pocket 58 may be sized to receive the end 38 and the stretch of the body's material may hold the end 38 inside the pocket 58. In other embodiments, the pocket may be sized slightly less than the circumference of the end 38 to generate an interference fit to hold the end 38 inside the pocket.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cover 60 according to yet another embodiment of the invention. The cover 60 is similar to the cover 22 (FIG. 1) except the fastening component 24 includes an elastic band 62 whose unstretched length is less than the length of a perimeter formed by the distances between each adjacent end 38 when the umbrella 20 is open. To releasably attach the cover 60 to the umbrella 20 (FIG. 1), the elastic band is first stretched so that each end 38 can contact the body 64 between the elastic band 62 and the center hole 66. Next, the elastic band 62 is allowed to contract to a length that is less than the perimeter described above. In this manner, the canopy 30 (FIG. 1) of the umbrella 20 is sandwiched between the center hole 66 and the opening formed by the elastic band 62.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are views of a cover 70 according to still another embodiment of the invention. The cover 70 is similar to the cover 22 (FIG. 1) and includes a restraining component 72 to hold the canopy 75 (FIG. 6) in an un-inverted position while the canopy 75 is open. Thus, in windy conditions the cover 70 helps the umbrella's canopy 75 stay in the un-inverted position to shed water. FIG. 5 shows the cover 70 before the cover is releasably attached to the umbrella 73 (FIG. 6). FIG. 6 shows the cover 70 releasably attached to an umbrella 73 and the restraining component 72 holding the canopy 75 in an un-inverted, open position.

The restraining component 72 may be any desired component capable of holding the canopy 30 in an un-inverted position. For example, in this and certain other embodiments, the restraining component includes a cord 74 extending along a perimeter of the body 76, and a coupler 78 to releasably fasten a portion 80 of the cord 74 to another portion 82 of the cord 74. Each fastening component 84 includes a hole 86 sized and configured to hold the cord 74 and to allow the cord 74 to pass through the component 84. The coupler 78 includes a hole (not shown) sized and configured to hold the two portions 80 and 82 of the cord 74 and to allow the portions 80 and 82 to pass through the coupler 78. The coupler 78 also includes a wedge (not shown) disposed inside the hole and movable relative to the cord portions 80 and 82 to force the portions against each other and the coupler 78. When forced against each other and the coupler 78, the friction generated between the portions 80 and 82 and the coupler 78 prevents each portion 80 and 82 from moving relative to the other portion. Thus, the length of the cord 74 becomes fixed. When fixed, the cord 74 prevents the umbrella's rib ends 86 from moving toward the inverted position by preventing the rib ends 86 from forming a larger perimeter.

Other embodiments of the restraining component 72 are possible. For example, the restraining component can include a stiffener attached to or embedded in the body 76 prevents a portion of the body 76, and thus the rib ends 86 or canopy 75, from flexing when the rib ends 86 attempt to move toward the inverted position.

Still referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the restraining component 72 may also include a handle 88 to carry the cover 70 and umbrella 73 when the cover 70 is attached to the umbrella 73. For example, in this and certain other embodiments the handle 88 extends from the perimeter of the body 76 to a center 90 of the body 76, and may be sewn to the body 76. In other embodiments, the handle 88 may be tied to the body 76 or otherwise attached to the body 76. In still other embodiments, the handle 88 may be attached to the fastening component 84, or the cord 74.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are views of a cover 100 releasably attached to a personal pocket umbrella 102, according to another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7 shows the cover 100 and umbrella 102 in an open position. FIG. 8 shows the cover 100 and umbrella 102 in a closing position. The cover 100 is similar to the cover 22 (FIG. 1) and includes a fastening component 106 located adjacent a joint 103 of the umbrella's rib 104 where the rib 104 folds as the umbrella is closed. By releasably attaching the cover 100 adjacent the joint 103, the cover remains secured to the umbrella 102 while one closes the umbrella 102, and after the umbrella 102 is closed.

The fastening component 106 may be any desired component capable of releasably attaching the cover 100 to the umbrella 102. For example, in this and certain other embodiments the fastening component is a snap having a male portion 108 attached to the cover 100 and a female portion 110 attached to the umbrella 102. Each of the portions 108 and 110 may be sewn to their respective structures or mounted using any desired adhesive. In other embodiments, the fastening component may include Velcro® mounted to the cover and the canopy.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an umbrella 120 that includes a cover 122, according to another embodiment of the invention. The cover 122 is similar to the cover 22 (FIG. 1), and sized and configured to extend over the large umbrella 120, which is designed to cover a table, such as those found in outdoor cafés, in homes and anywhere a table and umbrella may be found. Thus, the cover 122 can protect the umbrella's canopy 120 to extend the life of the umbrella 124. The cover 122 also allows one to sell space for a period of time to display a message, to promote goods and services. For example, In this and certain other embodiments, the cover 122 may include an image and text (not shown) in the regions 126 that promotes the benefits of orange juice, and another, second cover (not shown) may include an image and text that promotes the benefits of beer. In the mornings the owner of a café that serves breakfast may releasably attach the cover 122 to his umbrella 120, and in the evenings the owner may releasably attach the second cover. In this manner, the owner can easily increase the effective use of his/her umbrella to convey a message, and thus attract more advertising business. In other embodiments the cover 22 can include a holiday design, such as a wreath of holly, or special event design, such as a birthday cake to convey a personal message.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an umbrella 126 that includes a cover 128, according to yet another embodiment of the invention. The cover 128 is similar to the cover 122 (FIG. 9), and includes a body 130 that extends to the ground (not shown) and forms an interior 132 in which the table 134 is disposed. In this and certain other embodiments, the portion of the body 130 that extends to the ground includes mosquito netting to protect one when seated at the table 134. In other embodiments, the cover 128 is sized and configured to extend over a parasol (not shown) to form a structure that kids can play in and around at a beach. In still other embodiments, the portion of the body 130 that extends to the ground does not form an enclosure but instead forms an alcove (not shown) to provide one privacy.

FIG. 11 is a view of a cover 140 according to another embodiment of the invention. The cover 140 includes a body 142 having a net 144 to add texture to an umbrella (not shown) and to provide regions where things such as pendants, pins, stones and chains may be attached or mounted to decorate the umbrella. The net 144 also allows the cover 140 to fit different sized umbrellas. Thus, the net 144 can provide a one-size-fits-all cover.

The net 144 can include any desired material and any desired mesh size. For example in this and certain other embodiments, the net 142 is made from cotton yarn and includes a mesh about one inch across when the net 142 is not stretched. In addition, the net 142 includes a restraining component 146 to hold the canopy (not shown) of the umbrella in an un-inverted position while the canopy is open. The restraining component 146 is similar to the restraining component 72 (FIGS. 5 and 6) except the restraining component 146 passes through loops sized and configured to hold the rib ends (not shown) of the umbrella. In other embodiments, the net 142 may be made from plastic rope, include a mesh about two inches across when the net 142 is not stretched, and the restraining component 146 may be an extension of the net material, not separate from the net material.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments have been discussed herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the discussion herein. Accordingly, the systems and methods include such modifications as well as all permutations and combinations of the subject matter set forth herein and are not limited except as by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cover for a canopy of an umbrella, the cover comprising:

a body configured to extend over a canopy of an umbrella while the canopy is open; and

a fastening component operable to releasably attach the body to the umbrella.

2. The cover of claim 1 wherein the body is configured to extend over a portion of the canopy.

3. The cover of claim 1 wherein the body is configured to extend over all or substantially all of the canopy.

4. The cover of claim 1 wherein the body is configured to extend beyond the canopy.

5. The cover of claim 1 wherein the body is configured to extend beyond the canopy and generate an interior region in which the whole umbrella is disposed.

6. The cover of claim 1 wherein the body includes

a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being adjacent to the canopy when the cover is attached to an open canopy, and the second surface being exposed to the environment when the cover is attached to an open canopy, and

a vent operable to allow air to flow from the first or second surface to the second or first surface, respectively.

7. The cover of claim 1 wherein the body repels water.

8. The cover of claim 1 wherein the body repels ultraviolet radiation.

9. The cover of claim 1 wherein the body includes stretchable material.

10. The cover of claim 1 wherein the body includes a net.

11. The cover of claim 1 wherein:

the body has a perimeter, and

the fastening component is disposed at the perimeter and operable to attach the body to a rib of the umbrella.

12. The cover of claim 1 wherein:

the body has a perimeter, and

the fastening component includes a cap attached to the body at the perimeter, the cap having a receptacle configured to receive and hold an end of a rib of the umbrella.

13. The cover of claim 1 wherein:

the body has a perimeter, and

the fastening component includes a pocket formed in the body at the perimeter, the pocket configured to receive and hold an end of a rib of the umbrella.

14. The cover of claim 1 wherein:

the body has a perimeter, and

the fastening component includes an elastic strap disposed at the perimeter and operable to hold the body adjacent to an end of a rib of the umbrella.

15. The cover of claim 1 wherein the fastening component includes Velcro™.

16. The cover of claim 1 wherein the fastening component includes a snap.

17. The cover of claim 1 further comprising a restraining component operable to hold the canopy in an un-inverted position while the canopy is open.

18. The cover of claim 1 further comprising a restraining component that includes:

a cord extending along a perimeter of the body, and

a coupler operable to releasably fasten a portion of the cord to another portion the cord, wherein the cord is operable to hold the frame in an expanded position in which the canopy is open and not inverted when the coupler fastens the portion of the cord to the other portion of the cord.

19. The cover of claim 1 further comprising a restraining component that includes:

a cord extending along a perimeter of the body,

a coupler operable to releasably fasten a portion of the cord to another portion the cord, wherein the cord is operable to hold the frame in an expanded position in which the canopy is open and not inverted when the coupler fastens the portion of the cord to the other portion of the cord, and

a handle operable to carry the cover and umbrella when the cover is attached to the umbrella, the handle extending from the cord to a center of the body.

20. The cover of claim 1 further comprising an image that is displayed to the environment while the cover is attached to an open canopy.

21. The cover of claim 20 wherein the image includes text.

22. A cover for a canopy of an umbrella, the cover comprising:

a body including an image and configured to extend over a canopy of an umbrella while the canopy is open, wherein the image is displayed to the environment when the cover extends over an open canopy;

a fastening component operable to releasably attach the body to the umbrella.

23. The cover of claim 22 wherein the image includes text.

24. An umbrella comprising:

a frame;

a canopy attached to the frame and operable to protect one from at least one of the following, precipitation, wind and sun;

a cover attached to at least one of the following, the frame and the canopy, the cover comprising: a body that extends over the canopy; and a fastening component operable to attach the body to the frame, the canopy, or both.

25. The umbrella of claim 24 wherein the frame is expandable to open the canopy, and collapsible to close the canopy.

26. The umbrella of claim 24 wherein:

the frame includes a rib to support the canopy, and

the fastening component attaches the body to the rib.

27. The umbrella of claim 24 wherein:

the frame includes a rib to support the canopy, and

the fastening component attaches the body to the rib and the canopy.

28. The umbrella of claim 24 wherein the cover includes a restraining component operable to hold the frame in an expanded position in which the canopy is open and not inverted.

29. The umbrella of claim 28 wherein:

the body includes a perimeter, and

the restraining component includes: a cord extending along the perimeter, and a coupler operable to releasably fasten a portion of the cord to another portion the cord, wherein the cord is operable to hold the frame in an expanded position in which the canopy is open and not inverted when the coupler fastens the portion of the cord to the other portion of the cord.

30. A method for protecting a canopy of an umbrella while the canopy is open, the method comprising:

extending a body of a cover over a canopy of an umbrella, the body configured to extend over the canopy while the canopy is open; and

attaching the body to the umbrella.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein extending the body over a canopy includes extending the body over a portion of the canopy.

32. The method of claim 30 wherein extending the body over a canopy includes extending the body over all or substantially all of the canopy.

33. The method of claim 30 wherein attaching the body includes attaching the body to a frame of the umbrella.

34. The method of claim 30 wherein attaching the body includes inserting a rib into a receptacle of a cap of the cover.

35. The method of claim 30 wherein attaching the body includes inserting a rib into a pocket of the cover.

36. The method of claim 30 further comprising releasing the body from the umbrella.

37. A method of advertising, the method comprising:

extending a body of a cover over a canopy of an umbrella, the body configured to extend over the canopy while the canopy is open;

attaching the body to the umbrella;

opening the canopy of the umbrella; and

displaying an image of the body to the environment.

38. The method of claim 37 wherein the image includes text.

39. The method of claim 37 further comprising:

removing the cover from the umbrella,

extending a body of a second cover over the canopy of the umbrella, the body configured to extend over the canopy while the canopy is open;

attaching the body to the umbrella;

opening the canopy of the umbrella; and

displaying an image of the body to the environment, wherein the image is different than the image of the removed cover.

40. The method of claim 39 wherein the image of the attached cover includes text.