Covering System with Canopeum Deployment

Abstract

A system is provided for protective elements including, but not limited to, a patio umbrella with complete double canopy, medially expanding frame, a system for deploying its integrated canopeum of insect netting, and a two segment mitigation vessel. The frame's rounded outer edges provide enhanced safety. When retracted around the umbrella's stick, the frame and canopy assume the form of a three dimensional envelope tapered vertically from its midsection, concentrated at top and bottom. Dedicated mechanisms are also provided for deploying an insect interdicting canopeum. Furthermore, a mitigation vessel provides protective storage for frame, canopy, and canopeum elements. With an internal liner of wicking material and multiple surface apertures; the system encourages controlled release of evaporated moisture from stowed elements. The invention's combination of features including capability for expedient transport from place to place, plus seasonal storage practicality, makes this product an appealing enhancement to outdoor living experiences.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This case is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/914,800, filed Jun. 11, 2013, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING”, ETC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Improvements to umbrella, canopy, and tent systems have evolved over the centuries and continue to refine useful aspects of their construction. Endeavors focused on varied components of protective systems have resulted in significant advances. Benefits include improvements in resilience and stability of umbrella frame elements, enlarged canopy coverage, canopy offset configurations, enhanced convenience of operation, and cost savings associated with evolution of hardware as well as improvements in production methods.

One area of interest with a considerable history of teachings involves attempts at providing cooperation between an umbrella frame and canopy and a dedicated insect barrier, comprising netting material. Teachings on this issue include varied approaches including basic functions whereby a net is loosely slung over an umbrella canopy and maintained in place by gravity.

Another aspect of patio umbrella development involves attempts to provide satisfactory containment of frame, canopy, and cooperating umbrella elements within a temporary protective covering.

The present embodiment of the invention for which protection by letters patent is sought, provides benefits that address several of the above issues. The following presents detailed descriptions of the present invention's solutions.

The disclosed embodiment provides relief and alleviation of adverse consequences of water transfer from a furled umbrella canopy onto adjacent environmental surfaces including table settings, electronic gear, etc., thereby causing annoyance or potentially permanent damage.

This containment system also serves to protect enclosed frame and canopy elements from potentially harmful external forces that could rip the canopy or bend the frame. It also eliminates an often frustrating need to secure a furled canopy and frame with a belt style umbrella tie or annular rib tip retainer.

Affording such benefits, while additionally providing means for dispersal of moisture from elements stowed within the vessel, thereby mitigating adverse consequences such as mildew formation that otherwise might be manifest despite fungicide pretreatment provides particularly useful benefits of the present invention disclosed herein. Furthermore, the present embodiment presents a visually satisfying aspect that may additionally serve as vehicle for supporting graphics, written messages.

In addition, the disclosed complete double canopy provides supplementary surface area and internal volume between upper and lower segments that may serve to contain additional enhancements, including an LED style illumination system. Previously efforts at teaching an invention capable of providing such a constellation of benefits have apparently met with limited success. Prior attempts to integrate an umbrella frame and canopy with a suitable dedicated canopeum deployment system and containment vessel shows little evidence of translation into practical solutions achieving wide distribution and marketplace success. The present invention teaches improvements providing solutions to issues that apparently caused the limited success of prior art.

Improvements and efficiencies taught in the present disclosure relate to practical well-ordered deployment and retraction of a frame and canopy system, its enhanced structural integrity, as well as convenient cooperation vis a vis a dedicated umbrella moisture mitigation vessel, as well with an integrated deployment system for a canopeum comprising insect netting. The invention thereby provides more than one of the previously enumerated improvements as well as other untallied or unexpected benefits.

(1) Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a structure having environmental protective elements. It more particularly relates to a patio type umbrella frame and canopy system having improved efficiency, serviceability and capability of cooperating with dedicated elements providing means for deployment and storage of a canopeum comprising insect netting; and also supporting cooperation with elements of a dedicated mitigation vessel system.

Current U.S. Class: 135/15.1; 135/16; 135/25.1; 135/25.2; 135/25.4; 135/25.41; 135/29; 135/31; 135/33.2; 135/33.5; 135/33.7; 135/34.2; 135/44; 135/48 135/87; 135/117; 135/119

Current International Class: A45B 19/12 (20060101); A45B 19/00 (20060101) A45B 19/12

REFERENCES CITED

U.S. Patent Documents

• U.S. Pat. No. 109,775 to Stephens, Nov. 29, 1870
• U.S. Pat. No. 139, 295, to Chevers, May 27, 1873
• U.S. Pat. No. 212,457 to Girbardt, Feb. 18, 1879
• U.S. Pat. No. 312,446 to Drake, February 1885
• U.S. Pat. No. 892,813, to Dolles, Jul. 7, 1908
• U.S. Pat. No. 1,088,743 to Swinland, March 1914
• U.S. Pat. No. 1,217,515 to G. A. Simon, Feb. 27, 1917
• U.S. Pat. No. 1,885,968, to Wedemann, Nov. 1, 1932
• U.S. Pat. No. 2,164,242, to Henry, Aug. 6, 1938,
• U.S. Pat. No. 2,164,242, to Henry, Jun. 27, 1939
• U.S. Pat. No. 3,467,115 to Brooks, Sep. 16, 1969
• U.S. Pat. No. 3,534,752, to Vanzini, Oct. 20, 1970
• U.S. Pat. No. 4,456,023, to Fujihashi, Jun. 26, 1984
• U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,394, to Hermanson, Jun. 19, 1990
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,137, to Simonelli, Feb. 23, 1993
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,438, to Dubinski, Jul. 13, 1993
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,401, to Johnson et al., Jan. 30, 1996
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,601,103, to Dubinsky, Feb. 11, 1997
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,131, to Voigt, Nov. 25, 1997
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,506, to Kuperman, Apr. 6, 1999
• U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,770, to Lin, et al., Dec. 28, 1999
• U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,111, to Weiss et al, Aug. 14, 2001
• U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,637, to Ko, Feb. 12, 2002
• U.S. Pat. No. 6,698,440, to Beyer, et al. Mar. 2, 2004
• U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,947 B1, to Ramos, Mar. 9, 2004
• U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,144, to Usui et al, Oct. 19, 2004
• U.S. Pat. No. 7,174,906, to Ko, Feb. 13, 2007
• U.S. Pat. No. 8,156,951, to Klose, Apr. 17, 2012
• U.S. Pat. No. 8,225,806, to Simonelli, Jul. 24, 2012

(2) Descriptions of Related Art

FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,587 to Bilotti, Oct. 21, 1997, teaches a net for covering a patio umbrella.

FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,547, to Derling a, Sep. 15, 1998, teaches a device that can be used as an umbrella or a gazebo. The combination includes a frame, a canopy, and a side. The canopy is affixed to the frame and has an open position and a closed position. The side is affixed to the canopy and has an extended position in which the combination functions as the gazebo and a retracted position in which the combination functions as the umbrella.

FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,770 to Lin, et al., Dec. 28, 1999, teaches an umbrella having a lower canopy consisting of an annulus, supported by ribs. Said umbrella also having an upper canopy centrally mounted on a set of ribs, and canopying the central opening in the lower canopy.

FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,111, to Weiss et al, Aug. 14, 2001, teaches a retractable umbrella including a canopy, a plurality of ribs, and a plurality of stretchers. Said canopy is supported at its center by an extended shaft and on its periphery by attachment to tips of said ribs. No additional canopy support is indicated. Said canopy and frame elements are contained within a hollow shaft when folded. Such unventilated umbrella container construction raises questions about mold and mildew formation.

FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 6,170,497, to Ma, Jan. 9, 2001, teaches an opening mechanism comprising a crank and pulley system, facilitating deployment of an umbrella frame and canopy.

FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 6,698,440, to Beyer, et al, Mar. 2, 2004, teaches an umbrella system with mechanism for storage of material such as a canopeum of netting. A plurality of elements, including tubes guiding canopeum retraction elements are, along with said canopeum, capable of being withdrawn into, and enclosed by, a stick mounted storage chamber.

FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,947 B1, to Ramos, Mar. 9, 2004, who describes a flexible bag for containment of a wet umbrella, thereby additionally providing means collection and later disposal of water accumulated from umbrella surfaces.

FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 8,079,378, to Derling a, Dec. 20, 2011, claims a combination umbrella and gazebo for protecting users from adverse weather and insects. It describes a deployment system comprising cables used for raising gazebo walls in combination with passage of said cables within a plurality of umbrella ribs. Said cables, lacking substantial stiffness, allow but do not substantially supplement gravitationally induced urging of gazebo walls during wall deployment. A plurality of umbrella canopy support ribs, with each rib having proximal and distal cable guides placed therein is claimed. Said screen cable guides are described and illustrated as through-bore apertures perforating lower surface of each hollow rib of the frame. Screen cable guides allow ingress and egress of screen cables relative to rib interiors. An alternate arrangement, involving a pair of screen cable guides situated along the outside the underside of each rib is mentioned but not claimed.

FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 8,156,951, Apr. 17, 2012, to Klose teaches an umbrella container with air ducts and ventilation slits at its base. The disclosed permanently open slits indicate liquid water would be free to exit enclosed wet umbrella elements at potentially undesirable occasions such as when such an umbrella may being transported within a back pack or brief case or perhaps briefly placed on a table top susceptible to water damage.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Improvements for which patent protection is being sought include, but are not limited to, a complete double canopy with pleats sufficiently capacious so as to encompass and reinforce a cooperating medially expanding frame. These components are suited for facilitating their mutual deployment relative to mitigation vessel segments. The double ended shape of retracted canopy and frame elements, being closely attached respectively at top and bottom by the umbrella's stick, presents a gradually tapered profile when approaching the mitigation vessels' openings, thereby expediting deployment and encapsulation operations. With moisture dispersal elements, this vessel system has ability to contain a moisture exposed canopy as it encourages evaporative dispersal of such residual moisture. The following embodiment is presented in the form of patio umbrella providing means for efficient alignment, deployment, support, and retraction of a canopeum.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Sheet 1 of 9

FIG. 1 is an elevation showing the embodiment with mitigation vessel segments, canopy, and canopeum elements fully deployed.

Sheet 2 of 9

FIG. 2 is a front elevation of mitigation vessel segments A and B closed; with other embodiment elements stowed within.

FIG. 3 shows a front elevation of mitigation vessel component B separated from mitigation vessel component A

FIG. 4 is a top view of elements including parts of the canopeum and upper canopy segment withdrawn from mitigation vessel A.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of mitigation vessel component A; with stick, medially expanding frame, complete double canopy, and canopeum elements withdrawn from the vessel and not yet extended.

FIG. 6 is a top view of elements withdrawn from vessel A with arrows indicating half-section cutting plane 7-7.

FIG. 7 is a partial front view in section showing vessel component A as a front elevation and section 7-7 of the stick, medially expanding frame, complete double cover, and canopeum elements withdrawn from the vessel and not yet fully extended.

Sheet 3 of 9

FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial sectional view, 7-7 from FIG. 7 sheet 2/9, indicating the embodiment's complete double canopy, medially expanding frame, frame distal shields, knob, stick, stick collimation knob, canopeum deployment elements, and canopeum, after removal of mitigation vessel segment B; and extension of said elements after having been raised from mitigation vessel A, and not yet extended to full deployment mode.

Sheet 4 of 9

FIG. 9 shows a set of medially expanding frame link elements in a semi-extended configuration with curved trace arrows indicating direction of movement of frame distal shield when urged to extend from retracted to deployed positions relative to the umbrella stick.

FIG. 10 is a view of fully extended medially expanding frame elements. Trace lines indicate frame distal shield's direction of movement when urged to this deployed configuration.

Sheet 5 of 9

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view showing one set of medially expanding frame link elements, frame distal shield, with indications of upper and lower canopy segments of the complete double canopy, a radial tunnel, and canopeum elements in a fully deployed configuration.

FIG. 12 is a top view of knob, canopeum, canopeum extenders, canopeum wall slots, and upper segment of complete double canopy in their fully deployed configuration.

Sheet 6 of 9

FIG. 13 is a top view of embodiment indicating a cutting plane.

FIG. 14 is a front sectional view of mitigation vessel component A, showing lower part of stick, stick collimation knob, and cooperating elements.

FIG. 15 is a section view of mitigation vessel component B and folding legs.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged section view showing top of mitigation vessel component A, stick, stick collimation knob, and cooperating lock elements.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the lower part of mitigation vessel component A showing wicking material, wicking material retainer, and moisture release apertures.

Sheet 7 of 9

FIG. 18 is a partial front elevation view showing upper portion of the embodiment's stick, two opposite linkage element sets of the medially expanding frame, with indications of the complete double canopy, a pair of canopeum extenders, and cooperating radial tunnels.

FIG. 19 is a an enlarged front elevation view of the stick, along with a pair of radial tunnels, canopeum extender elements, stick, runner B, runner B to pulley shuttle connector, and shuttle bay slot. Two sets of break lines indicate where stick segments have been removed from this view, thereby showing top, medial, and lower end of the stick. Runner B, elements of its locking mechanism, and the shuttle bay slot are indicated. These break lines also indicate locations of corresponding breaks shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 23 of sheet 8/9, and also in FIG. 25 and FIG. 27 of sheet 9/9.

Sheet 8 of 9

FIG. 20 is a top sectional view showing interior of the embodiment's stick; comprising pulleys and other elements of the embodiment's canopeum deployment mechanism.

FIG. 21 is an elevation showing cutting plane 20-20 indicated in the view of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a top view of the embodiment's stick with arrows indicating cutting plane 23-23 for the view shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 23 is a back view in section of elements comprising the embodiment's canopeum deployment mechanism.

Sheet 9 of 9

FIG. 24 is a top view of the present embodiment's stick, showing the aligned section cut 25-25.

FIG. 25 is an aligned left section view of elements comprising the canopeum deployment mechanism. In this view, one example of the plurality of canopeum extenders is shown.

FIG. 26 is a top view showing cutting plane 27-27.

FIG. 27 is a front sectional view of stick with elements comprising canopeum deployment mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

List of Reference Numerals Utilized in the Drawings

Number Element

• 10 complete double canopy
• 20 canopy distal periphery
• 30 upper canopy segment
• 40 lower canopy segment
• 50 pleats
• 60 upper canopy segment to notch attachment element
• 70 lower canopy segment to runner A attachment element
• 80 canopy to frame fastener
• 90 medially expanding frame
• 100 link A
• 102 A interior pivot point
• 104 A medial pivot point
• 106 A distal pivot point
• 110 link B
• 112 B interior pivot point
• 114 B medial pivot point
• 116 B distal pivot point
• 120 link C
• 122 C interior pivot point
• 124 C medial pivot point
• 126 C distal pivot point
• 130 link D
• 132 D interior pivot point
• 134 D medial pivot point
• 136 D distal pivot point
• 140 link E
• 142 E interior pivot point
• 146 E distal pivot point
• 150 link F
• 152 F interior pivot point
• 156 F distal pivot point
• 160 frame distal shield
• 170 frame pivot element
• 171 canopeum
• 172 canopeum extender
• 173 extender redirection element
• 174 canopeum curtain element
• 175 canopeum terminal element
• 176 radial tunnel
• 177 canopeum attachment element
• 178 stick crown aperture
• 179 union
• 180 stick
• 181 union transporter cord A (to bottom of union)
• 182 union transporter cord B (to top of redirection element)
• 184 upper union transport cord attachment site
• 185 lower union transport cord attachment site
• 186 runner B
• 187 runner B to pulley shuttle connector
• 188 upper runner B lock
• 189 lower runner B lock
• 190 knob
• 191 canopeum wall slot
• 192 union compartment
• 193 slotted shuttle bay
• 194 pulley shuttle
• 195 shuttle bay slot
• 196 runner B release element
• 197 redirection transition slot
• 198 upper shuttle moving pulley
• 199 lower shuttle moving pulley
• 200 stick to mitigation vessel seal element
• 201 internal stick wall
• 202 upper inverter pulley
• 203 lower inverter pulley
• 204 shuttle cord apertures
• 210 notch
• 232 upper guide pulley
• 233 lower guide pulley
• 234 vessel handle
• 235 vessel shoulder strap
• 240 runner A
• 260 runner A to link B attachment joint
• 280 upper runner A lock
• 290 runner A release element
• 300 lower runner A lock
• 310 mitigation vessel assembly
• 320 mitigation vessel segment A
• 325 mitigation vessel segment B
• 326 extendable legs
• 330 mitigation vessel segment A portal
• 332 mitigation vessel segment B portal
• 333 vessel A to vessel B attachment mechanism
• 334 vessel A to vessel B release element
• 335 collimation knob retention element
• 340 stick collimation knob
• 350 stick lock knob element
• 360 stick lock vessel element
• 370 wicking material
• 380 wicking material retainer
• 390 moisture release apertures
• 400 table
• 410 table aperture

Introduction

Although the following description provides specific examples, these are not intended to in any way limit application and uses of the invention. There is no intention to be bound by any concept described in the preceding background, summary, or in what follows in the detailed description. It is understood that changes may be made in the way elements of the embodiments described herein operate, may be arranged, may be sized, or may be applied, without compromising the invention's scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Improvements in the present embodiment of this invention are also applicable for use in other forms of umbrellas, tents, canopies, and analogous covering structures. Although it comprises a number of conventional elements including some attachment, securing, and locking means, the disclosed set of elements includes an assembly of components not taught in prior art of umbrella construction.

Operational Overview

The present embodiment is operated in the following manner.

I. Ready the System

Step 1. Place the patio umbrella system horizontally.

• • 2. Slip off mitigation vessel segment B.
  • 3. Deploy legs of mitigation vessel segment B.
  • 4. Place mitigation vessel segment B in position, either as a free standing support for cooperating umbrella components, or also in conjunction with a table.
  • 5. Pull stick, canopy, frame, and canopeum elements horizontally to their extended configurations relative to mitigation vessel segment A.
  • 6. Place embodiment vertically above mitigation vessel B and table top, if used. Then pass mitigation vessel segment A downward through the table top aperture and insert segment A fully into segment B.

II. Deployment of Canopy and Canopeum

• • 7. Canopy Deployment: Slide runner A to top of its range on the umbrella stick, the runner automatically secures in place. This action simultaneously deploys the medially expanding frame, and complete double canopy.
  • 8. Canopeum Deployment: Slide runner B vertically to the top of its range, where it automatically is secured in place. This urges elongated flexible extenders that serve to push the canopeum radially outward across the canopy top, past the canopy's periphery, then downward.

III. Retraction

• • 9. Canopeum Retraction: Runner B release element is activated and runner B is moved down along the umbrella stick until it automatically secures in place at the bottom of its range. This action returns the canopeum to its resting configuration, in the form of a garland, extending from radial tunnels above umbrella canopy.
  • 10. Canopy Retraction: When retraction of the complete double canopy is desired, runner A release element is activated and runner A is moved down until it automatically is secured at the bottom of its range. This motion simultaneously urges retraction of the medially expanding frame, complete double canopy with pleats, and canopeum system elements to resting sites adjacent to the umbrella stick.

IV. Storage

• • 11. Stick and cooperating attached elements are urged to their stowed locations within mitigation vessel A.
  • 12. Mitigation vessel component A containing the stick and cooperating elements is raised, removed from mitigation vessel component B, and placed horizontally.
  • 13. Legs are folded and secured.
  • 14. The open end of mitigation vessel B is passed over portions of stick, frame, and canopeum elements that remain partially extended from mitigation vessel A. The end of vessel segment B is secured over the end of mitigation vessel A, thereby completing a full encapsulation of stick, frame, and canopeum elements. Vessel A is automatically secured in place by conventional means, completing the patio umbrella's return to storage mode.

Operational Details

A. Basic System Deployment

At the onset of a precipitation event, or for use in another capacity such as a shield against excessive sunlight, or insect avoidance, deployment of the invention is accomplished in the following manner:

I. Set-Up

The fully retracted patio umbrella assembly is placed in a horizontal position and mitigation vessel segment A 320 is secured in place. Urging force is applied to cooperating mitigation vessel segment B 325 which is thereby separated from segment A 320 in a manner analogous to removal of the cap from a pen. Extendable legs 326 of mitigation vessel segment B 325 are deployed. If used in conjunction with a table, vessel segment B 325 is placed and centered beneath table aperture 410. Extendable legs 326, attached to moisture mitigation segment B 325, provide supplementary means useful for stabilizing the entire embodiment, even without cooperation with a table.

In the next stage of patio umbrella set up, separating force is applied to knob 190, shown in FIG. 8, attached at top end of stick 180, thereby urging stick 180, complete double canopy 10, medially expanding frame 90, and cooperating elements outward to extended positions relative to portal 330 of mitigation vessel segment A 320.

Upon attaining full extent of this withdrawal, as seen in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, conventional stick lock 350 automatically engages stick lock vessel element 360, thereby providing means for securing stick collimation knob 340, stick 180 and cooperating elements in their respective extended configurations relative to mitigation vessel segment A 320. Means for secured engagement between stick lock 350, on collimation knob 340, cooperating with stick lock vessel element 360, takes the form of circular groove extending around and within upper interior wall of mitigation vessel segment A 320. Said stick lock elements when engaged are situated beneath collimation knob retention element 335.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 show stick 180 and cooperating elements withdrawn from mitigation vessel segment A 320. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view showing a pair of linkage elements in medially expanding frame 90, and cooperating elements, at positions substantially proximate to opposite sides of stick 180. Frame distal shields 160 at frame links E 140 and F 150 are also indicated.

After stick 180 is secured in its fully extended position relative to mitigation vessel segment A 320, said segment A 320 is vertically inserted through table aperture 410 in the top of table 400 and mounted within mitigation vessel segment B 325 prepositioned underneath the table.

B. Canopy Deployment

After the embodiment is fixed in its vertical operating position, force is applied to runner A release element 290 thereby freeing runner A 240 so it may be urged upward to its deployed location on umbrella stick 180. At that site, runner A 240 is secured by means of conventional upper runner lock A 280.

In this manner, the following actions are also accomplished. FIG. 9 shows enlarged views of linkage elements in medially expanding frame 90 partially, and subsequently in FIG. 10, fully deployed, as said frame 90 transports complete double canopy 10 in an akimbo manner toward the embodiment's fully extended configuration. The outer circumference of canopy distal periphery 20 of complete double canopy 10 is supported by frame distal shields 160 that function as termini of medially expanding frame 90. By means of pleats 50, complete double canopy 10 is capable of expanding from its retracted extent when vertically situated substantially adjacent to stick 180, between runner A 240 and notch 210. Notch 210 contains conventional notch to link A attachment joint 230, providing means for pivotal connection with frame elements designated link A 100. In addition, notch 210 contains attachment means for fixed connections with upper canopy segment 30 via upper canopy segment to notch attachment element 60. Runner A 240, capable of sliding in a vertical fashion along stick 180 and cooperating with conventional upper runner A lock 280 and conventional lower runner A lock 300, contains runner A to link B attachment joint 260 providing means for pivotal connection with frame elements designated link B 110. Additionally, said runner A 240 contains attachment means for providing fixed connections with lower canopy segment 40 via lower canopy segment to runner A attachment element 70. Arrow lines shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 indicate the path followed by center of frame distal shield 160 during expansion and retraction operations of the embodiment. Distal periphery 20 of complete double canopy 10, when fully deployed adjacent to middle of curved outer surface of frame distal shield 160, is on a plane substantially lower than the fully deployed elevation of runner A 240 along stick 180. As a result, the deployed complete double canopy 10 presents a substantially downwardly concave profile.

C. Canopeum Deployment

On occasions when deployment of the embodiment's canopeum insect barrier is desired, runner B 186 is urged upward to its deployed location on the side of stick 180. At this site runner B is secured in place in place by conventional means, upper runner B lock 188.

Concurrent with manipulation of runner B 186, as specified above, canopeum extenders 172 slide through radial tunnels 176. This cooperation helps to insure substantially equal-angled radial orientations of said tunnels 176.

Canopeum extenders 172 transmit urging forces to canopeum 171, thereby conducting said canopeum 171 radially from its retracted configuration in the form of a garland draped atop the umbrella's complete double canopy 10. The canopeum is thereby urged toward, and then beyond the compass of both medially expanding frame 90 and complete double canopy 10. Once significant portions of canopeum 171 are moved beyond the perimeter of said complete double canopy 10, gravitational force, supplemented by inherent stiffness of canopy extenders 172, urge canopeum deployment to ground level.

Due to an inverse mechanical advantage provided by elements of the canopeum deployment system, canopeum extenders 172 are able to progress linear distances substantially greater than corresponding vertical deployment distances traversed by runner B 186. Stretching outward past distal openings of cooperating radial tunnels 176, said canopeum extenders 172 individually pass through associated canopeum wall slots 191, negotiating a sequence of apertures in a progression of canopeum curtain elements 174. Said curtain elements 174 are attached to intermediary sites along interior extents of each canopeum wall slot 191. Canopeum extenders 172 continue onward until they reach the lower margins of canopeum 171, where each extender 172 is affixed to a corresponding canopeum terminal element 175.

D. Canopeum Retraction

When circumstances warrant retraction of the canopeum 171, runner B release element 196 is activated, and downward force applied to runner B 186. As the runner is moved toward its retracted position along the side of stick 180, elements of the embodiment's integrated pulley system associated with runner B by means of runner B to pulley shuttle connector 187, passing through shuttle bay slot 195, provide inverse mechanical advantage, thereby multiplying the linear range of the runner B 186 and providing means for urging canopeum extenders 172 and canopeum 171 to move a distance sufficient to place said elements at their respective retracted sites by distal ends of radial tunnels 176. As canopeum retraction proceeds, distal ends of canopeum extenders 172, passing through in canopeum curtain elements 174 inside canopeum wall slots 191, and distally attached to canopeum 171 by means of canopeum terminal elements 175, promote horizontal gathering of canopeum walls in a series of stepped pleats in a manner similar to what might be seen during retraction operations of theater stage curtains.

With canopeum 171 retraction accomplished, the assembly of canopeum elements is sufficiently proximate to the top of stick 180 to insure that no portions of the retracted, draped canopeum 171 extends below midpoints of retracted complete double canopy 10 and medially expanding frame 90 elements after said elements are themselves in turn retracted during the operation described below.

E. Retraction of Canopy and Frame

After the retraction of canopeum 172, when folding of medially expanding frame 90 and complete double canopy 10 is also desired; runner A release element 290 is activated, disengaging runner A 240 from upper runner A lock 280. Said locking and release elements, as well as similar elements associated with runner B 186, are conventional in nature. Next, runner A 240 is urged down along stick 180 to its retracted location and secured in place by automatic engagement with lower runner A lock 300. Thereby, said medially expanding frame 90, complete double canopy 10, expanding radial tunnels 176, and canopeum 172 are simultaneously urged to sites adjacent to stick 180.

F. Encapsulation of the Stick and Cooperating Elements

In the concluding phase of the embodiment's closure, umbrella elements comprising stick 180, cooperating components, and mitigation vessel segment A 320 are lifted from mitigation vessel segment B 325, and out through table aperture 410. These extracted elements are placed horizontally. Next, a grip is established and maintained on mitigation vessel segment A 320. Force is applied to knob 190 at end of stick 180 thereby inducing separation between stick lock knob element 350 and stick lock vessel element 360, allowing the lower portion of stick 180 to be inserted further into mitigation vessel segment A 320. Friction between stick to mitigation vessel seal element 200 and the inside surface of mitigation vessel segment A portal 330 at end of mitigation vessel segment 320 provides sufficient resistance to retain retracted elements in said segment A 320. Next, segment B, with its extendable legs 326 in stowed positions, is removed from beneath table 400.

To complete full encapsulation of elements within the rejoined set of mitigation vessel segments A 320 and B 325, the mitigation vessel segment B portal 332 is slid over knob 190, extended portions of stick 180 and other elements protruding from mitigation vessel A portal 330. Containment of elements comprising the present embodiment is completed as the open portal end of vessel segment B 332 slips past mitigation vessel A portal 330 and is frictionally fastened in place, in a manner similar to replacing the cap on a pen.

Descriptions of Specific Invented Parts

A. Complete Double Canopy 10, with Pleats 50

As may be seen in FIG. 11, the present embodiment's patio umbrella provides means for establishing substantial separation between upper and lower segments 30, 40 of its complete double canopy 10, whereby said canopy segments extend across, encompass and are attached, by means of a plurality of conventional canopy to frame fasteners 80, to the embodiment's medially expanding frame 90.

The embodiment consequently provides enhanced stabilization means for supporting and maintaining structural integrity of entire canopy and frame assembly. This sturdiness, induced by reinforcement of the outermost annulus of the embodiment's covering assembly comprising complete double canopy 10, with pleats 50 and medially expanding frame 90, enhances umbrella segments where wind gusts may exert their greatest upward torque. It is there where potential for wind damage to the structural integrity of an umbrella frame is greatest.

Conventional double canopy umbrella constructions taught in prior art such as those referenced above lack such opportune frame bracing, due to their lack of substantial vertical separation between their upper and lower canopy components across the entire radial extent of the canopy and frame structure.

The present invention's complete double canopy 10 with pleats comprises material whose composition and configuration provide means for expansion and contraction as said canopy components are urged between their retracted and deployed extents. Selection of material used to construct said canopy elements is discretionary, contingent on the current state of the art in material composition and capability. Canopy related factors, as well as considerations for other components of the present invention, include availability of material, intended adaptive use, anticipated production costs, and projected market conditions. Relevant factors are evaluated and taken into account during development phases prior to manufacture.

The complete double canopy 10 with pleats of the present embodiment is composed of water resistant material with capability to expand and contract by a significant factor facilitated by pleating. Upper and lower canopy segments are sufficiently capacious so as to substantially encompass said medially expanding frame 90.

Compositions considered for incorporation in the complete double canopy 10 of alternate embodiments may be of material having substantial innate capacity for extendibility. Material selected for construction of complete double canopy 10 has a capability to conform by attachment means in a substantially congruent manner to the outer configuration of linkage elements comprising medially expanding frame 90 as said frame is urged alternatively between retracted and deployed configurations. Expandability of the embodiment's canopy surface allows extension of said complete double canopy 10 to its full operational coverage. The individual size, number, and distribution of pleats 50 in the present embodiment are factors in the determination of the functional extent of canopy expansion between retracted and deployed configurations. Due to their construction, pleats 50 inherently have certain folding memory capability.

Manufacture of the embodiment's complete double canopy 10 includes incorporation of material innately, or as the result of post-production treatment, having significantly high resistance to water absorption. When retracted over contracted medially expanding frame 90 in a position substantially adjacent to the umbrella stick 180, the present embodiment's complete double canopy 10 assumes the form of a pleated double ended three dimensional envelope.

Central margins of the complete double canopy's upper and lower segments are respectively attached to the umbrella's notch 210 and runner A 240. When adjacent to stick 180, retracted and stowed within moisture mitigation vessel A 320 and B 325, and then subsequently, after having been extracted but still proximate to stick 190, prior to assuming fully deployed extension to its in-service configuration, complete double canopy 10 of the present invention maintains the doubly tapered configuration having the generalized shape of two corrugated cones medially joined at their widest circumferences as seen in FIG. 5. Benefiting from this doubly tapered shape described above, the present embodiment of the invention provides a closely gathered upper end of both canopy 10 elements and medially expanding frame 90 relative to mitigation vessel A portal 330 and mitigation B portal 332.

Likewise, and significantly improved from examples seen in prior art, the inner ends of the invention's frame and cover structure are directly connected to runner A 240 and therefore at all times is substantially proximate to stick 180 as seen in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7. This improvement, wherein both upper and lower umbrella frame elements remain proximate to stick 180, provides means for facilitating passage the cooperating complete double canopy 10 as it during alternate circumstances leaves and then, after providing service, subsequently re-enters mitigation vessel segment A 320 and is covered by mitigation vessel segment B 325.

In this invention the doubly tapered means of angle of approach during both extraction and return of complete double canopy 10 and medially expanding frame 90 elements relative to mitigation vessel segment A portal 330 of mitigation vessel segment A 320 and mitigation vessel segment B portal 332 provide means for reduce frictional forces between their surfaces by means of providing a relatively small angle of mutual presentation.

The present invention therefore provides improvements that eliminate awkward approach of frame and canopy structures as they exit or re-enter stick mounted umbrella containers as may be seen in prior art, such as several examples referenced above. Frame and canopy constructions in those previous teachings approximate the conical shape of a badminton shuttle cock, with umbrella frame tips substantially separated from the device's stick unless tethered with a tie strap or confined by a tip cup when folded, prior to emergence from or re-entry relative to an associated storage container.

Cooperation between the present embodiment's complete double canopy 10 and medially expanding frame 90 also provides enhanced umbrella resilience serving to reduce tendencies of frame linkage elements to twist around their major horizontal axes extending radially out from umbrella stick 180. In addition, the triangular bracing provided by lower canopy segment 40 provides means for increase frame stability.

Production versions of this embodiment are intended to present options, including provision for canopeum decorative designs, motifs, theme elements, illustrations, and selections of canopeum colors. Construction of canopeum and cooperating elements provide for replacement of a particular canopeum by detachment of canopeum extenders 172 at canopeum terminal elements 174, and attachment sites of canopeum to upper canopy segment 30. It is emphasized that due to the present invention's comprehensive envelopment of its medially expanding frame 90 by complete double canopy 10, means for substantially augmenting structural integrity of frame 90 is provided as a result of enhanced vertical triangular bracing of frame elements. This improvement is especially useful when patio umbrella frame elements are buffeted by wind gusts and increased tension is therefore applied to, and resisted by, the lower canopy segment 40 of complete double canopy 10. This resistive capability provided by means of lower canopy segment 40, inherent in its substantially complete separation from upper canopy segment 30, exceeds resistive capability of conventional canopy and frame elements when subjected to upwardly directed wind forces.

B. Medially Expanding Frame

FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 18 show medially expanding frame 90 of the present embodiment constructed in a manner that allows it to encourage expansion of cooperating complete double canopy 10 with pleats to deploy radially in an akimbo manner from locations immediately adjacent to the umbrella stick 180. Prior to said expansion, distal frame elements represented by centers of frame distal shields 160 are located substantially equidistant between notch 210 and the lower secured location of retracted runner A 240. Serving in the manner of protective bumpers, frame distal shields 160 are enlarged, curved termini of both link E 140 and link F 150 providing means for distributing contact forces at sections of canopy distal periphery 20 covering said shields 160 adjacent to distal pivot points of links E 140 and F 150. Due to their relatively wide profiles said frame distal shields 160 provide means for reducing potential for distal ends of said medially expanding frame 90 to cause puncture wounds to umbrella users when bumped into, or to bystanders of beach umbrellas, a problem substantially exacerbated when conventional umbrellas become airborne, potentially causing eye damage or other bodily injury. The present invention's medially expanding frame 90 enables concentrated deployment urging forces to be applied at the middle of the double ended cover envelope, in other words at the circumferential region where upper canopy segment 30 and lower canopy segment 40 of the complete double canopy 10 with pleats 10 are co-joined along canopy distal periphery 20. In this manner, the frame's construction maximizes deployment forces applied along this circumference thereby providing means for enhancing an umbrella user's ability to urge and expand upper and lower elements 30, 40 of the complete double canopy 10 as they move from their retracted to fully deployed sites relative to said stick 180.

As was noted in the detailed description of the embodiment's complete double canopy 10, conventional umbrella constructions taught in prior art involving a storage container generally present rib tips that splay outward from the associated stick as said tips approach the container's orifice during retraction operation. The present invention provides means for improved structural cohesion and organization of canopy and frame elements to alleviate that issue. Stowage within the dedicated mitigation vessel facilitates transporting the umbrella via automobile or manually by means of vessel handle 234 or shoulder strap 235.

The present embodiment of the invention includes medially expanding frame 90 consisting of six individual sets of linkages, each set containing of six articulated diagonal crossing members designated as links A to F (100 to 150). When the present embodiment is viewed from above, the six linkage sets of medially expanding frame 90 are arrayed in a circular pattern radiating from a central vertical axis coincidental with umbrella stick 180.

Diagonal crossing members of each set are individually identified as link A 100, link B 110, link C 120, link D 130, link E 140, and link F 150 each with specified relative dimensions. These 6 elements, along with cooperating frame pivot elements 170, substantially comprise the embodiment's medially expanding frame 90. Individual links are mutually attached by means of said frame pivot links 170 in a manner allowing their rotational freedom, relative to adjacent linkage elements, thereby providing means for the assembled structure to function as a mechanical linkage of the type commonly known as a lazy tong.

Each link A100 element is rotationally attached to notch 210 and each lower link B 110 is attached to runner A 240 by a frame pivot element 170. The two distally situated frame elements designated link E 140 and link F 150 are not medially attached to each other, but instead are mutually connected at their distal ends by means of a single frame pivot element 170. The enlarged distal ends of links E 140 and links F 150 each form rounded frame distal shields 160 that provide means for presenting a substantially curved distal terminus to each of the linkage frames rather than essentially pointed frame tips seen in prior art. This addition allows complete double canopy 10 to maintain a distal periphery 20 comprising a substantially curved vertical cross-sectional profile across an array of planes oriented perpendicular to said canopy's overall horizontal circumference. Specific attachment locations for rotational connections between corresponding frame diagonal links are indicated in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 of drawing 4/9.

Relative lengths of elongated frame linkage elements and distances between locations where frame pivot elements 170 facilitate rotational connections between individual links are indicated below for this embodiment. Said elements are attached to associated cover with conventional canopy to frame fasteners 80. Said links are configured with respect to their number, orientation, composition, and dimensions of their elements sufficient to provide means for cooperation during deployment and retraction phases of the umbrella's frame and complete double canopy 10 with pleats.

Co-joined pivot points of link E and link F frame elements distal to stick 190 are constrained by means of their dimensions to follow the curvilinear path illustrated in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 of sheet 4/9.

Individual linkage assemblies in the preferred embodiment's medially expanding frame 90 each consists of three interconnected pairs of links and cooperating elements. In FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, link A 100 and link B 110 of the interior linkage pair are shown attached respectively to notch 210 and runner A 240. Link C 120 and link D 130 are attached respectively at their interior ends to the distal ends of link B 110 and link A 100. Distal ends of link C 120 and link D 130 are attached to interior ends of link F 150 and link E 140 respectively.

Relative dimensions indicated below determine that the complete double canopy 10 of the present embodiment deploys from its retracted configuration, proximate to stick 180, in an akimbo manner when upward urging force is applied to runner A 240. During this operation distal pivot points E 146 of link E 140 and distal pivot point 156 of link F 150 of each linkage set comprising medially expanding frame 90 traverse the trajectory shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10.

The following dimensions represent approximate relative lengths of elongated frame linkage members of the present embodiment, and relative locations of frame pivot elements 170. Absolute dimensions of links are predicated by overall dimensions of a desired embodiment; as well as by specific properties of linkage material composition.

Link A100 has separation between its interior pivot point A 102 and distal pivot point A 106 of 18.57 relative units and a distance from said interior pivot point A 102 to its medial pivot point A 104 of 12.25 units. For link B 110, corresponding measurements are 17.53 units and 11.27 units respectively. Link A 100 and link B 110 are mutually attached via frame pivot element 170 at their medial pivot points.

In the central pair, link C 120 has separation between C interior pivot point 122 and C distal pivot point 126 of 12.19 relative units and a distance from said C interior pivot point 122 to C medial pivot point 124 of 6.75 units. Corresponding measurements for link D 130 are 11.32 and 5.88 units respectively. At their interior pivot sites, link C 120 is attached to B distal pivot point 116 of link B 110 by means of a frame pivot element 170. Link D 130 is similarly attached to the A distal pivot point 106 of link A 100. Another frame pivot element 170 connects link C 120 to link D 130 at their medial pivot points.

The outermost pair of links relative to stick 180 in each of the linkages comprising medially expanding frame 90 consists of link E 140 and link F 150. Distance between E interior pivot point 142 and E distal pivot point 146 is 6.08 units. Corresponding separation of interior and distal pivot points of link F 150 is 4.80 units. The E interior pivot point 142 is pivotally attached to D distal pivot point 136, and F interior pivot point 152 is connected to C distal pivot point 126 by means of frame pivot element 170. The E distal pivot point 146 is attached to corresponding F distal pivot point 156 by means of another frame pivot element 170.

Providing an additional improvement to the present embodiment, at the site of rotational connection between E distal pivot point 146 and the corresponding F distal pivot point 156, the substantially curved profile of the embodiment's frame termini provided by frame distal shields 160 provides means for the outermost ends of both link E 140 and link F 150 of medially expanding frame 90 to present rounded rather than pointed surfaces. This construction provides curved safety means at distal termini of the medially expanding frame 90, thereby substantially reducing the potential for injuries concomitant with conventional pointed or sharply angled umbrella rib endings.

It is again to be noted that the presently disclosed invention does not contain an array of elongated distal rib elements that individually protrude substantially beyond distal conjoined links of a frame structure in a manner such as that of extended fingers. The present embodiment therefore is significantly different from prior art of lazy tong frames, and is also unique due to its use of relatively large rounded termini for its distal links. These features differ substantially from conventional lazy tong type umbrella frames in which attached elongated ribs terminate in narrow points supporting a canopy's periphery. Attributes such as absolute dimensions of components, conventional cross sectional profiles of frame linkage elements, and the manner of mutual attachment between frame and cooperating elements are left to the discretion of one skilled in the art of umbrella construction as being appropriate to a particular version at time of manufacture.

C. Mitigation Vessel Assembly

The mitigation vessel assembly 310 of the present embodiment comprises two major components, mitigation vessel segment A 320, complemented by mitigation vessel segment B 325. These segments cooperate in a manner similar to that of the body of a pen functioning with its associated cap. In this analogy, when a pen is out of service, the cap can cover and protect functional elements on the pen's shaft. During active use, it is common practice to place the pen's cap on the opposite end of the pen body from where the cap is situated for protective service during periods of inactivity. When in use, the cap extends functional length of the instrument and also provides additional leverage thereby helping to facilitate use of that instrument.

In an analogous way, when the present embodiment is in its storage mode, mitigation vessel A 320 encompasses stick 180 in cooperation with mitigation vessel B 325; thereby fully encompassing other umbrella elements. These include complete double canopy 10, medially expanding frame 90, radial tunnels 176, and canopeum 171. When in the embodiment is in fully deployed configuration, stability is enhanced by additional means for support and stabilization provided by mitigation vessel segment B 325, which on such occasions is placed at the lower end of segment A 320. During these periods, extendable legs 326, affixed to the exterior of mitigation vessel B 325 may be deployed.

Walls of said mitigation vessel segment A320 are constructed in a manner so as to be also capable of supporting conventional means of attachment with moisture mitigation vessel segment B 325. During times of umbrella storage said segment B 325 helps encapsulate elements comprising the upper portion of stick 180 and associated frame, canopy, and canopeum deployment components.

The manner of canopy deployment and retraction of the present invention previously described in detail provides means for improved and useful protected storage of its complete double canopy 10 with pleats and medially expanding frame 90. It additionally alleviates adverse effects consequent from having a moist patio umbrella cover and canopeum retracted in a container lacking effective means for encouraging evaporation of enclosed moisture.

Sheet 6/9 shows cross-sectional views of mitigation vessel segment A 320 and mitigation vessel segment B 325. Wicking material retainer 380 has the form of a perforated cylinder, providing means for maintaining wicking material 370 in a functional position immediately adjacent to the interior wall surface of each mitigation vessel assembly 310 segment.

After retracted umbrella elements including complete double canopy 10 with pleats, medially expanding frame 90, canopeum 171 and other cooperating elements are secured within mitigation vessel segments A 320 and B 325, said vessels' construction facilitates passage of moisture from the encompassed components and allowing it to exit through a plurality of moisture release apertures 390 in walls of said wicking material retainer 380 into wicking material 370. The present embodiment's wicking material 370 comprises microfiber based fabric providing means for moisture transport. As moisture is absorbed, it is transported toward the plurality of apertures in wall of mitigation vessel assembly 310, then passes outward via said moisture release apertures 390 to the embodiments' ambient environment.

Amounts of wicking material required, and precise dimensionality of its emplacement, are contingent on factors best known at time of manufacture. Such factors include absorbency specificities of canopy material, its ability to shed moisture, compositional specifications of available wicking material, and the ratio of a particular wicking material's absorbency to the maximum amount of moisture anticipated to be carried into moisture mitigation vessel 320 by said canopy 10, frame 90, and other cooperating elements. Wicking material retainer 380 contains a plurality of moisture release apertures 390, with sufficient size and separation between each opening so as to insure structural integrity of liner 380.

In order to ensure firmly supported articulation between stick 180 and mitigation vessel segment A 320, stick collimation knob 340 is attached to the lower part of stick 180. Stick collimation nob 340 provides means for collimating and stabilizing stick 180 during deployment, use, and retraction operations of the present embodiment. Said stick collimation knob 340 provides means for supporting stick 180 as it is vertically centered along the longitudinal axis of the mitigation vessel component A 320. Conventional stick lock 350 cooperates with the stick collimation knob 340 to secure said knob 340, stick, 180, medially expanding frame 90, complete double cover 10 with pleats, and cooperating elements, including canopeum 172 in position during occasions when stick 180 is fully extended. Stick lock 360 is automatically released in a conventional manner during retraction operations allowing said stick collimation knob 340 and cooperating stick 180 mounted elements to be urged into moisture mitigation vessel 320.

D. Canopeum

The present embodiment's canopeum comprises a three dimensional cover of insect net material, wall details, a plurality of attachment elements, and various devices that provide means of interaction with other elements of this embodiment. Due to the nature of insect barrier materials, the embodiment's canopeum 171 is capable of replacement. With a substantially dome shaped configuration, the canopeum presents an oculus at its upper periphery, thereby providing means to substantially encircle other elements at, and circumferential to, the top of the umbrella stick 180. Canopeum attachment elements 177 at the margins of the oculus enable attachment of said canopeum 171 to the embodiment's stick 180, thereby insuring said canopeum 171 maintains a concentric alignment with said stick's major axis.

The canopeum contains a plurality of canopeum wall slots 191 extending from its upper region down to canopeum terminal element 175 which reaches ground level at full canopeum 171 deployment. Canopeum wall slots 191 serve as tracks to orient and guide passage of canopeum extenders during deployment and retraction operations. Each of said slots 191 also contains a plurality of canopeum curtain elements 174 through which said canopeum extenders 172 freely traverse.

During retraction operations, canopeum extender 172 elements, being attached at their distal ends to cooperating canopeum terminal elements 175, progressively urge said canopeum terminal elements 175 and attached canopeum periphery upward. Connections between canopeum extender 172 elements and canopeum terminal elements 175 are conventional and may be unfastened when canopeum replacement is warranted.

Due to larger size of canopeum terminal elements 175 relative to apertures of canopeum curtain elements 174, retraction of the canopeum by means of upward motion of canopeum extenders 172 results in formation of a progressive pattern of large, substantially horizontal, pleats in the rising canopeum wall. This form of gathering canopeum material during retraction operations is analogous to the accumulation of horizontal drapery folds in stage curtains.

E. Canopeum Deployment Mechanism

General Description of Functions:

The canopeum deployment system of the present embodiment provides means for effecting placement of canopeum 171 in a suitable configuration so as to substantially encompass a volume of space thereby providing means for interdicting insect intrusions therein. The system additionally provides means for returning said canopeum 171 to its retracted configuration at the top of complete double canopy 10.

These outcomes are accomplished by deployment means whereby urging forces, applied by the umbrella user to runner B 186 are translated by mechanical means of producing inverse mechanical advantage serving to multiply the linear range of runner B 186 by an approximate factor of four. Runner B 186, when manipulated by the umbrella user, thereby urges deployment of canopeum 171 to its fully extended configuration.

General Description of Components:

Elements comprising canopeum deployment mechanisms of the invention's present embodiment include runner B 186; runner B to pulley shuttle connector 187; pulley shuttle 194; slotted shuttle bay 193; union transporter cord A 181; union transporter cord B 182; upper and lower shuttle pulleys 198, 199; upper and lower guide pulleys 232, 233; upper and lower inverter pulleys 202, 203; union compartment 192; union 179; extender redirection element 173; redirection transition slots 197; canopeum extenders 172; stick crown apertures 178; radial tunnels 176; canopeum wall slots 191; canopeum curtain elements 174; and canopeum terminal elements 175.

In this present embodiment, specifically a patio umbrella, said mechanical range multiplication operation is accomplished by a combination of compound pulley systems acting in cooperation with constraints applied to curvilinear paths traced by the canopeum extender 172 elements when urged by union 179, thereby manifesting a pseudo-pulley arrangement, providing means for additional application of a one to two inverse mechanical advantage with respect to the linear ranges of said union transporter cords A and B, 181 and 182, relative to the linear ranges of extension applied to canopeum extenders 172.

Two mechanical sub-assemblies, one in each of two elongated zones: union compartment 192 and slotted bay 193, subdividing interior cross-sectional space of stick 180, each produce ideal mechanical advantages of approximately one to two. Said mechanical sub-assemblies cooperate to multiply the manipulated range of runner B 186 by the desired factor of approximately four; thereby reducing the distance operators must move runner B 186 in order to achieve a suitable canopeum deployment and retraction range—substantially four times the operating range of runner B 186.

A compound pulley mechanism comprising two small sheave pulleys mounted in tandem within pulley shuttle 194; upper and lower guide pulleys 232, 233; and upper and lower inverter pulleys 202, 203; provide the specified mechanical advantage of 1:2 thereby providing means for an initial doubling of the linear range of runner B 186, and transmitting this enhancement to union 179 via union transporter cords A and B, 181 and 182.

The two pulleys mounted in pulley shuttle 194 are designated upper shuttle moving pulley 198 and lower shuttle moving pulley 199. Pulley shuttle 194 comprises said pulleys 198 and 199 seated in an encompassing frame providing stabilization means for securing cooperation between said pulleys and associated transporter cords A and B 181, 182 thereby ensuring said cords maintain proper functioning contact with said pulleys. Other pulleys comprising said mechanisms are afforded benefits of similar conventional securement means.

The interior of stick 180 is substantially partitioned into two vertically elongated non-circular compartments. The first of these hollows, union compartment 192, provides a vertical displacement track for union 179 as well as providing containment space for cooperating elements comprising canopeum extenders 172; extender redirection element 173; and union transporter cords 181 and 182. Said union compartment 192 additionally provides collimating means for aligning canopeum extenders 172.

The second compartment internally subdividing stick 180, slotted shuttle bay 193 provides comparable functions, with regard to pulley shuttle 194 and its directly cooperating elements. Non-circular cross-sectional profiles of these two compartments provide means for precluding substantial rotation of encompassed elements around their vertical axes of traverse, thereby restricting deleterious effects resulting from twisting and entanglements of said cooperating elements.

Within stick 180, an elongated dividing structure, internal stick wall 201, substantially separates slotted shuttle bay 193 from the larger cross-sectional region of union compartment 192. This wall of separation provides additional structural reinforcement means for strengthening stick 180. This particular reinforcement means substantially compensates for reduced structural integrity of stick 180 due to the presence of shuttle bay slot 195. At locations of upper and lower inverter pulleys 202, 203 the internal stick wall 201 is not present, thereby providing means for placement of said pulleys 202 and 203

Pulley Descriptions:

When the decision is made to deploy the embodiment's canopeum, the following sequence takes place: Runner B 186 is manually urged upward from its base location in unison with runner B to pulley shuttle connector 187. Said connector 187 passes through the wall of stick 180 via elongated shuttle bay slot 195, and thereby urges pulley shuttle 194, situated within slotted shuttle bay 193, to slide upward. Pulley shuttle 194 comprises the tandem set of upper shuttle moving pulley 198 and lower shuttle moving pulley 199, mounted on pulley shuttle 194 in opposite directions, the former erect, the latter inverted.

These elements are components of two complementary transport operations, one transmitting an upward force and the other downward force, a combination providing means for moving union 179 in direct response to primary urgings initiated by displacement of runner B 186. Upper shuttle moving pulley 198 is connected to its cooperating fixed upper guide pulley 232 by means of union transporter cord A 181. The second pulley component in pulley shuttle 194, inverted relative to the aforementioned first, engages lower guide pulley 233 by means of union transporter cord B 182.

Embodiment pulleys are mounted within close fitting bracket conformations, providing means for insuring proper placement between cords and cooperating pulley grooves. Axes of rotation of the two moving pulleys in pulley shuttle 194 are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of runner B to pulley shuttle connector 187.

This first mechanical sub-system introduces an initial multiplicative enhancement to linear movements of runner B 186, thereby providing means for effecting vertical displacements of union 179 substantially twice the linear extents of corresponding displacements of said runner B 186, as urged by the umbrella operator.

Two union transporter cords are present, union transporter cord A 181 and union transporter cord B 182. One end of cord A 181 is anchored to the frame of fixed upper guide pulley 232 at the top of slotted shuttle bay 193; the second union transporter cord B 182 has an end secured at lower guide pulley 233 which is attached in fixed position near the lower end of slotted shuttle bay 193. From each of said anchorages, each of said cords 181 and 182 extends toward its cooperating moving shuttle pulley 198 or 199 on pulley shuttle 194. Cords 181 and 182 then each makes a half turn around its cooperating moving pulley, thereby reversing direction and extending back toward its cooperating fixed upper or lower guide pulley 232, 233.

Passing 180 degrees of arc around each of said fixed guide pulleys 232, 233, respective union transporter cords 181, 182, again having reversed their directions of travel, extend toward pulley shuttle 194. At said shuttle 194, the cords traverse in opposite directions shuttle cord apertures 204 in shuttle 194, bypassing adjacent to shuttle pulleys 198, 199. Extending vertically past said pulley shuttle 194, each union transporter cord 181 and 182 then reaches and turns 180 degrees of arc, halfway around its cooperating upper or lower inverter pulley 202, 203.

Said inverter pulleys 202 and 203, having sufficient diameter and axial offset angle, provide means for transitioning placement of union transporter cords 181 and 182 from their vertical alignments with upper and lower guide pulleys 232, 233 thereby achieving suitable vertical alignments of said cords at their respective distal attachment sites. Union transporter cord A 181 is attached to the bottom of union 179; and union transporter cord B 182 is connected to the top of extender redirection element 173, which is attached to the top of union 179.

The operational outcome of mechanical operations described above is a multiplication of runner B 186's operational range by an approximate net factor of two, with this enhancement then directly applied to upward and downward vertical displacements of union 179.

This augmentation is in turn is supplemented by range enhancement means associated with the second sub-system of the present embodiment's canopeum deployment operation. An additional improvement provides a supplemental mechanical range enhancement. This, in combination with the primary pulley sub-system linear advantage described above, provides means for a total multiplication by four, runner B's fundamental range compared to the effective range of canopeum extenders 172. This augmentation thereby provides the necessary deployment range of canopeum 171 in order to allow its extension and retraction between the top of canopy 10 and ground level.

Canopeum Extenders and their Directly Cooperating Parts:

Canopeum extenders 172 are formed from elongated flexible strips, in the present embodiment similar in composition and physical properties to ties used to bundle electrical wires. Said canopeum extenders 172 comprise material of appropriate composition and dimensions so as to have a flexural modulus consistent with providing requisite compatibility between sufficient stiffness in combination with suitable flexibility for proper functioning of the embodiment's canopeum deployment system.

While stiffness of canopeum extenders 172 is consistent with providing means for urging deployment of canopeum 171, these elements also exhibit flexibility sufficient to negotiate directional reversals, as each traverses its cooperating redirection transition slot 197 within extender redirection element 173 situated at the top of union 179.

Each canopeum extender 172 is fixed at one end at an individual anchorage site by the top of union compartment 192. Said extenders then range downward through union compartment 192 toward cooperating redirection transition slots 197. Each element of this plurality of redirection transition slots 197 has the form of an inverted “U” shaped aperture having a smooth internal surface so as to reduce friction. Slot elements 197 are arraigned in a stacked formation. Slots 197, serving as passageways for canopeum extenders 172, are distributed radially at equal angles; with dimensions and vertical separations sufficient to facilitate passages of canopeum extenders 172. In so doing, said extenders are reversed with respect to their vertical directions of traverse.

Subsequent to said extenders' redirection upward within union compartment 192, walls of said compartment 192 provide collimating and bracing means for reducing any tendency of said canopeum extenders 172 to bend and bow while being urged vertically. Canopeum extenders 172 are aligned near the top of stick 180 by the upper portion of union compartment 192 by means of stick crown apertures 178. The plurality of canopeum extenders 172 exit stick 180 via radial tunnels 176, which provide collimating means for said extenders.

The extenders extensions beyond stick 180 respond to displacements of union 179. This cooperation provides principal components of what is functionally another “gun” pulley arrangement similar to that previously described relating to displacements of pulley shuttle 194 and cords A and B 181, 182 that form basic elements of the sub-system described above.

With regard to the elements comprising the embodiment's second sub-system, directly involving operation of union 179, said redirection transition slots 197 function in a manner analogous to moving pulleys of pulley shuttle 194. Similarly, canopeum extender elements 172 operate similarly to union transporter cords A and B 181,182. As a result, displacements of union 179 enable a doubling in effective displacements of said extender elements 172 relative to vertical displacements of union 179. This 200% enhancement of linear range, in combination with the initial doubling of vertical movements of runner B 186, produces an enhancement in the ranges of canopeum extenders 172, relative to movements of runner B 186 by a factor substantially equal to four.

After exiting stick 180 canopeum extenders 172 progressively pass through radial tunnels 176, canopeum wall slots 191, canopeum curtain elements 174, and their distal ends are affixed to canopeum terminal elements 175. When drawn up in a retracted mode substantially adjacent to the distal ends of radial tunnels 176, canopeum 171 is organized in a garland-like pattern with at plurality of gatherings by distal ends of radial tunnels 176.

Tunnels 176 provide radial alignment means for encouraging well-ordered deployment of canopeum 171 across the umbrella's upper canopy segment 30 and beyond the canopy's distal periphery 20.

Rigidity of radial tunnels 176 supplement intrinsic stiffness of canopeum extenders 172 as said extenders 172 urge canopy extension. After exiting radial tunnels 176, canopeum extenders 172 traverse in turn, canopeum wall niches 191 containing canopeum curtain elements 174; then reach the base of canopeum 171 where said extenders 172 attach to canopeum terminal elements 175, thereby providing means for encouraging deployment of canopeum 171 walls to ground level.

When it is desired to retract the canopeum 171, runner B release element 196 is activated and runner B 186 is manually urged to the bottom of its range on stick 180. In this manner, the processes detailed above are reversed, with canopeum curtain elements 174 drawn up in progressive, discrete horizontal sections. Canopeum 171 is thereby restored to its stowed position, draped from distal ends of radial tunnels 176 atop upper canopy segment 30.

Statement of Component Composition:

In the present embodiment on the invention components are composed, to the greatest extent possible given availability and cost, of materials having low coefficients of electrical conductivity thereby providing means for enhanced safety. Overall dimensions of embodiments are fundamentally predicated by the desired extent of coverage. Pleats 50 and material composition of the present embodiment's complete double canopy 10 provide capability for substantial variations in overall size and specific increased coverage area. These features, in addition to the invention's dripless performance when retracted, and frame distal shields 160, and canopeum deployment mechanism provide significant improvements in order to compete in the marketplace.

Although the complete double canopy 10 with pleats, medially expanding frame 90 with frame distal shields 160, mitigation vessel segments A and B 320 and 325, wicking material 370, wicking material, retainer 380, radial tunnels 176, elongated flexible extenders 173, and cooperating canopeum deployment system elements comprise the essence of the present embodiment of this invention, disclosed elements function in cooperation with a plurality of conventional components known in prior art of umbrella construction. Given the invention's detailed specification, its manner of fabrication and assembly would be obvious to one skilled in the practice.

Modifications

While the preferred embodiment and alternate embodiments of the invention have been described above as a patio type umbrella, it will be recognized and understood that various modifications can be made in the invention, and the associated claims are intended to cover all such modifications which may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

In one example, elastic elements attached to said complete double canopy 10 may provide means for urging its retraction while also allowing expansion due to urging forces acting on it by cooperating frame elements. The complete double canopy may be constructed using material innately capable of expansion and contraction. Material composition of canopy elements including upper 30 and lower canopy segments 40 may be opaque, translucent, or transparent, provide solar protection via broadband electromagnetic wavelength selection, or may incorporate prisms for effecting rainbow colors. Suitable material for use in said canopy 10 includes specialized paper products manufactured by melding plastic between layers of paper. Articles may be suspended within upper and lower segments of the complete double canopy 20. These objects may comprise mobile items and lights. Light sources, light emitting diode (LED) elements for example, may be mounted within the compass of complete double canopy 10 in a conventional manner thereby providing means for illumination and in addition display of illustrations and textural information. Mechanisms used to secure stick 180 and medially expanding frame 90 in positions relative to other elements of the present invention may vary, including such conventional devices as bayonet type interlocks, and varied methods of securing element to element connection, articulation, and fastening such as those that may gleaned from the conventional art.

Alternate Embodiments

Alternate embodiments of the present invention comprise a variety of element combinations selected from aspects disclosed herein.

For Example:

An alternate embodiment comprises a patio type umbrella without radial tunnels 176, elongated flexible extenders 173, and canopeum 172 comprised of insect netting, or other elements comprising a canopeum deployment system.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, mitigation vessel component B has a pointed, helical tip providing means for facilitation securement in sand as said embodiment serves as a beach type umbrella.

In another alternate embodiment of the present invention comprises a patio umbrella, with a complete double canopy and medially expanding frame cooperating without elements of mitigation vessel assembly 310.

In still another alternate embodiment, said invention may operate with a mitigating vessel not comprising wicking material 370, wicking material retainer 380, and moisture release apertures 390.

RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE

The words “horizontal”, “vertical”, “up”, “down”, “in”, “out”, “top”, “bottom”, upper, lower, “interior”, “exterior”, “distal” and similar expressions are to be interpreted as relative to the embodiments discussed and cooperating components of the invention and are not intended to be otherwise limiting. Embodiments described herein are included for example only. Additional variations of the claimed invention's concepts will be obvious to those skilled in the art, such as adaptation or inclusion of known alternative devices and materials.

Although the description above contains much specificity, this should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the present embodiments of this invention. For example the invention may function with or without a canopeum and its cooperating disclosed deployment elements. The invention may also function with or without elements of a mitigation vessel assembly. In addition, medially expanding frame 90, complete double canopy 10, and cooperating elements may be composed of alternate materials. Elements of the medially expanding frame 90 may be brought to their deployed and retracted positions along alternate trajectories, rather than that specified in the present example. Dimensions of frame elements, their number, and arrangements within its total composition, as well as variations of lengths and connection positions of links, may be specified by one skilled in the art according to desired usage factors. Such factors include ability to resist, in cooperation with elements of complete double canopy 10, structural deformations caused by various anticipated levels of wind intensity. Specified dimensions of all other elements can vary; stick 180 may have a conventional telescoping type embodiment, mitigation vessel assembly 310 may or may not be present.

When present, said mitigation vessel assembly 310 can have other shapes, such as oval, conical, hemispherical, or crafted in a freely creative form. Individual component elements comprising said vessel may have cross-sectional shapes such as rectangular, circular, oval, trapezoidal, triangular, etc., mitigation vessel 310 as well as other suitable surfaces such as the upper and lower surfaces of the complete double canopy 10 may be used for flattened or three dimensional, such as bas-relief, decorative or commercial representations including text, and or illustrations; the medially expanding frame 90 may have varied numbers of individual elements, dimensions and manifestations. Elements connecting linkage elements of the frame may have alternate dimensions, shapes, and compositions, complete double canopy 10 may, in additional embodiments, have other compositions, dimensions, manners of expansion and contraction other than pleats, such as that provided by inherently expandable materials, stated connections for attaching various elements of the invention to cooperating elements can be replaced by other types of connection which enable said elements to be appropriately constrained, or when necessary have means for rotate or translate effectively relative to cooperating elements. Alternate devices may be used for attachment, and connecting various elements. Although our disclosed system functions with a variety of components seen in the prior art, it does not necessarily require all of these. Each element indicated above may also find a useful application in other types of structure differing from those described.

The description of the present invention has been made for purposes of revealing particularly useful embodiments. It is not intended to limit the invention to only the disclosed forms. The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

Claims

1. An umbrella system comprising a stick, canopy, and frame, wherein improvements include: a complete double canopy having an upper canopy segment, and a lower canopy segment, each segment being of substantially equal dimensions and providing means for expanding when urged between a retracted and a deployed extent; said canopy segments substantially separated from each other except at their mutual distal periphery thereby providing means for substantially encompassing and cooperating with a frame to which said complete double canopy is attached, said complete double canopy providing means for enhanced structural integrity of said cooperating frame.

2. The umbrella system of claim 1, further comprising: a medially expanding frame comprising a plurality of individual linkage sets, each set having means for connecting to a notch and slider A in cooperation with said stick, each linkage set also comprising a plurality of elongated elements mutually and rotationally connected, thereby forming a structure providing means for extending the circumference of the complete double canopy in an akimbo manner from a retracted configuration substantially proximate and medially adjacent to the stick and ranging outward from said stick to a fully extended deployed configuration, said complete double canopy, supported by structural means of said frame, thereby assuming a downwardly concave configuration, distal elements of said medially expanding frame when fully extended being located on a plane perpendicular to the umbrella stick substantially lower than the position of an umbrella runner A when said runner A is fixed at its deployed location along said stick; the outermost ends of the distal pair of links in said medially expanding frame being pivotally connected thereby forming a pair of cooperating frame distal shields, said shield elements being substantially curved and enlarged in diameter compared to the maximum diameter of frame links, thereby said distal shields provide means for improved safety, as a result of their wider distribution of forces relative to conventional umbrella frame tips, during circumstances involving unwanted contact with conventional tips.

3. The umbrella system of claim 2, further comprising: a mitigation vessel consisting of a segment A and a segment B, which in combination provide means for substantially encompassing other cooperating elements of said umbrella, said mitigation vessel elements additionally providing means for structurally cooperating with conventional umbrella support elements comprising a table, attachment elements, and cooperating structural elements said stick, medially expanding frame and complete double canopy, thereby providing physical support and stability to cooperating umbrella elements.

4. The umbrella of claim 3, further comprising: elements within said mitigation vessel segments providing means for absorption, transport, and dispersal of moisture released by encompassed embodiment elements via a plurality of apertures perforating walls of said vessel whereby water vapor may be vented to the ambient environment.

5. The umbrella of claim 4, further comprising: a mechanism providing means for extending, supporting, and retracting a canopeum of protective material, said mechanism comprising a plurality of elongated flexible canopeum extenders, a plurality of mechanical elements contained within the stick, said mechanical elements providing a multiplication of a linear range traversed by an element represented by a runner B external to said stick whose urgings are directly transmitted to said internal mechanism via a mutual connection element the runner B to pulley shuttle connector, extending from said runner B to cooperating internal urging elements by means of said connector's placement traversing an elongated slot perforating the exterior wall of said stick; a plurality of flexible elongated canopeum extender elements, said elements providing capability means for being urged by manipulation of runner B, said canopeum extenders having sufficient proportionality between necessary stiffness means for transmitting urging forces originating at said runner B in order to encourage deployment of said canopeum; a plurality of elongated spaces comprising a union compartment, a pulley shuttle bay, a plurality of radial tunnels, and a plurality of canopeum wall slots providing means for collimating said canopeum extender and cooperating moving elements thereby constraining their unwanted deformations, said constraints providing means for assisting in the alignment of canopeum urging forces relative to stick compartments, bays, radial tunnels, and canopeum wall niches, said elongated flexible canopeum extenders additionally providing necessary means for transmitting forces sufficient to effect retraction of said canopeum, canopeum extender elements additionally providing sufficient flexibility means for sufficiently bending around extender redirection elements contained within said umbrella stick; said embodiment additionally comprising a plurality of radial tunnel elements attached to said stick, thereby providing means for aligning the plurality of flexible elongated elements as said elongated elements in turn provide means for urging deployment, support, and retraction of said canopeum, a plurality of apertures in said stick providing means for ingress and egress, relative to the interior of said stick by the plurality of elongated flexible canopeum extender elements, a plurality of mechanical force transmission elements mounted on and contained within said stick, said plurality of elements providing mechanical advantage means for extension and retraction of said plurality of flexible elongated elements as they convey forces urging deployment, provide support, and promote retraction of cooperating canopeum elements; said runner B, accessible on the exterior of said stick and directly connected to elongated element, runner B to pulley shuttle connector, extending through an elongated aperture in the exterior wall of said stick, the shuttle bay slot, thereby providing means for urging an internal mobile element, the pulley shuttle within the elongated space of the shuttle bay, said pulley shuttle being a sub-assembly of a mechanical system comprising a plurality of pulleys supporting elongated flexible cords, which in combination produce an inverse mechanical advantage providing, via said plurality of elongated flexible cords, a multiplied linear variation of runner B's range and transmitting said improvement to another cooperating movable component, the union platform element, located within said elongated space of the union compartment; said union serving in cooperation with a extender redirection element containing a plurality of internal curved orifices, serves to provide means for inducing an additional inverse mechanical advantage with respect to movements of a plurality of elongated flexible elements, the canopeum extenders as said extenders are urged and redirected by passing through said curved orifices, the elongated flexible canopeum extender elements thereby being capable of transmitting linear urging means for extending, supporting, and retracting said canopeum,

6. An umbrella system comprising a stick, frame, and canopy, wherein improvements comprise: a medially expanding frame, said frame providing means for extending the circumference of the canopy from a retracted position substantially proximate to said stick and expanding, to a fully deployed configuration wherein said canopy, supported by said medially expanding frame, assumes a downwardly concave configuration, distal elements of the medially expanding frame, when fully extended, being situated on a plane perpendicular to the umbrella stick situated substantially lower than the plane perpendicular to said stick located at a vertical elevation substantially equal to that of the umbrella runner A when said runner is fixed at its fully deployed upper location along said stick; said medially expanding frame comprising a plurality of linkage sets arrayed radially around a central axis coincident with the major axis of said umbrella stick, said linkage sets comprising a plurality of individual links arrayed in the manner of a lazy-tong, providing means for extending distal ends of its outermost pairs of links to fully deployed positions relative to said stick; each linkage set not comprising any individual elongated element projecting substantially beyond conjoined distal ends of said outmost pair of links; said distal pair of links having distal ends with curved surfaces whose radii are substantially greater than half the maximum cross-sectional dimension of elongated frame elements, thereby providing means for improved safety by minimizing potential for puncture wounds resulting from forcible contact with distal umbrella frame elements.

7. The umbrella system of claim 6, further comprising: a complete double canopy substantially consisting of an upper and a lower canopy segment, each segment imbued with expanding means for substantially increasing its effective surface extent when said complete double canopy is urged between retracted and deployed configurations; upper and lower segments of said canopy being attached to said medially expanding frame and having a structure that when fully deployed maintains the upper and lower segments of said complete double canopy substantially separated from the other, except at their mutual periphery, and means are thereby provided for substantially encompassing said medially expanding frame, and also providing means for enhancing structural integrity of said medially expanding frame.

8. The umbrella system of claim 7, further comprising: a mitigation vessel consisting of a segment A and a segment B, which in combination provide means for substantially encompassing other cooperating elements of said umbrella system, said mitigation vessel elements additionally providing means for structurally cooperating with conventional umbrella support elements including a table, as well as attachment elements, also facilitating cooperation with structural elements including said stick, thereby providing physical support and stability to cooperating umbrella elements.

9. The umbrella of claim 8, further comprising: elements within said mitigation vessel segments providing means for absorption, transport, and dispersal of moisture released by encompassed embodiment elements via a plurality of apertures perforating walls of said vessel whereby water vapor may be vented to the ambient environment, said internal elements comprising material having appropriate properties so as to provide means for substantial absorption and transport of moisture from encapsulated covering and support elements to said apertures and thereby into space outside said embodiment.

10. The umbrella of claim 9, also comprising a canopeum of covering material, wherein additional improvements comprise a plurality of flexible elongated canopeum extender elements, said elements when urged by manipulation of a runner B element thereby facilitate extension, support, and retraction of the canopeum, said canopeum extenders manifesting sufficient proportionality between necessary stiffness means for transmitting urging forces originating at runner B, so as to encourage deployment extension of said canopeum; a plurality of extended hollow elements comprising internal spaces of said stick defined by walls and internal wall partitions of said stick, a plurality of radial tunnels, a plurality of canopeum wall slots, and a plurality of canopeum curtain elements, each providing means for collimating said canopeum extender elements thereby constraining unwanted deformations of said extenders, and providing means for effectively aligning transmission vectors of canopeum urging forces, when said extender elements are present in, and move within said union compartment, extend through a plurality of elongated hollow radial tunnels, canopeum wall slots, canopeum curtain elements; the plurality of elongated flexible canopeum extenders additionally and concomitantly having required tensile strength means for transmitting forces effecting retraction of said canopeum, canopeum extender elements also having sufficient flexibility means in order for said extenders to have capability of assuming sufficient curvatures while being guided around extender redirection elements; said plurality of hollow radial tunnel elements attached to said stick providing additional means for aligning said flexible elongated canopeum extender elements as said elements in turn transmit force means for urging deployment, support, and retraction of the cooperating canopeum; a plurality of apertures in said stick providing means for ingress and egress, relative to interior walls of said stick, by the plurality of elongated flexible canopeum extender elements; a plurality of mechanical elements mounted on and contained within said stick providing mechanical advantage means for extension and retraction of said plurality of flexible elongated elements as they in turn transmit said forces urging deployment, provide support, and additionally urge retraction of canopeum elements; a plurality of elongated flexible union transporter cords that cooperate with a plurality of mechanical elements comprising components including a system of pulleys mounted in tandem on a shuttle element, a plurality of additional cooperating pulleys, said elements serving in cooperation with elements contained in a union compartment, thereby combining mechanical effects in order to provide means for producing inverse mechanical advantages with respect to linear displacements of a primary motive element, runner B accessible on the exterior of said stick, multiplicative displacement enhancement resulting from the pulley system primarily associated with induced movements of the pulley shuttle are applied to union transporter cords which in turn convey urging force means for moving a union element; elements within the union compartment then in turn provide additional inverse mechanical advantage means based on redirections of said canopeum extender elements, said displacements serving in the manner of a so-called gun pulley arraignment, similar in function to the pulley system comprising elements of said pulley shuttle, guide pulleys, and union transporter cords, thereby providing additional enhancement means for extending and retracting said canopeum.

11. An umbrella system comprising stick, frame, securing elements, and covering elements, wherein improvements comprise: mechanisms providing means for transmitting urging forces to covering elements resulting from movements of input elements, thereby causing deployment of said cooperating covering elements between retracted and extended configurations; distances traversed by covering elements being related to corresponding displacements of said input elements; said displacements comprising distance of input to output ratios associated with mechanical connections between said input and output elements, mechanical properties of said connections thereby providing means for relating motion ranges of said input elements to those of said covering elements by a factor specific to absolute and relative sizes of embodiment components; this improvement being the result of mechanical advantages produced by cooperating elements of said deployment mechanisms; an elongated aperture perforating the wall of said stick providing means for maintaining direct physical connection between said input devices and cooperating elements of the mechanical deployment mechanism; compromised structural integrity of said stick resulting from the wall breach represented by said elongated aperture being substantially compensated for by the presence of an internal stick wall, said partition providing means for re-enforcing said stick, said internal wall additionally providing means for supporting elements of said mechanical deployment mechanism which in turn provide means for said displacement of said covering elements relative to causal displacement of said input elements; a plurality of elongated vertical spaces within said stick defined by internal and external walls of said stick, said spaces comprising a plurality of compartments and bays; each of said compartments and bays having individual, segmented, non-circular cross-sectional profiles thereby providing means for mitigating substantial rotation of plurality of moving elements encompassed within said spaces relative to major axes of said spaces and individual axes of displacement; said vertical spaces traversing sections of said umbrella stick thereby providing means for containing and guiding traverse of elements providing means for urging extension, support, and retraction of cooperating umbrella covering elements.

12. The umbrella system of claim 11, further comprising: said internal wall elements of said stick providing means for separating elongated vertical spaces in said stick, and additionally providing structural reinforcement means for substantially strengthening said stick and thereby providing compensation means for compromised structural integrity of said stick due to presence of said elongated aperture in the wall of said stick, said aperture allowing a direct cooperative connections between urging system elements located outside and within said stick; a series of urging force transmission elements beginning with runner B, then following in sequence, runner B to pulley shuttle connector, pulley shuttle, upper and lower pulley shuttle moving pulleys, and continuing via interactive cooperation with union transporter cords A and B, upper and lower guide pulleys, and lower and upper inverter pulleys.

13. The umbrella system of claim 12 further comprising: an extension of said series of urging force transmission elements beginning with lower and upper inverter pulleys, and continuing by means of said union transporter cords A and B to, union 179, extender redirection element, a plurality of redirection transition slots, a plurality of canopeum extenders, and a plurality of canopeum terminal elements.

14. The umbrella system of claim 13 comprising: transport means additionally comprising an elongated slotted shuttle bay within the cross-sectional compass of said umbrella stick, a portion of the vertical extent of said slotted shuttle bay containing a vertical slot aperture having sufficient dimensions so as to allow passage of elements capable of transmitting urging force between umbrella elements mounted on the exterior of said stick and cooperating elements, providing urging means for deployment of cooperating umbrella elements, said urging means contained within said slotted shuttle bay; an elongated internal wall segment of said slotted shuttle bay extending vertically within the interior of the stick, said wall in marginal contact with, but otherwise separated from, the external wall of the stick, said internal wall segment of said slotted shuttle bay providing means for reinforcing structural integrity of said stick, thereby substantially compensating for any diminishment in the structural integrity of said stick due to breaches in wall of said stick comprising the slotted shuttle bay slot, said slotted shuttle bay encompassing a plurality of pulleys, elongated flexible cord elements, and a pulley shuttle providing means for producing what is in effect an inverse mechanical advantage multiplying input displacements of primary external urging forces; a tandem set of pulleys, an upper and lower shuttle moving pulley, both mounted on said pulley shuttle contained within said slotted shuttle bay; said elements cooperating with upper and lower guide pulleys, and additionally cooperating with upper and lower inverter pulleys by means of said plurality of extended flexible cord elements, said cord elements additionally passing through said pulley shuttle by means of a plurality of shuttle cord apertures; the cooperating combination of said elements providing means for producing an inverse mechanical advantage thereby multiplying range of movement of an external element whose urging force is then transmitted to said internal elements within said stick by means of a physical connective element passing through the wall of said stick via said elongated aperture, said plurality of extended flexible cord elements each with a first end being attached to immobile sites within said stick, and after traversing said combination of pulley elements, said cord elements with their distal ends attached to either the top or bottom of a union element contained in an elongated space, a union compartment, within said stick, said union bay being partly separated from said slotted shuttle bay by said internal stick wall, said attachments providing means of facilitating a transmission of urging forces, originating at an external mobile runner B element, and affected by engagements between the elongated flexible cord elements and plurality of pulley elements to the union element, said union element being directly attached to an extender redirection element that in turn provides means for multiplying linear movements transmitted by the union and, as a result of redirecting a plurality of extender elements, whose first ends are affixed to inside walls of said stick, thereby structural configuration of orifices in said redirection element causing said redirection of individual second, distal ends of said canopeum extender elements, thereby encouraging said second distal ends to be extended from apertures of said stick and providing deployment means for extending, supporting, and retracting said covering elements.

15. The umbrella system of claim 14 comprising: elements including an initial external urging device represented by a runner B providing means for urging deployment of covering elements via its connection to an internal moveable pulley shuttle by means of a runner B to pulley shuttle connector operating between the exterior and interior of said stick via its passage through an elongated aperture providing thereby direct motive communication between said external urging source and said pulley shuttle; an elongated flexible cord being attached at a first end to the frame of an upper guide pulley mounted on the interior of said stick with said pulley's axis of rotation aligned in a parallel direction relative to, and horizontally displaced from the rotational axis of an upper shuttle pulley mounted on said shuttle, said flexible extended cord passing downward from its anchorage at said guide pulley, to and then passing around said upper shuttle pulley, thereafter said cord extending back up to, and passing around the upper guide pulley in a manner such that said cord's direction is again reversed in order for it to extend downward, aligned with, and passing through, an aperture in said pulley shuttle; said cord subsequently continuing its downward extension toward the lower end of said stick where it engages and partially passes around an inverter pulley mounted at an angle sufficient so as to provide means for facilitating another reversal of cord extension, thereby providing means for presenting the extended cord with such an orientation as to provide means for providing enhanced linear mobility of covering elements of said umbrella; the afore described pulley mechanism serving in cooperation with a second, and complementary, set of similar pulley elements mounted and functioning in opposite directions from the first, thereby providing means for transmitting urging forces that are opposite in direction from those provided by cooperating first set; each of the pulley systems introduce an inverse mechanical advantage linear multiplication to the initial motive urging range of the input element which is moveably mounted on the outside of said stick and, by means of said pulley system construction, applies these enhancements via the respective cords to facilitate extension and retraction of said covering elements; construction arrangements of said pulley systems thereby function in the manner of a so-called gun pulley, providing mechanical means for multiplying the range of said input element by the nominal factor of two, and then applying this enhancement to urging movements of cooperating cords thereby providing enhancement means for the deployment of said covering elements alternately in both up and down directions in response to alternate respective urgings provided by the pulley systems described above.

16. The umbrella system of claim 15, further comprising a canopeum providing means for encompassing a volume of space; wherein improvements comprise: a plurality of elongated vertical compartments, each having non-circular cross-sectional profiles providing means for mitigating rotation of contained elements around vertical axes of translation, said defined spaces traversing linear extents of the umbrella stick thereby providing means for constraining and guiding the traverse of elements providing means for urging extension, support, and retraction of a canopeum of covering material; a plurality of elongated flexible canopeum extender elements, when suitably urged by elements comprising said plurality of pulleys and cooperating plurality of elongated flexible cords, said canopeum extender elements attached at one end to interior surfaces of said stick, then extending downward to a plurality of apertures in a redirecting element mounted on a union element, after passing through said apertures then being redirected, extender elements subsequently pass on upward toward the top of said union compartment and, passing through a plurality of elements comprising stick crown apertures, radial tunnels, a plurality of canopeum wall slots, a plurality of canopeum curtain elements, and distally attached to a plurality of canopeum terminal elements; thereby said elongated extender elements provide means for facilitating the deployment, support, and retraction of said canopeum.

17. The umbrella system of claim 16, comprising: a union element to which are attached ends of a plurality of elongated flexible cord elements, said union capable of sliding vertically within the umbrella's stick, attached to said union are cord elements of a mechanical assembly providing means for urging transport of said union inside said stick thereby in turn providing means for urging the plurality elongated flexible extenders as they urge deployment, provide support, and effect subsequent retraction of a canopeum comprising covering means for enclosing a substantive majority of elements comprising the embodiment's covering system; elements of said mechanical assembly providing means for urging transport across the operational range of movement of said union when urged by means of said union's connections with, and activation, by vertical urging input movements of runner B, said mechanical elements producing a mechanical advantage of less than one, thereby providing means for multiplication of linear range distance of said runner B relative to said stick sufficient to urge an multiplicative increase in the vertical range of movement by said extender union and its cooperating elements, causing said plurality of elongated flexible extenders, being distally attached to a plurality of canopeum terminal elements, to in turn urge canopium elements as said elements are sufficiently extended, supported, and retracted; a plurality of pulley elements contained within said stick, said pulleys mounted in a way so as to provide means for producing said inverse mechanical advantage when applied to linear movements of an external runner, thereby providing means for urging a union element that in turn functions with cooperating elements also within said stick to provide means for multiplying linear movements of said union by means of cooperation with a plurality of elongated flexible elements that serve to transmit urging forces capable alternately extending and retracting said canopeum.

18. The umbrella system of claim 17, further comprising a runner element with cooperating stick lock and lock release elements: wherein improvements comprise: a complete double canopy substantially consisting of an upper and a lower canopy segment, each segment having means for expansion comprising pleats and, or intrinsic, compositional ability for expanding in functional surface extent when said complete double canopy urged between retracted and deployed configurations; upper and lower segments of said canopy substantially separated from the other except at their mutual periphery when said canopy is at its fully deployed location relative to the umbrella stick, thereby having means for substantially encompassing, and providing means for structural reinforcing elements comprising a cooperating frame; said complete double canopy comprising material with composition providing substantial resistance to absorption of moisture; said umbrella covering system additionally comprising a medially expanding frame which provides means for urging extension of the circumference of the umbrella canopy from its retracted location substantially proximate to, and medially situated adjacent to said umbrella stick and then subsequently expanding in a substantially curvilinear, radial manner to a fully deployed configuration whereby said complete double canopy, supported by said medially expanding frame, assumes a downwardly concave shape, said distal elements of the medially expanding frame, when fully extended, being situated by a plane perpendicular to the umbrella stick and substantially lower relative to a second plane also perpendicular to said stick and located at an elevation substantially equal to that of umbrella runner A when said runner A is fixed at its fully deployed location along said stick; said medially expanding frame comprising a plurality of linkage sets arrayed radially around a central axis coincidental with the major axis of said umbrella stick, said sets each comprising a plurality of individual links in the form of a lazy-tong, providing means to extent the distal end of its outermost pair of links to a fully deployed position relative to said stick, each linkage set specifically lacking one or more extended elongated elements projecting substantially beyond conjoined distal ends of said outmost pair of links; distal termini of said frame elements having curved surfaces whose radii of curvature substantially exceed half the maximum cross-sectional dimension of elongated elements comprising said medially expanding frame, said distribution distal contact surfaces thereby providing means for offering enhanced safety.

19. The umbrella system of claim 18, further comprising: a mitigation vessel, said vessel comprising a segment A and a segment B, providing means for encompassing the complete double canopy, medially expanding frame and cooperating elements, said mitigation vessel having means for structurally cooperation with conventional umbrella support elements comprising a handle and shoulder strap, attachment locking elements and securing elements;

20. The umbrella of claim 19, further comprising: elements within said mitigation vessel segments providing means for the absorption, transport, and dispersal of moisture from encompassed embodiment elements; a plurality of apertures perforating walls of said vessel whereby water vapor may be vented to the ambient environment, said internal elements comprising material having appropriate properties so as to provide means for substantial absorption and transport of moisture from encapsulated covering and support elements including retaining elements providing means for securing said moisture absorbing and transmission material in place, and wall apertures providing means for venting said moisture to the ambient environment surrounding the embodiment.