STRUMBRELLA

Abstract

A portable weather protection system is provided comprising a shaft with a handle at a first end of the shaft and a ring-like collar encircling the shaft and freely sliding a majority of a length of the shaft. The system also comprises a plurality of spokes attached in a hinge-like manner to a second end of the shaft and extending radially outward. The system also comprises a plurality of arms extending radially from the collar, each of the plurality supporting one of the plurality of spokes via leveraging mechanisms. The system also comprises a circular-shaped canopy attached at its center to the second end immediately above points at which the plurality of spokes attach to the second end, the canopy further attached at its edges to first ends of the spokes opposite second ends attached to the shaft.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is in the field of devices shielding users from outdoor elements. More particularly, the present disclosure is in the technical field of providing a weather protection system with a transparent, bell-shaped canopy that when closed collapses to a size that can be stored in a hand-held bag.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Persons walking outdoors seek to be protected from the elements including rain, snow, and wind. Such persons also seek unobstructed vision in all directions to be wary of other pedestrians as well as vehicle traffic as they walk. They also wish to receive protection from the elements for their shoulders and upper bodies as well as head and neck. When pushing a wheeled carriage, for example a stroller, persons receiving protection from the elements wish to have both hands free to hold and direct the carriage. Users of devices, for example umbrellas, that provide such protection also wish to conveniently store such devices when not in use. Umbrellas that when in closed position fit inside of a handbag may provide significant convenience to users pushing a stroller and/or carrying other objects.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A portable weather protection system is provided. The system comprises a shaft with a handle at a first end of the shaft and a ring-like collar encircling the shaft and freely sliding a majority of a length of the shaft. The system also comprises a plurality of spokes attached in a hinge-like manner to a second end of the shaft and extending radially outward. The system also comprises a plurality of arms that extend radially from the collar, each of the plurality supporting one of the plurality of spokes via leveraging mechanisms. The system also comprises a circular-shaped canopy attached at its center to the second end immediately above points at which the plurality of spokes attach to the second end, the canopy further attached at its edges to first ends of the spokes opposite second ends attached to the shaft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of a system of a collapsible strumbrella with bell-shaped, transparent folding canopy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts a diagram of a system of a collapsible strumbrella with bell-shaped, transparent folding canopy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 depicts a diagram of a system of a collapsible strumbrella with bell-shaped, transparent folding canopy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts a diagram of a system of a collapsible strumbrella with bell-shaped, transparent folding canopy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts a diagram of a system of a collapsible strumbrella with bell-shaped, transparent folding canopy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts a diagram of a system of a collapsible strumbrella with bell-shaped, transparent folding canopy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a weather protection system, for example an umbrella or a parasol, exhibiting a bell-shaped structure when in open position. A canopy of the system is constructed from transparent material, for example plastic. When in closed position, a shaft or center pole of the system, which is of telescoping and collapsible structure, assumes a length of about one quarter its fully extended length. As the shaft collapses inward to its closed position, the canopy folds inward on itself into folded panels about the length of the closed shaft. When closed, the umbrella may be of a length such that it fits into a purse or a baby-bag.

Because of the canopy's bell-shaped structure and construction from transparent material, a user may hold the umbrella relatively low over the user's head to protect the user's head and upper body against precipitation, wind and wind-blown objects while still being able to see in all directions. Such a structure may be particularly beneficial in urban settings wherein the user may be walking in a crowded area with many other umbrella users and where gusts of wind from between buildings may blow precipitation and debris into a user's face.

The umbrella has a handle that includes a clamping device. The clamping device allows the umbrella to be clamped to a handle of a wheeled carriage, for example a baby stroller. The user may attach the umbrella to a stroller such that both of the user's hands are free to hold the stroller while walking and pushing the stroller. In an embodiment, the system of the present disclosure may be referred to as a stroller umbrella or “strumbrella.”

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of a system of a collapsible strumbrella with bell-shaped, transparent folding canopy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The strumbrella, which in embodiments is an umbrella exhibiting the features and attributes provided herein, is comprised of handle 1, shaft 2, canopy 3, and ring-like collar 4. The canopy 3 is constructed of clear, transparent plastic allowing the user to see in all directions while holding the strumbrella low so as to protect against wind and wind-driven precipitation and debris. The shaft 2 is of a telescoping structure such that it is collapsible to a length that is about one third to one quarter its length when fully extended and the canopy 3 is in open and locked position.

FIG. 2 depicts a diagram of a system of a collapsible strumbrella with bell-shaped, transparent folding canopy according to an embodiment of the present, disclosure. FIG. 2 depicts the strumbrella in fully collapsed and closed position 5 with strap 6 and handle 7 which is an embodiment of handle 1 depicted in FIG. 1. Strap 6 wraps around the strumbrella when fully collapsed and closed and may use Velcro to secure closure.

FIG. 3 depicts a diagram of a system of a collapsible strumbrella with bell-shaped, transparent folding canopy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 depicts a portion of strumbrella in fully open and locked position including central post or shaft 8, sliding ring-like collar 9, arm 10, canopy 11, spoke 12, leveraging mechanism 13 and pocket 15. As the user of the strumbrella pushes the collar 9 up and away from the handle 1 to open the strumbrella, the arms 10 move radially outward and cause each of their attached leveraging mechanisms 13 to push the spokes 14 up and away from the shaft 8. This action causes the canopy 11 to move toward open position. The spokes 14 may be made of at least one of fiberglass, nylon or metal and are flexible such that the strumbrella maintains its bell shape when open, protecting the user's shoulders and upper body in addition to head and neck.

FIG. 3 further depicts pockets 15 at the edge of the canopy 11 into which ends of the spokes 14 are placed. When the strumbrella begins to open and the spokes 14 are raised by actions of the arms 10 and leveraging mechanisms 13, the canopy 11, because its edges have the pockets 15 into which the outer ends of the spokes 14 are placed, is stretched and becomes taut in its fully open position.

FIG. 4 depicts a diagram of a system of a collapsible strumbrella with bell-shaped, transparent folding canopy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 depicts a clamping mechanism that may be used. A metal ball 16 coated with high-friction material or other suitable anchor is attached to a bottom end of the shaft 2. A two-piece, double-ended clamp 17 is secured by at least one clamping method. A thru-bolt 18 passes through bars of the clamp 17 and is secured by at least one washer 19. The washer 19 is clamped by an offset toggle clamp 20 that is then recessed into the stroller handle 21 when closed and clamped. Adjustment is provided to accommodate various attachment anchor sizes.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 depict diagrams of a system of a collapsible strumbrella with bell-shaped, transparent folding canopy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 together illustrate another method of clamping. An articulating joint 23 is attached to the shaft 22, in an embodiment the same component as the shaft 2 of FIG. 1 and shaft 8 of FIG. 3. A thumbscrew 24 is also provided. Coated or uncoated straps 25 and 27 are incorporated into a handle of unique shape 32 that is itself coated or fashioned with high-friction material to prevent slipping when secured to a suitable anchor 31.

One of several clamping mechanisms is shown by closed 26 and open 28 levers that secure tightened straps. Other embodiments may include a serrated strap, a belt type of closure with holes and clasp, high-strength Velcro, and cam-acting belt loop closure. Straps 30 may be threaded around the anchor and pulled tight via manual pressure or cam action thus securing the handle 32 to the anchor 31 after securing the lock mechanism 29.

Claims

1. A portable weather protection system, comprising:

a shaft with a handle at a first end of the shaft;

a ring-like collar encircling the shaft and freely sliding a majority of a length of the shaft;

a plurality of spokes attached in a hinge-like manner to a second end of the shaft and extending radially outward;

a plurality of arms that extend radially from the collar, each of the plurality supporting one of the plurality of spokes via leveraging mechanisms; and

a circular-shaped canopy attached at its center to the second end immediately above points at which the plurality of spokes attach to the second end, the canopy further attached at its edges to first ends of the spokes opposite second ends attached to the shaft.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein sliding the collar away from the first end causes the arms to push the spokes up and aware from the shaft, thereby causing the canopy to transition from a closed position to an open position.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein sliding the collar away from the first end to a point along the shaft wherein the canopy is fully open causes the collar to assume a locked position such that the canopy remains in the open position until the collar is manually released from the locked position.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the shaft is of a telescoping structure and is collapsible to a collapsed length approximately one quarter its extended length when the canopy is in open position.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the canopy in open position is bell-shaped and extends below shoulder level of a user holding the handle.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the canopy is constructed of transparent material.

7. The system of claim 2, wherein the canopy in open position is of a circumference such that precipitation falling from edges of the canopy does not contact a user's body.

8. The system of claim 2, wherein when the canopy is in closed position, the shaft transitions to a fully collapsed position and the canopy folds into panels approximately the length of the shaft in fully collapsed position.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the spokes comprises approximately four component rods attached in an end-to-end manner.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the canopy when moving into closed position folds in accordance with the movements of the component rods of each spoke.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the handle is further comprises a clamping mechanism promoting attachment of the system to a wheeled carriage.