GB2482279A

GB2482279A - A tent attachment for an umbrella

Info

Publication number: GB2482279A
Application number: GB1006534.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gary Mcdonald; Martin Mcdonald
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-04-20
Filing date: 2010-04-20
Publication date: 2012-02-01
Also published as: GB201006534D0

Abstract

An umbrella attachment provides increased shelter from precipitation. It comprises a protective sheet 101 formed into a dome with an open base of a suitable size and shape to be positioned over the opened canopy of an existing umbrella. An opening 102 is provided to allow passage of a user into the centre of the protective sheet formed into a dome. The protective sheet is preferably made from waterproof, water resistant, or water repellent material. A pocketed section 103 at the bottom of the sheet near the ground may contain weights, to hold the sheet down in windy conditions. A cap may be provided to cover the ferrule of the umbrella. Straps may also be provided to facilitate folding the umbrella attachment away. When required, the user may position the umbrella attachment 101 over the canopy of an opened umbrella, creating a free moving shelter structure.

Description

An unibre].la attachment for increased shelter from precipitation

Background of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates to a shelter, more specifically, a shelter attachable to an umbrella to provide increased protection from precipitation.

[2] Individual outdoor activities, such as walking, shopping and playing golf, are very popular the world over.

Such activities are dependent on external weather conditions.

In adverse conditions, such as rain, snow, sleet and hail, it is difficult to continue with these activities comfortably.

[3] Many people use umbrellas to shelter them from precipitation when undertaking individual outdoor activities.

However, these only provide protection from precipitation falling directly above the umbrella. Precipitation is often accompanied by wind, allowing the precipitation to hit umbrella users from the side, below the umbrella. Similarly, vehicles often splash the lower legs of people they pass under precipitative conditions, and umbrellas provide no protection against this.

[4] Attempts have been made to avoid these problems, by improving the existing umbrella. US3892251 to Warfield discloses an umbrella with extended ribs. The ribs of this umbrella extend much further than those of a conventional umbrella, approximately reaching the chest of the user. The ribs are covered by a waterproof fabric as with conventional umbrellas, protecting the face and upper chest of the user from precipitation rather than simply the head. This fails to protect the lower part of the body, though, as it does not extend far enough towards the ground. Furthermore, the fixed structure of the ribs and waterproof material prevents the user from moving freely within the device.

[5] US5664595 to Vonderhorst discloses an attachment for umbrellas comprising a weighted net or mesh fabric that extends from the top of the umbrella to the ground. As it is an attachment for an umbrella, the ribs of the umbrella are not extended as with the previous example, and no structure is provided for the net fabric. This allows the user to move freely whilst underneath the umbrella whilst protecting almost their entire body. The net or mesh fabric would provide no protection for the user against precipitation, however, and the invention was intended to protect users against mosquitoes and other flying insects. As such, it would be unsuitable for protection against precipitation when undertaking outdoor activities.

Brief Summary of the Invention

[6] It can be seen by the forgoing that a need has arisen for a extension to existing umbrellas that protects the entire body of the user from precipitation falling at all angles, whilst still allowing free movement. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide such a device.

[7] To this end, disclosed is an umbrella attachment for increased shelter from precipitation, comprising a waterproof sheet formed into a dome, with an open base, of a suitable size and shape to be positioned over the opened canopy of an existing umbrella.

[8] An advantage of the present invention is that it can protect the user from precipitation falling at all angles and also splashes from passing vehicle. This allows individuals to comfortably continue outdoor activities in adverse weather conditions.

[9] A further advantage is that it still allows the user freedom of movement whilst using an umbrella and the umbrella attachment.

Brief Description of a View of the Drawing

[10] The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawing, in which: [11] Figure one shows a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of an Enibodiment

[12] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in Figure 1, an umbrella attachment for increased shelter from precipitation is disclosed comprising: a protective sheet formed into a dome, with an open base, of a suitable size and shape to be positioned over the opened canopy of an existing umbrella 101; an opening adapted to allow passage of a user into the centre of the dome 102.

[13] The protective sheet formed into a dome 101 should comprise a waterproof, water resistant or water repellent material to protect the user from precipitation. This material may be a flexible form of plastic, or a fabric. Alternatively, it may comprise any other suitable water proof, water resistant or water repellent material known in the art.

[14] The protective sheet 101 may be transparent, to allow the user to see through the sheet.

[15] The protective sheet 101 may comprise a series of weights in a pocketed section 103 to ensure the umbrella attachment stays in place in windy conditions.

[16] The pocketed section 103 may also comprise a series of poppers' allowing the umbrella attachment to be attached to the bottom of golf bags, which often feature poppers themselves.

[17] The protective sheet formed into a dome 101 may also comprise a waterproof, water resistant or water repellent cap 104, positioned at in the top centre of the dome, to cover the ferrule frequently found on existing umbrellas.

[18] The protective sheet formed into a dome 101 may also comprise a strap 105 to facilitate folding the umbrella attachment away when not in use.

[19] The opening adapted to allow passage of a user into the centre of the dome 102 may simply be a slit in the material comprising the protective sheet formed into a dome 101.

[20] The opening 102 may be closed using a zip closure, poppers, buttons or any other suitable means known in the art.

[21] In this way, the user may position the umbrella attachment over the canopy of' an opened umbrella, creating a free moving shelter structure. To enter the shelter created by positioning the umbrella attachment, the user should unfasten the opening 102.