GB2510582A

GB2510582A - Collapsible umbrella stored in handle

Info

Publication number: GB2510582A
Application number: GB201302180A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Barnaby Bevan Edwards
Original assignee: Design Go Ltd
Current assignee: Design Go Ltd
Priority date: 2013-02-07
Filing date: 2013-02-07
Publication date: 2014-08-13
Also published as: GB201302180D0

Abstract

A collapsible umbrella 10 comprises a handle 16, a collapsible shank 7, a canopy 17 and a cap 15. The handle defines an internal volume 11 of space into which the canopy may be retracted when the umbrella is closed. The cap 15 is connected to the shank 7 and is engaged with the handle 16 upon retraction of the canopy 17. The cap 15 is rotatable relative to the handle 16, and a sealing element 2 is provided on the cap 15. The sealing element 2 is compressed between the cap 15 and the handle 16 to provide a substantially water-tight volume of space in which to store the wet canopy 17. The cap 15 is preferably rotatable relative to the shank 7. The cap 15 and the handle 16 are preferably configured for threaded engagement. The cap may comprise a lid (1, fig.14) and an inner lid cover (3, fig 14) and the sealing assembly 2 may be held in position between the lid (1, fig.14) and the inner lid cover (3, fig.14).

Description

Umbrella The present invention relates to an umbrella and in particular to a collapsible umbrella, i.e. an umbrella that can be collapsed in order to reduce its encumbrance, i.e. its burdensomeness or awkwardness, and thus to allow it to be stored away easily, for example inside a bag, such as a handbag.

Collapsible umbrellas are known, and are typically arranged for being collapsed so as to fit inside a conveniently sized pouch. Further, it is also known to provide collapsible umbrellas that can be stored, in their collapsed configuration, inside their handles.

However, with both of these solutions there is a concern that water may leak from the handle or pouch (e.g. through the material thereof, or past the rivets used to hold it together), and that that water could cause damage to objects surrounding the umbrella, for example when the umbrella is stored inside a bag. After all, increasingly those objects will include electronic devices.

Two exemplary examples of the prior art include GB 2402874 A and WO 87/03460 GB 2402874 A discloses an umbrella with a canopy storing handle and a ferrule assembly forming a substantially water-tight seal with the handle, whereas WO 87/03460 discloses an umbrella extendable from a handle storage compartment (housing), the umbrella comprising a sealing means between a cap and the housing which can prevent escape of rainwater. The seals in these prior art documents, however, operate under a press-fit condition and as a result tend not to be reliable -water may leak through the seal during storage if the product is moved within the bag.

GB 2320893 A discloses another type of umbrella with a canopy-receiving handle. The umbrella has a shaft that is secured to the inner end of the handle. A closing means in the form of a cap on the top of the shaft is then arranged to close the canopy within the handle. Further, there is a brief contemplation of a threaded engagement of the cap with the handle. Yet further, an 0-ring can be provided for sealing between the closing means and the handle, although no design particulars of such engagement are disclosed.

There is now a desire to improve the properties of the seal, in particular its water tightness, while still maintaining useful operability characteristics for the umbrella.

Further, the durability of the seal (i.e. its fatigue life), and its ease of use, would also be beneficially improved since the umbrella needs to undergo tens, potentially hundreds, of cycles of deployment and collapse throughout its life.

The present invention represents an improvement on seals obtained by caps, or tops, designed for rotatable engagement with corresponding portions of the handles.

According to the present invention there is provided a collapsible umbrella comprising: a handle; a collapsible shank; a canopy; and acap.

The handle defines an internal volume of space between at least a side and a base of the handle.

The collapsible shank is connected to the handle and to the canopy, and is configured for retracting the canopy within said internal volume.

The cap is connected to the shank, and is configured for engagement with the handle upon retraction of the canopy.

The cap is axially rotatable (i.e. rotatable around a main axis of the umbrella coinciding with the main axis of the shank) relative to the handle.

A substantially resilient and deformable sealing element is configured to be compressed between the cap and the handle when the cap and the handle are engaged. This provides a substantially water-tight engagement between the cap and the handle.

With the arrangement defined above, the cap and the handle define a substantially water-tight volume of space for storing the canopy when the umbrella is in a collapsed configuration.

The substantially resilient and deformable sealing element is held in place on the cap.

It is desired to improve the water-tightness of the engagement between the cap and the handle. This is of course useful when the canopy is wet, and a user intends to store away the collapsed umbrella inside, for example, a bag, e.g. a handbag. After all, in such bags expensive and water sensitive devices (such as smartphones) may also be stored or carried.

The handle and the cap are made of water impermeable materials. Otherwise the effect of the water-tight connection between them would be neutralised. Many materials can be used for this purpose, as known to the skilled person. Plastics and rubbers are particularly suitable.

Any metals used in the assemblies will typically be of a stainless or non-rusting form.

In preferred embodiments, the sealing element is held in place on the cap in a preloaded (i.e. pre-compressed) configuration, e.g. within a groove. This provides for a sealing element which is more firmly retained in place.

In the preferred arrangement, the sealing element is not fully compressed, thus preserving resiliency and deformability for compression, or further compression, upon engagement of the cap with the handle. This results into a sealing element that is unlikely to become displaced from, or relative to, the cap while the cap is rotated to form the engagement or during the opening of the seal. This is important especially at a time just before the forming of the engagement between the cap and the handle -if the sealing element is firmly held in position at that moment, there will be an increased likelihood that the engagement will be truly and effectively water-tight.

Said pre-compression can be in the axial direction, or in the radial direction, or both.

Preferably, the handle and the cap have respective matching and substantially circular cross-sections to facilitate said engagement.

Preferably, said resilient and deformable sealing element has a substantially convex outer surface, which surface may be a part-circular surface in radial section (relative to the central axis of the umbrella). A convex surface is particularly suitable for providing water-tight seals due to its cushioning effect, i.e. since the contact area increases as the cap and housing are pulled or pushed towards each other. That contact area provides the substantially water-tight engagement when it circumscribes the joint.

Preferably, the cap is rotatable relative to the shank so that it can be easily positioned and rotated as required to achieve the engagement.

If the cap and the handle are configured for threaded engagement it will be particularly simple for the user to connect them, and the thread can draw the cap and housing or handle together, thus forming a reliable seal.

In preferred embodiments, the cap is an assembly comprising a lid, an inner lid cover and the resilient and deformable sealing element. This allows for a compact and optimised design, at least from a manufacturing perspective.

If the sealing element is between the lid and the inner lid cover, the lid and the inner lid cover will keep the sealing element generally in position.

Preferably, said sealing member extends axially into said lid to further improve its stability, i.e. its ability to remain in place and perform its function. For example, it may fit partially into a slot that extends generally in the axial direction.

The sealing element can extend internally around the perimeter of the lid, or annularly or concentrically within the lid, e.g. circumferentially where the umbrella has a substantially circular cross section.

It can have an L-shaped" or substantially "[-shaped" radial cross section.

Preferably the L has a long side and a short side. Preferably the short side can be used to seal, and the longer side can be used for supporting the sealing element in place on the assembly.

One arm of the L may extend axially, e.g. in the above-mentioned slot.

One arm of the L may extend radially, either inwards or outwards, although preferably outwards.

The arms may have square ends, chamfered ends or rounded ends. The arms may have sidewalls that are straight or rounded or angular, including serrated.

The surface forming the seal, which may be the convex surface referred to above, or one of the above-mentioned sidewalls, or a surface of some other form of sealing means, can be part of a recessed surface, or shoulder, formed on a housing-or handle-facing surface of the lid.

A portion of the inner lid cover, upon engagement of the cap with the handle, is preferably designed to penetrate partially into the handle's internal space. However, the lid preferably remains wholly outside of said space, with the sealing element forming the seal against an end portion (e.g. a rim) of the handle.

The rim may be a flat surface. It may be recessed. It may be curved. It may be chamfered.

Preferably, said inner lid cover comprises a thread for coupling with a corresponding part of the handle. Preferably the thread is on an outer sidewall of the inner lid cover.

The handle then preferably also has a thread -for receiving the thread of the inner lid cover. The thread is preferably on an inner sidewall of the handle, preferably near its distal or free end.

In an embodiment, said lid and said inner lid cover are each connected to an axially extending connector. These connections can be by a friction fit. Another form of connection could be an adhesive fit.

In an alternative embodiment, said lid is connected to an axially extending connector, e.g. by friction fit or by means of an adhesive, and said inner lid cover is connected to the lid, e.g. by means of screws, or by friction or press fit.

Preferably, the assembly is connected to the shank by means of said connector.

Preferably, the connector comprises a connector head and it is this connector head that is connected to the shank.

The head may have a mushroom orT shape.

Preferably, said connector is axially rotatable with respect to said shank. Where the lid is attached to the connector and the inner lid cover is attached to the lid, clearance may be provided between the inner lid cover and the connector. The sealing element, in these embodiments, will also be configured on the cap so as to seal-in any water filtering from inside the collapsed and stored-away umbrella through said clearance and into the cap assembly, said water remaining trapped in a space internally of the cap or cap assembly. This, together with the seal between the cap and the handle, provides a dual seal. In the preferred embodiment, the dual seal is formed by a single sealing member. However, separate sealing members may be provided, e.g. one between the cap and the handle and another between the lid cover and the connector.

Preferably, the connector is connected to the shank by means of a canopy boss connected to the shank.

Preferably, the canopy boss comprises a boss top and a boss base, said boss top and base being configured for accommodating said head of said connector therebetween.

The canopy in these embodiments is accommodated on top of the boss top, and can be attached thereto. Thus the canopy is fixed to a point between the canopy boss and the cap or cap assembly. This is an example of a two-part boss connection that captures the head, and which accommodates the fabric of the canopy on its top, i.e. on top of the canopy boss top -preferably at or near its axial centre.

In order to preserve a good degree of axial rotatability of the lid assembly on the shank, a clearance coupling between the connector and the canopy boss can be provided. In particular, said clearance coupling can be between the connector head and an internal space of the canopy boss defined by the canopy boss top and the canopy boss bottom to accommodate the connector head.

Preferably, said boss top and base are in addition configured for accommodating ends of spokes for supporting the canopy in the opened condition.

Preferably, the shank is rigidly connected to the handle base internally of said volume, e.g. by a fixed, moulded or threaded connection. Alternatively, the shank can be rotatably connected to the handle base internally of said volume. An internal connection avoids any breach of the water retaining capacity of the handle.

If a rotatable connection is used between the shank and the handle base, it is possible to provide a cap that is fixed rather than rotatable relative to the shank. It is nevertheless preferred that the cap is still rotatable relative to the shank, as will

become apparent from the specific description.

Preferably, the handle base comprises an inner handle boss, and the shank is connected to the inner handle boss for better support. An inside surface of the inner handle boss and an outer surface of an end of the shank designed for connection to the inner boss are preferably threaded for reciprocal engagement.

Preferably, said handle comprises a main body and an outer casing. It may also comprise one or more transparent body panels. The main body provides structural capacity to the handle, the transparent panel or panels allows a user to see through the handle in order to ascertain if the canopy is wet, and the outer casing provides an aesthetic and/or tactile finish to the product.

The handle main body and outer casing may be ultrasonically welded.

The handle, e.g. the handle main body and the outer casing, may be made of plastic materials. Preferred materials include PP (polypropylene) or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene).

Preferably, the main body comprises an end portion and a water-tight engagement is formed between the sealing element and the end portion of said main body Preferably, the main body comprises an end portion comprising a thread located internally of said end portion -this thread is configured for threading engagement with the cap, e.g. with a thread on the cap, such as the thread on the inner lid cover.

Preferably the umbrella is a single unit, with all pieces assembled together for non-disassembly during normal use. This is for a user's convenience since the parts will not be readily separated, and subsequently misplaced. This is more convenient that having a separate water-tight sleeve or pouch, or a separate watertight container.

In preferred embodiments, the sealing element is an 0-ring or rubber seal.

The assembly may comprise a canopy hub instead of the above disclosed connector, and the canopy hub may comprise a hub head and a hub base. The canopy head may be supported by the inner lid cover, and the canopy base may support a portion of the canopy.

Preferably, said canopy hub is axially rotatable relative to the inner lid cover.

Preferably, the cap assembly comprises a further 0-ring interposed between said canopy hub base and said inner lid cover so as to form an inner substantially water-tight engagement or seal, whereby water is not allowed to penetrate between the canopy hub and the inner lid cover. This arrangement is such that it increases the rotation resistance of the inner lid cover relative to the canopy hub. The increased resistance to rotation of the inner lid cover relative to the canopy hub may prevent rattling of the canopy hub on the inner lid cover. This results into a soft tactile resistance for a user, when the user intends to form the main seal between the cap assembly or cap and the handle by rotating the cap assembly or cap relative to the handle or housing.

A preferred aspect of the present invention provides a collapsible umbrella comprising: a handle; a collapsible shank; a canopy; and a cap; the handle defining an internal volume of space between at least a side and a base of the handle, the collapsible shank being connected to the handle and the canopy, and configured for retracting the canopy within said internal volume, when folded or closed, and the cap being connected to the shank, and configured for engagement with the handle upon retraction of the canopy; wherein: the cap is axially rotatable relative to the handle; a substantially resilient and deformable sealing element (either a single one or at least one such element) is configured to be compressed between the cap and the handle when the cap and the handle are engaged so as to provide a substantially water-tight engagement between the cap and the handle, the cap and the handle thus defining a substantially water-tight volume of space for storing the canopy when the umbrella is in the collapsed configuration; and the cap is configured to retain in place thereon the substantially resilient and deformable sealing element.

It is preferred that the umbrella comprises a dual seal. This may be via the single sealing member -which can have two functioning seal areas, or via two separate seal members.

Other preferred features are discussed above.

Another preferred aspect of the present invention provides a collapsible umbrella comprising: a handle; a collapsible shank; a canopy; and a cap; the handle defining an internal volume of space between at least a side and a base of the handle, the collapsible shank being connected to the handle and the canopy, and configured for retracting the canopy within said internal volume, when folded or closed, and the cap being connected to the shank, and configured for engagement with the handle upon retraction of the canopy; wherein: the cap is axially rotatable relative to the handle; a substantially resilient and deformable sealing element (either a single one or at least one such element) is configured to be compressed between the cap and the handle when the cap and the handle are engaged to form a first seal, there additionally being a second seal so as to provide two parts to the seal -one between the cap and the handle, and one to prevent water egress from canopy and shank to the first seal through the cap. The cap and the handle thus define a substantially water-tight volume of space for storing the canopy when the umbrella is in the collapsed configuration.

In the preferred embodiment, the dual seal is formed by a single sealing member -the seal member between the cap and the handle, the sealing member having two functioning seal areas. However, separate sealing members may be provided, e.g. one between the cap and the handle and another between an inner lid cover of the cap and a connector between that and the shank.

Again, other preferred features are discussed above.

These and other preferred features of the present invention will now be described in greater detail, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view from below of an umbrella according to an embodiment of the present invention in an open or deployed configuration; Figure 2 is a side elevation of the umbrella of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side elevation of the umbrella of Figure 1 from an opposite side with respect to that of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the umbrella of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a side elevation of an umbrella according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figures 6 (a) to (c) are a representation of the process of storing away the umbrella of Figures; Figure 7 is a side elevation of the umbrella of Figure 1 in a stored away configuration; Figure 8 is a side elevation of the umbrella of Figure 7 from an opposite side; Figure 9 is a top perspective view of the umbrella of Figures 1 in a stored away configuration; Figure 10 is a top plan view of the umbrella of Figure 1 in a stored away configuration; Figure 11 is a bottom plan view of the umbrella of Figure 1 in a stored away configuration; Figure 12 is a partial side view of the cap of the umbrella of Figure 1 in a partially collapsed configuration; Figure 13 is a partial perspective view of part of the handle of the umbrella of Figure 1; Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional representation, slightly in perspective, illustrating the structure of the cap end of the umbrella of Figure 1, including the connection between the cap and the shank, plus also the seal between the sealing element and the main body of the handle of the umbrella; Figure 15 is a perspective view of a handle for an umbrella like that of Figure 1; and Figure 16 is a cross-sectional schematic representation of a cap and handle for forming an umbrella according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

Like numerals are on instances used to refer to like components or parts across different embodiments of the present invention as described below.

Figure 1 shows a collapsible umbrella 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The umbrella has a canopy 17, spokes 18 and a shank 7, all of which are functionally conventional, as it is clear from the Figure. This embodiment has six spokes, although fewer or more spokes are also possible, subject to them being accommodatable with the canopy and shank within the handle -the size of the handle, be that its radius or shape, may be adjusted for ensuring such an arrangement can be accommodated.

The canopy 17 is made of light water impermeable synthetic fabric. It may alternatively be cotton or silk. Other conventional materials are also possible, although making it thin has benefits in that the handle can be smaller for the same given size of canopy.

In this embodiment, the spokes 18 are conventional four-section foldable spokes, typically made of metal, such as wires or fold-formed members. They are supported by a ring and the ring is supported by a canopy boss.

The canopy boss comprises a canopy boss top 5 and a canopy boss base 6, as it will more clearly illustrated below with reference to Figure 14.

Spoke ends are connected to the ring and the ring is sandwiched between the canopy boss top 5 and canopy boss base 6.

The canopy is attached on top of the canopy boss top 6. There is also a cantilevering portion for use during opening of the canopy to cause the spokes to extend or unfold.

The shank 7 as shown is a conventional five part telescopic shank 7. It may be longer or have fewer telescopic members. Preferably though, it has no more than 5 telescopic members.

There is a further hub 22 connected to the spokes 18 and configured for sliding along the shank 7 to operate the spokes 18 so as to open and retract the canopy 17. In the preferred embodiment it is made of plastic.

These above-mentioned features are generally conventional in function, and thus a further discussion of these elements is unnecessary from the point of view of a skilled person.

The handle 16 has a base 19 and a side 21, and it is generally circular in cross section.

It preferably has a circular cross section at its top (as drawn). The section is preferably tapered therefrom to a slightly oval section towards the base, as signified by the underside plan view of Figure 4.

The handle further is shown to comprise two optional transparent panels 9, 9', of which only one is visible in Figure 1. These allow a condition of the canopy to be assessed without opening the umbrella (e.g. wet or dry, or its colour -useful for coordinating the colour with an outfit).

An eye or loop 20 is provided on the base 19, externally of the handle 16, onto which a carry handle can be attached -for carrying the umbrella around, if required.

The collapsible umbrella 10 is shown in Figure 1 in its deployed or open state, e.g. to shelter a user from rain.

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the collapsible umbrella 10 shown in Figure 1, and Figure 3 is similar to Figure 2 but the collapsible umbrella is seen form an opposite side.

Figures 2 and 3 reveal the second transparent panel 9' of the handle 16.

Importantly, Figures 2 and 3 also reveal that the collapsible umbrella 10 has a cap assembly 15 connected to the shank 7 on the other side of the canopy 17, generally at the distal end of the umbrella 10. The canopy 17, however, is instead attached to the shank 7 via the canopy boss at a point below the point of attachment of the cap assembly 15 to the same canopy boss (see Figure 14).

In this embodiment, the cap assembly 15 is rotatably connected to the shank 7 of the umbrella 10, and particulars of the connection will be provided below with reference to Figure 14.

The cap assembly 15 of this embodiment is composed of three parts: a lid 1, an inner lid cover 3 and a sealing element 2. Details of the sealing element 2 will be provided below, again with reference to Figure 14. However, it is preferred to be a rubber sealing element.

Figure 4 shows the collapsible umbrella 10 in plan view, from below. Further details of the handle 16 are thus visible, as inferred above. In particular Figure 4 shows that the handle tapers from a round upper end such that the shape is oval or generally elliptical towards the base. From the side, however, the base is preferred to be rounded -see Figure 1, thus departing from the otherwise generally constant taper.

Other handle shapes are also possible, including shapes with increased grip, or finger grips.

Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of an umbrella 30 according to the invention. It will be noted that the handle does not have transparent panels 9, 9'. Further, the base is more squared off, although rounded sides are still present for the base to provide comfort. This is optional.

In this second embodiment, the canopy has a strap 23 for wrapping around the canopy when the canopy has been retracted. In the illustration it is attached externally on the canopy 17. More than one strap can be provided if preferred, and they might be located in different radial positions with respect to the canopy. Such straps, whether provided singly or as more than one strap, can assist with the packing of the canopy and spokes within the handle since it can be a tight fit. Typically they utilise hook-and-loop fastening members, or poppers, for their securement. Button and loop holders are also known for such use in conventional umbrellas and are also useable with the present invention.

In Figures 6 (a)-(c), the collapsible umbrella 30 of Figure 5 is shown at different instants during the collapsing and storing-away process.

The canopy 17 is first retracted by folding the spokes after releasing the boss-lock, and it is then folded or wrapped around the spokes and the shank 7, and secured in such a condition by means of the strap 23. The telescopic shank is then retracted (Figure 6(a)).

The canopy, shank and spokes can then be retracted inside a volume of space 11 defined by the base 19 and side(s) 21 of the handle 16, inside the handle 16 (Figure 6(b)).

To complete the sequence (Figure 6(c)), the cap assembly 15 is screwed onto an end portion of the handle 16 to create a water tight seal, and thus to enclose the canopy, spokes and shank within the handle and cap arrangement with any water thereon being sealed therein. The umbrella can thus be safely stored in a bag, such as a handbag, without exposing other items within the bag to the water on the canopy.

Figures 7 and 8 show the collapsible umbrella 10 of Figure 1 in a fully collapsed, stored-away configuration, from opposite sides. Some detail of the interaction of the sealing element 2 with the upper rim of the end portion of the handle 16 is shown in these Figures -a surface of the sealing element 2 abuts and is compressed against the upper portion of a main body 8 of the handle 16.

The handle 16 comprises a main body 8, which is responsible for the structural strength of the handle 16, and an outer casing 13, which is provided to give the umbrella aesthetic and tactile external appeal.

In this embodiment, the main body 8 is made of a transparent plastic material. The optional transparent body panels 9, 9' thus are part of said main body 8 and the outer casing 13 covers the transparent main body 8 to define the transparent panels 9, 9'.

Alternatively, the transparent windows may be separately formed into the handle. The main body might then be formed of a non transparent material. The main body might also be formed of a non transparent material if no windows are required.

In this embodiment, the main body 8 has a shoulder in correspondence of its end portion. The shoulder is provided to accommodate a ring insert 24 having a thread 12'.

See Figure 13.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the umbrella in the collapsed, stored away status.

Figures 10 and 11 simply show details of respectively the lid 1 and the handle base 19.

Figure 12 shows a partly retracted canopy 17. It also shows further constructional details of the cap assembly 15, further details of which are also illustrated in Figure 14.

In this embodiment, the cap assembly comprises a lid 1, an inner lid cover 3 and the sealing element 2. The sealing element 2, when the cap assembly 15 is not coupled to the handle 16, defines a free surface for abutment against the upper portion of the handle 16 upon formation of the water-tight seal. In Figure 12, it is shown to be tapered or convex, although it may deform through use into other shapes when at rest and not in engagement with the handle.

An outer surface of the inner lid cover has a thread 12. The inner lid cover 3 and the lid 1 cooperatively hold the sealing element 2 in place. This arrangement is more clearly shown in Figure 14.

Figure 13 shows some constructional details of the upper end of the handle 16. The outer casing 13 covers the transparent main body 8 of the umbrella, only leaving certain areas not covered to define the transparent panels 9 and 9'.

The inner surface of the transparent main body is in contact with the canopy 17 when the canopy 17 is stored away inside the handle 16.

The upper end of the main body 8 has a shouldered recess which makes space for location of the inner ring 24. As mentioned above, the inner ring 24 has a thread 12' for coupling with the thread 12 of the inner lid cover 3. The form might, however, be one-piece, as shown in Figure 14, although the shoulder is still shown.

Figure 14 reveals preferred internal constructional details of the umbrella 10: The lid 1 is friction filled to a central metallic connector 4 and the inner lid cover 3 of the cap assembly 15 is fitted to the lid 1 by means of screws (not shown). Two stalks for housing the screws are however visible in Figure 14. They might instead or additionally be glued, the lid to the connector and the inner lid cover 3 to the lid 1.

The sealing element 2, in this case made of rubber, is held in position on the cap assembly between the lid 1 and the inner lid cover 3. A circular groove 25 on the lid 1 serves to hold in place the sealing element 2 after the lid 1 has been connected to the central connector 4, and before the inner lid cover 3 is fitted to the lid 1. There is a clearance space between an opening at the centre of the inner lid cover 3 and the central connector 4, as shown in Figure 14. The outer diameter of the inner lid cover 3 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the sealing element 2. Therefore axial pre-compression of the sealing element is obtained upon installation of the inner lid cover 3. This contributes to keeping the sealing element in position and therefore to the formation of a water-tight seal upon closing the lid assembly onto the handle.

The sealing element 2 is a circular rubber element having a generally L-shaped cross section. The long side in this embodiment is inserted into the circular groove 25 of the lid 1. The short side provides the main sealing surface. However, it will be appreciated that the sealing element 2 also seals against water incoming from the empty space inside the cap assembly 15. This represents a secondary (but also important) sealing effect. The secondary sealing effect is due to two factors: the first is the axial pre-compression applied by the inner lid cover 3 on the sealing element 2 (also described above) -this axial pre-compression also defines a further horizontal sealing surface at an interface between a portion of the sealing element and a portion of a rim of the inner lid cover 3, as shown in Figure 14; the second is the radial pre-compression of the sealing element 2 within the groove of the lid 1 -this radial pre-compression defines yet a further, but vertical, sealing surface between the inner surface of the vertical arm of the Land the inner side of the groove of the lid 1.

The sealing surface has a slightly convex free sealing surface in the embodiment of Figure 12, whereas in this embodiment it has a flat free sealing surface (with the wording free sealing surface" we mean the remaining surface of the sealing element 2 after the sealing element 2 has been accommodated within the groove on the lid 1 and between the lid 1 and the inner lid cover 3, as discussed above). This free sealing surface is for abutment against the upper portion of the main body 8 of the handle 16, as explained above.

In practice it will typically be the case that the lid 1 and the upper portion of the main body 8 of the handle 16 will not perfectly abut against each other when the cap assembly 15 is screwed onto the handle. This is shown in Figures 7 and 8, where there is a thin space between them. The resilient and deformable sealing element 2, however, bridges the space to form a seal therebetween, but in so doing that it will act as a cushion to prevent perfect abutment.

Returning to the details of Figure 14, the central connector 4 has an enlarged head 14 which is rotatably connected to the shank 7. This head has a T shape.

The rotatable connection allows the connector 4 to swivel inside an internal space formed by the canopy boss top 5 and canopy boss base 6, internally of the canopy boss.

The canopy boss is attached to the distal end of the shank 7 as shown in Figure 14.

Figure 15 is a representation of a handle 16 of an embodiment of collapsible umbrella 10. The outer casing 13 surrounds the handle main body S so as to form the two transparent panels 9, 9' on the handle. They are non regular ovals in this embodiment, as more clearly seen in Figure 9.

Figure 16, finally, is a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a collapsible umbrella 50 according to the invention. The canopy and shank are not represented for clarity purposes.

The handle 54 has a side 60 and a base 59, similarly to the previous embodiments. No transparent panels are present.

Inside the handle 54, a base boss 51 is provided for inserting the shank. The shank is rigidly connected to the base boss 51, but in different embodiments the connection can

be rotatable.

Such a boss can likewise be present in the earlier embodiments.

The collapsible umbrella 50 comprises a cap assembly 53. The cap assembly 53 has a thread that can be coupled to a corresponding thread on the upper portion of the handle 54. In this manner, will it be possible to screw on the cap assembly 53 to the handle 54. This is a similar arrangement to the previous embodiments.

The sealing element 62 is now represented by an 0-ring 62 of circular cross-section.

The 0-ring 62 is supported by the cap assembly 53 as shown in Figure 16. Upon screwing the cap assembly 53 in place on the handle 54, the 0-ring 62 is compressed axially between the cap assembly and the handle 54 and forms a substantially water-tight seal.

The cap assembly 53, similarly to previous embodiments, consists of a lid 61, an inner lid cover 63 and the 0-ring 62 (sealing member). The difference compared to the previous embodiments is in the manner the cap assembly 53 is attached to the shank and to the canopy. Here, the canopy top 52 is connected to a canopy hub 56. The canopy hub 56 has a base or stem 57 and a head 58. The canopy hub's base 57 hangs out from the inner lid cover 63. The canopy hub head 58 is rotatably supported on the inner lid cover 63, internally of the cap assembly 53.

A further 0-ring 55 is located between the canopy base 57 (which is attached to the canopy) and a rim of an opening on the inner lid cover 63 which is used to rotatably support the canopy hub head 58.

This further o-ring 55 makes rotation of the cap assembly 53 smooth and pleasant from a tactile point of view. Further, and more importantly, it prevents water from leaking from the canopy through the opening on the inner lid cover 63 and through to the vent therefrom past the lid and therefore potentially out of the cap assembly 53 and into a bag where the collapsible umbrella 50 might have been stored. Thus, like the earlier embodiments, there are two parts to the seal -one between the cap assembly and the handle, and one to prevent water egress from the inner lid cover and out beyond the lid. The seal for this second embodiment is instead in two parts, whereas in the first embodiment it is in one part.

In the embodiment of Figure 16, the lid 61 and the inner lid cover 63 are welded together (by plastics welding since these components are made of plastics).

The present invention therefore achieves a number of advantages, but mainly an improved water tightness for the seal formed between the cap and the handle.

Umbrellas according to the present invention are also still user friendly and compact in design, efficient to manufacture and desirable from an external appearance point of view.

The present invention has been described above purely by way of example. As it will be apparent to the skilled person, modifications in detail may be made to the invention within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

The illustrated embodiments are not intended to be limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1 A collapsible umbrella comprising: a handle; a collapsible shank; a canopy; and a cap; the handle defining an internal volume of space between at least a side and a base of the handle, the collapsible shank being connected to the handle and the canopy, and configured for retracting the canopy within said internal volume, when folded or closed, and the cap being connected to the shank, and configured for engagement with the handle upon retraction of the canopy; wherein: the cap is axially rotatable relative to the handle; a substantially resilient and deformable sealing element is configured to be compressed between the cap and the handle when the cap and the handle are engaged so as to provide a substantially water-tight engagement between the cap and the handle, the cap and the handle thus defining a substantially water-tight volume of space for storing the canopy when the umbrella is in the collapsed configuration; and the cap is configured to retain in place thereon the substantially resilient and deformable sealing element.
2 A collapsible umbrella according to claim 1, wherein the handle and the cap have respective matching substantially circular cross-sections configured for said engagement.
3 A collapsible umbrella according to claim 2, wherein said resilient and deformable sealing element has a substantially convex circular surface and wherein said substantially water-tight engagement is provided by means of said surface.
4 A collapsible umbrella according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the cap is rotatable relative to the shank.
A collapsible umbrella according to any preceding claim, wherein the cap and the handle are configured for threaded engagement.
6 A collapsible umbrella according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cap is provided by a lid assembly comprising a lid, an inner lid cover and the resilient and deformable sealing element.
7 A collapsible umbrella according to claim 6, wherein the sealing element is provided between the lid and the inner lid cover so as to be retained in position therebetween.
8 A collapsible umbrella according to claim 7, wherein the sealing element is radially pre-compressed and thus configured for preventing water from leaking from inside of said lid assembly.
9 A collapsible umbrella according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein the sealing element is axially sandwiched between the lid and the inner lid cover so as to determine a status of axial pre-compression in the sealing element.
A collapsible umbrella according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the sealing member extends axially into said lid.
11 A collapsible umbrella according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the lid is connected to an axially extending connector, and the inner lid cover is connected to the lid.
12 A collapsible umbrella according to claim 11, wherein is the lid is connected to the connector by friction fit.
13 A collapsible umbrella according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said lid assembly is connected to the shank by means of said connector.
14 A collapsible umbrella according to claim 13, wherein the connector comprises a connector head and wherein said connector head is connected to the shank.
A collapsible umbrella according to claim 14, wherein the connector head is axially rotatable with respect to the shank.
16 A collapsible umbrella according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the connector or connector head is connected to the shank by means of a canopy boss connected to the shank.
17 A collapsible umbrella according to claim 16, wherein the canopy boss comprises a boss top and a boss base, said boss top and base being configured for accommodating a portion of the connector or the connector head therebetween.
18 A collapsible umbrella according to claim 17, wherein said boss top and base are in addition configured for accommodating ends of spokes supporting the canopy.
19 A collapsible umbrella according to any one of claims 6 to 18, wherein the inner lid cover comprises a thread.
A collapsible umbrella according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shank is fixed to the handle base, inside the handle.
21 A collapsible umbrella according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shank is rotatably connected to the handle base, inside the handle.
22 A collapsible umbrella according to claim 20 or 21, wherein said handle base comprises an inner handle boss, and wherein the shank is connected to the inner handle boss.
23 A collapsible umbrella according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle comprises a main body, an outer casing and one or more transparent body panels.
24 A collapsible umbrella according to claim 23, wherein the main body comprises an end portion with a thread located internally of said end portion.
A collapsible umbrella according to claim 24, wherein the water-tight engagement is formed between the sealing element and the end portion of the main body.
26 A collapsible umbrella according to any one of the previous claims, said umbrella being a one-piece assembly.
27 A collapsible umbrella according to claim 6, wherein the sealing element is an 0-ring.
28 A collapsible umbrella according to claim 26, wherein said assembly comprises a canopy hub, said canopy hub comprising a head and a base, said canopy head being supported by the inner lid cover, and said canopy base supporting a portion of the canopy.
29 A collapsible umbrella according to claim 28, wherein said canopy hub is axially rotatable relative to the inner lid cover.
A collapsible umbrella according to claim 29, said assembly comprising a further 0-ring positioned between the canopy hub base and the inner lid cover so as to form an inner substantially water-tight seal, whereby water is not allowed to penetrate between the canopy hub and the inner lid cover.
31 A collapsible umbrella substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 16.
32 A collapsible umbrella substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one or more of Figures 1 to 14.