US20090120478A1

US20090120478A1 - Rain Protection Umbrella

Info

Publication number: US20090120478A1
Application number: US12/249,355
Authority: US
Inventors: Godfrey B. Church
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-06-25
Filing date: 2008-10-10
Publication date: 2009-05-14
Also published as: EP1799939A4; US20100116305A1; EP1799939A2; US7434591B2; US20060005871A1; WO2006004685A3; WO2006004685A2; CA2572222A1; BRPI0511320A; CN1993526A

Abstract

A lightweight vertical attachment shield that forms a canopy like structure for protection from falling rain when the vertical attachment shield is attached underneath any conventional umbrella in an open arrangement. The vertical attachment shield is attached about the circumference of the conventional umbrella via spring-loaded plastic clips and elastic nooses. When attached to a conventional umbrella, the vertical attachment shield has a length that extends a few inches from the ground. The vertical attachment shield includes a clear view window, as well as vent and hand openings for added convenience and comfort for the user. Alternatively, the vertical shield attachment shield attaches to unique designed umbrella via snap buttons located around the upper rim of the vertical attachment shield and on the underside of the unique designed umbrella. A vertical umbrella stand is utilized to aid in assembling and disassembling the present invention.

Description

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/710,217, which was filed on 25 Jun. 2004.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a rain protection device consisting of a lightweight waterproof material that attaches to an umbrella and a vertical stand, more particularly a rain protection device that provides full protection from environmental elements, such as wind, rain, snow, keeps the user dry, is foldable, and provides a clear view for the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Rainfall tends to make the simplest of tasks, such as walking or attending a ball game in an outside arena, very messy, complicated, and wet. Also, unbalanced forces of rain, falling in various directions, further complicate the goal of remaining dry.
Conventional umbrellas have long been popular devices to protect users from getting wet. Generally a conventional umbrella has a covering with arms expanding outward from a long supporting pole. The supporting pole supports the arms at a set space above a carrying handle when the umbrella is in an open arrangement. Although, conventional umbrellas provide some protection from the rain, often conventional umbrellas protect only the top third of the body from rainfall, thus causing the users lower body portion to become wet. As a result, the user becomes uncomfortable walking around in wet clothes and can suffer embarrassment once they reach their destination. Also, conventional umbrellas prove to often be problematic several directions.
Because conventional umbrellas encompass large surface areas, they tend to act similar to sails in the wind. The effect of such a design results in the user struggling with the umbrella in harsh weather. If the wind is strong, often a conventional umbrella will sway from side to side, as well as turn inside out. In the midst of such struggle the user becomes wet, thus defeating the purpose of using a conventional umbrella in the first place.
Raincoats are also employed for protection from the rain, yet such devices are often more expensive than conventional umbrellas. As the user develops and matures physically, raincoats often need to be replaced, which also adds to the expensive cost of such devices. Another drawback for raincoats includes the fact that a user must accompany a raincoat with an umbrella if they are carrying a purse or shopping bag, in order to provide protection to such items the raincoat is not covering. Thus, all the problems associated with umbrellas become problems for raincoat users as well. Another complication with using a conventional raincoat; is not raincoats are water proof, some coats are water resistant, thus users will get wet by some degree.
Raincoats fit tightly, especially if the user is wearing layers of clothes. Such a tight fit causes insufficient breathing room for user, and tends to make the user to feel sweaty and hot under the layers of clothing. Such conditions intensify when the raincoat is constructed of a plastic material. Similar to umbrellas, raincoats keep the top half of the body dry, while a user's legs often become soaking wet due to the lack of protection for the lower one third of the body. the best method to protect the users legs and bottom one third of their body. Yet, the user must put in time and energy to get in and out of such devices. Consequently, these devices are many times inconvenient.
Assortments of rain protection devices have been formed in an attempt to help users stay dry in the rain, yet each of these devices includes complications.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,336,817 issued to Rosella Shapiro on Jun. 29, 1982 shows a conventional umbrella device consisting of a conventional pocket or purse compartment to carry items such as money, credit cards, keys, etc. Yet, unlike the present invention, this device does not provide or increase full rain protection and is subject to many of the problems of conventional umbrella as explained previously.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,980,928 issued to Aileen Ellis on Jan. 1, 1991 shows a head and shoulder covering consisting of a cap and cape that forms an umbrella like weather protecting device. Yet, unlike the present invention the device does not provide full body and head water resistant protection from rain and it must be always used with a cap like attachment.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,924 issued to George G. Hansen on Sep. 24, 1991 shows an expandable tarpaulin assembly constructed of plastic or canvas material. Yet, unlike the present invention, such a device is used for large objects for example sport utility vehicles and trucks.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,595 issued to Eric John Vonderhorst on Sep. 9, 1997 shows a covering that forms a tent like structure for protection from insects. Yet, unlike the present invention, flying insects not falling rain. The fabric does not allow for any water-resistant or water proof protection from rain or other precipitation.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,147 issued to Barrington on Jul. 4, 1995 is a detachable cover for an umbrella, yet unlike the present invention it does not provide any enhanced protection from rain beyond that of a conventional umbrella.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,758 issued to Feldman on May 1, 2001 is a novelty umbrella for a child and unlike the present invention it is not versatile enough that it can be used for adults as well as children. Plus it does not provide any enhanced protection beyond that of a conventional umbrella.
U.S. Pat. No. Des. 390,696 issued to Bauman is an opaque umbrella with a transparent panel, but unlike the present invention it does not provide for lengthy, all around water-resistant protection for the user.
Thus there is a need for an invention that protects a user from getting wet in the rain, as well as other weather elements such as hail and snow, yet is inexpensive, easily stored/carried, gives guaranteed rain protection, all while providing sufficient breathing room.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention improves upon the various previous methods of rain protection and cited patents by being simple to use, lightweight, convenient, portable, as well as possessing features that allow for comfortable air circulation and easy storage. pre-existing conventional umbrella. The vertical attachment shield is constructed of a lightweight material that does not permit rain to transmit or seep through the material. Such a material would also be able to reflect sunlight, thus providing sunscreen protection for the user when in use. The vertical attachment shield forms a canopy shape, when attached to a pre-existing umbrella via spring-loaded clips and small elastic nooses.
To operate, clips present along the upper rim of the vertical attachment shield, are attached to the end tips of a pre-existing umbrella, to form a cylinder canopy covering that provides optimal rain protection. Small nooses, also present along the upper rim of the vertical attachment shield, are attached to the end tips of the existing umbrella arms. Such an attachment keeps the clips from sliding up the arms and firmly secures the vertical shield attachment.
In an alternative embodiment the present invention includes a unique designed umbrella along with the vertical attachment shield. Snaps are located along the underside of the conventional umbrella, and corresponding snaps are located along the upper rim of the vertical attachment shield. In order to operate, the user joins the vertical attachment shield and unique designed umbrella by snapping the two components along the underside of the umbrella and upper rim on the vertical attachment shield.
When the vertical attachment shield is attached to the umbrella component, the user may enter the present invention for use by unzipping or unsnapping the zipper or set of snaps that join the first surface edging to the second surface edging, and then refastening once inside the includes a clear window for clear viewing, vent openings for proper air circulation, and hand openings that allow the user easy access outside the apparatus. Once inside the present invention, the user has full and optimal protection from rainfall, as well as hail, snow, or the sun's glaring rays. A vertical umbrella stand is employed to open and close the vertical attachment shield while this component is attached to the unique design umbrella. The vertical stand consists of an elongated pole with four retractable stand legs. Present along the elongated pole of the unique designed umbrella are several male screws, which can be attached to the vertical umbrella stand via a female screw socket located at several points of the elongated pole portion of the vertical umbrella stand. There is also the same assembly at the end of the elongated pole to attach the vertical stand. A user simply screws in the unique designed umbrella into the vertical stand, and can assemble, open, and close the vertical components of the present invention with ease and comfort. The present invention can be used in this fashion to deploy at a beach or for protection from the elements in an outdoors environment.
The present invention is equipped with a carrying case to carry the compacted rain protection device with more ease. The bag is constructed of a lightweight material and contains a shoulder-carrying strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows in perspective view of the present invention in use

FIG. 2 shows in perspective view the vertical umbrella stand of the present invention

FIG. 3 shows a open flat view of the vertical shield attachment FIG. 4 shows a top view of the present invention FIG. 5 shows in perspective view the carrying case of the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, and FIG. 2 the present invention is an umbrella rain protection device that includes a lightweight waterproof vertical attachment shield 10, which can connects to any pre-existing conventional umbrella 20 or a specifically designed umbrella 30. The present invention provides full protection for the user from becoming wet due to precipitation. As shown in FIG. 1, the vertical attachment shield attaches, to a specific unique design umbrella A, which can be included along with the vertical attachment shield 10, as shown in FIG. 2.
The present invention contains a vertical attachment shield 10, preferably constructed out of a rectangular piece of waterproof material, preferably nylon or plastic. It can be made of another appropriate material that is lightweight enough to allow proper air circulation to create a breathable, cool temperature setting for the user, and also a protective canopy structure that protects against falling rain seeping through. Yet, such material is also durable that when the present invention is in use, the vertical attachment shield 10 may act as a wind blocker and prevent hail, snow and any other precipitation from passing through. As a result, the use of such material will allow the user to remain dry as well as comfortable in the midst of falling precipitation. Also, such material allows the present invention to be easily folded up after drying and put away for future use.
The present invention has a zipper 40 located on the first surface edging 50 and the second surface edging 60 of the vertical attachment shield 10. It is utilized to form a cylinder shape by joining the first surface edging 50 to the second surface edging 60. In an alternative embodiment other suitable fastening means, such as snap buttons 70, may be used to join the first surface edging 50 and the second surface edging 60.
The upper rim 80 of the vertical attachment shield 10 is attached to the underside 140 of any pre-existing conventional umbrella 20 by the use of spring loaded plastic clips 90 and elastic nooses 100 that attach to the umbrella arms 110 and end tips 120. Spring loaded plastic clips 90, located around the upper rim 80 of the vertical attachment shield 10, clamp on to the umbrella arms 110 of the pre-existing conventional umbrella 20. Small elastic nooses 100, located along the upper rim 80 if the vertical attachment shield 10, can be attached to the end tips 120 of the umbrella arms 110, in order to ensure the plastic clips 90 remain stable in place, thus preventing the plastic clips 90 from sliding up and down the umbrella arms 110. The plastic clips 90 and elastic nooses 100 allow the vertical shield attachment 10 to be removed from or attached to any pre-existing conventional umbrella 20.
Shown in FIG. 1, an alternative embodiment the present invention includes a unique designed umbrella 30 along with the vertical attachment shield 10. A set of snap buttons 130 are located along the underside 140 of the uniquely designed umbrella 30, and corresponding snap buttons 130 are located along the upper rim 80 of the vertical attachment shield 10. In order to operate, the user joins the vertical attachment shield 10 and unique designed umbrella 30 by snapping vertical shield attachment 10 to the underside 140 of the unique unique designed umbrella 30, making the present invention set for use.
The vertical attachment shield 10 contains a width ample enough to extend the space amid the point of attachment to the unique designed umbrella 30 or any preexisting conventional umbrella 20, and a few inches above the ground, when the present invention is in use. A first row of snap buttons 150 along with a parallel second row of corresponding snap buttons 160 align the lower rim 170 of the vertical attachment shield 10, in order to provide varying lengths of the present invention for the user. The present invention can be shortened by joining together the second row of corresponding snap buttons 160 to the first row of snap buttons 150. This feature allows the present invention to be suitably adjusted to the users height or preferential length of coverage. Thus, the present invention can be employed by both children and adults and provides optimal protection from rainfall and other precipitation.
The vertical attachment shield 10 contains a clear window viewer 180 located at eye level underneath the upper rim 80. The clear window viewer 180 allows the user a clear front, side, and rear view, thus the user can see where he or she are going, preventing the user from falling due to an uneven sidewalk, curb, etc. Also located on the vertical attachment shield 10 are the air vent openings 190 and hand openings 200. The air vent openings 190 enhance air circulation accordingly allowing the user comfort and the ability to breath while using the present invention. The hand openings 200 provide a means by which the user can extend their hands and/or arms through the hand opening 200 to the outside of the present invention. This feature allows the user to reach items outside and that are not underneath the present invention.
To use the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5, wherein a vertical umbrella stand 210 is employed, the user screws in the unique designed umbrella 30 via a male screw 220 located on the bottom handle 230 of the unique designed umbrella 30 into a male screw socket located on the top portion of an elongated stand pole 230 containing four retractable legs 240. Using the vertical umbrella stand 210 enables the user to attach the vertical attachment shield 10 to the underside 140 of the unique designed umbrella 30, and the user to open and close the present invention with ease and comfort. When the vertical attachment shield 10 is joined with the umbrella, the umbrella bottom handle 230 unscrews from the vertical umbrella stand 210 in order to begin use. Once inside the present invention, the user can put their hands outside provided hand openings 200 and proceed to utilize the zipper 40 and join the first surface edging 50 to the second surface edging 60 by zipping the two edges up. In an alternative embodiment the user may join the first surface edging 50 to the second surface edging 60 by utilizing a set of snap buttons 70 and snapping together the two sides.
Shown in FIG. 4, the present invention is shown from a downward view. This view shows the umbrella arms 110, points of connection of spring loaded plastic clips 90 at the end tips 120 in conjunction with the elastic nooses 100, clear window viewer 180, zipper 40, hand openings 200, air vents 190, snap buttons 150 and corresponding snap buttons 160.
Shown in FIG. 5, the present invention is also equipped with a small carrying case 250 to carry the compressed configuration with more ease. The carrying case 250 is constructed of a lightweight material, such as plastic or silk, and has a shoulder-carrying strap 260, made of a durable material. The bag also contains a zipper 270 for easy opening and closing of the carrying case 250. When the user is finished using the present invention for rain protection, The present invention has benefits not present in other know rain protection devices in that the present invention is foldable, convenient, and provide full optimal protection from rain while, while providing sufficient air circulation for the user.
It is intended and should be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment released and the abovementioned description of the invention is simply to be illustrative and that the present invention will contain other embodiments, modifications, that fall within the attached claims.

Claims

1. A rain protection device for an umbrella having an outer circumference, comprising:

a first shield, configured to span 180 degrees under and around the outer circumference of the umbrella;

at least a second shield, disposed adjacent to said first shield, spanning 180 degrees under and around the outer circumference of the umbrella;

at least one attachment mechanism removably connecting said first shield and said at least second shield;

wherein, said at least one attachment mechanism removably attaches said shields together into a cylindrical shaped attachment shield, said at least one attachment mechanism is configured to change a length of said cylindrical shaped attachment shield, and each of said shields of said cylindrical shaped attachment shield is able to be electively removed from said at least one attachment mechanism.

2. The rain protection device for an umbrella having an outer circumference of claim 1, further comprising a third shield and a fourth shield; said third shield disposed under said first shield, spanning 180 degrees under and around the circumference of the umbrella; said fourth shield disposed under said at least second shield, spanning 180 degrees under and around the circumference of the umbrella.

3. The rain protection device for an umbrella having an outer circumference of claim 2, further comprising a fifth shield and a sixth shield; said fifth shield disposed under said third shield, spanning 180 degrees under and around the circumference of the umbrella; said sixth shield disposed under said at least fourth shield, spanning 180 degrees under and around the circumference of the umbrella.

4. The rain protection device for an umbrella having an outer circumference of claim 1, wherein said at least one attachment mechanism is a zipper.

5. The rain protection device for an umbrella having an outer circumference of claim 1, wherein said at least one attachment mechanism runs vertically below the umbrella, removably connecting said first shield to said at least second shield.

6. The rain protection device for an umbrella having an outer circumference of claim 2, wherein said at least one attachment mechanism runs vertically below the umbrella, removably connecting said third shield to said fourth shield.

7. The rain protection device for an umbrella having an outer circumference of claim 3, wherein said at least one attachment mechanism runs vertically below the umbrella, removably connecting said fifth shield to said sixth shield.

8. The rain protection device for an umbrella having an outer circumference of claim 2, wherein said at least one attachment mechanism runs horizontally below the umbrella, removably connecting said first shield and said second shield to said third shield and said fourth shield.

9. The rain protection device for an umbrella having an outer circumference of claim 3, wherein said at least one attachment mechanism runs horizontally below the umbrella, removably connecting said third shield and said fourth shield to said fifth shield to said sixth shield.

10. The rain protection device for an umbrella having an outer circumference of claim 1, said first shield and said at least second shield removably attached to the umbrella.

11. A rain protection device for an umbrella having an outer circumference, comprising:

a first shield, configured to span under and around the outer circumference of the umbrella;

at least a second shield, disposed adjacent to said first shield, spanning under and around the outer circumference of the umbrella;

12. The rain protection device for an umbrella having an outer circumference of claim 11, further comprising a third shield and a fourth shield; said third shield disposed under said first shield, spanning under and around the circumference of the umbrella; said fourth shield disposed under said at least second shield, spanning under and around the circumference of the umbrella.

13. The rain protection device for an umbrella having an outer circumference of claim 12, further comprising a fifth shield and a sixth shield; said fifth shield disposed under said third shield, spanning under and around the circumference of the umbrella; said sixth shield disposed under said at least fourth shield, spanning under and around the circumference of the umbrella.

14. The rain protection device for an umbrella having an outer circumference of claim 1, wherein said at least one attachment mechanism is a zipper.

15. The rain protection device for an umbrella having an outer circumference of claim 11, wherein said at least one attachment mechanism runs vertically below the umbrella, removably connecting said first shield to said at least second shield.

16. The rain protection device for an umbrella having an outer circumference of claim 12, wherein said at least one attachment mechanism runs vertically below the umbrella, removably connecting said third shield to said fourth shield.

17. The rain protection device for an umbrella having an outer circumference of claim 13, wherein said at least one attachment mechanism runs vertically below the umbrella, removably connecting said fifth shield to said sixth shield.

18. The rain protection device for an umbrella having an outer circumference of claim 13, wherein

said at least one attachment mechanism runs horizontally below the umbrella, removably connecting said first shield and said second shield to said third shield and said fourth shield;

said at least one attachment mechanism runs horizontally below the umbrella, removably connecting said third shield and said fourth shield to said fifth shield to said sixth shield; and

said first shield and said at least second shield are removably attached to the umbrella.

19. The rain protection device for an umbrella having an outer circumference of claim 1, further comprising:

a third shield and a fourth shield; said third shield disposed under said first shield, spanning 180 degrees under and around the circumference of the umbrella; said fourth shield disposed under said at least second shield, spanning 180 degrees under and around the circumference of the umbrella;

a fifth shield and a sixth shield; said fifth shield disposed under said third shield, spanning 180 degrees under and around the circumference of the umbrella; said sixth shield disposed under said at least fourth shield, spanning 180 degrees under and around the circumference of the umbrella;

said at least one attachment mechanism is a zipper;

said at least one attachment mechanism runs vertically below the umbrella, removably connecting said first shield to said at least second shield;

said at least one attachment mechanism runs vertically below the umbrella, removably connecting said third shield to said fourth shield;

said at least one attachment mechanism runs vertically below the umbrella, removably connecting said fifth shield to said sixth shield;

said first shield and said at least second shield removably attached to the umbrella.

20. The rain protection device for an umbrella having an outer circumference of claim 11, further comprising:

a third shield and a fourth shield; said third shield disposed under said first shield, spanning under and around the circumference of the umbrella; said fourth shield disposed under said at least second shield, spanning under and around the circumference of the umbrella;

a fifth shield and a sixth shield; said fifth shield disposed under said third shield, spanning under and around the circumference of the umbrella; said sixth shield disposed under said at least fourth shield, spanning under and around the circumference of the umbrella;

said at least one attachment mechanism is a zipper;