US20170354214A1

US20170354214A1 - Umbrella

Info

Publication number: US20170354214A1
Application number: US15/613,802
Authority: US
Inventors: Jerry Nevola
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-06-13
Filing date: 2017-06-05
Publication date: 2017-12-14

Abstract

An improved umbrella is a handheld umbrella which protects the user from the sun and inclement weather, with a switch on the handle to illuminate streaming or solid lights along the borders for decorative and safety purposes. The umbrella is able to emit a sound with the push of a button in case of emergency. The lights help a person be seen at night or in inclement weather.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 62/349,379, filed Jun. 13, 2016 which application is incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of umbrella devices and more specifically relates to an illuminated umbrella device comprising a handheld umbrella that has an on/off switch to illuminate streaming or solid lights. The lights may be useful for inclement weather, to help a person be seen at night, or for decorative purposes. Also, the lights may illuminate at the top and sides of the umbrella.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

An umbrella or parasol is a folding canopy supported by wooden or metal ribs, which is mounted on a wooden, metal or plastic pole. It is designed to protect a person against rain or sunlight. The word “umbrella” typically refers to a device used for protection from rain. The word parasol usually refers to an item designed to protect from the sun. Often the difference is the material used for the canopy; some parasols are not waterproof. Umbrella canopies may be made of fabric or flexible plastic.
Umbrellas and parasols are primarily hand-held portable devices sized for personal use. The largest hand-portable umbrellas are golf umbrellas. Umbrellas can be divided into two categories: fully collapsible umbrellas, in which the metal pole supporting the canopy retracts, making the umbrella small enough to fit in a handbag, and non-collapsible umbrellas in which the support pole cannot retract; only the canopy can be collapsed. Another distinction can be made between manually operated umbrellas and spring-loaded automatic umbrellas which spring open at the press of a button.
Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,831 to Akira Tatsumi; U.S. Pat. No. 6,341,873 to Chiu-Hsiung Yang; and U.S. Publication No. 2009/0260663 to Carlos J. Lewis. This art is representative of umbrellas having illumination means. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed.
Ideally, an umbrella should provide protection from rain and sun, be versatile enough to carry, and sturdy enough to have a long usage life, and, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable improved umbrella to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known umbrella art, the present invention provides a novel improved umbrella. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide an illuminated umbrella device comprising a handheld umbrella that has an on/off switch to illuminate streaming or solid lights. The lights may be useful for inclement weather, to help a person be seen at night, or for decorative purposes.
An improved umbrella is disclosed herein comprising an elongated shaft member including a handle member on a proximal end having a computer circuit board member, and a power source formed as at least one rechargeable battery member located within an interior portion which is adapted to control an electric current passing through; and a button member mounted on the outside of the handle member which is connected to the computer circuit board member and the power source, and is connected to electrical wiring within the elongated shaft member and extends beyond the length of it and out from a distal end. A series of light members formed as light emitting diodes are adapted to emit colors chosen from a group of colors consisting of red, white, blue, green, and orange, are electrically connected to one another and to an outer edge of the canopy member thereby encircling the canopy member.
The series of light members are electrically connected to the electrical wiring from the elongated shaft member to receive electrical current from the power source within the handle member to be selectively turned on and off by the button member. The handle member further includes a sound emitting member electrically connected to the button member and adapted to emit an emergency alarm sound when the button is pushed twice. The computer circuit board member is adapted to control the flow of electricity from the button member to the series of light members, such that individual series of light members can be turned on and off at chosen intervals to signal an emergency if necessary.
A releasable retainer is located on an upper section of the elongated shaft member in proximity to the distal end, and is adapted to hold a ring member in an open position. The ring member is adapted to slide along the elongated shaft member and be retained at the upper section or the lower section by a releasable retainer. A plurality of spaced elongated rib members are pivotally connected to the elongated shaft member at the distal end and radiate outward from the center. A flexible material canopy member chosen from a group of flexible materials consisting of nylon, plastic, and cotton is attached to the rib members.
Stretcher members are pivotally connected at respective distal ends to the ring member, and are also pivotally connected at respective proximal ends to a respective rib member, such that the flexible canopy member can be stored in a collapsed position for storage around the elongated shaft member, and also be opened and held in a fully extended and taut configuration adapted to withstand wind and rain. The rib members and stretcher members are formed from a material chosen from a group of materials consisting of stainless steel, plastic, and aluminum, and the elongated shaft member is formed from a material chosen from a group of materials consisting of stainless steel, plastic, aluminum, wood, fiberglass, and ceramic for durability.
The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as an improved umbrella. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, improved umbrella constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating an improved umbrella according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating an improved umbrella according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating the electrical components and wiring of an improved umbrella according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view illustrating an improved umbrella according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to an umbrella device and more particularly to an improved umbrella as used to provide protection from the weather, which further has a switch on the handle to illuminate streaming or solid LED lights along the border for decorative and safety purposes, to be readily seen at night.
Generally speaking, improved umbrella is a handheld umbrella with a switch on the handle to illuminate streaming or solid lights along the borders for decorative and safety purposes. The lights help a person be seen at night or in inclement weather. The umbrella is also able to emit a sound with the push of a button in case of emergency.
Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in FIG. 1, a perspective view illustrating an improved umbrella 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Improved umbrella 100 is disclosed herein comprising elongated shaft member 106 including handle member 110 on a proximal end 112 having computer circuit board member 116, and power source 124 formed as at least one rechargeable battery member 130 located within interior portion 138 which is adapted to control an electric current passing through; and button member 144 mounted on the outside of handle member 110 which is connected to computer circuit board member 116 and power source 124, and is connected to electrical wiring 150 within elongated shaft member 106 and extends beyond the length of it and out from distal end 114. Series of light members 160 formed as light emitting diodes 162 are adapted to emit colors chosen from a group of colors consisting of red, white, blue, green, and orange, are electrically connected to one another and to outer edge 168 of canopy member 170 thereby encircling canopy member 170.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a side view illustrating an improved umbrella according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Series of light members 160 are electrically connected to electrical wiring 150 from elongated shaft member 106 to receive electrical current from power source 124 within handle member 110 to be selectively turned on and off by button member 144. Handle member 110 further includes sound emitting member 120 electrically connected to button member 144 and adapted to emit an emergency alarm sound when button member 144 is pushed twice. Computer circuit board member 116 is adapted to control the flow of electricity from button member 144 to series of light members 160, such that individual series of light members 160 can be turned on and off at chosen intervals to signal an emergency if necessary.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a side view illustrating the electrical components and wiring of an improved umbrella according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Releasable retainer 180 is located on an upper section 188 of elongated shaft member 106 in proximity to distal end 114, and is adapted to hold ring member 184 in an open position. Ring member 184 is adapted to slide along elongated shaft member 106 and be retained at upper section 188 or lower section 190 by releasable retainer 180. The plurality of spaced elongated rib members 172 are pivotally connected to elongated shaft member 106 at distal end 114 and radiate outward from the center. Flexible material 174 canopy member 170 chosen from a group of flexible materials 174 consisting of nylon, plastic, and cotton is attached to spaced elongated rib members 172.
Referring now to FIG. 4, an exploded view illustrating an improved umbrella according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Stretcher members 178 are pivotally connected at respective distal ends to ring member 184, and are also pivotally connected at respective proximal ends to elongated rib members 172, such that flexible canopy member 170 can be stored in a collapsed position for storage around elongated shaft member 106, and also be opened and held in a fully extended and taut configuration adapted to withstand wind and rain. Elongated rib members 172 and stretcher members 178 are formed from a material chosen from a group of materials consisting of stainless steel, plastic, and aluminum, and elongated shaft member 106 is formed from a material chosen from a group of materials consisting of stainless steel, plastic, aluminum, wood, fiberglass, and ceramic for durability.
Improved umbrella 100 may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, etc., may be sufficient.
The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:

1. An improved umbrella comprising:

an elongated shaft member including:

a handle member on a proximal end thereof including;

a button member thereon adapted to control an electric current passing therethrough; and

a power source located within an interior portion thereof and electrically connected to said button member;

electrical wiring;

wherein said electrical wiring is connected to said button member and extends beyond the length of said elongated shaft member and out from a distal end thereof;

a releasable retainer located on an upper section thereof in proximity to said distal end;

a flexible canopy member including:

a plurality of spaced elongated rib members radiating outwardly from a center section thereof, and connected therewith;

wherein said flexible canopy member is connected at its said center section to said distal end of said elongated shaft member;

a ring member;

wherein said ring member is adapted to slide along said elongated shaft member and be releasably retained at said upper section thereof by said releasable retainer;

a plurality of stretcher members;

wherein each of said plurality of stretcher members are pivotally connected at respective distal ends to said ring member; and

wherein each of said plurality of stretcher members are pivotally connected at respective proximal ends to a respective said rib member, such that said flexible canopy member can be stored in a collapsed position around said elongated shaft member and also be opened and held in a fully extended and taut configuration adapted to withstand wind and rain; and

a series of light members;

wherein said series of light members are electrically connected to one another and to an outer edge of said canopy member thereby encircling said canopy member; and

wherein said series of light members are electrically connected to said electrical wiring to thereby receive electrical current from said power source within said handle member to thereby be selectively turned on and off by said button member.

2. The improved umbrella of claim 1, wherein said series of light members are light emitting diodes.

3. The improved umbrella of claim 2, wherein said light emitting diodes are adapted to emit colors chosen from a group of colors consisting of red, white, blue, green, and orange.

4. The improved umbrella of claim 1, wherein said handle member further includes a computer circuit board member therein adapted to control the flow of electricity from said button member to said series of light members, such that individual ones of said series of light members can be turned on and off at chosen intervals.

5. The improved umbrella of claim 1, wherein said elongated shaft member further includes a releasable retainer located on a lower section thereof in proximity to said handle member, and adapted to releasably retain said ring member to thereby hold said canopy member in said collapsed position around said elongated shaft member for storage.

6. The improved umbrella of claim 1, wherein said handle member further includes a sound emitting member electrically to said button member and is adapted to emit a sound when said button is pushed twice.

7. The improved umbrella of claim 1, wherein said sound is an emergency alarm.

8. The improved umbrella of claim 4, wherein said series of light members can be turned on and off at chosen intervals to signal an emergency.

9. The improved umbrella of claim 1, wherein said canopy member is formed from a flexible fabric.

10. The improved umbrella of claim 9, wherein said flexible fabric is chosen from a group of flexible fabric consisting of nylon, plastic, and cotton.

11. The improved umbrella of claim 1, wherein said rib members and said stretcher members are formed from a material chosen from a group of materials consisting of stainless steel, plastic, and aluminum.

12. The improved umbrella of claim 1, wherein said elongated shaft member is formed from a material chosen from a group of materials consisting of stainless steel, plastic, aluminum, wood, fiberglass, and ceramic.

13. The improved umbrella of claim 1, wherein said power source is formed as at least one battery member.

14. The improved umbrella of claim 13, wherein said at least one battery member is rechargeable.