US2554204A

US2554204A - Umbrella

Info

Publication number: US2554204A
Application number: US789044A
Authority: US
Inventors: Joseph H Mueller
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1947-12-01
Filing date: 1947-12-01
Publication date: 1951-05-22
Anticipated expiration: 1968-05-22

Description

May 22, 1951 J. H. MUELLER 2,554,204

UMBRELLA Filed Dec. 1, 1947 Joseph H. Mueller INVEN TOR.

BY Mm g m 3M Patented May 22, 1951 UNITED, STATES, PATENT OFFICE 2 Claims. (Cl. 135"19.'5)

This invention relates to new and useful improvements and structural refinements in umbrellas, and the principal object of the invention is to provide a device of the character herein described, such as may be conveniently and effectively employed for protecting the. head and shoulders of the user from rain and other adverse weather conditions. a

A further object of the invention is to provide an'umbrella of the class described which is extremely light in weight and collapsible in construction, so that it may be easily and conveniently carried either when it is or when it is not in use.

Another object of the invention is to provide an umbrella which includes in its construction a transparent window, so that the user may observe and visually guide his or her progress through traffic, notwithstanding the presence of the umbrella over his or her head.

An additional object of the invention is to provide an umbrella which is simple in construction, neat in appearance, and which will not easily become damaged.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an umbrella which will readily lend itself to economical manufacture and which is otherwise well adapted for the purpose for which it is intended.

With the above more important objects in view and such other objects as may become apparent as this specification proceeds, the invention consists essentially of the construction, and arrangement of parts as shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the invention, showing the same in an open position when in use;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the umbrella in a closed position;

Figure 3 is an underside perspective view of the invention in an open position;

Figure 4 is an underside perspective view of a modified embodiment of the invention, the same also being shown in an open position;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary elevational detail of a swivel joint used in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, and

Figure 6 is an exploded elevational detail of the swivel joint illustrated in Figure 5.

Like characters of reference are employed to designate like parts in the specification and throughout the several views.

Referring now to the accompanying drawings in detail, more specifically to Figures 1-3 inclusive, the invention consists of an umbrella designated generally by the reference character Ill, the same embodying in its construction a sheet of bendable material providing an elongated, substantially rectangular panel I I which is bendable along a transverse fold line l2.

The panel II is provided with a suitable opening [3 in which is mounted by means of a frame [4 a transparent window I5, as will be clearly apparent.

A bendable strip I6 extends longitudinally of thepanel H and is secured thereto by means of a plurality of clips [1, one end portion of this strip being angulated and provided with a notch so as to constitute what may be referred to as a detent H3. The remaining end portion of the strip It assumes the form of a loop [9, hereinafter referred to as the handle.

When the invention is placed in use, the panel H is bent somewhat along the fold line I2 into a substantially V-shaped configuration shown in Figure 1, in which position it is effectively retained by means of the strip I6. It should be understood that the strip [6 is not resilient, but is adapted to remain in any position to which it is bent, thereby supporting the panel H in any desired position.

As is best shown in Figure 1, the umbrella may then be placed above the head of the user, being supported by the handle l9. Moreover, in the event of driving rain, or the like, the umbrella may be adjusted to any required position with respect to the head of the user, and the user may visually observe his or her progress through traffic by virtue of the window l5.

When the umbrella is not in use, it may be simply folded to a position shown in Figure 2, wherein it is releasably retained by simply engaging the detent IS with the handle l9. Moreover, the umbrella may be conveniently carried while in this position by means of the handle !9, as will be readily understood,

Referring now to the modified embodiment of the invention illustrated in the accompanying Figures 4-6, the same is designated generally by the reference character 2!] and consists of a bendable panel 2| provided with a transparent window 22.

The panel 2| when in use may be bent either longitudinally or transversely, and a reinforcing strip 23 is secured to the panel, the strip 23 corresponding to the strip IS in the embodiment l 0.

One end portion of the strip '23 terminates in an angulated bracket portion 24 carrying a cam surfaced dog 25, the latter being engageable with a coacting dog 26 secured to one end portion of an arcuate handle 21. A suitable bolt 28, equipped with a, nut 29 extends through the

parts

24, 25, 26 and 21, the loosening or tightening of this bolt facilitating adjustment of the handle 21 with respect to the strip or strap 23 to suit the convenience of the user.

Needless to say, the umbrella 20 may be adjusted as required by simply bending the panel 2|, either transversely or longitudinally, as has been already explained.

Moreover, it should be noted that the handle 21 is disposed exteriorly, so to speak, with respect to the panel 2|, so that convenient handling of the umbrella is facilitated.

It is believed that the advantages and use of the invention will be clearly understood from the foregoing disclosure, and accordingly, further description thereof at this point is deemed unnecessary.

While in the foregoing there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of this invention, it is to be understood that minor changes in the details of construction, combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

1. In an umbrella, the combination of an elongated panel bendable on a transverse fold line from an open operative position to a doubled inoperative position, a combined reinforcement and handle comprising a non-resilient strip extending longitudinally of said panel and having a major portion of its length secured to the panel and bendable therewith whereby said panel may be adjustably supported in a predetermined bent but operative position, one end portion of said strip extending outwardly from the panel and constituting a handle, and means for releasably locking said panel in its doubled position wherein a portion of said handle projects outwardly therefrom.

2. The device as defined in claim 1 wherein said means include a hook-shaped detent provided at the remaining end of said strip, said handle being engageable with said detent when said panel is in its doubled position.

JOSEPH H. MUELLER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 581,691 Buchanan et a1 May 4, 1897 1,023,635 Flues Apr. 16, 1912 2,193,469 Ashton Mar. 12, 1940 2,430,042 Bisbing Nov. 4, 1947