WO1999038412A2

WO1999038412A2 - Inflatable umbrella

Info

Publication number: WO1999038412A2
Application number: PCT/IL1999/000058
Authority: WO
Inventors: Moshe Kelner
Original assignee: U.M.B. Tech Ltd.
Priority date: 1998-01-30
Filing date: 1999-01-29
Publication date: 1999-08-05
Also published as: WO1999038412A3; IL123126A0; AU2297199A

Abstract

An inflatable umbrella (10) including a handle (14) including a pressurized gas canister (42) with a propellant (31) disposed therein, a plurality of inflatable rib channels (18) sealed with fluid communication and attached to the handle (14), a trigger (48, 52, 54) selectively rupturing the canister to release the propellant (31) to inflate the inflatable rib channels (18) and to form an umbrella, characterized by each of the inflatable rib channels (18) being formed by two foldable sheets (20) joined at peripheral, lengthwise edges (22, 24) to define a generally straight shank portion (26), the shank portions (26) being commonly joined together generally along a longitudinal centerline to divide each shank portion into two separated passageways (30) for flow therein of the propellant, and a canopy support portion (34) extending transversely from the passageway and being connected to an umbrella canopy (40).

Description

INFLATABLE UMBRELLA

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to inflatable umbrellas.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Inflatable or pneumatic umbrellas are well known. The following US Patents are believed to be representative of the prior art: 269,317 to Peace, 883,277 to Bellis,

1,397,789 to Stonestreet, 1,41 1,560 to Beaty, 2,049,380 to Huber, 2,172,549 to Solomon,

2,401,252 to Klimashesky, 2,625,946 to Kaston et al., 2,679,256 to Bocchino et al., 2,736,329 to Cornellier, 2,753,878 to Halberstam, 2,810,391 to Jones, Jr., 2,827,066 to Nussbaumer, 2,827,909 to Platzke, 3,053,266 to Burns, 3,538,928 to Price et al., 3,361,145 to Jones,

3,889,700 to Kirley, 3,954, 117 to Wallace, 4,068,675 to Pappanikolaou, 4,370,994 to Pittman,

4,523,601 to Grady et al., 4,643,210 to Feld, 4,747,422 to Chung, 4,766,920 to Grady, II,

5,040,555 to Wang, 5,123,434 to Fetterly, 5,421,354 to Bolton, and 5,464,034 to Kestin.

In particular, Kirley describes a single-use, self-inflatable, disposable, pocket- size umbrella including a carrying case provided with a non-slip external gripping surface. The carrying case has a length of approximately 4 inches, and has a removable cover. A pressure vessel, with a propellant disposed therein, is provided with a frangible part. The carrying case has an internal projection for selectively rupturing the frangible part of the pressure vessel when the carrying case is squeezed. This releases the propellant which inflates inflatable rib channels, thereby forming an umbrella. The carrying case becomes the handle of the umbrella.

A tab interconnection between the carrying case and at least one of the inflatable rib channels is provided. This tab interconnection may be pulled to release the pressurized gas from the umbrella so as to deflate the umbrella for disposal.

Pittman describes an inflatable umbrella with a drawstring disposed about the periphery of a cover sheet of the umbrella. The drawstring permits the cover sheet to be drawn into a generally hemispheric configuration when in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide an improved inflatable umbrella which has a rigid shank with a cross sectional shape that withstands strong gusts of winds without bending. The umbrella of the present invention may be disposable or used over and over. The umbrella is preferably constructed of fire-retardant materials.

There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention an inflatable umbrella including a handle including a pressurized gas canister with a propellant disposed therein, the canister having a frangible portion, a plurality of inflatable rib channels attached to the handle and in substantially sealed fluid communication therewith, and a trigger for selectively rupturing the frangible portion of the canister so as to release the propellant which inflates the inflatable rib channels, wherein the inflatable rib channels form an umbrella when inflated, characterized by each of the inflatable rib channels being formed of two foldable sheets joined at peripheral, lengthwise edges thereof to define a generally straight shank portion, wherein the shank portions are commonly joined together generally along a longitudinal centerline of the shank portions so as to divide each shank portion into two separate passageways for flow therein of the propellant, the passageways extending radially outwards from the commonly joined centerline, and wherein each the passageway includes a canopy support portion extending generally transversely therefrom, the passageway and the canopy support portion thereby defining a continuous pathway for flow therein of the propellant, the pathway being open at a proximal end thereof which is attached to the handle and in substantially sealed fluid communication therewith, and the pathway being sealed at a distal end of the canopy support portion, the canopy support portions being connected to an umbrella canopy.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the passageways formed by the shank portions, when filled by the propellant, have a cross section which is shaped generally like a plurality of adjacent sectors joined at a common apex and extending radially from the common apex, each the sector being defined by two radii extending from the common apex and connected by an arc. Preferably at least one of the arcs has a focus different from the common apex.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a plurality of the canisters, wherein a given one of the canisters is replaceable by another of the canisters after expending the propellant from the given canister.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the canister is threadably connected to a portion of the handle.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the umbrella is constructed of a fire-retardant material. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the handle is initially deflated and is inflatable by the propellant.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the umbrella canopy is shaped as an amusement character. There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention an inflatable sign including a handle including a pressurized gas canister with a propellant disposed therein, the canister having a frangible portion, an inflatable sign portion attached to the handle and in substantially sealed fluid communication therewith, and a trigger for selectively rupturing the frangible portion of the canister so as to release the propellant which inflates the sign portion, wherein the sign portion forms a sign when inflated.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention an inflatable table including a handle including a pressurized gas canister with a propellant disposed therein, the canister having a frangible portion, an inflatable table portion attached to the handle and in substantially sealed fluid communication therewith, the inflatable table portion including a table top and table leg, and a trigger for selectively rupturing the frangible portion of the canister so as to release the propellant which inflates the table portion, wherein the table portion forms a table when inflated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a handle removed from a carrying case of an inflatable umbrella, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with inflatable rib channels folded on top of the handle; Fig. 2 A is a simplified pictorial illustration of the inflatable rib channels unfolded and extending from the handle of the umbrella of Fig. 1;

Fig. 2B is a simplified illustration of the inflatable rib channels of the umbrella of

Fig. 1, shown without the handle for the sake of clarity;

Fig. 3 is a simplified top view illustration of the handle shown in Figs. 1 and 2 before inflation of the umbrella, shown without the rib channels for the sake of clarity;

Fig. 4 is a simplified exploded pictorial illustration of a handle and trigger of the umbrella, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 5 and 6 are simplified sectional illustrations of the handle and trigger of Fig. 4, before and after rupturing of the handle to release a propellant disposed therein, respectively;

Fig. 7 is a simplified top view illustration of the handle after squeezing a trigger to cause inflation of the umbrella, shown without the rib channels for the sake of clarity; Fig. 8 is a simplified pictorial illustration of the umbrella of the present invention during early stages of inflation;

Fig. 9 is a simplified pictorial illustration of the umbrella of the present invention fully inflated; Fig. 10 is a simplified pictorial illustration of the fully inflated umbrella of the present invention;

Fig. 11 is a simplified sectional illustration of a cross section of the umbrella of

Fig. 10, taken along lines XI-XI in Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a simplified pictorial illustration of the fully inflated umbrella of the present invention with a drawstring to selectively draw in the canopy of the umbrella;

Fig. 13 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an inflatable umbrella, constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, which includes an umbrella canopy shaped as an amusement character;

Fig. 14 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an inflatable sign constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 15 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an inflatable table constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference is now made to Figs. 1-2B which illustrate an inflatable umbrella 10, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Umbrella 10, as seen in Fig. 1, is preferably stored in a carrying case 12. Umbrella 10 includes a handle 14 with an inflatable umbrella portion 16 initially folded and disposed on the top of handle 14. In Fig. 2A, a user unravels umbrella portion 16 to prepare for inflation of the umbrella. Handle 14, which may be constructed from a flexible plastic or even soft leather, comprises an inflation mechanism as will be described in further detail with reference to Figs.

4-6. Umbrella portion 16 will now be described in detail with reference to Fig. 2B.

Fig. 2B illustrates umbrella portion 16 without handle 14 for the sake of clarity.

It is seen that umbrella portion 16 includes a plurality of inflatable rib channels 18, each of which is formed of two foldable sheets 20 joined (as defined in the following paragraph) at peripheral, lengthwise edges 22 and 24 thereof to define a generally straight shank portion 26.

The shank portions 26 are commonly joined together generally along a longitudinal centerline

28 of the shank portions 26 so as to divide each shank portion 26 into two separate passageways 30 for flow therein of a propellant 31 (the source of which is shown and described hereinbelow with reference to Figs. 4-6). Passageways 30 extend radially outwards from commonly joined centerline 28.

As used herein, reference to two materials or elements being "joined" refers to the situation wherein the two materials or elements are directly joined to one another or where they are indirectly joined to one another such as where both are joined to an intermediate element. Similarly, methods of joining two materials or elements include forming the elements or materials integrally, or attaching the elements together such as through the use of adhesive, sonic or thermal bonding, sewing, and the like.

If desired, instead of joining just two sheets 20, additional layers 32 may also be used and joined together to form inflatable rib channels 18. The sheets may be joined along the entire length of centerline 28 or alternatively only along a portion thereof.

Each passageway 30 includes a hollow canopy support portion 34 extending generally transversely therefrom. Passageway 30 and canopy support portion 34 thereby define a continuous pathway for flow therein of propellant 31. By referring to Fig. 2 A it is seen that inflatable rib channels 18 are joined to handle 14 and in substantially sealed fluid communication therewith. The pathway formed by each passageway 30 and canopy support portion 34 is open at a proximal end 36 thereof attached to handle 14 (Fig. 2 A) and is sealed at a distal end 38 of canopy support portion 34 (Fig. 2B).

Canopy support portions 34 are connected to an umbrella canopy 40. It is a particular feature of the present invention that all the materials of umbrella portion 16 are preferably fire-retardant.

Reference is now made to Figs. 4-6 which illustrate an inflation mechanism of handle 14, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The inflation mechanism includes a disposable pressurized gas canister 42 with a frangible portion 44. As seen in Fig. 3, handle 14 initially has a somewhat flat, deflated shape. Canister 42 preferably has a threaded neck 46 which screws onto a trigger body 48 joined to inflatable rib channels 18. Trigger body 48 has a central bore 50 formed therein in which is disposed a pointed pin 52. A lever 54 is pivotally attached to trigger body 48 by means of a roll pin 56. Trigger body 48, pin 52 and lever 54 thus comprise a trigger. As seen in Fig. 5, pin 52 is initially poised above top portion 44 of canister 42.

As seen in Fig. 6, by squeezing lever 54 in the direction of arrow 58, lever 54 presses against pin 52 thereby causing pin 52 to pierce top portion 44 and release propellant 31 from canister 42. Propellant 31 flows out of the pierced top portion 44 via apertures 60 formed in trigger body 48 into handle 14 and umbrella portion 16 causing inflation thereof.

As seen in Fig. 7, handle 14, when inflated, assumes a generally circular shape convenient for gripping when using the umbrella 10. Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate the stages of inflation of the umbrella 10. The speed of inflation may be controlled by the size of apertures

60 and/or the geometry of pin 52 which pierces an opening in top portion 44.

Fig. 10 illustrates the fully inflated umbrella 10. As seen in the sectional illustration of Fig. 11, passageways 30 formed by shank portions 26, when fully inflated, have a cross section which is shaped generally like a plurality of adjacent sectors joined at a common apex 62 and extending radially from apex 62. Each sector is defined by two radii extending from apex 62 and connected by an arc 64. At least one, and preferably all, of the arcs 64 have a focus 66 different from apex 62. The shape illustrated in Fig. 11 provides the umbrella with great rigidity and resistance to bending in strong winds.

Reference is now made to Fig. 12 which illustrates the fully inflated umbrella 10 with an optional drawstring 70 assembled at a periphery of canopy 40. Ends of drawstring 70 may be pulled through a connector 72. Drawstring 70 may be selectively tightened to draw in canopy 40, such as for purposes of getting through narrow doorways or corridors or the like.

The propellant 31 may be conveniently released from umbrella 10 merely by unscrewing canister 42 from trigger housing 48 which allows propellant 31 to flow out of passageways 30 through bore 50. It is a particular feature of the present invention that a plurality of canisters 42 may be provided such that one canister 42 may be replaced by another canister 42 after expending the propellant 31 from the first canister 42.

Referring again to Fig. 2 A, it is seen that the bottom of handle 14 may be fashioned with a stopper 74 which may be removed to allow access to canister 42 for removal and replacement thereof.

Reference is now made to Fig. 13 which illustrates an inflatable umbrella 80, constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Umbrella 80 is preferably substantially identical to umbrella 10, but, in addition, includes an umbrella canopy 82 shaped as an amusement character, such as with ears 84. It is appreciated that any type of amusement character may be incorporated in the umbrella.

Reference is now made to Fig. 14 which illustrates an inflatable sign 90 constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Sign 90 preferably includes the handle 14 with the inflation mechanism as described hereinabove for umbrella 10, except that the umbrella canopy 40 of umbrella 10 is replaced with an upright, inflatable sign portion 92. Inflatable sign 90 may have a straight shank portion

94 of a simple hollow construction, or alternatively of a similar construction as shank portion

26 of umbrella 10, described hereinabove. Reference is now made to Fig. 15 which illustrates an inflatable table 100 constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Table 100 preferably includes the handle 14 with the inflation mechanism as described hereinabove for umbrella 10, except that the umbrella canopy 40 of umbrella 10 is replaced with an inflatable table portion 102 which comprises an inflatable table top 104 and a plurality of inflatable table legs 106. Typically three legs 106 are provided. An inflatable shank portion 108 extends from handle 14. Legs 106 and shank portion 108 may have a simple hollow construction, or alternatively, may have a similar construction as shank portion 26 of umbrella 10, described hereinabove.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the features described hereinabove as well as modifications and variations thereof which would occur to a person of skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not in the prior art.

Claims

C L A I M SWhat is claimed is:

1. An inflatable umbrella ( 10) comprising: a handle (14) comprising a pressurized gas canister (42) with a propellant (31) disposed therein, said canister (42) having a frangible portion (44); a plurality of inflatable rib channels (18) attached to said handle (14) and in substantially sealed fluid communication therewith; and a trigger (48, 52, 54) for selectively rupturing the frangible portion (44) of the canister (42) so as to release the propellant (31) which inflates said inflatable rib channels (18), wherein said inflatable rib channels (18) form an umbrella when inflated; characterized by each of said inflatable rib channels (18) being formed of two foldable sheets (20) joined at peripheral, lengthwise edges (22, 24) thereof to define a generally straight shank portion (26), wherein said shank portions (26) are commonly joined together generally along a longitudinal centerline (28) of said shank portions (26) so as to divide each shank portion (26) into two separate passageways (30) for flow therein of said propellant (31), the passageways (30) extending radially outwards from said commonly joined centerline (28), and wherein each said passageway (30) comprises a canopy support portion (34) extending generally transversely therefrom, said passageway (30) and said canopy support portion (34) thereby defining a continuous pathway for flow therein of said propellant (31), said pathway being open at a proximal end (36) thereof which is attached to said handle (14) and in substantially sealed fluid communication therewith, and said pathway being sealed at a distal end (38) of said canopy support portion (34).

2. The umbrella (10) according to claim 1 wherein said canopy support portions (34) are connected to an umbrella canopy (40).

3. The umbrella (10) according to claim 1 wherein said passageways (30) formed by said shank portions (26), when filled by the propellant (31), have a cross section which is shaped generally like a plurality of adjacent sectors joined at a common apex (62) and extending radially from the common apex (62), each said sector being defined by two radii extending from the common apex (62) and connected by an arc (64).

4. The umbrella (10) according to claim 3 wherein at least one of said arcs (64) has a focus (66) different from said common apex (62).

5. The umbrella (10) according to claim 1 further comprising a plurality of said canisters (42), wherein a given one of said canisters (42) is replaceable by another of said canisters (42) after expending the propellant (31) from said given canister (42).

6. The umbrella (10) according to claim 1 wherein said canister (42) is threadably connected to a portion of said handle (14).

7. The umbrella (10) according to claim 1 wherein said umbrella (10) is constructed of a fire-retardant material.

8. The umbrella (10) according to claim 1 wherein said handle (14) is initially deflated and is inflatable by said propellant (31).

9. The umbrella (80) according to claim 2 wherein said umbrella canopy (82) is shaped as an amusement character.

10. The umbrella (90) according to claim 2 wherein said umbrella canopy comprises an inflatable sign portion (92).

11. The umbrella (100) according to claim 2 wherein said umbrella canopy comprises an inflatable table portion (102) which comprises a table top and table legs.

12. An inflatable sign (90) comprising: a handle (14) comprising a pressurized gas canister (42) with a propellant (31) disposed therein, said canister (42) having a frangible portion (44); an inflatable sign portion (92) attached to said handle (14) and in substantially sealed fluid communication therewith; and a trigger (48, 52, 54) for selectively rupturing the frangible portion (44) of the canister (42) so as to release the propellant (31) which inflates said sign portion (92), wherein said sign portion (92) forms a sign when inflated.

13. An inflatable table (100) comprising: a handle (14) comprising a pressurized gas canister (42) with a propellant (31) disposed therein, said canister (42) having a frangible portion (44); an inflatable table portion (102) attached to said handle (14) and in substantially sealed fluid communication therewith, said inflatable table portion (102) comprising a table top and table leg; and a trigger (48, 52, 54) for selectively rupturing the frangible portion (44) of the canister (42) so as to release the propellant (31) which inflates said table portion (102), wherein said table portion (102) forms a table when inflated.