WO2021250644A1

WO2021250644A1 - Structure of umbrella with personal protection

Info

Publication number: WO2021250644A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/055234
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marco Pierotti; Marco Micheletti
Original assignee: Marco Pierotti; Marco Micheletti
Priority date: 2020-06-12
Filing date: 2021-06-14
Publication date: 2021-12-16
Also published as: IT202000014134A1

Abstract

An umbrella (1,2,3) comprising a stiff shaft (10) having opposite ends having respectively a tip (11) and a handle (12), a plurality of sticks (20) rotatably connected (21) in a radial pattern to said tip (11), the ribs (20) having respective terminals (22) opposite to said tip (11); a flexible canopy (30) connected to the ribs (20), having a central portion (31) connected to said tip (11) and a perimeter portion (32) connected to the terminals (22), a runner (40) slidingly engaged on the stiff shaft (10), and a plurality of stretchers (41) rotatably connected to the runner (40) and to the ribs (20), so that by moving the runner (40) along the stiff shaft (10) the stretchers (41) push the ribs (20) from a closed position, parallel to the stiff shaft (10) to an open position, substantially orthogonal to the stiff shaft (10) near said tip (11), and vice versa. The umbrella also includes a flexible perimeter curtain (50) for additional protection made of a material selected among a transparent polymeric film, a transparent fabric, the perimeter curtain (50) having a tubular shape and presenting a perimeter edge (51), connected to the canopy (30) along the perimeter portion (32) or at the terminals (22), and a free edge (52), opposite to the perimeter edge (51). The flexible perimeter curtain (50) is connected to the canopy (30) or to the ribs (20) by means of connecting elements (60) configured to allow a movement from an extended tubular position (60A) of the perimeter curtain that extends from the ribs (20) in the open position to a folded position (60B) parallel to the stiff shaft (10) externally to the ribs (20) and adjacent to the canopy (30) in the closed position, the length of the perimeter curtain (50) between the perimeter edge (31) and the free edge (52) being such that in the closed position of the ribs (20) the free edge (52) does not go beyond the handle (12) or said tip (11).

Description

TITLE

STRUCTURE OF UMBRELLA WITH PERSONAL PROTECTION

DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an umbrella struc ture, and in particular of the type capable of providing additional personal protection.

Technical problems - background art

[0002] In case of pandemics various types of restrictions have been adopted, including social distancing and the use of protective masks. In addition, public establishments are subjected to controlled entrances, which can cause long queues. On rainy days, waiting becomes problematic as most of the structures where queues form, such as super markets, pharmacies, etc. they have no sheds available. The same problem arises on hot days with long waits in the sun.

[0003] There are various types of umbrellas equipped with additional protection, adapted to better shield the user. Such umbrellas have a skirt or curtain extending peripher ally downwards. CN104687670 proposes a protection by add ing a transparent cylindrical curtain to an umbrella. How ever, it fails to describe how this can be achieved.

[0004] Although various types of protections for umbrellas have been proposed, as described below, they are not prac tically usable, and have not yet arrived on the market. [0005] US2018153270, US2502984, US2546228, US9462860 de scribe a liftable or lowerable guard such as a Venetian blind. This solution, while allowing the use of the perim eter curtain, which starts from a position of minimum en cumbrance of the umbrella to an open position, makes the umbrella bulky and heavy, having to add many cables and pulleys. Similarly, US1072340A describes an umbrella for protecting trees after planting, which provides a circum ferential blind 23 which can be lowered like a Venetian blind by means of a flexible tie 25.

[0006] US2005028851 describes a perimeter curtain for um brellas, of transparent polymeric material or of a canopy veil fixed to the outer edge of the umbrella canopy by stitches or the like. Alternatively, the perimeter curtain can be built as an envelope of such materials in which the umbrella is placed. This solution does not easily allow to use the perimeter curtain from a position of minimum en cumbrance to an open position.

[0007] CN104643441 discloses an umbrella with an inflatable perimeter curtain secured around its circumference, with an air pump installed on the handle of the umbrella. The inflatable perimeter curtain is fixed to the umbrella by Velcro portions. When the curtain is inflated it can with stand wind and rain, thus preventing people from getting wet. When the air is exhausted after use, the curtain is lifted and rolled up, and locked with the Velcro.

[0008] In US734311 and US3151621 show umbrellas to which a curtain can be hung or fixed as an accessory, by means of hooks or holes reinforced with rings.

[0009] GB2564093A discloses a sack-shaped curtain, into which an umbrella can be inserted. The sack has an edge with an elastic band, so as to adhere to a person to be protected.

[0010] FR1550314A describes a dome-shaped curtain, in which an umbrella can be inserted, or, alternatively, tubular shaped, to be applied to the free edge of the umbrella.

[0011] JP2017012659A discloses a canopy capable of partial ly overlapping an open umbrella, provided with a portion of suspended canopy which folds and suspends from the pe- ripheral edge of the umbrella.

[0012] US2017156460A1 describes an umbrella of the reverse closing type, in which the canopy that protects from rain when the umbrella is open remains totally closed inside the ribs when the umbrella is closed.

Summary of the invention

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to pro vide an umbrella that has around it a perimeter curtain for additional protection and that can be opened or closed easily, so as to be ready for use.

[0014] It is an object of the present invention to pro vide an umbrella which has around it a perimeter curtain for additional protection and which is easy and economical to produce.

[0015] It is an object of the present invention to pro vide an umbrella which has around it a perimetral curtain of additional protection and which when closed is of mini mum encumbrance.

[0016] These and other objects are achieved by an um brella according to the invention comprising:

- a stiff shaft having opposite ends respectively having a tip and a handle,

- a plurality of ribs rotatably connected in a ra dial pattern to the tip, said sticks having re spective terminals opposite to said tip;

- a flexible canopy connected to said ribs, having a central portion connected to said tip and a perimeter portion connected to said terminals,

- a plurality of stretchers connected to said run ner and to said ribs, so that by moving said runner along said stiff shaft, said stretchers bring said ribs from a closed position, parallel to said stiff shaft to an open position, sub stantially orthogonal to said stiff shaft in proximity to said tip, and vice versa,

- a flexible perimeter curtain for additional pro tection, said perimeter curtain having a tubular shape and having a perimeter edge, connected to said canopy along said perimeter portion, and a free edge, opposite to said perimeter edge,

- characterized in that said flexible perimeter curtain is connected to said canopy and to said ribs by means of connecting elements, which are configured to allow a movement of said perimeter curtain from an extended tubular position, which extends from said ribs in said open position, to a retracted position parallel to said stiff shaft externally to said ribs and adjacent to said canopy in said closed position, the length of said perimeter curtain between said perimeter edge and said free edge being such that in said closed position of said ribs said free edge does not go beyond said handle or said tip.

[0017] In this way, it is possible to have an umbrella with a perimeter curtain for additional protection in which said perimeter curtain, during the closing and open ing steps of the umbrella, performs a natural movement to move from the folded position to the extended tubular po sition and vice versa. In the extended tubular position, the perimeter curtain offers protection both against bad weather, but also allows to reduce the distance between people waiting outdoors. The easy opening and closing al low the user to store or carry the umbrella comfortably, since the perimeter curtain does not cause hindrance or late opening and closing of the umbrella.

[0018] The invention is suitable for example for a tra ditional closing umbrella, with stiff and terminal sticks that close next to the handle. In this case, the connect ing elements are hinges that connect the terminals with the perimeter edge of the perimeter curtain. The hinges can provide mechanical joints or textile elements, for ex ample straps, cords or seams. With the closure of the um brella, the perimeter curtain according to the invention, which has a first and a second face, passes from a posi tion in which the first face is facing the canopy and the stiff shaft, and the second face is facing outwards, and the umbrella is in the closed position, to an inverted po sition in which the first face is facing outwards and the second face is facing the canopy and the stiff shaft.

[0019] The free edge, in the closed position, is sub stantially at the height of the tip, and can be fixed to it by means of a clip, a wrap or a Velcro strip. This so lution therefore allows to have an umbrella that, in the closed position, has the terminals which can be tradition ally locked to the handle, and the free edge of the perim eter curtain substantially locked to the tip.

[0020] The invention is suitable for example also to an umbrella of the reverse type, such as for example of the type described in US2004211451 or in W02011033317, incor porated herein by reference. This type of umbrella has the ribs with further various stretchers, not described here in detail as they are known. It also has an additional canopy. The canopy, when the umbrella is closed, is locat ed inside the ribs, while the additional canopy when the umbrella is closed is located outside and is adjacent to the ribs. According to the invention, the perimeter cur tain has the perimeter edge connected to the terminals of the ribs by means of the connecting elements according to the invention. In the closed position of the reverse fold ing umbrella, the free edge is adjacent to the handle, and can be fixed to it by means of a clip, a wrap, a Velcro strip.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, in case of applica tion of the perimeter curtain to a reverse folding umbrel la, stiff reinforcing wires are provided, integrated in the perimeter curtain. The stiff reinforcing wires have the function of keeping the perimeter curtain substantial ly plumb in its tubular shape in the open position of the umbrella. On the other hand, in the closed position of the umbrella, the stiff reinforcing wires perform a pendulum like movement around the terminals and help the perimeter curtain to approach the stiff shaft, gathering around the additional canopy and bringing the free edge to the vicin ity of the handle in order to be stopped.

[0022] In this case, guide rings or hinges can be pro vided, fixed to the ribs in a position adjacent to said terminals, and adapted to act as a guide to the stiff re inforcing wires and to keep them in a position always par allel to the handle.

[0023] The invention is also suitable for example for umbrella with articulated ribs, similar to those for a handbag or suitcase, such as for example of the type de scribed in US3467115 and following improvements, or with reverse closure, as described in US9629426, both incorpo rated herein by reference. These types of umbrellas have ribs with various articulated ribs and stretchers, which are not described in detail here as they are known. When the canopy is collected around the upper portion of the stiff shaft, thanks to the articulated ribs and stretchers that allow this movement, the lower part of the stiff shaft slides telescopically with respect to the upper one in one or more telescopic stages. According to the inven tion, the umbrella is constructed in a similar way to such prior art, that is, with articulated ribs and stretchers that allow the canopy to gather around the upper portion of the stiff shaft, but with a stiff shaft, which cannot be telescopically shortened. In this case, the perimeter curtain is fixed to the ends of the articulated ribs, and in the open position it assumes the tubular position de fined above, while in the closed position it collects around the stiff shaft.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, in the case of apply ing the perimeter curtain to a folding umbrella, but with a stiff shaft, as described above, stiff reinforcing wires are provided, integrated in the perimeter curtain. The stiff reinforcing wires have the function of keeping the perimeter curtain substantially plumb in its tubular shape in the open position of the umbrella. Instead, in the closed position of the umbrella, the stiff reinforcing wires perform a pendulum-like movement around the termi nals, and assist the perimeter curtain to approach the second portion of the stiff shaft with free edge near the handle in order to be stopped.

[0025] Also in this case guide rings can be provided, fixed to the ribs in proximity to said terminals, and adapted to act as a guide to the stiff reinforcing wires.

Brief description of the drawings

[0026] In this description, reference will be made to the drawings shown in the attached figures, in which:

- Figures 1 to 5 show the perimeter curtain ac cording to the invention applied to a tradition al umbrella in four successive operating posi- tions, from an open to a closed and folded posi tion, Figure 1 showing the umbrella with canopy and figures 2 to 5 without canopy for simplicity of presentation;

- Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the umbrella re ferred to in figures 1 to 5;

- Figures 7 to 9 show the perimeter curtain ac cording to the invention applied to a reverse folding umbrella in three successive operating positions, from an open position to a closed and packed position;

- Figures 10 to 12 show the umbrella of Figures 7 to 9 in an embodiment of the perimeter curtain according to the invention;

- Figure 13 shows a partial cross section of a mechanism with stiff reinforcing wires applica ble to the embodiment of Figures 10 to 12;

- Figures 13A and 13B show in partial section a mechanism with stiff reinforcing wires which can be applied to backward opening umbrellas of a known type, indicated schematically;

- Figures 14 to 16 show the perimeter curtain ac cording to the invention applied to a folding type umbrella with a stiff handle, in three suc cessive operating positions, from the open to the closed and folded position.

- Figures 17 and 18 show in partial section a mechanism with stiff reinforcing wires applica ble to the embodiment of Figures 14 to 16.

- Figures 19 to 21 show in partial section a fur ther mechanism with stiff reinforcing wires ap plicable to known types of reverse opening or folding umbrellas, indicated schematically. Description of preferred embodiments

[0027] In the following description reference is made to some known types of umbrellas that incorporate the in vention, it being clear that the same concepts are appli cable to umbrellas of different structure.

[0028] With reference to the aforementioned figures, possible embodiments of the invention comprise an umbrella 12 or 3 equipped, as is known, with a stiff shaft 10 hav ing opposite ends having respectively a tip 11 and a han dle 12, as well as a plurality of ribs 20 rotatably con nected 21 in a radial pattern to tip 11.

[0029] The ribs 20, again as known, have respective terminals 22 opposite to tip 11 to which a flexible canopy 30 is connected. In particular, a central portion 31 of the canopy is connected to tip 11 and a perimeter portion 32 is connected to the terminals 22. The canopy can then be connected, normally by means of seams, to intermediate portions of the ribs.

[0030] In all the embodiments hereinafter described in the figures of which the canopy 30 is not shown for sim plicity, it is intended that it is fixed in a known way to the ribs, to the tip and to the terminals.

[0031] Also in a known way, a runner 40 is provided slidingly engaged on the stiff shaft 10, and a plurality of stretchers 41 rotatably connected to the runner 40 and to the ribs 20, so that by moving the runner 40 along the stiff shaft 10 the stretchers 41 push the ribs 20 from a closed position, parallel to the stiff shaft 10 to an open position, substantially orthogonal to the stiff shaft 10 in proximity to tip 11, and vice versa.

[0032] According to the invention, a flexible perimeter curtain 50 for additional protection is provided, in a ma- terial selected among a transparent polymeric film, a transparent fabric, of tubular shape and having a perime ter edge 51, connected to the canopy 30 along the perime ter portion 32 or at the terminals 22, and a free edge 52, opposite to the perimeter edge 51.

[0033] The flexible perimeter curtain 50 is connected to the canopy 30 and to the ribs 20 by means of connecting elements 60 configured to allow a movement from an extend ed tubular position 60A of the perimeter curtain which ex tends from the ribs 20 in the open position to a compact position 60B parallel to the stiff shaft 10 externally to the ribs 20 and adjacent to the canopy 30 in the closed position, the length of the perimeter curtain 50 between the perimeter edge 31 and the free edge 52 being such that in the closed position of the ribs 20 the free edge 52 does not extend beyond handle 12 or tip 11.

[0034] As connecting elements 60, in all the embodi ments described, a perimetral seam can be provided between the flexible perimeter curtain 50 and the canopy 30.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 1-5, the ribs 20 are stiff and are configured to bring terminals 22 next to the handle 12 in the closed position of the umbrella 1. The connecting elements 60 may also be hinges 61 which connect the termi nals 22 with the perimeter edge 51 of the perimeter cur tain, in particular the hinges 61 can comprise mechanical joints or textile elements, in which the perimeter curtain 50 has a first and a second face 53,54, and in which the connecting elements 60 are such that the perimeter curtain passes from a position in which the first face 53 faces the canopy 30 and the stiff shaft 10 and the second face 54 faces outwards (fig. 4- 5) and the umbrella 1 is in the closed position, to an inverted position (fig. 1-3) in which the first face 53 faces outwards and the second face 54 faces canopy 30 and stiff shaft 10.

[0036] Advantageously, the free edge 52, in the closed position, is substantially at the height of tip 11, and is configured to be fixed to tip 11 by means of a clip 55, a strap or a Velcro strip, and similar stop elements.

[0037] In a possible embodiment, shown in Fig. 6, the free edge 52 can be made of flexible material 55 heavier than the curtain 50, in particular a chain or segments of the heavier material, so that, with the umbrella 1 in the open position, the flexible material 55 heavier than the curtain keeps the perimeter curtain 50 substantially plumb in its tubular shape, while in the closed position of the umbrella 1 (in a similar way to Fig. 5) the material heav ier hose can be brought into the folded position together with the perimeter curtain 50.

[0038] In another embodiment shown in Figures 7 to 9, the umbrella 2 has the ribs 20 and stretchers 41 config ured for a reverse closing umbrella 2, with terminals 22 near tip 11. In this case, as is known, the umbrella 2 can have an additional canopy 35 which, when the umbrella 2 is closed, is arranged outwards and is adjacent to the stretchers 41. According to the invention, the perimeter curtain 50 has the perimeter edge 51 connected to the ter minals 22 of the ribs 20 by means of the connecting ele ments 60 so that in the closed position of the reverse folding umbrella, the free edge 52 is adjacent to the han dle 12, and can be fixed thereto by means of a clip 55, such as a strap, a Velcro strip.

[0039] As shown in Figures 10 to 12, stiff reinforcing wires 70 can be provided, integrated in the perimeter cur tain 50. The stiff reinforcing wires 70 are configured to keep the perimeter curtain 50 substantially plumb in the its tubular shape in the open position of the umbrella 2, while in the closed position of the umbrella 2 the stiff reinforcing wires 70 are configured to perform a pendulum movement around the terminals 22, and to help the perime ter curtain 50 to approach the stiff shaft 10, gathering around the additional canopy 35 and bring the free edge 52 in the vicinity of the handle 12 in order to be stopped.

[0040] In this embodiment, as shown in fig. 13, guide rings 62 can be additionally provided, fixed to the ribs 20 in position adjacent to the terminals by arms 61, and adapted to act as a guide to the stiff reinforcing wires 70. The arms 61 are adapted to keep the stiff reinforcing wires always in a parallel position to the stiff shaft 10, both in the open umbrella of closed umbrella.

[0041] In an equivalent way, as shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the guide rings are constituted by hinges 62, connect ed to the ribs 20 by the arms 61. The arms 61 can be con nected with springs to the ribs 20, so as to achieve put ting an easy closure of the umbrella, always keeping the stiff reinforcing wires 70 parallel to the stiff shaft 10 both in the closed position of the umbrella and in the open position. The closing mechanism of the umbrella in figures 13, 13A and 13B is not described in detail, being similar to that described for example in US2004211451, or in W02011033317, or in US3467115, or US9629426, and similar umbrellas.

[0042] In the further embodiment of Fig. 14-16 the ribs 20 are articulated in two or more stiff portions rotatably connected to each other so that the canopy 30 of the um brella 3, thanks to the movement of the cursor 40 which op erates the articulated ribs 41, can move from an open posi tion with the canopy 30 stretched between the terminals 22 and tip 11, and a folded position, with the canopy 30 col lected and parallel to a first portion 10a of the stiff shaft 10 adjacent to tip 11, the stiff shaft 10 being stiff and having a second portion 10b protruding from the col lected canopy 30, the perimeter curtain 50 being fixed to the terminals 22 of the articulated ribs 20, so that in the open position it assumes the tubular position and in the closed position action collects along the second portion 10b of stiff shaft 10.

[0043] Advantageously, stiff reinforcing wires 70 can be provided, integrated in the perimeter curtain 50 and con figured to keep the perimeter curtain 50 substantially plumb in its tubular shape in the open position of the um brella 3 and to perform a tilting movement - it around the terminals 22 to bring the perimeter curtain to collect along the second portion 10b of stiff shaft 10. The stiff reinforcing wires 70 can be hinged at 71 to the ribs 20. In this position they can also have a slightly bent shape to fit under the terminals 22 of the ribs 20.

[0044] Also in this embodiment of fig. 14-17, optional ly, guide rings 62 can be provided, fixed to the ribs 20 by arms 61 near the terminals 22, and adapted to act as a guide to the stiff reinforcing wires 70. The arms 61 and the rings 62 are adapted to keep the stiff reinforcing wires always in a position parallel to the stiff shaft 10, both when the umbrella is open and when the umbrella is closed.

[0045] In an equivalent manner, as shown in Figures 19- 21, the guide rings are constituted by hinges 62, connected to the ribs 20 by the arms 61. The arms 61 can be held by springs 64 to the articulated ribs 20, in order to allow easy closing of the umbrella, always keeping the stiff re inforcing wires 70 parallel to the stiff shaft 10 both in the closed position of the umbrella and in the open posi tion. The umbrella closing mechanism is not described in detail, being similar to that described for example in US2004211451, or in W02011033317, or in US3467115, or US9629426, and similar umbrellas. A skilled person can con nect the arms 61 to the articulated ribs 20 so that the hinges or rings 62 hold the stiff reinforcing wires 70 par allel to the stiff shaft 10 both in the closed position of the umbrella and in the open position.

[0046] In the various embodiments where the stiff rein forcing wires 70 are provided, the perimeter curtain 50, even where not shown in the figures for simplicity, can be fixed to the ends 72 of the stiff reinforcing wires.

[0047] In some embodiments, the canopy 30 and the perim eter curtain 50 can be joined together by means of a perim eter seam. The whole of the canopy 30 of the perimeter cur tain 50 are fixed to tip 11, to the ribs 20, to the ends 22 of the ribs and to the ends 72 of the stiff reinforcing wires 70.

[0048] The foregoing description exemplary embodiments and specific examples of the invention will so fully reveal the invention according to the conceptual point of view, so that others, by applying current knowledge, will be able to modify and/or adapt such embodiments for various applica tions without further research and without parting from the invention, and, accordingly, it is to be understood that such adaptations and modifications will have to be consid ered as equivalent to the specific embodiment and to the examples. The means and the materials to perform the vari ous functions described herein could have a different na ture without, for this reason, departing from the scope of the invention. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology that is employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

Claims

1. An umbrella (1,2,3) comprising:

- a stiff shaft (10) having opposite stiff shaft ends respectively presenting a tip (11) and a handle (12),

- a plurality of ribs (20) rotatably connected

(21) in a radial pattern to said tip (11), said ribs (20) having respective terminals (22) oppo site to said tip (11);

- a flexible canopy (30) connected to said ribs (20) and having a central portion (31) connected to said tip (11) and a perimeter portion (32) connected to said terminals (22),

- a runner (40) slidingly engaged on said stiff shaft (10), and a plurality of stretchers (41) rotatably connected to the runner (40) and to said ribs (20), so that by moving said runner

(40) along said stiff shaft (10) said stretchers

(41) bring said ribs (20) from a closed posi tion, parallel to said stiff shaft (10) to an open position, substantially orthogonal to said stiff shaft (10) in proximity of said tip (11), and vice versa,

- a flexible perimeter curtain (50) for additional protection made of a material selected among a transparent polymeric film, a transparent fab ric, said perimeter curtain (50) having a tubu lar shape and presenting a perimeter edge (51), which is connected to the canopy (30) along said perimeter portion (32) or at said terminals

(22), and a free edge (52), opposite to the pe rimeter edge (51), - characterized in that said flexible perimeter curtain (50) is connected to the canopy (30) or to said ribs (20) by means of connecting ele ments (60) configured to allow a movement from an extended tubular position (60A) of said pe rimeter curtain which extends from said ribs (20) when they are in an open position, to a folded position (60B) parallel to said stiff shaft (10) externally to said ribs (20) and ad jacent to the canopy (30) when said ribs are in closed position, the length of said perimeter curtain (50) between said perimeter edge (51) and said free edge (52) being such that in said closed position of said ribs (20) said free edge (52) does not extend beyond said handle (12) or said tip (11);

- wherein said ribs (20) and stretchers (41) are configured for a closure of said umbrella (2) of the reverse type, with said terminals (22) in proximity to said tip (11), said umbrella (2) presenting an additional canopy (35) that, when the umbrella (2) is closed, is arranged outward ly and is adjacent to the stretchers (41), wherein said perimeter curtain has the perimeter edge (51) connected at the terminals (22) of the ribs (20) by means of said connecting elements (60) so that, in the closed position of the re verse folding umbrella, the free edge (52) is adjacent to the handle (12), and can be tied thereto by means of a clip (55), such as a strap or a Velcro strip.

- wherein stiff reinforcing wires (70) are provid ed, integrated with said perimeter curtain (50), said stiff reinforcing wires (70) being config ured to keep the perimeter curtain (50) substan tially plumb in its tubular form in the open po sition of the umbrella (2), while in the closed position of the umbrella (2) the stiff reinforc ing wires (70) are configured to perform a pen dulum movement around the terminals (22), and to help perimeter curtain (50) to approach the stiff shaft (10) gathering around the additional canopy (35) and bringing the free edge (52) in the vicinity of the handle (12) in order to be tied.

2. Umbrella according to claim 1, wherein guide rings (62) or hinges (62) are provided, fixed to the ribs (20) at said terminals (22), and able to act as a guide to the stiff reinforcing wires (70).

3. Umbrella as per claim 2, wherein the stiff reinforc ing wires (70) are hinged (71) to the ribs (20), op tionally they have a bent shape to be inserted under the terminals (22) of the ribs (20).

4. Umbrella according to claim 2, wherein said guide rings (62) or hinges (62) are fixed to the ribs (20) by arms (61) adapted to act as a guide to the stiff reinforcing wires (70), so that the arms (61) and the rings (62) or hinges (62) always keep the stiff reinforcing wires (70) in a parallel position paral lel to the stiff shaft (10), both when the umbrella is open and when the umbrella is closed.

5. Umbrella as per claim 6, wherein said arms (61) are held with springs (64) to the articulated ribs (20), so as to allow easy closing of the umbrella, always keeping the stiff reinforcing wires (70) parallel to the stiff shaft (10) both in the closed position of the umbrella and in the open position.

6.Umbrella as per claims 1 to 5, wherein the canopy (30) and the perimeter curtain (50) are joined to gether by means of a perimeter seam, in particular, said canopy (30) and said perimeter curtain (50) form an assembly which is fixed to said tip (11), to said ribs (20), to said terminals (22) of the ribs and to ends (72) of the stiff reinforcing wires (70).

7.An umbrella (1,2,3) comprising:

- a stiff shaft (10) having opposite ends respec tively presenting a tip (11) and a handle (12),

- a plurality of ribs (20) rotatably connected (21) in a radial pattern to said tip (11), said ribs (20) having respective terminals (22) oppo site to said tip (11);

- a flexible canopy (30) connected to said ribs (20), having a central portion (31) connected to said tip (11) and a perimeter portion (32) con nected to said terminals (22),

(40) along said stiff shaft (10) said stretchers

(41) bring said ribs (20) from a closed posi tion, parallel to said stiff shaft (10) to an open position, substantially orthogonal to said stiff shaft (10) in proximity of said tip (11), and vice versa, a flexible perimeter curtain (50) for additional protection made of a material selected among a transparent polymeric film, a transparent fab ric, said perimeter curtain (50) having a tubu lar shape and presenting a perimeter edge (51) connected to the canopy (30) along said perime ter portion (32) or at said terminals (22), and a free edge (52), opposite to the perimeter edge (51), characterized in that said flexible perimeter curtain (50) is connected to the canopy (30) or to said ribs (20) by means of connecting ele ments (60) configured to allow a movement from an extended tubular position (60A) of said pe rimeter curtain which extends from said ribs (20) in an open position to a folded position (60B) parallel to said stiff shaft (10) exter nally to said ribs (20) and adjacent to the can opy (30) with said ribs in closed position, the length of said perimeter curtain (50) between said perimeter edge (31) and said free edge (52) being such that in said closed position of said ribs (20) said free edge (52) does not go beyond said handle (12) or said tip (11); wherein said ribs (20) are articulated in two or more stiff portions rotatably connected to each other so that the canopy (30) of said umbrella (3) can move from an open position with said canopy (30) stretched between said terminals (22) and said tip (11), and a folded position, with said canopy (30) folded and parallel to a first portion (10a) of said stiff shaft (10) ad jacent to said tip (11), said stiff shaft (10) having a second portion (10b) protruding from said folded canopy (30), said perimeter curtain (50) being fixed to the terminals (22) of said articulated ribs (20), so that in said open po sition it can reach said tubular position and in the closed position it is folded along said sec ond portion (10b) of said stiff shaft (10);

- wherein stiff reinforcing wires (70) are provid ed, integrated with said perimeter curtain (50) and configured to keep said perimeter curtain (50) substantially plumb in its tubular form in the open position of the umbrella (3) and to perform a pendulum movement around the terminals (22) to bring said perimeter curtain to fold along said second portion (10b) of stiff shaft (10).

8.Umbrella as per claim 7, wherein guide rings (62) or hinges (62) are provided, fixed to the ribs (20) at said terminals (22), and arranged to act as a guide to the stiff reinforcing wires (70).

9. Umbrella as per claim 8, wherein the stiff reinforc ing wires (70) are hinged (71) to the ribs (20), and optionally have a folded shape to fit under said terminals (22) of the ribs (20).

10 . Umbrella according to claim 7, wherein said guide rings (62) or hinges (62) are fixed to the ribs (20) by arms (61) adapted to act as a guide to the stiff reinforcing wires 70, so that the arms (61) and the rings (62) or hinges (62) always keep the stiff reinforcing wires (70) in a parallel posi tion parallel to the stiff shaft (10), both when the umbrella is open and when the umbrella is closed.

11 . Umbrella as per claim 6, wherein said arms (61) are held by springs (64) connected to the ribs (20), so as to allow easy closing of the umbrella, always maintaining the stiff reinforcing wires (70) paral lel to the stiff shaft (10) both in the closed posi tion and in the open position of the umbrella.

12 . Umbrella as per claims 7 to 11, wherein the can opy (30) and the perimeter curtain (50) are joined together by means of a perimeter seam, in particu lar, so that the entire canopy (30) and the perime ter curtain (50) as a whole are tied to said tip (11), to the ribs (20), to the terminals (22) of the ribs and to the ends (72) of the stiff reinforcing wires (70).

13. An umbrella (1,2,3) comprising:

(40) along said stiff shaft (10) said stretchers

(41) bring said ribs (20) from a closed posi tion, parallel to said stiff shaft (10) to an open position, substantially orthogonal to said stiff shaft (10) in proximity of said tip (11), and vice versa, - a flexible perimeter curtain (50) for additional protection made of a material selected among a transparent polymeric film, a transparent fab ric, said perimeter curtain (50) having a tubu lar shape and presenting a perimeter edge (51) connected to the canopy (30) along said perime ter portion (32) or at said terminals (22), and a free edge (52), opposite to the perimeter edge (51), characterized in that said flexible perimeter cur tain (50) is connected to the canopy (30) or to the ribs (20) by means of connecting elements (60) con figured to allow a movement from an extended tubular position (60A) of said perimeter curtain, which ex tends from said ribs (20) in said open position, to a folded position (60B) parallel to said stiff shaft (10) externally to said ribs (20) and adjacent to the canopy (30) with said ribs in said closed posi tion, the length of said perimeter curtain (50) be tween said perimeter edge (31) and said free edge (52) being such that in said closed position of said ribs (20) said free edge (52) does not go beyond said handle (12) or said tip (11), wherein said ribs (20) are configured to be arranged with said termi nals (22) next to the handle (12) in said closed po sition of said umbrella (1), wherein said connecting elements (60) are hinges (61) which connect the ter minals (22) with the perimeter edge (51) of the pe rimeter curtain, in particular said hinges (61) com prise mechanical joints or textile elements, wherein said perimeter curtain (50) has a first and a second face (53,54), and wherein said connection elements (60) are such that said perimeter curtain can move from a position in which the first face (53) is fac- ing the canopy (30) and the stiff shaft (10) and the second face (54) is facing outwards, and the umbrel la (1) is in said closed position, to an inverted position in which the first face (53) faces outwards and the second face (54) faces the canopy (30) and the stiff shaft (10).

14 . Umbrella as per claim 13, wherein said perimeter curtain (50) has said free edge made of flexible ma terial heavier than said curtain, in particular a chain or segments in said heavier material, so that with said umbrella (1) in the open position said flexible material that is heavier than said curtain keeps the perimeter curtain (50) substantially plumb in its tubular shape, while in the closed position of the umbrella (1) the heavier flexible material can be brought into a folded position together with said perimeter curtain.

15 . Umbrella as per claim 13, wherein said free edge (52), in said closed position, is substantially at the height of said tip (11) and is configured to be fixed to said tip (11) by means of a clip (55), a wrap or a Velcro strip, and similar fasteners.