UMBRELLA CANOPY EXTENSION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention broadly relates to stationary covering devices, such as patio umbrellas, used for outdoor protection, and more particularly, to an umbrella canopy extension for extending an existing canopy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Many existing stationary covering devices, such as patio umbrellas, are not usually of a size or shape that will adequately protect the target zone which may include, for example, a table and chairs. In the case of shade protection, the altitude and azimuth angles of the sun will change over the course of the day, and therefore a canopy geometry that can intercept a variety of such solar ray angles is required for coverage of a targeted area throughout the day. By extending certain elements of the typical octagonal patio umbrella, targeted shade can be achieved for longer periods over the course of the day, resulting in increased comfort and convenience to the user.

[0003] Portable umbrellas having extendable brim portions have been introduced, hi such umbrellas, the brim portion is flat for providing an unobstructed field of view for the user and for providing a more aerodynamic design for ease of carrying. However, the flat brim portion is not optimal for targeting a fixed location, such as a table and chairs situated on an outdoor patio and thus, are unsuitable for use on patios. Other umbrellas have incorporated tilt mechanisms of various types. Those umbrellas, however, need constant readjustment throughout the course of the day. In addition, the aforementioned umbrellas do not address the needs of those with existing patio umbrella canopies.

[0004] In view of the above, there exists a need for a need for an umbrella canopy extension that may be attached to an existing umbrella canopy, thereby obviating the need for the consumer to purchase a new patio umbrella in order to obtain improved shading.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention is directed to an umbrella canopy extension for attachment to an existing umbrella canopy. In one detailed aspect, the canopy extension has at least one central extension rib with a terminus, at least one pair of flanking extension ribs and a cover attached to each rib. The cover and extends between the ribs and

. _j t a. ~^ X^ ₁₁₁ VUi ₆ uivug, v/αωi UiIgIIiO-LiJiJLg, uum a jLiαm-αilg I iU UIlU LCIlIUIiaUng ai d ' . COVerUlg attachment point. The cover also has an inner perimeter that substantially conforms in shape to an outer perimeter of the existing umbrella canopy. The umbrella canopy extension attaches to the umbrella canopy at a position on each rib spaced apart from the terminus, and at each covering attachment point on the flanking areas.

[0006] In another aspect, the umbrella canopy extension has a cover that is composed of a hydrophobic material.

[0007] In a further aspect, the umbrella canopy extension has a cover that is porous.

[0008] In yet a further aspect, the umbrella canopy extension has one or more fasteners for securing the umbrella canopy extension to an existing umbrella canopy.

[0009] In still a further aspect, the umbrella canopy extension has extension ribs that have a projecting length and an overlapping length. The cover is attached to each rib along the projecting length and the pair of flanking areas originates from the projecting length of the flanking extension rib.

[0010] In an additional aspect, the umbrella canopy extension has an overlapping length that is between one foot and two feet.

[0011] In a further aspect of the umbrella canopy extension, the position for attaching the umbrella canopy extension to the umbrella canopy is between the projecting length and the overlapping length.

[0012] In yet a further aspect of the umbrella canopy extension, the covering attachment point attaches to a rib on the umbrella canopy.

[0013] In still a further aspect, the umbrella canopy extension has a cover with a projecting length shorter than the projecting length of at least one extension rib such that when the umbrella canopy extension is attached to the umbrella canopy, a slit is formed allowing the passage of air through the slit.

[0014] In another detailed aspect, the invention includes a convertible umbrella that is convertible between a extended canopy state and a non-extended canopy state. The convertible umbrella has a support shaft, a main canopy that has a plurality of support ribs and

a segmented extension cover, ine segmented extension cover nas at least one central extension rib connected to the cover and the central extension rib has a terminus. The segmented extension cover has at least one pair of flanking extension ribs connected to the cover and the flanking ribs are connected to the central extension rib via the segments. The segmented extension cover has a pair of flanking areas each attached to a flanking rib and extending therefrom. Each of the flanking areas has a covering attachment point. Each extension rib is releasably attached to a support rib at a position along the extension rib spaced apart from the extension rib's terminus, and the flanking areas are releasably attached to the main canopy at the covering attachment point.

[0015] In another aspect, the convertible umbrella has extension ribs with a projecting length and an overlapping length. The cover is attached to each rib along the projecting length and the pair of flanking areas originate from the projecting length of the flanking extension rib.

[0016] In a further aspect, the convertible umbrella has an overlapping length that is between one foot and two feet.

[0017] In yet a further aspect of the convertible umbrella, the extension ribs have a position for attaching the umbrella canopy extension to the umbrella canopy between the projecting length and the overlapping length.

[0018] In still another aspect of the convertible umbrella, the covering attachment point attaches to a rib on the umbrella canopy.

[0019] In an additional aspect , the convertible umbrella has a cover with a projecting length that is shorter than the projecting length of at least one extension rib such that when the umbrella canopy extension is attached to the umbrella canopy, a slit is formed allowing the passage of air through the slit.

[0020] In a further detailed aspect, the umbrella canopy extension has at least one central extension rib that has a projecting length, an overlapping length and a terminus on the overlapping length. The umbrella canopy extension has at least one pair of flanking extension ribs that have a projecting length, an overlapping length and a terminus on the overlapping length. The umbrella canopy extension also includes a cover attached to each rib along the projecting length and extends between each rib. The cover has a pair of flanking areas originating from the projecting length of a flanking extension rib and the flanking areas

terminate at a covering attachment point. The cover also has an inner perimeter mat substantially conforms in shape to an outer perimeter of an existing umbrella canopy. The umbrella canopy extension attaches to the existing umbrella canopy at a position on each rib spaced apart from the rib's terminus, and at each covering attachment point on the flanking areas.

[0021] In a further aspect, the umbrella canopy extension is releasably attached to the umbrella canopy.

[0022] In yet a further aspect, the position for attaching the umbrella canopy extension to the umbrella canopy is between the projecting length and the overlapping length.

[0023] In a still further aspect, the umbrella canopy extension is releasably attached to the umbrella canopy.

[0024] In another detailed aspect, the invention includes an umbrella that automatically provides an extended canopy state when the umbrella is opened. The umbrella comprises a support shaft, a main canopy that has a plurality of support ribs and a segmented extension cover. The segmented extension cover has at least one central extension rib connected to the cover, the central extension rib including a terminus. The segmented extension cover has at least one pair of flanking extension ribs connected to the cover, wherein the flanking ribs are connected to the central extension rib via the segments. The segmented extension cover has a pair of flanking areas each attached to a flanking rib and extending therefrom, and each of the flanking areas has a covering attachment point. Each extension rib is hingedly attached to a support rib at a position along the extension rib spaced at or near the extension rib's terminus, and the flanking areas are hingedly attached to the main canopy at the covering attachment point. Opening the umbrella causes the support ribs to extend and open the main canopy, while at the same time the central and flanking extension ribs are caused to unfold and reach a fully extended position. Closing the umbrella achieves substantially the opposite effect.

[0025] For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain advantages of the invention have been described herein. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages maybe achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or

upiumz,cs υuc αuvaπtage υr group OJL auvauiagcs as iaugni nerem witnoui necessarily acmevmg other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0026] All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first configuration of a preferred umbrella canopy extension, in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first configuration of a preferred umbrella canopy extension attached to an existing umbrella canopy, in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 3 is a side view of an umbrella canopy extension attached to an existing : ^• ; umbrella canopy, illustrating an enhancement in coverage, in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a another configuration of a preferred umbrella canopy extension attached to an existing umbrella canopy, in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a further configuration of a preferred umbrella canopy extension attached to an existing umbrella canopy, in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an additional configuration of a preferred umbrella canopy extension attached to an existing six rib umbrella canopy, in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

luujjj x lvj. / io α pcjtapcuLivc view υi a iui iiici uυiuiguraiion oi a preierreα uniDreiia canopy extension attached to an existing ten rib umbrella canopy, in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and

[0034] FIGS. 8a and 8b are perspective views of another umbrella that automatically provides an extended canopy state in an extended configuration and a folding configuration, respectfully.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] In the following paragraphs, the present invention will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the attached drawings. Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present invention. As used herein, the "present invention" refers to any one of the embodiments of the invention described herein, and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the "present invention" throughout this document does not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature(s).

[0036] The present invention is directed to an umbrella canopy extension for attachment to an umbrella canopy. The canopy extension may be attached an already existing umbrella canopy or, alternatively, the canopy extension may be constructed integrally with an umbrella canopy. The canopy extension enables the user to increase the area shaded by the umbrella canopy without resort to purchasing a larger umbrella canopy. By effectively extending certain elements of the typical patio umbrella, targeted shade can be achieved for longer periods over the course of the day, resulting in increased comfort and convenience to the user. As described herein, a preferred umbrella canopy extension of the invention offers a solution to those seeking increased coverage from an umbrella canopy. Various embodiments of umbrella canopy extensions are illustrated the accompanying figures.

[0037] Referring to Fig. 1, in accordance with the principles of the invention, the preferred umbrella canopy extension 100 comprises a central extension rib 105, one or more flanking extension ribs 115, and a cover 120. In particular, the central extension rib 105 has a first terminus 110, and the flanking extension ribs 115 are symmetrically spaced apart on either side of the central rib 105. The extension ribs 105, 115 may be made of a suitably rigid

material, preieraoiy ngnt in weignt, sucn as metal, wooα or piastic. .attacneα to eacn oi tne ribs 105, 115 and extending therebetween is the cover 120, which is composed of a series of segments 122, and top 123 (see Fig. 2) and bottom 124 sides. Alternatively, the cover 120 may be attached to only some of the ribs 105, 115. The cover 120 may comprise a porous material such as canvass, and/or a hydrophobic material. The cover 120 has a pair of flanking areas 125 each originating from a flanking rib 115 and terminating at a covering attachment point 130. The cover has an inner perimeter (not shown) and substantially conforms in shape to an outer perimeter 140 of an umbrella canopy 145 (points to pole). It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, that other umbrella canopy extension configurations are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0038] Referring to Fig. 2, the umbrella canopy extension 100 attaches to an existing umbrella canopy 145 which is generally supported by a support shaft 156 and a plurality of ribs 155. On the umbrella canopy extension 100, the attachment is at or between a first position 150 on each rib 105, 115 that is spaced apart from the first terminus 110, and at each covering attachment point 130 on the flanking areas 125. The first position 150 defines a projecting length 152 and an overlapping length 154 on the extension ribs 105, 115, wherein the overlapping length 154 is defined by the amount of overlap between the extension rib 105, 115 and the corresponding rib 155 of the umbrella canopy 145 when the canopy extension 100 is attached to the umbrella canopy 145. By way of example, the overlapping length 154 may be about eighteen inches and may be varied depending on the area of the canopy extension 100 and the size and construction of the umbrella canopy 145. The projecting length 152 is defined by the length of the extension rib 105, 115 that extends beyond a distal end of the corresponding rib 155 of the umbrella canopy 145. There may be several additional points of attachment between the first position 150 and the first terminus 110 of the rib 105, 115, or the attachment may be continuous between the first position 150 and the first terminus 110. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the extension ribs 105, 115 are substantially parallel to the umbrella canopy ribs 155 and project at substantially the same angle from an apex 157 of the umbrella canopy 145 when the extension canopy 100 is attached to the umbrella canopy 145.

[0039] With further reference to Fig. 2, the extension ribs 105, 115 may be releasably attached to the umbrella canopy ribs 155 by appropriate fasteners such as, but not limited to, clips, clamps, straps, screws or nuts and bolts. Additionally, each covering attachment point 130 is secured to a rib 155 of the umbrella canopy 145, or maybe secured to a cover 160 of the

umoreua canopy 14D. for example, me coveπng aiiacnment pomis ioυ may oe aπacneα to me umbrella canopy 145 using conventional fasteners such as clips, hook and loop (Velcro), hooks, buttons, staples, needle and thread, glue, screws, and laces.

[0040] Fig. 4 depicts an alternative configuration of the umbrella canopy extension 100 of the invention in which the cover 120 includes a cover projecting length 165 that is shorter than the projecting length 152 of the extension ribs 105, 115. Specifically, the cover 120 is connected between a second terminus 170 of the extension ribs 105, 115 and a second position 175 that is spaced apart from the first terminus 110 on the extension ribs 105, 115. When the canopy extension 100 is attached to the umbrella canopy 145, the cover 120 does not overlap with the cover 160 of the umbrella canopy 145 and a gap 180 is formed that permits the passage of air substantially between the umbrella canopy 145 and the umbrella canopy extension 100. The gap 180 permits the passage of air to ameliorate the effects of wind on the umbrella canopy 145 in preventing the canopy 145 from being blown away in windy conditions.

[0041] Fig. 5 depicts a further configuration of the umbrella canopy extension 100 of the invention in which the cover 120 again has a cover projecting length 165 that is longer that the projecting length 152 of the extension ribs 105, 115. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 120 is connected between a second terminus 170 of the extension ribs 105, 115 and a second position 175 that is spaced apart from the first terminus 110 on the extension ribs 105, 115. When the canopy extension 100 is attached to the umbrella canopy 145, the cover 120 overlaps with the cover 160 of the umbrella canopy 145 and a slit 182 is defined that permits the passage of air.

[0042] Several advantages follow from the herein described canopy extension 100. As illustrated in Fig. 3, owners of existing umbrella canopies 145 may increase the area 185 which is shaded from the sun to include an extended area 190 which is also shaded from the sun without resort to purchasing a larger umbrella canopy. Because the canopy extension 100 is releasable, it may be moved from location to location as the need arises for increased shade. In addition, the slits 180 described above allow for the passage of air to lessen the effects of wind on the umbrella canopy 145, thus preventing the canopy 145 from being blown away in windy conditions.

lυυHJj runner alternative coniiguiaιiuuϊ> υi uic uiuuicna υanυpy CAICUOIUU WU υi me invention are depicted in Figs. 6 and 7. Specifically, in Fig. 6, the umbrella canopy extension 100 is configured to be attached to a six rib umbrella canopy 190, whereas, in Fig. 7, the umbrella canopy extension 100 is configured to be attached to a ten rib umbrella canopy 195. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 7, the umbrella canopy extension 100 comprises two central extension ribs 105 and two flanking 115 extension ribs, wherein each central extension ribs 105 includes a first terminus 110. Similar to previous embodiments, the flanking extension ribs 115 are symmetrically spaced apart on either side of the central ribs 105. Attached to each of the ribs 105, 115 and extending between the ribs 105, 115 is a cover 120 composed of a series of segments 122, and top 123 and bottom 124 sides. The cover 120 has a pair of flanking areas 125 each originating from a flanking rib 115 and terminating at a covering attachment point 130. The cover has an inner perimeter 135 and substantially conforms in shape to an outer perimeter 140 of the umbrella canopy 195.

[0044] Referring to Fig. 7, the umbrella canopy extension 100 attaches to the existing umbrella canopy 195 which is generally supported by a support shaft 156 and ribs 155. On the umbrella canopy extension 100, the attachment is at or between a first position 150 on each rib 105, 115 that is spaced apart from the first terminus 110, and at each covering attachment point 130 on the flanking areas 125. The first position 150 defines a projecting length 152 and an overlapping length 154 on the extension ribs 105, 115. The overlapping length 154 portion of the extension rib 105, 115 is adjacent to a rib 155 of the umbrella canopy 195 when the canopy extension 100 is attached to the umbrella canopy 195. The overlapping length 154 may be varied depending on the area of the canopy extension 100 and the size and construction of the umbrella canopy 195. The projecting length 152 extends beyond the rib 155 of the umbrella canopy 195 and generally supports the cover 120 of the umbrella canopy extension 100. There may be several more points of attachment between the first position 150 and the first terminus 110, or the attachment may be continuous between the first position 150 and the first terminus 110 of the rib 105, 115. As shown, the extension ribs 105, 115 are substantially parallel to the umbrella canopy ribs 155 and project at substantially the same angle from an apex 157 of the umbrella canopy 145 when the extension canopy 100 is attached to the umbrella canopy 195.

[0045] Referring to Figs. 8a and 8b, an umbrella canopy extension 100 of the invention having extension rib 115 is shown attached to an existing umbrella canopy 205. For

illustrative purposes, only a single extension rib is depicted. In particular, Fig. 8 a depicts an extended configuration, wherein the umbrella canopy extension 100 provides an extended canopy state when the umbrella canopy 205 is opened. The umbrella canopy 205 is supported by a support shaft 215 and a plurality of support ribs 220, and further includes an upper hub 225 attached to the support ribs 220 and a lower hub 235 attached to one or more struts 240. The lower hub 235 is moved upward along the support shaft 215 to open the umbrella canopy 205 and is moved downward along the support shaft 215 to close the umbrella canopy 205. As set forth above with respect to Fig. 1, the umbrella canopy extension 100 comprises a central extension rib 105, one or more flanking extension ribs 115, and a cover 120, wherein the central extension rib 105 has a first terminus 110, and the flanking extension ribs 115 are symmetrically spaced apart on either side of the central rib 105. The extension ribs 105, 115 may be made of a suitably rigid material, preferably light in weight, such as metal, wood or plastic. Attached to each of the ribs 105, 115 and extending therebetween is the cover 120, which is composed of a series of segments 122.

[0046] With further reference to Figs. 8a and 8b, each extension rib 115 is connected to a an articulating arm 250 at pin connection 255, and the articulating arm 250 is in turn connected to a strut 240 via pin connection 265. Additionally, each extension rib 115 is hingedly attached to a support rib 220 at a hinge point 245 along the extension rib 230 that is spaced at or near the extension rib's terminus, wherein the flanking areas are hingedly attached to the main umbrella canopy 205 at a covering attachment point. As illustrated in Fig. 8a, in the extended configuration, the support ribs 220 are extended and the main canopy 205 is fully opened. While the umbrella canopy 205 is being opened, the extension ribs 115 are caused to unfold and reach a fully extended position. As depicted in Fig. 8b, closing the umbrella achieves substantially the opposite effect, whereby the support ribs 220 are retracted, and the extension ribs 115 are caused to fold at hinge point 245 and reach a fully retracted position. In the fully retracted configuration, each extension rib 115 is disposed substantially parallel to the corresponding compression arm 250, but on the other side of the support rub 220.

[0047] Thus, it is seen that a umbrella canopy extension is provided. Although three extension ribs are shown in the preferred embodiment, it is hereby noted that any number of ribs can be used in accordance with the principles of the invention, depending on the construction of the umbrella. Also, depending upon the final geometry desired, other geometrical arrangements may be used. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present

invention can De practiced by otner man me various embodiments and prelerred embodiments, which are presented in this description for purposes of illustration and not of limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims that follow. It is noted that equivalents for the particular embodiments discussed in this description may practice the invention as well.