Umbrella Extendable From A Handle Storage Compartment.

BACKGROUND OP THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to umbrellas, and more specifically to folding umbrellas provided with their own storage compartment.

Description of the Prior Art

Generally, umbrellas fall into one of two general categories—stick umbrellas and folding umbrellas. - While stick umbrellas have fewer moveable parts and, therefore, tend to be more sturdy and reliable, folding umbrellas have gained wide popularity because they are approximately one-half of the length of a stick umbrella in ^" the folded or collapsed condition. The smaller size of the folding umbrella, during non-use, has made the folding umbrellas particularly popular with people that do a great deal of traveling since such umbrellas can normally be placed inside an attache case or a handbag.

Most folding umbrellas are sold with soft jackets or sleeves, frequently made from' vinyl or nylon. The sleeve or jacket is removed from the folded umbrella prior to use to enable the umbrella to be opened. Such sleeve or jacket can and is frequently lost since it is separated form the umbrella and forgetful users neglect to replace the sleeve or jacket into the folded umbrella after of use. Sometimes, the jacket into not immediately replaced after use because the umbrella is wet and the user may prefer to allow the umbrella to dry before closing and covering the same. Difficulty in pulling the jacket over the generally bulky folded panels also discourage. The replacement of the jacket of sleeve.

While the jackets or sleeves for folding umbrellas are generally water impervious, they are open at both ends and a wet umbrella continues to be exposed after use. This prevents the umbrella, with or without the jacket or sleeve, from simply being returned to, for example, an attache case or handbag. In fact, such sleeves or jackets are not intended to fully encapsulate the umbrella to avoid the escape of water after use but are primarily intended to cover the umbrella and enhance the appearance thereof during non-use.

As with all umbrellas, when the same are collapsed or folded, it is desirable to wrap the gores or panels covering the ribs of the umbrella. The degree of care with which such folding of the panels takes place affects the appearance of the folded umbrella. Many users, however, neither have the time nor the patience to carefully fold the umbrella and, consequently, the panels are haphazardly wrapped about the shaft or rod merely sufficiently to close or snap the tie closure. The panels, however, are typically randomly folded and become increasingly creased with continued storage of the umbrella in such a state. It is frequently, in fact, that users use the aforementioned jackets or sleeves to cover creased and randomly folded panels to improve the aesthetic

_* appearance of the collapsed umbrella when not in use. However, because the sleeves or jackets are generally designed to fit snuggly over the umbrella, failure to carefully fold the panels makes it more difficult to slip the sleeves over the bulkier, improperly folded creased panels, this discourages the continued use of the sleeves or jackets.

Another disadvantage of conventional folding umbrellas is that the tips of the ribs remain exposed, generally whether or not the sleeve or jacket is used to cover the umbrella during non-use. Such exposure

0

3.

creates potential problems. For example, particularly if the wood or plastic tips become detached, the exposed ends of the ribs are generally jagged and sharp and can create injury to the user or to those coming into contact with the umbrella. Additionally, exposure of the tips during non-use makes it possible for such tips to become damaged and to separate from the umbrella. Additionally, since the panels are generally flirasily attached to the ribs at the tips or in the region of the tips, continued exposure can result in damage to the panels themselves and separation from the ribs, rendering the umbrella partially or wholly unusable. Umbrellas are known which utilize elongate tubular or cylindrical containers for storage of the umbrellas during non-use. Such containers sometimes also serve as the handle for the umbrella. For example, a full length, non-folding umbrella has been sold by the assignee of the present application which includes a handle in the shape of a cane when the umbrella is not in use. Generally, the cane has a rigid tube having a uniform circular cross-section which includes a straight elongate section and a rounded portion or handle at one end suitable for gripping. At the other end remote from the handle, the tube is adapted to be opened and an umbrella stored inside of the tube can be forced out by moving a sleeve about the external periphery of the elongate straight portion which engages an internal umbrella mechanism via an elongate slot in the straight portion which is used to couple the external sleeve with the internal umbrella mechanism. However, this umbrella utilizes an extremely long tubular shaft to accommodate

-

4 .

a stick umbrella mechanism which, as noted, is actuated through the elongage slot in the tubular- member. Accordingly, such design, like the pliable sleeves or jackets above discussed, do not render rigid the protective tube totally water impervious since water can readily escape through the longitudinal slot or opening in the tube. However, because of its much long length, such cane umbrella can not be readily stored in an attache case or a carrying bag so that the problem of escaping water through the tube is not as critical.

Most folding umbrellas, as noted, use a soft outside jacket or sleeve which, when used, covers the soft folded panels. Accordingly,. the folded umbrellas, whether inside or outside the jacket, present a * generally soft surface over its length and, therefore, do not serve as a deterrent if used in self defense.

SUMMARY' OF THE INVENTION

It is, accordingly, an object of the present invention to provide a folding umbrella with a storage compartment which does not have the disadvantages of the existing folding umbrellas.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a folding umbrella which is simple to use and economical to manufacture.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a folding umbrella which is convenient to use and assures that the enclosure for the umbrella is always used.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an umbrella which facilitates the insertion of the. umbrella within an outer protective tubular housing or sleeve substantially irrespectively of whether or not the panels are neatly folded about each other.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a folding umbrella which protects the tips at the end of the ribs of the umbrella, when not in use, and thereby prevents detachment of the panels from the rib.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an umbrella which conceals the exposed ends of any ribs from which the tips have been disconnected thereby preventing injury to the carriers of the umbrella or to passers by.

It is yet a futher object of the present invention to provide a folding umbrella which is provided with its own tubular housing or casing which fully receives the umbrella during non-use and provides the same with a uniform appearance irrespectively of how carefully the panels are folded or wrapped about each other to thereby always provide a neat and attractive appearance.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a folding umbrella provided with a tubular housing which serves both as a container for the folded umbrella during non-use and which serves as a handle for holding the umbrella during use.

It is a further additional object of the present invention to provide a folding -umbrella which is formed of a number of component part ^' s all of which are attached to each other thereby preventing loss of any one part during normal use.

It is yet a further additional object of the present invention to provide a tubular housing for a folding umbrella which can be made water tight to ■ thereby prevent escape of water when the umbrella is fully collapsed and retracted into the housing, making it possible to place the umbrella in an attache case or handbag without damage to the contents thereof.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a folding umbrella of the type generally suggested above which uses a hard outside tubular housing or case to enable the umbrella to be used as a club in self defense.

In order to achieve the above objects, as well as others which will become apparent hereafter, a folding umbrella in accordance with the present invention includes a folding umbrella mechanism having a central supporting shaft having a predetermined length. A generally cylindrical or tubular housing having an axial length substantially equal to said predetermined length is provided for receiving said shaft and having at least one open axial end. A plunger is provided which is mounted within said housing for a sliding movement between an inner retracted position and an outer extended position proximate to said open axial

end. One free end of said shaft is connected to said ^" plunger and the other free end of said plunger is disposed proximate to said open axial end in the retracted position of the shaft. Stop means is provided for limiting the movement of said plunger beyond said open axial end thereby preventing separation of said umbrella mechanism from said housing. Cover means is provided attached to said other free end of said shaft or rod and configurated for closing said open axial end of said housing in the fully retracted position of said umbrella mechanism and for serving as a grip to facilitate withdrawal of said umbrella mechanism from said housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following Detailed Description of the Drawings illustrating one preferred form of a folding umbrella with a handle storage compartment according to the principles of the present invention, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a folding umbrella in accordance with the present invention, shown in the fully extended and open condition;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the handle portion of the umbrella shown in FIG. 1 , taken along line 2-2;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the tubular housing or handle and the internal seat, taken along line 3-3;

60

8.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but showing the umbrella in the collapsed condition and the panels folded and maintained folded by the entire closure strap;

FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 4, but showing the umbrella mechanism partially retracted within the tubular housing or handle;

FIG. 6 is similar to FIGS. 4 and 5, but showing the umbrella mechanism fully retracted within the umbrella housing and in the condition when not in use and ready to be stored;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the umbrella in the fully retracted position shown in FIG. 7, taken along line 7-7; and

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the tubular housing or handle and the seat, taken along line 8-8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the Figures in which identical or similar parts are designated by the same reference numeral throughout and first referring to FIG. 1, the folding umbrella in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 10.

The umbrella 10 includes a generally conventional folding umbrella mechanism 12 which consists of a central supporting rod or shaft 14 having one free end 14a (FIG. 2) at its lower end and having another free end 14b (FIG. 7) at the upper end thereof as viewed in the Figures. Supported on the central

9. shaft 14 are a series of ribs 16 covered with panels a conventional manner. The free ends of the ribs 16 provided with tips 20 and, also conventionally, ther shown a tie closure or strap 21 which may be made of materials which adhere when pressed together and sol under the trademark "VELCRO."

An important feature of the present invent is the provision of a generally rigid cylindrical or tubular housing 22 which has an axial length substantially equal to the length of the shaft 14 so that the latter may be received within the housing. housing 22 may be made from high impact plastic, although any other suitable material may be used.

Referring also to FIGS. 2 and 3, it will b noted that the housing 22 has an open axial end 22a a closed end 22b. The housing 22 is shown to have a wall of generally circular cross-section. While the housing 22 is advantageously cylindrical in shape, t is not critical that the cross-section of such housi may be circular, although any other desiςed cross-section can be used. The housing 22 may exhib flat surfaces 22c and 22d which extend the longitudi length of the housing 22, and may be provided for decorative reasons, although such surfaces may also serve to secure the housing 22 against rotation rela to the end cap 23, to be more fully discussed below.

Disposed within the housing 22 there is provided a plunger or seat 24 which is mounted withi the housing 22 for sliding movement between an inne retracted position (FIGS. 7 and 8) and an outer exte position (FIGS. 1, 2 and 4), when it is positioned proximate to the open axial end 22a.

3460

10.

The lower end 14a of the shaft 14 is connected to the plunger 24. While the shaft 14 can be connected to seat 24 by press fitting, in the embodiment being described such connection is effected by means of a transverse pin 30.

The plunger 24 has an outer cross-sectional configuration conforming to the interior cross-section of the tubular housing 22 including having at least one elongate key 24a which is parallel to the length direction of the housing 22 and which cooperates with and is slideably received within an elongate groove 22f formed on the inner surface which cooperates with and is slideably received within an elongate groove 22f formed on the inner surface of the tubular housing 22. In this way, the plunger 24 is slideably moveable between the axial ends of the tubular housing 22 without rotating relative thereto about the longitudinal axis thereof. As best shown in FIG. 2, the groove 22f terminates short of the housing free end 22a to limit movement of the key 24a beyond the open end 22a thereby serving as a stop and preventing separation of the shaft 14 and plunger 24 from the housing 22.

A feature of the folding umbrella being described is that the central supporting shaft 14 the housing 22 together perform the function of and replace the collapsible supporting shaft of the conventional folding umbrellas which are formed of two telescoping rods. Instead, the shaft 14 is fully receivable within the housing 22 and, therefore, as with conventional umbrellas, the overall length of the umbrella is reduced by approximately one-half when the umbrella is fully collapsed and retracted.

For the construction described, it is important to include stop means for limiting the movement of the seat 24 beyond the open axial end 22a thereby preventing separation of the umbrella mechanism 12 from the housing 22. In the embodiment being

11. described, such stop means includes, in addition to the key 24a and groove 22f above described, a hole 22e (FIG. 7) in the tubular hoαsing 22 proximate to the open axial end 22a. Cooperating with the hole 22e, is a button 26 which is at least partially contained within a radially directed recess 24c in the seat 24. A spring 28, within the recess 24c, resiliently urges the button 26 in a radially outward direction as suggested in FIGS. 2, 3, 7 and 8. The button 26 is aligned with the hole 22e by the flat surfaces on the housing 22 wall and on the seat 24. The button 26 is configurated to be received within the hole 22e when the seat 24 reaches the extreme extended position shown in FIG. 2. The button, limits further movement of the seat outside of the tubular sleeve 22 when forced into the hole 22e thereby preventing movement thereof beyond the open axial end 22a and preventing separation of the umbrella mechanism 12 from the tubular housing 22. The button also limits relative rotation between the shaft 14 and the housing 22 as well as insures that the umbrella mechanism 12 remains in the extended position and does hot prematurely retract into the housing 22. To retract the umbrella mechanism into the tubular housing 12, it is necessary to release the stop or locking mechanism. This is done by the pressing button 26 against the action of the spring 28 until the button clears the hole 22e. At such time, the shaft 14 can be forced inwardly into the housing 22. In all other positions of the seat 24, the button 26 remains fully retracted within the recess 24c of the seat, as shown in FIG. 7.

An important feature of the present invention is the provision of cover means at the other or outer end 14b of the shaft 14 for closing the open axial end 22a of the housing in the fully retracted condition of the umbrella mechanism, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In the embodiment shown, the cover means is -in the nature of a cap 34 having outer dimensions generally corresponding to the dimensions of the housing 22 to provide a continuous, integral appearance when the umbrella is closed and the cap 34 abutts against and mates with the housing 22.

While the specific method of connection of the cap 34 to the shaft 14 is not critical, in the embodiment shown, the free end of the shaft 14b is externally threaded, and the cover or cap 34 is provided with an internally threaded inwardly projecting central sleeve portion 34a which is meshed with the externally threaded portion 14b of the shaft 14.

Advantageously, sealing means is provided between the cover or cap 34 and the tubular housing 22 to prevent any escape of rain water which -may have drained from the umbrella following use. The specific nature of the seal is not critical. In FIG. 7, one seal is suggested which utilizes making press-fitted annular members or flanges which are formed on the shaft 34 and the sleeve 22 as shown. Advantageously the cap 34 is made of rubber to insure water tightness and facilitate gripping. However, plastic or other materials may be used.

In order to facilitate the gripping of the umbrella, the lower end of the housing or handle 23 may be provided with an enlarged portion which is formed on the outer surface thereof with a series of grooves

03460

13. as shown which are spaced from each other along the axial length of the tubular housing. Also shown at ^' the closed end 22b is a strap 38. Such a strap is optional and, if provided, is not critical as to the type used. In FIGS. 2 and 7, there is shown a flexible strap which has at least portions thereof extending through an opening 22g in the closed end 22b. With such construction, the plunger 24 is advantageously provided with a recess 24e to accommodate any protrusions of the strap 38 into the housing 22, thereby avoiding any interference with the full retraction of the umbrella mechanism into the housing. On the other side of the plunger there may be provided a central protruberance 24d which is dimensioned to centrally locate and align - the ribs within the housing, as suggested in FIG. 7.

Accordingly, the invention in accordance with the present invention provides a simple, inexpensive and practical construction which eliminates the numerous disadvantages of known, existing umbrellas, including folding umbrellas. All of the advantageous features associated with folding umbrellas are achieved while providing a construction which assures that such advantages will continue even with extensive use of the umbrella. The umbrella provides uniform aesthetic ' appearance, irrespective of how neatly the umbrella is folded after use. The protective housing, which alsq serves as the handle, provides a protective shell which, on the one hand, protects the umbrella from the outside while, on the other hand, protecting people and property when the umbrella is stored inside the housing. When stored in the housing or handle, the umbrella can also be used as an elongate implement for self-defense. Of

3460

14. significant importance is the fact that all of this is achieved with effectively a unitary or integral construction in the sense that all of the parts are connected to each other and are not separated from each other during normal use. Accordingly, none of the parts can be misplaced or lost and, therefore, all of the features and advantages of the umbrella should continue for the life of the umbrella. .

While one specific embodiment of the invention has been specifically described in this application, it will be understood that this form of the invention is shown for purposes of illustration and that the invention may be modified and embodied in various other forms without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, while a single folding umbrella has been described, the present invention also contemplates double, triple or other multiple folding umbrellas. • In each instance, the umbrella mechanism, irrespective of its folded or collapsed length or diameter or width, it is received into the tubular housing as above suggested.