AN UMBRELLA RESTRAINT

Abstract

An umbrella restraint for securing over an umbrella (16), comprising a web (12) having a plurality of securing means (14) extending beyond the web circumference. The securing means comprises ropes which are length adjustable (16). The ropes are thereby able to extend between a position proximal to the umbrella shade cloth and the grounddepending on user preferences. The adjustability of the rope length allows for rope-tension adjustment and is achieved using rope tensioners. The securing means has an attachment means at its free-end, which free-end is distal from the web. The attachment means secures the umbrella restraint to a weight (18).

Claims

1-8. (canceled)

9. An umbrella restraint for securing over an umbrella, comprising a web having a plurality of securing means extending beyond the web circumference, the securing means comprising ropes which are length adjustable, wherein the securing means comprises visual identifiers.

10. The umbrella restraint as claimed in claim 9, wherein the visual identifiers define an advertising means comprising advertisement word or image content, in use.

11. The umbrella restraint as claimed in claim 9, wherein the visual identifiers are releasably securable to the umbrella restraint.

12. The umbrella restraint as claimed in claim 11, wherein the visual identifiers are located within the web of the umbrella restraint to at least partially block the webbing of the umbrella restraint.

13. The umbrella restraint as claimed in claim 9, comprising a storage means when in a collapsed condition, wherein the restraint collapses into a webbed bag-like form in which items may be stored, in use.

14. The umbrella restraint as claimed in claim 10 comprising a storage means when in a collapsed condition, wherein the restraint collapses into a webbed bag-like form in which items may be stored, in use.

15. The umbrella restraint as claimed in claim 14, wherein the securing means may be used to secure items in the umbrella restraint when used as a storage means, in use.

16. The umbrella restraint as claimed in claim 13, wherein visual identifiers are visible as an advertisement means when the umbrella restraint is folded into a storage means position, in use.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a front view of an umbrella restraint of the invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] FIG. 1 shows an umbrella restraint 10 of the invention comprising a web 12 formed from interconnected ropes 14. In use, the web is placed over a shade cloth of the umbrella 16. The web comprises a plurality of ropes which extend beyond the web circumference and are suspended from the perimeter of the umbrella shade cloth. The ropes are length-adjustable and are thereby able to extend between a position proximal to the umbrella shade cloth and the grounddepending on user preferences. The adjustability of the rope length allows for rope-tension adjustment which is achieved using rope tensioners 26.

[0025] The ropes have an attachment means at each of their respective free-ends, which free-ends are distal from the web. The attachment means comprises a hook assembly for securing each rope to a weight. In one embodiment of the invention, the weights are comprised of fillable bags 18, in which sand and the like can be filed. In use, the bags are transported in an empty condition to minimise weight. Only at the time of installing the restraint are the bags filled, thereby providing a light-weight restraint which is easily transportable. As will be appreciated, the number of bags filled is user dependant, whereby an increased overall weight of the bags will provide increased umbrella stability.

[0026] The ropes comprise visual identifiers 20 to prevent people from tripping over the ropes, in use. These visual identifiers comprise a plurality of flags situated along the length of the rope.

[0027] The web comprises a positioning means 22 at its centre point for securing over a protrusion of the umbrella shaft 24. The positioning means is a re-enforced aperture through which the shaft protrusion passes thereby preventing the restraint from moving and facilitating ease of positioning about the umbrella at time of installation.

[0028] The invention is not limited to the precise details described above and shown in the drawings. Modifications may be made and other embodiments developed without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example the web which secures over the umbrella may be substantially solid or perforated. The web may additionally comprise collapsible advertising panels upon which advertising content may be printed. Further, the pegs may be used to secure the ropes to the ground. Still further the securing means may be resiliently deformable. Accordingly, when a deforming wind force is applied to the ropes, being an embodiment of the securing meansthe ropes are biased against the wind towards their rest position thereby assisting with umbrella position maintenance.

[0029] The summary of invention and claims form an integral aspect of the description of the invention.