Mister equipped umbrella system

Abstract

A mister-equipped umbrella to shield a user from precipitation, to provide protection from harmful UV rays, and to allow the user to activate a mister having a variable mist head to cool the user on a hot, sunny day. The mister-equipped umbrella generally combines an umbrella assembly and a mister assembly. The umbrella assembly includes a tube, a runner, a plurality of stretchers, a plurality of ribs each terminating in a top, a cover having at least one UV coating, and a handle that has an inner volume for storing batteries and an outer surface that may be insulated for gripping. The mister assembly includes a fluid reservoir, a pump, and a variable mister head. In use, the user may manually adjust the variable mister head to configure a misting pattern and frequency of the mister.

Claims

1. A mister-equipped umbrella system comprising: a shaft having an intermediate portion extending between a handle portion and an upper portion; a plurality of stretchers projecting from a runner slidably coupled to the intermediate portion of the shaft to a plurality of ribs for displacement thereof between extended and collapsed configurations relative to the shaft responsive to displacement of the runner along the intermediate portion of the shaft; a canopy flexibly extending over the ribs to be extended and collapsed therewith; a reservoir coupled to the shaft for storing a misting liquid; a mister installation assembly adjustably coupled to the upper portion of the shaft, the mister installation assembly including a mister head disposed in fluid communication with the reservoir through the intermediate portion of the shaft for dispensing the misting liquid therefrom in selectively adjustable manner, wherein the mister head is disposed adjacent the shaft to define a low profile against impeding displacement of the canopy between the extended and collapsed configurations thereof; and, an actuation button disposed on at least one of the handle portion and reservoir for selective control of misting liquid dispensing from the mister head; wherein the mister head is coupled in pivotally hinged manner with respect to the upper portion of the shaft for adaptively pivoted displacement to accommodate the collapsed configuration of the canopy; and, the mister head includes: an inner portion defining an inner dispensing chamber; and, an outer portion coupled in adjustably displaceable manner to the inner portion, the outer portion defining an outer dispensing face extending across to cover the inner dispensing chamber, the outer dispensing face defining a plurality of openings for pressurized expulsion of the misting liquid from the inner dispensing chamber therethrough.

2. The mister-equipped umbrella system as recited in claim 1, wherein the mister installation assembly includes a ball and socket portion adjustably coupled to the upper portion of the shaft, the mister head being detachably coupled to the ball and socket portion to be adjustable in angular orientation relative to the shaft.

3. The mister-equipped umbrella system as recited in claim 1, wherein the outer portion of the mister head is selectively displaceable in axial position relative to the inner portion thereof, the outer dispensing face being formed to include: a close region defining a solid planar surface; a single spritz region defining a single opening in a planar surface; and, a mist spray region defining a plurality of misting openings each less in opening size than the single opening of the single spritz region.

4. The mister-equipped umbrella system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a fluid pump in fluid communication with the reservoir for pumping the misting liquid therefrom to the mister head.

5. The mister-equipped umbrella system as recited in claim 4, further comprising a power source coupled to the fluid pump, the power source energizing the fluid pump for automatic activation responsive to the actuation button.

6. The mister-equipped umbrella system as recited in claim 5, wherein the power source is disposed in the shaft, the power source being selected from the group consisting of: a battery driven electrical source and a solar power source.

7. A mister-equipped umbrella system comprising: a shaft having an intermediate portion extending between a handle portion and an upper portion; a plurality of stretchers projecting from a runner slidably coupled to the intermediate portion of the shaft to a plurality of ribs for displacement thereof between extended and collapsed configurations relative to the shaft responsive to displacement of the runner along the intermediate portion of the shaft; a canopy flexibly extending over the ribs to be extended and collapsed therewith; a reservoir coupled to the shaft for storing a misting liquid; a mister installation assembly adjustably coupled to the upper portion of the shaft, the mister installation assembly including a mister head disposed in fluid communication with the reservoir through the intermediate portion of the shaft for dispensing the misting liquid therefrom in selectively adjustable manner, wherein the mister head is disposed adjacent the shaft to define a low profile against impeding displacement of the canopy between the extended and collapsed configurations thereof; and, an actuation button disposed on at least one of the handle portion and reservoir for selective control of misting liquid dispensing from the mister head; wherein the mister head is coupled in pivotally hinged manner with respect to the upper portion of the shaft for adaptively pivoted displacement to accommodate the collapsed configuration of the canopy; and, the canopy is formed with a plurality of spirally defined canopy portions delineated by spirally extending gaps for ventilation therebetween.

8. The mister-equipped umbrella system as recited in claim 7, wherein the spirally defined canopy portions include at least one sun-sensitive color change material applied thereto.

9. A mister-equipped umbrella system comprising: a shaft having an intermediate portion extending between a handle portion and an upper portion; a plurality of stretchers projecting from a runner slidably coupled to the intermediate portion of the shaft to a plurality of ribs for displacement thereof between extended and collapsed configurations relative to the shaft responsive to displacement of the runner along the intermediate portion of the shaft; a canopy flexibly extending over the ribs to be extended and collapsed therewith; a reservoir coupled to the shaft for storing a misting liquid; a mister installation assembly adjustably coupled to the upper portion of the shaft, the mister installation assembly including a mister head disposed in fluid communication with the reservoir through the intermediate portion of the shaft for dispensing the misting liquid therefrom in selectively adjustable manner, wherein the mister head is disposed adjacent the shaft to define a low profile against impeding displacement of the canopy between the extended and collapsed configurations thereof; and, an actuation button disposed on at least one of the handle portion and reservoir for selective control of misting liquid dispensing from the mister head; wherein the mister installation assembly includes a ball and socket portion adjustably coupled to the upper portion of the shaft, the mister head being detachably coupled to the ball and socket portion to be pivotally hinged thereby for adjustment in angular position relative to the shaft; and, the mister head includes: an inner portion defining an inner dispensing chamber; and, an outer portion coupled in adjustably displaceable manner to the inner portion, the outer portion defining an outer dispensing face extending across to cover the inner dispensing chamber, the outer dispensing face defining a plurality of openings for pressurized expulsion of the misting liquid from the inner dispensing chamber therethrough.

10. The mister-equipped umbrella system as recited in claim 9, wherein the outer portion of the mister head is selectively displaceable in angular position relative to the inner portion thereof, the plurality of regions being angularly offset about the outer dispensing face to include: a close region defining a solid planar surface; a single spritz region defining a single opening in a planar surface; and, a mist spray region defining a plurality of misting openings each less in opening size than the single opening of the single spritz region.

11. The mister-equipped umbrella system as recited in claim 9, further comprising a fluid pump in fluid communication with the reservoir for pumping the misting liquid therefrom to the mister head.

12. The mister-equipped umbrella system as recited in claim 11, further comprising a power source coupled to the fluid pump, the power source energizing the fluid pump for automatic activation responsive to the actuation button.

13. The mister-equipped umbrella system as recited in claim 12, wherein the power source is disposed in the shaft, the power source being selected from the group consisting of: a battery driven electrical source and a solar power source.

14. The mister-equipped umbrella system as recited in claim 11, wherein the canopy is formed with a plurality of spirally defined canopy portions delineated by spirally extending gaps for ventilation therebetween, at least one of the spirally defined canopy portions including a sun-sensitive color change material and a UV coating applied thereto.

15. A mister-equipped umbrella system comprising: a shaft having an intermediate portion extending between a handle portion and an upper portion; a plurality of stretchers projecting from a runner slidably coupled to the intermediate portion of the shaft to a plurality of ribs for displacement thereof between extended and collapsed configurations relative to the shaft responsive to displacement of the runner along the intermediate portion of the shaft; a canopy flexibly extending over the ribs to be extended and collapsed therewith; a reservoir coupled to the shaft for storing a misting liquid; a mister installation assembly adjustably coupled to the upper portion of the shaft, the mister installation assembly including a mister head disposed in fluid communication with the reservoir through the intermediate portion of the shaft for dispensing the misting liquid therefrom in selectively adjustable manner, wherein the mister head is disposed adjacent the shaft to define a low profile against impeding displacement of the canopy between the extended and collapsed configurations thereof; and, a fluid pump in fluid communication with the reservoir for pumping the misting liquid therefrom to the mister head, the fluid pump being energized for activation by a power source coupled thereto responsive to the actuation button; and, an actuation button disposed on at least one of the handle portion and reservoir for selective control of misting liquid dispensing from the mister head; wherein the canopy is formed with a plurality of spirally defined canopy portions delineated by spirally extending gaps for ventilation therebetween; wherein the mister installation assembly includes a ball and socket portion adjustably coupled to the upper portion of the shaft, the mister head being detachably coupled to the ball and socket portion to be pivotally hinged thereby for adjustment in angular position relative to the shaft.

16. The mister-equipped umbrella system as recited in claim 15, wherein the mister head includes: an inner portion defining an inner dispensing chamber; and, an outer portion coupled in adjustably displaceable manner to the inner portion, the outer portion defining an outer dispensing face extending across to cover the inner dispensing chamber, the outer dispensing face defining a plurality of openings for pressurized expulsion of the misting liquid from the inner dispensing chamber therethrough.

17. The mister-equipped umbrella system as recited in claim 16, wherein the power source is disposed in the shaft, the power source being selected from the group consisting of: a battery driven electrical source and a solar power source.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, mister-equipped umbrella system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

(2) FIG. 1A shows a perspective view illustrating a mister-equipped umbrella in use shielding a user from getting wet with rain according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 1B shows a perspective illustrating the mister-equipped umbrella in use protecting a user from harmful ultraviolet rays while providing the user with a steady and cooling mist spray via a mister according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating the mister-equipped umbrella in an open-condition according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

(5) FIG. 2B is a perspective view illustrating the mister-equipped umbrella in a closed-condition according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

(6) FIG. 3 is an exploded view illustrating the mister-equipped umbrella integrally comprising a fluid pump and a power source according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

(7) FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a mister head enabling varying mist spray capabilities according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A-1B and 3.

(8) FIGS. 5A-5D shows perspective views of various uses of the mister-equipped umbrella according to alternative embodiments of the present invention.

(9) FIG. 6 is an underside perspective view illustrating the mister-equipped umbrella according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A-1B.

(10) FIG. 7 is a side perspective view illustrating venting to prevent inversion as used on the mister-equipped umbrella according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A-1B.

(11) FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of use according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A-7.

(12) The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(13) As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a mister-equipped umbrella system and more particularly to a mister-equipped umbrella to shield a user from precipitation, to provide protection from harmful UV rays, and to allow a user to activate a mister having a variable-spray mist head to cool the user on a hot, sunny day.

(14) Referring now to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, mister-equipped umbrella system 100 in an in-use condition 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Mister-equipped umbrella system 100 comprises mister-equipped umbrella 102 which generally may comprise mister 110, handle 115, umbrella shaft 125, and cover 130. Handle 115 may comprise a grip for user 140 to hold mister-equipped umbrella 102. Umbrella shaft 125 may comprise a cylindrical shaped, hollow rod which may connect cover 130 to handle 115. In one embodiment, umbrella shaft 125 comprises durable, water-proof plastic. The durable, water-proof plastic material of umbrella shaft 125 may enable longer use of mister-equipped umbrella 102, while maintaining a light-weight for ease-of-use for user 140. The water-proof plastic may further prevent rusting from precipitation during in-use condition 150. It should be appreciated that other suitably equivalent materials may be used and yet remain within the scope of this disclosure of the present invention.

(15) As shown in FIG. 1A, user 140 may hold mister-equipped umbrella 102 via handle 115 such that user 140 is directly underneath cover 130. In such a manner, user 140 may be shielded from getting wet by rain 120 or other precipitation in an outdoor environment.

(16) Referring now to FIG. 1B, illustrating mister-equipped umbrella system 100 in an in-use condition 150. As shown, mister-equipped umbrella 102 may be used to protect user 140 from harmful UV rays 162 emitted by sun 160. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, cover 130 may comprise a durable, water-proof cloth-like material. Cover 130 may further comprise a UV coating on both a top-side and an under-side of cover 130 to provide user 140 with additional protection from UV rays 162. UV coating may be sprayed (dipped or otherwise treated with) on both sides (top and under) of the device. This coating protects both user 140 and cover 130 from degradation, thereby promoting longevity and cost-effectiveness in-use. Further, mister-equipped umbrella 102 may comprise mister 110 for spraying mist 180. Mist 180 may provide user 140 with a cool misting spray on a hot, sunny day for additional comfort during use, as shown in FIG. 1B.

(17) Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrating mister-equipped umbrella system 100 comprising mister-equipped umbrella assembly 200. FIG. 2A shows mister-equipped umbrella 102 in open condition 260 and FIG. 2B shows mister-equipped umbrella 102 in closed condition 280. Velcro fasteners may be stitched into the fabric for closing mister-equipped umbrella 102 or a button cloth to secure umbrella when closed. Mister-equipped umbrella 102 may comprise mister-equipped umbrella assembly 102 which may generally comprise mister 110, handle 115, cover 130, stretchers 205, ribs 210, fluid reservoir 215, runner 220, and operating buttons 230. Runner 220 may comprise a circular-shaped disk which may be connected to stretchers 205 and ribs 210.

(18) Ribs 210 may comprise inter-connected metal (or non-metal) spokes and may vary in lumen size. Further, stretchers 205 may be activated for extension by an electrical current via operating buttons 230. Once activated by user 140, ribs 210 expand until fully expanded. Another embodiment for some umbrella types may have a separate button for automatic positioning of mister 110. Mister 110 may have the ability to be positioned up, down, left or right by the touch of a four arrow/four position button that allows mister 110 to swivel upon its hinge.

(19) In embodiments of the present invention, user 140 may transition mister-equipped umbrella 102 from closed condition 280 to open condition 260 by manually sliding runner 220 from a down position along umbrella shaft 125 to an up position. In such a manner, stretchers 205 comprising ribs 210 will cause cover 130 to be deployed, as best shown in FIG. 2A. Respectively, when user 140 wishes to close mister-equipped umbrella 102, user may manually slide runner 220 from the up position to the down position. In such a manner, stretchers 205 will cause cover 130 to become retracted. Alternatively and preferably, user 140 may open and close mister-equipped umbrella 102 via operating buttons 230. In such a manner, user 140 may press operating button 230 which may cause mister-equipped umbrella 102 to open, and user 140 may press operating button 230 which may cause mister-equipped umbrella 102 to close.

(20) Handle 115 may comprise handle grip 225 providing an ergonomic gripping surface for user 140 to comfortably grip handle 115 during in-use condition 150. In some embodiments of the present invention, handle 115 may comprise rubber so that it advantageously provides a stronger grip to user 140 of mister-equipped umbrella 102 thereby allowing greater security during windy, rainy, or a combination of windy and rainy conditions. Further, handle 115 may be constructed of an insulating rubber that may allow for insulating and grounding in the event of an electrical shock, such as a lighting strike. On one embodiment of the present invention, handle 115 may comprise operating buttons 230 which may be used by user 140 to operate mister 110. Alternatively, operating buttons 230 may be located along umbrella shaft 125 just above handle 115. The rubber handle is durable and will not melt with higher temperatures.

(21) In still referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a first button of operating buttons 230 of mister-equipped umbrella 102 may deploy the traction and retraction of mister-equipped umbrella 102 between open condition 260 and closed condition 280. A second button of operating buttons 230 may be pressed by user 140 to release mist 180 from mister 110. In another embodiment of the present invention, operating buttons 230 may comprise a third button which may allow for height adjustment mister-equipped umbrella 102 by sliding cover 130 up and down along a track thereby raising or lowering cover 130 providing a variable height umbrella that may meet the height needs of user 140 comprising varying heights. While the embodiments described herein use the form first, second, and third, it may be appreciated by those in the art that additional embodiments may include any number of operating buttons 230 providing some of the functionality of the buttons described herein. For example one operating button 230 may be used for mist dispensing control means or a third setting may be for continuous and a fourth setting comprising a deactivation of mister 110.

(22) Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrating exploded view 300 of mister-equipped umbrella system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A and 1B. As shown, mister-equipped umbrella system 100 comprises mister-equipped umbrella assembly 200. Mister-equipped umbrella 102 may comprise umbrella shaft 125 which may integrally comprise tube 305 and fluid pump 310. Tube 305 may comprise a flexible hose which may provide fluid communication between fluid reservoir 215 holding fluid 312 and mister 110. Fluid pump 310 may comprise a pump for providing a pressurized means (hydraulic force) for delivering fluid 312 to mister 110 via tube 305.

(23) In continuing to refer to FIG. 3, handle 115 may integrally comprise battery compartment 325. Battery compartment 325 may comprise a housing for holding batteries 328. In one embodiment, batteries 328 may comprise at least two AA batteries. Batteries 328 may serve to provide power to operating buttons 230 which may control fluid pump 310, mister 110, and deploying and retracting cover 130 of mister-equipped umbrella 102.

(24) Further, it should be appreciated that cover 130 of mister-equipped umbrella 102 may comprise UV coating 320, as shown in FIG. 3. UV coating 320 may comprise a surface treatment to cover 130 of mister-equipped umbrella 102 which may be cured by ultraviolet radiation to protect material of 130 from harmful effects caused by UV rays 162. UV coating 320 may be formulated up to 100% solids so that they have no volatile component that contributes to pollution. UV coating 320 may be applied to cover 130 via most conventional industrial coating applications as well as by silkscreen. Preferably, UV coating 320 may be applied to both a top side and an underside of cover 130 preferably via a water-borne formulation that is environmentally friendly.

(25) In an embodiment of mister-equipped umbrella 102, cover 130 may comprise photochromic material sensitive to sunlight intensity. In such a manner, the photochromic material may enable cover 130 to be temperature sensitive and allow for color changes and design appearance to change based on outdoor temperatures a novel and appealing feature for umbrella users. When sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) radiation is applied to cover 130, the dye becomes excited and the molecular structure is changed allowing a specific color to appear. For example, when UV rays 162 strikes cover 130, cover 130 may change to the color yellow (Asian yellow), an especially desirable color to oriental persons, persons whom also have an affinity to use of umbrellas, but who do not prefer black since it is dull and may hold negative cultural significance as a color. This photochromic material may be stitched in certain locations on the canopy (cover 130) (such as in a spiral direction) or may cover the entire canopy with one or more color changing photochromic colors.

(26) When the stimulus from UV rays 162 is removed, the dye will return to a state of rest, which is its colorless form such that it may return to a specified initial (unexcited condition) color such as green (or other preferred color) for example. In addition, cover 130 comprising photochromic material may allow individuals to have standard designs or allow user(s) 140 to add personal designs to mister-equipped umbrella 102. It should be appreciated that photochromic material of cover 130 may turn a variety of colors according to a limited color spectrum based upon preference of user 140.

(27) Fluid reservoir 215 may comprise a plurality of threads such that fluid reservoir 215 is readily removably attachable to mister-equipped umbrella 102 such that it may be filled with ease and re-installed for use. Mister-equipped umbrella assembly 200 may additionally comprise mister installation assembly 400 comprising fluid pump 310, tube 305, and mister 110. Mister 110 may comprise mister head 410 having a variable mist control for providing at least two different mist settings (fine/course spray) of mister 110. Other mist settings may be achieved when angles are changed (via rotation) such that spray is caused to collide, to run parallel or the like. In certain embodiments the fluid reservoir 215 is fixed and non-removable with a screw cap for introducing fluid 312 such that it is not easily broken as in removable versions. In this particular embodiment the umbrella frame and fluid reservoir 215 are securely connected and are continuous as one piece, to prevent breakage from the reservoir/stem assembly.

(28) In an embodiment of the present invention, mister-equipped umbrella 102 may comprise a specialized handle-locking device which may secure mister-equipped umbrella 102 in place. Further, mister-equipped umbrella 102 may comprise a cooling mechanism. The cooling mechanism may cool fluid 312 dispensed by mister 110. As shown best in FIG. 2A, mister-equipped umbrella 102 may comprise fluid reservoir 215 for storing fluid 312. Preferably, fluid 312 comprises water. Alternatively, fluid 312 may comprise (non-toxic) gel, cooling polymer, or other suitable cooling material and may comprise additives that deter rusting/corrosion and mineral buildup to prevent clogging. A transparent water level indicator on water reservoir 215 can show when the water level to be added. This can be a simple indicator such as how an iron shows the water level or can more complex such as a light signal when the water level is low, and filling is required when mister 110 is activated for use.

(29) In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, mister-equipped umbrella 102 may comprise a supporting compartment which may allow user 140 to store personal items in mister-equipped umbrella 102 while traveling. The supporting compartment may comprise a hollowed out area within umbrella shaft 125 or multiple pouches located within the outer surface of the canopy. This pouch or series of multiple pouches, may serve as a water-resistant/water-proof compartment for storage of small lightweight items. This pouch may have a button or Velcro (hook and loop) fastener and may be expandable.

(30) In yet another embodiment of the present invention, mister-equipped umbrella 102 may comprise a plurality of fans (not shown); however this version isn't preferred due to the additional power requirements. The fans may provide an additional cooling means for user 140 in addition to mister 110. The plurality of fans may be attached to umbrella shaft 125 and may receive operating power from batteries 328 or from a solar power source. The solar powering source may comprise a photovoltaic module installed to an outer portion of umbrella shaft 125 whereby the photovoltaic module may draw solar energy from sun 160 to operate the fans.

(31) In a further alternate embodiment of mister-equipped umbrella system 100, mister-equipped umbrella 102 may comprise an attachment to attach mister-equipped umbrella 102 to a back pack or nap sack (shown in FIG. 8A). In such a manner, mister-equipped umbrella 102 may provide hands-free protection to user 140 from at least one ambient condition while further providing user 140 with mist 180 from mister 110. This embodiment may provide user 140 with a convenient, hands-free mister-equipped umbrella 102 while carrying personal effects in the back pack or nap sack. In this way the present invention may be hands-free permitting user 140 to read or the like while walking.

(32) Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrating a perspective view of mister installation assembly 400 of mister-equipped umbrella system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

(33) As shown, mister installation assembly 400 may comprise mister 110 comprising mister head 410, and ball and socket 415. In one embodiment, mister head 410 is located at an upper portion of umbrella shaft 125 and may be in electrical communication via electronic cables (not shown). As shown, mister head 410 may be threadably inserted into a ball component of ball and socket 415. Further, a socket component of ball and socket 415 may be connected to tube 305. In such a manner, mister head 410 may be in fluid communication with fluid reservoir 215 via pressurized force applied by fluid pump 310. Further, mister head 410 may be pivotable via ball and socket 415 (or other suitably equivalent pivoting means) such that user 140 may manually adjust mister 110 to a user-preferred orientation during use of mister-equipped umbrella 102. For example in windy conditions user 140 may direct mist 180 forwardly such that mist 180 (water) sprays on user 140 when the wind is blowing in calm conditions user 140 may direct mister head 410 directly onto his/her person.

(34) In continuing to refer to FIG. 4, mister head 410 may comprise outer face 425 and inner face 430. Outer face 425 and inner face 430 may be joined together (slidably-coupled in relation to each other) to providing various settings of mist 180. In one setting, user 140 may manually manipulate outer face 425 to provide for single spritz 460. In another setting, user 140 may manually manipulate outer face 425 to provide for mist spray 465. Alternatively, user 140 may manually manipulate outer face 425 for closed spray 470 thereby ceasing operations of mister 110. User 140 may manipulate mister head 410 by turning outer face 425 clockwise and counter-clockwise with respect to inner face 430. This feature in conjunction with use of operating buttons 230 permits user 140 to set the device to provide mist at a comfortable pace/volume/location. Mister(s) 110 may be present above runner 220 when the umbrella canopy is in a fully expanded position. This strategic position prevents damage to mister assembly 400 and hoses during umbrella assembly 102 opening and closing. When umbrella assembly 102 fully collapses, the movement of the canopy touching mister 110 will allow for mister 110 to fold inward and in parallel or almost in parallel to tube 305 (umbrella stem) on its pivotal hinge preventing mister 110 from piercing through the cover.

(35) In one embodiment of the present invention, mister-equipped umbrella 102 may comprise a rheostat to select misting intensity. The rheostat may comprise a two-terminal variable resistor for varying resistance in power supplied to fluid pump 310. In such a manner, user 140 may adjust the intensity and the frequency of mister 110 to receive a user-preferred mist 180 during in-use condition 150, as shown in FIG. 1B.

(36) Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5D, and 8A-8B illustrating various hands-free uses of mister-equipped umbrella system 100. As shown in FIG. 5A, mister-equipped umbrella 102 may be installed to furniture 502, such as patio table 500. In such a manner, mister-equipped umbrella 102 may be provide a stationary canopy which may be enjoyed by user 140 sitting in a backyard of his or her home on a hot, sunny day. User 140 may activate mister 110 of mister-equipped umbrella 102 to enjoy a cooling sensation provided by mist 180. Motors may be used to power this specific embodiment and a plurality of misters 110 can be moved (manipulated) to direct onto various users 140. Misters 110 can be fixed in place via a hinge and the direction can be up, down, side to side. FIG. 8A is a side perspective view of mister-equipped umbrella assembly 102 as used on backpack embodiment 800 with backpack attacher 810 in in-use condition 850 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A-1B. FIG. 8B shows mister-equipped umbrella chair 860. Mister-equipped umbrella chair 860 comprises furniture 502 as do the items shown in FIGS. 5A-5D.

(37) In referring now to FIG. 5B, illustrating how mister-equipped umbrella 102 may be threaded via spirals or otherwise attached to a rear portion of golf cart 510 via golf cart attacher 512. In such a manner, cover 130 of mister-equipped umbrella 102 may provide user 140 of driving golf cart 510 with additional protection from sun 160 while spraying a steady mist 180 to occupants within golf cart 510 while driving around a golf course. In this application operating button 230 may be pressed once for single spray; twice for intermittent; three times for continuous (may also be this way for patio versions). Operating button 230 may be pressed once more for off.

(38) In referring now to FIG. 5C, illustrating how mister-equipped umbrella 102 may be attached to golf bag 520 via golf bag attacher 522. In such a manner, user 140 carrying golf bag 520 may enjoy additional protection from sun 160 while being comforted by mist 180 from mister 110. Furthermore, cover 130 of mister-equipped umbrella 102 may prevent golf clubs from getting too hot from sun 160, thereby prolonging the life of the golf clubs while keeping them cool for use by user 140.

(39) In referring now to FIG. 5D, illustrating mister-equipped umbrella 102 comprising parasol 530 for use by user 140 comprising a sunbather while laying on beach 535. In such a manner, parasol 530 may be inserted into sand from beach 535 such that parasol 530 is supported in an upright position. User 140 may then rest underneath cover 130 of parasol 530 and enjoy a steady mist 180 from mister 110. This may help keep user 140 cool and comfortable while soaking in sun 160 on beach 535. Certain embodiments may be connected to a stationary pressurized water source such as a hydrant.

(40) Cover 130 preferably comprises UV coating 320 on a top-side of cover 130, cover 130 further comprising a second UV coating 320 on an underside of cover 130 providing redundant protection from UV rays 162, whereby a top-side of co cover 130 may be treated with a photochromic dye. The photochromic dye may change colors according to a limited color spectrum as a result of a temperature change which may also find usefulness in advertising for example changing from yellow to blue that may be the colors of a suntan spray for example.

(41) FIG. 6 is an underside perspective view illustrating umbrella assembly 102 according to a non-invertible cover assembly 600 embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A-1B. Screw cap 610 is shown as attached to fluid reservoir 215.

(42) FIG. 7 is a side perspective view illustrating venting (vents 705) to prevent inversion as used on umbrella assembly 102 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A-1B. There may be 1, 2, or 3 vents 705, as desired by the manufacturer; vents 705 designed to prevent inversion as discussed previously. UV coating 320 is also indicated.

(43) Referring now to FIG. 8, illustrating flowchart 950 comprising method of use 900 of mister-equipped umbrella system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(44) Method of use 900 may comprise the steps of: step one 901 opening mister-equipped umbrella 102 by sliding runner 220 from a down position to an up position along umbrella shaft 125 thereby deploying cover 130; step two 902 setting a misting pattern and a misting frequency of mister 110; step three 903 activating mister 110 via operating buttons 230; and step four 904 closing mister-equipped umbrella 102 by sliding runner 220 from the up-position to the down-position thereby retracting cover 130.

(45) It should be noted that upon performing step four 904 of closing mister-equipped umbrella 102, mister 110 will shut off automatically via a shutoff lever. In such a manner, mister 110 will never release mist 180 when in closed condition 280.

(46) It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient.

(47) The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.