Hands-Free Umbrella Device

Abstract

A hands-free umbrella device is disclosed for providing umbrella protection without requiring a user to hold the umbrella with their hands. The hands-free umbrella device comprises a body component that is configured as a conventional umbrella with a canopy and supports secured to a rod-like base component. The body component is then secured to a plurality of straps that secure around a user's wrist and/or shoulders. In another embodiment, the body component can be secured to a small backpack. The plurality of straps and/or small backpack are adjustable and available in a wide variety of colors and designs.

Claims

1. A hands-free umbrella device that provides a user with a hands-free means for holding an umbrella while spending time outdoors in the sun or rain, the hands-free umbrella device comprising: a body component with a canopy and a plurality of supports; a base component; and a plurality of straps; wherein the body component is configured as a conventional umbrella with the canopy and the plurality of supports; wherein the canopy and the plurality of supports are secured to the base component; wherein the base component is secured to the plurality of straps; and further wherein the plurality of straps are secured around a user's shoulders for hands-free use.

2. The hands-free umbrella device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of supports are positioned on an underside of the canopy, and a water-resistant material is attached to the plurality of supports to form the canopy.

3. The hands-free umbrella device of claim 2, wherein the base component comprises opposing first and second ends, with the first end being secured to the canopy and the plurality of supports and the second end being secured to a handle.

4. The hands-free umbrella device of claim 3, wherein the base component is telescoping to allow for height adjustment, and comprises a coaxial sleeve that slides over the base component and a spring-loaded button extends through one of a plurality of linearly arranged adjustment apertures spaced along the coaxial sleeve.

5. The hands-free umbrella device of claim 4, wherein a second spring, within the coaxial sleeve and located below a bottom of the base component, exerts a constant and steady upward pressure on the base component, resulting in the base component being additionally secured in a fixed position relative to the coaxial sleeve.

6. The hands-free umbrella device of claim 5, wherein the base component comprises an expansion button, located on the coaxial sleeve near the handle to open the canopy.

7. The hands-free umbrella device of claim 6, wherein the body component is secured to a backpack that comprises adjustable backpack straps for securing the backpack to a user's shoulders.

8. The hands-free umbrella device of claim 7, wherein a front panel of the canopy is transparent, to facilitate visibility during use.

9. The hands-free umbrella device of claim 8, wherein the plurality of straps comprise a pair of shoulder loops and a transverse member that secures the pair of shoulder loops together.

10. The hands-free umbrella device of claim 9, wherein a securing member releasably attaches the base component to the transverse member.

11. The hands-free umbrella device of claim 10, wherein the plurality of straps comprise a waist strap for extra support.

12. The hands-free umbrella device of claim 10, wherein the plurality of straps comprise a second transverse member positioned along a front of a user to add stability to the securing member.

13. A hands-free umbrella device that provides a user with a hands-free means for holding an umbrella while spending time outdoors in the sun or rain, the hands-free umbrella device comprising: a body component with a canopy and a plurality of supports; a telescoping base component comprising opposing first and second ends, with the first end being secured to the canopy and the plurality of supports and the second end being secured to a handle; and a plurality of straps comprising a pair of shoulder loops and a transverse member that secures the pair of shoulder loops together; and wherein the body component is configured as a conventional umbrella with the plurality of supports positioned on an underside of the canopy, and a water-resistant material attached to the plurality of supports to form the canopy; wherein a securing member releasably attaches the telescoping base component to the transverse member; wherein the plurality of straps comprise a waist strap for extra support; wherein the plurality of straps comprise a second transverse member positioned along a front of a user to add stability to the securing member; and further wherein the plurality of straps are secured around a user's shoulders for hands-free use.

14. The hands-free umbrella device of claim 13, wherein the plurality of straps are adjustable.

15. The hands-free umbrella device of claim 13, wherein the body component and the base component can be removed without removing the plurality of straps.

16. The hands-free umbrella device of claim 13, wherein the plurality of straps, the body component, and the base component are available in a wide variety of colors and designs.

17. The hands-free umbrella device of claim 13 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

18. The hands-free umbrella device of claim 13, wherein the body component is secured to a backpack that comprises adjustable backpack straps for securing the backpack to a user's shoulders.

19. The hands-free umbrella device of claim 13, wherein a front panel of the canopy is transparent, to facilitate visibility during use.

20. A method of providing hands-free protection from the elements, the method comprising the following steps: providing a hands-free umbrella device comprising a body component configured as a conventional umbrella with a canopy and supports secured to a rod-like base component; securing the base component to shoulder straps; securing the base component to a small backpack; positioning the shoulder straps or the backpack onto a user's shoulders for use; opening the umbrella canopy; and performing a variety of outdoor tasks hands-free while still being protected from outdoor elements.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the hands-free umbrella device of the present invention showing the device used while doing yard work in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the hands-free umbrella device of the present invention showing how the device provides sun protection in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the hands-free umbrella device of the present invention showing the device secured to a small backpack in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the hands-free umbrella device of the present invention showing the device secured to shoulder straps in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the hands-free umbrella device of the present invention in use walking a dog in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of providing hands-free protection from the elements in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0039] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0040] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a hands-free umbrella device that provides users with an umbrella that can be worn as a backpack to provide shade or protection from the elements. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a hands-free umbrella device that enables individuals to perform a variety of outdoor tasks using both hands while still benefitting from umbrella protection. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a hands-free umbrella device that eliminates the need to hold an umbrella while walking the dog, cleaning the pool, cutting the grass, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that ensures that individuals are protected from the elements while outdoors, minimizing sun exposure. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a hands-free umbrella device that can be manufactured onto a backpack or on its own shoulder straps. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a hands-free umbrella device that is available in a wide variety of colors and designs.

[0041] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel hands-free umbrella device. The device is a hands-free means for holding an umbrella when spending time outdoors in the sun or rain. The hands-free umbrella device comprises a body component that is configured as a conventional umbrella with a canopy and supports secured to a rod-like base component. The base component is then secured to a plurality of straps that secure around a user's wrist and/or shoulders. In another embodiment, the base component can be secured to a small backpack. The plurality of straps and/or small backpack are adjustable and available in a wide variety of colors and designs. The present invention also includes a novel method of providing hands-free protection from the elements. The method includes the steps of providing a hands-free umbrella device comprising a body component configured as a conventional umbrella with a canopy and supports secured to a rod-like base component. The method also comprises securing the base component to shoulder straps. Further, the method comprises securing the base component to a small backpack. The method also comprises positioning the shoulder straps or the backpack onto a user's shoulders for use. The method comprises opening the umbrella. Finally, the method comprises performing a variety of outdoor tasks hands-free while still being protected from outdoor elements.

[0042] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the hands-free umbrella device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the hands-free umbrella device 100 is an improved hands-free umbrella device 100 that provides a user 116 with a hands-free means for holding an umbrella while spending time outdoors in the sun or rain. Specifically, the hands-free umbrella device 100 comprises a body component 102 that is configured as a conventional umbrella with a canopy 104 and supports 106 secured to a rod-like base component 108. The base component 108 is then secured to a plurality of straps 110 that secure around a user's waist 112 and/or shoulders 114 for hands-free use.

[0043] Generally, the hands-free umbrella device 100 is a device that can be supported in an upright position without the user 116 having to hold the umbrella device 100 with his hands 118, while still protecting a user 116 from the outside elements. Accordingly, the device 100 enables users 116 to perform a variety of outdoor tasks using both hands 118 while still benefitting from umbrella protection.

[0044] Furthermore, the hands-free umbrella device 100 comprises a body component 102. The body component 102 is configured as a conventional umbrella with a canopy 104 or umbrella shade that is supported by a plurality of ribs or supports 106, which are positioned on an underside 120 of the canopy 104. Typically, a water-resistant material is attached to the supports 106 to form the canopy 104. Further, a means for deploying the supports 106 is included, such that when the supports 106 are deployed the canopy 104 is positioned above the user's head 122 covering an area around the entire diameter of the user's standing body 116. Accordingly, the user 116 has the use of both their hands 118 while protecting the user 116 from precipitation and preserving visual access.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, in use, the canopy 104 and supports 106 opens and closes in a well-known, conventional manner. Further, the canopy 104 and supports 106 are secured to a rod-like base component 108. The base component 108 supports the umbrella (i.e., body component 102) in an open and/or closed position. Typically, the base component 108 comprises opposing first 200 and second 202 ends, with the first end 200 being secured to the canopy 104 and supports 106 and the second end 202 being secured to an umbrella handle 204 of conventional design. In an open position, the canopy 104 and supports 106 shade and/or protects a user 116 from rain, snow, sleet, hail, etc.

[0046] Further, the handle 204 is attached to the bottom end 202 of the base component 108 and extends downwardly away therefrom. The handle 204 is a conventional l-shaped or u-shaped handle or other suitable shapes known to those of skill in the art. For example, the handle 204 may be coated with rubber to form a straight handle or the handle 204 may be wood, metal or plastic, etc.

[0047] Additionally, the base component 108 is telescoping to allow for height adjustment, as needed. Specifically, the telescopic base component 108 is mounted internally within a coaxial sleeve 206. The coaxial sleeve 206 slides over the base component 108 and a spring-loaded button 208 extends through one of a plurality of linearly arranged adjustment apertures 210 spaced along the coaxial sleeve 206. A second spring 212, within the coaxial sleeve 206 and located below the bottom of the base component 108, exerts a constant and steady upward pressure on the base component 108, resulting in the base component 108 being additionally secured in a fixed position relative to the coaxial sleeve 206.

[0048] Furthermore, the position of the base component 108 can be changed by depressing the spring-loaded button 208 and pushing the base component 108 downward until the spring-loaded button 208 catches on another aperture 210 from the plurality of apertures, thereby adjusting the height of the canopy 104 in relation to the user's head 122. This adjustment means is well-known to those of skill in the art and is not a point of novelty with this invention. Further, an expansion button 214, located on the coaxial sleeve 206 near the handle 204 is provided to open the umbrella canopy 104 in a manner well known in the art.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the body component 102 is secured to a structure similar in exterior form to that of a backpack 300, with an interior form consisting of a convertible, overhead structure (i.e., umbrella 102) that, with minimal use of the user's hands 118 and without being removed from the backpack 300, expands/deploys for use and collapses for storage, all while remaining attached at its base component 108 within the backpack 300. Both the user's hands 118 are then free for other functions. This backpack 300 is held on the body 116 with simple straps 302 similar to those of backpacks 300 often used by hikers and campers.

[0050] Furthermore, the base component 108 is attached to a small backpack 300, which is secured around a user's shoulders 114. The base component 108 is secured to the small backpack 300 via sewing, gluing, adhesives, brackets, etc. Once secured to the backpack 300, a user 116 can merely put their arms through the backpack straps 302 to secure the backpack 300 to their back and utilize the device 100. The straps 302 of the backpack 300 are adjustable to fit any size user 116.

[0051] In one embodiment, a front panel 304 of the umbrella canopy 104 is transparent, to facilitate visibility during use. The transparent material can be made of PVC, EVA, or POE but is not limited to such.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4, the hands-free umbrella device 100 is shown having a harness 400 (i.e., shoulder straps 110) secured thereto and adapted to be worn about an individual's body 116 to hold an opened umbrella (i.e., body component 102) in a generally vertical or upright orientation, thereby freeing the individual's hands 118 for other tasks. In one embodiment, the harness 400 comprises a waist strap 402 and a pair of shoulder straps 110 connected by a transverse member 404.

[0053] Generally, the base component 108 is attached to a plurality of shoulder straps 110, which are secured around a user's shoulders 114 and/or waist 112. The base component 108 is secured to the shoulder straps 110 via sewing, gluing, adhesives, brackets, etc. The plurality of straps 110 can be secured only around a user's shoulders 114 like a harness 400 or for more support, can be secured around a user's shoulders 114 and waist 112. The shoulder straps 110 are positioned around a user's shoulders 114 and/or waist 112 and are secured in place with hook and loop fasteners, buckles, snaps, etc. The shoulder straps 110 are adjustable to fit any size user 116.

[0054] Furthermore, the shoulder straps 110 of the first embodiment comprise a pair of shoulder loops 110 and a transverse member 404 securing the shoulder loops 110 together. A securing member 406 releasably attaches the base component 108 to the transverse member 404. Preferably, the securing member 406 is formed by a clasp or connector fixed to the transverse member 404 transversely extending between the two shoulder loops 110. The securing member 406 may take many forms. The preferred embodiments include a hinged clasp that may be opened to receive the base component 108. Alternatively, the securing member 406 may be a sleeve with an internal rubber or otherwise resilient stopper that frictionally grips the base component 108, such that the vertical height of the umbrella canopy 104 may be adjusted by the user 116. Further, the securing members 406 are preferably adhered to the transverse member 404 via glue or stitching. Alternatively, the securing member 406 may be secured to the transverse member 404 via Velcro or other securing means.

[0055] In another embodiment, the shoulder straps 110 comprise an additional pair of transverse members 408 positioned along the front of the user 116 to add stability to the securing member 406. The two transverse members 408 help secure the base member 108 to the securing member 406 and maintain vertical orientation of the device 100 during use.

[0056] Further, the shoulder straps 110 are preferably fabricated of a flexible lightweight material, such as nylon webbing, to permit the device 100 to be comfortably worn under one's jacket or outer clothing. In another embodiment, the body component 102 (i.e., umbrella canopy 104 and base component 108) can be removed without removing the shoulder straps 110. Therefore, permitting the user 116 to simply remove the body component 102 and base component 108 when moving indoors, while permitting the user 116 to leave the shoulder straps 110 comfortably in place until the umbrella device 100 is needed again.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, the shoulder straps 110 and/or small backpack 300, as well as the umbrella canopy 104 and base component 108 are available in a wide variety of colors and designs, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user 116.

[0058] In operation, the hands-free umbrella device 100 is utilized via a user 116 opening up the umbrella canopy 104 and tightly wrapping the shoulder straps 110 (or backpack 300) around themselves and securing the straps 110 in place with either hook and loop fasteners, snaps, or a buckle. Further, an adjustment for the height of the user 116 may also be made by depressing the spring-loaded button 208, and sliding the base component 108 within the coaxial sleeve 206 until the spring-loaded button 208 reaches the desired aperture 210 corresponding to the desired height of the umbrella canopy 104.

[0059] When not in use, the overhead structure (i.e., umbrella canopy 104) sits in a collapsed state inside the backpack 300. When needed, the user 116 deploys the umbrella canopy 104 by reaching behind his or her head 122 to grasp its central, base component 108 and pushing the spring-loaded button 208. It unfurls over the user 116 while still being held at its base component 108 within the backpack 300. Further, the umbrella device 100 provides ventilation for air so that the user 116 is not lifted off the ground by incoming wind.

[0060] In yet another embodiment, the hands-free umbrella device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 500. The body component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the body component 102, or any other indicia 500 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 500 as is known in the art can be included, such as but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be an umbrella, backpack, or brand related.

[0061] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of providing hands-free protection from the elements. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a hands-free umbrella device comprising a body component configured as a conventional umbrella with a canopy and supports secured to a rod-like base component. The method also comprises at 602, securing the base component to shoulder straps. Further, the method comprises at 604, securing the base component to a small backpack. The method also comprises at 606, positioning the shoulder straps or the backpack onto a user's shoulders for use. The method comprises at 608, opening the umbrella canopy. Finally, the method comprises at 610, performing a variety of outdoor tasks hands-free while still being protected from outdoor elements.

[0062] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein hands-free umbrella device, hands-free device, umbrella device, and device are interchangeable and refer to the hands-free umbrella device 100 of the present invention.

[0063] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the hands-free umbrella device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hands-free umbrella device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the hands-free umbrella device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the hands-free umbrella device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the hands-free umbrella device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0064] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0065] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.