HANDS-FREE UMBRELLA EQUIPMENT

Abstract

A harness for hands-free use of personal umbrellas uses a cross-body strap circling a user from one shoulder to the opposite waist and a top clip to hold the umbrella at the shoulder. The harness can have one or more side straps passing around the torso under the shoulder, a base clip holding the umbrella at a waist level, and/or a bag for holding the umbrella, the straps, the clips, and/or personal items of the user. The top clip and/or base clip can be on mounts and/or booms. The clips can be adjustable in angle relative to the torso. Booms can be adjustable in length. A mount can include an adjustable truss assembly for positioning the umbrella. The bag can have compartments made with varied materials for different moisture performance. The harness can be adapted for use with full-size umbrellas and/or compact umbrellas with collapsible shafts.

Claims

1. A harness for hands-free use of a personal umbrella, the harness comprising: a cross-body strap circling a torso of a user, the cross-body strap passing from a shoulder of the user to a waist of the user, the waist of the user being at a waist level of the user on a side of the torso opposite from the shoulder; a top clip connected directly or indirectly to the cross-body strap at a shoulder level of the user, the top clip being adapted to detachably connect to a shaft of the umbrella at a top mount point, the top mount point being located along the shaft of the umbrella between a base of the umbrella and a canopy extension hub of the umbrella, wherein the extension hub, via motion along the shaft, folds and unfolds a canopy of the umbrella; a lower side strap connecting a first strap point of the cross-body strap on the front of the torso to a second strap point of the cross-body strap on the back of the torso, the lower side strap passing along the torso under the shoulder of the user; a base clip connected to the lower side strap at a waist level of the user, the base clip being adapted to detachably connect to a base point that is along the shaft of the personal umbrella at or adjacent to the base of the umbrella; and an upper side strap connected to a third strap point of the cross-body strap, the upper side strap passing around the torso along a line that is under the shoulder and above the lower side strap.

2. The harness of claim 1, wherein: the third strap point of the cross-body strap is on the front of the torso; and the upper side strap connected between the third strap point and a fourth strap point of the cross-body strap located on the back of the torso.

3. The harness of claim 1, wherein: the third strap point of the cross-body strap is at a top of the shoulder and toward the front of the torso; and the upper side strap connected between the third strap point and a fourth strap point of the cross-body strap located at the top of the shoulder toward the back of the torso.

4. The harness of claim 1, wherein: the third strap point of the cross-body strap is at the top of the shoulder; and the upper side strap is a loop.

5. The harness of claim 1, wherein the top clip is affixed directly to the cross-body strap.

6. The harness of claim 1, wherein the top clip is affixed directly to the upper side strap.

7. The harness of claim 1, wherein the top clip is adjacent to an armpit beneath the shoulder, such that the top clip lies on the front or top of the shoulder and along a vertical circumference of the shoulder.

8. The harness of claim 7, wherein the base clip is located on a line angling from the armpit to a base location at an intersection of the lower side strap and a side of the torso beneath the armpit.

9. The harness of claim 1, wherein the base clip is located at or above a waistline of the user, the waistline being below and immediately adjacent to a ribcage of the user.

10. The harness of claim 9, wherein the base clip is located approximately 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 ribs above the waistline.

11. The harness of claim 1, wherein the base clip is located at or below a waistline of the user, the waistline being below and immediately adjacent to a ribcage of the user.

12. The harness of claim 1, further comprising a bag.

13. The harness of claim 12, wherein: the shaft of the umbrella is a collapsible shaft for compact storage of the umbrella; and the bag is of sufficient size to store the umbrella when the umbrella is folded for storage.

14. The harness of claim 13, wherein the bag comprises a front compartment comprising a closure facing away from the torso to permit removal of the umbrella via a motion away from the body.

15. The harness of claim 14, wherein the front compartment comprises a water-proof material that prevents dripping of water from the front compartment of the bag.

16. The harness of claim 14, wherein: the front compartment comprises a water-resistant material that prevents dripping of water from the front compartment of the bag; and the water-resistant material is gas-permeable to allow evaporation of moisture from an interior of the front compartment.

17. The harness of claim 1, wherein the lower side strap is detachable from the first strap point and/or the second strap point.

18. The harness of claim 1, wherein the lower side strap is detachable from the first strap point and/or the second strap point.

19. The harness of claim 1, wherein the upper side strap is detachable from the third point.

20. The harness of claim 1, wherein the top clip is vertically located between 2 and 3 inches above the armpit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a user wearing a harness adapted for hands-free use of a personal umbrella.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a closer front view of the harness of FIG. 1 in use.

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a top clip on a boom and shoulder mount.

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates an example base mount in the form of a truss assembly in use.

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates an example base mount truss assembly with a pivoting and/or hinged base clip.

[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates an example side strap for the harness of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates a fixed attachment of the side strap of FIG. 6 to a cross-body strap of the harness in use at the back of a user.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a front view of user using a variation on the harness, where a bag on the harness can be closed when the umbrella is deployed.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a front view of a user wearing a harness with an undeployed umbrella base mount and without a bag.

[0025] FIG. 10 has front and back views of a user wearing a harness that has two side straps and a bag at a user's hip.

[0026] FIG. 11 has four views of an example bag.

[0027] FIG. 12 illustrates potential positions for the umbrella shaft, top clip, and base clip relative to the torso of a user.

[0028] FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative harness concept using a horizontal lower side strap and a vertical upper side strap.

[0029] FIGS. 14A-14C depict steps for one approach to securing the vertical side strap of FIG. 13.

[0030] FIG. 15 is an enlargement of FIG. 12 with additional annotations.

[0031] FIGS. 16 is an annotated photograph of a prior art umbrella bag.

[0032] FIG. 17 is an annotated photograph of an alternative umbrella bag shown suspended from a harness strap by a top strap of the bag.

[0033] FIG. 18 is an annotated photograph of the bag of FIG. 17, shown from the side with its cap unzipped.

[0034] FIG. 19 is an annotated photograph of the bag of FIG. 17, showing a view of the interior of the bag to reveal the lining, to top of an umbrella, and a stowed strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Introduction

[0035] Despite their advantages, even compact umbrellas are often considered inconvenient in an age when hands are often busy with kids, keys, or cell phones. When packed away in a shoulder bag, backpack or luggage, umbrellas are not immediately or conveniently accessible by hand. Generally, when retrieved from their place of storage, compact umbrellas must then be held by hand for the duration of the rainy weather event or period of sun exposure. Maintaining the arm in an elevated, extended position causes muscle fatigue rather quickly. Even a lightweight umbrella can feel quite heavy after holding it for a short while. Finally, returning a wet umbrella to a shoulder bag, backpack or luggage can transfer wetness and moisture to other stored belongings. Similarly, there is room for improvement in the ergonomics of the hands-free use of full-sized umbrellas.

[0036] Herein we disclose techniques for hands-free operation of personal umbrellas which can be achieved via adaptations to straps, fittings, cases, and umbrellas. Using the techniques described herein, better umbrella portability and use experiences are provided.

Tables of Figure Reference Designators

[0037] Table 1 of the Appendix lists reference designators for functional elements of FIGS. 1-9. Table 2 lists reference designators for FIG. 10 and Table 3 lists reference designators for FIG. 11. FIG. 4 lists reference designators used in FIGS. 12 and 15 relating to various positions and heights for the placement of the umbrella, top clip, and base clip.

[0038] It will be appreciated that many terms and reference designators are each used to signify a large number of practical variations for each functional item. For example, each bag, strap, clip, umbrella, and other component can be formed in a variety of ways, as described herein, and are not limited to the specific implementations depicted in the figures.

Design Considerations

Position of Umbrella

[0039] For hands-free use of a conventional personal umbrella, the umbrella shaft can be secured in a variety of positions. For example, the shaft can be placed between the pectoralis major and the anterior deltoid along the side of the body of the user, e.g., with a top attachment point about 2 to 3 inches directly above the armpit and a base further down the torso of the user, e.g., at a point that is laterally between the 4th and 5th ribs. A harness can be worn by the user that has a top clip and a base clip to secure the umbrella shaft at, or near, these two points on the body. Various means can be used to adjust the exact positions of the clips, and thereby to adjust the tilt of the umbrella relative to the body of the user.

[0040] Various mechanisms can be used to position a top clip and a base clip on a harness. For example, the top clip can be positioned on a mounting plate, adjustable truss assembly, and/or a boom that holds the top clip at some distance from the body. Such a boom can be adjustable in length, e.g., by telescoping. Additionally or alternatively the boom can be adjustable in shape, position, and/or angle. For example, the boom can be mount on a universal joint, or the boom can be a gooseneck. Similarly, the base clip can be located on a mounting plate, an adjustable truss assembly, a side strap, and/or on a boom to allow the user to position the base of the umbrella relative to the user's body.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 12, there are many options for placement of the umbrella and for clips for holding the umbrella in position. For example, the user 400 can prefer vertical placement of umbrella shaft 404, e.g., along the side of the chest running in front of the shoulder near the armpit. One or more top clips to hold the umbrella can be placed at a shoulder level at or above the top of the shoulder 410, on the shoulder 412, or near the armpit/bottom of shoulder 414.

[0042] Alternatively, an angled placement of umbrella shaft 402 can be achieved by setting a base clip for the umbrella shaft out of alignment with the top clip. A wide variety of angles are possible, e.g., by placing the base clip at a more medial position on the torso relative to the top clip.

[0043] It will be appreciated that the human torso comes in a wide variety of proportions and dimensions, and allowances must be made for, inter alia, gender, age, and size differences, as well as personal preferences, the size of the umbrella, and weather conditions. For stability, it can be preferred to keep a minimum spacing between a top clip and a base clip. A base clip can be placed at a waist level as high as mid-chest 420, e.g., below the bust along the rib cage. Additionally or alternatively, base clip can be placed at lower waist levels, such as at the waist 422, at the navel/a high beltline 424, or a low beltline 426. Generally, users will not prefer a base clip as low as the hip 428.

Stability

[0044] Stable positioning of the umbrella can be achieved by the use of a harness which minimizes motion of the umbrella during movement by the user and/or due to wind. A compact, stowable harness can be made using a cross-body strap which circles the user's torso starting at one shoulder, passing under the opposition arm, and back to the shoulder. The cross-body strap can be stabilized by adding one or more side straps which pass under the shoulder to connect to the cross-body strap as points on the front and back of the user's torso.

Storage

[0045] Bags of various kinds can be provided for the storage of the harness and or the umbrella. For example, a bag can be located centrally on the cross-body strap and have one or more compartments to stow the umbrella, the harness, and/or other possessions of the user. For example, the bag can be arranged such that it can be carried over one shoulder or cross-body like a handbag, without the side strap in place. In this arrangement, for example, the bag can contain a stowed umbrella and any side strap. Further, all the straps can be fitted into a bag to store the harness system, with or without umbrella, as a single closed parcel.

[0046] Notably, the base of the umbrella can be permanently or semi-permanently affixed to the inside of the bag, such that the base clip does not need to be operated to deploy or stow umbrella.

[0047] Alternatively, the harness can be provided without a bag, or with a bag that can be moved to one or more positions along the cross-body strap, one or more side straps, or a combination thereof.

Adjustment and Adaptability

[0048] The harness can be used, adjusted, adapted, and stowed in a variety of ways using an assortment of buckles, snaps, and/or cinches. For example, the location of a side strap can be moved to change which shoulder the cross-body strap passes, e.g., for right-handed or left-handed use.

Stand and Special-Purpose Umbrellas

[0049] A harness with a top clip and a base clip can be used with any compact or full-sized personal umbrella, but adaptations of umbrellas can be useful. For example, a compact umbrella can be fitted with a finding at its base specifically for permanent or semi-permanent attachment inside the bag. Similarly, adapters can be provided that can be permanently or semi-permanently affixed to the shaft of a standard full-sized or compact umbrella to facilitate rapid connection and disconnection from one or more clips of the harness.

Clips

[0050] Clips for attaching umbrellas to harnesses can take a variety of forms. For example, a clip can include a snap, buckle, shackle, clamp, hook, pin, hasp, latch, or other finding that is made of a metal, alloy, or plastic. Such findings can include a spring or elastic member.

[0051] Clips can be simple ties, e.g., made of simple string, yarn, rope, or strips of fabric or other flexible material, or pairs thereof. Clips can be formed using Velcro or similar material, or a sleeve with snap, zipper, or Velcro closure, for example.

[0052] Clips can attach to any part of an umbrella. For example, a clip can attach to a base handle of the umbrella, or to a loop or ring attached to the base handle or shaft of the umbrella. A clip can attach directly to the shaft of the umbrella.

[0053] Clips can be multi-component assemblies, e.g., with mating parts. For example, a hasp and latch, hook and ring, or ring and tie can be used. Both mating parts can be permanently attached to the harness. Alternatively, when the umbrella is unclipped and stowed, ne mating part can remain on the harness while the other mating part remains with the umbrella.

[0054] Clips can be designed to attach to a specially adapted umbrella. For example, an umbrella can be provided with a fitting or attachment point that is not normally found on an umbrella. For example, a clip can include a screw, key, ring, hook, or other fitting that connects to a loop, channel, threaded hole, etc., that is built into the base or shaft of the umbrella, or vice versa, with the screw, key, etc., on the umbrella mating to its opposite member on the harness.

First ExampleHard Mounting Points

Base Truss and Top Boom Options

[0055] FIG. 1 illustrates an example harness for hands-free use of an umbrella. In FIG. 1, a user is wearing an umbrella mounted on the harness. The umbrella is in use with its canopy 110 deployed by raising its extension hub 108 to a top position along the umbrella shaft 106. At the bottom of the umbrella shaft 106 is the umbrella base 118. The base is mounted to a base clip 104 of the harness. Between the umbrella base 118 and the umbrella extension hub 108, the umbrella shaft 106 is affixed to a top clip 114 of the harness.

[0056] The top clip 114 and the base clip 104 are connected to a cross-body strap 116. In FIG. 1, these connections are indirect. The top clip 114 is connected to a top boom 112. The boom 112 in turn is connected to the cross-body strap 116. The top boom 112 allows control of the position, angle, and/or spacing of the umbrella shaft 106, and therefore the position of the umbrella canopy 110 relative to the user.

[0057] In FIG. 1, the cross-body strap 116 has a bag 102 that is positioned along the cross-body strap 116. The bag 102 is adapted for placement on the cross-body strap 116

[0058] FIG. 2 is a closer view of FIG. 1, illustrating how the umbrella is attached at the top clip 114 and base clip 104. The top clip 114 is releasably affixed to the umbrella shaft 106 at a point on the shaft between the umbrella base 118 and base clip 104 at the bottom, and the umbrella extension hub 108 and the canopy 110 at the top. In FIG. 2, the top clip 114 is supported by a top boom 112 that rests on a shoulder mount 128 on top of the shoulder.

[0059] In practice, shoulder mount 128 can be affixed atop a continuous cross-body strap that circles the torso fully, or shoulder mount 128 can be connected in line with other strap segments to form the cross-body strap. Similarly, the bag 102 can be mounted on a strap, or act as a component segment of a strap.

[0060] FIG. 3 shows a top clip 114, top boom 112, and shoulder mount 128. The boom mount curves around the shoulder in order to provide comfort for the user and to provide stability of the angle and positioning of the top boom 112.

[0061] The top clip 114 can be adapted for rapid attachment and dis-attachment of the umbrella shaft 106. For example, the top clip 114 can be operated by simple hand operations to grasp or release the shaft at any point.

[0062] Alternatively, the top clip 114 can have two parts, e.g., with a first part being a shaft adapter that stays with the shaft when dis-attached from the harness, and a second part that that stays affixed to the cross-body strap 116, such that attachment is achieved by clipping the two parts together. In variations, for example, the second part might can connect to the cross-body strap directly, via a boom top 112, or, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, via a top boom 112 and shoulder mount 128.

[0063] The top boom 112 can be adjustable in a number of ways. For example, the height of the top boom 112 can be adjustable, e.g., via the use of a telescoping boom shaft which can be continuously adjusted using a clamping mechanism or settable at multiple positions using one or more pins, holes, and/or detents, or similar mechanisms.

[0064] Additional or alternatively, the angle of the top boom 112 can be adjustable relative to the shoulder mount 128. For example, the angle can be fluid, e.g., via the use of a hinge, universal joint, gooseneck, or similar mechanism. Alternatively, the boom can be adjustable to a certain number of angle positions, e.g., via the use of detents and the like. The angle can be settable in multiple in multiple axes, e.g., via the use of holes and pins, detents, and/or a set screw on a universal joint, or similar mechanisms.

[0065] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the way the umbrella is attached at base clip 104 in FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIG. 4, the base clip 104 grasps the umbrella shaft 106 above the umbrella base 118. The base clip 104 is attached to a truss assembly that is made up of three bars including a base bar 120, a clip bar 122, and an adjustment bar 124 that are connected to form a triangle of adjustable shape.

[0066] In FIG. 4, the base bar 120 is attached at two points to the cross-body strap 116. The clip bar 122 is attached to a first point of the base bar 120 at one end and to the base clip 104 at the other end. The adjustment bar 124 is attached to a second point of the base bar 120. The adjustment bar 124 is attached to the clip bar 122 via a connector positioned along a slot in the clip bar 122. The adjustment bar 124 also has a slot, such that the connector can be positioned at various positions within the slots of the clip bar 122 and the adjustment bar 124. The location of the connector can be moved independently to any position within either slot. This allows adjusting the shape of the triangular truss and thereby allowing flexibility in the height and angle of the umbrella shaft. It will be recognized that similar effects can be achieved via the use of plural holes or other detents along the clip bar 122 and/or adjustment bar 124, and/or via the clamping action of the connector.

[0067] Other arrangements, not shown in FIG. 4, are possible. For example, a top clip for the umbrella could be affixed to the adjustment bar 124 (or another fitting of a truss or mount positioned at or near the waist of the user) such that the umbrella is held at two points at higher and lower positions near the waist. This can be done with or without a third clip placed at the shoulder.

[0068] The reference to the cross-body strap 116 on the left of FIG. 4 points to a segment of fabric, whereas the reference to the cross-body strap 116 on the right of FIG. 4 points to a fitting. As described in reference to FIG. 2, the cross-body strap 116 can be made of many different segments which can include, for example, fabric straps, the bag, and/or a shoulder mount. Similarly, the cross-body strap 116 can include other segments, such as one of the bars of the truss, which complete the circling of the cross-body strap 116 around the torso of the user.

[0069] FIG. 5 shows the truss assembly of FIG. 4, designated as assembly 132. The base bar 120 has fittings for attaching to a bag and/or cross-body strap. The clip bar 122 has a pivoting clip 104. The clip bar 122 and the adjustment bar 124 are at maximum extension, with the connector between these bars being at the furthest points on the slots in the bars.

[0070] FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 show a bag 102 affixed to the cross-body strap 116. The bag 102 is opened to reveal the three-bar truss assembly 132. The base bar 120, clip bar 122, and adjustment bar 124 can be adapted such that the truss assembly 132 can be collapsed to fit behind and/or within the bag 102, e.g., for storage when the umbrella is not in use.

[0071] The base clip 104 can be adapted for rapid attachment and dis-attachment of the umbrella shaft 106, e.g., in the manners described for the top clip 114. Additionally or alternatively, the base clip 104 can be adapted to detachably affix to the umbrella base 118, as opposed to being affixed to the umbrella shaft 106.

[0072] The base clip 104 can be hinged or otherwise flexible to permit changing the angle of the umbrella when the umbrella shaft 106 is freed from the top clip 114. For example, when taking down a wet umbrella, it is convenient to tip the canopy 110 away from the body of the user while lowering the umbrella extension hub 108 to fold the umbrella frame and collapse the canopy 110. Further, it is convenient to dip the top point of the umbrella toward the ground, to allow it to shed water droplets a while before fully compacting and/or stowing the umbrella. The flexible angle of the base clip can be achieved, for example, via a gooseneck, universal joint, one or more hinges. Similarly, the flexible angle of the base slip can be achieved using a piece of flexible material to join the base clip to the cross-body strap, the bag, a mounting plate, or a side strap.

Side Strap

[0073] FIG. 6 illustrates a technique for stabilizing the umbrella using a side strap 130. As in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, in FIG. 6 the umbrellas shaft 106 is connected to the cross-body strap 116 via the base clip 104. A bar to which the base clip 104 extends out of the open bag 102. In FIG. 6, the side strap 130 detachably connects to the cross-body strap 116 via a side strap connector 136 that clips onto the bar near where the base clip 104 is affixed. Alternatively, the side strap 130 can connect to the cross-body strap 116 directly, another bar or plate, or via a fitting on the bag 102. In some cases, it can be preferred to attach the side strap 130 at the front of the user near the waist of the user and/or the base of the umbrella.

[0074] FIG. 7 illustrates a connection of the side strap to the cross-body strap 116 toward the center of the back of the user at point 134. In FIG. 7, this is a fixed, sewn connection. Alternatively, it can be detachably connected. However, for the comfort of the user, e.g., when seated, and to minimize connections needing attention to set up the umbrella, a fixed connection at the back of the user can be preferable.

[0075] Further, connections between straps can be swivel connections, e.g., plastic or metal findings that permit straps to vary in the angle at which they are joined. This can be done at the back of the cross-body harness, for example, or on the front of the torso wherever a side-strap attaches to the cross-body strap or the bag. Similarly, one or more swivel connections can be used to join the bag to the cross-body strap.

Bag Options

[0076] FIG. 8 illustrates options for the bag 102. As in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 6, in FIG. 8 we see the umbrella mounted on the cross-body strap 116 with the canopy 110 deployed. In FIG. 8, the bag 102 is closed while the clip bar 104 extends beyond the bag 102 to connect to the side strap 130 and, via the base clip 104, to the umbrella. This can be achieved in a number of ways.

[0077] First, the truss assembly 132 can lie beyond the bag 102. In this arrangement, a first, front closing compartment of the bag 102 is used to store the umbrella when compacted and/or other items, but the first compartment is not used to store the truss assembly.

[0078] Second, the bag 102 can have two or more compartments, e.g., with a first compartment in front for the umbrella and a second compartment at the rear for the truss assembly. Another compartment can be added to store some or all detachable fittings and straps.

[0079] In FIG. 8, the reference to the cross-body strap 116 points to a shoulder mount which is a segment of the cross-body strap. As discussed in reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, straps of the harness, including the cross-body strap 116 and side straps, can be made up of multiple segments. These segments can include, for example, lengths of fabric, the bag 102, mounts, trusses, buckles, cinches, and the like that aid in completing the intended pathway of each strap.

Bag Separate from Truss Assembly

[0080] FIG. 9 is a front view of a user wearing a cross-body strap 116 with a truss assembly 132. Here the truss assembly 132 is folded for storage, with all bars of the truss lying in line with the cross-body strap. In contrast to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8, in FIG. 9 the attachments from the cross-body strap 116 to the umbrella are omitted, as are the side strap and bag. The cross-body strap 116 and truss assembly 132 of FIG. 9 can be used by deploying the bars of the truss assembly 132 and affixing a first umbrella shaft clip to one of the bars of truss assembly 132 and a second umbrella truss clip at the shoulder of the cross-body strap 116. This can be done, for example, by affixing a first umbrella shaft clip to a lower portion of the truss assembly 132 and a second umbrella truss clip to an upper portion of the truss assembly 132. This can be done with or without adding a bag, and with or without adding a side strap.

Second ExampleHarness Without Truss or Boom

[0081] FIG. 10 illustrates alternatives for the construction of a harness for hands-free use of a personal umbrella. In FIG. 10, a cross-body strap 216 is attached to an upper side strap 226 and a lower side strap 236. An umbrella base clip 204 is located along the lower side strap 236 at the front of the torso. In contrast to FIGS. 1-9, here in FIG. 10, no top boom or shoulder mount is used, and no truss assembly is used. A bag 202 is provided for storage of, e.g., a compact umbrella. However, in FIG. 10, the bag 202 is not co-located with the base clip 204. In practice, the bag can be repositioned to various locations, e.g., between the connections to the upper and lower sides strap 226 and 236, respectively, or alternatively along the lower side strap 236.

[0082] In FIG. 10, a top clip 214 is affixed to the cross-body strap 216 at the shoulder. In practice, the top clip 214 can be affixed to the upper side strap 226, e.g., near the armpit.

[0083] In FIG. 10, the base clip is attached to the lower side strap 236. In practice, the base clip could be located at various positions along the lower strap 236, e.g., at the side of the torso below the armpit or below a top clip placed near the armpit. Alternatively, the base clip 204 can be located on the cross-body strap 216. Further, the bag 202 could be relocated to a position along the cross-body strap 216 between the upper and lower side straps 226 and 236, respectively, and the base clip 204 affixed to the bag 202. Similarly, the base clip 204 could be affixed to the bag 202 when the bag 202 relocated to a position at or near the lower side strap. 236.

[0084] The attachment points of the upper side strap 226 can be used to help control the location of the top clip 214 vis-a-vis the shoulder. In the example of FIG. 10, the top clip is depicted positioned laterally in the middle of the top of the shoulder. In practice, the umbrella shaft can be secured in a variety of positions. For example, the top clip 214 can be placed further to the right or the left along the shoulder. The top clip 214 can be aligned more-or less directly above the armpit.

Example Bag

[0085] FIG. 11 illustrates a bag 300 useful with the hands-free umbrella concepts described in reference to FIGS. 1-10. Some features can be familiar in contemporary belt pouches, while others can be adopted specifically for use in carrying compact umbrellas before, during, and after use.

[0086] Bag 300 features a front compartment 304, a middle compartment 310, and a rear pocket compartment reachable by a handle 312. In practice, bag 300 can have any number of compartments.

[0087] Various aspects of bag 300 are visible in different views, and the positions of compartment closures are changed in the different views for illustrative purposes. In the front and back views, the middle compartment 310 is not visible, but the closure 308 of the middle compartment 310 is shown positioned at the center of the top of the bag. In the right view, the middle compartment 310 is visible, but its closure 308 is omitted. In the left view, the middle compartment 310 is visible, and its closure 308 is shown positioned on the left side of the bag.

[0088] In FIG. 11, the front compartment 304 has a closure 306 at the front of the bag. In the front view, the front compartment closure 306 is depicted at the right-hand side of front of the bag. In the right view, the closure 306 is omitted, and in the left view, closure 306 is shown at a position on the left side of the bag.

[0089] Conventionally, the belt pouch can have a large front compartment with a top closure to contain items when the closure is opened. However, a forward-opening compartment can be more convenient for packing and unpacking a compact umbrella. For example, this can be especially convenient for the option where the umbrella remains tethered to the base clip when the umbrella is stored, removed from the bag, and returned to the bag.

[0090] Bag 300 can be made of water-resistant, waterproof, and/or water-tight materials, and use varied materials for different compartments. Similarly, the bag can have one-or more leak-resistant closures to contain water when, e.g., a used wet umbrella is stored after use.

[0091] For a compartment intended for umbrella storage, it can be preferable to use materials that are water shedding or water-storing, but not air-tight, to allow drying of the bag without opening the umbrella storage compartment. For example, a fabric can be employed which permits the wicking and evaporation of moisture introduced into the storage compartment by a wet umbrella, while minimizing dripping from the surface of the bag. All or a portion of this compartment can be vented.

[0092] Similarly, it can be beneficial to use a different, water-proof material for the top and/or rear compartments to prevent moisture from a wet umbrella affecting additional items, e.g., personal electronic items, a wallet, etc., which can be stored in middle or rear compartments, and further to protect the clothing of the user. Additionally, fabrics used for the bag can be anti-microbial.

[0093] In FIG. 11, the bag is shown mounted on a strap 302 that slides through a sleeve 314 at the back of the bag. It will be appreciated that many variations are possible, e.g., where the bag is integral to a cross-body strap and/or a side strap, or detachable clips are affixed to such straps of a hand-free umbrella harness. Similarly, a truss assembly can be in a compartment at the front, back, or center of bag 300, or a truss assembly can be at the back of the bag, e.g., with the strap passing through a slot in the bag that is located between the truss assembly and the forward compartments.

Possible Combinations

[0094] It will be appreciated that several options described herein can be combined in many different ways without departing from the central idea of addressing stable hands-free mounting of an umbrella combined with convenient deployment and storage of the umbrella. Harnesses for hands-free use of personal umbrellas can thus be created in a variety of configurations using the concepts expressed herein.

[0095] In the most basic form, a suitable harness can be formed using a cross-body strap fitted with a top clip approximately at the shoulder and a base clip approximately at waist level. For stability, one or more side straps can be added, which circle around the waist under the shoulder of the user.

[0096] The top clip can be affixed directly to the cross-body strap. Additionally or alternatively, the top clip can be attached directly or indirectly to a mount comprising a curve member that fits over the shoulder, where the mount is in turn affixed to the cross-shoulder strap. For indirect connection of the top clip to the mount, a boom can hold the top clip at a distance, e.g., above and/or in front of or behind the shoulder, to position the umbrella shaft.

[0097] The low point of the cross-body strap can be secured to a belt or the waist hem of a pair of trousers worn at the waist or hip of the user. As seen in FIGS. 1-2 and 6-10, the cross-body and side straps of the harnesses described herein follow naturally curved paths diagonally around the torso of the user. The low point of the cross-body strap will fall on the side of the torso opposite the should over which the cross-body strap traverses. Depending on the positions and tensions of the straps, the lower side strap or the cross-body strap can have a lower low point. Compare FIG. 7 to FIG. 10, for instance. The lower side strap and the cross-body strap naturally drape downward from their connection points toward the centers of on the front and back of the torso, such the low points lay to either side of the torso but not the middle. The straps do not follow a horizontal beltline around the body. No connection to a horizontal belt or waistband is necessary to secure the harness or umbrella in place.

[0098] Several variations for the position of the bag are possible. For example, the bag can be allowed to be positioned at any point along the cross-body strap and/or one or more side straps.

[0099] Additionally or alternatively, the bag can be repositioned for deployment of the umbrella. For example, the bag can be moved from a storage position to a use position. For example, where the top clip and/or the base clip are affixed to the bag, for use of the umbrella the bag can be moved to a position along the cross-body strap or between the cross-body strap and a side strap. For storage, the bag maybe positioned anywhere along the any strap or between straps.

Third ExampleHarness With Vertical Upper Side Strap

[0100] FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative harness concept using a horizontal lower side strap and a vertical upper side strap. Many of the features depicted in FIG. 13 are similar to those discussed in connection with FIGS. 1-3 and 6-10. It will be appreciated that similar options apply for designs like those shown in FIG. 13. For example, straps can be permanently or detachably connected by any convention means. A bag, e.g., as described in connection with FIG. 11, can be attached in a variety of ways on one or more of the straps of FIG. 13. As with all configurations described herein, the harness concept illustrated in FIG. 13 can be mirrored for left-handed or right-handed use.

[0101] In FIG. 13, the straps of the harness are depicted in solid lines where they are visible on the front of the torso of the user. The straps are shown in dashed lines where they are seen looking through the torso to the back of the user.

[0102] FIG. 13 shows a cross-body strap 516 that loops diagonally completely around the torso of a user. A lower side strap 536 goes halfway around the body, beginning and ending at cross-body connection points 534 on the cross-body strap 516 on the front and back of the user's torso.

[0103] An upper side strap 526 circles vertically under the user's armpit and over the top shoulder. In contrast to the example of FIG. 10, the upper side strap 526 can be separate from the cross-body strap 516. Alternatively, the upper side strap 526 can be attached to the cross-body strap at one or more points close to top of the shoulder.

[0104] The example of FIG. 13 uses the option of placing the top clip 514 on the upper side strap 526, as opposed to being on cross-body strap 516. This permits the top clip 514 to be placed on the front of the torso at, or close to, a point along a line drawn vertically through the armpit.

[0105] Further, the base clip 504 is located on the lower side strap 536. Like the top clip 514, the base clip 504 can be aligned on this harness at, or close to, the vertical line drawn through the armpit, or an angled straight lateral line drawn from the armpit down the side of the torso from the armpit to the waist. This position provides optimized alignment, comfort, and canopy coverage to many male and female users of widely varying body shapes.

[0106] As discussed previously herein, harnesses like those depicted in FIG. 13 can be attached to a waistband belt circling the torso horizontally, e.g., at the hip of the user at the lowest point of the cross-body strap. However, for convenient positioning, adjustable canopy coverage, comfort, and stability in three dimensions, the combination of a diagonal cross-body strap with one or more side straps can offer superior performance. Tight control of the positioning of the top clip via use of a vertical side strap is an important option.

[0107] FIGS. 14A-14C depict steps for one approach to securing the upper side strap of FIG. 13. In FIG. 14A, a fastening strap 540 is affixed to an upper side strap 526. The upper side strap 526 is closed in a loop using a buckle 542. The fastening strap 540 can be permanently or detachably connected to the upper side strap 526. In FIG. 14A, the fastening strap 540 is a flexible strip with a hook and loop (e.g., Velcro) closure element at the left end. The fastening strap 540 can be over to the left along motion path 544 and vice versa.

[0108] In FIG. 14B, the upper side strap 526 is connected to the cross-body strap 516 by curling the fastening strap 540 into its final position along motion path 546. In FIG. 14B, the umbrella top clip 514 is coupled to the buckle 542 or is added to the upper side strap 526, such that the buckle 542 of FIGS. 14A is no longer visible or only partially visible. Fig, 14C shows the components in their final positions.

[0109] Of course, there are many ways to achieve the overall harness structures depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14A-14C. For example, instead of joining the upper side strap 526 to the cross-body strap 516 using the fastening strap 540, the upper side strap 526 can be permanently affixed to cross-body strap 516. Further, the upper side strap 526 can be initially connected at just one point of the cross-body strap 516, with the upper side strap 526 later connected to that same point or to a second point on the cross-body strap 516.

[0110] It will similarly be appreciated that all strap connections used to create the harnesses described herein can be permanent connections or detachable connections. Permanent and detachable connections can be made by any conventional means. For example, permanent strap connections can be formed by sewing, interweaving, welding, stapling, riveting, and/or bolting. Detachable connections can be made by tying, zipping, buckling, and/or the use of snaps or other clips.

Umbrella Shaft Placement and Length Options

[0111] FIG. 15 is an enlargement of FIG. 12 with additional annotations. These annotations include an alternative angled placement 1502, a distal range for top clip 430 parallel to the vertical line through the armpit along line 404, and a corresponding medial range for top clip 432. It can be advantageous to place the top clip along the vertical line at the armpit 404, or in a range of within 1 inch, 2 inches, or even 3 inches from the armpit horizontally, e.g., for optimal balance of placement of the canopy and comfort of the placement of the shaft. Further, it can be advantageous to place the top clip along line 404 at any point from the top of shoulder 410 to the bottom of the shoulder 414, e.g., for stability of the umbrella placement.

[0112] Heading down from the top clip, it can be advantageous to place the umbrella shaft along a line from the top clip along the torso, and further to extend that line as far down the body as is comfortable for the user for the placement of the harness. Consider an umbrella worn on the right shoulder of the user with the umbrella shaft laying along line 402, 404, or 1502 in FIG. 15. Optimal position of the base clip will depend on which of lines 402, 404, or 1502 are selected.

[0113] For example, the base mount may be slideable along the lower side strap. That is, the position of the base mount, and therefore the angle and position of the umbrella, can be adjusted by sliding it along the lower side strap. Proper tension to allow sliding and fixing position can be achieved in a number of ways, such as the loosening and tightening of a clamp, torque and friction of the strap passing over a bar in a buckle frame, a buckle prong, or other conventional mechanisms. Thus, without removing the base mount from the lower side strap, various positions for the umbrella, e.g., along lines 402, 404, and 1502, can be selected when wearing the harness.

[0114] Similarly, the top mount/top clip and intersections and lengths of all straps can be configured to be slideable. Likewise, the bag can be attached to one or more straps of the harness, and one or more of the bag's attachments to the harness can be slideable along a strap.

[0115] Referring again to FIG. 15, the cross-body strap will generally pass around the torso to rest at or above the left hip of the user, so the base clip will likely be mounted on the lower side strap at a point between mid-chest 420 and navel 424. Along line 404, the base clip would be at the waist 422. For a line like 1502, the base clip would be at the point of tangency with the body, e.g., at or near the low beltline 426. The exact placement depends on the body shape and/or preferences of the user. That said, many users will prefer that there are no clips in the bust region between the armpit and the mid-chest, and also to have no vertical straps in this region. The preference will normally be for the top clip at the shoulder, and the base clip on the lower side strap, where the base clip is aligned below the top clip along a line falling along the side of the torso.

[0116] The further below the shoulder that the base clip is placed, the more stable the position of the umbrella will be. For example, a longer shaft will provide more leverage against wind. However, conventional compact umbrellas may not be tall enough to meet this requirement and further provide enough headroom above the user for the canopy. On the other hand, a user may prefer to use a conventional stick umbrella with the harnesses described herein, but stick umbrellas are less easily carried and stored. For use with the harnesses described herein, it can be advantageous to combine aspects of the two kinds of umbrellas, mixing and matching shaft length, canopy width, and folding mechanisms.

[0117] Compared to stick umbrellas, the more compact a telescoping length or folding umbrella, the narrower the canopy. Compact umbrellas typically have narrower canopies and shorter shaft lengths when fully deployed. A typical umbrella canopy when fully open generally spans around 35 to 48 inches wide on a compact umbrella while stick umbrella canopies typically span between 48 and 68 inches in diameter when open and some can be as large as 72 inches. A typical compact umbrella when open stands only 21-30 inches tall while a stick umbrella is typically 30-46 inches tall.

[0118] Umbrellas can be created or customized for optimal use of the harnesses described herein. For example, an umbrella with a narrower canopy but a longer deployed shaft may be best, based on the body and preferences. Here the canopy can have a width in a range between 30 to 48, 38 to 42, or even 20 to 50 inches wide, and the shaft can be a collapsible shaft with length at full extension in a range of 24 to 30, 30 to 42, or even 30 to 50 in inches in height. One or more additional concentric telescoping sections can be added to the design of a more conventional compact umbrella.

[0119] Umbrellas can have specially adapted umbrella bases for clipping the umbrella, permanently or detachably, into a base mount of the harness. Further, umbrellas for use with the harnesses described herein can omit the usual hand grip, since they will normally be used hands free.

[0120] It is also possible to adapt conventional compact umbrellas for use with the harness described herein by lengthening the effective length of the shaft. This can be achieved by the use of a boom or shaft extension connected between a position on the lower side strap and the umbrella base. Again, for stability a rigid extension can be advantageous. The extension can be affixed in a straight line with the shaft or at a fixed angle relative to the shaft.

[0121] Where base clip extensions are used, umbrellas can have specially adapted umbrella bases for attaching the bottom of the umbrella shaft, permanently or detachably, to an extension piece that leads to the base clip. For rigidity, the extension between the base mount and the umbrella base can include one or more threaded, slotted, concentric aspect, or other means to ensure that that the extension remains straight or at a fixed angle to the shaft during use of the umbrella. This applies to umbrellas with and without hand grips.

Additional Bag Options

[0122] FIG. 16 illustrates an example prior art bag 1600. Bag 1600 has a tubular body 1620 and three side straps 1602, 1604, and 1606 placed at intervals along the length of body 1620. The side straps can be used, e.g., for attaching the bag to a strut of a bicycle frame. Bag 1600 also has a carry strap 1610 for use when the bag is not attached using the side straps. Bag 1600 has a zipper 1608 running the length of the bag, e.g., to allow removal of bag contents such as drink containers when the bag is attached using the side straps 1602, 1604, and 1606.

[0123] FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative bag 1700 for a compact umbrella. The umbrella is not shown in FIG. 17. Bag 1700 has a tubular body 1702 and a cap 1704 that is attached to the body 1702 via a zipper 1708 and a tab 1706. Tab 1706 is not visible in FIG. 17. The zipper 1708 runs perpendicular to the length of the body 1702, and runs sufficiently around the circumference of the body 1702 to allow the cap 1704 to be moved out of the way of removing the umbrella from the interior of the bag 1700. Bag 1700 has a top strap 1710 atop the cap 1704 that permits the bag 1700 to dangle from a belt or other strap such as harness 1750. The top strap can alternatively extend to the side of cap 1704 to a point above or below the zipper

[0124] FIG. 18 shows another view of bag 1700 of FIG. 17. In this view, the zipper 1708 is open such that the interior of the bag 1700 is accessible and the cap 1704 is primarily attached to the body 1702 via tab 1706. The top strap 1710 is visible on edge atop the cap 1710. An additional carry strap 1712 is visible on edge running along the body 1712.

[0125] FIG. 19 is a further view of the bag 1700 of FIG. 17. The view of FIG. 19 is looking into the bag 1700 when the zipper 1708 is open. Inside the body of the bag is an umbrella, with the umbrella handled 1760 and umbrella strap 1762 visible. There is room in the cap 1704 to fit a coiled harness strap 1750. Bag 1700 has a waterproof lining 1730 inside of the body 1702. This permits bag 1700 to collect, rather than drip, water from a wet umbrella stored within the bag., e.g., when the bag is suspended vertically by the top strap 1710, as illustrated in FIG. 18.

[0126] For example, a wet compact umbrella can be fully folded for storage within bag 1700 with the cap 1704 left open or zipped closed. A user can close the zipper 1708 and carry the wet umbrella vertically by suspending the bag 1700 by the top strap 1710 from a belt, harness, or backpack strap, for example, without water leaking onto the user. Cap 1704 can also have a waterproof lining. In general, linings can be waterproof, absorbent, wicking, and/or gas permeable, e.g., to facilitate containment of liquid water and/or drying of the bag.

[0127] At a later time, the cap 1704 can be opened, the umbrella removed, and any accumulated water can be poured out of the bag. Optionally, the waterproof lining 1710 of the bogy 1702 of bag 1700 can be attached to the body 1702 only at the top of the body 1702 near the zipper 1708, such that the lining 1710 can be pulled above the zipper 1708 for drying when the bag 1700 is not being used to store an umbrella. Similarly, the lining 1730 of the cap 1704 can be affixed to the cap 1704 only near the zipper to permit the lining 1730 to be pulled from the cap for drying.

APPENDIX

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Reference Designators for FIGS. 1-9 ref. description 102 bag 104 base clip 106 umbrella shaft 108 umbrella extension hub 110 umbrella canopy 112 top boom 114 top clip 116 cross-body strap 118 umbrella base 120 base bar 122 clip bar 124 adjustment bar 128 shoulder mount 130 side strap 132 truss assembly 134 side strap rear attachment point 136 side strap connector

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Reference Designators for FIG. 10 ref. description 202 bag 204 base clip 214 top clip 216 cross-body strap 226 upper side strap 236 lower side strap

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Reference Designators for FIG. 11 ref. description 300 bag 302 strap 304 front compartment 306 front compartment closure 308 middle compartment closure 310 middle compartment 312 rear compartment handle 314 strap sleeve

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Reference Designators for FIGS. 12 and 15 ref. description 400 user 402 vertical placement of umbrella shaft 404 angled placement of umbrella shaft 410 top of shoulder 412 shoulder 414 armpit/bottom of shoulder 420 mid-chest 422 waist 424 navel/high beltline 426 low beltline 428 hip 430 distal range for top clip 432 medial range for top clip 1502 alternative angled placement of shaft

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Reference Designators for FIGS. 13 and 14A14C ref. description 504 base clip 514 top clip 516 cross-body strap 526 upper side strap 534 cross-body attachment points 536 lower side strap 540 fastening strap 542 buckle 544 motion path - coming over 546 motion path - tucking under

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Reference Designators for FIGS. 16-19 ref. description 1600 prior art bag 1602 side straps 1604 side straps 1606 side straps 1608 zipper 1610 carry strap 1620 body

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Reference Designators for FIGS. 16-19 ref. description 1700 top open bag 1702 bag body 1704 cap 1706 tab 1708 zipper 1710 top strap 1712 carry strap 1730 bag liner 1750 harness strap 1760 umbrella handle 1762 umbrella strap