Backpack Umbrella Device

Abstract

A backpack umbrella device is disclosed which comprises a body component that is configured in the shape of a traditional backpack. The umbrella can be expanded or collapsed against the rear side of the body component. Further, the expansion and collapse of the umbrella is controlled by a push button feature which is activated by the user. Thus, the body component is able to store any personal items while also providing the user with protection from weather. The umbrella can be compacted with ease whenever unnecessary to the user. Further, the body component comprises a plastic cup which is connected to the umbrella by a plastic tube. Any water that accumulates on the umbrella can be funneled through the plastic tube and into the plastic cup within the body component.

Claims

1. A backpack umbrella device that provides a user with a backpack which holds an extended umbrella, the backpack umbrella device comprising: a body component; and an umbrella; wherein the umbrella is secured to the body component, such that it can act to extend and expand over the body component as needed; and further wherein the umbrella can be completely compacted for storage within the body component.

2. The backpack umbrella device of claim 1, wherein the body component is configured in the shape of a traditional backpack.

3. The backpack umbrella device of claim 2, wherein the body component comprises a front side, a rear side, an interior space, and a metal frame.

4. The backpack umbrella device of claim 3, wherein the umbrella is integrated into the metal frame of the body component.

5. The backpack umbrella device of claim 4, wherein the umbrella sits within a cylindrical pocket placed on the rear side of the body component.

6. The backpack umbrella device of claim 5, wherein the push button feature allows a user to activate extension and expansion of the umbrella, as well as the compaction.

7. The backpack umbrella device of claim 6, wherein the push button feature is on a bottom of the umbrella, but is large enough to be pressed by the user from an outside of the cylindrical pocket

8. The backpack umbrella device of claim 7, wherein the umbrella remains fully expanded above a user's head until the push button feature is pushed again by the user which triggers the compaction of the umbrella back into the cylindrical pocket.

9. The backpack umbrella device of claim 8, wherein the push button feature triggers a lock mechanism within the umbrella which directly causes the expansion and collapsing of the umbrella.

10. The backpack umbrella device of claim 9, wherein the umbrella contains once compacted, retracts into a plastic tube within the cylindrical pocket.

11. The backpack umbrella device of claim 10, wherein the plastic tube is retained within an interior space of the body component.

12. The backpack umbrella device of claim 11, wherein the plastic tube directs water into a plastic cup which is integrated into the body component.

13. A backpack umbrella device that provides a user with an umbrella which is extended out of a backpack, the backpack umbrella device comprising: a body component configured in the shape of a traditional backpack; and an umbrella; wherein the body component comprises a front side, a rear side, an interior space, and a metal frame; wherein the umbrella is integrated into the rear side of the body component; wherein the umbrella extends and expands over the body component and a head of a user; wherein the umbrella stays expanded until a separate lock mechanism is activated by the user which causes the umbrella to collapse; and further wherein the umbrella is stored on the rear side of the body component within a cylindrical pocket.

14. The backpack umbrella device of claim 13, wherein the umbrella is extended and expanded because of a lock mechanism which is activated by a push button feature.

15. The backpack umbrella device of claim 14, wherein the push button feature is integrated into a bottom of the umbrella, but can be pushed by the user from an outside of the cylindrical pocket.

16. The backpack umbrella device of claim 15, wherein once retracted the umbrella is positioned within a plastic tube.

17. The backpack umbrella device of claim 16, wherein a plastic tube is retained within an interior space of the body component.

18. The backpack umbrella device of claim 17, wherein the plastic tube directs water from the umbrella into a plastic cup.

19. The backpack umbrella device of claim 13 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

20. A method of protecting a user from weather while the user is busy with other tasks, the method comprising the following steps: providing a backpack umbrella device comprising a body component with an umbrella; placing the straps of the body component on the shoulders of the user; pushing the button on the side of the cylindrical pocket; ensuring the umbrella is extended and expanded over the user's head; and allowing the rainwater to collect in the plastic cup within the interior space of the body component.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the backpack umbrella device of the present invention showing the device in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the backpack umbrella device of the present invention showing the cylindrical pocket in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the backpack umbrella device of the present invention showing the extended umbrella in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the backpack umbrella device of the present invention showing the expanded umbrella in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the backpack umbrella device of the present invention showing how the user would wear the body component in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of protecting a user from weather while the user is busy with other tasks in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0030] 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.

[0031] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a backpack umbrella device that provides users with a backpack featuring an integrated, hands-free umbrella on the rear side. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a backpack umbrella device that allows users to press a button and expand the umbrella, providing hands-free support over the backpack-wearer's head. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a backpack umbrella device that eliminates the need to hold an umbrella, leaving the user's hands-free for numerous other tasks. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that functions as both a convenient backpack and umbrella while walking, biking, and various other outdoor tasks. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a backpack umbrella device that provides a push button feature to open and close the umbrella at will. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a backpack umbrella device that includes a plastic cup to collect any water that collects on the umbrella and which can be used or disposed of.

[0032] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel backpack umbrella device. The backpack umbrella device is a modified umbrella which is integrated into the rear side of a backpack. The backpack umbrella device comprises a body component that is configured in the shape of a traditional backpack. The umbrella can be expanded or collapsed against the rear side of the body component. Further, the expansion and collapse of the umbrella is controlled by a push button feature which is activated by the user. Thus, the body component is able to store any personal items while also providing the user with protection from weather. The umbrella can be compacted with ease whenever unnecessary to the user. Further, the body component comprises a plastic cup which is connected to the umbrella by a plastic tube. Any water that accumulates on the umbrella can be funneled through the plastic tube and into the plastic cup within the body component.

[0033] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the backpack umbrella device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the backpack umbrella device 100 is an improved backpack umbrella device 100 that provides a user 106 with an umbrella 104 that they don't have to hold. Specifically, the backpack umbrella device 100 comprises a body component 102 and an umbrella 104. Thus, the body component 102 is relatively easy to use and transport. Further, the umbrella 104 can be collapsed and compacted for storage.

[0034] Generally, the backpack umbrella device 100 allows users 106 to extend and expand the umbrella 104 over the user's head. Further, the umbrella 104 is attached to the body component 102 to allow the user 106 to do other tasks while the umbrella 104 is expanded. Accordingly, users 106 save significant time and energy by using the device 100.

[0035] Further, the backpack umbrella device 100 comprises a body component 102 that is configured in the shape of a traditional backpack with a metal frame 108. The body component 102 comprises a front side 110, a rear side 112, an interior space 114, and the metal frame 108 along the perimeter 116 of the body component 102. However, the body component 102 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, as long as the body component 102 is sized and shaped to hold personal belongings within the interior space 114 and to conceal the umbrella 104 on the rear side 112. Further, the body component 102 can be available in multiple sizes for adults or children.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the body component 102 comprises an umbrella 104 which is integrated into the rear side 112 of the body component 102. The rear side 112 of the body component 102 comprises a cylindrical pocket 200 in which is enclosed the umbrella 104. The umbrella 104 is integrated into the metal frame 108 of the body component 102 which allows it to stay in place within the cylindrical pocket 200.

[0037] Generally, the cylindrical pocket 200 has an opening allowing the umbrella 104 to extend upwards out of the cylindrical pocket 200. Once extended, the umbrella 104 can then expand in order to protect the user 106 from the weather 202. The umbrella 104 is able to stay extended until the user 106 desires it to be collapsed. At that point, the umbrella 104 can collapse back into the cylindrical pocket 200.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the expansion and collapsing of the umbrella 104 is activated by a push button feature 300. This push button feature 300 is towards the bottom 302 of the cylindrical pocket 200 and can be pushed by the user 106 from outside the cylindrical pocket 200. The push button feature 300 connects to the umbrella 104 within the cylindrical pocket 200. The user 106 can push the push button feature 300 which releases a lock mechanism 302 which causes the umbrella 104 to extend and then expand. Once expanded, the umbrella 104 stays extended until the push button feature 300 is pushed again which triggers another lock mechanism 302 which allows the umbrella 104 to collapse and condense back into the cylindrical pocket 200.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4, when the umbrella 104 is condensed down, it is condensed into a plastic tube 404 or sleeve that connects to a plastic cup 406. This plastic tube 404 allows water 408 collected from the umbrella 104 to be collected within the cup 406. The plastic tube 404 runs the length of the umbrella 104 and funnels into the interior space of the plastic cup 406. The plastic tube 404 and connected cup 406 are secured within the backpack (i.e., cylindrical pocket 200). Thus, any water 408 from the umbrella 104 is collected within the plastic cup 406 within the cylindrical pocket 200 of the body component 102, which can then be disposed of by the user 106 once full.

[0040] In one embodiment, the backpack umbrella device 100 comprises an optional lid 408 on top of the plastic cup 406, to allow for the water 408 not to spill within the interior space 114 of the body component 102. Thus, the lid 408 prevents water 408 from spilling or causing damage to the interior space 114 of the body component 102.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, the backpack umbrella device 100 is manufactured from nylon, polyester, canvas, leather, organic cotton, or other suitable materials 500 as is known in the art, or a combination of such materials 500. Specifically, the umbrella 104 is manufactured from polyester, nylon, pongee, or other suitable materials 502 as is known in the art, or a combination of such materials 502 with the ribs 504 and structure of the umbrella 104 being either metal or plastic 506.

[0042] In another embodiment, the backpack umbrella device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 508. 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 508 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 508 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 umbrella, backpack, or brand related.

[0043] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method of protecting a user from weather while the user is busy with other tasks. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a backpack umbrella device comprising a body component with an umbrella. The method also comprises at 602, placing the straps of the body component on the shoulders of the user. Further, the method comprises at 604, pushing the button on the side of the cylindrical pocket. The method also comprises at 606, ensuring the umbrella is extended and expanded over the user's head. Finally, the method comprises at 608, allowing the rainwater to collect in the plastic cup within the interior space of the body component.

[0044] 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 backpack umbrella device, backpack device, umbrella device, and device are interchangeable and refer to the backpack umbrella device 100 of the present invention.

[0045] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the backpack 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 backpack umbrella device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the backpack umbrella device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the backpack umbrella device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the backpack 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.