Tent – canopy – umbrella – or cane – Umbrella – Having quick assembly feature
Patent
1987-04-23
1988-07-05
Bell, J. Karl
Tent, canopy, umbrella, or cane
Umbrella
Having quick assembly feature
40317, A45B 1300, A45B 1900
Patent
active
047547731
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to the umbrella art, and more particularly, to an inexpensive disposable umbrella and a method for its manufacture.
2. Background Art
Standard umbrellas are inconvenient to carry and are, therefore, often unavailable when needed. In addition, they are expensive causing their owners to leave them in the closet in order to avoid loss or damage unless they are obviously needed. The result is that many owners end up with several expensive umbrellas --all bought on impulse when required to meet unexpected weather conditions.
Numerous inexpensive and disposable umbrellas have been developed allowing purchase at convenient locations at the onset of inclement weather and then disposal after one or a few uses. Some of these disposable umbrellas are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,552,461; 2,563,353; 2,757,679; 4,062,369; 4,182,353; 4,215,711; and 4,370,993; and The Netherlands Patent No. 7,607,179 and United Kingdom Pat. No. 347,678. While they are relatively inexpensive in relation to the cost of a standard umbrella, many are still expensive per use, difficult to set up, or have limited durability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a disposable umbrella and method of manufacture designed to minimize the expense while maximizing the durability and ease of set up. The umbrella is of such a size and configuration that it may be easily stored for use or sale when needed. The canopy and frame material make the umbrella an ideal sitting pad for outdoor sports events. Advertising may be included on the canopy to enhance the appearance or make a statement.
In accordance with one important aspect of the invention, the canopy is comprised of a rectangular flexible water impermeable sheet having first and second parallel sides, each side having a pocket. The frame is comprised of a rectangular rigid sheet having outer dimensions substantially matching the outer dimensions of the canopy. The frame sides are parallel to each other and are spaced substantially the width of the canopy. A center fold line is parallel to the frame sides and defines two substantially equal side panels. The side panels may be bent toward each other until the frame sides touch in a closed position. The canopy fits over the outside of the frame with one of the frame sides slipped into one pocket and the other frame side slipped into the second pocket.
One feature of the preferred embodiment is a tongue cut in each of the side panels. Each tongue has a handle and a tongue fold line for folding out the tongue. When the tongues are folded out and the handles aligned, the umbrella is positioned in a peak-roof shape.
In a preferred embodiment, a locking tab is provided on one tongue and a tab lock opening is provided on the other tongue. When the handles are aligned, the locking tab may be positioned in the tab lock opening to retain the tongues together in an aligned position thereby retaining the umbrella in a peak-roof shape without holding by hand.
In accordance with one important aspect of a second embodiment, the canopy is a vinyl sheet adhered to the outside of a corrugated cardboard panel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention in use;
FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment in FIG. 1 in a flat open position with one handle folded outward;
FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of another embodiment of the present invention in a flat open position;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken along the line 4--4 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment folded for use;
FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the frame of the embodiment of FIG. 5 in a flat open position;
FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the canopy of the embodiment of FIG. 5.
FIG. 8 is a partial end elevational view of the frame of FIG. 6 in a reverse bend position allowing the installation of the canopy of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a partial end elevational view of the frame of FIG. 8 bent to
REFERENCES:
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patent: 4062369 (1977-12-01), Hermanson
patent: 4182353 (1980-01-01), Hermanson
patent: 4215711 (1980-08-01), Hermanson
patent: 4262367 (1981-04-01), Herrin
patent: 4370993 (1983-02-01), Desaleox et al.
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