Umbrella with dome shape

Abstract

An umbrella comprises a vertical support member and a plurality of ribs operatively associated with the vertical support member and extending generally radially outward from a central location. The umbrella further includes a plurality of elongated, laterally flexible members, one of the flexible members being operatively associated with each of the plurality of ribs and extending outward therefrom. A canopy is supported by the plurality of ribs and has a periphery extending beyond the ribs. Receptacles are disposed on the inner surface of the canopy at points proximate the periphery of the canopy and in substantial alignment with a corresponding rib. The outer end of each flexible member engages a corresponding one of the receptacles. The canopy and the flexible members are configured such that the canopy exerts a tension on the flexible member that causes it to flex inward and downward.

1 . An umbrella, comprising: 
 a vertical support member;    a plurality of ribs operatively associated with said vertical support member and extending generally radially outward from a central location;    a plurality of elongated, laterally flexible members, one of said flexible members being operatively associated with each of said plurality of ribs and extending outward therefrom;    a canopy supported by said plurality of ribs and having a periphery extending beyond said ribs, said canopy having an inner surface;    a plurality of receptacles disposed on the inner surface of said canopy, each of said receptacles located at a point proximate the periphery thereof and in substantial alignment with a corresponding one of said plurality of ribs,    each of said plurality of flexible members engaging a corresponding one of said plurality of receptacles,    said canopy and said flexible members being configured such that said canopy exerts a tension on said flexible member that causes it to flex inward and downward.    
   
   
       2 . The umbrella of  claim 1 , wherein said elongated, laterally flexible members comprise rods.  
   
   
       3 . The umbrella of  claim 1 , wherein said elongated, laterally flexible members comprise strips.  
   
   
       4 . The umbrella of  claim 1 , wherein said elongated, laterally flexible members are formed of fiberglass.  
   
   
       5 . The umbrella of  claim 1 , wherein said elongated, laterally flexible members are formed of metal.  
   
   
       6 . The umbrella of  claim 1 , wherein said elongated, laterally flexible members have a length of from six to twelve inches.  
   
   
       7 . The umbrella of  claim 1 , wherein said receptacles comprise fittings attached to said inner surface of said canopy, said fittings having a hole therein for receiving an end of an elongated flexible member.  
   
   
       8 . The umbrella of  claim 1 , wherein said receptacles comprise pockets formed in said inner surface of said canopy and configured to receive an end of an elongated flexible member.  
   
   
       9 . The umbrella of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of elongated, laterally flexible members extend outward beyond said ribs by zero to two inches more than said canopy extends outward beyond said ribs.  
   
   
       10 . The umbrella of  claim 9 , wherein said plurality of elongated, laterally flexible members extend outward beyond said ribs by one-half to one inches more than said canopy extends outward beyond said ribs.