Umbrella system with support for internal storage of cover and external sliding ribs and stretchers

Abstract

The present invention relates to an umbrella system, substantially comprising an umbrella with elements that include a hollow shaft, a cover, as well as a frame consisting of ribs and stretchers mounted on the exterior of the hollow shaft. When retracted, the cover is stowed inside the shaft. When deployed, the umbrella's cover is supported by ribs and stretchers as well as by the shaft. Ribs and stretchers slide along the hollow shaft's exterior as the invention's cover is deployed and retracted. This configuration of deployment elements is not seen in the prior art of umbrella construction. It allows use of accouterments that expand the invention's use and convenience. The umbrella may be constructed using materials having low coefficients of electrical conductivity such fiberglass, plastics, or composites, thereby reducing shock risks. The manner of the invention's construction also enhances its ability to resist damage due to excessive wind as well as unwanted transfer of moisture from its retracted cover.

1 . An umbrella structure comprising:
 (a) a cover, a substantially hollow shaft, a plurality of elongated elements providing means for urging and supporting said cover relative to said hollow shaft,   (b) a plurality of elements providing means to stabilize said plurality of elongated elements,   (c) said cover providing means to substantially shield underlying space from certain environmental factors,   (d) said hollow shaft providing means to substantially contain said cover when the cover is retracted,   (e) cooperating elements providing means for ribs and stretchers to substantially slide as they urge said cover relative to said hollow shaft.   
   
   
       2 . An umbrella structure comprising:
 (a) a cover, a hollow shaft, a plurality of ribs, a plurality of stretchers, and a plurality of cooperating deployment elements,   (b) said cover providing means to substantially shield underlying space from environmental agents including rain, snow, and direct sunlight,   (c) said hollow shaft providing means for substantially containing said cover when the cover is retracted,   (d) said ribs and said stretchers, mounted externally on said hollow shaft, provide means to substantially support said cover, while the cover is deployed,   (e) said cooperating elements providing means for said externally mounted ribs to substantially slide into their deployed positions,   (f) cooperating elements substantially including a plurality of rib collimators, deployment slider, track slot, and stretcher-rib sliders mounted on the outside of said hollow shaft.   
   
   
       3 . An umbrella structure comprising:
 (a) a cover, a hollow shaft, a plurality of ribs, a plurality of stretchers, and a plurality of cooperating elements,   (b) said cover providing means for substantially shielding space beneath from certain environmental factors,   (c) said hollow shaft providing means for substantially containing said cover, when the cover is retracted,   (d) said hollow shaft providing means for supporting additional elements of said umbrella including a plurality of said ribs and a plurality of said stretchers,   (e) Said ribs and said stretchers, mounted externally on said hollow shaft, provide means to act as trusses, in support of said cover, when said cover is deployed,   (f) said cooperating elements providing means for said externally mounted ribs to substantially slide, along and parallel to, exterior of said hollow shaft while said cover is being deployed and retracted.   
   
   
       4 . The umbrella structure of  claim 3 , wherein said plurality of ribs, said plurality of stretchers, and said cooperating elements, mounted externally to said hollow shaft provide means to urge said cover relative to said hollow shaft. 
   
   
       5 . The umbrella structure of  claim 4 , wherein said plurality of ribs are attached at their lower ends to a slider, said slider providing means to transmit forces to said ribs and cooperating elements thereby urging said cover's during deployment and retraction operations. 
   
   
       6 . The umbrella structure of  claim 5 , wherein said hollow shaft contains a plurality of track slots that provide means for the guidance and transmission of urging force communicated from said deployment elements located exterior to said hollow shaft to said deployment elements located within the hollow shaft. 
   
   
       7 . The umbrella structure of  claim 6 , wherein:
 (a) said cover is attached at its center to a cover hub slider substantially contained within said hollow shaft,   (b) said cover hub slider providing means for the substantial central support of said cover,   (c) said cover hub slider provides means for transmitting urging force to said cover,   (d) said ribs and said stretchers, mounted externally on said hollow shaft, move relative to said hollow shaft during deployment and retractions of said canopy,   (e) the ribs and the stretchers substantially slide longitudinally, radially, or in combination thereof, relative to said hollow shaft as said cover is urged relative to said hollow shaft,   (f) said ribs are linked to said cover hub slider providing means for cooperative movement during deployment and retraction of said cover,   (g) a water resistant cap provides means for substantial interdiction of unwanted liquid water flow from the interior of said hollow shaft while said cover is in a retracted position, while additionally providing means for passage of water vapor by osmosis through a selectively permeable membrane, accumulating such moisture in an absorbant material, then subsequently allowing release of said moisture by diffusion to the external ambient air via a plurality of vent orifices,   (h) a water resistant elongated gasket provides means for substantially interdicting unwanted water flow from said hollow shaft via said track slot while said cover is in its stowed location, said elongated gasket also providing means for progressive passage of said deployment slider—cover hub slider slot link along the track slot during urging operations relating to the deployment of said cover,   (i) an outer sheath that when deployed provides means to substantially encompass said hollow shaft, said ribs, said stretchers, and cooperating elements when said cover is stowed within the hollow shaft.   
   
   
       8 . The umbrella of  claim 7 , wherein said ribs, said stretchers, said rib collimators, and said track slot are oriented so as to provide means for their urging along a substantially helical path relative to the primary longitudinal axis of said hollow shaft. 
   
   
       9 . The umbrella of  claim 3 , wherein said hollow shaft contains a collapsible sleeve providing means to be extended, thereby substantially covering said hollow shaft and cooperating elements. 
   
   
       10 . The umbrella of  claim 3 , wherein said hollow shaft and cooperating elements are encompassed by an external handle cylinder providing means for service as an extended handle after said handle cylinder is substantially urged relative to said hollow shaft. 
   
   
       11 . The umbrella of  claim 3 , wherein retractable support elements provide means that enable free standing use of substantial embodiments of said invention.