Collapsible Umbrella

Abstract

Generally speaking, an umbrella having a frame formed by a plurality of rod members joined together by a plurality of hinges, is disclosed. The frame forms a periphery of a shape, such as a circle, square, hexagon, etc., and the frame is capable of movement between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration. A canopy is attached to the frame, and may be detachable there from, and is also capable of movement with the frame between the folded configuration and the unfolded configuration. A stem having a first end attached to the frame along the periphery and extending there from allows the user to position the umbrella to achieve ideal coverage during use. The stem may include a handle formed at a second end opposite the first end, for improved gripping and control of the umbrella.

1 . An umbrella comprising:
 a frame including a plurality of support members joined together by a plurality of hinges, the frame forming a periphery of a shape and the frame being capable of movement between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration;   a canopy attached to the frame and capable of movement with the frame between the folded configuration and the unfolded configuration;   a stem having a first end attached to the frame and extending there from; and   a handle formed at a second end of the stem opposite the first end.   
     
     
         2 . The umbrella of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one internal support member attached to the frame and extending inward of the periphery to engage the canopy. 
     
     
         3 . The umbrella of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one internal support member comprises an elongated member. 
     
     
         4 . The umbrella of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one internal support member extends outward of the periphery as well, to engage the canopy. 
     
     
         5 . The umbrella of  claim 1 , wherein the canopy is vented. 
     
     
         6 . The umbrella of  claim 5 , wherein the canopy comprises a plurality of openings to allow air to flow in a single direction from one side of the canopy to the other. 
     
     
         7 . The umbrella of  claim 1 , wherein the canopy is detachable from the frame. 
     
     
         8 . The umbrella of  claim 7 , wherein the canopy comprises a plurality of fasteners appended thereto and the frame comprises a plurality of receivers for the fasteners, and wherein the canopy is attached by coupling the fasteners with the receivers. 
     
     
         9 . The umbrella of  claim 1 , wherein the stem attaches to the frame via a hinge. 
     
     
         10 . The umbrella of  claim 9 , wherein the stem attaches to the frame via rods attached to the stem. 
     
     
         11 . The umbrella of  claim 1 , wherein the stem is attached to the frame at an acute angle. 
     
     
         12 . The umbrella of  claim 11 , wherein the handle is at an obtuse angle to the stem. 
     
     
         13 . The umbrella of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of hinges comprise inward folding and outward folding hinges. 
     
     
         14 . The umbrella of  claim 13 , wherein a portion of the hinges fold inward of the frame periphery and a portion of the hinges fold outward of the frame periphery. 
     
     
         15 . An umbrella comprising:
 a frame including a plurality of rod members joined together by a plurality of inward folding and outward folding hinges, the frame forming a periphery of a shape and being capable of movement between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration;   a canopy attached to the frame and capable of movement with the frame between the folded configuration and the unfolded configuration; and   a stem having a first end attached to the frame at a point on the periphery and extending there from.   
     
     
         16 . The umbrella of  claim 15 , further comprising a handle attached to an end of the stem opposite the first end. 
     
     
         17 . The umbrella of  claim 15 , further comprising at least one internal support member attached to the frame and extending inward of the periphery to engage the canopy. 
     
     
         18 . The umbrella of  claim 15 , wherein the canopy comprises a plurality of openings to allow air to flow in a single direction from one side of the canopy to the other. 
     
     
         19 . The umbrella of  claim 15 , wherein the canopy is detachable from the frame. 
     
     
         20 . The umbrella of  claim 19 , wherein the canopy comprises a plurality of fasteners appended thereto and the frame comprises a plurality of receivers for the fasteners, and wherein the canopy is attached by coupling the fasteners with the receivers. 
     
     
         21 . The umbrella of  claim 15 , wherein the stem attaches to the frame via a hinge. 
     
     
         22 . The umbrella of  claim 15 , wherein the stem is attached to the frame at an acute angle. 
     
     
         23 . The umbrella of  claim 22 , wherein the handle is at an obtuse angle to the stem.