Hands-Free Umbrella Device

Abstract

A hands-free umbrella device is disclosed for providing umbrella protection without requiring a user to hold the umbrella with their hands. The hands-free umbrella device comprises a body component that is configured as a conventional umbrella with a canopy and supports secured to a rod-like base component. The body component is then secured to a plurality of straps that secure around a user's wrist and/or shoulders. In another embodiment, the body component can be secured to a small backpack. The plurality of straps and/or small backpack are adjustable and available in a wide variety of colors and designs.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A hands-free umbrella device that provides a user with a hands-free means for holding an umbrella while spending time outdoors in the sun or rain, the hands-free umbrella device comprising:
 a body component with a canopy and a plurality of supports;   a base component; and   a plurality of straps;   wherein the body component is configured as a conventional umbrella with the canopy and the plurality of supports;   wherein the canopy and the plurality of supports are secured to the base component;   wherein the base component is secured to the plurality of straps; and   further wherein the plurality of straps are secured around a user's shoulders for hands-free use.   
     
     
         2 . The hands-free umbrella device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of supports are positioned on an underside of the canopy, and a water-resistant material is attached to the plurality of supports to form the canopy. 
     
     
         3 . The hands-free umbrella device of  claim 2 , wherein the base component comprises opposing first and second ends, with the first end being secured to the canopy and the plurality of supports and the second end being secured to a handle. 
     
     
         4 . The hands-free umbrella device of  claim 3 , wherein the base component is telescoping to allow for height adjustment, and comprises a coaxial sleeve that slides over the base component and a spring-loaded button extends through one of a plurality of linearly arranged adjustment apertures spaced along the coaxial sleeve. 
     
     
         5 . The hands-free umbrella device of  claim 4 , wherein a second spring, within the coaxial sleeve and located below a bottom of the base component, exerts a constant and steady upward pressure on the base component, resulting in the base component being additionally secured in a fixed position relative to the coaxial sleeve. 
     
     
         6 . The hands-free umbrella device of  claim 5 , wherein the base component comprises an expansion button, located on the coaxial sleeve near the handle to open the canopy. 
     
     
         7 . The hands-free umbrella device of  claim 6 , wherein the body component is secured to a backpack that comprises adjustable backpack straps for securing the backpack to a user's shoulders. 
     
     
         8 . The hands-free umbrella device of  claim 7 , wherein a front panel of the canopy is transparent, to facilitate visibility during use. 
     
     
         9 . The hands-free umbrella device of  claim 8 , wherein the plurality of straps comprise a pair of shoulder loops and a transverse member that secures the pair of shoulder loops together. 
     
     
         10 . The hands-free umbrella device of  claim 9 , wherein a securing member releasably attaches the base component to the transverse member. 
     
     
         11 . The hands-free umbrella device of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of straps comprise a waist strap for extra support. 
     
     
         12 . The hands-free umbrella device of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of straps comprise a second transverse member positioned along a front of a user to add stability to the securing member. 
     
     
         13 . A hands-free umbrella device that provides a user with a hands-free means for holding an umbrella while spending time outdoors in the sun or rain, the hands-free umbrella device comprising:
 a body component with a canopy and a plurality of supports;   a telescoping base component comprising opposing first and second ends, with the first end being secured to the canopy and the plurality of supports and the second end being secured to a handle; and   a plurality of straps comprising a pair of shoulder loops and a transverse member that secures the pair of shoulder loops together; and   wherein the body component is configured as a conventional umbrella with the plurality of supports positioned on an underside of the canopy, and a water-resistant material attached to the plurality of supports to form the canopy;   wherein a securing member releasably attaches the telescoping base component to the transverse member;   wherein the plurality of straps comprise a waist strap for extra support;   wherein the plurality of straps comprise a second transverse member positioned along a front of a user to add stability to the securing member; and   further wherein the plurality of straps are secured around a user's shoulders for hands-free use.   
     
     
         14 . The hands-free umbrella device of  claim 13 , wherein the plurality of straps are adjustable. 
     
     
         15 . The hands-free umbrella device of  claim 13 , wherein the body component and the base component can be removed without removing the plurality of straps. 
     
     
         16 . The hands-free umbrella device of  claim 13 , wherein the plurality of straps, the body component, and the base component are available in a wide variety of colors and designs. 
     
     
         17 . The hands-free umbrella device of  claim 13  further comprising a plurality of indicia. 
     
     
         18 . The hands-free umbrella device of  claim 13 , wherein the body component is secured to a backpack that comprises adjustable backpack straps for securing the backpack to a user's shoulders. 
     
     
         19 . The hands-free umbrella device of  claim 13 , wherein a front panel of the canopy is transparent, to facilitate visibility during use. 
     
     
         20 . A method of providing hands-free protection from the elements, the method comprising the following steps:
 providing a hands-free umbrella device comprising a body component configured as a conventional umbrella with a canopy and supports secured to a rod-like base component;   securing the base component to shoulder straps;   securing the base component to a small backpack;   positioning the shoulder straps or the backpack onto a user's shoulders for use;   opening the umbrella canopy; and   performing a variety of outdoor tasks hands-free while still being protected from outdoor elements.