Hands-Free Umbrella Support System

Abstract

A hands-free umbrella shoulder support apparatus allows for convenient and comfortable use of an umbrella or parasol without engaging the hands. Central to the design is a connector hub that latches onto the main stem of the umbrella or parasol, linked to a shoulder-supporting bridge featuring non-skid ribbing for stability and adjustable sizing for a custom fit. The apparatus also includes internal securing ribs for a firm grip on the stem, and a rear anchor torsion loop that increases security by hugging the upper shoulder area. An optional accessory hub can be added for decorative or functional extensions. The design is envisioned to accommodate a second connector hub for even weight distribution, enhancing this innovative support system's practicality and ergonomic benefits.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of providing hands-free support for an umbrella or parasol, comprising:
 attaching a connector hub to a main stem of the umbrella or parasol;   positioning a shoulder support bridge coupled to the connector hub on a user's shoulder; and   securing the umbrella or parasol in a position above the user's head without requiring hand support.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising supporting the umbrella or parasol with an adjustable belt by inserting an umbrella bottom into an opening on the belt. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein adjusting the shoulder support bridge, comprises selecting one of multiple sizing options provided by a bottom bridge support. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising internal securing ribs within the connector hub configured to secure the main stem. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein attaching the connector hub, comprises inserting the main stem of the umbrella or parasol into a slotted L-shaped keyhole stem connector of the connector hub. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising securing the main stem within the connector hub using internal securing ribs. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the bottom bridge support provides multiple sizing options to fit different shoulder sizes. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising providing removable rivets configured to couple the top support bridge to the bottom bridge support. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing non-skid ribbing on an underside of the shoulder support bridge to increase friction against the user's shoulder. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising anchoring the shoulder support bridge against the user's upper shoulder area using a rear anchor torsion loop. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising attaching an accessory hub to the connector hub. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising removing rivets to disassemble the shoulder support bridge for cleaning or resizing. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein positioning the shoulder support bridge, comprises balancing the umbrella or parasol using two connector hubs coupled to opposite ends of the shoulder support bridge. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , comprising receiving the main stem of the umbrella or parasol with a slotted L-shaped keyhole stem connector. 
     
     
         15 . An umbrella shoulder support apparatus, comprising:
 a connector hub configured to attach to a main stem of an umbrella or parasol;   a shoulder support bridge coupled to the connector hub and designed to rest on a user's shoulder; and   a rear anchor torsion loop connected to the shoulder support bridge and configured to secure the apparatus against the user's upper shoulder area.   
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , further comprising non-skid ribbing on an underside of the shoulder support bridge and the rear anchor torsion loop. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , further comprising an accessory hub coupled to the connector hub and configured to support decorative elements. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , further comprising a second connector hub coupled to an opposite end of the shoulder support bridge from the first connector hub, wherein the two connector hubs are configured to balance the umbrella or parasol on the user's shoulder. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the connector hub, comprises a slotted L-shaped keyhole stem connector configured to receive the main stem of the umbrella or parasol. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the shoulder support bridge, comprises:
 a top support bridge; and   a bottom bridge support adjustably coupled to the top support bridge.