Title:
UMBRELLA SUPPORT
United States Patent 3554203
Abstract:
An adjustable umbrella support having a framework member receiving an umbrella thereon and having horizontally disposed slots adjacent each end thereof, backstraps adjacent each end of the framework and having vertically disposed slots in intersecting registry with the horizontal slots, shoulder straps adjacent to and representing an extension of the backstraps and carrying fastening means which pass through the aforesaid registered slots for adjustably securing the framework, backstraps and shoulder straps together, and a flexible web belt carried by the backstraps for securement about the waist of the user.
US Patent References:
Collapsible umbrella
Adler et al. - May 1933 - 1908210
Folding umbrella
Buono - July 1950 - 2515493
Body fatigue-relieving support
Matthewson - February 1961 - 2973030
Umbrella support
White - February 1964 - 3120332
Collapsible umbrella
Adler et al. - May 1933 - 1908210
Folding umbrella
Buono - July 1950 - 2515493
Body fatigue-relieving support
Matthewson - February 1961 - 2973030
Umbrella support
White - February 1964 - 3120332
Application Number:
04/671248
Publication Date:
01/12/1971
Filing Date:
09/28/1967
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
International Classes:
A45B11/02; A45B11/00; A45B11/02
Field of Search:
135/7.1,20,46T 2/44,310 119/96,101,109,160 54/(Inquired) 224/5.1,8,8.1 287/52.07(Spring Detents)/
Primary Examiner:
Caun, Peter M.
Claims:
I claim
1. A support for an umbrella having a shaft and a spring clip at its terminate end comprising in combination first and second elongated straps formed with shoulder-engaging hooks at first ends thereof and back-engaging portions extending therefrom wherein, when said hooks are respectively supported on the shoulders of a wearer, said back-engaging portions extend downwardly along the back of the wearer in spaced approximately parallel position, spaced lower and upper bridge members, means adjustably securing said bridge members along the lengths of said back-engaging portions, said means comprising elongated slots in said back-engaging portions and elongated slots in said bridge members at the locations where said bridge members meet said back-engaging portions, and fastening means extending through said slots, said slots in said bridge members extending transversely of said slots in said back-engaging portions, a shaft receiver for receiving said terminal end, second means securing said receiver to said upper and lower members in general parallel relationship to said back-engaging portions, said receiver comprising an elongated tubular member having a closed end secured to said lower bridge member and an open end secured to said upper bridge member, and said tubular member having a slot intermediate its length for retentively receiving said spring clip.
2. The invention of claim 1 wherein loops are formed at the lower end of said back-engaging portions and belt means extend through said loops for securement about the waist of a wearer.
3. The invention of claim 1 wherein said elongated straps are formed of deformable sheet aluminum whereby said members can be packaged flat and said shoulder-engaging hooks and said back-engaging portions can be individually bent to fit the wearer.
4. The invention of claim 3 wherein resilient foam padding is secured to that surface of said straps opposite to the surface to which said bridge members are secured.
1. A support for an umbrella having a shaft and a spring clip at its terminate end comprising in combination first and second elongated straps formed with shoulder-engaging hooks at first ends thereof and back-engaging portions extending therefrom wherein, when said hooks are respectively supported on the shoulders of a wearer, said back-engaging portions extend downwardly along the back of the wearer in spaced approximately parallel position, spaced lower and upper bridge members, means adjustably securing said bridge members along the lengths of said back-engaging portions, said means comprising elongated slots in said back-engaging portions and elongated slots in said bridge members at the locations where said bridge members meet said back-engaging portions, and fastening means extending through said slots, said slots in said bridge members extending transversely of said slots in said back-engaging portions, a shaft receiver for receiving said terminal end, second means securing said receiver to said upper and lower members in general parallel relationship to said back-engaging portions, said receiver comprising an elongated tubular member having a closed end secured to said lower bridge member and an open end secured to said upper bridge member, and said tubular member having a slot intermediate its length for retentively receiving said spring clip.
2. The invention of claim 1 wherein loops are formed at the lower end of said back-engaging portions and belt means extend through said loops for securement about the waist of a wearer.
3. The invention of claim 1 wherein said elongated straps are formed of deformable sheet aluminum whereby said members can be packaged flat and said shoulder-engaging hooks and said back-engaging portions can be individually bent to fit the wearer.
4. The invention of claim 3 wherein resilient foam padding is secured to that surface of said straps opposite to the surface to which said bridge members are secured.
Description:
This invention relates to an umbrella support and more particularly relates to an adjustable umbrella support which is worn on the body of the user. The instant invention represents an improvement over the prior art wherein many useful body-attached umbrella supports are shown. One of the basic problems exhibited by prior art umbrella supports has been the incorporation of flexible web belts which although easily adjustable were subject to excessive wear and lack of strength. Such belts not only failed to efficiently distribute weight but what is more, exhibited the annoying characteristic of entangling when not in use. Attempts to correct the problem resulted in the use of umbrella supports which incorporated lightweight metals as the basic support. Such use, however, brought further problems in that although greater strength was achieved, a degree of clumsiness and lack of adjustability resulted. It is a primary object of the instant invention to provide an umbrella support which avoids these disadvantages by providing within its combination, separately adjustable sheet material components which can be bent to conform with the body of the user.
Another important object of the invention is to provide an umbrella support which may be shipped and stored in a disassembled, flat condition.
A further object of the invention is to provide an umbrella support having separate metallic shoulder strap elements which are spaced laterally and vertically adjustable in relation to the umbrella.
A still further object of the invention is to provide a support having a transverse umbrella carrying framework which permits separate adjustability of the shoulder straps toward or away from each other.
Another objective of the invention is to provide an umbrella support wherein the relationship of the umbrella with the body of the user is not disturbed by a vertical or horizontal displacement of the shoulder straps.
These and other objects of the invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following detailed description when viewed in light of the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the device in use with the supported umbrella in the open position;
FIG. 2 is a partially exploded side elevation of the umbrella support with the belt removed;
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the device of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a modified form of a shoulder backstrap as seen in side elevation; and
FIG. 6 is an end view of the modification shown in FIG. 5.
Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals indicate like parts, the numeral 10 generally indicates the umbrella support of this invention. The support 10 is comprised of four major components, a transverse framework 12, backstraps 13, shoulder straps 14 and a flexible belt 16. The cooperative assemblage of these major components results in sturdy support, tailored to the individual contours of a wearer 15 who desires the protection of an umbrella 22 without losing the freedom of his hands.
The framework 12 includes two parallel transverse sheet straps 18 which have longitudinal slots 26 adjacent each end thereof which are of sufficient length to permit a desired degree of adjustability as explained hereinafter. A hollow tube 20, closed at its bottom end, is rigidly secured in perpendicular relation to the longitudinal axes of the straps 18 with securement being provided approximately midway of their length. Both the straps 18 and the tube 20 are preferably made of aluminum, the former being procured by stamping. As best seen in FIG. 1, the tube 20 is secured by welding directly to the upper and the lower straps 18 with the lower strap being curved outwardly so that the tube 20 will be angled to support the umbrella 22 substantially centrally above the head of the user 15.
At this point it should be noted that the tube 20 is adapted to receive the shaft of a conventional umbrella which has its usual wooden or plastic hand grip removed. A longitudinal slot 24 is provided in the wall of the tube in a location such that a usual spring latch 25 found on the lower end of the umbrella will extend therethrough in a retentively engaging relationship.
Adapted for securement to the framework 12 are two identical vertical backstraps 13. Each of these straps is like the straps 18 in that it is preferably stamped from sheet aluminum. As seen in the drawings, the lower end of the strap 13 is provided with a loop 32 punched out of the strip body from the inner side in order to support the flexible belt 16. It is easy to see that when the belt is cinched tight by the wearer, the inner surface of the strap 13 opposite the loop 32 would bear against the small of the back and therefore, in order to prevent chafing or other discomfiture, the aforesaid surface is provided with resilient foam strip 34 adhesively secured thereto. Each strap 13 has a pair of serially arranged longitudinal slots 30 spaced apart a sufficient distance to intersect the slots 26 in the transverse straps 18 when the straps 13 and 18 are adjacent one another in mutually perpendicular fashion such as shown in FIG. 3.
The backstraps 13 are adapted for securement not only to the framework 12 but also to the dual shoulder straps 14. The shoulder straps 14 are made of the same preferably stamped sheet metal as the straps 13 and 18 and are originally shipped in a flat unbent condition. The lower end of each shoulder strap 14 is provided with two serially arranged bolts 38 which are rigid in relation to the strap so as to project outwardly from the outer surface of the strap and are located so as to register with the slots 30 in the vertical straps 13. The bolts 38 are externally threaded and each receives an internally threaded wing nut 42. The entire inner surface of the straps 13 is adhesively secured to a resilient foam strip 40.
In order to assemble the umbrella support 10, the shoulder straps 14, the vertical backstraps 13 and the framework 12 are suitably aligned so that the bolts 38 pass through the slots 26 and 30. The wing nuts 42 are then loosely applied on the bolts while the belt 16 is threaded through the loops 32. The umbrella support is now loosely secured to the user 15 by the belt 16 while the shoulder straps 14 are spaced apart one at a time by moving the bolt 32 in the slot 26. The proper amount of lateral spacing between shoulder straps is determined by aligning each strap with that portion of the user's shoulder which is sufficiently meaty to comfortably support a moderate weight for an extended period of time and which location, of course, varies from individual to individual. It is to be understood that because of the relationship of the slots 26 and 30 and the bolt 38, the vertical backstrap is carried with the shoulder strap when the latter is shifted laterally relative to the tube 20.
When the lateral spacing of the shoulder straps 14 is determined, the height of the tube 20 is adjusted in order to give an optimum height to the umbrella 22 supported thereby. The adjustment is made by sliding the bolt 38 of the shoulder strap 14 vertically in the slot 30 of the vertical backstrap 13. Such vertical movement will carry the framework 12 upwardly or downwardly therewith.
With the vertical placement of the umbrella carrying tube 20 as well as the horizontal spacing of the shoulder straps properly determined, the wing nuts 42 are tightened, the belt 16 is cinched, and the upper ends of the shoulder straps 14 are bent downwardly about the shoulders of the user 15 for a close conforming fit therearound.
A modification of the device is shown in FIG. 5 wherein the shoulder straps 14 and the vertical backstraps 13 have been combined into a unitary back and shoulder strap 60 having longitudinal slots 62 in the body of the strap. Slots 64 are provided in the foam strip 40' of a larger dimension than the slots 62 as to provide a bearing surface on the inside of the strap for the enlarged head of removable bolt 66.
The unitary strap 60 has a loop 32' and a lower resilient strip 34' and is used in conjunction with the belt 16 and framework 12 in a similar manner as the backstraps 13 and shoulder straps 14 of the preferred embodiment. Wing nuts 42' are threadably received on the bolts 66 which pass through the slots 62 and 26. Lateral spacing of the straps 60 is attained by moving the bolts 66 horizontally in the slots 26 while vertical adjustment of the framework 12 is achieved by moving the bolts 66 vertically in the slots 62.
As is evident from the foregoing, utilization of lightweight, easily flexible sheet material for the straps in the device not only allows a snug and tailored fit to the body contours of the user but also allows all of the major components whether disassembled or not, to be bent to assume a relatively flat configuration for easy storage or shipment when not in use. The provision of a simple nut and bolt as the securing means heightens the efficiency of the invention in permitting fast and easy assembly or disassembly of the support as well as maximum adjustability therein.
What has been set forth above is intended primarily exemplary to enable those skilled in the art in the practice of the invention and it should therefore be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced in other ways than as specifically described.
Another important object of the invention is to provide an umbrella support which may be shipped and stored in a disassembled, flat condition.
A further object of the invention is to provide an umbrella support having separate metallic shoulder strap elements which are spaced laterally and vertically adjustable in relation to the umbrella.
A still further object of the invention is to provide a support having a transverse umbrella carrying framework which permits separate adjustability of the shoulder straps toward or away from each other.
Another objective of the invention is to provide an umbrella support wherein the relationship of the umbrella with the body of the user is not disturbed by a vertical or horizontal displacement of the shoulder straps.
These and other objects of the invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following detailed description when viewed in light of the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the device in use with the supported umbrella in the open position;
FIG. 2 is a partially exploded side elevation of the umbrella support with the belt removed;
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the device of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a modified form of a shoulder backstrap as seen in side elevation; and
FIG. 6 is an end view of the modification shown in FIG. 5.
Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals indicate like parts, the numeral 10 generally indicates the umbrella support of this invention. The support 10 is comprised of four major components, a transverse framework 12, backstraps 13, shoulder straps 14 and a flexible belt 16. The cooperative assemblage of these major components results in sturdy support, tailored to the individual contours of a wearer 15 who desires the protection of an umbrella 22 without losing the freedom of his hands.
The framework 12 includes two parallel transverse sheet straps 18 which have longitudinal slots 26 adjacent each end thereof which are of sufficient length to permit a desired degree of adjustability as explained hereinafter. A hollow tube 20, closed at its bottom end, is rigidly secured in perpendicular relation to the longitudinal axes of the straps 18 with securement being provided approximately midway of their length. Both the straps 18 and the tube 20 are preferably made of aluminum, the former being procured by stamping. As best seen in FIG. 1, the tube 20 is secured by welding directly to the upper and the lower straps 18 with the lower strap being curved outwardly so that the tube 20 will be angled to support the umbrella 22 substantially centrally above the head of the user 15.
At this point it should be noted that the tube 20 is adapted to receive the shaft of a conventional umbrella which has its usual wooden or plastic hand grip removed. A longitudinal slot 24 is provided in the wall of the tube in a location such that a usual spring latch 25 found on the lower end of the umbrella will extend therethrough in a retentively engaging relationship.
Adapted for securement to the framework 12 are two identical vertical backstraps 13. Each of these straps is like the straps 18 in that it is preferably stamped from sheet aluminum. As seen in the drawings, the lower end of the strap 13 is provided with a loop 32 punched out of the strip body from the inner side in order to support the flexible belt 16. It is easy to see that when the belt is cinched tight by the wearer, the inner surface of the strap 13 opposite the loop 32 would bear against the small of the back and therefore, in order to prevent chafing or other discomfiture, the aforesaid surface is provided with resilient foam strip 34 adhesively secured thereto. Each strap 13 has a pair of serially arranged longitudinal slots 30 spaced apart a sufficient distance to intersect the slots 26 in the transverse straps 18 when the straps 13 and 18 are adjacent one another in mutually perpendicular fashion such as shown in FIG. 3.
The backstraps 13 are adapted for securement not only to the framework 12 but also to the dual shoulder straps 14. The shoulder straps 14 are made of the same preferably stamped sheet metal as the straps 13 and 18 and are originally shipped in a flat unbent condition. The lower end of each shoulder strap 14 is provided with two serially arranged bolts 38 which are rigid in relation to the strap so as to project outwardly from the outer surface of the strap and are located so as to register with the slots 30 in the vertical straps 13. The bolts 38 are externally threaded and each receives an internally threaded wing nut 42. The entire inner surface of the straps 13 is adhesively secured to a resilient foam strip 40.
In order to assemble the umbrella support 10, the shoulder straps 14, the vertical backstraps 13 and the framework 12 are suitably aligned so that the bolts 38 pass through the slots 26 and 30. The wing nuts 42 are then loosely applied on the bolts while the belt 16 is threaded through the loops 32. The umbrella support is now loosely secured to the user 15 by the belt 16 while the shoulder straps 14 are spaced apart one at a time by moving the bolt 32 in the slot 26. The proper amount of lateral spacing between shoulder straps is determined by aligning each strap with that portion of the user's shoulder which is sufficiently meaty to comfortably support a moderate weight for an extended period of time and which location, of course, varies from individual to individual. It is to be understood that because of the relationship of the slots 26 and 30 and the bolt 38, the vertical backstrap is carried with the shoulder strap when the latter is shifted laterally relative to the tube 20.
When the lateral spacing of the shoulder straps 14 is determined, the height of the tube 20 is adjusted in order to give an optimum height to the umbrella 22 supported thereby. The adjustment is made by sliding the bolt 38 of the shoulder strap 14 vertically in the slot 30 of the vertical backstrap 13. Such vertical movement will carry the framework 12 upwardly or downwardly therewith.
With the vertical placement of the umbrella carrying tube 20 as well as the horizontal spacing of the shoulder straps properly determined, the wing nuts 42 are tightened, the belt 16 is cinched, and the upper ends of the shoulder straps 14 are bent downwardly about the shoulders of the user 15 for a close conforming fit therearound.
A modification of the device is shown in FIG. 5 wherein the shoulder straps 14 and the vertical backstraps 13 have been combined into a unitary back and shoulder strap 60 having longitudinal slots 62 in the body of the strap. Slots 64 are provided in the foam strip 40' of a larger dimension than the slots 62 as to provide a bearing surface on the inside of the strap for the enlarged head of removable bolt 66.
The unitary strap 60 has a loop 32' and a lower resilient strip 34' and is used in conjunction with the belt 16 and framework 12 in a similar manner as the backstraps 13 and shoulder straps 14 of the preferred embodiment. Wing nuts 42' are threadably received on the bolts 66 which pass through the slots 62 and 26. Lateral spacing of the straps 60 is attained by moving the bolts 66 horizontally in the slots 26 while vertical adjustment of the framework 12 is achieved by moving the bolts 66 vertically in the slots 62.
As is evident from the foregoing, utilization of lightweight, easily flexible sheet material for the straps in the device not only allows a snug and tailored fit to the body contours of the user but also allows all of the major components whether disassembled or not, to be bent to assume a relatively flat configuration for easy storage or shipment when not in use. The provision of a simple nut and bolt as the securing means heightens the efficiency of the invention in permitting fast and easy assembly or disassembly of the support as well as maximum adjustability therein.
What has been set forth above is intended primarily exemplary to enable those skilled in the art in the practice of the invention and it should therefore be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced in other ways than as specifically described.