Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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MISTER-EQUIPPED UMBRELLA SYSTEM
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is
subject
to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile
reproduction
by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in
the Patent and
Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright
rights
whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the
present
invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided
herein is prior art, or
material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any
publication or
document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of umbrellas
and more
specifically relates to an improved multi-functional umbrella comprising a
mister having a
variably controllable and pivotal mist head.
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2. Description of the Related Art
[0002] Umbrellas are a handy and useful tool for protecting a user from
getting wet from
rain and precipitation, and for shielding a user from harmful rays emanating
from the sun.
People frequently carry with them an umbrella to be used in case of rain or on
hot and sunny
days. Since umbrellas are very commonplace in different societies, some people
like to
accessorize by carrying with them a fashionable or stylish umbrella.
Alternatively, some
people like to use umbrellas that provide other functions in addition to sun
blocking and
precipitation (rain) protection. Umbrellas may also have a variety of uses.
Parasols are often
used by beach goers and are planted in the sand to provide protection from the
sun while sun
bathing. Alternatively, many home owners enjoy sitting outside during the
daytime and
setting up a large umbrella to cover patio table or lawn chairs. There are
virtually limitless
uses for conventional umbrellas.
[0003] Many prior art umbrellas suffer from lack of durability. The
elements of the
weather as well as mechanical use or overuse have made existing umbrellas
usable for only
short periods of time. For example, problems with umbrella inversion, rusting
of the frame,
ripping of the material with strong gusts of wind, traction and retraction of
the metal parts
have reduced the longevity of the average umbrella. The embodiments described
herein aim
to provide a multi-functional and multi-purpose umbrella with increased
durability thus
allowing owners to enjoy the use of the umbrella longer than what is typical
for an umbrella.
It is also desirable to provide an umbrella that is aesthetically pleasing
which the
conventional versions do not. Exposure to the environment may lead to skin
cancers, diseases
associated with skin discoloration, blistering, pain which may be unpleasant
for many suffers.
It is desirable that exposure be minimized to avoid these health risks.
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[0004] Various
attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as
those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,886,759 to Okronick; 5,421,354 to Bolton;
6,682,000 to
Apple; 7,497,225 to Klein, Jr.; 7,104,270 to Peter Dong; 5,143,107 to Jean M.
Kelley; and
U.S. Pub. Nos. 2008/0179426 to Johnson; 2005/0161066 to Joen-Shen Ma;
2002/0078985 to
Fariss Fan; and 2008/0048051 to Chang. This prior art is representative of
multi-functional
umbrellas. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in
combination,
is seen to describe the invention as claimed.
[0005] Ideally,
a mister-equipped umbrella should provide a user with an easy to open,
easy to close (user-friendly), durable umbrella equipped with a mister
assembly and, yet
would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need
exists for a
reliable mister-equipped umbrella system to enable a user to variably select a
misting
function to receive a steady supply of mist while being protected from the
rays of the sun via
an umbrella canopy and to avoid the above-mentioned problems.
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BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In view
of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known umbrella art, the
present invention provides a novel mister-equipped umbrella system. The
general purpose of
the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail,
is to provide a
novel and durable umbrella comprising a mister assembly, an ergonomic handle,
and
possessing other unique characteristics for providing a user with optimal
protection from all
forms of precipitation and from harmful ultraviolet sun rays. Further, the
present invention
comprises an aesthetically appealing umbrella that may or may not be solar-
powered.
[0007] A mister-
equipped umbrella system as disclosed herein, in a preferred
embodiment, comprising an umbrella assembly having an umbrella shaft, a tube,
a runner, a
plurality of stretchers, a plurality of ribs each terminating in a tip, a
cover comprising at least
one UV coating, a handle (having an inner volume for storing batteries and an
outer surface
for gripping), a fluid reservoir, a pump, a tube, and at least one mister. The
umbrella shaft,
the tube, the runner, the stretchers, the plurality of ribs, the cover, and
the handle in
combination form a collapsible umbrella assembly. Further, the umbrella shaft,
the tube, the
runner, the cover, and the plurality of ribs of the umbrella assembly are
deployable from a
closed-collected condition to an open condition to shield a user from at least
one ambient
environmental condition.
[0008] The
mister in preferred embodiments may be mounted to the tube and the tube
may serve to provide fluid communication between the fluid reservoir and the
mister. The
mister may be battery-powered via the batteries, or alternatively may draw
power from a
solar power source. The mister is designed to provide an atomized-mist
(water¨preferably
deionized water, reverse osmosis water, to prevent calcium or mineral build up
on and in the
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various components) pumped from the fluid reservoir via the pump, whereby the
pump may
be powered via the batteries or via the solar powering means. The mister in
combination with
the umbrella assembly of the mister-equipped umbrella system provides moisture
about (on
or around) the user to dissipate heat in a hot ambient environmental
condition. The UV
coating on the cover of the umbrella assembly may further protect the user by
shielding
him/her from UV rays, thereby promoting a healthy lifestyle in its users.
[0009] The user
may deploy the collapsible umbrella assembly between a closed
condition and an open condition in a conventional umbrella-opening manner by
sliding a
runner from a down-position to an up-position. Once the runner is manipulated
into an up-
position, the runner may lock into place via a first locking mechanism. The
runner may be
connected to a distal end of the plurality of ribs. The sliding motion opens
up the cover by
extending ribs of the cover outwardly. The collapsible umbrella assembly may
be
manipulated from an open condition to a closed condition by squeezing in the
first locking
mechanism and moving the runner from an up-position to a down-position. Once
the runner
has been manipulated into a down-position it may lock into place via a second
locking
mechanism. Squeezing the fastener again on the runner may allow for the
movement of the
runner from a down-position to an upward position. The various parts
preferably comprise
anti corrosive metal such as aluminum or the like (or non-metal such as
plastic or the like)
and may also further comprise a lining having an anti rust coating.
[00010] The mister-equipped umbrella further comprises a mister assembly, as
previously
indicated. The mister assembly generally comprises a fluid reservoir, a pump,
a tube, and a
mister head. The fluid reservoir comprises a canister for storing fluid, such
as water which
may comprise insulation means. The pump delivers the fluid via the tube to the
mister head.
In a preferred embodiment, the mister head comprises more than one misting
option. For
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example, mister head comprises options for delivering a single spritz or an
incremental (or
non-incremental) mist spray. In use, the user may select one of the misting
options via
operating buttons on a handle of the umbrella. The mister may be manipulated
to spray in
various patterns and in various quantities. In another embodiment, the mister-
equipped
umbrella may comprise an integrated cooler for cooling the fluid. In such a
manner, the user
may enjoy a steady supply of cool mist on a hot and sunny day.
[00011] Certain embodiments may comprise a digital clock with or without an
illuminating means such that time may be displayed. A calendar may also be
incorporated. A
digital interval time indicator/interval selector/timer can allow the
individual to select the
time interval to which the mister is activated for mist dispensing. This timer
may have the
ability to digitally display the countdown till mist dispensing. The
indicator/ interval selector
/timer may be powered by a separate battery and or solar panel or solar film.
[00012] The umbrella of the present invention may also comprise inversion
prevention.
Each canopy layer of the spiraled umbrella preferably overlaps and extends
outwardly far
enough to prevent rain from entering during a strong gust of wind when
present. This
mechanism along with a combination mesh/flap assembly located concentrically
along the
spiraled gaps provides support to the umbrella frame and serves to prevent
inversion episodes
during a windy environment. The flaps may be flat during normal conditions,
but to prevent
umbrella inversion may expand to allow optimal airflow of air trapped inside
of the umbrella
canopy. The flaps may connect the upper layer of the umbrella canopy to the
middle layer.
The lower flap may connect the middle layer of the umbrella to the lower layer
of the canopy.
The flaps are expandable in strong gusts of wind and expand in order to allow
the trapped air
inside the umbrella to escape. The stitching of the flaps allows the flaps to
function in this
way. The flaps may be stitched in one direction for the upper vent. The middle
vent may be
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stitched in the opposing direction for added strength. The lower vent may be
stitched in the
same direction as the upper vent. This stitching may allow for the canopy to
add strength to
the umbrella frame and prevents the canopy from separating from the umbrella
frame in sheer
load. There may be 1, 2, or 3 vents, as desired by the manufacturer. The sun
sensitive color
change material may be stitched above and below the vents in a spiral fashion
to add
elegance.
[00013] The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a
mister-
equipped umbrella system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain
aspects,
advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It
is to be
understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in
accordance with any
one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be
embodied or carried
out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of
advantages as taught
herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or
suggested herein.
The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly
pointed out and
distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and
other features,
aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood
with
reference to the following drawings and detailed description.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00014] The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification
illustrate
embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, mister-equipped
umbrella
system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present
invention
[00015] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view illustrating a mister-equipped
umbrella in use
shielding a user from getting wet with rain according to an embodiment of the
present
invention.
[00016] FIG. 1B shows a perspective illustrating the mister-equipped umbrella
in use
protecting a user from harmful ultraviolet rays while providing the user with
a steady and
cooling mist spray via a mister according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[00017] FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating the mister-equipped
umbrella in an
open-condition according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A
and 1B.
[00018] FIG. 2B is a perspective view illustrating the mister-equipped
umbrella in a
closed-condition according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS.
1A and 1B.
[00019] FIG. 3 is an exploded view illustrating the mister-equipped umbrella
integrally
comprising a fluid pump and a power source according to an embodiment of the
present
invention of FIGS. 1A and 1B.
[00020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a mister head enabling
varying mist spray
capabilities according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A-
1B and 3.
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[00021] FIGS. 5A-5D shows perspective views of various uses of the mister-
equipped
umbrella according to alternative embodiments of the present invention.
[00022] FIG. 6 is an underside perspective view illustrating the mister-
equipped umbrella
according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A-1B.
[00023] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view illustrating venting to prevent
inversion as used
on the mister-equipped umbrella according to an embodiment of the present
invention of
FIGS. 1A-1B.
[00024] FIG. 8A is a side perspective view the mister-equipped umbrella as
used with a
backpack according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A-1B.
[00025] FIG. 8B is a perspective view the mister-equipped umbrella according
to an
embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1A-1B and FIGS. 5A-5D.
[00026] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of use according to an
embodiment of
the present invention of FIGS. 1A-8B.
[00027] The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be
described in
conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like
elements.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00028] As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a
mister-
equipped umbrella system and more particularly to a mister-equipped umbrella
to shield a
user from precipitation, to provide protection from harmful UV rays, and to
allow a user to
activate a mister having a variable-spray mist head to cool the user on a hot,
sunny day.
[00029] Referring now to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown
in FIGS.
1A and 1B, mister-equipped umbrella system 100 in an 'in-use' condition 150
according to
an embodiment of the present invention. Mister-equipped umbrella system 100
comprises
mister-equipped umbrella 102 which generally may comprise mister 110, handle
115,
umbrella shaft 125, and cover 130. Handle 115 may comprise a grip for user 140
to hold
mister-equipped umbrella 102. Umbrella shaft 125 may comprise a cylindrical
shaped,
hollow rod which may connect cover 130 to handle 115. In one embodiment,
umbrella shaft
125 comprises durable, water-proof plastic. The durable, water-proof plastic
material of
umbrella shaft 125 may enable longer use of mister-equipped umbrella 102,
while
maintaining a light-weight for ease-of-use for user 140. The water-proof
plastic may further
prevent rusting from precipitation during 'in-use' condition 150. It should be
appreciated that
other suitably equivalent materials may be used and yet remain within the
scope of this
disclosure of the present invention.
[00030] As shown in FIG. 1A, user 140 may hold mister-equipped umbrella 102
via
handle 115 such that user 140 is directly underneath cover 130. In such a
manner, user 140
may be shielded from getting wet by rain 120 or other precipitation in an
outdoor
environment.
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[00031] Referring now to FIG. 1B, illustrating mister-equipped umbrella system
100 in an
'in-use' condition 150. As shown, mister-equipped umbrella 102 may be used to
protect user
140 from harmful UV rays 162 emitted by sun 160. In a preferred embodiment of
the present
invention, cover 130 may comprise a durable, water-proof cloth-like material.
Cover 130 may
further comprise a UV coating on both a top-side and an under-side of cover
130 to provide
user 140 with additional protection from UV rays 162. UV coating may be
sprayed (dipped or
otherwise treated with) on both sides (top and under) of the device. This
coating protects both
user 140 and cover 130 from degradation, thereby promoting longevity and cost-
effectiveness
in-use. Further, mister-equipped umbrella 102 may comprise mister 110 for
spraying mist
180. Mist 180 may provide user 140 with a cool misting spray on a hot, sunny
day for
additional comfort during use, as shown in FIG. 1B.
[00032] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrating mister-equipped umbrella
system 100
comprising mister-equipped umbrella assembly 200. FIG. 2A shows mister-
equipped
umbrella 102 in open condition 260 and FIG. 2B shows mister-equipped umbrella
102 in
closed condition 280. Velcro fasteners may be stitched into the fabric for
closing mister-
equipped umbrella 102 or a button cloth to secure umbrella when closed. Mister-
equipped
umbrella 102 may comprise mister-equipped umbrella assembly 102 which may
generally
comprise mister 110, handle 115, cover 130, stretchers 205, ribs 210, fluid
reservoir 215,
runner 220, and operating buttons 230. Runner 220 may comprise a circular-
shaped disk
which may be connected to stretchers 205 and ribs 210.
[00033] Ribs 210 may comprise inter-connected metal (or non-metal) spokes and
may
vary in lumen size. Further, stretchers 205 may be activated for extension by
an electrical
current via operating buttons 230. Once activated by user 140, ribs 210 expand
until fully
expanded. Another embodiment for some umbrella types may have a separate
button for
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automatic positioning of mister 110. Mister 110 may have the ability to be
positioned up,
down, left or right by the touch of a four arrow/four position button that
allows mister 110 to
swivel upon its hinge.
[00034] In embodiments of the present invention, user 140 may transition
mister-equipped
umbrella 102 from closed condition 280 to open condition 260 by manually
sliding runner
220 from a down position along umbrella shaft 125 to an up position. In such a
manner,
stretchers 205 comprising ribs 210 will cause cover 130 to be deployed, as
best shown in
FIG. 2A. Respectively, when user 140 wishes to close mister-equipped umbrella
102, user
may manually slide runner 220 from the up position to the down position. In
such a manner,
stretchers 205 will cause cover 130 to become retracted. Alternatively and
preferably, user
140 may open and close mister-equipped umbrella 102 via operating buttons 230.
In such a
manner, user 140 may press operating button 230 which may cause mister-
equipped umbrella
102 to open, and user 140 may press operating button 230 which may cause
mister-equipped
umbrella 102 to close.
[00035] Handle 115 may comprise handle grip 225 providing an ergonomic
gripping
surface for user 140 to comfortably grip handle 115 during 'in-use' condition
150. In some
embodiments of the present invention, handle 115 may comprise rubber so that
it
advantageously provides a stronger grip to user 140 of mister-equipped
umbrella 102 thereby
allowing greater security during windy, rainy, or a combination of windy and
rainy
conditions. Further, handle 115 may be constructed of an insulating rubber
that may allow for
insulating and grounding in the event of an electrical shock, such as a
lighting strike. On one
embodiment of the present invention, handle 115 may comprise operating buttons
230 which
may be used by user 140 to operate mister 110. Alternatively, operating
buttons 230 may be
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located along umbrella shaft 125 just above handle 115. The rubber handle is
durable and will
not melt with higher temperatures.
[00036] In still referring to FIGS 2A and 2B, a first button of operating
buttons 230 of
mister-equipped umbrella 102 may deploy the traction and retraction of mister-
equipped
umbrella 102 between open condition 260 and closed condition 280. A second
button of
operating buttons 230 may be pressed by user 140 to release mist 180 from
mister 110. In
another embodiment of the present invention, operating buttons 230 may
comprise a third
button which may allow for height adjustment mister-equipped umbrella 102 by
sliding cover
130 up and down along a track thereby raising or lowering cover 130 providing
a variable
height umbrella that may meet the height needs of user 140 comprising varying
heights.
While the embodiments described herein use the form "first", "second", and
"third", it may
be appreciated by those in the art that additional embodiments may include any
number of
operating buttons 230 providing some of the functionality of the buttons
described herein. For
example one operating button 230 may be used for mist dispensing control means
or a third
setting may be for continuous and a fourth setting comprising a deactivation
of mister 110.
[00037] Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrating exploded view 300 of mister-
equipped
umbrella system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of
FIG. 1A and
1B. As shown, mister-equipped umbrella system 100 comprises mister-equipped
umbrella
assembly 200. Mister-equipped umbrella 102 may comprise umbrella shaft 125
which may
integrally comprise tube 305 and fluid pump 310. Tube 305 may comprise a
flexible hose
which may provide fluid communication between fluid reservoir 215 holding
fluid 312 and
mister 110. Fluid pump 310 may comprise a pump for providing a pressurized
means
(hydraulic force) for delivering fluid 312 to mister 110 via tube 305.
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[00038] In continuing to refer to FIG. 3, handle 115 may integrally comprise
battery
compartment 325. Battery compartment 325 may comprise a housing for holding
batteries
328. In one embodiment, batteries 328 may comprise at least two AA batteries.
Batteries 328
may serve to provide power to operating buttons 230 which may control fluid
pump 310,
mister 110, and deploying and retracting cover 130 of mister-equipped umbrella
102.
[00039] Further, it should be appreciated that cover 130 of mister-equipped
umbrella 102
may comprise UV coating 320, as shown in FIG. 3. UV coating 320 may comprise a
surface
treatment to cover 130 of mister-equipped umbrella 102 which may be cured by
ultraviolet
radiation to protect material of 130 from harmful effects caused by UV rays
162. UV coating
320 may be formulated up to 100% solids so that they have no volatile
component that
contributes to pollution. UV coating 320 may be applied to cover 130 via most
conventional
industrial coating applications as well as by silkscreen. Preferably, UV
coating 320 may be
applied to both a top side and an underside of cover 130 preferably via a
water-borne
formulation that is environmentally friendly.
[00040] In an embodiment of mister-equipped umbrella 102, cover 130 may
comprise
photochromic material sensitive to sunlight intensity. In such a manner, the
photochromic
material may enable cover 130 to be temperature sensitive and allow for color
changes and
design appearance to change based on outdoor temperatures a novel and
appealing feature for
umbrella users. When sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) radiation is applied to
cover 130, the dye
becomes excited and the molecular structure is changed allowing a specific
color to appear.
For example, when UV rays 162 strikes cover 130, cover 130 may change to the
color yellow
(Asian yellow), an especially desirable color to oriental persons, persons
whom also have an
affinity to use of umbrellas, but who do not prefer black since it is dull and
may hold negative
cultural significance as a color. This photochromic material may be stitched
in certain
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locations on the canopy (cover 130) (such as in a spiral direction) or may
cover the entire
canopy with one or more color changing photochromic colors.
[00041] When the stimulus from UV rays 162 is removed, the dye will return to
a state of
rest, which is its colorless form such that it may return to a specified
initial (unexcited
condition) color such as green (or other preferred color) for example. In
addition, cover 130
comprising photochromic material may allow individuals to have standard
designs or allow
user(s) 140 to add personal designs to mister-equipped umbrella 102. It should
be appreciated
that photochromic material of cover 130 may turn a variety of colors according
to a limited
color spectrum based upon preference of user 140.
[00042] Fluid reservoir 215 may comprise a plurality of threads such that
fluid reservoir
215 is readily removably attachable to mister-equipped umbrella 102 such that
it may be
filled with ease and re-installed for use. Mister-equipped umbrella assembly
200 may
additionally comprise mister installation assembly 400 comprising fluid pump
310, tube 305,
and mister 110. Mister 110 may comprise mister head 410 having a variable mist
control for
providing at least two different mist settings (fine / course spray) of mister
110. Other mist
settings may be achieved when angles are changed (via rotation) such that
spray is caused to
collide, to run parallel or the like. In certain embodiments the fluid
reservoir 215 is fixed and
non-removable with a screw cap for introducing fluid 312 such that it is not
easily broken as
in removable versions. In this particular embodiment the umbrella frame and
fluid reservoir
215 are securely connected and are continuous as one piece, to prevent
breakage from the
reservoir/stem assembly.
[00043] In an embodiment of the present invention, mister-equipped umbrella
102 may
comprise a specialized handle-locking device which may secure mister-equipped
umbrella
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102 in place. Further, mister-equipped umbrella 102 may comprise a cooling
mechanism. The
cooling mechanism may cool fluid 312 dispensed by mister 110. As shown best in
FIG. 2A,
mister-equipped umbrella 102 may comprise fluid reservoir 215 for storing
fluid 312.
Preferably, fluid 312 comprises water. Alternatively, fluid 312 may comprise
(non-toxic) gel,
cooling polymer, or other suitable cooling material and may comprise additives
that deter
rusting/corrosion and mineral buildup to prevent clogging. A transparent water
level indicator
on water reservoir 215 can show when the water level to be added. This can be
a simple
indicator such as how an iron shows the water level or can more complex such
as a light
signal when the water level is low, and filling is required when mister 110 is
activated for
use.
[00044] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, mister-equipped
umbrella
102 may comprise a supporting compartment which may allow user 140 to store
personal
items in mister-equipped umbrella 102 while traveling. The supporting
compartment may
comprise a hollowed out area within umbrella shaft 125 or multiple pouches
located within
the outer surface of the canopy (cover 200). This pouch or series of multiple
pouches, may
serve as a water-resistant/water-proof compartment for storage of small
lightweight items.
This pouch may have a button or velco fastener and may be expandable.
[00045] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, mister-equipped
umbrella 102
may comprise a plurality of fans (not shown); however this version isn't
preferred due to the
additional power requirements. The fans may provide an additional cooling
means for user
140 in addition to mister 110. The plurality of fans may be attached to
umbrella shaft 125 and
may receive operating power from batteries 328 or from a solar power source.
The solar
powering source may comprise a photovoltaic module installed to an outer
portion of
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umbrella shaft 125 whereby the photovoltaic module may draw solar energy from
sun 160 to
operate the fans.
[00046] In a further alternate embodiment of mister-equipped umbrella system
100,
mister-equipped umbrella 102 may comprise an attachment to attach mister-
equipped
umbrella 102 to a back pack or nap sack (shown in FIG. 8A). In such a manner,
mister-
equipped umbrella 102 may provide hands-free protection to user 140 from at
least one
ambient condition while further providing user 140 with mist 180 from mister
110. This
embodiment may provide user 140 with a convenient, hands-free mister-equipped
umbrella
102 while carrying personal effects in the back pack or nap sack. In this way
the present
invention may be hands-free permitting user 140 to read or the like while
walking.
[00047] Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrating a perspective view of mister
installation
assembly 400 of mister-equipped umbrella system 100 according to an embodiment
of the
present invention of FIGS. 1A and 1B.
[00048] As shown, mister installation assembly 400 may comprise mister 110
comprising
mister head 410, and ball and socket 415. In one embodiment, mister head 410
is located at
an upper portion of umbrella shaft 125 and may be in electrical communication
via electronic
cables (not shown). As shown, mister head 410 may be threadably inserted into
a ball
component of ball and socket 415. Further, a socket component of ball and
socket 415 may
be connected to tube 305. In such a manner, mister head 410 may be in fluid
communication
with fluid reservoir 215 via pressurized force applied by fluid pump 310.
Further, mister head
410 may be pivotable via ball and socket 415 (or other suitably equivalent
pivoting means)
such that user 140 may manually adjust mister 110 to a user-preferred
orientation during use
of mister-equipped umbrella 102. For example in windy conditions user 140 may
direct mist
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180 forwardly such that mist 180 (water) sprays on user 140 when the wind is
blowing in
calm conditions user 140 may direct mister head 410 directly onto his/her
person.
[00049] In continuing to refer to FIG. 4, mister head 410 may comprise outer
face 425 and
inner face 430. Outer face 425 and inner face 430 may be joined together
(slidably-coupled in
relation to each other) to providing various settings of mist 180. In one
setting, user 140 may
manually manipulate outer face 425 to provide for single spritz 460. In
another setting, user
140 may manually manipulate outer face 425 to provide for mist spray 465.
Alternatively,
user 140 may manually manipulate outer face 425 for closed spray 470 thereby
ceasing
operations of mister 110. User 140 may manipulate mister head 410 by turning
outer face 425
clockwise and counter-clockwise with respect to inner face 430. This feature
in conjunction
with use of operating buttons 230 permits user 140 to set the device to
provide mist at a
comfortable pace/volume/location. Mister(s) 110 may be present above runner
305 when the
umbrella canopy is in a fully expanded position. This strategic position
prevents damage to
mister assembly 400 and hoses during umbrella assembly 102 opening and
closing. When
umbrella assembly 102 fully collapses, the movement of the canopy touching
mister 110 will
allow for mister 110 to fold inward and in parallel or almost in parallel to
tube 220 (umbrella
stem) on its pivotal hinge preventing mister 110 from piercing through cover
200.
[00050] In one embodiment of the present invention, mister-equipped umbrella
102 may
comprise a rheostat to select misting intensity. The rheostat may comprise a
two-terminal
variable resistor for varying resistance in power supplied to fluid pump 310.
In such a
manner, user 140 may adjust the intensity and the frequency of mister 110 to
receive a user-
preferred mist 180 during 'in-use' condition 150, as shown in FIG. 1B.
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[00051] Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5D, and 8A-8B illustrating various hands-
free uses of
mister-equipped umbrella system 100. As shown in FIG. 5A, mister-equipped
umbrella 102
may be installed to furniture 502, such as patio table 500. In such a manner,
mister-equipped
umbrella 102 may be provide a stationary canopy which may be enjoyed by user
140 sitting
in a backyard of his or her home on a hot, sunny day. User 140 may activate
mister 110 of
mister-equipped umbrella 102 to enjoy a cooling sensation provided by mist
180. Motors may
be used to power this specific embodiment and a plurality of misters 110 can
be moved
(manipulated) to direct onto various users 140. Misters 110 can be fixed in
place via a hinge
and the direction can be up, down, side to side. FIG. 8A is a side perspective
view of mister-
equipped umbrella assembly 102 as used on backpack embodiment 800 with
backpack
attacher 810 in 'in-use' condition 850 according to an embodiment of the
present invention of
FIGS. 1A-1B. FIG. 8B shows mister-equipped umbrella chair 860. Mister-equipped
umbrella chair 860 comprises furniture 502 as do the items shown in FIGS. 5A-
5D.
[00052] In referring now to FIG. 5B, illustrating how mister-equipped umbrella
102 may
be threaded via spirals or otherwise attached to a rear portion of golf cart
510 via golf cart
attacher 512. In such a manner, cover 130 of mister-equipped umbrella 102 may
provide user
140 of driving golf cart 510 with additional protection from sun 160 while
spraying a steady
mist 180 to occupants within golf cart 510 while driving around a golf course.
In this
application operating button 230 may be pressed once for single spray; twice
for intermittent;
three times for continuous (may also be this way for patio versions).
Operating button 230
may be pressed once more for 'off'.
[00053] In referring now to FIG. 5C, illustrating how mister-equipped umbrella
102 may
be attached to golf bag 520 via golf bag attacher 522. In such a manner, user
140 carrying
golf bag 520 may enjoy additional protection from sun 160 while being
comforted by mist
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180 from mister 110. Furthermore, cover 130 of mister-equipped umbrella 102
may prevent
golf clubs from getting too hot from sun 160, thereby prolonging the life of
the golf clubs
while keeping them cool for use by user 140.
[00054] In referring now to FIG. 5D, illustrating mister-equipped umbrella 102
comprising parasol 530 for use by user 140 comprising a sunbather while laying
on beach
535. In such a manner, parasol 530 may be inserted into sand from beach 535
such that
parasol 530 is supported in an upright position. User 140 may then rest
underneath cover 130
of parasol 530 and enjoy a steady mist 180 from mister 110. This may help keep
user 140
cool and comfortable while soaking in sun 160 on beach 535. Certain
embodiments may be
connected to a stationary pressurized water source such as a hydrant.
[00055] Cover 130 preferably comprises UV coating 320 on a top-side of cover
130, cover
130 further comprising a second UV coating 320 on an underside of cover 130
providing
redundant protection from UV rays 162, whereby a top-side of co cover 130 may
be treated
with a photochromic dye. The photochromic dye may change colors according to a
limited
color spectrum as a result of a temperature change which may also find
usefulness in
advertising for example changing from yellow to blue that may be the colors of
a suntan
spray for example.
[00056] FIG. 6 is an underside perspective view illustrating umbrella assembly
102
according to a non-invertible cover assembly 600 embodiment of the present
invention of
FIGS. 1A-1B. Screw cap 610 is shown as attached to fluid reservoir 215.
[00057] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view illustrating venting (vents 705) to
prevent
inversion as used on umbrella assembly 102 according to an embodiment of the
present
invention of FIGS. 1A-1B. There may be 1, 2, or 3 vents 705, as desired by the
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manufacturer; vents 705 designed to prevent inversion as discussed previously.
UV coating
320 is also indicated.
[00058] Referring now to FIG. 9, illustrating flowchart 950 comprising method
of use 900
of mister-equipped umbrella system 100 according to an embodiment of the
present
invention.
[00059] Method of use 900 may comprise the steps of: step one 901 opening
mister-
equipped umbrella 102 by sliding runner 220 from a down position to an up
position along
umbrella shaft 125 thereby deploying cover 130; step two 902 setting a misting
pattern and a
misting frequency of mister 110; step three 903 activating mister 110 via
operating buttons
230; and step four 904 closing mister-equipped umbrella 102 by sliding runner
220 from the
up-position to the down-position thereby retracting cover 130.
[00060] It should be noted that upon performing step four 904 of closing
mister-equipped
umbrella 102, mister 110 will shut off automatically via a shutoff lever. In
such a manner,
mister 110 will never release mist 180 when in closed condition 280.
[00061] It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use
can be carried
out in many different orders according to user preference. Upon reading this
specification, it
should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as
design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural
requirements,
available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use
arrangements such as,
for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or
addition of certain
steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be
sufficient.
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[00062] The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and
numerous
modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to
achieve
substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced
within the spirit and
scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to
enable the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the
scientist, engineers
and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms
or phraseology, to
determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the
technical
disclosure of the application.
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