Improved umbrella

Abstract

Umbrellas with improvements that make the umbrella easier to control. The improvements include an edge of the umbrella canopy that presents a convex surface to the flow of air across the canopy and that also may direct the flow of air away from the underside of the canopy and away from the user of the umbrella, gutters for directing the flow of water on the canopy, spoilers for modifying the flowof air across the canopy, windsocks that release air pressure under the canopy by inflating, and canopies with streamlined shapes, including shapes that may be modified by the user or modify themselves in response to the flow of air.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This patent application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application 60 / 642,542, filed January 10, 2005, entitled "Improved Umbrella Design" by Steve Hollinger. The entire content of this provisional patent application is incorporated by reference into this patent application. [0003] Statement Concerning Initiating Research or Development on a Commonwealth-wide basis [0004] Not applicable [0005] Sequence Listing Reference [0006] Not applicable technical field [0007] The present invention relates generally to umbrellas, and more particularly to umbrellas having a canopy and a support structure that stabilizes the canopy against wind. Background technique [0008] A conventional umbrella consists of a cloth canopy generally symmetrical to the longitudinal plane; an umbrella shaft; a plurality of ribs extending radially from a central point on the canopy and extending to the perimeter of the canopy; ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

When the wind contacts a conventional canopy as shown at 575, the windward portion 577 presses inwards, flattening its positive curvature surface and ultimately increasing the pressure differential resistance

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