Weather forecasting umbrella

Abstract

A weather forecasting umbrella includes a display device in the umbrella's handle that provides a visual indication of the day's weather, such as the probability of precipitation. The display device may take the form of one or more lamps that emit a color, or flash at a varying rate, to indicate forecast weather conditions. The weather forecast that is displayed is preferably obtained using a wireless receiver built into the umbrella that receives data via a wireless paging or cell broadcast network. A display screen may be used to display forecasted information in more detail, including the likelihood of precipitation and/or the forecast high and low temperature for the day.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit of the filing date of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 763,861 filed on Jan. 31, 2006. [0002] This application is also a continuation in part of, and claims the benefit of the filing date of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 247,780 filed Sep. 19, 2002 and published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2003 / 0076369 on Apr. 24, 2003. Application Ser. No. 10 / 247,780 was a non-provisional of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 323,493, filed Sep. 19, 2001, Ser. No. 60 / 358,272, filed Feb. 20, 2002, and Ser. No. 60 / 398,648 filed Jul. 25, 2002. [0003] This application is also a continuation in part of, and claims the benefit of the filing date of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 149,929 filed on Jun. 10, 2005 which is a non-provisional of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 578,629 filed Jun. 10, 2004 and is a continuation in part of the above-noted U.S....

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0021] Thus, umbrella users can use either or both satellite and local forecasts to assist with informed decision as to whether or not an umbrella will provide utility in the short term. Embodiments of the present invention may integrate of these forecasting technologies into the actual umbrella such that the umbrella itself informs the user whether or not it is likely to provide utility in the near term. This removes the need for any external media to provide forecasting information. A quick look at the umbrella itself indicates whether or not it should be utilized.

Problems solved by technology

While some umbrellas are small and portable and can be reasonably stowed in a backpack, purse, or briefcase, even these compact umbrellas are sufficiently unwieldy that most people don't carry them continuously.

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