Hands-free umbrella

Abstract

A hands free umbrella device comprised of a housing attached to the body of a user, including a surface for attachment; at least four ribs attached to said surface within said housing, such that when said ribs are deployed from said housing they extend over the user to form a frame work for a canopy-like overhead protective surface acting as an umbrella; a water-resistant material is attached to said ribs covering and connecting each of said ribs to form said canopy; a means for deploying said ribs, such that when the ribs are deployed said canopy is positioned above the users head covering an area around the entire diameter of the users standing body; and a means for collapsing said ribs, such that when the ribs are collapsed they fit within said housing; wherein the user has the use of both their hands while the device protects the user from precipitation and preserving visual access; and a related method for using the hands free umbrella device.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 61 / 202,795 filed Apr. 6, 2009, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a hands-free umbrella. In particular, the invention relates to an umbrella that is worn on the body of the individual, preferably within a backpack, that is easily deployed and collapsed with minimal use of the user's hands but requires no hands to hold in place so that the user's hands are free for other functions.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]When in use conventional umbrellas must be held in the hand of the user. This makes it difficult for individuals who are carrying packages, walking or holding children or pets, on crutches or using a cane. Holding an umbrella in these instances and other similar situations is impractical because the individual has no free hand to take out money or a bus token, carry a bottle of water, open a door, carry a shopping b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019]The user has the use of both their hands while protecting them from precipitation and preserving visual access.

[0022]The ribs are made of a durable and flexible plastic material which permits easy deployment and collapsing of the umbrella device. Other materials used include nylon, polyethelene, carbon fiber, aluminum, Kevlar, titanium or any other material with a high strength-to-weight ratio.

[0027]The umbrella device is deployed such that said ribs form a canopy positioned above the user's head covering an area around the entire diameter of the users standing body. The user has the use of both their hands while protecting them from precipitation and preserving visual access.

Problems solved by technology

This makes it difficult for individuals who are carrying packages, walking or holding children or pets, on crutches or using a cane.

Holding an umbrella in these instances and other similar situations is impractical because the individual has no free hand to take out money or a bus token, carry a bottle of water, open a door, carry a shopping bag, etc.

The device enables the user to be protected from the rain even while carrying parcels, speaking on a cell phone, making use of a cane or crutch, or anything else that would require continuous use of a hand and make carrying a standard umbrella impractical.

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