Umbrella Accessory Toppers for Visual Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large umbrellas, particularly in outdoor settings like beaches, parks, and hotels, are difficult to distinguish and identify due to their similar appearances, and they can be cumbersome to assemble, disassemble, and transport.
Innovation Solution
The development of umbrella accessories and adapters, including topper supports, adapters, and accessory toppers, which allow for easy coupling and decoupling of visual and functional elements such as windsocks, solar light globes, and flags, providing a means to differentiate and securely attach accessories to umbrellas, enhancing identification and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple umbrellas are used in outdoor settings, then shading coverage is improved, but difficulty in distinguishing and identifying individual umbrellas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by providing umbrellas with different colored toppers or accessories that serve as visual identifiers. Each umbrella can be distinguished by its unique color or color combination, allowing easy identification while maintaining the shading function. This resolves the contradiction by adding visual differentiation without affecting the area coverage.
2Ease of operation
If umbrellas are made portable and easy to disassemble, then ease of transport is improved, but assembly and disassembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the umbrella into modular components including the canopy, pole, and detachable topper/accessories. Each component can be independently assembled or disassembled, allowing easy transport while simplifying the overall assembly process through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating adjustable and detachable elements in the umbrella structure. The topper and accessories can be easily attached or removed based on user needs, providing dynamic adaptability that simplifies assembly/disassembly operations while maintaining structural integrity during use.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If accessories are permanently attached to umbrellas, then visual differentiation is improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by providing accessories with detachable attachment mechanisms that allow easy attachment and removal. The accessories can be securely attached when needed for visual differentiation or identification purposes, and easily removed when transport or storage is required, thus maintaining both visual differentiation and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a topper support having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the topper support is configured for operative coupling to an upper end of an umbrella. The second end is positioned above the upper end of the umbrella when the first end is coupled to the upper end of the umbrella. The second end of the topper support is configured for operative coupling to an accessory topper. A system includes an umbrella, an accessory topper, and a topper support. The topper support is configured for operatively coupling the accessory topper to the umbrella. A system includes an umbrella, an accessory topper, and an adapter. The adapter is configured for operatively coupling the accessory topper to the umbrella. A system includes an umbrella having an accessory topper as a permanent component of the umbrella.