Rain protection umbrella

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/710,217, which was filed on 25 Jun. 2004.

The present invention relates to a rain protection device consisting of a lightweight waterproof material that attaches to an umbrella and a vertical stand, more particularly a rain protection device that provides full protection from environmental elements, such as wind, rain, snow, keeps the user dry, is foldable, and provides a clear view for the user.

Rainfall tends to make the simplest of tasks, such as walking or attending a ball game in an outside arena, very messy, complicated, and wet. Also, unbalanced forces of rain, falling in various directions, further complicate the goal of remaining dry.

Conventional umbrellas have long been popular devices to protect users from getting wet. Generally a conventional umbrella has a covering with arms expanding outward from a long supporting pole. The supporting pole supports the arms at a set space above a carrying handle when the umbrella is in an open arrangement. Although, conventional umbrellas provide some protection from the rain, often conventional umbrellas protect only the top third of the body from rainfall, thus causing the users lower body portion to become wet. As a result, the user becomes uncomfortable walking around in wet clothes and can suffer embarrassment once they reach their destination. Also, conventional umbrellas prove to often be problematic several directions.

Because conventional umbrellas encompass large surface areas, they tend to act similar to sails in the wind. The effect of such a design results in the user struggling with the umbrella in harsh weather. If the wind is strong, often a conventional umbrella will sway from side to side, as well as turn inside out. In the midst of such struggle the user becomes wet, thus defeating the purpose of using a conventional umbrella in the first place.

Raincoats are also employed for protection from the rain, yet such devices are often more expensive than conventional umbrellas. As the user develops and matures physically, raincoats often need to be replaced, which also adds to the expensive cost of such devices. Another drawback for raincoats includes the fact that a user must accompany a raincoat with an umbrella if they are carrying a purse or shopping bag, in order to provide protection to such items the raincoat is not covering. Thus, all the problems associated with umbrellas become problems for raincoat users as well. Another complication with using a conventional raincoat; is not raincoats are water proof, some coats are water resistant, thus users will get wet by some degree.

Raincoats fit tightly, especially if the user is wearing layers of clothes. Such a tight fit causes insufficient breathing room for user, and tends to make the user to feel sweaty and hot under the layers of clothing. Such conditions intensify when the raincoat is constructed of a plastic material. Similar to umbrellas, raincoats keep the top half of the body dry, while a user\'s legs often become soaking wet due to the lack of protection for the lower one third of the body. the best method to protect the users legs and bottom one third of their body. Yet, the user must put in time and energy to get in and out of such devices. Consequently, these devices are many times inconvenient.

Assortments of rain protection devices have been formed in an attempt to help users stay dry in the rain, yet each of these devices includes complications.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,336,817 issued to Rosella Shapiro on Jun. 29, 1982 shows a conventional umbrella device consisting of a conventional pocket or purse compartment to carry items such as money, credit cards, keys, etc. Yet, unlike the present invention, this device does not provide or increase full rain protection and is subject to many of the problems of conventional umbrella as explained previously.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,980,928 issued to Aileen Ellis on Jan. 1, 1991 shows a head and shoulder covering consisting of a cap and cape that forms an umbrella like weather protecting device. Yet, unlike the present invention the device does not provide full body and head water resistant protection from rain and it must be always used with a cap like attachment.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,924 issued to George G. Hansen on Sep. 24, 1991 shows an expandable tarpaulin assembly constructed of plastic or canvas material. Yet, unlike the present invention, such a device is used for large objects for example sport utility vehicles and trucks.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,595 issued to Eric John Vonderhorst on Sep. 9, 1997 shows a covering that forms a tent like structure for protection from insects. Yet, unlike the present invention, flying insects not falling rain. The fabric does not allow for any water-resistant or water proof protection from rain or other precipitation.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,147 issued to Barrington on Jul. 4, 1995 is a detachable cover for an umbrella, yet unlike the present invention it does not provide any enhanced protection from rain beyond that of a conventional umbrella.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,758 issued to Feldman on May 1, 2001 is a novelty umbrella for a child and unlike the present invention it is not versatile enough that it can be used for adults as well as children. Plus it does not provide any enhanced protection beyond that of a conventional umbrella.

U.S. Pat. No. Des. 390,696 issued to Bauman is an opaque umbrella with a transparent panel, but unlike the present invention it does not provide for lengthy, all around water-resistant protection for the user.

Thus there is a need for an invention that protects a user from getting wet in the rain, as well as other weather elements such as hail and snow, yet is inexpensive, easily stored/carried, gives guaranteed rain protection, all while providing sufficient breathing room.

The present invention improves upon the various previous methods of rain protection and cited patents by being simple to use, lightweight, convenient, portable, as well as possessing features that allow for comfortable air circulation and easy storage. pre-existing conventional umbrella. The vertical attachment shield is constructed of a lightweight material that does not permit rain to transmit or seep through the material. Such a material would also be able to reflect sunlight, thus providing sunscreen protection for the user when in use. The vertical attachment shield forms a canopy shape, when attached to a pre-existing umbrella via spring-loaded clips and small elastic nooses.

To operate, clips present along the upper rim of the vertical attachment shield, are attached to the end tips of a pre-existing umbrella, to form a cylinder canopy covering that provides optimal rain protection. Small nooses, also present along the upper rim of the vertical attachment shield, are attached to the end tips of the existing umbrella arms. Such an attachment keeps the clips from sliding up the arms and firmly secures the vertical shield attachment.