Stroller umbrella systems   

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/379,022, filed Sep. 1, 2010 which application is incorporated herein by reference.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of umbrellas and more specifically relates to a removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella for use with mobile seated devices.

2. Description of the Related Art

Baby strollers are devices for transporting and carrying infants between locations. Typically a stroller comprises a carriage with wheels and a handle for pushing and steering. Some strollers have canopy to protect the child from the elements. However, these strollers do not provide the necessary environmental protection for the individual pushing the carriage. Further, the individual pushing the stroller does not have a free hand readily available to hold an umbrella when unfavorable elements are present. The present canopies may not be movable to a suitable location to block environmental elements such as the sun, rain and other, thus the pusher must move the entire stroller or chair to a favorable location. This may also be true for wheelchairs and other seating devices.

An umbrella or parasol is a canopy designed to protect against rain or sunlight. The term parasol usually refers to an item designed to protect from the sun; umbrella refers to a device more suited to protect from rain. Umbrellas are almost exclusively hand-held portable devices; however, parasols can also be hand-held. This may not be convenient when the user doesn\'t have a free hand available.

Various attempts have been made to solve problems found in stroller umbrella art. Among these are found in: U.S. Pat. No. 4,919,379 to Kurt A. Goetz; U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,557 to Susan G. Maze; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,493,908 to Philip R Carter et al. This prior art is representative of umbrella shading means. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed.

Ideally, stroller umbrella systems should be user-friendly and, yet operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable umbrella covered stroller (or other mobile seating device) to protect the individual pushing the stroller from the elements and to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known stroller art, the present invention provides a novel stroller umbrella wherein the individual pushing the stroller (and the individual being pushed in a mobile seating device—wheelchair or the like) is sufficiently protected from the ambient environmental conditions. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide protection from the ambient environmental conditions.

The present invention, stroller umbrella systems, as disclosed herein, preferably comprises: a removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella serving to function as a water-resistant canopy to protect at least one occupant (and pusher); at least one hinged adjustable clamp comprising a ball and socket assembly, and a push button release mechanism located on a tube which permits the user to open and close the water-resistant canopy on demand.

The novel ball and socket assembly enables the occupant to adjust at least one orientation of the water-resistant canopy thereby blocking weather from the occupant (and pusher) from virtually any direction. The adjustable clamp may be located on the stroller for removably coupling the removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella to the stroller. Further, the adjustable clamp comprises a threaded rod and is hinged in preferred embodiments.

The removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella comprises a proximate end having the collapsible water-resistant canopy attached thereto and a tube terminating with a ball to form a distal end. The water-resistant canopy of removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella is held open by a plurality of expandable metal rods manipulated by the spring(s). Expandable metal rods are preferably connected via corresponding male and female fittings, which are designed to collapse and fold flat when not in use.

The removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella is manipulatably-swivelable about a node (point) within the ball and socket assembly. The umbrella also comprises a lightweight metal framework, a stretcher, a runner and at least one spring, with the stretcher, the runner and the spring working in conjunction with the lightweight metal framework allowing the (removably-attachable user-adjustable) umbrella to collapse and deploy.

The umbrella is removably-attachable to a push-handle on the stroller. The push-handle is preferably telescopic thereby allowing extension and/or retraction of the push-handle to a user-preferred height. Further, the umbrella is removably-attachable to a wheelchair, a shopping cart, a lawn chair, or a beach chair, and the like.

The ball and socket assembly comprises: the adjustable clamp located on a bottom side of the ball and socket assembly, a threaded protrusion, and a threaded cover having tightening lugs. The adjustable clamp is used to secure the ball and socket assembly to the stroller. The threaded protrusion receives the distal end of the removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella. The distal end terminates with the ball. The ball is rotatable within the ball and socket assembly. The rotation of ball provides a conical shaped movement envelope whereby the removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella may be moved as per user-preference. Additionally, the ball and socket assembly may comprise a packing for controlling movement of the ball.

The threaded cover is threadably-coupled to the threaded protrusion, tightened via the tightening lugs securing the distal end of the removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella within the ball and socket assembly thereby creating the node. In this way the umbrella is easily removable should the user wish to hold it and/or use it separate and apart from the stroller. Relative tightness of the threaded protrusion and the threaded cover creates a friction suitable to maintain the umbrella at a user-preferred orientation.

The node defines a pivot point. The pivot point is preferably located underneath the ball in the ball and socket assembly. The tube of the removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella terminates at the node, such that the ball and socket assembly when manipulated is able to determine a relative orientation of the removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella in relation to the occupant.

A kit is embodied herein for the stroller umbrella systems comprising: a removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella; a stroller (or the like); a ball and socket assembly; fasteners; and a set of user instructions.

In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention a preferred method of use is disclosed herein comprising: step one inserting/attaching a removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella onto a seating device via a hinged clamp; step two depressing a push button release mechanism to open a water-resistant canopy (located on removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella); step three adjusting an angle and position of the water-resistant canopy via the hinged clamp to protect an occupant of the seating device from weather conditions and elements; step four adjusting a height of the removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella via a telescoping handle; step five depressing the push-button release mechanism to close the water-resistant canopy when finished using removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella.

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a stroller umbrella system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, stroller umbrella systems, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating stroller umbrella systems in an ‘in-use’ condition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view illustrating the stroller umbrella systems in another ‘in-use’ condition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view illustrating a removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella of the stroller umbrella systems according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view illustrating an adjustable clamp comprising a ball and socket assembly of the stroller umbrella systems according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view illustrating another view of the adjustable clamp comprising a ball and socket assembly of the stroller umbrella systems according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the stroller umbrella systems according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-5.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a stroller device and more particularly to a stroller umbrella as used to improve the comfort of the stroller pusher.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-2 showing perspective views of stroller umbrella systems 100 in ‘in-use’ condition 106 and ‘in-use’ condition 206 according to embodiments of the present invention. Stroller umbrella systems 100 preferably comprises removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110 and adjustable clamp 120 thereby effectively eliminating the dangerous scenario of trying to maneuver a heavy infant stroller 150 while juggling a standard umbrella. Adjustable clamp 120 is located on stroller 150 for removably coupling removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110 to stroller 150. More specifically, adjustable clamp 120 is used to secure ball and socket assembly 130 to stroller 150 as shown and discussed below in FIGS. 4 & 5. Ball and socket assembly 130 preferably comprises ball 134 and socket 136. Additionally, stroller umbrella systems 100 may be produced in a myriad of attractive colors, as well as standard neutral hues.

Removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110 preferably serves to function as a water-resistant canopy 114 to protect at least one occupant 180, as shown, in ‘in-use’ condition 106 and ‘in-use’ condition 206. Removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110 may prove to enhance safety, allowing occupant 180 to focus their attention on infant 184, as opposed to the elements. Removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110 comprises a proximate end 112 having a collapsible water-resistant canopy 114 attached thereto and a tube 116 terminating with a ball 134 to form a distal end 118.

As shown and discussed in FIGS. 1-5, removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110 is shown removeably-attached to stroller 150 via adjustable clamp 120, however removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110 may also be easily secured to a handle of a wheelchair, shopping cart, beach chair, or anywhere else one might wish to enjoy the benefits of removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110.

Referring now to FIG. 3 showing perspective view of removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110 of stroller umbrella systems 100 according to embodiments of the present invention.

Removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110 preferably comprises a lightweight metal framework, a stretcher, a runner and at least one spring. The stretcher, the runner and the spring preferably work in conjunction with the lightweight metal framework allowing removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110 to collapse and deploy. Water-resistant canopy 114 of removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110 is preferably held open by plurality of expandable metal rods 320 manipulated by the spring(s). Expandable metal rods 320 are connected via corresponding male and female fittings, which are designed to collapse and fold flat when not in use.

Further, removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110 is removably-attachable to push-handle 310 on stroller 150. Push-handle 310 on removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110 is preferably telescopic thereby allowing extension and/or retraction of push-handle 310 (or in relation to push handle 310) to a user-preferred height thereby accommodating a wide range of heights of various sized occupant(s) 180.

Removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110 preferably further comprises push button release mechanism 330. Push button release mechanism 330 may be located on tube 116 which permits occupant(s) 180 to open and close water-resistant canopy 114 on demand.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-5 showing perspective views of adjustable clamp 120 comprising ball and socket assembly 130 of stroller umbrella systems 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Adjustable clamp 120 preferably comprising ball and socket assembly 130 and may be hinged as shown best in FIG. 4. Ball and socket assembly 130 may enable occupant(s) 180 to adjust at least one orientation of water-resistant canopy 114 thereby blocking weather from occupant(s) 180 from virtually any direction as shown best in FIGS. 4-5. Further, adjustable clamp 120 preferably comprises threaded rod as shown best in FIG. 5 such that clamp 120 can be adjusted between tightened and loosened conditions in relationship with push-handle 310.

Removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110 is preferably manipulatably-swivelable about node 138 within ball and socket assembly 130. Node 138 may define a pivot point. The pivot point is preferably located underneath ball 134 in ball and socket assembly 130. Further, tube 116 of removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110 terminates at node 138, such that ball and socket assembly 130 when manipulated is able to determine a relative orientation of removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110 in relation to occupant(s) 180 (or individual pushing.)

Ball and socket assembly 130 preferably comprises adjustable clamp 120 located on a bottom side of ball and socket assembly 130, a threaded protrusion in the form of threaded rod 500, and threaded cover 510 having tightening lugs 530 as shown best in FIG. 5. Threaded cover 510 is preferably threadably-coupled to threaded protrusion (threaded rod 500), tightened via tightening lugs 530 thereby securing distal end 118 of removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110 within ball and socket assembly 130 (thereby creating node 138.)

The relative tightness of threaded protrusion (threaded rod 500) and threaded cover 510 preferably creates a friction (with packing or inner surface of threaded cover 510 in relationship to ball 134 within ball and socket assembly 130) suitable to maintain removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110 at a user-preferred said orientation with threaded protrusion (threaded rod 500) receiving distal end 118 of removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110. Distal end 118 terminates with ball 134. Ball 134 preferably is rotatable within ball and socket assembly 130. Further, ball and socket assembly 130 may comprise a packing for controlling movement of ball 134. The rotation of ball 134 preferably provides a conically-shaped movement envelope 520 whereby removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110 may be moved as shown best in FIGS. 4 & 5.

Stroller umbrella systems 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-5 may comprise kit 540. Kit 540 may comprise the following parts: removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110; stroller 150; ball and socket assembly 130; fasteners if desired and a set of user instructions. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately.

FIG. 6. shows flowchart 650 illustrating method of use 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-5. A method of using (at least herein enabling method of use 600) stroller umbrella systems 100 may comprise the steps of: step one 601 inserting/attaching removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110 onto a seating device via adjustable clamp 120 (that may be hinged); step two 602 depressing push button release mechanism 330 to open water-resistant canopy 114 located on removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110; step three 603 adjusting an angle and position of water-resistant canopy 114 via adjustable clamp 120 to protect occupant 180 of the seating device from weather conditions and elements; step four 604 adjusting a height of removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110 via a telescoping push-handle 310; and step five 605 depressing push button release mechanism 330 to close water-resistant canopy 114 when finished using removably-attachable user-adjustable umbrella 110.

It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.