Umbrella With Removable Radio Handle

This invention relates to umbrellas which incorporate radio receivers in their handles.

The prior art has recognized the value of incorporating radio receivers within umbrella handles. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,683,270 to Taylor et al. discloses a radio receiver incorporated into the handle of an umbrella. Also, page 238 of the August 1981 Trade Power Catalogue discloses an umbrella having a solid-state radio built into the umbrella handle.

This invention includes improvements to these teachings.

The preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an umbrella and umbrella handle in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged back-side elevational view of the handle portion of the umbrella shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a further enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 3--3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the handle portion of the umbrella shown as removed from the umbrella shaft and worn by a user.

The following disclosure of the invention is submitted in compliance with the constitutional purpose of the Patent Laws "to promote the progress of science and useful arts" (Article 1, Section 8).

A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. In accordance with the invention, an umbrella 10 comprises a removable handle 12, a longitudinally elongated umbrella shaft 14 and a radially expandable canopy 16. Canopy 16 is connected to the first or upper end of shaft 14 while handle 12 operably engages the second or lower end of shaft 14.

Handle 12 is comprised of two interconnected halves 13, 15 which form an elongated handle body 14. The upper approximate one-half of body 18 includes a finger grip portion having separate finger troughs 20 formed along a defined handle front face 21. A handle rear face 23 is defined opposite front face 21. The upper portion of rear face 23 is rounded to comfortably accommodate the palm of a user's hand 19, with each of the user's fingers being received by one of the troughs 20 on front face 21. The finger grip portion defines a left handle face 25 and right handle face 27.

The lower approximate one-half of body 18 is substantially rectangular in shape and houses the majority of the components of a battery powered radio receiver. For purposes of this disclosure, the term radio receiver is intended to include any device for receiving broadcast electric impulses by way of electric waves without a connecting wire and reconverting such impulses into at least audible sound. Examples would be conventional radio or television. In the illustrated embodiment, a conventional solid-state, transistor radio receiver is housed at the lower portion of handle body 18. FIG. 3 illustrates a battery 29 housed within body 18 for powering the radio and a flashlight lamp to be described subsequently. A tuner control 24 and adjacent on-off/volume control 26 are provided on handle face 25 adjacent the bottom thereof. Earphones 28 are also provided and connect to an earphone jack 30 at the lower portion of handle front face 21. Alternately, a speaker could be provided in the handle itself. Where a TV were employed, the TV screen would typically be positioned on one of right or left body faces 25, 27.

Handle body halves 13, 15 as connected form a top handle opening 32 which communicates with an internal handle receptacle 34. Opening 32 and receptacle 34 are sized for slidably and removably receiving the lower end of umbrella shaft 14. Each of body halves 13, 15 includes inwardly projecting ribs 31 which extend to engage umbrella shaft 14 to provide positive support. Releasable locking means in communication with receptacle 34 is provided for engaging umbrella shaft 14 to lock the handle and shaft to one another.

In the illustrated embodiment, the releasable locking means includes a laterally oriented threaded opening 36 which is formed in right face 27 of body half 15. Opening 36 is recessed from right face 27 and extends to receptacle 34. A bolt 38 is threadably received by opening 36. The lower or handle end of umbrella shaft 14 includes a laterally oriented opening 40 in its outer surface into which handle bolt 38 extends, either slidably or threadably. Alternately (not shown), a hole within umbrella shaft 14 need not be formed and bolt 38 would function as a set screw by bearing against shaft 14. Engagement of bolt 38 within a hole 40 formed in shaft 14 is preferred to provide more positive locking of handle 12 relative to shaft 14.

A clip member 42 extends from right face 27 of handle 12 adjacent the finger grip portion. Clip 42 is secured to the handle by means of a bolt 48 which threads to body half 15. Removal of clip 42 by unthreading of bolt 48 exposes a removable battery compartment plate 51 for accessing battery 29. Clip 42 is adapted for engaging a portion of a garment worn by a user. This enables the handle with radio receiving means to be worn by a user when the umbrella shaft and handle are separated from one another. FIG. 4 illustrates handle 12 being clipped to a belt 50 of a user. Accordingly, the handle is able to function independently as a radio by the user apart from its function relative to an umbrella. For such, a removable plug 33 is provided for insertion into opening 32 to protect the opening from the elements.

In the illustrated embodiment, handle 12 is also configured to function as a flashlight. A focused or directional lamp 44 is positioned at the exterior of right handle face 27 just beneath and rearwardly of clip 42. It is operated by means of a switch 46 positioned beneath earphone jack 30 on front face 21. Battery 29 powers both lamp 44 and the radio receiver and amplifier.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, since the means and construction herein disclosed comprise a preferred form of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefor, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims, appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.