PORTABLE UMBRELLA TOWELL

Abstract

and an umbrella towel. The umbrella has a shaft; a hub attached to one end of the shaft; a plurality of braces distributed circumferentially around and pivotally coupled to the hub; a canopy coupled to the plurality of braces; a slider mechanism selectively movable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft; and, a plurality of stays attached to the slider mechanism, wherein the plurality of stays operatively couple the slider mechanism to the braces. The umbrella towel has at least a first anchor strap attached to the umbrella towel; at least a first towel anchor attached to the plurality of braces; a split formed in the umbrella towel; and, a closure mechanism for opening and closing the split. The anchor strap and the towel anchor allow the umbrella towel to be selectively attached to the umbrella.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 60/942,268, titled PORTABLE UMBRELLA TOWEL, filed Jun. 6, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference.

I. BACKGROUND

[0002]A. Field of Invention

[0003]This invention pertains to the art of methods and apparatuses regarding umbrellas and more specifically to methods and apparatuses regarding an improved umbrella construction employing an integral device for removing excess moisture from the umbrella following use of the umbrella.

[0004]B. Description of the Related Art

[0005]The present invention relates generally to the structure of an umbrella of the type normally used to protect persons against weather conditions. In the general construction of umbrellas of the type to which the present invention relates, a stick or main umbrella shaft has attached at one end thereof a handle that carries at its other end a hub from which a plurality of ribs or metallic braces of a generally flexible material extend in a radial direction from the longitudinal axis of the umbrella stick or main shaft. The plurality of ribs are generally circumferentially distributed about the hub of the umbrella and they are pivotally supported thereby at the end of the stick. A slider mechanism, which is movable longitudinally on the stick, may be operated to open and close the canopy of the umbrella, which is attached to the plurality of ribs. The slider mechanism has attached thereto stays that are linked between the slider mechanism and the plurality ribs whereby the plurality of ribs may be moved from a position extending generally parallel to the umbrella stick when the umbrella is closed to a position outstanding radially from the stick to open the umbrella and to extend the canopy thereof.

[0006]This type of umbrella design conforms generally to conventional approaches to the manufacture of an umbrella where all of the ribs are of the same length thereby resulting in an umbrella canopy that has a generally circular peripheral configuration. That is, the area which may be covered by such an umbrella when in use generally comprises a circular pattern.

II. SUMMARY

[0007]According to one embodiment of the invention, a device has an umbrella and an umbrella towel. The umbrella has a shaft; a hub attached to one end of the shaft; a plurality of braces distributed circumferentially around and pivotally coupled to the hub; a canopy coupled to the plurality of braces; a slider mechanism selectively movable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft; and, a plurality of stays attached to the slider mechanism, wherein the plurality of stays operatively couple the slider mechanism to the braces. The umbrella towel has at least a first anchor strap attached to the umbrella towel; at least a first towel anchor attached to the plurality of braces; a split formed in the umbrella towel; and, a closure mechanism for opening and closing the split. The anchor strap and the towel anchor allow the umbrella towel to be selectively attached to the umbrella.

[0008]According to another embodiment of the invention, a device has an umbrella and an umbrella towel. The umbrella has a shaft; a hub attached to one end of the shaft; a plurality of braces distributed circumferentially around and pivotally coupled to the hub; a canopy coupled to the plurality of braces; a slider mechanism selectively movable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft; and, a plurality of stays attached to the slider mechanism, wherein the plurality of stays operatively couple the slider mechanism to the braces. The umbrella towel has at least a first anchor strap attached to the umbrella towel; at least a first towel anchor attached to the plurality of braces; a split formed in the umbrella towel; and, a closure mechanism for opening and closing the split. The anchor strap and the towel anchor allow the umbrella towel to be selectively attached to the umbrella. The at least a first anchor strap has an elastic band having a ringlet; and, the at least a first towel anchor has an aperture formed in one of the plurality of braces and an s-hook. The umbrella towel is selectively attached to the umbrella by inserting a first end of the s-hook through the aperture and a second end of the s-hook through the ringlet.

[0009]According to another embodiment of the invention, a device has an umbrella and an umbrella towel. The umbrella has a shaft; a hub attached to one end of the shaft; a plurality of braces distributed circumferentially around and pivotally coupled to the hub; a canopy coupled to the plurality of braces; a slider mechanism selectively movable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft; and, a plurality of stays attached to the slider mechanism, wherein the plurality of stays operatively couple the slider mechanism to the braces. The umbrella towel has at least a first anchor strap attached to the umbrella towel; at least a first towel anchor attached to the plurality of braces; a split formed in the umbrella towel; and, a closure mechanism for opening and closing the split. The anchor strap and the towel anchor allow the umbrella towel to be selectively attached to the umbrella. The at least a first anchor strap has an elastic band having a ringlet; and, the at least a first towel anchor has an aperture formed in one of the plurality of braces and an s-hook. The umbrella towel is selectively attached to the umbrella by inserting a first end of the s-hook through the aperture and a second end of the s-hook through the ringlet. The closing of the closure mechanism while the anchor strap is selectively attached to the towel anchor causes the umbrella towel to be stretched and at least partially assists in allowing the umbrella towel to eliminate any fluid collection in the umbrella towel.

[0010]According to another embodiment of the invention, a device has an umbrella and an umbrella towel. The umbrella has a shaft; a hub attached to one end of the shaft; a plurality of braces distributed circumferentially around and pivotally coupled to the hub; a canopy coupled to the plurality of braces; a slider mechanism selectively movable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft; and, a plurality of stays attached to the slider mechanism, wherein the plurality of stays operatively couple the slider mechanism to the braces. The umbrella towel has at least a first anchor strap attached to the umbrella towel; at least a first towel anchor attached to the plurality of braces; a split formed in the umbrella towel; and, a closure mechanism for opening and closing the split. The anchor strap and the towel anchor allow the umbrella towel to be selectively attached to the umbrella. The anchor strap has a hook and loop fastener; and, the towel anchor comprises an extended portion of the hook and loop fastener, wherein the extended portion extends past the edge of the umbrella towel. The umbrella towel is selectively attached to the umbrella by folding the extended portion around one of the plurality of braces and then fastening the extended portion to either itself or the hook and loop fastener.

[0011]According to another embodiment of the invention, a device has an umbrella and an umbrella towel. The umbrella has a shaft; a hub attached to one end of the shaft; a plurality of braces distributed circumferentially around and pivotally coupled to the hub; a canopy coupled to the plurality of braces; a slider mechanism selectively movable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft; and, a plurality of stays attached to the slider mechanism, wherein the plurality of stays operatively couple the slider mechanism to the braces. The umbrella towel has at least a first anchor strap attached to the umbrella towel; at least a first towel anchor attached to the plurality of braces; a split formed in the umbrella towel; and, a closure mechanism for opening and closing the split. The anchor strap and the towel anchor allow the umbrella towel to be selectively attached to the umbrella. The anchor strap has a plurality of loop fasteners; and, the towel anchor comprises a plurality of hook fasteners suitable for being received and retained by the plurality of loop fasteners, wherein the plurality of hook fasteners are attached to one of the plurality of braces. The umbrella towel is selectively attached to the umbrella by fastening the plurality of loop fasteners to the plurality of hook fasteners.

[0012]According to another embodiment of the invention, a device has an umbrella and an umbrella towel. The umbrella has a shaft; a hub attached to one end of the shaft; a plurality of braces distributed circumferentially around and pivotally coupled to the hub; a canopy coupled to the plurality of braces; a slider mechanism selectively movable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft; and, a plurality of stays attached to the slider mechanism, wherein the plurality of stays operatively couple the slider mechanism to the braces. The umbrella towel has at least a first anchor strap attached to the umbrella towel; at least a first towel anchor attached to the plurality of braces; a split formed in the umbrella towel; and, a closure mechanism for opening and closing the split. The anchor strap and the towel anchor allow the umbrella towel to be selectively attached to the umbrella. The anchor strap has a plurality of loop fasteners; and, the towel anchor comprises a plurality of hook fasteners suitable for being received and retained by the plurality of loop fasteners, wherein the plurality of hook fasteners are attached to one of the plurality of braces. The umbrella towel is selectively attached to the umbrella by fastening the plurality of loop fasteners to the plurality of hook fasteners. The plurality of hook fasteners are selectively positionable along the plurality of braces.

[0013]According to another embodiment of the invention, a device has an umbrella and an umbrella towel. The umbrella has a shaft; a hub attached to one end of the shaft; a plurality of braces distributed circumferentially around and pivotally coupled to the hub; a canopy coupled to the plurality of braces; a slider mechanism selectively movable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft; and, a plurality of stays attached to the slider mechanism, wherein the plurality of stays operatively couple the slider mechanism to the braces. The umbrella towel has at least a first anchor strap attached to the umbrella towel; at least a first towel anchor attached to the plurality of braces; a split formed in the umbrella towel; and, a closure mechanism for opening and closing the split. The anchor strap and the towel anchor allow the umbrella towel to be selectively attached to the umbrella. The closure mechanism is a zipper.

[0014]According to another embodiment of the invention, a device has an umbrella and an umbrella towel. The umbrella has a shaft; a hub attached to one end of the shaft; a plurality of braces distributed circumferentially around and pivotally coupled to the hub; a canopy coupled to the plurality of braces; a slider mechanism selectively movable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft; and, a plurality of stays attached to the slider mechanism, wherein the plurality of stays operatively couple the slider mechanism to the braces. The umbrella towel has at least a first anchor strap attached to the umbrella towel; at least a first towel anchor attached to the plurality of braces; a split formed in the umbrella towel; and, a closure mechanism for opening and closing the split. The anchor strap and the towel anchor allow the umbrella towel to be selectively attached to the umbrella. The closure mechanism is a hook and loop fastener.

[0015]According to another embodiment of the invention, a device has an umbrella and an umbrella towel. The umbrella has a shaft; a hub attached to one end of the shaft; a plurality of braces distributed circumferentially around and pivotally coupled to the hub; a canopy coupled to the plurality of braces; a slider mechanism selectively movable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft; and, a plurality of stays attached to the slider mechanism, wherein the plurality of stays operatively couple the slider mechanism to the braces. The umbrella towel has at least a first anchor strap attached to the umbrella towel; at least a first towel anchor attached to the plurality of braces; a split formed in the umbrella towel; and, a closure mechanism for opening and closing the split. The anchor strap and the towel anchor allow the umbrella towel to be selectively attached to the umbrella. The closure mechanism comprises a plurality of snaps.

[0016]According to another embodiment of the invention, a device has an umbrella and an umbrella towel. The umbrella has a shaft; a hub attached to one end of the shaft; a plurality of braces distributed circumferentially around and pivotally coupled to the hub; a canopy coupled to the plurality of braces; a slider mechanism selectively movable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft; and, a plurality of stays attached to the slider mechanism, wherein the plurality of stays operatively couple the slider mechanism to the braces. The umbrella towel has at least a first anchor strap attached to the umbrella towel; at least a first towel anchor attached to the plurality of braces; a split formed in the umbrella towel; and, a closure mechanism for opening and closing the split. The anchor strap and the towel anchor allow the umbrella towel to be selectively attached to the umbrella. The umbrella towel comprises a substantially rectangular shape and has a plurality of anchor straps and a plurality of towel anchors wherein one of the plurality of anchor straps is attached to each corner of the umbrella towel.

[0017]According to another embodiment of the invention, a device has an umbrella and an umbrella towel. The umbrella has a shaft; a hub attached to one end of the shaft; a plurality of braces distributed circumferentially around and pivotally coupled to the hub; a canopy coupled to the plurality of braces; a slider mechanism selectively movable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft; and, a plurality of stays attached to the slider mechanism, wherein the plurality of stays operatively couple the slider mechanism to the braces. The umbrella towel has at least a first anchor strap attached to the umbrella towel; at least a first towel anchor attached to the plurality of braces; a split formed in the umbrella towel; and, a closure mechanism for opening and closing the split. The anchor strap and the towel anchor allow the umbrella towel to be selectively attached to the umbrella. The umbrella towel comprises a substantially rectangular shape and has a plurality of anchor straps and a plurality of towel anchors wherein one of the plurality of anchor straps is attached to each corner of the umbrella towel. The split allows the umbrella towel to be substantially centered around the shaft.

[0018]According to another embodiment of the invention, a device has an umbrella and an umbrella towel. The umbrella has a shaft; a hub attached to one end of the shaft; a plurality of braces distributed circumferentially around and pivotally coupled to the hub; a canopy coupled to the plurality of braces; a slider mechanism selectively movable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft; and, a plurality of stays attached to the slider mechanism, wherein the plurality of stays operatively couple the slider mechanism to the braces. The umbrella towel has at least a first anchor strap attached to the umbrella towel; at least a first towel anchor attached to the plurality of braces; a split formed in the umbrella towel; and, a closure mechanism for opening and closing the split. The anchor strap and the towel anchor allow the umbrella towel to be selectively attached to the umbrella. The split has an edging formed along the edges of the split. At least a portion of the edging acts as a stop for the closure mechanism.

[0019]According to one embodiment of the invention, a method includes the steps of: [0020](a) providing a device comprising: [0021]an umbrella comprising: [0022]a shaft; [0023]a hub attached to one end of the shaft; [0024]a plurality of braces distributed circumferentially around and pivotally coupled to the hub; [0025]a canopy coupled to the plurality of braces; [0026]a slider mechanism selectively movable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft; [0027]a plurality of stays attached to the slider mechanism, wherein the plurality of stays operatively couple the slider mechanism to the braces; and, [0028]an umbrella towel comprising: [0029]at least a first anchor strap attached to the umbrella towel; [0030]at least a first towel anchor attached to the plurality of braces; [0031]a split formed in the umbrella towel; [0032]a closure mechanism for opening and closing the split, [0033]wherein the anchor strap and the towel anchor allow the umbrella towel to be selectively attached to the umbrella; [0034](b) detaching the umbrella towel from the umbrella; [0035](c) wiping off the canopy with the umbrella towel; [0036](d) attaching the umbrella towel to the umbrella.

[0037]According to another embodiment of the invention, a method includes the steps of: [0038](a) providing a device comprising: [0039]an umbrella comprising: [0040]a shaft; [0041]a hub attached to one end of the shaft; [0042]a plurality of braces distributed circumferentially around and pivotally coupled to the hub; [0043]a canopy coupled to the plurality of braces; [0044]a slider mechanism selectively movable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft; [0045]a plurality of stays attached to the slider mechanism, wherein the plurality of stays operatively couple the slider mechanism to the braces; and, [0046]an umbrella towel comprising: [0047]at least a first anchor strap attached to the umbrella towel; [0048]at least a first towel anchor attached to the plurality of braces; [0049]a split formed in the umbrella towel; [0050]a closure mechanism for opening and closing the split, [0051]wherein the anchor strap and the towel anchor allow the umbrella towel to be selectively attached to the umbrella; [0052](b) detaching the umbrella towel from the umbrella; [0053]opening the closure mechanism; [0054]detaching the anchor strap from the towel anchor; [0055](c) wiping off the canopy with the umbrella towel; [0056](d) attaching the umbrella towel to the umbrella.

[0057]According to another embodiment of the invention, a method includes the steps of: [0058](a) providing a device comprising: [0059]an umbrella comprising: [0060]a shaft; [0061]a hub attached to one end of the shaft; [0062]a plurality of braces distributed circumferentially around and pivotally coupled to the hub; [0063]a canopy coupled to the plurality of braces; [0064]a slider mechanism selectively movable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft; [0065]a plurality of stays attached to the slider mechanism, wherein the plurality of stays operatively couple the slider mechanism to the braces; and, [0066]an umbrella towel comprising: [0067]at least a first anchor strap attached to the umbrella towel; [0068]at least a first towel anchor attached to the plurality of braces; [0069]a split formed in the umbrella towel; [0070]a closure mechanism for opening and closing the split, [0071]wherein the anchor strap and the towel anchor allow the umbrella towel to be selectively attached to the umbrella; [0072](b) detaching the umbrella towel from the umbrella; [0073](c) wiping off the canopy with the umbrella towel; [0074](d) attaching the umbrella towel to the umbrella; [0075]attaching the anchor strap to the towel anchor; [0076]closing the closure mechanism.

[0077]According to another embodiment of the invention, a method includes the steps of: [0078](a) providing a device comprising: [0079]an umbrella comprising: [0080]a shaft; [0081]a hub attached to one end of the shaft; [0082]a plurality of braces distributed circumferentially around and pivotally coupled to the hub; [0083]a canopy coupled to the plurality of braces; [0084]a slider mechanism selectively movable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft; [0085]a plurality of stays attached to the slider mechanism, wherein the plurality of stays operatively couple the slider mechanism to the braces; and, [0086]an umbrella towel comprising: [0087]at least a first anchor strap attached to the umbrella towel; [0088]at least a first towel anchor attached to the plurality of braces; [0089]a split formed in the umbrella towel; [0090]a closure mechanism for opening and closing the split, [0091]wherein the anchor strap and the towel anchor allow the umbrella towel to be selectively attached to the umbrella; [0092](b) detaching the umbrella towel from the umbrella; [0093](c) wiping off the canopy with the umbrella towel; [0094](d) attaching the umbrella towel to the umbrella; [0095]stretching the umbrella towel.

[0096]According to another embodiment of the invention, a method includes the steps of: [0097](a) providing a device comprising: [0098]an umbrella comprising: [0099]a shaft; [0100]a hub attached to one end of the shaft; [0101]a plurality of braces distributed circumferentially around and pivotally coupled to the hub; [0102]a canopy coupled to the plurality of braces; [0103]a slider mechanism selectively movable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft; [0104]a plurality of stays attached to the slider mechanism, wherein the plurality of stays operatively couple the slider mechanism to the braces; and, [0105]an umbrella towel comprising: [0106]at least a first anchor strap attached to the umbrella towel; [0107]at least a first towel anchor attached to the plurality of braces; [0108]a split formed in the umbrella towel; [0109]a closure mechanism for opening and closing the split, [0110]wherein the anchor strap and the towel anchor allow the umbrella towel to be selectively attached to the umbrella; [0111](b) detaching the umbrella towel from the umbrella; [0112](c) wiping off the canopy with the umbrella towel; [0113](d) attaching the umbrella towel to the umbrella; [0114]stretching the umbrella towel; [0115]closing the closure mechanism.

[0116]According to one embodiment of the invention, a device has an umbrella and an umbrella towel. The umbrella has a shaft; a hub attached to one end of the shaft; a plurality of braces distributed circumferentially around and pivotally coupled to the hub; a canopy coupled to the plurality of braces; a slider mechanism selectively movable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft; and, a plurality of stays attached to the slider mechanism. The plurality of stays operatively couple the slider mechanism to the braces. The umbrella towel has a substantially rectangular shape and includes a first, a second, a third, and a fourth anchor strap; and, a first, a second, a third and a fourth towel anchor. The first anchor strap is attached to a first corner of the umbrella towel, the second anchor strap is attached to a second corner of the umbrella towel, the third anchor strap is attached to a third corner of the umbrella towel, and, the fourth anchor strap is attached to a fourth corner of the umbrella towel. The first, the second, the third, and the fourth towel anchor are attached to the plurality of braces. The umbrella towel further comprises a split formed in the umbrella towel and a closure mechanism for opening and closing the split. The first, the second, the third, and the fourth anchor straps and the first, the second, the third, and the fourth towel anchors allow the umbrella towel to be selectively attached to the umbrella.

[0117]According to another embodiment of the invention, a device has an umbrella and an umbrella towel. The umbrella has a shaft; a hub attached to one end of the shaft; a plurality of braces distributed circumferentially around and pivotally coupled to the hub; a canopy coupled to the plurality of braces; a slider mechanism selectively movable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft; and, a plurality of stays attached to the slider mechanism. The plurality of stays operatively couple the slider mechanism to the braces. The umbrella towel has a substantially rectangular shape and includes a first, a second, a third, and a fourth anchor strap; and, a first, a second, a third and a fourth towel anchor. The first anchor strap is attached to a first corner of the umbrella towel, the second anchor strap is attached to a second corner of the umbrella towel, the third anchor strap is attached to a third corner of the umbrella towel, and, the fourth anchor strap is attached to a fourth corner of the umbrella towel. The first, the second, the third, and the fourth towel anchor are attached to the plurality of braces. The umbrella towel further comprises a split formed in the umbrella towel and a closure mechanism for opening and closing the split. The first, the second, the third, and the fourth anchor straps and the first, the second, the third, and the fourth towel anchors allow the umbrella towel to be selectively attached to the umbrella. The device further includes a first, a second, a third, and a fourth ringlet positioned within the first, the second, the third, and the fourth anchor straps respectively; and, a first, a second, a third, and a fourth s-shaped hook, wherein a first end of the first, the second, the third, and the fourth s-shaped hooks are inserted through one of the apertures formed in one of the plurality of braces and a second end of the first, the second, the third, and the fourth s-shaped hooks are inserted through the first, the second, the third, and the fourth ringlets respectively, thereby attaching the umbrella towel to the umbrella.

[0118]According to another embodiment of the invention, a device has an umbrella and an umbrella towel. The umbrella has a shaft; a hub attached to one end of the shaft; a plurality of braces distributed circumferentially around and pivotally coupled to the hub; a canopy coupled to the plurality of braces; a slider mechanism selectively movable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft; and, a plurality of stays attached to the slider mechanism. The plurality of stays operatively couple the slider mechanism to the braces. The umbrella towel has a substantially rectangular shape and includes a first, a second, a third, and a fourth anchor strap; and, a first, a second, a third and a fourth towel anchor. The first anchor strap is attached to a first corner of the umbrella towel, the second anchor strap is attached to a second corner of the umbrella towel, the third anchor strap is attached to a third corner of the umbrella towel, and, the fourth anchor strap is attached to a fourth corner of the umbrella towel. The first, the second, the third, and the fourth towel anchor are attached to the plurality of braces. The umbrella towel further comprises a split formed in the umbrella towel and a closure mechanism for opening and closing the split. The first, the second, the third, and the fourth anchor straps and the first, the second, the third, and the fourth towel anchors allow the umbrella towel to be selectively attached to the umbrella. The first, the second, the third, and the fourth anchor straps comprise a plurality of loop fasteners and the first, the second, the third, and the fourth towel anchors comprise a plurality of hook fasteners suitable to be received and retained by the plurality of loop fasteners.

[0119]One advantage of this invention is that excess moisture accumulated during use of the umbrella may be quickly and efficiently removed.

[0120]Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0121]The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:

[0122]FIG. 1 shows a bottom perspective view of an umbrella and umbrella towel combination according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0123]FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a hook mechanism of the umbrella towel according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0124]FIG. 3 shows a perspective top view of an umbrella comprising an umbrella towel, in use, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0125]FIG. 4 shows a perspective top view of an umbrella and umbrella towel combination according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0126]FIG. 5 shows a perspective side view of the umbrella and umbrella towel combination shown in FIG. 4;

[0127]FIG. 6 shows a perspective bottom view along line AA of the umbrella and umbrella towel combination shown in FIG. 5;

[0128]FIG. 7A shows a perspective bottom view of an umbrella and umbrella towel combination wherein the towel is not attached to the umbrella according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0129]FIG. 7B shows an isolated view of a towel anchor according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0130]FIG. 7C shows an enlarged isolated view of the towel anchor shown in FIG. 7B

[0131]FIG. 8 shows an isolated perspective view of an umbrella towel according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0132]FIG. 9 shows an isolated perspective view of a towel anchor comprising a hook and loop fastener attached to the towel according to one embodiment of the invention.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0133]Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIG. 1 shows an umbrella and umbrella towel combination 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. Umbrella 12, consisting of canopy 14, braces 15 and shaft 16, may be considered any standard umbrella of standard dimensions.

[0134]As umbrellas are well known, the construction of umbrella 12 is only generally described. Generally, the shaft 16 has a first end and a second end. A handle 2, shown in FIG. 5, may be attached to the first end and a hub, not shown, is attached to the second end. The braces 15 may comprise a generally flexible material and may be circumferentially distributed around and pivotally coupled to the hub, not shown. In one embodiment, the braces 15 comprise a metallic composition. In another embodiment, the braces 15 comprise a plastic. The braces 15 may comprise any composition chosen with sound judgment by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The canopy 14 may be coupled to the braces 15. A slider mechanism 4 may be selectively movable along the longitudinal axis of the shaft 16. The slider mechanism 4 may have attached thereto stays, not shown. The stays, not shown, may operatively couple the slider mechanism 4 to the braces 15. The movement of the slider mechanism 4 along the longitudinal axis of the shaft 16 may cause the braces 15 to move between a closed position and a closed position. In the closed position, the braces 15 may extend generally parallel to the shaft 16 thereby causing the canopy 14 to be folded substantially about its center around the shaft 16. In the open position, the braces 15 extend generally radially from the shaft 16 to open the umbrella 12 and extend the canopy 14.

[0135]In one embodiment, the umbrella towel 18 comprises at least a first anchor strap 26, at least a first towel anchor 28, a split 21, and a closure mechanism 24. The umbrella towel 18 is shown as having a substantially square or rectangular shape, but may comprise any shape chosen with sound judgment by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Generally, the anchor strap 26 and the towel anchor 28 allow the umbrella towel 18 to be selectively attached to the umbrella 12. The split 21 is formed in the umbrella towel allows the umbrella towel 18 to extend around the shaft 16, as shown in FIG. 1, such that an edging 21a substantially conforms to the shape of the shaft 16. The edging 21a, more clearly shown in FIG. 8, may be formed along the edges of the split 21 as well as around the portion of the split 21 directly adjacent to the shaft 16. The edging 21a may comprise an elastic and may prevent portions of the umbrella towel 18 from interfering with the operation of the closure mechanism 24. For example, the edging 21a may prevent portions of the umbrella towel 18 from wearing or fraying and becoming intertwined within the closure mechanism 24. Additionally, the edging 21a may act as a stop or terminus for the closure mechanism 24. In one embodiment, the umbrella towel 18 may be substantially centered around the shaft 16. The umbrella towel 18 may be attached to any portion of the umbrella 12 chosen with sound judgment by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The closure mechanism 24 allows for the selective opening and closing of the split 21.

[0136]In one embodiment, the umbrella towel 18 attaches to umbrella 12 around the top of shaft 16, where it abuts umbrella 12. The umbrella towel 18 is generally rectangular and the anchor strap 26 may comprise elastic bands 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d (26a-26d), one attached at each corner of the umbrella towel 18. Within each of the elastic bands (26a-26d) are ringlets 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d (20a-20d). In one embodiment, the ringlets 20a-20d may comprise four substantially identical metal ringlets. The umbrella towel 18 has the split 21 extending from approximately the center of one side of the towel to the approximate center of the towel. The closure mechanism 24 may comprise a zipper 24, or other conventional means, such as a snaps, buttons, or hook and loop fastener (commonly referred to as Velcro). The closure mechanism 24 can be used to close the split 21 as described in greater detail below.

[0137]To attach towel 18 to umbrella 12, the ringlets 20a-20d within the elastic bands 26a-26d at each corner of the umbrella towel 18 are connected to the umbrella 12 with metal s-hooks 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d (22a-22d) as described below. Once the s-hooks 22a-22d have been threaded through the ringlets 20a-20d, the umbrella towel 18 is secured in place by closing the zipper 24.

[0138]FIG. 2 illustrates one possible embodiment of the mechanism by which the umbrella towel 18 can be connected to umbrella 12. Ringlet 20a is contained within the anchor strap 26. The anchor strap 26 may comprise a piece of fabric connected to the umbrella towel 18. For example, the anchor strap 26 may comprise a piece of fabric comprising an elastic, such as the elastic band 26a, which may be generally sewn onto the umbrella towel 18. Attached to the braces 15, such as through the towel anchor 28, for example, a hole 28 formed through each of the braces 15, is one end of the s-hook 22a. The other end of the s-hook 22a is threaded through ringlet 20a as shown. When the ringlets 20a-20d in the elastic bands 26a-26d are secured to their respective s-hooks 22a-22d, the elastic bands 26a-26d allow the umbrella towel 18 to stretch and help eliminate any fluid such as water or other moisture that has been collected in the umbrella towel 18.

[0139]FIG. 3 illustrates the umbrella towel 18 in use. Shown is the top of canopy 14, which has been used to shield the user from rain. To remove the umbrella towel 18, first the zipper, or closure mechanism 24 is undone. Then, ringlets 20a-20d are disconnected from hooks 22a-22d. The user removes the umbrella towel 18 and wipes off canopy 14 so the water does not make a mess indoors. To reattach the umbrella towel 18, the user simply reconnects hooks 22a-22d to ringlets 20a-22d in the elastic bands 26a-26d, and then refastens zipper or closure mechanism 24. The umbrella towel 18 is then in a stretched condition.

[0140]According to another embodiment, the umbrella towel 18 attaches to umbrella 12 around the top of shaft 16, where it abuts umbrella 12. The umbrella towel 18 comprises a generally rectangular shape. The anchor strap 26 may comprise hook and loop fasteners 26e, 26f, 26g, and 26h (26e-26h), one attached at each corner of the umbrella towel 18 such that an extended portion 28e, 28f, 28g, and 28h (28e-28h) of the hook and loop fasteners 26e-26h extends past the edge of the umbrella towel 18. The extended portions 28e-28h may comprise the towel anchor 28. In one embodiment, the hook and loop fasteners 26e-26h may be attached to the umbrella towel 18 with an adhesive. In another embodiment, the hook and loop fasteners 26e-26h may be generally sewn to the umbrella towel 18. The hook and loop fasteners 26e-26h may be attached to the umbrella towel 18 utilizing any means chosen with sound judgment by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0141]To attach the umbrella towel 18, the extended portions 28e-28h of the hook and loop fasteners 26e-26h may be folded around the braces 15 and fastened to itself thereby securing the umbrella towel 18 to the umbrella 12. For example, the extended portions 28e-28h of the hook and loop fasteners 26e-26h may be folded to about 90° and then wrapped around the braces 15. Once the extended portions 28e-28h of the hook and loop fasteners 26e-26h are secured around the braces 15, the closure mechanism 24 can be used to close the split 21.

[0142]According to another embodiment, the umbrella towel 18 attaches to umbrella 12 around the top of shaft 16, where it abuts umbrella 12. The umbrella towel 18 is generally rectangular and the anchor strap 26 may comprise a plurality of loop fasteners 26j, 26k, 26l, and 26m (26j-26m), one attached at each corner of the umbrella towel 18. The towel anchor 28 may comprise a plurality of hook fasteners 28j, 28k, 28l, and 28m (28j-28m), suitable for being received and retained by the plurality of loop fasteners 26j-26m, attached to the braces 15. In one embodiment, the plurality of hook fasteners 28j-28m may be attached to the braces utilizing conventional fasteners 29, such as plastic cable ties, as shown in FIG. 7C.

[0143]To attach the umbrella towel 18 to the umbrella 12, the plurality of loop fasteners 26j-26m are fastened to the plurality of hook fasteners 28j-28m. The plurality of hook fasteners 28j-28m may be positioned on the braces 15 such that when the plurality of loop fasteners 26j-26m are fastened to the plurality of hook fasteners 28j-28m and the closure mechanism 24 is operated to close the slit 21, the umbrella towel 18 is stretched sufficiently to at least partially assist in eliminating any water or other moisture that has been collected in the umbrella towel 18. In another embodiment, the plurality of hook fasteners 28j-28m may be selectively positionable along the braces 15 to at least partially assist in attaching the umbrella towel 18 to the umbrella 12.

[0144]The embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatuses may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

[0145]Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:

Claims

1. A device comprising:an umbrella comprising:a shaft;a hub attached to one end of the shaft;a plurality of braces distributed circumferentially around and pivotally coupled to the hub;a canopy coupled to the plurality of braces;a slider mechanism selectively movable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft;a plurality of stays attached to the slider mechanism, wherein the plurality of stays operatively couple the slider mechanism to the braces; and,an umbrella towel comprising:at least a first anchor strap attached to the umbrella towel;at least a first towel anchor attached to the plurality of braces;a split formed in the umbrella towel;a closure mechanism for opening and closing the split,wherein the anchor strap and the towel anchor allow the umbrella towel to be selectively attached to the umbrella.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least a first anchor strap comprises:an elastic band having a ringlet; and,the at least a first towel anchor comprises an aperture formed in one of the plurality of braces and an s-hook,wherein the umbrella towel is selectively attached to the umbrella by inserting a first end of the s-hook through the aperture and a second end of the s-hook through the ringlet.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the closing of the closure mechanism while the anchor strap is selectively attached to the towel anchor causes the umbrella towel to be stretched and at least partially assists in allowing the umbrella towel to eliminate any fluid collected in the umbrella towel.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the anchor strap comprises:a hook and loop fastener; and,the towel anchor comprises an extended portion of the hook and loop fastener, wherein the extended portion extends past the edge of the umbrella towel,wherein the umbrella towel is selectively attached to the umbrella by folding the extended portion around one of the plurality of braces and then fastening the extended portion to either itself or the hook and loop fastener.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the anchor strap comprises:a plurality of loop fasteners; and,the towel anchor comprises a plurality of hook fasteners suitable for being received and retained by the plurality of loop fasteners, wherein the plurality of hook fasteners are attached to one of the plurality of braces; and,wherein the umbrella towel is selectively attached to the umbrella by fastening the plurality of loop fasteners to the plurality of hook fasteners.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of hook fasteners are selectively positionable along the plurality of braces.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a zipper.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a hook and loop fastener.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a plurality of snaps.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the umbrella towel comprises a substantially rectangular shape having a plurality of anchor straps and a plurality of towel anchors, wherein one of the plurality of anchor straps is attached to each corner of the umbrella towel.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the split allows the umbrella towel to be substantially centered around the shaft.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the split further comprises:an edging formed along the edges of the split, wherein at least a portion of the edging acts as a stop for the closure mechanism.

13. A method comprising the steps of:(a) providing a device comprising:an umbrella comprising:a shaft;a hub attached to one end of the shaft;a plurality of braces distributed circumferentially around and pivotally coupled to the hub;a canopy coupled to the plurality of braces;a slider mechanism selectively movable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft;a plurality of stays attached to the slider mechanism, wherein the plurality of stays operatively couple the slider mechanism to the braces; and,an umbrella towel comprising:at least a first anchor strap attached to the umbrella towel;at least a first towel anchor attached to the plurality of braces;a split formed in the umbrella towel;a closure mechanism for opening and closing the split,wherein the anchor strap and the towel anchor allow the umbrella towel to be selectively attached to the umbrella;(b) detaching the umbrella towel from the umbrella;(c) wiping off the canopy with the umbrella towel;(d) attaching the umbrella towel to the umbrella.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein step (b) further comprises the step of:opening the closure mechanism; and,detaching the anchor strap from the towel anchor.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein step (d) further comprises the step of:attaching the anchor strap to the towel anchor; and,closing the closure mechanism.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein step (d) further comprises the step of:stretching the umbrella towel.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of, stretching the umbrella towel, further comprises the step of:closing the closure mechanism.

18. A device comprising:an umbrella comprising:a shaft;a hub attached to one end of the shaft;a plurality of braces distributed circumferentially around and pivotally coupled to the hub;a canopy coupled to the plurality of braces;a slider mechanism selectively movable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft;a plurality of stays attached to the slider mechanism, wherein the plurality of stays operatively couple the slider mechanism to the braces; and,an umbrella towel having a substantially rectangular shape comprising:a first, a second, a third, and a fourth anchor strap wherein the first anchor strap is attached to a first corner of the umbrella towel, the second anchor strap is attached to a second corner of the umbrella towel, the third anchor strap is attached to a third corner of the umbrella towel, and, the fourth anchor strap is attached to a fourth corner of the umbrella towel;a first, a second, a third, and a fourth towel anchor attached to the plurality of braces;a split formed in the umbrella towel;a closure mechanism for opening and closing the split,wherein the first, the second, the third, and the fourth anchor straps and the first, the second, the third, and the fourth towel anchors allow the umbrella towel to be selectively attached to the umbrella.

19. The device of claim 18, further comprising:a first, a second, a third, and a fourth ringlet positioned within the first, the second, the third, and the fourth anchor straps respectively; and,a first, a second, a third, and a fourth s-shaped hook, wherein a first end of the first, the second, the third, and the fourth s-shaped hooks are inserted through one of the apertures formed in one of the plurality of braces and a second end of the first, the second, the third, and the fourth s-shaped hooks are inserted through the first, the second, the third, and the fourth ringlets respectively, thereby attaching the umbrella towel to the umbrella.

20. The device of claim 18, wherein the first, the second, the third, and the fourth anchor straps comprise a plurality of loop fasteners and the first, the second, the third, and the fourth towel anchors comprise a plurality of hook fasteners suitable to be received and retained by the plurality of loop fasteners.

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