GB2224931A

GB2224931A - An umbrella handle and light assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2224931A
Application number: GB8826059A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kwok Chuen Tso
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-11-07
Filing date: 1988-11-07
Publication date: 1990-05-23
Also published as: GB8826059D0

Abstract

An umbrella handle 10 comprises a first casing 14 for engaging the lower end of the centre pole 12 of an umbrella, a second casing 16 connected to the first casing 14, a light bulb assembly 32 to 38, received in the second casing 16 and a compartment 22 for accommodating a power supply unit 24. The compartment 22 is suitably located in the first casing 14. The casings 14 and 16 may be formed integrally at an angle to one another, so that light from the light bulb assembly illuminates the way of the user when he holds the umbrella in the customary use position. <IMAGE>

Description

TITLE: An Umbrella Handle DESCRIPTION The invention relates to an umbrella handle and in particular to an umbrella handle having an illumination system incorporated therein.

Umbrellas are well known for providing protection against weather. However, the conventional umbrella, having a cloth canopy, a plurality of ribs for supporting the canopy and a centre pole having a handle, serves only one purpose. Under bad weather conditions, such as heavy downpours or snowfall, where visibility is relatively low, it is helpful to have an umbrella which serves other functions as well.

The invention provides an umbrella handle comprising a first casing for engaging the lower end of the centre pole of an umbrella, a second casing connected to the first casing, a light bulb assembly received in the second casing, and a compartment for accommodating a power supply unit.

The invention is illustrated by the drawing, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an umbrella handle according to the invention; and Figure 2 is an exploded view of the umbrella handle shown in Figure 1.

With reference to the drawings, an umbrella handle is provided, as is conventional, at the lower end of the centre pole 12 of an umbrella. The umbrella handle 10 consists of a first casing 14 and a second casing 16. The second casing 16 is, according to the preferred embodiment, integrally provided on the first casing 14 forming a unitary case body and defines an angle with the first casing 14. The first 14 and second 16 casings define a cavity for the accommodation of a lighting system which will be described later in more detail.

The first casing 14 is adapted to receive the lower end portion of the centre pole 12 of the umbrella so that the umbrella handle 10 can be fixedly connected to the centre pole 12, for example by screws (not shown). It can be seen that the longitudinal axis of the first casing 14 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the centre pole 12.

The first casing 14 further defines a compartment 20 at one side thereof for receiving a power supply unit, preferably in the form of a penlite battery 24. A closure member 22 is adapted to be removably press-fitted to the first casing 14 to enclose the compartment 20. A sealing ring or the like (not shown) may be used to enhance the water-resistant capacity of the umbrella handle 10.

The second casing 16 is adapted to receive a light bulb assembly 30. The light bulb assembly 30 is disposed at the lower end of the second casing 16 so that the light source is directed to an area immediately in front of a user when the umbrella is held in a use position. The light bulb assembly 30 is electrically connected to the power supply unit by the control of a slide contact switch 40. The light bulb assembly 30 consists of, as is conventional, a light bulb 32, a light reflector 34 and a cover member 36.

The cover member 36 is adapted to be fitted to the lower end of the second casing 16 and serves to hold the light bulb 32 and reflector 34 in position within the cavity defined by the second casing 16. A sealing ring (not shown) may be provided between the cover member 36 and the lower rim of the second casing 16 to ensure and enhance the water-resistant capacity of the umbrella handle 10. A transparent window 38 is provided in the cover member 36 to allow transmission of light therethrough.

In the embodiment shown, the casings 14 and 16 have a generally elliptical cross section to provide an umbrella handle with an outer shape conforming closely to the shape of the closed palm of a user. It is understood that the casings 14 and 16 may be of any shape and structure. For example, the lower rim portion of the second casing 16 may have a circular cross section with a threaded portion provided thereon such that a round -shaped cover member is adapted to be screwed in place.

A hand grip portion 46 is further provided on one side of the umbrella handle 10 to facilitate grasping of the umbrella handle 10.

Although the battery 24 and light bulb assembly 30 have been described as being positioned within the first casing 14 and second casing 16 respectively, it is contemplated that these parts may be arranged in other relationships without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, the second casing 16 may be so constructed that it can be flexibly or pivotally connected to the first casing 14 rendering the light source to be directed over a large range of angles. This allows a user to illuminate his way on the road, up stairs and to a door.

The lighting system of the invention may also be designed to serve as a light signal for pedestrian on a pavement or as an emergency flashing light signal.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An umbrella handle comprising a first casing for engaging the lower end of the centre pole of an umbrella, a second casing connected to the first casing, a light bulb assembly received in the second casing, and a compartment for accommodating a power supply unit.

2. An umbrella handle according to claim 1 further comprising a closure member for enclosing the light bulb assembly within said second casing, the closure member having a window provided therein for the transmission of light therethrough.

3. An umbrella handle according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the longitudinal axis of the first casing is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the centre pole of the umbrella.

4. An umbrella handle according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second casings are formed integrally and are arranged at an angle to one another.

5. An umbrella handle according to any preceding claim wherein the compartment for accommodating the power supply unit is located within the first casing.

6. An umbrella handle according to any preceding claim wherein each of the first and second casings has an elliptical cross section.

7. An umbrella handle substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.