U.S. patent application number 10/256638 was filed with the patent office on 2003-02-13 for collapsible umbrella with reinforced rib structure.
This patent application is currently assigned to INNOVENTIONS ENTERPRISES LTD.. Invention is credited to Halloway, Frank, Hochfeld, Ruth, Hochfeld, Stanley, Johnson, Gary D., Murcia, Alfonso.
Application Number | 20030029485 10/256638 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21842269 |
Filed Date | 2003-02-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030029485 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson, Gary D. ; et
al. |
February 13, 2003 |
Collapsible umbrella with reinforced rib structure
Abstract
A foldable umbrella includes a post; a stationary hub secured to
an upper end of the post; a canopy centrally secured to the
stationary hub; a sleeve slidably mounted on the post; a plurality
of radially oriented ribs secured to the canopy in equiangularly
spaced relation, each rib having a radially inner end and a
radially outward end; a plurality of foldable strut assemblies,
each strut assembly connected between the sleeve and a respective
one of the ribs, each strut assembly including a first strut having
one end pivotally connected at a first pivot point to the sleeve
and a second end pivotally connected to a respective one of the
ribs at a second pivot point spaced radially outwardly from the
radially inner end of the rib, a second strut having one end
pivotally connected at a third pivot point to the stationary hub
and a second end pivotally connected at a fourth pivot point to an
intermediate point of the first strut, and a third strut having one
end pivotally connected at a fifth pivot point to an intermediate
point of the second strut and a second end pivotally connected at a
sixth pivot point to the respective one of the ribs, the sixth
pivot point being positioned radially inward of the second pivot
point; and a U-shaped channel mounted to each rib for receiving the
first strut therein when the umbrella is in an open
configuration.
Inventors: |
Johnson, Gary D.; (New York
City, NY) ; Hochfeld, Stanley; (US) ;
Hochfeld, Ruth; (Howard Beach, NY) ; Murcia,
Alfonso; (Matawan, NJ) ; Halloway, Frank;
(Freehold, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FRISHAUF, HOLTZ, GOODMAN & CHICK, P.C.
25th Floor
767 Third Avenue
New York
NY
10017-2023
US
|
Assignee: |
INNOVENTIONS ENTERPRISES
LTD.
Farmingdale
NY
|
Family ID: |
21842269 |
Appl. No.: |
10/256638 |
Filed: |
September 27, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10256638 |
Sep 27, 2002 |
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09769888 |
Jan 25, 2001 |
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6470899 |
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09769888 |
Jan 25, 2001 |
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09354202 |
Jul 15, 1999 |
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6206017 |
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09354202 |
Jul 15, 1999 |
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08948266 |
Oct 9, 1997 |
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5975099 |
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60028230 |
Oct 10, 1996 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
135/29 ; 135/31;
135/32 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 19/10 20130101;
A45B 25/02 20130101; A45B 25/22 20130101; A45B 25/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/29 ; 135/31;
135/32 |
International
Class: |
A45B 025/00 |
Claims
What is Claimed is:
1. A foldable umbrella comprising: a post; a stationary hub secured
to an upper end of said post; at least one canopy centrally secured
to said stationary hub; a sleeve slidably mounted on said post; a
plurality of radially oriented ribs secured to said canopy in
equiangularly spaced relation, each said rib having a- radially
inner end and a radially outward end; a plurality of foldable strut
assemblies, each strut assembly connected between said sleeve and a
respective one of said ribs, each strut assembly including: at
least a first member strut having one end portion pivotally
connected at a first pivot point to said sleeve and a second end
portion pivotally connected to a respective one of said ribs at a
second pivot point spaced radially outwardly from said radially
inner end of the rib, and a U-shaped channel mounted to one of said
rib and said first strut member for receiving the other of said rib
and first strut member therein when said umbrella is in an open
configuration and when said rib is caused to move toward an
inverted condition of the umbrella.
2. A folding umbrella according to claim 1, wherein said U-shaped
channel is mounted to said rib and has an open end that extends
down in the open configuration of the umbrella, for receiving said
first strut member therein.
3. A folding umbrella according to claim 2, wherein said U-shaped
channel is dimensioned to snugly receive said first strut member
therein.
4. A folding umbrella according to claim 1, wherein said post is a
telescoping post including at least two ( telescoping post
members.
5. A foldable umbrella comprising: a post; a stationary hub secured
to an upper end of said post; at least one canopy centrally secured
to said stationary hub; . a sleeve slidably mounted on said post; a
plurality of radially oriented ribs secured to said canopy in
equiangularly spaced relation, each said rib having a radially
inner end and a radially outward end; a plurality of foldable strut
assemblies, each strut assembly connected between said sleeve and a
respective one of said ribs, each strut assembly including: a first
strut having one end pivotally connected at a first pivot point to
said sleeve and a second end pivotally connected to a respective
one of said ribs at a second pivot point spaced radially outwardly
from said radially inner end of the rib, a second strut having one
end pivotally connected at a third pivot point to said stationary
hub and a second end pivotally connected at a fourth pivot point to
an intermediate point of said first strut, and a third strut having
one end pivotally connected at a fifth pivot point to an
intermediate point of said second strut and a second end pivotally
connected at a sixth pivot point to said respective one of said
ribs, said sixth pivot point being positioned radially inward of
said second pivot point; and a U-shaped channel mounted to each
said rib for receiving said first strut therein when said umbrella
is in an open configuration.
6. An umbrella according to claim 5, further comprising a bracket
secured to the radially inner end of each said rib, and wherein:
said first strut is pivotally secured to said bracket at said
second pivot point, and thereby to said rib, said third strut is
pivotally secured to said bracket at said sixth pivot point, and
thereby to said rib, and said U-shaped channel is provided on said
bracket at a position between said second and sixth pivot
points.
7. An umbrella according to claim 5, wherein said U-shaped channel
has an open end that extends down in the open configuration of the
umbrella, for receiving said first strut therein.
8. An umbrella according to claim 5, wherein said U-shaped channel
is dimensioned to snugly receive said first strut therein.
9. An umbrella according to claim 5, wherein said third strut is
bent downwardly adjacent said sixth pivot point to angle said
U-shaped channel downwardly to receive said first strut
therein.
10. An umbrella according to claim 5, wherein said first strut is
bent downwardly adjacent said second pivot point to provide an
upward bend therein which is received in said U-shaped channel.
11. A folding umbrella comprising: a post; a stationary hub secured
to an upper end of said post; at least one canopy centrally secured
to said stationary hub; a sleeve slidably mounted on said post; a
plurality of radially oriented ribs secured to said canopy in
equiangularly spaced relation, each said rib having a radially
inner end and a radially outward end; a plurality of folding strut
assemblies, each strut assembly connected between said sleeve and a
respective one of said ribs, each strut assembly including: a first
strut having one end pivotally connected at a first pivot point to
said sleeve and a second end pivotally connected to a respective
one of said ribs at a second pivot point spaced radially outwardly
from said radially inner end of the rib, a second strut having one
end pivotally connected at a third pivot point to said stationary
hub and a second end pivotally connected at a fourth pivot point to
an intermediate point of said first strut, and a third strut having
one end pivotally connected at a fifth pivot point to an
intermediate point of said second strut and a second end pivotally
connected at a sixth pivot point to said respective one of said
ribs, said sixth pivot point being positioned radially inward of
said second pivot point; and at least one of said first through
third struts having a substantially U-shaped bend therein for
receiving another part of the umbrella in a closed configuration of
the umbrella so as to enable the umbrella to fold into a more
compact configuration.
12. An umbrella according to claim 11, further comprising a bracket
secured to said second strut at said intermediate point thereof for
pivotally securing said one end of said third strut to said second
strut at said fifth pivot point, and wherein said first strut has
said substantially U-shaped bend therein adjacent said fourth pivot
point, for receiving said bracket in the closed configuration of
the umbrella.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to umbrellas, and
more particularly, is directed to a collapsible umbrella with a
reinforced rib-structure.
[0002] Compact foldable umbrellas are known which include a
telescoping center post with a handle secured to the lower end
thereof, the handle being adapted to be grasped by a user to carry
the umbrella in its stored configuration and to hold the umbrella
in its raised, opened configuration. A stationary hub is secured at
the upper end of the center post, with a canopy centrally secured
to the stationary hub, and a sleeve is slidably mounted on the
telescoping post.
[0003] A plurality of equiangularly spaced, radially directed ribs
are secured to the canopy in equiangularly spaced relation, each
rib having a radially inward end and a radially outward end.
[0004] A plurality of strut assemblies are provided, each connected
between the sleeve and a respective rib. Each strut assembly
includes a first strut having one end pivotally connected at a
first pivot point to the sleeve and a second end pivotally
connected to a rib at a second pivot point spaced slightly radially
outward from the radially inward end of the rib. A second strut has
one end pivotally connected at a third pivot point to the
stationary hub and a second end pivotally connected at a fourth
pivot point to an intermediate point of the first strut, and a
third strut has one end pivotally connected at a fifth pivot point
to an intermediate point of the second strut and a second end
pivotally connected at a sixth pivot point to the respective one of
the ribs, the sixth pivot point being positioned radially inward of
the second pivot point.
[0005] However, a problem with such arrangement is that, during
high winds, the forces on the canopy may invert the canopy,
rendering the umbrella useless. Specifically, the first strut will
pivot relative to the rib about the second pivot point such that
the first strut moves to a position adjacent the sixth pivot point.
In such case, there is nothing to stop the inversion of the
umbrella. As a result, the first strut continues pivoting upwardly
relative to the sleeve about the first pivot point, resulting in
inversion of the umbrella.
[0006] Although various umbrellas are known which include channels
for receiving strut members, these channels are not arranged
relative to the ribs with the channel facing toward the ribs in a
direction to prevent inversion of the umbrella. As a result, such
channels will not prevent an upward inversion of the ribs, for
example when the umbrella is subjected to high wind forces.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an umbrella that overcomes the aforementioned problems with
the prior art.
[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
umbrella which provides improved structural integrity and strength
to the umbrella in the open configuration thereof.
[0009] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an umbrella in which inversion of the canopy is
inhibited.
[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an umbrella which inhibits lateral movement of the ribs.
[0011] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a
foldable umbrella comprises a post; a stationary hub secured to an
upper end of said post; at least one canopy centrally secured to
said stationary hub; a sleeve slidably mounted on said post; a
plurality of radially oriented ribs secured to said canopy in
equiangularly spaced relation, each said rib having a radially
inner end and a radially outward end; and a plurality of foldable
strut assemblies, each strut assembly connected between said sleeve
and a respective one of said ribs. Each strut assembly includes at
least a first strut member having one end portion pivotally
connected at a first pivot point to said sleeve and a second end
portion pivotally connected to a respective one of said ribs at a
second pivot point spaced radially outwardly from said radially
inner end of the rib, and a U-shaped channel mounted to one of said
rib and said first strut member for receiving the other of said rib
end first strut member therein when said umbrella is in an open
configuration and when said rib is caused to move toward an
inverted condition of the umbrella.
[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a foldable umbrella includes a post; a stationary hub secured to an
upper end of the post; a canopy centrally secured to the stationary
hub; a sleeve slidably mounted on the post; a plurality of radially
oriented ribs secured to the canopy in equiangularly spaced
relation, each rib having a radially inner end and a radially
outward end; a plurality of strut assemblies, each strut assembly
connected between the sleeve and a respective one of the ribs, each
strut assembly including a first strut having one end pivotally
connected at a first pivot point to the sleeve and a second end
pivotally connected to a respective one of the ribs at a second
pivot point spaced radially outwardly from the radially inner end
of the rib, a second strut having one end pivotally connected at a
third pivot point to the stationary hub and a second end pivotally
connected at a fourth pivot point to an intermediate point of the
first strut, and a third strut having one end pivotally connected
at a fifth pivot point to an intermediate point of the second strut
and a second end pivotally connected at a sixth pivot point to the
respective one of the ribs, the sixth pivot point being positioned
radially inward of the second pivot point; and a U-shaped channel
mounted to each rib for receiving the first strut therein when the
umbrella is in an open configuration.
[0013] Specifically, a bracket is secured to the radially inner end
of each rib, the first strut is pivotally secured to the bracket at
the second pivot point, and thereby to the rib, the third strut is
pivotally secured to the bracket at the sixth pivot point, and
thereby to the rib, and the U-shaped channel is provided on the
bracket at a position between the second and sixth pivot points.
The U-shaped channel has an open end that extends down in the open
configuration of the umbrella, for receiving the first strut
therein, and is dimensioned to snugly receive the first strut
therein.
[0014] In accordance with still another aspect of the present
invention, a foldable umbrella includes a post; a stationary hub
secured to an upper end of the post; a canopy centrally secured to
stationary hub; a sleeve slidably mounted on the post; a plurality
of radially oriented ribs secured to the canopy in equiangularly
spaced relation, each rib having a radially inner end and a
radially outward end; a plurality of strut assemblies, each strut
assembly connected between the sleeve and a respective one of the
ribs, each strut assembly including a first strut having one end
pivotally connected at a first pivot point to the sleeve and a
second end pivotally connected to a respective one of the ribs at a
second pivot point spaced radially outwardly from the radially
inner end of the rib, a second strut having one end pivotally
connected at a third pivot point to the stationary hub and a second
end pivotally connected at a fourth pivot point to an intermediate
point of the first strut, and a third strut having one end
pivotally connected at a fifth pivot point to an intermediate point
of the second strut and a second end pivotally connected at a sixth
pivot point to the respective one of the ribs, the sixth pivot
point being positioned radially inward of the second pivot point;
and at least one of the first through third struts having a
substantially U-shaped bend therein for receiving another part of
the umbrella in a closed configuration of the umbrella so as to
enable the umbrella to fold into a more compact configuration.
[0015] Preferably, a bracket is secured to the second strut at the
intermediate point thereof for pivotally securing the one end of
the third strut to the second strut at the fifth pivot point, and
wherein the first strut has the substantially U-shaped bend therein
adjacent the fourth pivot point, for receiving the bracket in the
closed configuration of the umbrella.
[0016] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become readily apparent from the following
detailed description thereof which is to be read in connection with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an umbrella according to
the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
umbrella of FIG. 1 in the open configuration of the umbrella, taken
along line 2-2 thereof;
[0019] FIG. 3A is an enlarged elevational view of the strut
assembly of the umbrella of FIG. 1 in the fully open configuration
of the umbrella;
[0020] FIG. 3B is an enlarged elevational view of the strut
assembly of FIG. 3A in a partially open configuration of the
umbrella;
[0021] FIG. 3C is an enlarged elevational view of the strut
assembly of FIG. 3A in a substantially closed or folded
configuration of the umbrella;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the strut assembly of
FIG. 3A, taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3A;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the strut assembly of
FIG. 3A, taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 3A;
[0024] FIG. 6A is an enlarged elevational view of the strut
assembly of a modified umbrella according to the present invention,
in the fully open configuration of the umbrella;
[0025] FIG. 6B is an enlarged elevational view of the strut
assembly of FIG. 6A in a partially open configuration of the
umbrella;
[0026] FIG. 6C is an enlarged elevational view of the strut
assembly of FIG. 6A in a substantially closed or folded
configuration of the umbrella; and
[0027] FIG. 7 is a view similar to that of FIG. 3B, but showing a
modified embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Referring to the drawings in detail, an umbrella 10
according to the present invention includes a telescoping post 12
with a handle 13 secured to the lower end thereof. The manner in
which post 12 telescopes is well known in the art, and can be found
in any conventional umbrella, such as those sold under the
trademark TOTES.
[0029] A stationary hub 14 is secured to the upper end of
telescoping post 12, and a canopy 16 is centrally secured to
stationary hub 14. Canopy 16 can be any conventional canopy, such
as that found in umbrellas sold under the trademark TOTES. However,
canopy 16 is preferably of the double-canopy vented type disclosed
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,979,534; 5,065,779; 5,368,055; and 5,487,401;
and U.S. Design Pat. No. 336,982, all to Johnson et al, and the
entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. A
double-canopy vented type, including a lower vented canopy 16a and
an upper canopy 16b secured to the lower canopy by elastic 16c or
by sewing 16d (see FIG. 1) is preferred due to its windproof
characteristic as described in the Johnson et al patents. The vents
may be of the type shown in the Johnson et al patents, or it may be
a mesh or any other type of vent, which is covered by an upper
canopy. The upper canopy can be connected by elastic members as
shown in the drawings of the Johnson et al patents or it may be
tacked (sewn) down at spaced apart portions to the lower canopy.
Other attachments of the upper canopy can be used, as desired. The
invention is described below with generic reference to a canopy,
but a double canopy windproof vented umbrella is preferred.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, a sleeve 18 is slidably mounted on
telescoping post 12, and can be releasably locked in position in
the open configuration of umbrella 10 by a spring-loaded latch 20,
as is conventional. Post 12 has two telescoping post members 12a,
12b, as is conventional, and a handle 13.
[0031] A plurality of radially oriented ribs 22 are secured to
canopy 16 in equiangularly spaced relation, each rib 22 having a
radially inner end 24 and a radially outward end 26. Radially
outward ends 26 are secured to the outer periphery of canopy 16 in
a conventional manner by means of a tip member, or as shown in the
Johnson et al patents identified above, while radially inner end
portions 24 are secured to intermediate points of canopy 16. Ribs
22 function to hold canopy 16 in a desired position. A bracket 27
is secured to the radially inner end 24 of each rib 22.
[0032] A plurality of strut assemblies 28 are connected between
stationary hub 14, sleeve 18 and ribs 22. Specifically, in the
embodiment shown, each strut assembly 28 includes a first strut 30
having one end pivotally connected at a first pivot point 32 to
sleeve 18 and a second end pivotally connected to a respective rib
22 at a second pivot point 34 or bracket 27. The second pivot point
34 is spaced radially outwardly by a small distance from the
radially inner end portion 24 of the respective rib 22.
Specifically, second pivot point 34 is formed at a radially outer
end of bracket 27.
[0033] Each strut assembly 28 further includes a second strut 36
having one end pivotally connected at a third pivot point 38 to
stationary hub 14 and a second end pivotally connected at a fourth
pivot point 40 located at an intermediate portion of first strut
30. In this regard, a bracket 41 is secured to the intermediate
portion of first strut 30 to provide such fourth pivot point
40.
[0034] Each strut assembly 28 also includes a third strut 42 having
one end pivotally connected at a fifth pivot point 44 to an
intermediate portion of second strut 36 and a second end pivotally
connected at a sixth pivot point 46 to the respective rib 22. The
sixth pivot point 46 is positioned radially inward of the second
pivot point 34. Specifically, sixth pivot point 34 is formed at a
radially inner end of bracket 27. A bracket 45 is secured to the
intermediate portion of second strut 36 to provide such fourth
pivot point 40.
[0035] Each strut assembly 28 thereby forms a four bar linkage in a
generally parallelogram configuration, which is defined by pivot
points 34, 40, 44 and 46.
[0036] The above described arrangement is conventional. However, a
problem with such arrangement is that, during high winds, the
forces on canopy 16 may tend to invert canopy 16, that is, forcing
ribs 22 upward from the position shown in FIG. 2, bending the ribs
and rendering the umbrella useless. Specifically, during such
inversion, ribs 22 will pivot upwardly relative to first struts 30
about pivot points 34. In a conventional arrangement, due to
lateral displacement of ribs 22 relative to respective ribs 30, the
respective pivot point 46 will move to a position alongside and
even lower than first strut 30, since, in a conventional
construction, there is nothing to prevent such movement.
[0037] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
bracket 27 includes a U-shaped channel portion 48 mounted thereto,
and thereby to each rib 22, at a position between second and sixth
pivot points 34 and 46. As a result, in the open configuration of
umbrella 10, the radially outer end of first strut 30 is engaged
within U-shaped channel 48. See FIG. 5. This prevents lateral
movement of ribs 22 relative to first struts 30. Further, in the
event that an inversion force is applied to ribs 22, U-shaped
channel 48 will prevent such inversion. Specifically, any such
inversion force will tend to rotate rib 22 in the counter-clockwise
direction of FIG. 2 about pivot point 34. This pivotal movement,
however, is opposed by the engagement of first strut 30 within
U-shaped channel 48. Accordingly, such inversion of ribs 22 does
not occur.
[0038] To provide enhanced engagement, the radially outer end of
each strut 30 has an enlarged, thicker end 31, as shown in FIG. 4.
U-shaped channel 48 is dimensioned to snugly receive enlarged end
31 therein.
[0039] Further, in order to ensure that struts 30 are engaged by
U-shaped channels 48 during the open configuration of umbrella 10,
the radially outer ends of first and third struts 42 are bent
downwardly, as at 49 and 50 (FIG. 3B), respectively. Bend 50
results in U-shaped channel 48 being angled downwardly to receive
first strut 30 therein, while bend 49 provides that strut 30 is
received in U-shaped channel 48. Conventional folding umbrella
structures do not have the bends 49 and 50. Bend 50 could be
omitted in some cases, if the bend 49 is large enough and/or if
U-shaped channel 48 is long (deep) enough to engage first strut 30
when the umbrella is in its open condition.
[0040] The bends 49, 50 enable a contact to be maintained between
the outermost end portion of first strut 30 and the end portion of
bracket 27, thus improving structural integrity and stability of
the rib structures. The various pivots are preferably made using
rivets, as shown by 34 and 36 in FIG. 4. Other pivot devices could
be used, as is conventional.
[0041] The outermost end of first strut 30 could normally be
outside of U-shaped channel 48 if it is close enough thereto such
that when an inversion force (such as wind) is applied, the first
strut 30 will be received in U-shaped channel 48 to prevent
inversion.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6C., a modified strut assembly 28'
according to another embodiment of the present invention will now
be described in which elements which are the same as those
described in regard to the first embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 are
identified by the same reference numerals, so that a detailed
description of such common elements is omitted herein for the sake
of brevity.
[0043] Strut assembly 28' of FIGS. 6A-6C is identical to strut
assembly 28 except that the bend 50' is made greater and a small
section of first strut 30 is formed with a small bend 60 that is
positioned adjacent to bracket 41 and pivot point 40. With this
arrangement, umbrella 10 can be closed into a tighter closed
configuration by reason of bracket 45 being received within bend 60
as shown in FIG. 6C (partially closed position).
[0044] In FIG. 3C, the bends 49, 50 could be varied in length of
bent portion, angle, location of bend, etc. (if the U-shaped
channel is arranged to engage strut 30) to enable the structure to
fold flatter. In FIG. 3C, the bend 50 is shown larger than the bend
50 in the other Figures to achieve such a result.
[0045] FIG. 7 shows a modified embodiment of the present invention,
similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3B, but wherein the U-shaped
channel member 48' is mounted on the strut 30 and is arranged to
engage the bracket 27 portion of the rib 22 when the umbrella is in
its fully open condition and/or when the rib 22 is forced upwardly
to a direction to tend to invert the canopy. This structure
provides similar effects as the U-shaped channel member 48
described in connection with the other embodiments of the
invention. The U-shaped channel member of FIG. 7 must be made
sufficiently short so that it does not project past the rib 22 or
bracket 27 in the upward direction when the umbrella is forced
toward an inverted position, so as not to pierce the fabric of the
canopy.
[0046] While the rib and strut structure is shown as being made of
metal, other lighter weight materials such as fiberglass
impregnated in synthetic resin, or other plastic materials having
sufficient strength, could be used.
[0047] Having described specific preferred embodiments of the
invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be
appreciated that the present invention is not limited to those
precise embodiments and that various changes and modifications can
be effected therein by one of ordinary skill in the art without
departing from the scope or spirit of the invention defined by the
appended claims.
* * * * *