U.S. patent application number 10/046039 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-17 for automatic close umbrella with automatic resetting feature.
Invention is credited to Wu, Michael C.L..
Application Number | 20030131875 10/046039 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21941246 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030131875 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wu, Michael C.L. |
July 17, 2003 |
Automatic close umbrella with automatic resetting feature
Abstract
An automatic close umbrella is disclosed. As the umbrella is to
be folded, the user only needs to press an elastic control device
on a handle by one finger so that a tenon is released from a buckle
and thus the buckle unit of the lower rib collector is separated
with the lower sub-bar. Furthermore, the lower rib collector
descends due to the elasticity of the upper rib collector and lower
rib collector so as to impact the hook device of the sub-bar.
Thereby, two sub-bars are separated and the hook device of each
sub-bar will release. Therefore, each multi-sectional bar is
telescopic automatically. Furthermore, as the ribs are folded, the
canopy will be closed. Thus, as the user enters into a room or a
car, the user may close the umbrella easily by only one hand.
Inventors: |
Wu, Michael C.L.; (Taipei,
TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael C.L. Wu
235 Chung-Ho
Taipei
BOX 8-24
TW
|
Family ID: |
21941246 |
Appl. No.: |
10/046039 |
Filed: |
January 15, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/20.3 ;
135/25.1; 135/25.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 9/02 20130101; A45B
19/10 20130101; A45B 25/006 20130101; A45B 19/04 20130101; A45B
25/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/20.3 ;
135/25.1; 135/25.4 |
International
Class: |
A45B 011/00; A45B
017/00; A45B 023/00; A45B 025/00; A45B 019/00; A45B 019/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An automatic close umbrella comprising: a telescopic
multi-sectional rod formed by a plurality of sub-bar, other than a
lowest sub-bar at a lowest position of the multi-section bar, each
sub-bar having a hook device for positioning two sub-bars; an upper
rib collector fixed upon the multi-sectional bar; an elastic key
being installed in the upper rib collector; the key being connected
to one end of a wire, another end of the wire being extended and
then entering into the multi-sectional bar and then being connected
with a tenon in the lowest sub-bar; a first elastomer in the
multi-sectional rod for folding the bar; one end of the elastomer
being fixed to the upper rib collector; and another end of the
elastomer being fixed to a lower end of the lowest sub-bar; a
second elastomer having an end connected to a lower end of the
tenon and having another end connected to the lowest sub-bar; a
lower rib collector movable along the multi-sectional bar; the
lower rib collector being installed with a buckle unit which can be
pressed by the key; a third elastomer installed out of the
uppermost sub-bar and between the upper rib collector and lower rib
collector; a handle fixed to a lower end of the lowest sub-bar; a
control device installed in the handle and being buckled with the
tenon; an umbrella stand formed by a plurality of ribs; and a
canopy arranged on the ribs; characterized in that each hook device
is an opened elastic clip ring having an opening at a ring section
and is installed at a lower edge of a respective sub-bar; two sides
of the opening have respective bending hooks which insert into two
slits, respectively, in the sub-bar; the clip ring has an elastic
buckle; an upper end of the elastic buckle has an impact portion
and buckling hook; each sub-bar has a buckle hole; and the buckling
hook passes through buckling holes of two sub-bars so as to combine
the two sub-bars.
2. The automatic close umbrella as claim in claim 1, wherein a
sleeve is installed around the clip ring for fixing the sleeve.
3. The automatic close umbrella as claim in claim 1, wherein fourth
elastomers are installed to the ribs.
4. The automatic close umbrella as claim in claim 1, wherein the
buckle unit includes an inserting bar vertically passes through a
straight through hole in the lower rib collector; a fifth elastomer
in the straight through hole for elastically moving the inserting
bar; and a positioning pin transversally installed in the lower rib
collector transversal hole and operated by a sixth elastomer.
5. The automatic close umbrella as claim in claim 1, wherein an
interior of the upper rib collector has a pulley, thereby, the wire
is guided into the multi-sectional bar.
6. The automatic close umbrella as claim in claim 1, wherein the
control device is formed by an annular ring, a hook in the annular
ring, and a button connected to the annual ring, the hook is
capable of being buckled to a tenon; and the tenon has a stopping
ring.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to umbrellas, and particularly
to a fully automatic closing umbrella which includes functions of
automatically closing an umbrella canopy and automatically
retracting and resetting a telescopic shaft as a button is
pushed.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Conventional umbrellas are opened and closed manually by
both hands. The canopy on the umbrella is pushed up for opening and
pulled down for closing the umbrella. Both manual actions require
the use of both hands. To open an umbrella, one hand pushes the
canopy upward while the other hand securely holds the handle for
leverage. To close an umbrella, a user pulls down the canopy and
pulls one end of the umbrella against the other to compress the
telescopic shaft together.
[0005] The prior automatic opening function allows on umbrella
canopy to automatically open by pushing a button with one hand. The
shaft is telescopically stretched out and the canopy of the
umbrella is opened. However, to close the umbrella, the user still
needs to pull one end of the umbrella against the other and
compress the telescopic shaft together. This inconvenience poses a
problem during rainy days, i.e. when a user is holding an object by
one hand. The user must firstly put the object aside and then
proceed to close the umbrella with both hands.
[0006] Automatic closing function was later developed and
incorporated with the automatic opening function. Thus known as the
automatic opening and closing function, current automatic closing
function automatically closes the canopy and ribs of the umbrella
by pushing a button. However, the telescopic shaft remains
stretched and unfolded. To properly close the umbrella and fold the
telescopic shaft, the user still needs to pull one end of the
umbrella against the other and compress the telescopic shaft
together. This resets the telescopic shaft and prepares it for use
again. Additionally, these prior art designs are complicated in
structure and comprise many parts, which can be damaged easily.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An automatic close umbrella is disclosed. As the umbrella is
to be folded, the user only needs to press an elastic control
device on a handle by one finger so that a tenon is released from a
buckle and thus the buckle unit of the lower rib collector is
separated with the lower sub-bar. Furthermore, the lower rib
collector descends due to the elasticity of the upper rib collector
and lower rib collector so as to impact the hook device of the
sub-bar. Thereby, two sub-bars are separated. Then, the hook device
of each sub-bar will release. Therefore, each multi-sectional bar
is telescopic automatically. Furthermore, as the ribs are folded,
then the canopy will be closed. Thus, as the user enters into a
room or a car, the user may close the umbrella easily by only one
hand.
[0008] The various objects and advantages of the present invention
will be more readily understood from the following detailed
description when read in conjunction with the appended drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a structural view of the umbrella of the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a cross section view showing the upper rib
collector, the lower rib collector and the uppermost sub-bar;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross section view of the upper rib collector,
lower rib collector and uppermost sub-bar of FIG. 1, where the
umbrella has been expanded.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross section view of the handle of the present
invention, wherein the umbrella has been expanded.
[0013] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the handle and
control device of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross section view showing an expanded
umbrella.
[0015] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the hook device of
the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a cross section view of the present invention,
wherein two sub-bars of the present invention is positioned with a
hook device.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the two sub-bars are
disengaged with the hook device.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing that after the control
device is pressed, wherein the lower rib collector is disengaged
from the rod.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a process next to that
of FIG. 10, wherein the folding of the sub-bars and the canopy are
closed.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing the expansion of the
lower rib collector and the sub-bars in the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, an exploded perspective view of the
present invention is illustrated. The umbrella has a multi-node
telescopic main rod 10, an upper rib collector 20, a lower rib
collector 30 movable along the telescopic main rod 10, a handle 40
fixed at a lower end of the main rod 10, a control device 50
installed on the handle 40 and capable of folding the umbrella, an
umbrella stand 60 formed by a plurality of ribs 60, and a canopy 62
arranged on the ribs 60.
[0022] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an enlarged view showing
the upper rib collector 20 and lower rib collector 30 of the
present invention. It is illustrated that an elastomer 70 (for
example, a compressible spring) is installed between the upper rib
collector 20 and lower rib collector 30. After the elastomer 35 is
compressible by the elastomer 70, it has an effect of expansion for
restoring to original condition.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 3, the cross section view of the upper rib
collector 20 and lower rib collector 30 of the present invention is
illustrated. A pulley 52 is installed in the upper rib collector
20. In the present invention, the pulley 52 can be neglected,
however, it is preferable to install the pulley. By this pulley 52,
the wire 51 can lead into the upper sub-rod 11. An upper end of the
wire 51 is connected to the key 22 in the through hole 21 of the
lower rib collector 30. The wire 51 can be lead into the upper
sub-rod 11 through the pulley 52. One end of the wire 51 is
connected to the key 22. The key 22 may be pushed by the elastomer
23 in the lower rib collector through hole 21. Another end thereof
is connected to the tenon 54 in the lower sub-rod 14 (referring to
FIG. 4).
[0024] Other than connecting with a plurality of ribs 60, the lower
rib collector 30 has a buckle unit 33. The buckle unit 33 includes
an inserting bar 36 which vertically passes through the straight
through hole 301 in the lower rib collector 30; an elastomer 37 in
the straight through hole for elastically moving the inserting bar
36; a positioning pin 38 transversally installed in the lower rib
collector transversal hole 302 and operated by an elastomer 39; and
a button 34 transversally installed in the lower rib collector
transversal hole 303 and operated by an elastomer 35. The inserting
bar 38 passes through the positioning pin 38 vertically, and the
button 34 passes through the lower end of the inserting bar 36. The
rear end of the positioning pin 38 is pushed by the elastomer 39 so
that the front end thereof is embedded into the positioning hole
111 of the upper sub-rod 11. Thereby, the lower rib collector 30 is
fixed to the upper end of the upper main rod 10. Moreover, the rear
end of the button 34 is pushed by the elastomer 35 to protrude out
of the transversal hole 303. When the button 34 moves, the stud
hole 361 of the inserting bar 36 will affect by the tapered surface
341 so that the inserting bar 36 lifts upwards or descend
downwards. Further, when the inserting bar 36 moves, the
positioning pin 38 will move transversally due to the action of the
tilt surface 362.
[0025] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the handle of the
umbrella of the present invention. The wire 51 is connected to the
tenon 54 in the lower sub-rod 14 from the lower rib collector 30.
The lower end of the tenon 54 is connected to the elastomer 57. The
lower end of the elastomer 57 is fixed in the lower sub-rod 14 (for
example by pin 58). The elastomer 57 pulls the tenon 54 and the
wire 51. The tenon 54 has a stopping ring 542 which resists against
the hook 502 integral with the button 501. The button 501 is a part
of the control device 50. Referring to FIG. 5, the control device
50 has an annular ring 503, a hook 502 in the ring, and a button
501 integrally formed with the ring. The ring 503 is in an annular
groove 42 of the handle 40. The button 501 is embedded into the
embedding groove 43. The rear end of the ring 503 resists against a
small spring 55 locating in a spring groove 44. After the lower
sub-rod 14 passes through the straight hole 45, the through hole
141 at the lower end is aligned to the annular groove 42. Then the
hook 502 in the ring 503 passes through the through hole 141 to
resist against the stopping ring 542 of the tenon. When the
umbrella is opened, the stopping ring 542 is positioned below the
hook 502. When the button 501 is pressed, the hook 502 will retract
so that the tenon 54 lifts automatically due to the contraction of
the elastomer 23 in the upper rib collector 20 (since the elastic
force of the elastomer 23 is larger than that of the elastomer 57).
As a result, the tenon stopping ring 542 is above the hook 502.
[0026] FIG. 6 shows a whole cross section view as the umbrella is
expanded. In the figure, the structures of the upper rib collector
20 and lower rib collector 30 have been described. The elastomer 56
in the main rod 10 is fixed to the upper rib collector 20 by the
upper end 561 thereof. The lower end 562 thereof is fixed to the
lower portion of the lower sub-rod 14. After each sub-rod is
expanded, the wire 51 is vertical. The hook device 90 of each
sub-rod (despite of the lower sub-rod 14) has a structure which may
be known from FIG. 7. The hook device 90 illustrated in the drawing
is formed by an opening elastic ring clip 91, an elastic buckling
piece 92, an impacting portion 96 at an upper end of the elastic
buckling piece, and a buckling hook 97. The clip ring 91 is around
the outer edge of the lower end of each sub-rod (for example,
sub-rod 11). Two hook pieces 98 at the opening of the ring clip
insert into the two slits 116 of the sub-rod 11. To avoid the ring
clip 91 to slide down, a sleeve 99 encloses the clip ring 91. Then,
the buckle hook 97 passes into the hook hole 117 of the sub-rod and
then further into the hook hole 125 of the lower sub-rod 12 so that
the upper and lower sub-rods are combined and thus fixed.
[0027] FIG. 9 shows that when the umbrella is folded, the lower rib
collector 30 will descend due to the expansion of the elastomer 70.
When the lower end contacts the impact portion 96 of the hook
device 90. The buckle 92 moves outwards so that the buckle hook 97
will separate the hook hole 125 of the sub-rod 12 so that the upper
and lower sub-rods will disengage and the sub-rod 11 will descend
continuously. Similarly, when the sub-rod 12 descends to touch the
hook device 90 of the sub-rod 12, the buckling relation will be
released so that the sub-rod 12 descends continuously. Likewise,
finally, the sub-rods 11.about.13 will descend to the lower sub-rod
14 so as to be as a sub-rod of one section.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing the umbrella being
folded. In the drawing, it is illustrated when the user press the
button 501 on the handle 40 by only one finger, the wire 51 will
lift upwards due to the expansion of the elastomer 23 in the upper
rib collector 20 so that the key 22 descends. The key 22 further
presses the inserting bar 36 so that the inserting bar 36 descends
to enforce the positioning pin 38 to retract, and thus is separated
from the positioning hole 111. Therefore, the retaining relation
between the lower rib collector 30 and the upper sub-rod 11 is
detached. Then, the lower rib collector 30 will descend immediately
by the expansion of the elastomer 70. Then, the buckling relations
of hook devices 90 of each sub-rod can be released and the length
of the main rod 10 is shortened due to the compression of the
elastomer 56, as illustrated in FIG. 11. After all of the sub-rods
are combined as a single section, the wire 51 is loose. Therefore,
the tenon 54 will descend due to the compression of the elastomer
57. The stopping ring 542 will slide through the hook 502 to be
located therebelow. When the user's finger separates from the
button 501, by the expansion of the elastomer 55, the control
device 50 will return to the original condition. Moreover, each rib
61 of the umbrella stand 60 will automatically fold.
[0029] FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing the lower rib collector
moving upwards. It is illustrated that after the user pushes the
lower rib collector 30 upwards by a single hand. Each rib 60 of the
umbrella stand 60 will expand with the lifting of the lower rib
collector 30 until the lower rib collector 30 is positioned upon
the upper sub-rod 11.
[0030] Therefore, by the present invention, the umbrella may fold
automatically by using only one hand. Therefore, as the user enters
into a house or a car, the user can fold the umbrella by one
hand.
[0031] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that
the invention is not limited to the details described thereof.
Various substitutions and modifications have been suggested in the
foregoing description, and others will occur to those of ordinary
skill in the art. Therefore, all such substitutions and
modifications are intended to be embraced within the scope of the
invention as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *