U.S. patent application number 10/634776 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-10 for portable sunshade.
Invention is credited to Reese, Benjamin P..
Application Number | 20050028852 10/634776 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34116098 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050028852 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reese, Benjamin P. |
February 10, 2005 |
Portable sunshade
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a portable sunshade comprising a mast
structure extending in a generally vertically direction, means for
attaching the mast structure at its lower end to a support
structure, a boom extending outwardly from the mast structure,
having first and second ends, the first end being movably attached
to the mast structure, a hub assembly attached to the second end of
the boom, a plurality of elongated support ribs extending radially
from the hub assembly, each of said support ribs, having one end
rotatably attached to the hub assembly, a canopy positioned over
the elongated support ribs and fastened thereto, the canopy having
an opening in it corresponding to a predetermined position along
the boom, and a boom support strut pivotably attached at one end to
the upper end of the mast structure, and at the other end pivotably
secured to boom at a predetermined position along the length of it,
the boom support strut extending through the opening in the canopy
at the point where it is connected to the boom.
Inventors: |
Reese, Benjamin P.; (San
Jose, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BACON & THOMAS, PLLC
625 SLATERS LANE
FOURTH FLOOR
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
|
Family ID: |
34116098 |
Appl. No.: |
10/634776 |
Filed: |
August 6, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/20.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 2019/005 20130101;
A45B 23/00 20130101; A45B 25/10 20130101; A45B 19/04 20130101; A45B
2023/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/020.1 |
International
Class: |
A45B 011/00; A45B
017/00; A45B 023/00; A45B 025/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A portable sunshade comprising: a mast extending in a generally
vertical direction; a support structure attached to the mast at a
lower end thereof to support the mast; a boom attachment collar
slidably engaging the mast, the collar selectively positionable
along a portion of the mast; a boom having a first and second end
and a longitudinal axis, the boom engaging the collar at the first
end in a manner allowing the boom to be rotated about the
longitudinal axis and secured in selectable positions of rotation;
a canopy assembly attached to the second end of the boom; and a
boom support strut having first and second ends, pivotably attached
to the mast above the slidable collar and to the boom at a point
between the first and second ends of the boom.
2. The portable sunshade of claim 1 further comprising a hub
positioned at the second end of the boom, the hub having a
plurality of radial ribs to support the canopy.
3. The portable sunshade of claim 2 wherein the radial ribs are
pivotable around the hub to fold the canopy against the boom.
4. The portable sunshade of claim 3 wherein the radial ribs and the
boom lie substantially in the same plane.
5. The portable sunshade of claim 2 wherein the hub comprises a
pair of opposing plates spaced apart by rib plugs, and the ribs
pivot with the rib plugs.
6. The portable sunshade of claim 1 wherein the support structure
comprises a horizontally-extending plate, such that a heavy object
may, by bearing on the plate, support the mast.
7. The portable sunshade of claim 1 wherein the support structure
comprises an assembly of folding legs, deployable at essentially a
right angle to the mast to support the mast, or foldable along the
mast for portability.
8. The portable sunshade of claim 1 wherein the mast comprises an
assembly of telescoping tubes, such that the height of the mast may
be adjusted.
9. The portable sunshade of claim 1 wherein the support structure
comprises an attachment mechanism to attach the mast to an upwardly
projecting shaft of a utility rack of a recreational vehicle.
10. The portable sunshade as claimed in claim 7, wherein the
support structure further comprises at least three limbs pivotable
relative to a sliding collar, at least three arms each pivotally
sandwiched between the sliding collar and a corresponding one of
the at least three limbs and at least three weights removably
located between two adjacent limbs to secure the support
structure.
11. The portable sunshade as claimed in claim 7, wherein the
support structure comprises a base plate with a supporting tube
securely formed on a top face of the base plate and a sliding
collar insertable into the supporting tube such that a bolt-nut
combination is able to secure relative position between the sliding
collar and the base plate.
12. A portable sunshade comprising: a mast extending in a generally
vertical direction; a support structure attached to the mast at a
lower end thereof to support the mast and comprising at least three
limbs pivotable relative to a sliding collar, at least three arms
each pivotally sandwiched between the sliding collar and a
corresponding one of the at least three limbs and at least three
weights removably located between two adjacent limbs to secure the
support structure; a boom attachment collar slidably engaging the
mast, the collar selectively positionable along a portion of the
mast; a boom having a first and second end and a longitudinal axis,
the boom engaging the collar at the first end in a manner allowing
the boom to be rotated about the longitudinal axis and secured in
selectable positions of rotation; a canopy assembly attached to the
second end of the boom; a boom support strut having first and
second ends, pivotably attached to the mast above the slidable
collar and to the boom at a point between the first and second ends
of the boom; and a hub positioned at the second end of the boom,
the hub having a plurality of radial ribs to support the canopy,
wherein the radial ribs are pivotable around the hub to fold the
canopy against the boom and the radial ribs and the boom lie
substantially in the same plane.
13. The portable sunshade of claim 12 wherein the hub comprises a
pair of opposing plates spaced apart by rib plugs, and the ribs
pivot with the rib plugs.
14. The portable sunshade of claim 13 wherein the support structure
comprises a horizontally-extending plate, such that a heavy object
may, by bearing on the plate, support the mast.
15. The portable sunshade of claim 14 wherein the support structure
comprises an assembly of folding legs, deployable at essentially a
right angle to the mast to support the mast, or foldable along the
mast for portability, wherein the mast comprises an assembly of
telescoping tubes, such that the height of the mast may be
adjusted.
16. The portable sunshade of claim 15 wherein the support structure
comprises an attachment mechanism to attach the mast to an upwardly
projecting shaft of a utility rack of a recreational vehicle.
17. A portable sunshade comprising: a mast extending in a generally
vertical direction; a support structure attached to the mast at a
lower end thereof to support the mast and having a base plate with
a supporting tube securely formed on a top face of the base plate
and a sliding collar insertable into the supporting tube such that
a bolt-nut combination is able to secure relative position between
the sliding collar and the base plate; a boom attachment collar
slidably engaging the mast, the collar selectively positionable
along a portion of the mast; a boom having a first and second end
and a longitudinal axis, the boom engaging the collar at the first
end in a manner allowing the boom to be rotated about the
longitudinal axis and secured in selectable positions of rotation;
a canopy assembly attached to the second end of the boom; a boom
support strut having first and second ends, pivotably attached to
the mast above the slidable collar and to the boom at a point
between the first and second ends of the boom; and a hub positioned
at the second end of the boom, the hub having a plurality of radial
ribs to support the canopy, wherein the radial ribs are pivotable
around the hub to fold the canopy against the boom and the radial
ribs and the boom lie substantially in the same plane, wherein the
hub comprises a pair of opposing plates spaced apart by rib plugs,
and the ribs pivot with the rib plugs.
18. The portable sunshade of claim 17 wherein the support structure
comprises a horizontally-extending plate, such that a heavy object
may, by bearing on the plate, support the mast.
19. The portable sunshade of claim 18 wherein the support structure
comprises an attachment mechanism to attach the mast to an upwardly
projecting shaft of a utility rack of a recreational vehicle.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a sunshade in the form of an
umbrella, and in particular to a portable sunshade capable to move
around to various locations with relative ease.
[0003] 2. Relevant Art
[0004] Sunshades are known in the art. Most sunshades, at least or
the large variety, are relatively stationary and require a heavy
base to support the umbrella like cover or canopy that most of them
conventionally use. Sunshades are used around pools, at the beach
and elsewhere in tropical countries, in particular, to block out
the rays of the sun during the heat of the day.
[0005] A typical sunshade comprises a large cover or canopy,
supported by a frame consisting of movable struts or ribs,
connected to a boom which can be tilted at various angles around a
stationary support or pole. The pole is typically mounted in a
heavy cement block at its lower end or base, so that in high winds
the sunshade does not tip over and injure those who may be sitting
under it. Thus, up until now, a large sunshade has been, out of
necessity, more or less stationary.
[0006] There is a need, however, for large portable sunshades,
which can be moved around with ease. Campers, and travel trailer
owners, in particular, would like to have a sunshade which can be
moved around, set up and torn down, without a lot of hassle.
Camping is a popular pastime and sunshades are definitely useful in
open areas where there is little if any shade.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
lightweight portable sunshade, which can be folded up and moved
around with a minimum of difficulty.
[0008] It is a further object of this invention to provide a
sunshade that can be tilted and rotated at various angles, to block
out the sun, and which does not require a large stationary base to
support it.
[0009] Other objects of the invention will be realized by reference
to the description below.
[0010] In accordance with the above objects and those that will be
mentioned and will become apparent below, the portable sunshade in
accordance with the present invention comprises a mast structure
extending in a generally vertical direction, means for attaching
said mast structure at its lower end to a support structure, a boom
extending outwardly from the mast structure, having an end movably
attached to the mast structure, a hub assembly attached to a second
free end of the boom, a plurality of elongated support ribs
extending radially from the hub assembly, each support rib having
one end rotatably attached to the hub assembly, a canopy positioned
over the elongated support ribs and fastened thereto, the canopy
having an opening in it corresponding to a predetermined position
along the boom, and a boom support strut pivotably attached at on
end to the upper end of the mast structure, and at the other end
pivotably secured to the boom at a predetermined position along the
length of it, the boom support strut extending through the opening
in the canopy at the point where it is connected to the boom.
[0011] In one embodiment, the hub assembly comprises two plates
substantially parallel and spaced from each other to pivotally
sandwich the one end of each support rib whereby each support rib
is rotatable with respect to an axis perpendicular to a plane
parallel to the plates and thus movable on the plane. The canopy
overlying the support ribs is thus collapsed and closed by the
movement of the support ribs on the plane.
[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, the hub
comprises a flat crown having a circumference along which radially
extending lugs are spaced with notches defined between adjacent
lugs to pivotally receive the one end of each support rib. The
support rib is thus rotatable about an axis that is on a plane
substantially parallel to the crown and movable on a plane
substantially normal to the crown, which allows collapse of the
canopy spanning the support ribs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0013] The present invention will be apparent to those skilled in
the art by reading the following description of preferred
embodiments thereof, with reference to the attached drawings, in
which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sunshade constructed in
accordance with the present invention in an expanded condition;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view, partially exploded, of a
sunshade constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sunshade of the first
embodiment showing a canopy that is supported by a rotatable boom
and right side up;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a frame of the sunshade of
the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the frame of FIG. 4;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the sunshade in a
collapsed condition;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a base of the sunshade frame
of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the a hub assembly of the
sunshade of the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the hub assembly of the
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a mechanism for
connecting a boom support strut to a top end of a mast of the
sunshade frame;
[0024] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a clamping mechanism for
positioning the boom on the mast;
[0025] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a clamp and safety handle for
the mast and base height extension of the sunshade frame of the
present invention;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a perspective view, with parts broken away,
showing means for connecting the boom support strut to the
boom;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a perspective view, with parts but away,
illustrating telescoping mechanism of a support rib for canopy of
the sunshade;
[0028] FIG. 15 is a cut-away view of the mast of the sunshade of
the present invention showing locking means of the mast and trailer
hitch vehicle mounting system;
[0029] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the locking means for the
sunshade to multiple types of base stands;
[0030] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a sunshade constructed in
accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a frame of the sunshade of
the second embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the sunshade frame of the
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 20 is a perspective view, similar to FIG. 18, but
showing canopy support ribs and a hub carrying the canopy support
ribs in an rotatable condition, whereas the canopy support not only
is able to be angled down or up, but also to be rotated 180 degrees
from side to side;
[0034] FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view of the hub and a runner of
the sunshade frame of the second embodiment, showing the canopy
support ribs are expanded;
[0035] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 21 but
showing the canopy support ribs are collapsed;
[0036] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a different embodiment
of the base of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing that the base in FIG.
23 is folded so that the size thereof is compact; and
[0038] FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing still another
embodiment of the base of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0039] With reference to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1
of the drawings, a portable sunshade constructed in accordance with
the present invention, generally designated with reference numeral
10, comprises a frame (not labeled) for supporting a canopy 102
that is collapsible as illustrated in FIG. 6. The sunshade frame
comprises a base member 12 on which a mast is mounted for movably
supporting a boom 24 and a boom support strut 68 that carries a hub
mechanism 48 and a plurality of canopy support ribs 62
(particularly shown in FIG. 8) on which the canopy 102
overlies.
[0040] Also referring to FIG. 7, the base member 12 comprises a
U-shaped base support frame 120 having spaced limbs (not labeled)
between which a lower end of a tubular vertical column 122 is
mounted by a bolt 124 which extends through the limbs of the
U-shaped frame 120, through spacers 125 separating the limbs of the
U-shaped frame 120 from the lower end of the column 122, and
through the column 122. The U-shaped frame 120 is rotatable around
a horizontal axis defined by the bolt 124 to allow the stand to be
folded flat.
[0041] A slidable collar 126 is fitted around to the column 122 at
a short distance from the lower end of the column 122. The collar
126 has ears 128, which extend outward on each side, defining
aligned through holes (not shown) for the extension of a bolt (not
shown). A pin 1261 secures the collar 126 in place on the column
122.
[0042] A pair of support struts 132 connects the collar 126 to the
U-shaped frame 120. The support struts 132 are connected,
respectively, to the limbs of the U-shaped frame 120 by bolts 134,
which extend through the limbs and the struts 132. The struts 132
are rotatable about the bolts 134. Means is employed to prevent the
collar 126 from moving upward as pressure is placed thereon by the
weight of the sunshade. An example is a slip pin (not shown)
extending through holes defined in both the column 122 and the
collar 126.
[0043] Thus, the U-shaped frame 120 can be folded up against the
column 122 by disabling the means that is employed to prevent the
collar 126 from moving upward to loosen the collar 126, and
allowing the collar 126 to move to a higher position on the column
122.
[0044] The U-shaped base support frame 120 should be sufficiently
strong so as to support for example the weight of an automobile or
other vehicle when the wheels of the automobile are resting on the
frame 120, which is used to provide stability for the sunshade
10.
[0045] The U-shaped base support frame 120 can be made of any
material, such as iron, steel, and aluminum, but should be
sufficiently sturdy that the frame 120 does not bend, deform, or
even break when the wheels of the automobile are resting thereon,
yet light enough to ensure easy transportation. The column 122 can
also be fabricated of iron, steel, or aluminum, but it too, should
be sufficiently sturdy so as not to break or bend due to the weight
of or forces brought to bear by the rest of the sunshade 10.
[0046] Also referring to FIGS. 2-5, the mast 20 is telescopically
mounted on the tubular column 122 of the base 12. The external
diameter of the mast 20 is slightly less than the internal diameter
of the tubular column 122 so that the lower end of the mast 20
securely fits into and is slidable within the column 122. A main
mast 22 is telescopically fitted over the mast 20. The internal
diameter of the main mast 22 is slightly larger than the external
diameter of the mast 20 so that the main mast 22 can slide up and
down on mast 20 as adjustments are made in its height. A clamp 154
selectively fixes the position of the main mast 22 on the mast 20.
This will be further described. The mast 20 has a keyway installed
along a length of inner periphery of the mast 20 and the main mast
22 has a key installed along a length of the main mast 22 such that
after the main mast 22 is inserted into the mast 20, the
corresponding between the key and keyway is able to prevent
relative rotation movement between the main mast 22 and the mast
20.
[0047] The mast 20 and main mast 22 can be made of any suitable
material, such as iron, steel, plastic composite materials and
aluminum, but aluminum is preferred because of light weight and
durability.
[0048] Also referring to FIG. 11, a sliding mast clamp 26 attaches
a proximal end of the boom 24 to the main mast 22. The mast clamp
26 comprises a collar fitting around the main mast 22. The mast
clamp 26 consists of opposing plates 28, 30, each of which is
shaped, in an inner surface, to conform to the outer surface of the
main mast 22. The plates 28, 30 are connected together by a web 31
at one end and spaced apart from each other at the other end by a
slit 33 whereby the main mast 22 is received between the plates 28,
30. Each plate 28, 30 has an ear extension 32, 34, that projects
horizontally away from the main mast 22. The ear extensions 32, 34
are spaced from each other and defines a space therebetween. The
plates 28, 30 define aligned through holes 36 for the extension of
compression bolts 37 from opposite directions.
[0049] The opposing plates 28, 30 are tightened around the main
mast 22 by compression nut knob handles 40, which are threaded
around the projecting ends of the compression bolts 37. The plates
28 and 30 are drawn toward each other as the knobs 40 are tightened
thereby securely fixing the mast clamp 26 on the main mast 22. The
position of the mast clamp 26 on the main mast 22 can thus be
adjusted by moving the mast clamp 26 up or down along the mast 22
and tightening the compression bolts 37 with the knobs 40 when the
desired position is achieved.
[0050] The ears 32, 34 also have holes 38 defined therein and
aligning with each other for the extension of a bolt 42. This will
be further described.
[0051] The boom 24 is pivotably affixed to the mast clamp 26 by
fitting the proximal end thereof into a collar 96 comprising
opposing plates 98, 100. The collar 96 fits in the space between
the opposing ears 32, 34 of the plates 28, 30 of the mast clamp 26.
The opposing plates 98, 100 of the collar 96 are drawn together by
opposed compression bolts 43 extending through the plates 98, 100
and threadingly engaging with and tightened by compression bolt
tightening knobs 44. Inside surfaces of the plates 98, 100 are
shaped so as to conform to outer surface of the boom 24.
[0052] The bolt 42 extends through the holes 38 defined in the ears
32, 34 of the mast clamp 26 and through holes 95 defined in the
collar 96, securing the collar 96 in place and allowing the collar
96 and thus the boom 24 to pivot about the bolt 42 with respect to
the main mast 22 in a vertical direction. A nut 46 secures the bolt
42 and thus fixes the boom 24 to the main mast 22. Preferably,
washers 45 are sandwiched between the collar 96 and nut 46 and a
head of the bolt 42. The collar 96 is thus rotatably fixed between
the opposing ears 32, 34 of the mast clamp 26. Thus the boom 24 is
rotatable around a horizontal axis, and pivotable with respect to
the main mast 22 in a vertical direction.
[0053] The boom 24 can be rotated about an axis thereof by loosing
the knobs 44 on the compression bolts 43. After the boom 24 is
rotated to the desired degree, the knobs 44 are tightened again,
fixing the boom 24 in its new position.
[0054] As best seen in FIGS. 4, 5, 8 and 9, a hub mechanism 48 is
attached to a distal free end of the boom 24. The hub mechanism 48
consists of two opposing triangular shaped angled plates 50, 52,
each defining a plurality of holes 54. Each of the plates 50 and 52
are bent at an angle at a point approximately one-third distance
from the apex, at that apex where the distal end of the boom 24 is
fastened. The angle is approximately 15 degrees. The holes 54 in
the plate 50 are aligned with the holes 54 in the plate 52, when
the plates 50 and 52 are aligned with each other. The plates 50 and
52 are separated, or spaced apart by a plurality of rotating rib
plugs 56, each of which defines a bore 58 extending in a vertical
direction.
[0055] As seen in FIG. 5, each rib plug 56 has a cylindrical
projection 60 extending outwardly from the side thereof. The
projections 60 serve to receive proximal ends of cylindrical canopy
support ribs 62 that extend radially outwardly from the hub
mechanism 48. The support ribs 62 are tubular, and the proximal end
of each rib 62 fits over the corresponding projection 60. Thus, the
support ribs 62 are movable to some extent with regard to the
projections 60.
[0056] The plates 50, 52 are secured to each other by means of
bolts 64, which extend through the holes 54 in both plates 50, 52
and through the bores 58 in the rib plugs 56. The bolts 64 are
secured by nuts (not shown). Thus the rib plugs 56 are secured
between the plates 50 and 52, but are free to rotate about a
vertical axis defined by the bolts 64.
[0057] The distal end of the boom 24 is fixed between the plates
50, 52 by means of the bolts 64 extending through holes 54 defined
in the plates 50, 52 and corresponding holes 66 defined through the
distal end. The bolts 64 may be secured in position by nuts (not
labeled but shown in FIG. 9).
[0058] The boom support strut 68 is pivotably connected at a
proximal end thereof to the main mast 22 and pivotably connected at
a distal end thereof to the boom 24, at a point which is
intermediate the point of attachment of the boom 24 to the main
mast 22, and the hub mechanism 48. Preferably, the boom support
strut 68 is attached to the boom 24 at a point at least half of the
length thereof.
[0059] As seen in FIG. 10, the boom support strut 68 is pivotably
connected to the main mast 22 by means of a rotating strut collar
70 having extended ears 72, which fits around the main mast 22. The
ears 72 define aligned holes 74. A proximal end of the boom support
strut 68 is received between the ears 72 of the collar 70. A bolt
76 extends through the holes 74 of the ears 72 and through holes 78
in the proximal end of the boom support strut 68. A saddle 79 is
positioned on each side of the support strut 68; intermediate it
and the ears 72, to provide lateral support. Thus the strut 68 is
pivotable in a vertical direction about a horizontal axis defined
by the bolt 76.
[0060] The collar 70 is secured to a top end of the main mast 22 by
means of a rotating cap flange 80 through which an eyebolt 82 is
threaded. The eye of the eyebolt 82 is held in place at the top of
the main mast 22 by a bolt 84 which extends through holes defined
in the main mast 22 through the eye of the eye bolt 82, and is
secured by a nut 86.
[0061] As seen in FIG. 13, a distal end of the boom support strut
68 is pivotably secured to the boom 24 by a rotating boom collar 88
which has ears 90 extending from opposite sides thereof. The ears
90 defines aligned holes, as does the distal end of the boom
support strut 68 (both not shown). A bolt and nut combination 92
extends through the holes in the ears 90 and the boom support strut
68 and pivotably secures the boom support strut 68 to the boom
24.
[0062] Bolts secured by nuts 94 placed through holes (not shown) in
the boom 24 on each side of the boom collar 88 hold the boom collar
88 in place on the boom 24. Thus the boom collar 88 is free to
rotate around the boom 24 but is not allowed to move along the boom
24.
[0063] As seen best in FIG. 14, the support ribs 62 are telescoping
ribs, and have an inner rib section 63 which telescopes within the
support rib 62, and which can be extended and fixed at a desired
position by spring loaded buttons 65 affixed to the rib sections
63, which pop out of holes (not shown) in the support rib 62.
[0064] A canopy 102 spans the support ribs 62, which, when
extended, extend radially from the hub mechanism 48. As shown in
FIGS. 1-3, the canopy 102 is rectangular in shape, but the shape is
not critical. That is, it can be round, oval, square, rectangular,
etc. The support ribs 62 can be adjusted to accommodate any shape
of canopy. It can be made out of any suitable material, although
waterproof canvas is preferred. The canopy 102 has a slot 104 cut
in it through which the boom support strut 68 passes from its point
of connection to the main mast 22, to the point of connection on
the boom 24.
[0065] Pockets 106 are sewn into the underside of the canopy 102,
and are adapted to receive distal ends 63 of the support ribs 62,
after the support ribs 62 are radially extended from the hub
mechanism 48. The pockets 106 are formed of a piece of fabric,
which is sewn to the underside of the canopy 102.
[0066] Thus, the ribs 62 are secured to the hub mechanism 48 at
their near ends and to the canopy 102 by the pocket enclosures 106
at their far ends.
[0067] The canopy 102 of the sunshade 10 can be raised or lowered,
and its angle in relation to the sun changed, by raising or
lowering the sliding mast clamp 26 attached to the main mast 22,
and by pivoting and/or rotating the boom 24. As seen in FIG. 6,
when the mast clamp 26 is lowered to the lowest point on the mast
22, the portable sunshade 10 folds itself up, and is easily
transportable. The relational aspect of the support ribs 62 to the
boom 24 enable the support ribs 62 to be rotated so that the ribs
62 are aligned in parallel to each other and to the boom 24, thus
permitting to entire canopy 102 to be folded into a compact
package.
[0068] Another embodiment of the hub mechanism in accordance with
the present invention is shown in FIGS. 17-20. As shown, the hub
mechanism, which is designated with reference numeral 300,
comprises a disk like crown 302 having a circumference along which
pairs of lugs 304 are formed and spaced from each other. Each pair
of lugs 304 defines a space therebetween for receiving the proximal
end of each support rib 62. The proximal end of the support rib 62
is pivoted to the lugs 304 by a pivot pin 306 whereby the support
rib 62 is rotatable about a horizontal axis in a vertical direction
with respect to the crown 302. A central column 308 is fixed to the
crown at an upper end thereof and has a free lower end. The distal
end of the boom 24 is coupled to the crown 302 by being fixed
between lugs of the crown 302 whereby the crown 302 and the support
ribs 62 are supported in position by the boom 24.
[0069] A runner 310 comprises a disk like member 312 having a
circumference along which pairs of lugs 314 are formed and spaced
from each other. Each pair of lugs 314 defines a space therebetween
for receiving an end of a stretcher 316 which is pivotally mounted
to the lugs 314 by a pivot pin 318. A central column 320 is mounted
to and extends from the runner disk member 312. The crown 302 and
the runner 310 are arranged so that the central columns 308, 320
are substantially coaxially aligned with and extending toward each
other. A canopy control cable 322 is coupled between the runner 310
and the crown 302 for driving the runner 310 with respect to the
crown 302. This will be further discussed.
[0070] The stretcher 316 has a distal end pivoted to the support
rib 62. A rib collar 324 is fit over and fixed to each support rib
62 and has ears 326 defining a space therebetween for receiving the
distal en of the support rib 62 in a pivoting manner.
[0071] A runner support strut 328 has a distal end coupled to the
runner 310 by being fixed between lugs of the runner 310 and a
proximal end coupled to the boom 24 by a second boom collar 330.
The boom collar 330 is rotatably and slidably fit over the boom 24
and has ears 332 defining a space therebetween for receiving the
proximal end of the runner support strut 328 in a pivoting manner.
The second boom collar 330 has a structure similar to the boom
collar 88 whereby no more description is necessary. However, it is
noted that the second boom collar 330 is not allowed to move or
rotate around the boom 24 once the second boom collar 330 is fixed
on the boom 24.
[0072] Also referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, the canopy control cable
322 has a first end fixed to the crown 302, extends to the runner
310 inside the columns 308, 320, wraps around a runner pulley 334
arranged inside the column 320 of the runner 310, then goes upward
to the crown 302 and wraps around a second pulley 336 arranged
inside the column 308 of the crown 302. The cable 322 extends out
of the crown 302 and enters the boom 24 by being redirected by a
third pulley 338. By tightening and loosening the cable 322, the
runner 310 is driven toward/away from the crown 302, which causes
the stretchers 316 to erect up and fold the support ribs 62 and the
canopy 102 overlying the support ribs 62 is in turn expanded and
folded up.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 12, the clamp 154 that connects the main
mast 22 to the lower mast 20 of the sunshade 10 comprises a block
156 having pairs of upper and lower ears 158, 160, which project
outwardly. The clamp 154 is tightened around the masts 22, 20 by
means of compression screws 159 extending through opposing ears 158
(160), and which are tightened by means of the knobs 162 affixed to
the compression screws 159. As the knobs 162 are tightened around
the compression screws 159, the ears 158, 160 are drawn closer to
each other around the masts 22, 20, and fixes the masts 22, 20 in
position, thereby allowing telescoping height adjustment of the
sunshade 10. The mast 20 has a keyway installed along a length of
inner periphery of the mast 20 and the main mast 22 has a key
installed along a length of the main mast 22 such that after the
main mast 22 is inserted into the mast 20, the corresponding
between the key and keyway is able to prevent relative rotation
movement between the main mast 22 and the mast 20.
[0074] A protection lever 350 is pivotally attached to the clamp
154 and driven by spring 352 to bias a lower tip 354 of the lever
350 inward. Thus, when the masts 22, 20 are shortened by
telescoping, the tip 354 of the lever 350 engages a circumferential
shoulder 356 formed on around a top end of the vertical column 122
of the base member 12 to prevent direct engagement between the
clamp 154 and the shoulder 356 thereby offering protection to an
operator's fingers.
[0075] As seen in FIGS. 15 and 16, the sunshade mast 20 is also
locked in place by means of a lock-hook lever 164, which is biased
by a spring 165 to rotate around a bolt 166 extending through the
mast 20. The lever 164 is attached to a rope 168 which extends up
through the interior cavities of the mast 20 and main mast 22, over
a pulley 170 mounted at the upper end of the main mast 22, thence
through a hole 174 in the main mast 22, to the outside. The lower
end of the mast 20 is notched 176, and thus fits over a pin 178
extending through the column 122 of the base member 12. When the
mast 20 is lowered into place in the column 122 of the base member
12, the lever 164 engages the pin 178, and the mast 20 is thus
locked into position.
[0076] When it is desired to remove the sunshade, the rope 168 is
pulled from the outside and the lever 164 is rotated around the
bolt 166, and disengages. The mast 20 and the balance of the
sunshade 10 can then be removed, and retracted through telescoping
action.
[0077] With reference to FIG. 23, it is to be noted that the base
12a of the present invention may be configured to have four limbs
121a spaced apart from each other by 90 degrees and pivotally
connected to each other and four arms 122a each pivotally
sandwiched between the slidable collar 126 and a corresponding one
of the limbs 121a. Weights 123a are provided between two adjacent
limbs 121a to secure relative position of each of the limbs 121a
and to secure the base 12a It is seen from FIG. 24 that after the
weights 123a are removed, the limbs 121a are able to be folded
toward the slidable collar 126 so that the sunshade of the present
invention is compact in size.
[0078] With reference to FIG. 25, the base 12b is configured to
have a base plate 121b with a supporting tube 122b securely formed
on a top face of the base plate 121b and having a through hole 1221
defined through the supporting tube 122b to correspond to a
bulb-nut combination 123b. The column 122 is provided with a
securing hole 1222 corresponding to the through hole 1221 of the
supporting tube 122b. Therefore, when the column 122 is inserted
into the supporting tube 122b to align the securing hole 1222 and
the through hole 1221 of the column 122, the bulb-nut combination
123b is able to secure the relative position of the column 122 and
the supporting tube 122b.
[0079] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications can be made in the sunshade of this invention, yet
will be within the spirit and scope of the invention, being limited
solely by the appended claims.
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