U.S. patent application number 10/535155 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-25 for portable combination umbrella and chair.
Invention is credited to Young-Jun Kim.
Application Number | 20060107979 10/535155 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36459833 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060107979 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim; Young-Jun |
May 25, 2006 |
Portable combination umbrella and chair
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a portable combination umbrella and chair,
which is configured to allow a user to rest for a moment and to
serve as an umbrella when it rains. The chair includes a pole (3)
having on an end thereof a threaded part (1). An umbrella part (5)
is coupled to the threaded part, and has a sliding member (4)
moving along the pole. A lock (6) is provided in a lower portion of
the pole to lock or unlock the sliding member, thus closing or
opening the umbrella part, with a push button (7) provided in the
lower portion of the pole to be integrated with the lock, thus
actuating the lock. A chair part (10) is rotatably mounted to an
opposite end of the pole via a hinge shaft (8). A locking means is
provided on the pole and the chair part.
Inventors: |
Kim; Young-Jun; (Kyunggi-do,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PARK LAW FIRM
3255 WILSHIRE BLVD
SUITE 1110
LOS ANGELES
CA
90010
US
|
Family ID: |
36459833 |
Appl. No.: |
10/535155 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
October 21, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR04/02696 |
371 Date: |
May 16, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 13/00 20130101;
A45B 5/00 20130101; A47C 7/66 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/016 |
International
Class: |
A45B 5/00 20060101
A45B005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 29, 2003 |
KR |
20-2003-0033900 |
Oct 6, 2004 |
KR |
20-2004-0028306 |
Claims
1. A portable combination umbrella and chair, comprising: a pole
having on a first end thereof a threaded part; an umbrella part
coupled to the threaded part of the pole, and having a sliding
member moving vertically along the pole; a lock provided in a lower
portion of the pole to lock or unlock the sliding member to or from
a predetermined position of the pole, thus closing or opening the
umbrella part, with a push button provided in the lower portion of
the pole to be integrated with the lock, thus actuating the lock; a
chair part having a handle and being rotatably mounted to a second
end of the pole via a hinge shaft; and locking means provided on
the pole and the chair part, thus keeping the chair part in a
sitting position or returning the chair part to an original
position thereof.
2. The chair according to claim 1, further comprising: an expansion
part provided at the second end of the pole, and having a larger
diameter than the pole to have a diameter similar to the collapsed
umbrella part, thus preventing the umbrella part from being caught
on clothes, a bag, or the like.
3. The chair according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking means
comprises: a through hole formed at an end of the expansion part of
the pole; a first spring inserted into the expansion part through
the through hole; a locking rod inserted into the expansion part
through the through hole, and configured so that a first end of the
locking rod is in close contact with an end of the first spring and
a second end of the locking rod protrudes out of the through hole
by a predetermined length, with a wedge-shaped support step
provided on the locking rod to prevent the locking rod from being
removed from the expansion part; a rod support unit provided at a
position around hinge holes of the chair part to which the hinge
shaft is fastened, the rod support unit having a first rod hole to
receive the locking rod, when the chair part is folded; and a
second rod hole formed on a central portion of the chair part to
receive the locking rod, when the chair part is unfolded to seat a
user thereon.
4. The chair according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further
comprising: a second spring installed in the pole to elastically
support the push button and the lock; and a third spring mounted to
the sliding member to be extended when the umbrella part is closed,
the third spring serving to automatically open the umbrella part,
when the push button is pushed.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates, in general, to a portable
combination umbrella and chair and, more particularly, to a
portable combination umbrella and chair, which is configured to
allow a user to rest for a moment while playing golf on a golf
course or watching a golf match, and which is configured to serve
as an umbrella when it rains.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Generally, chairs are manufactured to have various shapes,
according to intended purposes thereof. However, the chairs do not
have functions other than a function of seating persons. Further,
it is difficult to carry the chairs. Moreover, chairs that are
configured to be easily carried and thus be used to enjoy or watch
sports, such as golf, have not yet been developed.
[0003] For example, when playing golf, several persons constitute a
group, and then go around a large golf course with a series of 18
holes spaced far apart. As such, in order to go around the 18
holes, the persons must walk about or stand on the course for a
long time.
[0004] Meanwhile, when a golf match is carried out for a long time,
golfers, caddies, and an audience may feel fatigued. However, there
are no chairs on the golf course, so that persons frequently rest
on the grass.
[0005] However, harmful substances, such as agricultural chemicals,
are present in the grass. Further, when persons sit on the grass
and stand up, foreign materials may adhere to the persons' clothes.
Moreover, when it rains, the grass gets wet, so that it is
impossible for persons to sit on the grass.
[0006] Further, while playing golf on an outdoor course, it may
rain suddenly. Thus, an umbrella must always be carried in order to
be prepared for rain. The umbrella is put into a golf bag and
carried.
[0007] As such, when playing golf, it is complicated to put an
umbrella as well as various kinds of golf clubs into a golf bag and
carry them. Particularly, if it does not rain, the umbrella is
unnecessary as well as heavy, thus causing inconvenience to a
golfer.
[0008] Moreover, while golfers play golf, caddies and an audience
must walk about or stand on the course together with the golfers.
Thus, the caddie and the audience each must carry an umbrella in
order to be prepared for rain.
DISCLOSURE
Technical Problem
[0009] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in
mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object
of the present invention is to provide a portable combination
umbrella and chair, which is configured to allow a person to rest
thereon, instead of sitting on the ground or the grass, when the
person feels fatigued during a golf match, and which is configured
to serve as an umbrella, when it rains suddenly.
Technical Solution
[0010] In order to accomplish the above object, the present
invention provides a portable combination umbrella and chair,
including a pole having on a first end thereof a threaded part and
being made of a light and rigid material, an umbrella part coupled
to the threaded part of the pole and having a sliding member moving
vertically along the pole, a lock provided in a lower portion of
the pole to lock or unlock the sliding member to or from a
predetermined position of the pole, thus closing or opening the
umbrella part, with a push button provided in the lower portion of
the pole to be integrated with the lock, thus actuating the lock, a
chair part having a handle and being rotatably mounted to a second
end of the pole via a hinge shaft, and a locking means provided on
the pole and the chair part, thus keeping the chair part in a
sitting position or returning the chair part to an original
position thereof.
Advantageous Effects
[0011] According to the present invention, a chair part is folded
to be parallel to a pole for storage and portability. When
necessary, the chair part is unfolded to be perpendicular to the
pole, thus allowing a user to rest thereon or comfortably watch
sports, such as golf, while sitting on the chair part. Further,
while moving from a place to another place, the user can rest on
the chair part for a moment after opening the chair part.
[0012] Further, when it rains suddenly, the chair part is folded
but an umbrella part is opened. Thus, the present invention allows
a user to be always protected against the rain. Further, the
present invention provides the umbrella part and the chair part
which are integrated into a single structure, thus being capable of
using both an umbrella function and a chair function without
separately carrying an umbrella and a chair, and being light in
weight, therefore ensuring easy portability and practicality.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view to show a portable
combination umbrella and chair, according to the first embodiment
of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the portable combination
umbrella and chair of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view to show a part of the
portable combination umbrella and chair of FIG. 2, when a chair
part is open;
[0016] FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view to show a part of the
portable combination umbrella and chair, when the chair part of
FIG. 3 is folded; and
[0017] FIG. 5 is a sectional view to show a portable combination
umbrella and chair, according to the second embodiment of the
present invention, in which a triple-folding umbrella part is
adapted to the portable combination umbrella and chair.
BEST MODE
[0018] A portable combination umbrella and chair according to the
present invention includes a collapsible chair part and a
collapsible umbrella part. In a detailed description, the portable
combination umbrella and chair includes a pole 3 which has a
threaded part 1 at an end thereof, and an expansion part 2 at an
opposite end thereof. An umbrella part 5 is coupled to the threaded
part 1 of the pole 3, and is provided with a sliding member 4 to
slide along the pole 3. A lock 6 and a push button 7 are provided
in a lower portion of the pole 3. The lock 6 is operated to lock or
unlock the sliding member 4, thus closing or opening the umbrella
part 5. The push button 7 functions to actuate the lock 6. A chair
part 10 is rotatably coupled to a bottom of the expansion part 2
via a hinge shaft 8, and has a handle 9. Further, a locking means
is provided on the chair part 10 and the pole 3 so as to keep the
chair part 10 in a sitting position or to return the chair part 10
to an original position thereof.
MODE FOR INVENTION
[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the pole 3 has a long length in a
longitudinal direction thereof. Preferably, the pole 3 is made of a
rigid and light material, that is, a metal material, such as
Duralumin (an aluminum alloy) so as to bear a user's weight.
[0020] Further, a contact member 20 is provided at an end of the
pole 3, and is made of a relatively rigid plastic or rubber
material. Thus, although the contact member 20 is in contact with
the ground surface and is subject to a force, the contact member 20
is not deformed or broken.
[0021] The umbrella part 5 includes spreaders and a canopy. When
the umbrella part 5 is open in a parabolic shape while being
supported by the threaded part 1 provided at an end of the pole 3,
a user can keep dry when it rains. Further, the umbrella part 5 is
usually collapsed to be adjacent to the pole 3.
[0022] The lock 6 and the push button 7 have the same constructions
as those of a conventional automatically opening and closing
umbrella. The lock 6 and the push button 7 are integrated with each
other into a single structure, and are elastically supported by a
spring 18 provided in the pole 3. The sliding member 4 is mounted
to be biased by a spring 19 which is provided on an outer
circumference of an upper portion of the pole 3. Thereby, when the
push button 7 is pushed, the umbrella part 5 is opened.
[0023] The chair part 10 is coupled to the expansion part 2 of the
pole 3 to be rotated at an angle of 90.degree. around the hinge
shaft 8. When the chair part 10 is rotated to be placed
horizontally, a user can rest on the chair part 10 regardless of
the place.
[0024] Further, the handle 9 is provided at a predetermined
position on the chair part 10, thus allowing the portable
combination umbrella and chair to be conveniently carried and to be
easily hung on a peg or the like.
[0025] The locking means includes a through hole 11, a spring 12,
and a locking rod 14. The through hole 11 is formed at an end of
the expansion part 2 of the pole 3. The spring 12 is inserted into
the expansion part 2 through the through hole 11. The locking rod
14 is inserted through the through hole 11, and the undesirable
removal of the locking rod 14 is prevented by a wedge-shaped
support step 13. Further, the locking rod 14 is configured so that
an end thereof is in close contact with the spring 12 and an
opposite end thereof protrudes out of the through hole 11 by a
predetermined length. The locking means also has a rod support unit
16. The rod support unit 16 is provided at a position around hinge
holes to which the hinge shaft 8 is fastened, and includes a first
rod hole 15 to receive the locking rod 14, when the chair part 10
is folded. The locking means also has a second rod hole 17 which is
formed on a central portion of the chair part 10 to receive the
locking rod 14, when the chair part 10 is unfolded to allow a user
to sit thereon.
[0026] In this case, since the support step 14 is inserted into the
expansion part 2 through the through hole 11, the locking rod 14 is
movable while not being removed from the expansion part 2. Further,
the locking rod 14 has a rounded end to be easily inserted into or
removed from the first, second rod hole 15, 17.
[0027] The operational effects of the portable combination umbrella
and chair constructed as described above will be described in the
following.
[0028] Usually, a user carries the portable combination umbrella
and chair after putting it into a bag. Meanwhile, when a golfer or
a spectator desires to rest for a moment while playing golf or
watching a golf match, the golfer or gallery takes the portable
combination umbrella and chair out of the bag so as to rest
thereon.
[0029] In a detailed description, a user rotates the chair part 10
about the hinge shaft 8, while manually pushing an end of the
locking rod 14 which protrudes out of the first rod hole 15 of the
rod support unit 16 that is provided at a predetermined position on
the chair part 10. At this time, the locking rod 14 is easily
removed from the first rod hole 15, and simultaneously the chair
part 10 is rotated.
[0030] When the chair part 10 is rotated, the locking rod 14 is
fitted into the second rod hole 17 which is formed on the central
portion of the chair part 10, and the chair part 10 is placed
horizontally. In such a state, the chair part 10 is maintained
stably. Thus, the user can sit on the chair part 10 after placing
the pole 3 so that the end of the pole 3 comes into contact with
the ground surface and the pole 3 is positioned to be perpendicular
to the ground surface.
[0031] When the user sits on the chair part 10, the contact member
20 provided at the end of the pole 3 comes into contact with the
ground surface, thus preventing the pole 3 from breaking or sliding
over the ground surface. Therefore, while the pole 3 stands
upright, the user can rest on the chair part 10.
[0032] Since the chair part 10 is firmly coupled to the pole 3 by
the locking rod 14, a user can stably sit on the chair part 10. At
this time, the umbrella part 5 is in close contact with the pole
3.
[0033] When it rains suddenly while the chair part is being used,
the chair part 10 is collapsed so that the locking rod 14 is
inserted into the first rod hole 15. Thereafter, the user holds the
handle 9 provided at a predetermined position on the chair part 10
and pushes the push button 7. At this time, the sliding member 4 is
released from the lock 6 while the umbrella part 5 is opened by the
elasticity of the spring 19.
[0034] That is, the chair part 10 is immediately converted into the
umbrella part 5 merely by pushing the push button 7, in a similar
manner as a conventional automatically opening and closing
umbrella. Thus, it is very convenient to use the chair part 10 and
the umbrella part 5.
[0035] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, a triple-folding umbrella
part 22 may be adapted to a portable combination umbrella and
chair, without using the push button 7 and the lock 6. The
triple-folding umbrella part 22 is operated such that a sliding
member 4 is manually pulled up and then locked by a lock 21 which
is moved by the elasticity of a spring S. Such a construction
reduces the volume of the umbrella part.
[0036] As described above, when it rains, a user uses the umbrella
part 5, 22. When it stops raining, the umbrella part 5, 22 is
collapsed. In this case, a diameter of the expansion part 2 is
larger than that of the pole 3, so that a diameter of the umbrella
part 5 is almost equal to that of the expansion part 2. In such a
state, the entire shape of the umbrella part is almost a straight
line shape, thus preventing the umbrella part from being caught on
clothes, a bag, or the like, when the user carries the portable
combination umbrella and chair according to the present
invention.
[0037] Moreover, the portable combination umbrella and chair can be
conveniently used for outdoor activities other than golf, such as
mountain climbing.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0038] As described above, the present invention provides a
portable combination umbrella and chair, which can be used on a
golf course or for outdoor activities, such as mountain climbing,
and which can be used as an umbrella when it rains suddenly, and
which can be used as a chair in a place not having a chair, when a
user feels fatigued.
* * * * *