U.S. patent application number 11/155515 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-04 for umbrella frame with folding four-segment ribs.
Invention is credited to Ching-Chuan You.
Application Number | 20070000529 11/155515 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37588060 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070000529 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
You; Ching-Chuan |
January 4, 2007 |
Umbrella frame with folding four-segment ribs
Abstract
Provided is a Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic umbrella frame
comprising ribs each consisting of four segments wherein first rib
segment and one strut are connected together by one of U-shaped
connecting members and one of Y-shaped pivotal members having a
cylindrical seat across both ends of its bifurcation, and any two
adjacent rib segments are connected together by the U-shaped
connecting member and the Y-shaped pivotal member. There are also
provided links each for connecting the pivotal member and the
distal connecting member. The umbrella can carry out a smooth
folding or extending operation and has a reduced folded size and
enhanced structural strength.
Inventors: |
You; Ching-Chuan; (Taipei,
TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Ching-Chuan You
Rm.532, 5FL.
No. 144 Ming Chuan E. Rd., Sec. 3
Taipei
105
TW
|
Family ID: |
37588060 |
Appl. No.: |
11/155515 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/25.3 ;
135/32 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 19/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/025.3 ;
135/032 |
International
Class: |
A45B 19/10 20060101
A45B019/10 |
Claims
1. A Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics (FRP) umbrella including a
shank (11) including a plastic top hub (12) having a plurality of
slots (120) equally spaced therearound, and a plastic lower sleeve
(13) slidably put on the shank (11) and having a plurality of slots
(130) equally spaced therearound, and a folding frame (10)
comprising: a plurality of plastic upper connecting rods (20) each
having an end (200) pivotably connected to the slot (120) of the
hub (12); a plurality of plastic lower connecting rods (21) each
having an end (210) pivotably connected to the slot (130) of the
sleeve (13); a plastic Y-shaped first pivotal member (40) having a
bifurcation (408), including a cylindrical seat (401) across both
ends of the bifurcation (408), an opening (402) defined by the
bifurcation (408) and the seat (401) thereof, and an intermediate
projecting U-shaped element (405); a plastic Y-shaped second
pivotal member (41) having a bifurcation (418), including a
cylindrical seat (411) across both ends of the bifurcation (418),
an opening (412) defined by the bifurcation (418) and the seat
(411) thereof, and an intermediate projecting U-shaped element
(415); a plastic Y-shaped third pivotal members (42) having a
bifurcation (428), including a cylindrical seat (421) across both
ends of the bifurcation (428), an opening (422) defined by the
bifurcation (428) and the seat (421) thereof, and an intermediate
projecting U-shaped element (425); a plastic Y-shaped fourth
pivotal member (43) having a bifurcation (438), including a
cylindrical seat (431) across both ends of the bifurcation (438),
and an opening (432) defined by the bifurcation (438) and the seat
(431) thereof; a plastic U-shaped first connecting member (30)
including a recess (302), a tubelike first and second extensions
(300, 301) both extended from either end of the recess (302),
respectively and a bore (3000, 3010) at either end of the
extensions (300, 301) in communication with the recess (302)
thereof; a plastic U-shaped second connecting member (31) including
a recess (312), a tubelike first and second extensions (310, 311)
both extended from either end of the recess (312), respectively and
a bore (3100, 3110) at either end of the extensions (310, 311) in
communication with the recess (312) thereof; a plastic U-shaped
third connecting member (32) including a recess (322), a tubelike
first and second extensions (320, 321) both extended from either
end of the recess (322), respectively and a bore (3200, 3210) at
either end of the extensions (320, 321) in communication with the
recess (322) thereof; a plastic U-shaped fourth connecting member
(33) including a recess (332), a tubelike first and second
extensions (330, 331) both extended from either end of the recess
(302), respectively and a bore (3300, 3310) at either end of the in
communication with the recess (332) thereof; a plurality of FRP
struts (15); a plurality of FRP folding ribs each including a first
segments (14), a second segments (16), a third segments (17), and a
fourth rib segments (18); and a plurality of first, second, and
third links (50, 60) and (70); wherein: the seat (401) of the
Y-shaped first pivotal member (40) is fitted in the recess (302) of
the U-shaped first connecting member (30); the seat (411) of the
Y-shaped second pivotal member (41) is fitted in the recess (312)
of the U-shaped second connecting member (31); the seat (421) of
the Y-shaped third pivotal member (42) is fitted in the recess
(322) of the U-shaped third connecting member (32); the seat (431)
of the Y-shaped fourth pivotal member (43) is fitted in the recess
(332) of the U-shaped fourth connecting member (33); each of the
struts (15) passes through the tubelike second extension (301), the
recess (302), and the tubelike first extension (300) of the
U-shaped first connecting member (30) to have one end thereof
connected to the lower connecting rod (21) and the other end
thereof connected to one end of the second pivotal member (41) with
the U-shaped first connecting member (30) put thereon; the first
rib segment (14) has one end connected to the other end of the
upper connecting rod (20) and the other end thereof connected to
one end of the Y-shaped first pivotal member (40); the second rib
segment (16) has one end connected to one end of the U-shaped
second connecting member (31) by passing through the second
extension (311), the recess (312) and the first extension (310) of
the U-shaped second connecting member (31), and the other end
thereof connected to one end of the Y-shaped third pivotal member
(42); the third rib segment (17) has one end connected to one end
of the U-shaped third connecting member (32) by passing through the
second extension (321), the recess (322) and the first extension of
the U-shaped third connecting member (32), and the other end
thereof connected to one end of the Y-shaped fourth pivotal member
(43); the fourth rib segment (18) has one end connected to one end
of the U-shaped fourth connecting member (33) by passing through
the second extension (331), the recess (332) and the first
extension of the U-shaped fourth connecting member (33), and the
other end thereof secured to a peripheral edge of a canopy fitted
over the frame (10); each of the first links (50) interconnects a
first U-shaped element (405) of the Y-shaped first pivotal member
(40) and the U-shaped second connecting member (31); each of the
second links (60) interconnects a second U-shaped element (415) of
the Y-shaped second pivotal member (41) and the U-shaped third
connecting member (32); and each of the third links (70)
interconnects a third U-shaped element (425) of the Y-shaped third
pivotal member (42) and the U-shaped fourth connecting member
(33).
2. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein each of the U-shaped first,
second, third, and fourth connecting members (30-33) further
comprises a slope (303, 313, 323, 333) formed on an inner wall of
the recess (302, 312, 322, 332) thereof.
3. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein each of the Y-shaped first,
second, third, and fourth pivotal members (40-43) further comprises
an indentation (407, 417, 427, 437) across the bifurcation (408,
418, 428, 438) thereof.
4. The umbrella of claim 3, wherein each of the Y-shaped first,
second, and third pivotal members (40-42) further comprises a
second opening (403, 413, 423) defined by a joining portion of the
bifurcation (408 418, 428) and the indentation (407, 417, 427)
thereof.
5. The umbrella of claim 4, wherein each of the Y-shaped first,
second, and third pivotal members (40-42) further comprises a
cavity (404, 414, 424) formed at the second opening (403, 413, 423)
for nesting the U-shaped element (405, 415, 425) therein.
6. The umbrella of claim 54, wherein both ends of the U-shaped
element (405, 415, 425) are fitted in two opposite portions of the
cavity (404, 414, 424).
7. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein each of the Y-shaped first,
second, third, and fourth pivotal members (40-43) further comprises
an arc member (406, 416, 426, 436) at either side thereof.
8. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein each of the tubelike first
extension of the U-shaped second, third, and fourth connecting
members (31-33) further comprises an arc flat element (3101, 3201,
3301) extended from one end thereof.
9. The umbrella of claim 8, wherein the arc flat element (3101,
3201, 3301) includes a hole through its free end.
10. The umbrella of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
sliding sleeve members (160, 170) each put on the second and the
third rib segments (16, 17), respectively.
11. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein either end of each of the
first, the second, and the third links (50, 60, 70) is shaped as a
hook.
12. The umbrella of claim 10, wherein the second link (60)
comprises a U-shaped intermediate member (63) fitted between the
sleeve member (160) and the second rib segment (16), and the third
link (70) comprises a U-shaped intermediate member (73) fitted
between the sleeve member (170) and the third rib segment (17).
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to FRP (Fiberglass
Reinforced Plastics) umbrella frame structure and more particularly
to such an umbrella frame having improved ribs each consisting of
four segments which are adapted to smoothly fold to minimize
storage space of the FRP umbrella.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] As well-known in the art, metal umbrella frame has many
folded ribs each consisting of four rib segments. For example, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,392,799 discloses such umbrella. However, the patent
suffered from several disadvantages. For example, a metal pivotal
joint between two segments of the rib is secured by metal rivets.
This is a tedious and time consuming in manufacturing process.
Moreover, quality of the joint is not reliable. It is understood
that even one malfunctioned joint, for example caused by rust, can
cause jam of an umbrella. Further, the metal umbrella frame tends
to break at the rivets due to stress concentration when used after
a while.
[0005] Umbrella frame made of FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastics)
is rustproof. It is found that ribs of FRP frame are cylindrical in
shape for increasing support strength of umbrella. Further, an
upper end and an intermediate point of the rib for connecting to a
top of shank and a sleeve on the shank are formed with plastic
connecting member and pivotal joint respectively. This inevitably
increases the size of frame, resulting in difficulties of storage
and transportation. Thus, FRP frame is particularly suitable for
large golf umbrella with no folding ribs of frame. So far as the
present inventor is aware that FRP umbrella frame with four folding
ribs has not been commercially available. Hence, a need has arisen
for a FRP umbrella frame having improved folding four-segment
ribs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a FRP umbrella frame comprising a plurality of ribs each
including four folded rib segments. The frame is smooth in its
folding operation without causing jam.
[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
lightweight FRP umbrella frame with folded four-segment ribs. The
FRP umbrella is advantageous for being ease of storage and
transportation.
[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
an enhanced umbrella frame with folding four-segment ribs.
[0009] To achieve the above and other objects, the present
invention provides a FRP umbrella including a shank including a
plastic top hub having a plurality of slots equally spaced
therearound, and a plastic lower sleeve slidably put on the shank
and having a plurality of slots equally spaced therearound, and a
folding frame comprising: a plurality of plastic upper connecting
rods each having an end pivotably connected to the slot of the hub;
a plurality of plastic lower connecting rods each having an end
pivotably connected to the slot of the sleeve; a plastic Y-shaped
first pivotal member having a bifurcation, including a cylindrical
seat across both ends of the bifurcation, an opening defined by the
bifurcation and the seat thereof, and an intermediate projecting
U-shaped element; a plastic Y-shaped second pivotal member having a
bifurcation, including a cylindrical seat across both ends of the
bifurcation, an opening defined by the bifurcation and the seat
thereof, and an intermediate projecting U-shaped element; a plastic
Y-shaped third pivotal members having a bifurcation, including a
cylindrical seat across both ends of the bifurcation, an opening
defined by the bifurcation and the seat thereof, and an
intermediate projecting U-shaped element; a plastic Y-shaped fourth
pivotal member having a bifurcation, including a cylindrical seat
across both ends of the bifurcation, and an opening defined by the
bifurcation and the seat thereof; a plastic U-shaped first
connecting member including a recess, a tubelike first and second
extensions both extended from either end of the recess,
respectively and a bore at either end of the extensions in
communication with the recess thereof; a plastic U-shaped second
connecting member including a recess, a tubelike first and second
extensions both extended from either end of the recess,
respectively and a bore at either end of the extensions in
communication with the recess thereof; a plastic U-shaped third
connecting member including a recess, a tubelike first and second
extensions both extended from either end of the recess,
respectively and a bore at either end of the extensions in
communication with the recess thereof; a plastic U-shaped fourth
connecting member including a recess, a tubelike first and second
extensions both extended from either end of the recess,
respectively and a bore at either end of the in communication with
the recess thereof; a plurality of FRP struts; a plurality of FRP
folding ribs each including a first segments, a second segments, a
third segments, and a fourth rib segments; and a plurality of
first, second, and third links; wherein the seat of the Y-shaped
first pivotal member is fitted in the recess of the U-shaped first
connecting member; the seat of the Y-shaped second pivotal member
is fitted in the recess of the U-shaped second connecting member;
the seat of the Y-shaped third pivotal member is fitted in the
recess of the U-shaped third connecting member; the seat of the
Y-shaped fourth pivotal member is fitted in the recess of the
U-shaped fourth connecting member; each of the struts passes
through the tubelike second extension, the recess, and the tubelike
first extension of the U-shaped first connecting member to have one
end connected to the lower connecting rod and the other end thereof
connected to one end of the second pivotal member with the U-shaped
first connecting member slidably put thereon; the first rib segment
has one end connected to the other end of the upper connecting rod
and the other end thereof connected to one end of the Y-shaped
first pivotal member; the second rib segment has one end connected
to one end of the U-shaped second connecting member by passing
through the second extension, the recess and the first extension of
the U-shaped second connecting member, and the other end thereof
connected to one end of the Y-shaped third pivotal member; the
third rib segment has one end connected to one end of the U-shaped
third connecting member by passing through the second extension,
the recess and the first extension of the U-shaped third connecting
member, and the other end thereof connected to one end of the
Y-shaped fourth pivotal member; the fourth rib segment has one end
connected to one end of the U-shaped fourth connecting member by
passing through the second extension, the recess and the first
extension of the U-shaped fourth connecting member, and the other
end thereof secured to a peripheral edge of a canopy fitted over
the frame; each of the first links interconnects a first U-shaped
element of the Y-shaped first pivotal member and the U-shaped
second connecting member; each of the second links interconnects a
second U-shaped element of the Y-shaped second pivotal member and
the U-shaped third connecting member; and each of the third links
interconnects a third U-shaped element of the Y-shaped third
pivotal member and the U-shaped fourth connecting member.
[0010] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description taken with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
FRP umbrella frame according to the invention in its partially
folded position;
[0012] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the frame for
showing its components and its connection to a top hub of a shank
and a lower sleeve put on the shank;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of the assembled elements shown in
FIG. 2, where the frame is partially extended;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, where the frame is fully
extended; and
[0015] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3, where the frame is fully
folded.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, an umbrella frame 10 (e.g.,
one formed of FRP) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
invention comprises a shank 11 including a plastic top hub 12
having a plurality of slots 120 equally spaced therearound, and a
plastic lower sleeve 13 slidably put on the shank 11 and having a
plurality of slots 130 equally spaced therearound. An plastic upper
connecting rod 20 has a flat portion 200 at one end fitted in and
pivotably connected to one slot 120 and a plastic lower connecting
rod 21 has a flat portion 210 at one end fitted in and pivotably
connected to one slot 130. Each of the connecting rods 20 and 21 is
formed of plastic material. The other end of each of the connecting
rods 20 and 21 is formed with a bore 201 or 211 for snugly
receiving one end of a first rib segment 14 or a strut 15.
[0017] A plastic U-shaped first connecting member 30 comprises a
U-shaped recess 302 in its intermediate portion, a tubelike first
extension 300 extended from one end of the recess 302 and having a
bore 3000 therethrough, and a tubelike second extension 301
extended from the other end of the recess 302 and having a bore
3010 therethrough. The bores 3000 and 3010 are in communication
through the recess 302. Thus, the strut 15 is adapted to insert
through the bore 3000, the recess 302, and the bore 3010. A lower
slope 303 is formed between bottom of the second extension 301 and
the recess 302. The umbrella frame 10 further comprises a plurality
of FRP radial ribs each consisting of four rib segments namely
first rib segment 14, second rib segment 16, third rib segment 17,
and fourth rib segment 18. The first pivotal member 40 made of
plastic is a substantially Y-shaped element and comprises a bore
400 at one end for snugly receiving the other end of the first rib
segment 14, a cylindrical seat 401 across both ends of two branch
of its bifurcation 408 with the recess 302 fitted thereon, an
indentation 407 also across the branches of the bifurcation 408, a
first opening 402 defined by the bifurcation 408, the indentation
407, and the seat 401, a second opening 403 defined by the
bifurcation 408 and the indentation 407, an enlarged cavity 404
formed at bottom of the second opening 403, a U-shaped element 405
with its both ends 4050 fitted in the cavity 404 and with its
intermediate portion projecting from the second opening 403, and an
arc member 406 at either side of the bifurcation 408. Thread
leaving canopy can insert in and out of the arc member 406 for
fastening canopy onto the ribs.
[0018] A second pivotal member 41 made of plastic is a
substantially Y-shaped element and comprises a bore 410 at one end
for snugly receiving the other end of the strut 15, a cylindrical
seat 411 across both ends of two branch of its bifurcation 418, an
indentation 417 also across the branches of the bifurcation 481, a
first opening 412 defined by the bifurcation 418, the indentation
417, and the seat 411, a second opening 413 defined by the
bifurcation 418 and the indentation 417, an enlarged cavity 414
formed at bottom of the second opening 413, a U-shaped element 415
with its both ends 4150 fitted in the cavity 414 and with its
intermediate portion projecting from the second opening 413, and an
arc member 416 at either side of the bifurcation 418. Thread
leaving canopy can insert in and out of the arc member 416 for
fastening canopy onto the ribs.
[0019] A plastic U-shaped second connecting member 31 comprises a
U-shaped recess 312 in its intermediate portion with the seat 411
fitted therein, a tubelike first extension 310 extended from one
end of the recess 312 and having a bore 3100 therethrough, an arc
flat element 3101 extended from the first extension 310, the flat
element 3101 having a hole 3102 through its free end, a tubelike
second extension 311 extended from the other end of the recess 312
and having a bore 3110 therethrough, the bore 3110 being in
communication with the bore 3100 through the recess 312 such that
one end of the second rib segment 16 is adapted to insert through
the bore 3100, the recess 312, and the bore 3110, and an upper
slope 313 formed between top of the second extension 311 and the
recess 312.
[0020] A third pivotal member 42 made of plastic is identical to
the substantially Y-shaped first pivotal member 40 and comprises a
bore 420 at one end for snugly receiving the other end of the
second rib segment 16, a cylindrical seat 421 across both ends of
two branch of its bifurcation 428, an indentation 427 also across
the branches of the bifurcation 428, a first opening 422 defined by
the bifurcation 428, the indentation 427, and the seat 421, a
second opening 423 defined by the bifurcation 428 and the
indentation 427, an enlarged cavity 424 formed at bottom of the
second opening 423, a U-shaped element 425 with its both ends 4250
fitted in the cavity 424 and with its intermediate portion
projecting from the second opening 423, and an arc member 426 at
either side of the bifurcation 428. Thread leaving canopy can
insert in and out of the arc member 426 for fastening canopy onto
the ribs.
[0021] A plastic U-shaped third connecting member 32 is identical
to the plastic U-shaped second connecting member 31 and comprises a
U-shaped recess 322 in its intermediate portion with the seat 421
fitted therein, a tubelike first extension 320 extended from one
end of the recess 322 and having a bore 3200 therethrough, an arc
flat element 3201 extended from the first extension 320, the flat
element 3201 having a hole 3202 through its free end, a tubelike
second extension 321 extended from the other end of the recess 322
and having a bore 3210 therethrough, the bore 3210 being in
communication with the bore 3200 through the recess 322 such that
one end of the third rib segment 17 is adapted to insert through
the bore 3210, the recess 322, and the bore 3200, and a lower slope
323 formed between bottom of the second extension 321 and the
recess 322.
[0022] A fourth pivotal member 43 made of plastic is identical to
the substantially Y-shaped first pivotal member 40 and comprises a
bore 430 at one end for snugly receiving the other end of the third
rib segment 17, a cylindrical seat 431 across both ends of two
branch of its bifurcation 438, a lower indentation 437 also across
the branches of the bifurcation 438, a first opening 432 defined by
the bifurcation 438, the indentation 437, and the seat 431, and an
arc member 436 at either side of the bifurcation 438. Thread
leaving canopy can insert in and out of the arc member 436 for
fastening canopy onto the ribs.
[0023] A plastic U-shaped fourth connecting member 33 is identical
to the plastic U-shaped second connecting member 31 and comprises a
U-shaped recess 332 in its intermediate portion with the seat 431
fitted therein, a tubelike first extension 330 extended from one
end of the recess 332 and having a bore 3300 therethrough, an arc
flat element 3301 extended from the first extension 330, the flat
element 3301 having a hole 3302 through its free end, a tubelike
second extension 331 extended from the other end of the recess 332
and having a bore 3310 therethrough, the bore 3310 being in
communication with the bore 3300 through the recess 332 such that
one end of the fourth rib segment 18 is adapted to insert through
the bore 3310, the recess 332, and the bore 3300, and a lower slope
333 formed between bottom of the second extension 331 and the
recess 332. The other end (i.e., free end) of the fourth rib
segment 18 is secured to canopy in a manner known in the art.
[0024] In assembly, a first link 50 includes a first hook 51 at one
end passed the projecting intermediate portion of the U-shaped
element 405 and fastened thereat, and a second hook 52 at the other
end passed the hole 3102 and fastened thereat. A second link 60
includes a first hook 61 at one end passed the projecting
intermediate portion of the U-shaped element 415 and fastened
thereat, a second hook 62 at the other end passed the hole 3202 and
fastened thereat, and a U-shaped intermediate member 63 engaged an
outer surface of the second rib segment 16. A first sleeve 160
loosely put on the U-shaped intermediate member 63 and the second
rib segment 16 such that the first sleeve 160 is adapted to slide
on the second rib segment 16 in a folding or extending operation of
the umbrella. Similarly, a third link 70 includes a first hook 71
at one end passed the projecting intermediate portion of the
U-shaped element 425 and fastened thereat, a second hook 72 at the
other end passed the hole 3302 and fastened thereat, and a U-shaped
intermediate member 73 engaged an outer surface of the third rib
segment 17. A second sleeve 170 loosely put on the U-shaped
intermediate member 73 and the third rib segment 17 such that the
second sleeve 170 is adapted to slide on the third rib segment 17
in a folding or extending operation of the umbrella.
[0025] For extending the umbrella, simply push the lower sleeve 13
upward from the position of FIG. 5 to the position of FIG. 4 via
the position of FIG. 3. To the contrary, for folding the umbrella,
simply push the lower sleeve 13 downward from the position of FIG.
4 to the position of FIG. 5 via the position of FIG. 3. Either
extending or folding operation is made smooth due to the
advantageous characteristics discussed above.
[0026] Moreover, the arc flat element extended from one end of the
second connecting member 31, the second connecting member 32, or
the third connecting member 33 is adapted to decrease size of the
folded umbrella. Further, the indentations 407, 417, 427, and 437
of the first, second, third, and fourth pivotal members 40, 41, 42,
and 43 are adapted to facilitate extending or folding operation of
the umbrella and cause rib segments to dispose in a more parallel
configuration after folding, thereby further decreasing size of the
folded umbrella (see FIG. 5).
[0027] While the invention herein disclosed has been described by
means of specific embodiments, numerous modifications and
variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art
without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention set
forth in the claims.
* * * * *