EP3500128A1 - Umbrella having an anti-inversion mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

An umbrella has a plurality of ribs attached to a runner by main struts. The umbrella has an anti-inversion mechanism formed of a plurality of anti-inversion struts. Each anti-inversion strut is pivotally coupled to one respective main strut and is pivotally connected to a floating joint member that is freely movable along a length of one respective rib. The anti-inversion mechanism also includes a stop that is fixedly attached to the rib and restricts the degree of travel of the floating joint member along the rib and is positioned to prevent the respective rib from inverting in response to an applied force.

Description

UMBRELLA HAVING AN ANTI-INVERSION MECHANISM

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority and is a continuation-in-part of US Patent Application serial No. 14/614,906, filed February 5, 2015, and claims priority to US Patent Application serial No. 62/423,708, filed November 17, 2016 and U.S. Patent Application serial No.

62/377,042, filed August 19, 2016, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

The present invention relates to umbrellas and more particularly, relates to an umbrella that is designed to resist inversion in adverse conditions including strong winds, etc.

Background

As is well known, an umbrella is a device that protects the user from the elements and in particular from liquid and frozen precipitation or even the sun, etc. A traditional umbrella has the following parts: a pole, a canopy, ribs, a runner, springs and a ferrule. A pole is the metal or wooden shaft that runs between the umbrella's handle at the bottom (or the base stand in the case of a patio model) and the canopy at the top. The canopy is the fabric part of the umbrella that catches the rain, the wind and the sun. The ribs are what give an umbrella its structure and shape. Outer ribs hold up the canopy and inner ribs (sometimes called stretchers) act as supports and connect the outer ribs to the umbrella pole. A runner slides up and down the pole while connected to the ribs/stretchers, and is responsible for the opening and closing of the canopy. Many umbrella designs include a top spring to hold the runner up when the canopy is open, a bottom spring to hold the runner down when the canopy is closed, and sometimes a center ball spring to extend the pole length in telescopic models. Strictly ornamental, the finial (also called the ferrule) is found on the very top of the umbrella, above the canopy.

Umbrella ribs function in a folding construction supporting the umbrella canopy fabric. Under normal operating conditions, the forces acting on the umbrella canopy fabric increase toward peak values when the canopy becomes fully deployed and when wind gusts tend to overturn the canopy. These forces are transmitted from the canopy to the canopy ribs, and can act on the ribs in opposite directions depending on the direction of the wind. The ribs thus have to be strong enough to withstand forces which can act on them from anyone of the two main opposite directions.

The above construction is the most common one for an umbrella and the canopy assumes a downward convex shape. One significant problem with such design arises when there is a strong wind or sudden gust which exerts a force against the inner surface of the canopy causing the canopy to invert from its normal position to an upward position to an upward convex position.

Umbrellas addressing the problems of wind gusts have been proposed with one solution being the placement of apertures located within the canopy which allow for the air to flow through the canopy reducing the total force experienced by the canopy. However, the apertures are not large enough to provide a sufficient airflow to greatly reduce the force and in most circumstances, the canopy still inverts. Another solution to this has been to add strings that connect from the umbrella strut to the tip area. However, this solution also suffers from a deficiency in that these strings can become loose over time or get cut or tangle, etc., during use.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a windproof umbrella that acts so as to prevent the inversion of the umbrella in strong wind.

Summary

According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an umbrella includes an elongated shaft having a first end and an opposite second end and a runner slidably disposed about the elongated shaft and movable along a length of the shaft. The umbrella has a plurality of ribs that are attached to the runner by a plurality of main struts that move between open and closed positions in which in the open position, the ribs are in an open, extended position and in the closed position, the ribs are in a closed, collapsed position.

In accordance with the present invention, the umbrella has an anti-inversion mechanism formed of a plurality of anti-inversion struts. Each anti-inversion strut is pivotally coupled to one respective main strut and is pivotally connected to a floating joint member that is freely movable along a length of the rib. The anti-inversion mechanism also includes a stop that is fixedly attached to the rib and restricts the degree of travel of the floating joint member along the rib and is positioned to prevent the respective rib from inverting in response to an applied force. Brief Description of the Drawing Figures

Fig. 1 is a side elevation view of an umbrella, of a manual type, including a shaft and an umbrella rib assembly in accordance with the present invention and being shown in a fully opened position, with only a single rib assembly being shown for sake of illustration purposes only;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation view of the umbrella rib assembly of Fig. 1 shown in a half open position;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation view of the umbrella rib assembly of Fig. 1 shown in a closed position;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an umbrella having a plurality of rib assemblies of Fig.

1 being shown in a fully open position;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the umbrella of Fig. 4 being shown in a fully closed position;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the rib assembly of Fig. 1 showing the anti-inversion feature of the present invention;

Fig. 7A is a perspective view of a strut to rib joint of the rib assembly of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 7B is a side elevation view of the strut to rib joint of Fig. 7A;

Fig. 7C is a top plan view of the strut to rib joint of Fig. 7A;

Fig. 7D is an end view of the strut to rib joint of Fig. 7A;

Fig. 8A is a perspective view of a floating joint of the rib assembly of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 8B is a side elevation view of the floating joint of Fig. 8A;

Fig. 8C is a top plan view of the floating joint of Fig. 8A;

Fig. 8D is an end view of the floating joint of Fig. 8 A;

Fig. 9A is a perspective view of a floating joint stop of the rib assembly of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 9B is a side elevation view of the floating joint stop of Fig. 9A;

Fig. 9C is a top plan view of the floating joint stop of Fig. 9A;

Fig. 9D is an end view of the floating joint stop of Fig. 9A;

Fig. 10A is a perspective view of a rib tip;

Fig. 10B is a top plan view of the rib tip;

Fig. IOC is a side elevation view of the rib tip;

Fig. 10D is an end view of the rib tip;

Fig. 11 is a top plan view of a rib tip assembly in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the tip assembly in a closed/uncompressed state; Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the tip assembly in an open/compressed state; Fig. 14 is a side elevation view of a shaft assembly of the umbrella of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 15 is an enlarged side elevation view of a shaft lock that is part of the shaft assembly;

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the shaft lock;

Fig. 17A is a side elevation view of a shaft assembly with the runner in an unlocked position;

Fig. 17B is a cross-sectional view of the runner of Fig. 17A in the unlocked position; Fig. 18 A is a side elevation view of the shaft assembly with the runner in a locked position;

Fig. 18B is a cross-sectional view of the shaft assembly with the runner in the locked position;

Fig. 19 is a side elevation view of an umbrella, of a manual type, including a shaft and an umbrella rib assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention and being shown in a fully opened position, with only a single rib assembly being shown for sake of illustration purposes only;

Fig. 20 is a top plan view of an anti-inversion strut according to one embodiment;

Fig. 21 is a side elevation view of the anti-inversion strut;

Fig. 22 is side elevation view of an umbrella (e.g., two section collapsible type) including a shaft and an umbrella rib assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention and being shown in a fully opened position, with only a single rib assembly being shown for sake of illustration purposes only;

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the umbrella of Fig. 22 in the fully opened position;

Fig. 24 is a side elevation view of the umbrella of Fig. 22 in a half opened position;

Fig. 25 is a side elevation view of the umbrella of Fig. 22 in a closed position;

Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the umbrella of Fig. 22 in the fully opened position;

Fig. 27A is a perspective view of an exemplary rib tip;

Fig. 27B is a top plan view of the rib tip;

Fig. 27C is a side elevation view of the rib tip;

Fig. 27D is an end view of the rib tip;

Fig. 28A is a perspective view of a floating joint of the rib assembly of Fig. 22; Fig. 28B is a side elevation view of the floating joint of Fig. 28A;

Fig. 28C is a top plan view of the floating joint of Fig. 28A;

Fig. 28D is an end view of the floating joint of Fig. 28A; Fig . 29 A is a perspective view of a floating joint stop of the rib assembly of Fig. 22;

Fig . 29B is a side elevation view of the floating joint stop of Fig. 29 A;

Fig . 29C is a top plan view of the floating joint stop of Fig. 29A;

Fig . 29D is an end view of the floating joint stop of Fig. 29A;

Fig . 30A is a perspective view of an anti-inversion strut of the rib assembly of Fig. 22;

Fig . 30B is a side elevation view of the anti-inversion strut of Fig. 30A;

Fig . 30C is a bottom plan view of the anti-inversion strut of Fig. 30A;

Fig . 30D is an end view of the anti-inversion strut of Fig. 30A;

Fig . 31A is a perspective view of a second rib joint of the rib assembly of Fig. 22;

Fig . 31B is a side elevation view of the second rib joint of Fig. 31 A;

Fig . 31C is a top plan view of the second rib joint of Fig. 31 A;

Fig . 31D is an end view of the second rib joint of Fig. 31 A;

Fig . 32A is a perspective view of a first rib of the rib assembly of Fig. 22;

Fig . 32B is a side elevation view of the first rib of Fig. 31 A;

Fig . 32C is a top plan view of the first rib of Fig. 31 A;

Fig . 32D is an end view of the first rib of Fig. 31 A;

Fig . 33 is a side view of an umbrella according to another embodiment and in a first

(fully opened) position;

Fig. 34 is a side view of the umbrella of Fig. 33 in a second position;

Fig. 35 is a side view of the umbrella of Fig. 33 in a third (fully closed) position;

Fig. 36 is a perspective view of the umbrella of Fig. 33 in the first position;

Fig. 37 is a perspective view of the umbrella of Fig. 33 in the third (fully closed) position; and

Fig. 38 is a side view in close up of a portion of one rib assembly.

Detailed Description of Certain Embodiments

As discussed herein, the present invention is directed to improvement with respect to a number of components of an umbrella including but not limited to a shaft construction and a rib assembly thereof. As discussed herein, the features of the present invention can be implemented with both a manual type umbrella and an automatic type umbrella. In addition, the other features can be implemented with other types of umbrellas. Accordingly, the following discussion and figures describe exemplary embodiments that implement the teachings of the present invention. Fig. 1 shows a side view of an umbrella 100 in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention with only one assembly being shown for sake of clarity and to simplify a discussion of the present invention. The umbrella 100 is of a type that is commonly referred to as a golf umbrella which is commonly known to be an oversized umbrella that is used to protect golfers and their carts from rain. The long shaft of a golf umbrella is usually not collapsible. It will be appreciated and understood that the various features of the present invention described herein can be implemented in other types of umbrellas besides golf umbrellas.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 14, the umbrella 100 includes a shaft 110 that has a first (top) end 112 and an opposite second (bottom) end 114. The shaft 110 itself can be formed of any number of different components to cooperate to provide shaft 110 and the shaft 110 illustrated in Fig. 1 is part of a manual umbrella assembly in which the user manually opens and closes the umbrella as described herein. At the first end 112, a cap or decorate ferrule (not shown) is typically provided to close off the shaft 110 and at the second end 114, a handle 130 is provided for grasping by the user.

Referring to Figs. 14-16, the illustrated shaft 110 is formed of a plurality of different shaft sections that mate together to form the assembled shaft. More specifically, the shaft 110 can be formed of three distinct shaft sections, namely, a first shaft section 111, a second shaft section 113, and a third shaft section 115. The first shaft section 111 is attached at one end to the cap/ferrule and at its other end to one end of the second shaft section 113. The second shaft section 113 is attached at its other end to one end of the third shaft section 115. The third shaft section 115 is attached at its other end to the handle 130. Thus, the first shaft section 111 represents the top shaft section; the second shaft section 113 represents the middle shaft section; and the third shaft section 115 represents the bottom shaft section. The dimensions of the individual shaft sections 111, 113, 115 can differ and in particular, at least one of the length and/or width (e.g., diameter) can be different. In the illustrated

embodiment, the sections 111, 113, 115 have the same width but the middle section 113 has a greater length than the sections 111, 115 which are shown to have the same lengths. For example, the three shaft sections 111, 113, 115 can be 14 mm shaft sections made of carbon.

The shaft sections 111, 113, 115 are connected to one another by means of coupling members 105. One coupling member 105 is attached between two adjacent shaft sections 111, 113, 115. The coupling member 105 can be thought of as being a shaft lock member (lock insert) and can be formed of a metal material, such as aluminum. The lock member 105 can be a hollow member (tube) that has a first annular ridge (lip) 107 formed along its outer surface and a second annular ridge (lip) 109 formed along its outer surface and spaced from the first annular ridge 107. A space 108 is formed between the ridges 107, 109. The annular ridges 107, 109 define stops for the respect shaft sections. More specifically, an outer diameter of the lock member 105 outside of the annular ridges 107, 109 is selected such that it can be inserted into the hollow interior of the respect shaft sections 111, 113, 115 so as to form a friction fit therebetween (a mechanical fit). Since the annular ridges 107, 109 have a greater diameter than the inner diameter of the shaft sections 111, 113, 115, the lock member 105 cannot be inserted into the respective shaft section. Instead, these annular ridges 107, 109 act as stops and prevent further insertion of the lock member 105 into the respective shaft section. When assembled, the surface of the lock member 105 between the two ridges 107, 109 is visible.

The lock members 105 thus provide rigid coupling members securely attaching the shaft sections 111, 113, 115 to form the complete assembled shaft.

As mentioned above, one of the main components of an umbrella is a runner 150. The runner 150 is the part of the umbrella that opens and closes the umbrella 100, with the runner 150 moving along the shaft 110. The runner 150 is thus a hollow member that surrounds the shaft 110 and is movable along the shaft 110 and can be locked into one or more different positions. Figs. 17A, 17B, 18A and 18B show the runner 150 in greater detail. The runner 150 is formed of several parts or portions including a generally cylindrical shaped base portion 152 and a shaft runner lock 154. A top portion 153 of the runner 150 is configured to receive and securely attach to a plurality of struts, as discussed below, to effectuate movement of the ribs 200. The top portion 153 thus includes a plurality of slots 155 formed circumferentially thereabout for receiving the struts. The shaft runner lock 154 is located between the top portion 153 and the base portion 152.

The shaft runner lock 154 is designed to selectively lock the runner 150 into one of a plurality of locked positions along the shaft 110. Figs. 18A and B are cross-sectional views of the runner 150. Figs. 17A and 17B show the runner 150 in an unlocked (open) position relative to the lock member 105, while Figs. 18A and 18B show the runner 150 in a locked position in which the runner 150 is locked in place relative to the shaft (i.e., is locked with respect to the lock member 105).

The lock member 105 can thus be in the form of a machined piece of aluminum (or other material) that provides a recess (space 108) for the runner 150 to make a connection to lock in place. The shaft runner lock 154 is designed to lock and engage the shaft lock member 105. The shaft runner lock 154 is a push/pull runner that moves along the shaft. More specifically, the shaft runner lock 154 has a resilient lock member (runner catch) 157 that engages and seats within the space 108 formed between the annular ridges 107, 109. The resilient lock member 157 can comprise an annular shaped lock member 157 that has an inwardly directed lip that seats within the space 108 when it is in registration therewith. The resiliency

(flexing) of the lock member 157 allows the lock member 157 to flex outward allowing disengagement with the space 108. When the lock member 157 (and in particular, the lip 159 thereof) is disengaged from the shaft lock member 105, the runner 150 can freely move along the shaft 110.

In use, when the runner 150 gets to a certain point where it cannot move vertically up anymore and then the pressure gets directed to the runner catch 157 which locks itself to the lock insert 105. One advantage of this design is that typically one would need to swage or reduce the diameter of the shaft in some way to allow the runner to engage the locking mechanism or one would have to add material to the outside of the shaft itself to make a locking position. However, adding material to the shaft is unsightly and also makes the folded diameter of the umbrella larger.

Figs. 17A and 17B show the runner 150 in the unlocked position in which it is free to move along the shaft. In this unlocked position, the runner catch 157 is not actively engaged with the space (recess/channel) 108, while in Figs. 18A and 18B, the runner catch 157 is actively engaged with the space (recess) 108, thereby locking the runner 150 to the shaft. As mentioned herein, when the runner 150 is pushed it gets to a certain point (such as the point shown in Figs. 17A and 17B) where it cannot move any more in the vertical direction.

Continued application of force against the runner in the vertical direction causes a force to be applied to the runner catch 157 and this results in deformation of the runner catch 157 in a radially inward direction toward the lock insert 105.

The runner catch 157 can be disengaged from the locking recess 108 by overcoming the retention force meaning that when the user exerts sufficient force to the runner 150, the runner catch 157 disengages from the locking recess 108 and the runner 150 is free to move.

As described herein, the lock members 105 are thus positioned along the shaft 110 to lock the runner 150 into desired positions, such as a fully open position and a fully closed position as illustrated herein. It will be appreciated that the runner 150 is merely illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the present invention since other runner constructions can be used with the umbrella of the present invention.

To move the runner 150 along the shaft 110 in either direction (up and down), the user simply applies a sufficient force to cause the lock member 157 to disengage from the lock slot (space 108).

The umbrella 100 also includes a top notch 119 that is an annular shaped member that is attached to the shaft 110 and surrounds the shaft 110. The top notch 119 is configured to receive ribs 200 and thus serves an attachment point for such ribs. The ribs are attached to the shaft 110 by fitting into the top notch 119 and can then be held by a wire or other means. The top notch 119 can be a thin, round nylon or plastic piece with teeth around the edges.

As will be appreciated by the following description, each rib 200 is coupled to both the top notch 119 and the runner 150 and this results in the opening and closing of the rib 200 and the attached canopy (not shown) based on the direction of movement of the runner 150. The connection between the rib 200 and the runner 150 is made by a strut 300 (main strut). The strut 300 is an elongated structure that has a first end 302 and an opposite second end 304, with the first end 302 being pivotally attached to the runner 150 and the second end 304 being pivotally attached to the rib 200. The pivotal connection between the strut 300 and the runner 150 and between the strut 300 and the rib 200 can be accomplished with a fastener, such as a rivet or pin, etc. More specifically, a first strut joint 310 is formed between the strut 300 and the runner 150 at the first end 302 and a second strut joint 320 is formed between the strut 300 and the rib 200 at second end 304.

As shown in Fig. 6, the first strut joint 310 can be in the form of a male end joint that is configured to pivotally attach to the runner 150 to allow the strut 300 to pivot between an open position and a closed position.

The second strut joint 320 is in the form of a double joint and is best shown in Figs. 6 and 7A-D. The second strut joint 320 can also be thought of as being a strut to rib joint and includes a first end 321 that attaches to the distal end of the strut 300 and a second end 322 which includes a pair of spaced fingers 323 that are parallel to one another and define an open space 324 therebetween and have aligned openings formed therein to allow passage of a fastener or the like to couple the joint to another structure (rib) as discussed below. As shown in Figs. 7A-D, the second strut joint 320 also includes a joint connector 315 which can be in the form of a fin that protrudes outwardly from the body of the joint 310 (i.e., the connector 315 is formed perpendicular to the body of the connector 315). The joint connector 315 has an opening formed therein to allow a fastener to pass therethrough to allow to another structure to be pivotally attached to the joint connector 315.

The strut 300 can be formed of any number of different materials including a metal (e.g., a zinc alloy).

As shown in the figures, the rib 200 is an elongated structure that is coupled to other components of the umbrella to provide a rib assembly defined by a plurality of ribs 200 that open and close.

Each rib 200 is an elongated, flexible structure that has a first end (proximal end) 210 and an opposing second end (distal end) 212. The first end 210 is pivotally attached to the top notch 119 and more specifically, a first rib joint 220 can be provided at the first end 210 and be designed to allow the rib 200 to pivot relative to the top notch 119. In the illustrated embodiment, the first rib joint 220 can be in the form of a male end joint that can have a similar or the same construction as the first rib joint 310 that is part of the strut assembly.

As best shown in Fig. 6, the rib 200 also includes a second rib joint 230 that is disposed along the length of the rib 200. The second rib joint 230 can be fixedly attached to the rib 200 at a specific location thereof. The second rib joint 230 can thus be in the form of a hollow structure that receives the rib 200 and is fixedly attached to the rib 200 so that during use, the second rib joint 230 does not move but rather remains at the fixed location. The second rib joint 230 has a connector portion 232 in the form of a fin (protrusion) that extends radially outward therefrom. The connector portion 232 can thus be formed perpendicular to the body of the second rib joint 230. The connector portion 232 includes an opening formed therethrough.

With reference to Figs. 6 and 7A-D, the connector portion 232 is sized and configured to disposed within the open space 234 defined between the pair of spaced fingers 323 of the second strut joint 320. When inserted into the open space 234, the opening formed in the connector portion 232 axially aligns with the openings in the fingers 323 to allow passage of a fastener (such as a pin or rivet or wire, etc.), whereby the second strut joint 320 is pivotally attached to the rib 200 (and thus, the strut 300 is pivotally attached to the rib 200).

According to one aspect of the present invention, an anti-inversion mechanism (feature) 400 is provided and is configured to counter an inversion force that is applied to the umbrella during select operating conditions and in particular, during windy conditions or other adverse conditions. As is well known by users of umbrellas, if a sudden gust of wind is directed upwardly toward the inside of the umbrella, the pressure applied by the wind will invert the canopy causing the ribs to work counterproductively forcing it outwards. The canopy generally assumes a concave shape when inversion occurs and similarly, the ribs are force to pivot in unintended directions which can result in one or more ribs breaking. This renders the umbrella not usable. The umbrella of the present invention has the anti-inversion mechanism 400 that is made up of several components that are individually discussed below.

As shown in Fig. 6 and Figs. 8A-C, the anti-inversion mechanism 400 comprises an anti-inversion strut 410 that has a first end 412 that is coupled to the strut 300 and an opposite second end 414 that is coupled to the rib 200. More specifically, the first end 412 is coupled to the second strut joint 320 and the second end 414 is coupled to the rib 200. The anti- inversion strut 410 has a first end joint 411 at the first end 412 and a second end joint 413 at the second end 414. The illustrated first and second end joints 411, 413 are in the form of female end joints and in particular, the first end joint 411 is defined by a pair of spaced apart fingers 415 that has an open space formed therebetween and the second end joint 413 is also defined by a pair of spaced apart fingers 417 that has an open space formed therebetween. The joint connector 315 (a male joint) is received into the open space between the fingers 415 (a female joint) of the first end joint 411, thereby coupling the anti-inversion strut 410 to the strut 300 in manner in which the anti-inversion strut 410 can pivot relative to the strut 300.

The first and second end joints 411, 413 can be mechanically fixed to the elongated strut body or the end joints 411, 413 can be molded over an existing strut material.

The anti-inversion strut 410 can be formed of any number of different materials including metals and synthetics. In one exemplary embodiment, the anti-inversion strut 410 comprises a 6 mm carbon Fiber rod.

The anti-inversion mechanism 400 also includes a floating joint 500 that is slidingly coupled to the rib 200 and configured to mate with the second end joint 413. Figs. 8A-D illustrate the floating joint 500. The floating joint 500 has a main body 510 that includes a bore 512 that is formed therein and represents a through hole that passes from one end of the main body 510 to the other end thereof. The floating joint 500 also includes a joint connector 520 in the form of a fin that extends radially outward from the main body 510. The connector 520 can be formed perpendicular to the main body 510. The connector 520 has an opening formed therein. The connector 520 thus represents a male joint.

The anti-inversion strut 410 is coupled to the rib 200 by inserting the connector 510 between the spaced fingers 417 of the second end joint 413. As in the other joint, a fastener or the like can be used to couple the connector 510 to the fingers 417.

The rib 200 is received within and passes through the bore 512 and the size (diameter) of the bore 512 and the size (diameter) of the rib 200 are selected such that the floating joint 500 can freely move in a longitudinal direction along the length of the rib 200. This allows the floating joint 500 to be one which can freely travel up (toward the top notch 119) and down the rib 200 (toward the rib tip) when the umbrella opens and closes.

It will be appreciated that in another embodiment, the floating joint can be a male part that includes male connector 520; however, is positioned internal to the rib 200 such that the floating joint is free to move within the hollow inside of the rib 200 (e.g., an aluminum extrusion rib or formed steel rib). The rib 200 could thus have a linear slot formed therein through which the connector 520 passes. The operation of the floating joint is otherwise the same. In this alternative embodiment, the "floating action" of the floating joint thus occurs internally within the rib 200 as opposed to on the outside of the rib 200 in the illustrated embodiment.

With reference to Figs. 6 and 9A-D, the anti-inversion mechanism 400 also includes a floating joint stop 530 that is fixedly attached to the rib 200. The floating joint stop 530 is disposed between the floating joint 500 and the second rib joint 230 and remains at a fixed location along the rib 200. The stop 530 includes a bore 532 that extends therethrough and receives the rib 200. The stop 530 is fixed to the rib 200 using traditional techniques so as to fix the stop 530 at a specific target location along the length of the rib 200. The stop 530 can be fixed by mechanical or overmolded which is the preferred method in this instance. The stop 530 is constructed such that it restricts the movement of the floating joint 500 in the direction toward the top notch 119.

It will be appreciated that when the umbrella is in the open position, the floating joint 500 rides along the rib 200 until it contacts the floating joint stop 530. The floating joint 500 in combination with the floating joint stop 530 prevents the rib 200 from inverting as when under the force of a strong wind. Inversion is prevented since the rib cannot bend upwardly due to the blocking action of the floating joint stop 530.

Figs. 10A-D and 11-13 illustrate the details of a tip 600 of the rib 200. The tip 600 comprises a structure which attaches to the distal end of the rib 200. The tip 600 is defined by a hollow main body 602 that has a bore 603 that receives the distal end of the rib 200 and is secured thereto. The tip 600 generally has a delta wing shape and is defined by first and second wing sections 620, 630 that extend outwardly and rearwardly from the main body 610. Each of the wing sections 620, 630 has an angled leading edge 625, 635, respectively, and an angled trailing edge 627, 637, respectively. In addition, as shown in Fig. 10D, the wing sections 620, 630 are angled relative to one another in that they do not lie entirely within the same plane. The tip 600 is constructed and designed such that it is angled to match the angle of the canopy when the canopy is in the open position.

Figs. 11-13 illustrate yet another feature of the tip 600 in that the bore 603 of the main body 602 includes a biasing member 640, such as a spring. The spring 640 is disposed between the distal end of the rib 200 and a stop 605 formed in the main body 602. The stop

605 represents an end of the bore 603. The bore 603 is designed to permit movement of the distal end of the rib 200 so as to allow the ribs 200 and the umbrella for that matter to move between the open and closed positions. The spring 630 will thus store and release energy based on the manner in which the rib 200 acts thereon. Fig. 12 shows the tip assembly in a closed/uncompressed state, while Fig. 13 shows the tip assembly in an open/compressed state. In Fig. 13, the relationship between the canopy and the tip when the umbrella is opened due to the compressed state of the inner spring 640 of the tip.

In an alternative embodiment, the tip can comprise a male unit (structure) that has a protruding portion that is received within an opening (e.g., a bore) formed in the distal end of the rib (e.g., aluminum extrusion rib or formed steel rib). The coupling is thus formed by inserting the protruding portion of the tip into the opening (bore) of the rib. As in the above embodiment, a biasing member, such as a spring, can be disposed within the opening (bore) formed in the rib and in contact with the protruding portion of the tip that is likewise disposed within the opening (bore) of the rib.

Fig. 2 shows the umbrella 100 and in particular, the single rib assembly in a half open position, while Fig. 4 shows the umbrella and in particular, the single rib assembly in a fully closed position.

Fig. 4 shows the umbrella 100 with the plurality of rib assemblies in the fully opened position, while Fig. 5 shows the umbrella 100 with the plurality of rib assemblies in the fully closed position.

While each part of the umbrella is necessary for its operation, the runner 150 is the part that opens and closes it. When the runner 150 is all the way down, the struts 300 are folded flat against the shaft and the umbrella is "closed," with the waterproof material and the ribs wrapped around the shaft. To open the umbrella, the user slides the runner 150 all the way to the top. The struts 300 extend, raising the ribs 200 to which they are attached and spreading the material tight (canopy) over the ribs 200.

Figs. 19-21 illustrate an umbrella 700 according to another embodiment. The umbrella 700 is similar to umbrella 100 and therefore, like elements are numbered alike. The umbrella 700 includes the shaft 110 and runner 150 which slidingly travels along the shaft 110. As in the previous embodiment, the connection between the rib 200 and the runner 150 is made by the strut 300. Unlike in the first embodiment, there is no anti-inversion strut 400 between the strut 300 and the rib 200. Instead, the umbrella 700 of Figs. 19-21 includes a different anti-inversion strut mechanism 800.

In this embodiment, the anti-inversion strut mechanism 800 includes an anti-inversion strut 810 that has a first end 812 and an opposing second end 814. The first end 812 is operatively coupled to a floating notch 815 which is movingly disposed about the shaft 110. More specifically, the floating notch 815 is slidingly coupled to the shaft 110 and travels up and down the shaft 110 much like the runner 150. The floating notch 815 is located between the runner 150 and the top notch 119.

The floating notch 815 can be similar to the top notch 119 in terms of its construction and can be in the form of an annular shaped member that is attached to the shaft 110 and surrounds the shaft 110. The floating notch 815 is configured to receive anti-inversion struts 810 and thus serves an attachment point for such struts. The struts 810 are attached to the shaft 110 by fitting into the floating notch 815 and can then be held by a wire or other means. The floating notch 815 can be a thin, round nylon or plastic piece with teeth around the edges.

The first end 812 of the anti- inversion strut 810 is operatively coupled to the floating notch 815 and the second end 814 of the anti- inversion strut 810 is operatively coupled to the rib 200.

Figs. 19-21 show the details of the strut 810. The anti-inversion strut 810 is formed of first and second parallel rods 820, 830. The first ends of the first and second parallel rods 820, 830 are coupled to a first joint 840 at the first end 812 and the second ends of the first and second parallel rods 820, 830 are coupled to a second joint 850 at the second end 814. The first joint 840 can be one of a male joint and a female joint and the second joint 850 can be one of a male joint and a female joint. For example, the first joint 840 can be in the form of a male joint (twin rod male joint) and the second joint 850 can be in the form of a female joint (twin rod female joint). The male joint (e.g., joint 840) is defined by a single protrusion (finger) 841, while the female joint (e.g., joint 850) is defined by a pair of spaced protrusions (fingers) 843 with a space 845 defined between the protrusions 843.

The first joint 840 is configured to be pivotally attached to the floating notch 815 and the second joint 850 is configured to be pivotally attached to the rib 200. With respect to the coupling between joint 840, the protrusion 841 of the first joint 840 is received in a complementary space (slot) formed in the floating notch 815. The second joint 850 is operatively coupled to a floating joint, such as floating joint 500. As previously discussed, the floating joint 500 is slidingly coupled to the rib 200 and is configured to mate with the second joint 850. Figs. 8A-D illustrate the floating joint 500. The floating joint 500 is defined by the main body 510 that includes the bore 512 that is formed therein and represents a through hole that passes from one end of the main body 510 to the other end thereof. The floating joint 500 also includes the joint connector 520 (Fig. 8 A) in the form of a fin that extends radially outward from the main body 510. The connector 520 can be formed perpendicular to the main body 510. The connector 520 has an opening formed therein. The connector 520 thus represents a male joint.

The anti-inversion strut 810 is coupled to the rib 200 by inserting the connector 520 into the space 845 formed between the spaced fingers (protrusions) 843 of the second end joint 413. As in the other joint, a fastener or the like can be used to couple the connector 520 to the fingers 843.

The rib 200 is received within and passes through the bore 512 (Fig. 8 A) and the size (diameter) of the bore 512 and the size (diameter) of the rib 200 are selected such that the floating joint 500 can freely move in a longitudinal direction along the length of the rib 200. This allows the floating joint 500 to be one which can freely travel up (toward the top notch 119) and down the rib 200 (toward the rib tip) when the umbrella opens and closes.

The strut 300 passes within the open space that is formed between the first and second parallel rods 820, 830 of the anti-inversion strut 810. This open space between the rods 820, 830 extends from the first joint 840 to the second joint 850 and accommodates the strut 300 in all positions of the umbrella from the fully closed position to the fully collapsed position.

As in the first embodiment, the rib 200 of umbrella 700 includes floating joint stop 530 that is fixedly attached to the rib 200. The floating joint stop 530 is disposed between the floating joint 500 and the second rib joint 230 and remains at a fixed location along the rib 200. The stop 530 includes a bore 532 that extends therethrough and receives the rib 200. The stop 530 is fixed to the rib 200 using traditional techniques so as to fix the stop 530 at a specific target location along the length of the rib 200. The stop 530 can be fixed by mechanical or overmolded which is the preferred method in this instance. The stop 530 is constructed such that it restricts the movement of the floating joint 500 in the direction toward the top notch 119. As in the first embodiment, the stop 530 prevents the rib 200 from inverting under pressure. The anti-inversion mechanism in umbrella 700 is thus formed between and serves to connect the floating notch 815 to the floating joint 500 as opposed to the first embodiment in which the anti-inversion mechanism was located between a pivotable strut and the rib.

It will also be understood that the male/female type connections described herein can be reversed in that the part described herein as containing the male connector can instead contain the female connector and conversely, the part described herein as containing the female connector can instead contain the male connector. For example, the floating joint 500 is shown with a male connector 520; however, the floating joint 500 can instead be formed to have a pair of spaced fingers (flanges) that define a space therebetween (female connector). The distal end of the anti-inversion strut would thus be formed to have a male joint as opposed to the female joint that is shown. The coupling is the same in that the male joint is inserted into the space formed in the female joint. Similarly, the nature of the other joints, such as the connection between the strut and the fixed joint (e.g., joint 230) can be reversed.

The runner locking feature of the present invention also provides a number of advantages over conventional designs as well. In particular, the lock insert provides a connecting feature between shaft segments that allows a method to lock the runner in place by not adding an additional locking feature which would increase the diameter of the runner which is not desired.

Figs. 22-32D illustrate an umbrella 900 according to another embodiment. The umbrella 900 is similar to the other umbrellas and therefore, like elements are numbered alike. The umbrella 900 includes the shaft 110 and runner 150 which slidingly travels along the shaft 110. Along the shaft 110 there is also a top notch 910 that slidingly travels along the shaft 110. The top notch 910 is disposed above the runner 150 and there is a fixed notch, i.e., a compression notch 920, disposed at a top end of the shaft 110. The top notch 910 is thus located between the compression notch 920 and the runner 150.

The compression notch 920 is pivotally connected to a first rib 930 at a first end of the first rib 930. A second end of the first rib 930 is pivotally connected to a second end of a compression arm 950. A first end of the compression arm 950 is pivotally connected to the top notch 910. Figs. 32A-D illustrate the first rib 930. The first rib 930 is an elongated structure that is asymmetric in nature. A first end of the first rib 930 has a male feature in the form of a single angled extension (finger) 931 that protrudes outwardly from a main body 932 of the first rib 930. As shown, the main body 932 has a generally U-shaped construction. A through hole is formed through the extension 931. The extension 931 is configured to mate with the compressible notch 920 (e.g., a fastener can extend through the through hole of the extension 931 to couple to two together). At the opposite second end, the first rib 930 has a female feature in the form of a pair of spaced apart arms 933 that are parallel to one another. As shown in the top plan view of Fig. 32C, an open space 934 is formed between the two arms 933.

As shown in the side view of Fig. 32B, the extension 931 is angled downwardly in a first direction and the two arms 933 are angled upwardly in a second direction. Along the two arms 933 there are two attachment points, namely, a first attachment point 935 and a second attachment point 936. The second end of the compression arm 950 is pivotally attached to the first rib 930 at the first attachment point 935 (e.g., as by using a fastener or the like).

As best shown in Figs. 23 and 30C, the space 934 formed between the arms 933 allows a first strut 960 to pass therethrough. A first end of the first strut 960 is pivotally connected to the runner 150. A second end of the first strut 960 is pivotally connected to a second rib joint 970. A second strut 980 is pivotally connected at a first end to the first rib 930 at the second attachment point 936 (e.g., as by using a fastener or the like). A second end of the second strut 980 is pivotally connected to the second rib joint 970.

Figs. 31 A-D illustrate the second rib joint 970. The second rib joint 970 is formed of a main body 971 that generally is U-shaped. As shown in the figures, the second rib joint 970 has slight curvature along its length. The main body 971 has a first attachment point 972 and a second attachment point 973. The first attachment point 972 is located intermediate to the ends of the main body 971, while the second attachment point 973 is located at one end of the main body 971. The first strut 960 is pivotally attached to the second attachment point 973 using fasteners or the like. The second strut 980 pivotally attaches at its end to the first attachment 972. The end of the main body 971 opposite the end containing the second attachment point 973 includes a shaped opening 974 that leads into a hollow interior space. The illustrated opening 974 and hollow interior space have a D-shape.

The second rib joint 970 is also attached to a second rib 990 at a first end thereof. More specifically, the first end of the second rib 990 is inserted through the opening 974 into the hollow interior space. A second end of the second rib 990 is attached to a tip, such as tip 1400 described herein. One exemplary tip 1400 is set forth in Figs. 27 A-D. The tip 1400 includes a body 1410 having an open first end 1412 and a closed fin-shaped second end 1414.

The length of the first strut 960 is greater than the lengths of the first rib 930 and the compression arm 950. As with the previous embodiments, the umbrella 800 includes an anti-inversion mechanism 1000. The anti- inversion mechanism 1000 operates in a similar manner to anti- inversion mechanisms described herein.

The anti-inversion mechanism 1000 includes an anti-inversion strut 1010; an anti- inversion sliding joint 1100 and a sliding joint stop 1200.

As best shown in Figs. 30A-D, the anti-inversion strut 1010 is an elongated structure that has a first end 1012 and an opposing second end 1014. Figs. 30A-D best illustrate the shape and construction of the anti-inversion strut 1010. In some respects, the anti-inversion strut 1010 resembles a bone. As shown in the figures, the anti-inversion strut 1010 is not symmetric but instead has a center inflection point 1011 that defines a first strut portion 1020 that extends to and terminates at the first end 1012 and a second strut portion 1030 that extends to and terminates at the second end 1014. As will be described in more detail herein, from an end view (Fig. 30D), the anti-inversion strut 1010 generally has an H-shape due to curvature incorporated into each of the first and second strut portions 1020, 1030.

As viewed from the side view of Fig. 30B, the anti-inversion strut 1010 is defined by a first face 1013 and an opposing second face 1015. As can be seen in the figures and will be described in more detail below, the first strut portion 1020 has a concave shape along the first face 1013 and a convex shape along the second face 1015 and conversely, the second strut portion 1030 has a convex shape along the first face 1013 and a concave shape along the second face 1015.

As can be seen in the plan view of Fig. 30C, each of the first end 1012 and the second end 1014 has a U-shaped notch (opening) 1040 formed therein. The formation of the U- shaped notch 1040 defines first and second finger extensions 1050, 1052 that are spaced apart and parallel to one another. The free ends of the first and second fingers extensions 1050, 1052 have axially aligned openings 1060 formed therein for receiving a fastener or the like to couple the anti- inversion strut 1010 to another structure as described herein.

As best shown in the perspective view of Fig. 30A, the concave section of each of the first and second strut portions 1020, 1030 defines a trough 1018 defined by a pair of opposing upstanding side walls 1019. Due to the shape of the anti-inversion strut 1010, the depth of the trough formed along the first face 1013 of the first strut portion 1020 and the depth of the trough formed along the second face 1015 of the second strut potion 1030 progressively decrease in a direction toward the center inflection point 1011. At the center inflection point 1011, each of the first and second faces 1013, 1015 transition between the concave shaped trough at one end and the convex shaped surface at the other end. The profile of the upstanding side walls 1019 is the same in the first strut portion 1020 as it is in the second strut portion 1030. In other words, the heights of the upstanding side walls 1019 are the same in the two strut portions 1020, 1030 but are facing in opposing directions as described herein.

The first strut portion 1020 is attached to the second strut 980. More specifically, an

AIS (anti-inversion strut) joint 1070 is provided along a location of the second strut 980 and is configured to mate to the first strut portion 1020. In particular, the AIS joint 1070 can have a protrusion or flange (flag portion) which is inserted within the space 1040 between the arms 1050, 1052. A fastener passes through the openings 1060 and through an opening in the protrusion of the AIS joint 1070 to pivotally couple the two together. The AIS joint 1070 can be located at an intermediate position between the ends of the second strut 980 and remain at the selected fixed location. As described below, the trough 1018 of the first strut portion 1020 is sized and shaped to receive the second strut 980 as the umbrella is collapsed and assume the closed position.

The anti-inversion mechanism 1000 also includes a floating (sliding) joint 1100 that is slidingly coupled to the second rib 990 and configured to mate with the second strut portion 1030 of the anti-inversion strut 1010. Figs. 28A-D illustrate the floating joint 1100 which is configured such that it can slidingly travel along the second rib 990. The floating joint 1100 has a main body 1110 that includes a bore 1112 that is formed therein and represents a through hole that passes from one end of the main body 1110 to the other end thereof. The floating joint 1100 also includes a joint connector 1120 in the form of a pair of spaced fins that extends radially outward from the main body 1110. The connector 1120 can be formed perpendicular to the main body 1110. The connector 1120 has an opening formed therein. The connector 1120 thus represents a male joint and is positioned below the bore 1112 so as to not interfere therewith.

The second portion 1030 of the anti-inversion strut 1010 mates to the sliding joint 1100 by inserting the joint connector (two fins) 1120 internally between the arms 1050, 1052 of the second strut portion 1030 such the openings formed therethrough are axially aligned. A fastener or the like then passes through the holes to permit attachment therebetween.

As shown in Fig. 24, when the anti- inversion strut 1010 is attached to the surrounding parts in the manner described herein, the convex first face 1013 of the second strut portion 1030 and the concave first face 1013 of the first strut portion 1020 face the second rib 990. Similarly, the concave second face 1015 of the second strut portion 1030 and the convex second face 1015 of the first strut portion 1020 face the second strut 980. The anti-inversion strut 1010 is thus coupled to the second rib 990 by being coupled to the sliding joint 1100.

It will be appreciated that in another embodiment, the floating joint can be a male part that includes a male connector (part 1120); however, it is positioned internal to the second rib 990 such that the floating joint is free to move within the hollow inside of the second rib 990 (e.g., an aluminum extrusion rib or formed steel rib). The rib 990 could thus have a linear slot formed therein through which the connector 1120 passes. The operation of the floating joint is otherwise the same. In this alternative embodiment, the "floating action" of the floating joint thus occurs internally within the second rib 990 as opposed to on the outside of the second rib 990 in the illustrated embodiment.

With reference to Figs. 22 and 29A-D, the anti-inversion mechanism 1000 also includes a floating joint stop 1200 that is fixedly attached to the second rib 990 at a selected fixed location. The floating joint stop 1200 is disposed between the floating joint 1100 and the second rib joint 970 and remains at a fixed location along the rib 200. The stop 1200 includes a bore 1210 that extends therethrough and receives the second rib 990. The stop

1200 is fixed to the second rib 990 using traditional techniques so as to fix the stop 1200 at a specific target location along the length of the second rib 990. The stop 1200 can be fixed by mechanical or overmolded which is the preferred method in this instance. The stop 1200 is constructed such that it restricts the movement of the floating joint 1100 in the direction toward the second rib joint 970.

It will be appreciated that when the umbrella is in the open position, the floating joint 1100 rides along the second rib 990 until it contacts the floating joint stop 1200. The floating joint 1100 in combination with the floating joint stop 1200 prevents the second rib 990 from inverting as when under the force of a strong wind. Inversion is prevented since the rib cannot bend upwardly due to the blocking action of the floating joint stop 1200.

As described herein, the shape of the anti-inversion strut 1010 is designed to assist in collapse of the umbrella into a small footprint (i.e., thin profile) as shown in Fig. 25. More specifically and as best shown in Fig. 25, the anti-inversion strut 1010 is designed such that when the umbrella 900 collapses to its fully collapsed position, the anti- inversion strut 1010 nestles between the second rib 990 and the second strut 980 allowing for a more compact assembly when collapsed. As shown in Fig. 25, the trough 1018 of the second strut portion 1030 receives a distal end portion (a portion between the tip 1400 and the joint stop 1200) of the second rib 990 is a nested manner and similarly, the trough portion 1018 of the first strut portion 1020 receives the second strut 980 in a nested manner. This nesting of the second rib 990 and the second strut 980 reduces the overall footprint of the umbrella 900 in the fully collapsed position of Fig. 25.

Figs. 33-38 shows an umbrella 1300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The umbrella 1300 is similar to other umbrellas disclosed herein and in particular includes a floating joint arrangement, as described herein, and a bone shaped element, as described herein.

The umbrella 1300 includes a shaft 1310 with a handle 1312. The umbrella 1300 also includes a top notch 1320 that is disposed at one end of the shaft 1310 and a slidable runner 1330. Figs. 33-35 show one rib assembly for simplicity.

The top notch 1320 is configured to receive ribs 1400 and thus serves an attachment point for such ribs. The ribs 1400 are attached to the shaft 1310 by fitting into the top notch 1320 and can then be held by a wire or other means. The top notch 1320 can be a thin, round nylon or plastic piece with teeth around the edges.

As will be appreciated by the following description, each rib 1600 is coupled to both the top notch 1320 and the runner 1330 and this results in the opening and closing of the rib 1600 and the attached canopy (not shown) based on the direction of movement of the runner 1330. The connection between the rib 1600 and the runner 1330 is made by a strut 1500 (main strut). The strut 1500 is an elongated structure that has a first end 1502 and an opposite second end 1504, with the first end 1502 being pivotally attached to the runner 1330 and the second end 1504 being pivotally attached to the rib 1600. The pivotal connection between the strut 1500 and the runner 1330 and between the strut 1500 and the rib 1600 can be accomplished with a fastener, such as a rivet or pin, etc. More specifically, a first strut joint 1510 is formed between the strut 1500 and the runner 1330 at the first end 1502 and a second strut joint 1520 is formed between the strut 1500 and the rib 1600 at second end 1504.

The first strut joint 1510 can be in the form of a male end joint that is configured to pivotally attach to the runner 1330 to allow the strut 1500 to pivot between an open position and a closed position.

The second strut joint 1520 is in the form of a double joint and has a construction shown as joint 320 in Figs. 6 and 7A-D. The second strut joint 320 can also be thought of as being a strut to rib joint and includes a first end that attaches to the distal end of the strut 1500 and a second end which includes a pair of spaced fingers that are parallel to one another and define an open space therebetween and have aligned openings formed therein to allow passage of a fastener or the like to couple the joint to another structure (rib) as discussed below. Additional details of one second strut joint 1520 are shown in Figs. 7A-D with respect to the second strut joint 320 which can have the same construction as joint 1520.

The strut 1500 can be formed of any number of different materials including a metal (e.g., a zinc alloy).

As shown in the figures, the rib 1600 is an elongated structure that is coupled to other components of the umbrella to provide a rib assembly defined by a plurality of ribs 1400 that open and close.

Each rib 1600 is an elongated, flexible structure that has a first end (proximal end) and an opposing second end (distal end). The first end is pivotally attached to the top notch 1320 and more specifically, a first rib joint can be provided at the first end and be designed to allow the rib 1600 to pivot relative to the top notch 1320. In one embodiment, the first rib joint can be in the form of a male end joint that can have a similar or the same construction as the first rib joint that is part of the strut assembly.

The rib 1600 also includes a second rib joint 1525 (which can be the same as joint 230) that is disposed along the length of the rib 1600. The second rib joint 1525 can be fixedly attached to the rib 1600 at a specific location thereof. The second rib joint 1525 can thus be in the form of a hollow structure that receives the rib 1600 and is fixedly attached to the rib 1600 so that during use, the second rib joint 1525 does not move but rather remains at the fixed location. The second rib joint 1525 has a connector portion 1527 (Fig. 38) in the form of a fin (protrusion) that extends radially outward therefrom. The connector portion 1527 can thus be formed perpendicular to the body of the second rib joint 1525. The connector portion 1527 includes an opening formed therethrough.

The connector portion 1527 is sized and configured to disposed within the open space defined between the pair of spaced fingers of the second strut joint 1520. When inserted into the open space, the opening formed in the connector portion 1527 axially aligns with the openings in the fingers to allow passage of a fastener (such as a pin or rivet or wire, etc.), whereby the second strut joint 1520 is pivotally attached to the rib 1600 (and thus, the strut 1500 is pivotally attached to the rib 1600).

As with previous embodiment described herein, the umbrella 1300 has an anti- inversion mechanism. The anti-inversion mechanism includes the anti-inversion strut 1010; an anti-inversion sliding joint 1100 and a sliding joint stop 530.

The anti-inversion strut 1010 used in umbrella 1300 has been described in great detail hereinbefore and shown in a number of figures including Figs. 30A-D. As with the previous embodiment, one end of the anti- inversion strut 1010 is pivotally coupled to the strut 1500, while the other end is pivotally coupled to the rib 1600 by sliding joint 1100. As previously mentioned and according to some respects, the anti-inversion strut 1010 resembles a bone. As shown in the figures, the anti-inversion strut 1010 is not symmetric but instead has a center inflection point 1011 that defines a first strut portion 1020 that extends to and terminates at the first end and a second strut portion 1030 that extends to and terminates at the second end. As will be described in more detail herein, from an end view (Fig. 30D), the anti-inversion strut 1010 generally has an H- shape due to curvature incorporated into each of the first and second strut portions 1020, 1030.

The first strut portion 1020 is attached to strut 1500.

The anti-inversion mechanism also includes a floating (sliding) joint 1100 that is slidingly coupled to the rib 1600 and configured to mate with the second strut portion 1030 of the anti-inversion strut 1010. Figs. 28A-D illustrate the floating joint 1100 and the connection between the second portion 1030 of the anti-inversion strut 1010 and the sliding joint 1100 is described herein.

The anti-inversion mechanism also includes the floating joint stop 530 that is fixedly attached to the rib 1600. The floating joint stop 530 is disposed between the floating joint 1100 and the second rib joint 1525 and remains at a fixed location along the rib 1600. The stop 530 includes a bore 532 that extends therethrough and receives the rib 200. The stop 530 is fixed to the rib 200 using traditional techniques so as to fix the stop 530 at a specific target location along the length of the rib 200. The stop 530 can be fixed by mechanical or overmolded which is the preferred method in this instance. The stop 530 is constructed such that it restricts the movement of the floating joint 1100 in the direction toward the top notch 1320.

It will be appreciated that when the umbrella is in the open position, the floating joint 1100 rides along the rib 1600 until it contacts the floating joint stop 530. The floating joint 1100 in combination with the floating joint stop 530 prevents the rib 1600 from inverting as when under the force of a strong wind. Inversion is prevented since the rib cannot bend upwardly due to the blocking action of the floating joint stop 530.

The umbrella 1300 also includes tip 600 or 1400 which is described herein and illustrated in Figs. 10A-D and 11-13 and Figs. 27A-D.

The anti-inversion strut 1010 is designed such that when the umbrella 1300 collapses to its fully collapsed position, the anti-inversion strut 1010 nestles between the rib 1600 and the strut 1500 allowing for a more compact assembly when collapsed. The trough of the first strut portion 1020 receives a distal end portion (a portion between the tip 1400 and the joint stop 530) of the rib 1400 is a nested manner and similarly, the trough portion of the second strut portion 1030 receives the strut 1500 in a nested manner. This nesting of the rib 1400 and the strut 1500 reduces the overall footprint of the umbrella 1300 in the fully collapsed position of Fig. 35.

While the invention has been described in connection with certain embodiments thereof, the invention is capable of being practiced in other forms and using other materials and structures. Accordingly, the invention is defined by the recitations in the claims appended hereto and equivalents thereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An umbrella comprising:

an elongated shaft having a first end and an opposite second end;

a runner slidably disposed about the elongated shaft and movable along a length of the shaft; and

a plurality of ribs that are attached to the runner by a plurality of main struts that move between open and closed positions in which in the open position, the ribs are in an open, extended position and in the closed position, the ribs are in a closed, collapsed position;

an anti-inversion mechanism comprising a plurality of anti-inversion struts, wherein each anti-inversion strut is pivotally coupled to one respective main strut and is pivotally connected to a floating joint member that is freely movable along a length of the rib, the anti-inversion mechanism also including a stop that is fixedly attached to the rib and restricts the degree of travel of the floating joint member along the rib and is positioned to prevent the rib from inverting in response to an applied force;

wherein the anti-inversion strut has a first face, an opposing second face, a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion has a first trough formed along the first face and second end portion has a convex surface formed along the first face and the second end portion has a second trough formed along the second face and the first end portion has a convex surface formed along the second face;

wherein in the closed position of the umbrella, one of the plurality of ribs is received within the first trough and one of the plurality of main struts is received within the second trough to form a nested arrangement which increases the compactness of the umbrella.

2. The umbrella of claim 1 , wherein each main strut is pivotally attached to the

runner at a proximal end and is pivotally attached to the rib at a distal end.

3. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the floating joint comprises a body that has a bore formed therein which receives the rib and a joint connector that is pivotally attached to the anti-inversion strut.

4. The umbrella of claim 1 , wherein the anti-inversion strut is pivotally coupled to one main strut.

5. The umbrella of claim 4, wherein the anti-inversion strut has a female type end joint at both a first end and an opposing second end, the one main strut having a male type joint connector that mates with the female type end joint at the first end and the floating joint member includes a male type joint connector that mates with the female type end joint at the second end.

6. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the anti-inversion strut is pivotally coupled to a floating notch that is disposed about the shaft and is configured to travel up and down the shaft.

7. The umbrella of claim 6, wherein the floating notch is disposed between a top notch to which the ribs are pivotally attached and the runner.

8. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein each rib includes a distal tip that is defined by a hollow body which has a bore formed therein, the bore containing both a distal end of the rib and a spring that is disposed between the distal end of the rib and an end of the bore for applying a force to the canopy.

9. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the main strut is pivotally connected to the rib with a strut to rib joint that acts as a double joint in that the strut to rib joint joins the main strut to the rib and also joins the main strut to the anti-inversion strut.

10. The umbrella of claim 1 , wherein a distal end of the main strut includes a distal end joint that has a female portion that mates with a fixed male joint on the rib and a male portion that mates with a female end joint that is part of the anti-inversion strut.

11. An umbrella comprising:

an elongated shaft having a first end and an opposite second end;

a runner slidably disposed about the elongated shaft and movable along a length of the shaft; and

a plurality of ribs that are attached to the runner by a plurality of struts that move between open and closed positions in which in the open position, the ribs are in an open, extended position and in the closed position, the ribs are in a closed, collapsed position;

an anti-inversion mechanism comprising a plurality of anti-inversion struts, wherein each anti-inversion strut is pivotally coupled to one respective strut and is pivotally connected to the rib;

wherein the anti-inversion strut has a first face, an opposing second face, a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion has a first trough formed along the first face and the second end portion has a second trough formed along the second face such that in the closed position of the umbrella, one of the plurality of ribs is received within the first trough and one of the plurality of struts is received within the second trough to form a nested arrangement which increases the compactness of the umbrella.

12. The umbrella of claim 11, wherein the plurality of ribs include a plurality of first ribs and a plurality of second ribs and the plurality of struts includes aa plurality of first struts and a plurality of second struts, wherein a single rib linkage assembly comprises:

one first rib pivotally coupled to a first notch formed at one end of the shaft; one second rib having a tip at a distal end for being coupled to a canopy;

one first strut pivotally coupled to the runner;

a rib joint pivotally coupled to the first strut and to the second rib;

one second strut pivotally coupled to one end of the first rib and to the rib joint; and

a compression arm pivotally coupled at one end to the first rib and to a top notch at an opposite end;

wherein the anti-inversion strut is pivotally coupled to the second strut.

13. The umbrella of claim 12, wherein one end of the first rib has a slot formed at one end, the first strut passing through the slot.

14. The umbrella of claim 11, wherein the second end portion has a convex surface formed along the first face and first end portion has a convex surface formed along the second face.

15. The umbrella of claim 11, wherein a first end of the anti-inversion strut is

pivotally connected to a floating joint member that is freely movable along a length of the rib, the anti-inversion mechanism also including a stop that is fixedly attached to the rib and restricts the degree of travel of the floating joint member along the rib and is positioned to prevent the rib from inverting in response to an applied force.

16. The umbrella of claim 11, wherein one strut is pivotally attached to the runner at a first end thereof and is pivotally attached to the rib at a second end thereof by a first rib joint, the anti-inversion being pivotally attached to the first rib joint at a first end thereof and being pivotally attached to the rib at a second end thereof.

17. The umbrella of claim 11, wherein the trough of the first face transitions into a convex portion at an inflection point and the trough of the second face transitions into a convex portion at the inflection point.

18. The umbrella of claim 11, wherein a depth of the first trough is selected so that one of the ribs is received and captured therein and a depth of the second trough is selected so that one of the struts is received and captured therein.

19. The umbrella of claim 11, wherein the first end portion of the anti-inversion strut includes a first joint portion that extends outwardly in a first direction and the second end portion of the anti- inversion strut includes a second joint portion that extends outwardly in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.

20. The umbrella of claim 11 , wherein the first end portion terminates in a first pair of fingers with a first slot formed therebetween and the second end portion terminates in a second pair of fingers with a second slot formed therebetween, wherein a first joint connector is received within the first slot for pivotally attaching the anti- inversion strut to the rib and a second joint connector is received within the second slot for pivotally attaching the anti-inversion to the one respective strut.

21. The umbrella of claim 11, wherein the first end portion is curved in a first

direction and the second end portion is curved in an opposite second direction.

22. An anti-inversion strut for use with an anti-inversion mechanism of an umbrella comprising:

a strut body having a first face, an opposing second face, a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion has a first trough formed along the first face and second end portion has a convex surface formed along the first face and the second end portion has a second trough formed along the second face and the first end portion has a convex surface formed along the second face.