EP4606255A1

EP4606255A1 - Umbrella lower hub assembly with integrated handle

Info

Publication number: EP4606255A1
Application number: EP24020175.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Oliver Joen-An Ma
Original assignee: Activa Leisure Inc
Current assignee: Activa Leisure Inc
Priority date: 2024-02-23
Filing date: 2024-05-28
Publication date: 2025-08-27
Also published as: CN222929339U; US20250268346A1

Abstract

An umbrella assembly includes a support pole having a locking fixture, a lower hub assembly movably coupled to the support pole, umbrella ribs extending from the lower hub assembly, and a canopy extending over the umbrella ribs. The lower hub assembly can be moved along the support pole to move the umbrella assembly between open and closed configurations. The lower hub assembly includes a runner hub and a hub controller. The hub controller includes an upper portion, a handle portion, and a locking mechanism integrated into the handle portion. The locking mechanism includes an actuator, a locking feature coupled to the actuator, and a spring configured to bias the actuator towards the support pole. The actuator is moveable between a first position in which the locking feature is engaged with the locking fixture and a second position in which the locking feature is disengaged from the locking fixture.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to umbrellas. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to structures for moving an umbrella canopy between an open position and a closed position.

Description of the Related Art

Umbrellas are commonly used to provide shade over a given area. Large umbrellas can be used to provide shade for large areas such as recreational areas, public gathering areas, and commercial venues. Umbrellas typically include a foldable shade structure for allowing a user to move the umbrella between an open and a closed position. The folding shade structure generally includes a runner moveable along a pole, struts extending from the runner, and a canopy overlaying the struts. The runner can be moved to an elevated position to open the struts and stretch the canopy or moved to a lower position to close the struts and collapse the canopy. Gravity may cause the umbrella to collapse unless the runner is supported in the elevated position. In a small umbrella a spring-loaded flange, sometimes called a snib, has been used to support the runner in the elevated position. Large umbrellas are commonly subject to continuous use for many years in outdoor conditions and could benefit from more robust and user friendly features to improve durability, operational convenience, and ease of use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides, among other things, an umbrella assembly. The disclosed umbrella assembly may be used in various contexts to provide shade over areas. More specifically, the present disclosure provides a lower hub assembly with an integrated handle portion and locking mechanism for moving the umbrella assembly between an open configuration and a closed configuration.
In certain aspects, the umbrella assembly can include a support pole, a plurality of spaced apart recesses disposed along the support pole, and a lower hub assembly moveably coupled to the support pole. The lower hub assembly can include a runner hub and a hub controller coupled to the runner hub. The runner hub can have a plurality of grooves configured to receive umbrella ribs. The hub controller can include an upper portion extending from the runner hub, a handle portion coupled to the upper portion, and a locking mechanism coupled to the handle portion. The handle portion can have an aperture configured to receive a hand of a user. The locking mechanism can include an actuator having a gripping surface and a locking feature coupled to the actuator. The actuator can be disposed in the aperture. The actuator can be moveable relative to the handle portion between a first position in which the locking feature is disposed in one of the spaced apart recesses and a second position in which the locking feature is not disposed in one of the spaced apart recesses in response to the hand of the user applying a force to the gripping surface.
In other aspects, the umbrella assembly can include a support pole, a locking fixture disposed on the support pole, and a lower hub assembly moveably coupled to the support pole. The lower hub assembly can include a runner hub having a plurality of grooves configured to receive umbrella ribs and a hub controller extending from the runner hub. The hub controller can include a handle portion and a locking mechanism coupled to the handle portion. The locking mechanism can include an actuator moveable relative to the handle portion and a locking feature coupled to the actuator. The actuator can be moved between a first position in which the locking feature is engaged with the locking fixture and a second position in which the locking feature is disengaged from the locking fixture.
In yet other aspects, the umbrella assembly can include a support pole, a locking fixture disposed on the support pole, and a lower hub assembly moveably coupled to the support pole. The lower hub assembly can include a runner hub having a plurality of grooves configured to receive umbrella ribs and a hub controller extending from the lower hub.
The hub controller can include a handle portion having an aperture configured for receiving a hand of a user, an actuator disposed within the aperture, and one or more skids disposed between the actuator and an interior surface of the handle portion. The actuator can be moved relative to the handle portion to move a locking feature into engagement with the locking fixture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an umbrella assembly having a lower hub assembly with the umbrella assembly in an open configuration.
FIG. 2A is a partial cross-sectional view of an umbrella assembly in an open configuration.
FIG. 2B is a partial cross-sectional view of the umbrella assembly of FIG. 2A shown in a closed configuration.
FIG. 3 is a perspective cutaway view of a lower hub assembly coupled to a support pole.
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the lower hub assembly of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5A depicts a perspective view of an actuator.
FIG. 5B depicts a rear view of the actuator of FIG. 5A.
FIG. 5C depicts a right-side view of the actuator of FIG. 5A.
FIG. 6A depicts a cross-sectional view of the lower hub assembly secured by a locking fixture in a position corresponding to an open configuration of the umbrella assembly.
FIG. 6B depicts a cross-sectional view of the lower hub assembly in the position of FIG. 6A but disengaged from the locking fixture.
FIG. 6C depicts a cross-sectional view of the lower hub assembly in a lower position after the umbrella assembly has been moved to the closed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an umbrella assembly 100 in an open configuration. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the umbrella assembly 100 can include a base 140, a support pole 110, a lower hub assembly 150, an upper hub 210, umbrella ribs 120, and/or a canopy 130. The base 140 can be configured to allow the umbrella assembly 100 to be freestanding. The support pole 110 can be attached to the base 140 at one end and extend vertically to an upper hub 210 disposed at and coupled to an opposing end. A locking fixture 116 can be disposed on the support pole 110. A lower hub assembly 150 can be movably coupled to the support pole 110 and disposed along the support pole 110 between the base 140 and the upper hub 210. The lower hub assembly 150 can include a locking mechanism 330. The locking mechanism 330 can be configured to engage the locking fixture 116 to secure the lower hub assembly 150 in an upper position and to disengage from the locking fixture 116 to permit the lower hub assembly 150 to move from the upper position to the lower position. One or more umbrella rubs can be pivotably coupled to the lower hub assembly 150. The canopy 130 can be disposed over the umbrella ribs 120 to provide shade.
As depicted by FIGS. 2A and 2B, the umbrella assembly 100 can be moved between an open configuration and a closed configuration. FIG. 2A depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the umbrella assembly 100 in the open configuration. In the open configuration, the lower hub assembly 150 is disposed at an upper position located proximate to the upper hub 210. Positioning the lower hub assembly 150 proximate to the upper position causes the umbrella ribs 120 to move toward a substantially horizontal or inclined radially downward orientation. When in the open configuration, the canopy 130 is outstretched to provide shade and shelter from the elements to users of the umbrella assembly 100. The canopy 130 can comprise an at least partially flexible material, such as fabric and/or a plastic film. The canopy 130 can offer shade protection from sunlight, as well as at least partial shelter from the elements, e.g., rain, bird droppings, tree sap, etc. The canopy 130 can also comprise materials having weather and sun resistant characteristics to provide extended durability and usage in outdoor settings.
FIG. 2B depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the umbrella assembly 100 in the closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the lower hub assembly 150 is disposed at a lower position located farther from the upper hub 210 than in the open configuration. Positioning the lower hub assembly 150 at or toward the lower position causes the umbrella ribs 120 to collapse to a substantially vertical orientation. When in the closed configuration, the umbrella assembly 100 encompasses less physical space, thereby facilitating storage, movement, and/or packaging for shipment.
FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a lower hub assembly 150 coupled to a support pole 110. The umbrella assembly 100 can be moved between the closed configuration and the open configuration by moving the lower hub assembly 150 along the support pole 110 between the upper position and the lower position. FIG. 3 illustrates these features with the umbrella ribs 120 removed for clarity and includes a cutaway into the lower hub assembly 150. FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of example components of the lower hub assembly 150 of FIG. 3.
The support pole 110 provides a structure onto which the upper hub 210, umbrella ribs 120, and canopy 130 can be coupled. The lower hub assembly 150 can also be releasably secured or fixed to the support pole 110 in a manner allowing travel, e.g., sliding or rolling along, the pole. Additionally, the support pole 110 provides an elongated structure along which the lower hub assembly 150 can axially translate to move the umbrella between the open and closed configurations. The support pole 110 can be an assembly of one or more segments or components. The support pole 110 can be provided with a mounting end 112. The mounting end 112 can be a lower portion of the support pole 110, e.g., including a lower end thereof. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the mounting end 112 can be configured for attachment to a pedestal or base 140 that rests on the ground, a patio deck, a lawn, or other surface. The base 140 could be built into or coupled with anchored fasteners in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the mounting end 112 can be configured to be directly attached or mounted to a patio, to a bracket on a vertically or horizontally extending building surface, or the like. The mounting end 112 can be permanently or semi-permanently attached to a base 140, a fixed surface or other ground surface. In other embodiments, the mounting end 112 can be releasably attached to a base 140, a fixed surface, or other ground surface. The attachment arrangement of the mounting end 112 in some embodiments can be configured to restrain both translation and rotation of the support pole 110. In other embodiments, the mounting end 112 can be configured to allow limited rotational movement, e.g., a swiveling type movement. Thus, it will be understood that the mounting end 112 can be provided in certain embodiments to enable the umbrella assembly 100 to be conveniently mounted in place for use of the umbrella assembly 100.
The support pole 110 can comprise a generally elongate rigid member. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the support pole 110 can be substantially straight or linear along its length. In other embodiments, the support pole 110 can comprise straight portions in combination with curved portions. In yet other embodiments, the support pole 110 can be curved substantially along the entire length of the support pole 110. FIGS. 1-3 illustrate the support pole 110 in a substantially vertical orientation. In other embodiments, the support pole 110 can be arranged in an angled, diagonal, or horizontal orientation depending on the requirements of the particular application. The support pole 110 can form a generally cylindrical shape with a circular cross section. In other embodiments, the support pole 110 can be in the shape of a rectangular prism, triangular prism, or any other suitable shape.
The support pole 110 can include a locking fixture 116. The locking fixture 116 can function to secure the lower hub assembly 150 at a specific position or at any of a plurality of positions along the support pole 110. The locking fixture 116 can be disposed on an exterior surface of the support pole 110. The locking fixture 116 can comprise, but is not limited to a hole, recess, flange, protrusion, ring, engagement member, step, ratchet, or the like. In some embodiments, the locking fixture 116 can be a recess or hole formed in the support pole 110. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the locking fixture 116 can include a linear array of teeth, e.g., a ratchet feature or rack, disposed along the length of the support pole 110. The linear array of teeth can define a plurality of spaced apart recesses 118 disposed along the length of the support pole 110. Each of the teeth can comprise a horizontal surface that faces upwards and a ramped surface that faces downwards. The locking fixture 116 can comprise a portion of the wall of the support pole 110. The locking fixture 116 can comprise a flange or protrusion disposed on an interior surface of the support pole 110. The locking fixture 116 can be accessible through a recess, hole, slot, channel, or aperture in the support pole 110. The locking fixture 116 can be recessed in or inserted into the support pole 110 so that the locking fixture 116 does not extend beyond an outer surface of the support pole 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the support pole 110 comprises an elongated recess extending along the length of the support pole 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking fixture 116 comprises a linear array of teeth, e.g., a ratchet feature or rack, disposed within the elongated recess. The locking fixture 116 is not limited to any specific shape or orientation. The locking fixture 116 can be a separate component or components attached to the support pole 110 via screw, nail, bolt, adhesive, or other fastener. In some embodiments, the locking fixture 116 can be monolithically formed with the support pole 110.
A shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lower hub assembly 150 can include a runner hub 200 and a hub controller 300. The runner hub 200 can function as a central junction onto which one or more umbrellas ribs 120 can be coupled. Specifically, the runner hub 200 can include one or more grooves 202 configured to receive the umbrella ribs 120. The umbrella ribs 120 can be coupled to the runner hub 200 at one or more pivot points disposed within the grooves 202. The plurality of grooves 202 can be dimensioned to allow the umbrella ribs 120 to pivot without obstruction. The runner hub 200 can be movably coupled to the support pole 110. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the runner hub 200 can form a generally annular shape with a central channel 206 configured to the receive the support pole 110. When disposed around the support pole 110 via the central channel 206, the runner hub 200 can axially translate along the support pole 110. The runner hub 200 may be translated vertically in upwards or downwards directions to move the umbrella ribs 120 between the open and closed configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the runner hub 200 has eight grooves 202 for receiving eight umbrella ribs 120. In other embodiments, the runner hub 200 can have zero, one, two, three, or any other number grooves 202 as required to receive the corresponding number of umbrella ribs 120. In other embodiments, the runner hub 200 may take the form of any suitable shape. For instance, the runner hub 200 may be substantially rectangular, triangular, circular, or other polygon or arcuate shape. Additionally, in other embodiments the central channel 206 be differently shaped to correspond to the shape of the support pole 110.
For instance, the central channel 206 may have a rectangular cross-section if the support pole 110 has rectangular cross-section.
The hub controller 300 provides a user interface for permitting a user to manually move the umbrella assembly 100 between the open and closed configurations. As shown in FIG. 3, the hub controller 300 can be configured to engage with the locking fixture 116 on the support pole 110 to maintain the umbrella assembly 100 in the open configuration. The hub controller 300 can include an upper portion 310, a handle portion 320, and a locking mechanism 330.
Referring to FIG. 3, the hub controller 300 can be coupled to the runner hub 200. In some embodiments, the hub controller 300 can be directly connected to the runner hub 200. As shown in FIG. 3, the hub controller 300 can be directly connected to the runner hub 200 by an upper portion 310 extending from the lower surface 204 of the runner hub 200. The runner hub 200, the upper portion 310, and the handle portion 320 can each have a thickness extending along a longitudinal axis A1 of the support pole 110. The upper portion 310 refers to the portion of the hub controller 300 that is disposed between the runner hub 200 and the handle portion 320. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the upper portion 310 can be about 1.3 times greater than the thickness of the runner hub 200. In other embodiments, the upper portion 310 can have a thickness that is less than the thickness of the runner hub 200. The upper portion 310 can have a thickness that is equal to the thickness of the runner hub 200. The upper portion 310 can have a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the runner hub 200. The thickness of the upper portion 310 can be dimensioned to space the handle portion 320 a sufficient distance from the runner hub 200 to provide spatial clearance for a user to grip the handle portion 320 with their hand. The upper portion 310 may extend along only a first side 114 of the support pole 110 from a lower surface 204 of the runner hub 200 to the handle portion 320. In some embodiments, the upper portion 310 may be omitted such that the handle portion 320 can be directly attached to the runner hub 200. In some embodiments, the upper portion 310 can extend completely around the support pole 110.
The handle portion 320 can provide a structure for allowing a user to manually engage the hub controller 300 to move the umbrella assembly 100 between the open configuration and the closed configuration. Additionally, the handle portion 320 can provide a structure for housing the locking mechanism 330. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the handle portion 320 can include an enclosure 324 and an aperture 322. The handle portion 320 can extend from the upper portion 310 at a first side 114 of the support pole 110 to an opposing, second side 115 of the support pole 110. The handle portion 320 can extend substantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis A1 of the support pole 110 away from the second side 115 of the support pole 110. At least one of the top and bottom surfaces of the handle portion 320 extending from the first side 114 to the second side 115 can be angled downwardly. The aperture 322 can be oriented vertically or parallel to the longitudinal axis A1 of the support pole 110. An acute angle can be formed between at least one of the top and bottom surfaces of the handle portion 320 and the aperture 322.
The enclosure 324 can define an interior surface 325 extending within the handle portion 320. The enclosure 324 can be dimensioned to house the locking mechanism 330. Additionally, the enclosure 324 can define a slot 326 dimensioned to receive the actuator 332 and allow the actuator 332 to axially translate within the enclosure 324. The slot 326 can comprise a support surface 327 and opposing interior side surfaces 328. The support surface 327 and the interior side surfaces 328 can be portions of the interior surface 325. The handle portion 320 can comprise an aperture 322 configured for receiving a hand of a user. The aperture 322 may form a channel extending completely or partially through the handle portion 320. The enclosure 324 can be disposed around the aperture 322. The aperture 322 may intersect the enclosure 324 such that the enclosure 324 and the aperture 322 form a continuous volume of empty space. The outside surface 345 of the handle portion 320 may be configured to allow a user to grip the handle portion 320 by placing their fingers into a top opening of the aperture 322 while wrapping their thumb around the handle portion 320 and into a bottom opening of the aperture 322. Accordingly, the handle portion 320 can function as an ergonomic grip that allows a user to easily move the lower hub assembly 150 between the upper and lower positions on the support pole 110. It is to be understood that the form of the handle portion 320 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 is not the only possible form. In other embodiments, the handle portion 320 may take any form suitable for allowing a user to manually engage the hub controller 300.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the hub controller 300 can include a locking mechanism 330 for engaging with the locking fixture 116 and locking the runner hub 200 at a specific position along the support pole 110. The locking mechanism 330 can be coupled to or housed within the handle portion 320. The locking mechanism 330 can include an actuator 332, a locking feature 334, and one or more springs 350. At least a portion of the locking mechanism 330 can move in the enclosure 324, e.g., transverse and in some cases perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A1 of the support pole 110. At least a portion of the locking mechanism 330 can move horizontally in the enclosure 324. An acute angle can be formed between at least one of the top and bottom surfaces of the handle portion 320 and the direction of movement of the locking mechanism 330.
FIGS. 5A-5C depict various views of an actuator 332 having a locking feature 334. FIG. 5A depicts a perspective view of the actuator 332. FIG. 5B depicts a front view of the actuator 332. FIG. 5C depicts a side view of the actuator 332. The actuator 332 can function as a trigger to move the locking feature 334 into and out of engagement with the locking fixture 116. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, the actuator 332 can comprise a substantially ring-shaped or annular body 342. The actuator 332 can include a top surface 347, a bottom surface 346, two side surfaces 345, a front surface 348, and a rear surface 349. The actuator 332 can have a central opening 344 extending through the top surface 347 and the bottom surface 346. The central opening 344 can be configured to receive fingers of a user's hand. A portion of the outer surface of the actuator 332 adjacent to the central opening 344 can define a gripping surface 336. A shown in FIG. 3, the actuator 332 can be disposed within the aperture 322 and enclosure 324 of the handle portion 320. When the actuator 332 is housed within the handle portion 320, the central opening 344 of the actuator 332 can be at least partially aligned with the aperture 322 of the handle portion 320. Alignment of the central opening 344 with the aperture 322 allows a user to place their fingers into the aperture 322, then into the central opening 344, and then around the gripping surface 336 of the actuator 332.
The actuator 332 can be moveable relative to the handle portion 320 between a first position and a second position. The actuator 332 can be moveable between the first position and the second position in response to a hand of a user applying a force to the gripping surface 336. The actuator 332 can translate within the slot 326 disposed within the enclosure 324 of the handle portion 320. The actuator 332 can translate along an axis of movement A2 that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A1 of the support pole 110. In some embodiments, the actuator may be configured to move along only one direction of movement. Additionally, in some embodiments, the actuator may be configured to move between the first position and the second position without radial movement, i.e. without pivoting about a pivot point. This constrained motion reduces the complexity of the connection of the actuator 332 to the handle portion 320.
The actuator 332 can have a depth measured from its rear surface 349 to its front surface 348, a width measured from one side surface 345 to an opposing side surface 345, and a height measured from its top surface 347 to its bottom surface 346. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5C, the actuator 332 is substantially annular with a width greater than its depth. Additionally, the actuator 332 has a substantially oval-shaped central opening 344. In other embodiments, the actuator 332 and central opening 344 may have any shape, such as a square shape, T-shape, Y-shape, or other shape that enables fingers to grasp a transverse portion. In some embodiments, the actuator 332 may have a shape that does not form a central opening 344. In some embodiments, the actuator 332 may form any shape having a first portion extending away from the support pole 110 along the depth of the actuator 332 and a second portion extending along the width of the actuator 332. In other embodiments, the actuator 332 may have any shape suitable to function as a trigger for bringing the locking feature 334 into and out of engagement with the locking fixture 116.
The actuator 332 can include one or more skids 340. The skids 340 can function to facilitate smooth axial movement of the actuator 332 within the handle portion 320. Specifically, the skids 340 provide a raised contact surface to reduce friction between the actuator 332 and the interior surfaces 325 of the handle portion 320. The one or more skids 340 can facilitate translation of the actuator 332 within the handle portion 320 without planar contact between the actuator 332 and the interior surfaces 325 of the handle portion 320. Additionally, the skids 340 can be spacers that function to space the actuator 332 from the interior surfaces 325 of the handle portion 320. When functioning as spacers, the skids 340 can prevent wobbling or misalignment of the actuator 332 within the enclosure 324 of the handle portion 320. During operation of the locking mechanism 330, one, or more, or all of the skids 340 may or may not be in contact with the interior surfaces 325 of the handle portion 320. The one or more skids 340 can be disposed on one or more of the top surface 347, bottom surface 346, or two side surfaces 345 of the actuator 332. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, the skids 340 can comprise ridges or elongated protrusions extending along an outer surface of the actuator 332. Each skid can be disposed on the actuator 332 such that the length of the skid is parallel to a direction of movement of the actuator 332. In the illustrated embodiment, the skids 340 are configured to extend along the width of the actuator 332. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 332 includes nine skids 340 disposed on its outer surface. Two skids 340 are disposed on the top surface 347 of the actuator 332. The two top skids 340 are disposed at opposing ends of the top surface 347 such that each top skid is proximal to one of the opposing side surfaces 345. Three skids 340 are disposed on the bottom surface 346. Two of the bottom skids 340 are disposed at opposing ends of the bottom surface 346 such that each bottom skid is proximal to one of the opposing side surfaces 345. The third bottom skid is disposed along a midline of the actuator 332 between the two other skids 340. The bottom skids 340 can extend from bottom surface 346 of the actuator 332 to the support surface 327 of the handle portion 320. Four total skids 340 are disposed on the two side surfaces 345 such that two skids 340 are disposed on each side surface 345. The two skids 340 disposed on each side surface 345 are disposed in a spaced relationship along each side surface 345 such that one skid 340 is disposed proximal to the top surface 347 and the other skid 340 is disposed proximal to the bottom surface 346 of the actuator 332. The side skids 340 can extend from side surfaces 345 of the actuator 332 to the interior side surface 328 of the handle portion 320. In the illustrated embodiment, the skids 340 are integral protrusions extending from the actuator 332. In other embodiments, the skids 340 may be separate components affixed to the actuator 332. Alternatively, the skids 340 may extend from or be coupled to the interior surface 325 of the handle portion 320 rather than the actuator 332. In alternative embodiments, there may be zero, one, two, or any other number of skids 340. Additionally, the skids 340 may form any suitable shape and may be disposed at any location on the actuator 332 or handle portion 320.
The actuator 332 can include a locking feature 334. The locking feature 334 functions to engage with the locking fixture 116 to lock the lower hub assembly 150 in a specific position along the support pole 110. The locking feature 334 can comprise any of a protrusion, pin, hole, recess, flange, ring, engagement member, step, ratchet, or any other structure for engaging with a corresponding locking fixture 116. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the locking feature 334 can comprise a protrusion having two teeth 338. The two teeth 338 can be dimensioned to fit into the spaced apart recesses 118 of the locking fixture 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the teeth 338 of the locking feature 334 comprise a ramped surface that faces upward and a horizontal surface that faces downwards and away from the ramped surface. When the locking feature 334 is brought into engagement with the locking fixture 116, the locking feature 334 can be configured to interlock with the locking fixture 116. Specifically, the two teeth 338 can be disposed in two of the spaced apart recesses 118 of the locking fixture 116 such that the horizontal surfaces of the teeth 338 of the locking feature 334 rest on the corresponding horizontal surfaces of the teeth of the locking fixture 116. When the locking feature 334 is engaged with the locking fixture 116, the lower hub assembly 150 can be supported in the upper position by vertical loading of the locking feature 334 on the locking fixture 116. By providing a plurality of teeth 334, e.g., two, three, four or more teeth the load on each tooth is reduced allowing smaller teeth or more flexibility in the choice of materials for the teeth. In some embodiments a single tooth 334 could be sufficient. Thus, the lower hub assembly 150 may be held in the upper position without frictional engagement opposing sliding along a vertical surface. The two teeth 338 can be disposed in any one of or a plurality of the plurality of spaced apart recesses 118 to position the lower hub assembly 150 at one of a plurality of locations along the locking fixture 116. As shown in FIG. 5A, the locking feature 334 can be coupled to and protrude from the rear surface of the actuator 332. As shown in FIG. 4, the locking feature 334 can be a separately manufactured component that is fastened to the actuator 332. In other embodiments, the locking feature 334 made be integrally formed with the actuator 332.
As shown in FIG. 5A, the actuator 332 can include a thicker portion 335. The thicker portion 335 can be dimensioned to house the locking feature 334. The thicker portion 335 can include a raised surface extending from the top surface 347 of the actuator 332 and a raised surface extending from the rear surface 349 of the actuator 332. The raised surfaces can be substantially rectangular. The raised surface extending from the top surface 349 of the actuator 332 may extend above the skids 340 on the top surface 347. If the top surface 349 of the actuator 332 at the thicker portion 335 extends above the skids 340 on the top surface 347, the skids would be a first point of contact if the actuator 332 tips or pivots about the top surface 349 within the enclosure 324. In other embodiments, the raised surface extending from the top surface 349 may extend to the same height or below the skids 340 on the top surface 347 of the actuator 332. The enclosure 324 of the handle portion 320 can include a cutaway dimensioned to receive the thicker portion 335 as the actuator 332 moves to the first position.
The cutaway can act as a guide for the thicker portion 335.
The locking mechanism 330 can also include one or more springs 350 configured to bias the actuator 332 towards the pole. For example, a coil spring 350 can be disposed between front surface of the actuator 332 and an interior surface 325 of the handle portion 320. The actuator 332 can include one or more spring slots 352 dimensioned to receive a spring 350. The spring slots 352 can be configured as blind recesses in a surface of the actuator 332. The spring slots 352 can function to maintain secure coupling of the springs 350 to the actuator 332. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, the actuator 332 can include two spring slots 352 disposed along the front surface of the actuator 332. Two springs 350 can be inserted into each of the spring slots 352. In its default position when a user is not applying a force to the actuator 332, the one or more springs 350 exert a resistive force on the actuator 332, causing the actuator 332 to be biased towards the support pole 110. If the locking feature 334 is aligned with the locking fixture 116, the springs 350 cause the locking feature 334 to be held in engagement with the locking fixture 116. The spring 350 can be compressed by exerting a force on the actuator 332 to make the actuator 332 move away from the support pole 110. In other embodiments, the coil springs 350 can be replaced by any other suitable device for providing a resistive force. For instance, torsion springs, leaf springs, bands, or the like could be used in place of the coil springs 350.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the lower hub assembly 150 can also include one or more rollers. The rollers function to facilitate smooth movement of the lower hub assembly 150 along the support pole 110. As the lower hub assembly 150 is axially translated along the support pole 110, the rollers contact the support pole 110 and roll along the outer surface of the support pole 110. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the lower hub assembly 150 can include four rollers. Specifically, a first roller 360 and a second roller 362 can be coupled to the runner hub 200, and a third roller 364 and a fourth roller 366 can be coupled to the hub controller 300. The first roller 360 can be coupled to the runner hub 200 at a location configured to contact a first side 114 of the support pole 110, and the second roller 362 can be coupled to the runner hub 200 at a position configured to contact an opposite second side 115 of the support pole 110. Similarly, the third roller 364 can be coupled to the hub controller 300 at a location configured to contact a first side 114 of the support pole 110, and the fourth roller 366 can be coupled to the hub controller 300 at a position configured to contact an opposite second side
115 of the support pole 110. The first roller 360 and the third roller 364 may be aligned with one another to contact substantially the same first side 114 of the support pole 110. The second roller 362 and the fourth roller 366 may be aligned with one another to contact substantially the same second side 115 of the support pole 110. The rollers can function to guide the lower hub assembly 150 along the support pole 110 to prevent hitching as the lower hub assembly 150 axially translates along the support pole 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the rollers substantially form the shape of a cylindrical dog-bone. Specifically, the diameter of each roller decreases from a maximum diameter at its ends to a minimum diameter midway along its length. The concave shape of the rollers can be configured to match the convex contour of the outer surface of the cylindrical support pole 110. In other embodiments, the rollers may take the form of any other suitable shape. For instance, in other embodiments the rollers may be spheres or cylinders with substantially constant diameters. Additionally, the positioning of the rollers illustrated in the FIG. 3 is not the only possible positioning. Specifically, any of the rollers may be positioned to contact any side of the support pole 110. Additionally, any of the rollers may be coupled to either of the runner hub 200 or the hub controller 300. Moreover, other embodiments may include zero, one, two, three, four, or any other number of rollers.
The above mentioned components of the umbrella assembly 100 preferably comprise relatively strong, lightweight materials having suitable durability, wear resistance, and weather resistance. Suitable materials for one or more components of the umbrella assembly 100 can include but are not limited to light gauge corrosion resistant steels, aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, metals, wood, plastics, carbon fiber materials, and/or other relatively high strength weather resistant materials as are well known. Appropriate selection of materials for construction of the umbrella assembly 100 can be at least partially dictated in particular applications by the desired aesthetic properties of the umbrella assembly 100. For example, in certain applications, desirable aesthetic qualities of the umbrella assembly 100 may indicate the use of finished or unfinished wood as components of the umbrella assembly 100, although other components may offer certain advantages in strength, weight, cost, or other characteristics. Thus, it will be appreciated that the materials selected for construction of the umbrella assembly 100 can vary in different applications and the selection of an appropriate material will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill considering the disclosure and illustration of the subject application and the requirements of a particular application.
FIGS. 6A-6C depict various positions of the lower hub assembly 150 as the umbrella assembly 100 is moved between the open configuration to the closed configuration. As discussed above, the umbrella assembly 100 can be moved between the open and closed configurations by moving the lower hub assembly 150 between an upper position and a lower position along the support pole 110. The lower hub assembly 150 can be secured in the upper position by engaging the locking mechanism 330 with the locking fixture 116 on the support pole 110. The locking mechanism 330 can be engaged or disengaged from the locking fixture 116 by moving the actuator 332 between a first position and a second position.
FIG. 6A depicts a cross-sectional view of the lower hub assembly 150 when it is secured in the upper position. In the upper position, the lower hub assembly 150 is disposed at an elevated location along the support pole 110. Specifically, the lower hub assembly 150 can be in the upper position when it is disposed over the locking fixture 116. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, when the lower hub assembly 150 is in the upper position, the umbrella ribs 120 are oriented substantially horizontally, casing the canopy 130 to be outstretched. Securing the lower hub assembly 150 in the upper position maintains the umbrella assembly 100 in the open configuration. The lower hub assembly 150 is secured in the upper position by bringing the locking mechanism 330 into engagement with the locking fixture 116. The locking mechanism 330 can be engaged with the locking fixture 116 by moving the actuator 332 to the first position. When the actuator 332 is in the first position (shown in FIG. 6A), the actuator 332 is disposed proximal to the support pole 110 to bring the locking feature 334 into engagement with the locking fixture 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking feature 334 comprises two teeth 338 and the locking fixture 116 comprises a ratchet feature having spaced apart recesses 118. When the actuator 332 of the illustrated embodiment is in the first position, the locking feature 334 is interlocked with the locking fixture 116 such that the two teeth 338 are disposed in two of the spaced apart recesses 118. As shown, the recesses 118 are formed in a separate component mounted to the support pole 110 in a vertical channel thereof. The recesses 118 could be formed directly in the wall of the support pole 110 in one modified embodiment. The teeth 338 can be overlapping in the vertical direction such that a horizontal surface of the locking fixture 116 is disposed directly under a horizontal surface of each tooth of the teeth 336. This arrangement can be seen as providing a direct support without requiring a friction force acting vertically along a vertical clamping surface. This eliminates cycles of compression which can result in faster wear. The actuator 332 can be maintained in the first position by one or more springs 350 disposed between the front surface of the actuator 332 and the interior surface 325 of the handle portion 320. The springs 350 exert a resistive force on the actuator 332 causing it to be biased towards the support pole 110. When in the first position, the gripping surface 336 of the actuator 332 can extend into the aperture 322, such that the aperture 322 may be partially obstructed by the gripping surface 336. With the actuator 332 is in the first position and the locking feature 334 engaged with the locking fixture 116, the lower hub assembly 150 is held in the upper position and prevented from axially translating up or down the support pole 110. Accordingly, once the lower hub assembly 150 is positioned to the upper position and the locking mechanism 330 is engaged with the locking fixture 116 by moving the actuator 332 to the first position, the umbrella assembly 100 can be maintained in the open position without any further user input.
FIG. 6B depicts a cross-sectional view of the lower hub assembly 150 still in the upper position but with the locking mechanism 330 disengaged from the locking fixture 116. The locking mechanism 330 can be disengaged from the locking fixture 116 by moving the actuator 332 to the second position as it is shown in FIG. 6B. The actuator 332 can be moved to the second position by overcoming the resistive force of the springs 350 to translate the actuator 332 within the slot 326 in a direction away from the support pole 110. Relative to its location in the first position, when the actuator 332 is in the second position, the actuator 332 is disposed distal to the support pole 110 such that the locking feature 334 is not engaged with the locking fixture 116. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, when the actuator 332 is in the second position, the two teeth 338 of the locking feature 334 are not disposed in any of the spaced apart recesses 118 of the locking fixture 116. Additionally, when the actuator 332 is in the second position, the springs 350 are compressed to a compressed state. In the second position, the gripping surface 336 of the actuator 332 may be disposed inside the enclosure 324 of the handle portion 320 such that the gipping surface no longer obstructs the aperture 322. In order to maintain the actuator 332 in the second position, a continuous force must be exerted on the actuator 332 to prevent the springs 350 from pushing the actuator 332 back to the first position. Accordingly, when the looking mechanism is disengaged from the locking fixture 116 by moving the actuator 332 to the second position, the lower hub assembly 150 can be freely moved up or down the support pole 110 without being obstructed by the locking fixture 116.
FIG. 6C depicts a cross-sectional view of the lower hub assembly 150 in the lower position. In the lower position, the lower hub assembly 150 is disposed a sufficient distance below the locking fixture 116 to cause the umbrella ribs 120 to have a substantially vertical orientation. With the umbrella ribs 120 in a substantially vertical orientation, the umbrella assembly 100 is collapsed to a closed configuration. When the lower hub assembly 150 is in the lower position, the actuator 332 can be moved to the first position without being engaged with the locking fixture 116. If the support pole 110 includes an elongated recess, the locking feature 334 may protrude into the elongated recess when the actuator 332 is in the first position.
In operation, a user can utilize the hub controller 300 to manually move the umbrella assembly 100 between the open configuration and the closed configuration. A user can grip the handle portion 320 of the hub controller 300 to place their fingers into contact with the gripping surface 336 of the actuator 332. The user can move the actuator 332 from the first position to the second position by squeezing their hand against the gripping surface 336 to depress the gripping surface 336 away from the support pole 110 and into the enclosure 324 of the handle portion 320. The user can maintain the actuator 332 in the second position by continuously applying depressive or deflecting force to the gripping surface 336 of the actuator 332. The user can return the actuator 332 to the first position by unclenching their hand to release pressure on the gripping surface 336 of the actuator 332. Once the actuator 332 is released, the springs 350 push the actuator 332 back to the first position. The embodiments disclosed herein are simpler to use than clamping mechanisms which often require rotating a threaded knob to apply a clamping force along a vertical direction. The embodiments disclosed herein are simpler to use than handles that require articulation of a handle about a pivot point and then vertical translation of the handle because after moving the actuator 332, the user is firmly gripping the lower the hub controller 300 and thus in a strong ergonomic position to move the umbrella assembly 100.
If a user wishes to move the umbrella assembly 100 from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the user can perform the following steps: (1) grip the handle portion 320 with their hand, (2) exert a deflecting force on the gripping surface 336 to move the actuator 332 from the first position to the second position, (3) maintain the actuator 332 in the second position and exert and upwards force on the lower hub assembly 150 to raise the lower hub assembly 150 from the lower position to the upper position, (4) align the locking mechanism 330 with the locking fixture 116 and release the gripping surface 336 to allow the actuator 332 to return to the first position surface to cause the locking mechanism 330 to engage with the locking fixture 116. If a user wishes to move the umbrella assembly 100 from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the user can perform the following steps: (1) grip the handle portion 320 with their hand, (2) exert a deflecting force on the gripping surface 336 to move the actuator 332 from the first position to the second position to disengage the locking mechanism 330 from the locking fixture 116, (3) maintain the actuator 332 in the second position and exert a downwards force on the lower hub assembly 150 to lower the lower hub assembly 150 from the upper position to a lower position below the locking fixture 116,
(4) release the gripping surface 336.

Claims

An umbrella assembly (100) comprising:
a support pole (110);

a locking fixture (116) disposed on the support pole (110); and

a lower hub assembly (150) moveably coupled to the support pole (110), the lower hub assembly (150) comprising:
a runner hub (200) having a plurality of grooves (202) configured to receive umbrella ribs (120); and

a hub controller (300) extending from the runner hub (200), the hub controller (300) comprising:
a handle portion (320); and

a locking mechanism (330) coupled to the handle portion (320), the locking mechanism (330) comprising:
an actuator (332) moveable relative to the handle portion (320); and

a locking feature (334) coupled to the actuator (332),

characterized in that the actuator (332) is moveable between a first position in which the locking feature (334) is engaged with the locking fixture (116) and a second position in which the locking feature (334) is disengaged from the locking fixture (116).
The umbrella assembly of claim 1, characterized in that the handle portion (320) comprises an aperture (322) configured to receive a hand of a user, wherein the actuator (332) is disposed within the aperture (322).
The umbrella assembly of claim 1, characterized in further comprising one or more skids (340) disposed between the actuator (332) and an interior surface (325) of the handle portion (320).
The umbrella assembly of claim 3, characterized in that the one or more skids (340) extend from a side surface (345) of the actuator (332).
The umbrella assembly of claim 3, characterized in that the one or more skids (340) extend from a bottom surface (346) of the actuator (332).
The umbrella assembly of claim 3, characterized in that at least one of the one or more skids (340) extends from a top surface (347) of the actuator (332), at least one of the one or more skids (340) extends from a bottom surface (346) of the actuator (332), at least one of the one or more skids (340) extends from a side surface (345) of the actuator (332), and at least one of the one or more skids (340) extends from an opposite side surface (345) of the actuator (332).
The umbrella assembly of claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (332) is translatable within the handle portion (320) without planar contact between the actuator (332) and an interior surface (325) of the handle portion (320).
The umbrella assembly of claim 2, characterized in that the actuator (332) comprises an annular body (342), the annular body (342) having a central opening (344) at least partially aligned with the aperture (322).
The umbrella assembly of claim 1, characterized in that further comprising a spring (350) disposed within the handle portion (320), wherein the spring (350) is configured to bias the actuator (332) to the first position.
The umbrella assembly of claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (332) is translatable along a direction of movement.
The umbrella assembly of claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (332) is moveable between the first position and the second position without radial movement.
The umbrella assembly of claim 1, characterized in that the lower hub assembly (150) can be held in an upper position without frictional engagement being applied along a vertical surface.
The umbrella assembly of claim 1, characterized in that the hub controller (300) further comprises an upper portion (310) disposed between the runner hub (200) and the handle portion (320).
The umbrella assembly of claim 1, characterized in that the locking fixture (116) comprises a plurality of spaced apart recesses (118) disposed along the support pole (110).
The umbrella assembly of claim 14, characterized in that the locking feature (334) comprises a plurality of teeth (338) configured to engage with the plurality of spaced apart recesses (118).