GB1297669A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1297669 Umbrella handles H MULLER 7 Aug 1970 [13 Jan 1970] 38225/70 Heading A4P An umbrella which when folded has a rectangular cross-section in plan, has an elongated handle 1 which is mounted for pivotal movement about the shaft 7 between a transverse position, Fig.3 (not shown), in which the handle 1 has its longitudinal extent disposed transversely of the shaft enabling the outer ends of the ribs of the umbrella when folded to be received in a chamber 9 in the handle, and an aligned position, Fig. 1, in which the handle has its longitudinal extent aligned with the shaft 7. The handle 1 comprises a hollow cylindrical housing 2 having a longitudinal slot 3, and is pivotally mounted on a pin 8. One end of the housing 2 is closed by a cap 4 whilst the other end of the housing is provided with a locking element 5 rotatable relative to the housing. The locking element 5 has a U-shaped slot 5 which receives the shaft 7 when the handle is in its aligned position, and rotation of the locking element 5 retains the handle in said aligned position. In an alternative embodiment, Figs. 4 and 5 (not shown), the locking element 5 is connected to an internal sleeve (10), extending along the inner wall of the housing 2, said sleeve having a longitudinal slot (13) aligned with the opening of the slot 6. To allow rotation of the locking element and sleeve without fouling the pivot pin 8, circumferentially extending slots (11, 12) are provided in the sleeve. For locking the umbrella handle in its transverse position, the shaft 7 may carry a ball (14) at its end which is resiliently mounted for movement along the axis of the shaft, the ball engaging a recess (15) inside the chamber 9 when the handle is in its transverse position. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the rigid connection between the locking element 5 and the sleeve 10 is replaced by a movable connection, for example a slot and follower pin. In this manner the locking element 5 rotates the sleeve 10 only after the former has been rotated through a predetermined angle. The housing 2 may be open at both ends and be provided with two longitudinal openings 3 opposite each other.