GB1572522A

GB1572522A - Umbrella frames

Info

Publication number: GB1572522A
Application number: GB1360377A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Kortenbach and Rauh KG
Current assignee: Kortenbach and Rauh KG
Priority date: 1976-04-10
Filing date: 1977-03-31
Publication date: 1980-07-30
Also published as: IT1084464B; FR2346998A1; CA1086179A; ES236474U; FR2346998B1; ES236474Y; CH614111A5

Abstract

Retractable rails carrying the umbrella roof are articulated by their innermost rail parts (11) to a cap (2) fastened to a retractable stem (1) and, using a fork (4), can be pivoted by a slider (3). The outer rail parts (7) are articulated to the adjacent rail part (6) so that they can be folded upwards. The folding movement takes place by a control rod (9) which acts on their extension (at 9a), and is controlled by the movement of the associated fork. To simplify the construction and assembly and to avoid a control piece which can be displaced on the central rail part (6) with the consequent risk of damaging the umbrella covering, the inner end of each control rod (9) is movably guided on the associated fork (4) at least in the longitudinal direction thereof. <IMAGE>

Description

(54)IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO UMBRELLA FRAMES (71) We, KORTENBACH & RAUH KOMMANDITGESELLSCHAFT. a Kommanditgesellschaft organized and existing under the laws of Germany, of 277 Weyerstrasse 277. 5650 Solingen-Weyer. Germany, do hereby declare the invention. for which we pray that a patent may be granted us, and the method bv which it is to be performed, to be particularlv described in and bv the following statement: This invention relates to shortenable umbrella frames.

Shortenable umbrellas have been proposed both with telescopic. cover-supporting.

ribs and also with rib parts which are foldable together. Furthermore, frames have been proposed in which the rib parts are both telescopic and foldable. The foldable rib parts, generally the outer or outermost parts. have on opening of the umbrella. a tendancv to fold back to the folded up position. whereby the outer ring of the umbrella cover is not brought into operation. This is taken into account in previously proposed constructions bv use of an array of control struts. which are respectivelv connected to extensions of the outer foldable rib parts and compel a positive outwards folding movement of these outer or outermost rib parts during opening of the umbrella.

In order to synchronise the series of movements generated by the control struts with the movement of the remaining frame parts. it is necessarv in previously proposed constructions. either to provide a resilient connection or a slot connection between the outer ends of the control struts and the extensions at the inner ends of the foldable rib parts. Constructions provided with a slot connection have the disadvantage that the folding movement of the outer rib parts is only incompletely controlled. The disadvantage of resilient connections is that thev are costly both to manufacture and assemble and, moreover. to a substantial degree are liable to failure.

According to the present invention there is provided an umbrella frame with multipart ribs for carrying a cover, which frame is shortenable by combined telescopic action and folding action of the rib parts, or by folding alone of the ribs, and by the provision of a shorten able stick, the rib parts being displaceable by at least one array of struts and at least one slider on the stick and outer said rib parts being pivoted so that they can fold upwardly on to adjacent rib parts nearer to the stick, the folding movement of the outer rib parts being effected by an array of substantially inextensible control struts each pivotally engaging an extension of one said outer rib part. movement of each control strut being controlled by movement of the corresponding strut, and each control strut being guided at its inner end for movement along the corresponding said strut at least in the longitudinal direction of the said strut, said guided movement being of an extent limited by stops or a pivotal linkage.

Figure 1 is a fragmentarv side elevation of a first embodiment of a telescopic umbrella frame in the open configuration; Figure 2 shows the umbrella frame illustrated in Figure 1 in the closed configuration: Figure 3 is a fragmentary side elevation of a second embodiment of a telescopic umbrella frame in its open configuration; Figure 4 shows the umbrella frame of Figure 3 in a semi-open position: Figure 5 is a fragmentary side elevation of a third embodiment with a frame having folding ribs: Figure 6 is a fragmentary side elevation of an umbrella frame with folding ribs with an alternative construction of an opening and closing control member: Figure 7 is a fragmentary side elevation of a fifth embodiment in the open configuration: Figure 8 is a partially-sectioned detail to an enlarged scale of the embodiment of figure 7:: Figure 9 is a cross-section on line IX-IX of Figure 8: Figure 10 is a plan view of the illustration of Figure 8; Figure 11 is a fragmentary side view of the umbrella of Figure 7 in the fully closed configuration, Figure 12 is a side view of the umbrella frame of Figure 7 with certain frame parts in the almost closed configuration while other parts are in their extended configurations; Figure 13 is a side view corresponding to Figure 12 during opening of the umbrella fiame; Figure 14 is a part of the umbrella frame of Figure 13 during further continued openine movement: Figure 15 is a fragmentary side elevation of a sixth embodiment in its fullv extended configuration outer rib parts being foldable and inner rib parts being telescopic:: Figure 16 is a plan view of the inner end portion of a control strut of the frame of Figure 15; Figure 17 shows the umbrella frame illustrated in Figure 15 in the almost closed configuration with outer rib part folded down; Figure 18 shows a detail of the umbrella frame illustrated in Figure 17 in the almost closed configuration and with details of an intermediate joint in the rib parts: Figure 19 is a view corresponding to Figure 17, in which the outermost rib part is almost folded up.

Figure 20 shows the umbrella frame illustrated in Figures 15 to 19 at the commencement of the opening operation; Figure 21 is a view corresponding to Figure 20 at a later stage in the opening operation; Figure 22 is a fragmentary side elevation of a seventh embodiment of an umbrella frame illustrated in the opened out configuration, the inner rib parts being in the form of a scissors linkage; Figure 23 is a @ragmentarv illustration of details of the frame of Figure 22:: Figure 24 is a view corresponding to Figure 22 with an alternative construction of control strut; Figure 25 is a plan view of the inner end portion of the control strut of Figure 24; Figure 26 shows a further possible con- struction of control strut and Figure 27 is a plan view of the inner end portion of the control strut of the embodiment of Figure 26.

The first embodiment of a shortenable umbrella frame illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 is a flat umbrella (of approximately rectangular cross-section when closed) with a three-part stick 1, which consists of an outer tube la, an intermediate tube lb and an inner tube lc. which are telescopic with respect to one another. A hand grip ld is secured at the free end of the inner tube lc and a crown 2 is secured to the free end of the outer tube la. The umbrella cover, not illustrated in the drawing, is secured to the crown 2 by means of à cap 2a.

A slider 3 is movablv mounted on the outer tube la of the stick 3. on which an array of struts 4 is pivoted. For the sake of clarity only one strut and rib assembly is fully illustrated in all the Figures.

The outer end of each strut 4 is pivoted to joint 5. which is secured to the inner end of an intermediate rib part 6. At the outer end of this rib part 6, a joint 8 is pivoted by means of a pin 8a, which joint is secured to the inner end of an outermost rib part 7.

The outermost rib part 7 is foldable by means of the joint 8 and the pin or rivet 8a on to the intermediate rib part 6 (Figure 2).

the folding movement being controllable by a control strut 9 (one of a corresponding array of such struts) which is pivoted bv a pivot pin 9a on an inwardlv extending part of the joint 8. Each outer rib part 7 is provided with a tip member 7a which has an aperture, as do the joints 5 and 8, so that the umbrella cover can be sewn or otherwise secured to these parts.

The shortenable umbrella frame accord ing to Figures 1 and 2 has partly telescopic ribs and includes an inner rib part 11 (one of an arrav of such parts) in which the intermediate rib part 6 is telescopically slidable.

This inner rib part II is pivoted at its inner end to the crown 2. On its outer end, the rib part 11 carries a small band or ring 11a against which the joint 5, secured to the intermediate rib part 6, abuts when the umbrella frame is open as is illustrated in Figure 1. The umbrella frame has. according to Figures 1 and 7 an arrav of auxiliarv struts 12 pivoted to the struts 4 which struts 12 are displaceable by means of an auxiliary slider 13 on the stick.

A control member 10 co-operates with each strut 4. and in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 consists of a sliding joint 10a and a link 10b. The sliding joint 10a is slidable on the strut 4. Sliding movement is controlled between fixed limits by the link 10b which is pivoted to the joint 5, the pivot point of the link 10b being spaced from the link point of the strut 4. The link 10b and the mner end of the control strut 9 are commonly pivoted to the sliding joint 10a by a rivet 10c.

During the opening of the umbrella of Figures 1 and 2, the slider 3 is moved on the stick in the direction towards the grip 1d after the three-part stick I has been extended. Bv this means the intermediate rib part 6 is withdrawn from the inner rib part 11 and both parts are pivoted outwardlv from the stick by means of the associated strut 4: this pivotal movement is effected bv the auxiliary slider 13 pivoted to the auxili- ary struts 12.

At the beginning of the pivotal movement, the struts 4 are actuated bv the control stmts 9, so that the outer rib parts 7 are folded out from the position approximately parallel to the intermediate rib parts 6, about the pivot pins 8a. This outward folding movement is reinforced since the effective lever arm of the control strut 9 at the beginning of the opening movement of the umbrella is at its greatest. This results from the fact that the sliding joint 10a is at its largest spacing from the pivot point of the strut 4 to the joint 5. With increasing pivotal movement, the sliding joint 10a approaches the joint 5, so that by this means the effective lever arm and thus the simultaneous folding movement is reduced.

When the umbrella frame is fully open. the sliding joint lIla lies closelv adjacent the joint 5. 'l'he control strut 9 is then substan tiallv parallel to the intermediate rib part 6 and the outer rib part 7 lies in the fully folded out contiguration of Figure 1.

By a suitable choice of the dimensions of the link 10b, and the control strut 9 and of the location of the pivot point of the strut 4 as well as of the link 11)1) to the intermediate joint 5. an outward bowing of the intermediate rib part 6 cm be attained. as is important for the formation of a bowed umbrella cover and for providing the desired thigh stabilitv of the umbrella cover and the frame.

On closure of the umbrella from the open position according to Figure 1. the folding up of the outer rib part 7 on to the intermediate rib part 6 is achieved automa tically. The sequence of movements of the individual parts is effected in the reversed sequence of events as for the preceding description.

The embodiment of Figures 3 and 4 again shows a telescopic stick and partly telescopic rib flat umbrella. This enbodiment differs from that of Figures 1 and 2 only by an alternative construction of the control member which is made in one piece.

l'he control member 1 lId of the second embodiment is of U-shaped cross-section with bifureated ends. One end of the control member l(kl is pivoted by means of a pivot rivet 10e to the joint 5. The other, bifurcated, end engages the strut 4 by means of a rivet 10f which also carries the inner end of the control strut 9.The guidance of the control member 10d on the strut 4 is thus effected by a bridge part spanning the control member 10d which is overall of U shape. and in particular by means of the rivet tOt'. The frictional forces generated by the sliding of the control member tOd are substantially smaller than those of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2. since not only are the guide surfaces substantially smaller, but as a result of the construction herein before described a greater clearance is provided. The series of movements to effect opening and closing correspond, however, exactly with the series of movements as has been described herein before with reference to the first embodiment.

The use of the control member 10 or lOd hereinbefore described is not limited to telescopic umbrella frames. Figures 5 and 6 show a so-called "scissors" umbrella frame in which the joint 5 is pivotally mounted on a stretching strut 14 which for its part is pivotally secured at its free end to a scissors strut 15 which extends between the crown 2 and the corresponding strut 4. "Scissors" type umbrella frames incorporate a scissors strut linkage in place of inner rib parts connected to the crown. In such frames the intermediate rib parts of the first embodiment become effectivelv inner rib parts. The construction of the control member 10 according to Fissure 5 corresponds to the construction of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2.The control member 10 of the scissors umbrella frame according to Figure 6 corresponds overall to the construction of Figures 3 and 4. In both embodiments there is no change in the series of movements and the folding movement for the outer rib part 7 in comparison with the hereinbefore described embodiments. The rib part 6a of this frame is effectively an inner rib part although it is not pivoted to the crown.

The fifth embodiment illustrated in Figures 7-14 concerns a flat (rectangular crosssection) frame with a three-part stick 1, which consists of an outer tube la, an intermediate tube 1b and an inner tube 1c, which are telescopic with respect to one another. The crown 2 is secured at the free end of the outer tube 1a to which the umbrella cover (not shown) is secured by means of a cap 2a. A slider 3 is again shiftable on the outer tube 1a to which a plurality of struts 4 is pivoted. For the sake of better understanding aain only one strut 4 is illustrated in the drawing.

The outer end of each strut is pivoted to a joint 5' which is secured to the inner-end of an intermediate rib part 6'. At the outer end of this rib part 6' a joint 8 ' is pivoted by means of a pin 8a' and is secured to the inner end of an outer rib part 7'. The outer rib part 7' is foldable bv means of the joint 8' on to the intermediate rib part 6'. the folding movement about the pin 8a' being controlled bv means of a control rodb 9', which is pivoted by means of a link pin 9a9 on an inwardly extended part of the join 8'.

For securing the umbrella cover each outer rib part 7' is provided with a tip member 7n' which like the folding joint 8' is provided with a sewing aperture.

The inner end of each control strut 9' engages around but is not positively connected to the associated strut 4 bv means of a guide opening part 9b' and makes direct sliding contact with the strut 4. The control strut 9' is, moreover connected with a guide member 1()', slideable within the section of the strut 4 (Figure 8), which renders possible displacement of the inner end of the control rod 9' in the longitudinal direction of the strut along a limited path between stops, the control rod 9' being thus prevented from moving out of contact with the strut 4.In the embodiment illustrated the guide member 10' is constructed as a member displaceable within the U-section strut 4. the outer end of which strut is pivoted to the inner end of the joint 549. The guide member 1()' is made of round wire with a linkage evelet I (Ia'. The displacement movement of the guide member 1()' within the strut is limited bv a pinch 4(1'. against which the linkage eyelet 10a' can abut at one end of its stroke. The pinch 4a' is best apparent in Figures 8 and 9.

The telescopic umbrella consists furthermore of an inner rib part 11' in which the intermediate rib part 6' is telescopicallv slideable. | this rib part I I is pivoted ot its inner end to the crown 2. At the outer end the rib part 11' carries a small band or ring 11a' against which the joint 5' secured to the intermediate rib part 6' comes into abutment on opening of the umbrella as is illustrated in Figure 7.

Auxiliary struts 12' pivoted to the struts 4 at respective points along their lengths are also pivoted to an auxiliary slider 13' on the stick tube 1a.

With the umbrella open and with umbrella cover taut, the linkage eyelet 10a' of the guide member 1()' pivoted to inner end of the control strut 9' lies at the vertex of the acute ankle formed b, the strut 4 and the inner rih part 11'. In this position. movement of the control strut 9' is prevented so that the foldable outer rib part 7' remains positively in the outwardly folded position as is illustrated in Figure 7. The apex acts effectively as a stop to limit motion of the control strut.The bend apparent in the Figures of the part forming the guide opening 9b' of the control strut 9' in relation to the remainder of the control strut 9' tends in this position to act so that the control rod 9' comes into abutment at two points on other parts of the frame whereby folding and lateral displacement of the control strut 9' in relation to the remaining parts of the umbrella frame is prevented.

Partially closed umbrellas, that is with their ribs collapsed towards the stick or with their ribs folded and Iving against the stick are illustrated in Figures Il and 12. In Figure 11 the outer rib parts have been folded up so as to lie substantially parallel to the intermediate rib part 6'.In the Figure 12 configuration the rib parts remain aligned, but are folded down as a whole so as to lie substantially parallel to the stick. This possibility follows from the large area of the guide opening ')D' and the capabilitv of displacement of the inner end of the control strut 9' in the longitudinal direction of the corresponding strut 4. The user of the umbrella thus has, at will. the possibilitv of allowing the outermost ring portion of the umbrella cover secured to the joint 8' and to the tips 7a' to fold up (Figure 11) or to be left in the extended folded down, position (Figure 12).

In spite of the freedom of movement of the control strut 94') in relation to the strut 4, during opening of the umbrella a control movement for the outermost rib part 7' will be ensured automaticallv. which converts these parts initially into the folded out position as apparent from Figures 12-14.On commencement of the opening operation as is illustrated in Figure 12. the contrl strut 9' slides with the guide member 10' on the corresponding strut 4 in the direction towards the slider 3. Bv the larder spacing of the inner end of the control strut ()' from the joint 5' a larger effective lever arm is provided for effecting the folding movement by means of the control strut ')' acting on the outer rib part 7'. so that the outer rib parts 7' as a whole are folded away at an early stage from their positions lying parallel to the intermediate rib part 6'.This movement procedure thus prevents not only the outermost ring portion of the umbrella cover remaining behind during the opening procedure but renders overall the movement sequence during opening of the umbrella cover more acceptable. Early parts of the opening movement cause the inner end of the control strut 9' to slide back on the strut 4 in the direction towards the hinge 5'. and subsequently compensatory movement of the control strut can take place to accommodate the folding down of the ribs. With the umbrella frame fullv open according to Figure 7. the inner end of the control strut 9' abuts directlv with the guide member 10' against the joint 5'.

Bv direct contact between the strut 4 and the control strut 9' the control movement of the control strut 9' effecting the folding movement of the outer rib part 7' are carried out without the intermediary of any kind of slider. which might give rise to an additional frictional force. The guide member 1()' fulfils its guide purpose. namely to prevent raising of the inner end of the control rod 9' out of the strut 4, when the control strut 9' is unstressed. It thus prevents chattering of the guide opening part 91?' on the strut 4 without. however. friction forces being generated during the control movement.

In the sixth embodiment a flat umbrella is illustrated in Figures 15 to 21 with three-part stick 1 comprising an outer tube 1a, an intermediate tube 1d and an inner tube 1c which are felescopic one within the other. A crown ' is secured at the free end of the outer tube 1a to which the umbrella cover, not illustrated in the drawings, is secured by means of the tip 2a. On the outer tube 1a is mounted the slider 3 to which a plurality of struts 4 are pivoted. In the drawing for the sake of improved clarity again only one strut 4 is fullv illustrated.

The outer end of each strut 4 is pivoted to the joint 5", which is secured to the inner end of an intermediate rib part (". At the outer end of this rib part (" there is pivoted by means of a folding pin 8a" a ioint 8", which is clamped on the inner end of an outer rib part 7". l'his outer rib part 7" is foldable with the aid of the joint 8" which joint is pivoted on the intermediate rib part 6", the folding movement being controllable by means of a control strut 9", which is pivoted by a link pin 9a" to a part of the joint 8" extending bevond the folding pin 8a".For securing the umbrella cover (not shown) each outer rib part 7" is provided with a tip 7a" and with a sewing hole on the joint 8".

The inner end of each control strut 9" engages around the corresponding strut 4, by means of a guide opening part 10" (see Figure 16), which in comparison to the cross-section of the strut 4 has a large area, and renders possible the displacement of the inner end of the control strut 9" both in the longitudinal direction of the strut 4 and also in the longitudinal direction of control strut 9". By this means a large clearance is produced rendering guidance of the inner enci of the control strut 9" on the strut 4 possible.

The shortenable umbrella according to Figures 15 - 21 is constructed as a partlv telescopic rib umbrella and consists of an inner rib part 11" in which the intermediate rib part 6" is telescopically slidable. The inner rib part 11" is pivoted by its inner end to the crown '. A band or ring II a" is carried on the outer end of the rib part 11".

which in the open configuration of the umbrella frame abuts against the intermediate rib part 6" carrying the joint 5", as is illustrated in Figure 15. Finally the umbrella frame according to Figures 15 - 21 has an array of auxiliary struts 12", pivoted to the struts 4, which are displaceable by means of an auxiliary slider 13" on the stick.

With the umbrella opened, that is with the umbrella cover taut. the control strut 9" lies in the apex point of the angle formed by the strut 4 and the inner rib part 11". In this position, movement of the control strut 9" is prevented. The foldable outer rib part 7" is then in the folded out position. so that an orderly tensioning of the umbrella cover is ensured.

With the umbrella partlv closed according to Figures 17 and 19 the possibilitv arises of moving the outermost rib parts 7" either into the folded down position with the rib parts aligned (Figure 17). of of moving the parts 7" upwards towards the intermediate rib parts 6" (Figure 19), since with this configuration the guide opening part 10" permits movement of the control strut 9" in the longitudinal direction thereof. so that movement of the outer rib part 7" about the folding pin 8a" of the folding joint 8" is possible. The user of the umbrella has therefore the choice of arranging the outer ring of the cover secured to the tips 7a" and to the joint X" as shown in Figure 19 or arranging it in the extended position as shown in Figure 17.

In spite of the large but definite limits of movement of the control strut 9" in relation to the strut 4 during opening of the umbrella, the desired control movement for the outer rib parts 7" is provided automatically.

Figures 20 and 21 show that on the commencement of the opening operations each control strut 9" moves with its guide opening part 10" on the associated strut 4 in the direction towards the slider 3. Because of the resultant large spacing of the inner end of the control strut 9" from the joint 5". a larger effective lever arm is provided for the folding movement exerted by means of the control strut 9" on the outer rib part 7", SO that the outer rib part 7" as a whole is closed down verv earlv to its position when it is aligned with the intermediate rib part 6".

This movement prevents not only leaving behind of the outermost ring of the umbrella cover, but assists. as a whole, the sequence of operations during opening of the umbrella cover. Initially the opening movement serves to slide the inner end of the control strut 9" (Figure 21) on the strut 4 in the direction towards the joint 5". By this means the necessary compensation movement to accommodate the folding movement of the outermost rib parts 7" is provided. When the umbrella is fullv open the inner end of the control strut 9" lies with the guide opening part 10" directly behind the joint 5" (Figure 15) which acts as a limit stop.

In order to prevent locking of the guide opening part 10" behind the joint 5", the guide opening part 10" forming the part of the conftrol strut 9" is bent in relation to the longitudinal direction of the control strut 9" bv formation of an acute angle. as is apparent in Figures 17, 19, 20 and 21. In the fully-opened umbrella according to Figure 15 this bending serves to generate a spring force within the control strut 9", as can be recognised by the slightly distorted configuration of the guide opening part 10" formed by part of the control strut 9" as shown in Figure 15. If from this configuration the umbrella is to be closed, this spring force acts so that the inner end of the guide opening part 10" moves towards the joint 5" so that the guide opening part 10" cannot become locked behind the joint 5" but can slide freely upon the strut 4.

While locking of the guide opening part 10" behind the joint 5" is prevented by formation of the acute angle of the control strut 9" in Figures 15, 17, 19, 20 and 21, there is shown in Figure 18 an embodiment in which a chamfer 5b" is provided on the joint 5", which likewise prevents locking of the above described kind. Here the chamfer 5b" acts so that the inner end of the guide opening member 10" cannot be locked behind the joint 5", but on closure of the umbrella frame can slide freely on the strut 4.

Figure 22 shows that the hereinbefore described construction and operation of the control strut 9" can be used not only in telescopic umbrellas with toldable outer rib parts 7". hut also in umbrella frames with a scissors-like action of the parts adjacent the stick. In such an umbrella the inner rib part 6" is pivoted by means of the joint 5" to a stretching strut 14", which again is pivotally connected with a scissors strut 15", which extends between the crown 2 and a point on the strut A.

In order to be able to load with compression forces the control strut 9" in spite of the larger surface of the guide opening 10" in the open position of the umbrella, so as to provide an inereased bending stiffness of the whole outer rib system, the joint 5" can be provided with a recess 5a", in which the guide opening 10" of the control strut 9" lies when the umbrella is open.Since the guide opening part 10" is engaged in the recess 5a", the possibility arises of giving additional support to the joint S" and thus of imparting to the whole outer rib system an increased stiffness. Figures 22 alltl 23 show the en- gagement of the guide opening part 10" in a recess 5a" of the point 5", and in fact in one case in a "scissors" umbrella (Figure 22) and in the other case in a telescopic rib umbrella (Figure 23).

In Figures 15 - 23 the guide opening part 10" of the control strut 9" is formed in one piece by multiple bending of the inner end portion of the control strut 9". This is apparent in particular in Figure 16. Figures 24 to 27 indicate two turther possibilities for the construction of the guide opening part 10".

According to Figures 24 and '5 the guide opening part 10" is formed by a separate guide member 10a.050 mounted on the inner end of the control strut 9", which has the form of closed "op and is secured by a flange member to the control strut 9".

According to Figures 26 and 27 the guide opening part 10" takes the form of a guide fork 10b", of which the fork ends are inter-connected by a rivet 10c".

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. An umbrella frame with multi-part ribs for carrying a cover, which frame is shortenable by combined telescopic action and folding action of the rib parts. or by folding alone of the ribs. and bv the provision of a shortenable stick. the rib parts being displaceable by at least one arrav of struts and at least one slider on the stick and outer said rib parts being pivoted so that thev can fold upwardlv on to adjacent rib parts nearer to the stick. the folding movement of the outer rib parts being effected by an arrav of substantially inextensible control struts each pivotally engaging an extension of one said outer rib part. movement of each control strut being controlled bv movement of the corresponding strut. and each control strut being guided at its inner end for movement along the corresponding said strut at least in the longitudinal direction of the said strut. said guided movement being of an extent limited by stops or a pivotal linkage.

2. An umbrella frame according to claim 1. wherein the inner end of each control strut is pivoted on a control member in the form of a slide joint displaceable on the strut. and which is connected bv a link pivoted at a distance from the pivot point of the strut on a joint connecting adjacent rib parts or inner rib parts and stretching struts forming part of a scissors strut assemblv.

3. An umbrella frame according to claim '. wherein the link and the inner end of the controle strut are commonly pivoted by one rivet to the slide Joint.

4. An umbrella frame according to claim 2 wherein the slide joint and the link pivoted to the said joint are in one piece and act as a control member displaceable on the strut.

5. An umbrella frame according to claim A. wherein the control member is of U-shape cross-section with bifurcated ends.

of which the one end is pivoted bv means of a pivot to the said joint and the other end engages the strut by means of a guide pin on which the inner end of the control strut is also pivoted.

6. An umbrella frame according to claim 1, wherein the inner end portion of each control strut displaccably engages the

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. bv formation of an acute angle. as is apparent in Figures 17, 19, 20 and 21. In the fully-opened umbrella according to Figure 15 this bending serves to generate a spring force within the control strut 9", as can be recognised by the slightly distorted configuration of the guide opening part 10" formed by part of the control strut 9" as shown in Figure 15. If from this configuration the umbrella is to be closed, this spring force acts so that the inner end of the guide opening part 10" moves towards the joint 5" so that the guide opening part 10" cannot become locked behind the joint 5" but can slide freely upon the strut 4. While locking of the guide opening part 10" behind the joint 5" is prevented by formation of the acute angle of the control strut 9" in Figures 15, 17, 19, 20 and 21, there is shown in Figure 18 an embodiment in which a chamfer 5b" is provided on the joint 5", which likewise prevents locking of the above described kind. Here the chamfer 5b" acts so that the inner end of the guide opening member 10" cannot be locked behind the joint 5", but on closure of the umbrella frame can slide freely on the strut 4. Figure 22 shows that the hereinbefore described construction and operation of the control strut 9" can be used not only in telescopic umbrellas with toldable outer rib parts 7". hut also in umbrella frames with a scissors-like action of the parts adjacent the stick. In such an umbrella the inner rib part 6" is pivoted by means of the joint 5" to a stretching strut 14", which again is pivotally connected with a scissors strut 15", which extends between the crown 2 and a point on the strut A. In order to be able to load with compression forces the control strut 9" in spite of the larger surface of the guide opening 10" in the open position of the umbrella, so as to provide an inereased bending stiffness of the whole outer rib system, the joint 5" can be provided with a recess 5a", in which the guide opening 10" of the control strut 9" lies when the umbrella is open.Since the guide opening part 10" is engaged in the recess 5a", the possibility arises of giving additional support to the joint S" and thus of imparting to the whole outer rib system an increased stiffness. Figures 22 alltl 23 show the en- gagement of the guide opening part 10" in a recess 5a" of the point 5", and in fact in one case in a "scissors" umbrella (Figure 22) and in the other case in a telescopic rib umbrella (Figure 23). In Figures 15 - 23 the guide opening part 10" of the control strut 9" is formed in one piece by multiple bending of the inner end portion of the control strut 9". This is apparent in particular in Figure 16. Figures 24 to 27 indicate two turther possibilities for the construction of the guide opening part 10". According to Figures 24 and '5 the guide opening part 10" is formed by a separate guide member 10a.050 mounted on the inner end of the control strut 9", which has the form of closed "op and is secured by a flange member to the control strut 9". According to Figures 26 and 27 the guide opening part 10" takes the form of a guide fork 10b", of which the fork ends are inter-connected by a rivet 10c". WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. An umbrella frame with multi-part ribs for carrying a cover, which frame is shortenable by combined telescopic action and folding action of the rib parts. or by folding alone of the ribs. and bv the provision of a shortenable stick. the rib parts being displaceable by at least one arrav of struts and at least one slider on the stick and outer said rib parts being pivoted so that thev can fold upwardlv on to adjacent rib parts nearer to the stick. the folding movement of the outer rib parts being effected by an arrav of substantially inextensible control struts each pivotally engaging an extension of one said outer rib part. movement of each control strut being controlled bv movement of the corresponding strut. and each control strut being guided at its inner end for movement along the corresponding said strut at least in the longitudinal direction of the said strut. said guided movement being of an extent limited by stops or a pivotal linkage.

corresponding strut end is pivoted on a guide member which provides guidance of the control strut along the strut.

7. An umbrella frame according to claim 6, wherein the inner end portion of the control strut is formed to define a guide opening of larder size than the cross-section of fhe corresponding strut.

S. An umbrella frame according to claim 7. wherein the part of the control strut defining the guide opening is inclined at an acute angle in relation to the longitudinal direction of the remainder of the control strut.

9. An umbrella frame according to claim 6 wherein the strut is of U-shaped cross-section and the guide member comprises a member displaceable within the strut. to the outer end of which member is pivoted the end of the control strut which engages the strut.

io: An umbrella frame according to claim 9. wherein the said member is of round-section wire with a pivot eyelet connecting it to the control strut.

11.An umbrella frame according to claim 9 or claim 1t). wherein the U-shaped crosssection strut is formed with a pinch providing said limiting movement of the guide member.

12. An umbrella frame according to claim 1. wherein the inner end of each control strut engages the corresponding strut by means of a guide opening of large area in comparison with the cross-section of the strut, which permits displacement of the inner end of the control strut in the longitudinal direction of both the strut and the control strut.

13. An umbrella @rame according to claim 12, wherein the guide opening is formed by a separate inner end part of the control strut.

14. An umbrella frame according to claim 12, wherein the guide opening is formed in one piece by multiple bending of the inner end part of the control strut.

15. An umbrella frame according to any one of clims 12 to 14, wherein the part of the control strut forming the guide opening is inclined at an acute angle in relation to the longitudinal direction of the remainder of the control strut.

16. An umbrella frame according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein a joint connecting adjacent rib parts or inner rib parts or stretehing struts forming part of a scissors-strut assembly has a chamfer at the end facing the cri)wn SO that the part destining the guide opening cannot be locked behind the @oint when the frame is in the closed contiguration.

17. An umbrella frame according to any one of claims 12 to 16. wherein the inner en(l of the control strut lies in a recess when the umbrella is open. which recess is formed in the joint pivotally connecting the strut with a rib part.

18. An umbrella frame substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 1 and 2; Figures 3 and A: Figure 5: Figure 6: Figures 7 to 14: Figures 15 to 21: Figures 22 and 23: Figures 24 and 25- or Figures 26 and 27 of the accompanving drawings.

19. An umbrella incorporating a frame according to any one of the preceding claims.