GB2268056A

GB2268056A - Perambulator with umbrella

Info

Publication number: GB2268056A
Application number: GB9222038A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rosemary Eld
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-05-14
Filing date: 1992-10-20
Publication date: 1994-01-05
Also published as: GB9222038D0; GB9210313D0

Abstract

An umbrella having a height adjustable telescopic mast is firmly secured by a clamp and screw device to the handlebar of a pram or pushchair. This enables the child carer to use both hands to control the conveyance. The umbrella may be provided with an automatic safety trip to collapse the canopy in the event of high winds.

Description

A PRAMBRELLA ADJUSTABLE PERAMBULATOR MOUNTED UMBRELLA This invention relates to an adjustable handlebar mounted umbrella, referred to in this application as a prambrella.

A prambrella is a modification of an umbrella, a well known aid for protection against the rain, Which comprise a light waterproof circular canopy supported by a collapsable frame, permanently attached to a central rod with a handle secured at the base. The canopy is frequently adapted, to be unfurled when in use and furled when not in use.

Umbrellas are, however, supported with one hand . Moreover when in use by a person pushing a pram or pushchair whereas leaving only one hand free to be in complete control of the conveyance can prove difficult.

According to the present invention there is provided a prambrella comprising three section adjustable telescopic mast, being adapted to slide. and lock with upward and downward movement giving a choice of variable height positions, until being arrested by collet type locks. Flexible insets and extra extending support rods attached or detachable (not shown) to fit on any part of the invention may be necessary for extra stability during variable weather conditions. The base of the east is secured to the handlebar area of the pram or pushchair by means of a clamp, screw device or similar (not shown), a hinged section may also be necessary for extra adjustment to enable the fixture to fit various sizes of handlebars. The mast supports a normal furl and fold type umbrella canopy.

The invention also provides for a safety device designed to trip the canopy lock so causing the canopy to automatically furl and fold in the event of unexpected wind gusts which may otherwise give rise to a dangerous loss of control of the conveyance due to the canopy acting as a sail.

When not in use the prambrella may be detached from the conveyance and carried by means of a detachable shoulder strap.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by a way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 shows the general arrangement of the prambrella; Figure 2 illustrates the prambrella folded and not in use; and Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the safety trip device.

Referring to the drawing Figure 1.

The prambrella comprises self supporting adjustable three section telescopic mast 1, 2 & 3 adapted to slide to extended and lowered positions until arrested by collet type locks 4 & 5. The base of'the mast 1 is attached to a clamp, screw device 6 or similar (not shown) hinted sections may also be necessary, subject to expertise design. Top section 3 acts also as a bearing/support for the canopy support tube 7. (see also Fig 3). The canopy safety trip pawl housing 8 (see alse Fig 3). A normal furl and fold pattern lightweight umbrella type canopy 9 with the standard rib and strut wire frame.

Referring to the drawing Figure 2. ( canopy frame emitted for clarity) This part sectioned drawing shows the prambrella removed from the handlebar, the mast telescpped to the minimum dimension, and fitted with shoulder strap 10, with securing tie 11 f.r convenient carrying.

The design assumes that the clamp, screw device or similar 6 Fig 1, will remain fixed to the handlebar in the interests of lightness and portability.

Referring to the drawing Figure 3.

This drawing shows the aspect of the design, which prevents the prambrella canopy acting as a sail which could give rise to a dangerous situation should unexpected windy conditions be encountered. The design concept allows for two possible wind effects: i) strong horizontal cress winds from any direction.

ii) strong downdraughts, from any direction as may be encountered when in the proximity of tall buildings. The drawing shows the canopy support tube 7, which is a sliding fit on the upper section of the mast 3.

The canopy support tube is located and restrained by a control spring 15.

The pawl housing 8, which carries the canopy frame struts 14 is free to slide on the outside of the canopy support tube 7 and houses two pawls 13, which are pushed inwards by two pawl springs 12. T unfurl the canopy, the pawl housing 8 is manually pushed up the canopy support tube 7, until the pawls engage in two radial slots which are cut through the wall of the canopy support tube. These slots are positioned to coincide with a waisted portion on the upper section of the mnst?,. with the enEaFem-nt of Khe pawls the canopy is locked in the unfurled position.

In the event of wind condition (i) the canopy acts as an aerofoil and produces an upwards force which en overcoming the tension of the control spring 15, raises the canopy support tube 7, pawl housing 8 and pawls 13 until the pawls encounter the tapered top of the waisted portion on the upper section of the mast 3. When they are driven outwards by the wedging action of the taper. On the disengagement of the pawls from the support tube slots the tension in the canopy frame drives the pawl housing 8 down the canopy support tube 7. Thus allowing the canopy to collapse to the furled position.

Under wind condition (ii) a downdraught will produce a downwards force which on overcoming the tension of the control spring 15, lowers the canopy support tube 7, pawl housing 8 and pawls 13 until the pawls engage the tapered bottom of the waisted portion of the upper section mast 3.

When as above the pawls are disengaged and the canopy 9 again collapses to the furled position.

The canopy is manually furled by pulling the canopy support tube 7 downwards until the pawls are disensaFed from the support tube slots.

Claims

1 An adjustable height prambrella comprising a self supporting, tubular, three section telescopic mast. The mast being arranged to slide with upward and downward movement until being arrested manually by collet type locks.

2 An adjustable height prambrella as claimed in claim 1 wherein a clamp, screw device or similar also hinged section may be necessary is provided to enable the prambrella to be attached to the handlebar area of a pram or pushchair.

3 An adjustable height prambrella as claimed in claim 1 wherein a wind activated safety trip mechanism is provided to automatically furl the prambrella canopy in the avent of unexpected wind gusts threatening any dangerous loss of control of the pram or pushchair.

4 An adjustable height prambrella substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 - 3 of the accompanying drawings.