GB2320188A

GB2320188A - Reinforced inner tube for telescopic umbrella

Info

Publication number: GB2320188A
Application number: GB9625900A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chin-Sung Ko
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-12-13
Filing date: 1996-12-13
Publication date: 1998-06-17
Also published as: GB9625900D0

Abstract

The inner tube 1 of a telescopic umbrella shaft is reinforced by a solid rod 4 inside the tube which is joined at its upper end by pin 21 to the tube and a runner 2, and has at its lower end a slot (42, Fig 3) at a position corresponding to the opening 11 on the tube for receiving a bow spring 3. The rod provides extra strength in windy conditions.

Description

TITLE: REINFORCED INNER TUBE USED IN COLLAPSIBLE UMBRELLAS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Most of inner tubes used in a prior art umbrella are made of hollow aluminum tubes to make it easier to close the umbrella and give the umbrella a light weight. A typical inner tube is shown in figure 1, which comprises a hollow inner tube (1) connected at its upper end to an umbrella runner (2) by a pin (21). A bow spring (3) is housed inside the inner tube (1), with its upper end projecting from an elongated opening (11) to retain the runner in position.

Obviously, the prior art inner tube is weak in structure.

When in use, an umbrella often has to resist strong wind forces acting on the umbrella canopy. Especially for an umbrella canopy which is suffering a side wind, the forces will be delivered from the canopy to the inner tube (1), producing a torsion force acting on the inner tube (1). As a result, the inner tube may be torn apart at the elongated opening (11). Likewise, the same condition may happen at the joints between the inner tube (1) and the pin (21).

Therefore, it is desirable to have a reinforced inner tube in which the weakness can be eliminated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS The primary object of the invention is to provide a reinforced inner tube that employs a reinforced rod to overcome the drawbacks of a prior art umbrella tube and provide convenience in use. A preferred embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a cross sectional view showing a conventional umbrella inner tube; Figure 2 schematically shows an opened umbrella that incorporates the reinforced inner tubes of the invention; Figure 3 is an exploded view showing the components of an inner tube according to the invention; Figure 4 is a cross sectional view illustrating the inventive umbrella inner tube in an assembled state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to figures 2 through 4, the improvements according to the invention are made on the inner tube (1) of an umbrella, in which a reinforced rod (4) is incorporated to enhance the strength of the tube. The reinforced rod (4) is a solid rod having a diameter generally equal to the inside diameter of the inner tube (1) and is entirely housed in the inner tube at the upper end of the inner tube. The rod (4) is provided at its upper end with an aperture (41) through which a pin (21) passes to join the rod (4) and an umbrella runner (2) with the inner tube (1). The reinforced rod (4) is further provided at its lower end with a slot (42) at a position corresponding to an elongated opening (11) formed on the inner tube (1). The width of the slot (42) is slightly larger than the thickness of a bow spring (3). when the bow spring (3) is seated in its position, its upper end lies in the slot (42).

With the above arrangement, when the umbrella canopy gives the inner tube (1) a torsion force, the force will be absorbed by the reinforced rod (4) so that the inner tube (1) does not break as a prior art umbrella rod did. In addition, since the bow spring (3) is seated in the slot (42), it can easily match with the elongated opening (11) without being biased out of position when in use. As a result, it provides users with convenience in use.

From the above description, the invention definitely enhances the strength of inner tubes, reduces the possibility of being distorted, and maintains the alignment of the bow spring with the elongated opening of inner tubes. Hence it has practical value to the industry.

Claims

1. A reinforced inner tube for a collapsible umbrella rod, comprising a reinforced rod installed inside a collapsible umbrella inner tube, said reinforced rod being provided at its upper end with a pin to join the rod with said inner tube and an umbrella runner and being further provided at its lower end with a slot at a position corresponding to an elongated opening of the inner tube for receiving a bow spring.

2. A reinforced inner tube for a collapsible umbrella rod, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 2 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.

3. An umbrella having a reinforced inner tube as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2.