GB2475544A

GB2475544A - A clockwork mechanism for moving a parasol to track the sun

Info

Publication number: GB2475544A
Application number: GB0920472A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bradley Osborn; Mark Neville; James Youens
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-11-21
Filing date: 2009-11-21
Publication date: 2011-05-25
Also published as: GB0920472D0; WO2011061512A1

Abstract

A mechanism (100, fig. 1) for moving a parasol in relation to the sun as it traverses the sky comprises a housing 202, a positioning element 204 rotatably mounted on the housing and connected to a parasol, and a clockwork mechanism (not shown) having a ratchet and torsion springs mounted inside the housing. The clockwork mechanism is connected to the positioning element, so that the ratchet allows the clockwork mechanism to slowly unwind and rotate the positioning element in synchrony with the sun. The mechanism is would by means of a lever 206. In this way the parasol creates static shade over a user. The mechanism may be integrated into a parasol, or may be used with existing parasols.

Description

Mechanism for moving a parasol

Field of Invention

This invention relates to a mechanism for moving a parasol. In particular it relates to a mechanism to automatically move a parasol in relation to the sun.

Background of the Invention

Conventional parasols are available for those who like to be outside, but who do not wish to expose themselves unnecessarily to the sun. Parasols are often fitted with a tilting mechanism so that the position of the parasol may be adjusted according to the position of the sun. If a parasol does not have such a mechanism, then either the parasol and base has to be moved, or the person has to move their position under the parasol. In either case, as the sun traverses the sky, the person has to regularly readjust the parasol or their position. This is more than inconvenient for the infirm and the young, or for those who want to doze.

Disclosure of Invention

From the foregoing, it may be appreciated that a need has arisen for a mechanism for moving a parasol in relation to the sun as it traverses the sky. Such a mechanism has a housing, a positioning element rotatably mounted on the housing and connected to a parasol, and a clockwork mechanism having a ratchet mounted inside the housing. The clockwork mechanism having a ratchet is connected to the positioning element, so that the ratchet allows the clockwork mechanism to unwind and rotate the positioning element so that it is moved in synchrony with a position of the sun so that the parasol creates static shade over a user. The mechanism may be integrated into a parasol, or may be used with existing parasols.

Brief Description of Drawings

For a more complete explanation of the present invention and the technical advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description and the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows a parasol fitted with a mechanism of the present invention; Figure 2 shows an overview of a mechanism of the present invention; Figure 3 shows the controls for setting up a mechanism of the present invention so that the parasol is pointed at the sun to create shade for the user; and Figure 4 shows a mechanism of the present invention integrated into a parasol.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention and their technical advantages may be better understood by referring to Figures 1 and 2, which shows an overview of mechanism 100 having a housing 202, a positioning element 204 rotatably mounted on the housing and connected to a parasol 102, and a clockwork mechanism having a ratchet mounted inside the housing. The clockwork mechanism having a ratchet is connected to the positioning element, so that the ratchet allows the clockwork mechanism to unwind and rotate the positioning element so that it is moved in synchrony with a position of the sun so that the parasol creates static shade (104) over a user.

Ratchet-controlled clockwork mechanisms suitable for use in the present invention are well known. For example the mechanism may have two torsion springs linked to the positioning element. These springs are mounted onto gears which initiate the clockwork mechanism when the dial is turned. The clockwork device, which involves a ratchet mechanism stopping the torsion springs from unwinding all at once, slowly allows the torsion spring to uncoil and hence causing the positioning element to rotate with respect to the housing and to tilt the sunshade.

The clockwork mechanism is wound by means of a lever 206 mounted on the housing.

Referring now to Figure 3, which shows the controls for setting up the mechanism so that the parasol is pointed at the sun to create shade for the user, the positioning element has a marker 302, an override switch 210 and locking pins 212. The override switch is disengaged to allow the positioning element to be rotated with respect to the housing to a position against a dial 208 on the housing corresponding to the current time, conveniently shown on panel 209. Locking pins 212 are disengaged to allow the housing to tilt with respect to a lower support 214. This means aligning the mechanism has been aligned in a roughly east-west direction as indicated in Figure 3, and the housing tilted to compensate for latitude and time of year, the parasol is pointed in the direction of the sun.

To enable the mechanism to track the sun, lever 206 is set to a position on dial 216 corresponding to the number of hours the user wishes to spend in the shade created by the parasol. Setting the lever thus begins the process of the mechanism moving the positioning element, and hence the parasol, so that it tracks the sun as it traverses the sky.

The embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 2 and 3 is suitable for use with an existing parasol: the lower part 106 of a parasol pole is inserted into a socket on the lower support 214 and locking screw 216 tightened, and the upper part 108 of a parasol pole is inserted into a socket 218 on the positioning element and locking screw 220 tightened.

In a further embodiment of the invention, shown in Figure 4, the mechanism is integrated into a parasol.

Claims

Claims 1. A mechanism including: (a) a housing (202); (b) a positioning element (204) rotatably mounted on said housing, said positioning element connected to a parasol (102>; and (C) a clockwork mechanism having a ratchet inside said housing; characterized by said clockwork mechanism having a ratchet being connected to said positioning element, whereby said ratchet allows said clockwork mechanism to unwind and rotate said positioning element in synchrony with a position of the sun so that said parasol creates static shade (104) over a user.
2. The mechanism of claim 1 additionally including one or two locking pins (212) whereby disengagement of said locking pins allows said housing to tilt with respect to a lower support (214) to according to a latitude and a time of year.
3. The mechanism of claims 1 or 2 in which said positioning element additionally includes a marker (302) and an override switch (210) and said housing additionally includes a dial (208) indicating a time of day whereby disengagement of said override switch allows said positioning element to be rotated with respect to said housing to a position against said dial corresponding to a current time.
4. The mechanism of claim 4 whereby when said mechanism has been aligned in a roughly east-west direction, said parasol is pointed in the direction of the sun.5. The mechanism of any of the preceding claims additionally including a dial (216), whereby setting lever (206) to a position on said dial corresponding to a number of hours said user wishes to spend in said shade created by said parasol actuates said mechanism to move said positioning element, and hence said parasol, so that it tracks the sun as it traverses the sky.
5. The mechanism of any of the preceding claims additionally including a winding lever (206) for said clockwork mechanism mounted on an exterior surface of said housing.
6. The mechanism of any of the preceding claims additionally including a panel (209) indicating a current time.