KR20070030202A - Electrical umbrella and canopy mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

Canopy conducting mechanism for hand held umbrellas is disclosed. The canopy conducting mechanism is especially useful for electrical umbrellas although may be used for manually operated umbrellas as well. The canopy conducting mechanism has short movement between open and closed states of the umbrella and is based on pin and slide joints (2b, 4c) between the umbrella ribs (2) and between a canopy conducting member (4), allowing for strutless canopy (i. e. a canopy without stretchers extending between the umbrella post and the ribs). Umbrella rib having a flexible end especially useful for strutless umbrellas is also disclosed. Strutless electrical umbrella comprising said canopy conducting mechanism and flexible end ribs is also disclosed, including single-folding and multi-folding canopy embodiments. ® KIPO & WIPO 2007

Description

Electric Umbrella & Canopy Mechanism {ELECTRICAL UMBRELLA AND CANOPY MECHANISM}

The present invention relates to the field of gripped umbrellas.

Umbrellas which can be automatically deployed by firing of compression springs are known on the market. Such a spring-loaded umbrella has the advantage of being easy to deploy, but also has the disadvantage of being accompanied by a spring mechanism. Firstly, the deployment is not controlled after the spring is fired so that the stopper teeth are pressed and released so that once the spring is fired it cannot be stopped. For example, a person getting off the vehicle cannot partially deploy the canopy so that the canopy passes through the door and blocks snow or rain while getting off the car. Next, there is a risk that the edges of the canopy that are opened with radical development will injure nearby people. In addition, when folding the umbrella, considerable hand force must be applied to fold the canopy and load the spring for the next deployment. Hand is not only applied, but the user's two hands are required, one hand must hold the umbrella and the other hand to pull the canopy recovery handle, the operation is unstable, the operation of the recovered canopy is when the umbrella is too close to the body There is a risk of hurting the user. The folding procedure ends only after the stopper teeth have returned to the initial position. However, the return of the stopper teeth is not so easy when the spring of the umbrella is pulled completely. Thus, when the return of the stopper teeth is not properly made, the umbrella may unintentionally suddenly and radically develop. Therefore, the operation of the general spring-loaded umbrella is not very convenient for adults, and very inconvenient for children, the elderly, or the disabled.

In a non-automatic umbrella that requires both hands of the user for deployment and folding operations, one hand holds the umbrella and the other hand pushes or pulls for the deployment of the canopy. In both cases, the umbrella should be held at a distance to avoid injury from the canopy's movement. In addition, when folding a wet umbrella, the user should generally be careful not to fold close to the body so that rainwater does not fall on the user's dry clothing. Both spring loaded or non-automatic umbrellas require the user to use both hands and need to be folded at intervals from the user.

Accordingly, there is a need for an umbrella that can be deployed and folded automatically by one hand, and that the operation can be stopped or canceled for a predetermined time, for example partially deployed so as to pass through a narrow passage.

Automatic mechanisms for gripped umbrellas using electric drives have been disclosed in a number of patents. US4,572,226, US5,213,122, US5,141,010, and EP0760609 disclose recent efforts in the development of gripped umbrellas with electric drives. Despite these efforts, there is no proof that any type of electric umbrella has been commercially successful, and automatic umbrellas, which have been sold worldwide for decades, are types with deployment springs that are folding semi-automatic umbrellas. According to the inventor of the present invention, there is no electric umbrella currently on the market. As will be described later in this specification, the basic concept adopted by the inventor of the present invention somewhat hinders the development success of commercially available electric umbrellas.

US 5,711,332 discloses umbrellas which are particularly suitable for gardening and rest. This patent is not related to electric or gripped umbrellas, but is related to the prior art as described below.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a powered umbrella mechanism for a gripping type which overcomes the problems of the mechanism of the prior art in order to satisfy a reliable and convenient operated umbrella which has long been required.

The inventor of the present invention made basic assumptions while developing a commercially available electric umbrella. That is, the umbrella mechanism should be designed to shorten the moving range of the member driven by the electric motor to guide the canopy into the deployed and folded states. Members driven by an electric motor to guide the canopy into the deployed and folded states are described in other patents as "rider", "collar", "guiding member" and located inside an umbrella post. And move along the post. In the present invention, this member is referred to as a "canopy induction member" and is located outside the post and is movable. In this specification, the 'short movement range' refers to the movement of the distance not exceeding 20%, preferably 14%, more preferably 7% of the post length. For example, in the first operating model, the post length is 80 cm and the step of the member (ie, the "guide member") leading the canopy into the deployed and folded states is 4 cm in length, which is the length of the post overall length. About 5%. In order to fully deploy the canopy through this short range of movement, the canopy ribs need to be driven by a short lever arm located near the adjacent end (rib end adjacent to the post) of each rib. The inventors of the present invention have developed an innovative short-range induction mechanism for manipulating such a short lever arm to meet the short moving range requirement of the induction member.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to an induction mechanism which is useful for a gripping umbrella, in particular an electric gripping umbrella, having a small number of parts and a short moving range, and (a) having a top end and a bottom end and having a small diameter (that is, a conventional gripping umbrella Hollow poles), the diameter and diameter of which are similar or in no case much larger; (b) a canopy guide member comprising a first portion (ie, pin or slide) of a plurality of pin-slide joints circumferentially spaced and rigidly connected around a common central point; (c) a plurality of circumferentially spaced canopy ribs each having a short lever arm including a second portion of the pin-slide joint (mate of the first portion); (d) means for moving said canopy guide member for a short movement between two vertically spaced positions above the top of said pole; The lever can pivot the rib around a pivot point located between the short lever arm and the rib; The lever arm forms an angle of 120 degrees to 165 degrees, preferably about 135 degrees, with the ribs around the pivot point; The rib is pivotally connected to a spacer at the pivot point that spaces the pivot point from the hollow pawl; At the lowest of the two vertically spaced positions, the first one of the pin-slide joints is adjacent to the upper end of the pawl to develop the canopy, and at the highest of the two vertically spaced positions the pin The first of the slide joints is away from the upper end of the pawl and the canopy is folded.

US 5,711,332 shows the deployed and folded states of the garden umbrella in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. The umbrella is driven to expand and collapse by the movement of the plunger 14 along the post 12. The plunger 14 is connected to the rib 34 by the first link connection 22 and the plurality of umbrellas through the plurality of link connections 20 connected to the plunger 14 by the second link connection 24. It is connected to the rib 34 of. For the deployment of the umbrella (FIG. 2), the plunger 14 is moved downwards inside the post 12 to pull the link connection 20 into the post, which causes the rib 34 to be pulled so that the rib connection 40 ), It pivots around and becomes a developed state. To fold the umbrella, the plunger 14 is moved upwards to push the link connection 20 out of the position shown in FIG. 3 of the post. The umbrella mechanism of US Pat. No. 5,711,332 is inadequate for the use of gripped umbrellas for a number of reasons. First, the posts of the garden umbrellas are of sufficient diameter or easy to be designed to move the link connection into the posts (as shown in Figure 2), but the posts of the gripped umbrellas are relatively small in diameter (assuming the same material is used). Increasing the diameter by 100% increases the weight of the post by 314%.) The link connection cannot be inserted inside the post. In addition, each link has two pivot connections 22, 24, consisting of three parts in total (i.e. one link member and two connections), which are assembled during the manufacture of the umbrella and during the lifetime of the umbrella. Withstands repeated cycles In the case of a fixed garden umbrella, the link connection may be made of a hard and heavy material and may not be a very problematic type of connection since the umbrella is not normally opened or closed more than once or twice a day. However, gripped umbrellas have a small diameter on the posts and in order to reduce the size of the umbrellas, on the one hand, heavy materials cannot be used for the link to the plunger and its connection (the diameter of the plunger is smaller than the diameter of the posts) At least five or six pivot link connections must be circumferentially spaced circumferentially), while gripped umbrellas are generally opened and closed several times a day, i.e. much more than garden umbrellas.

Another disadvantage of the mechanism disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,711,332 is that there is a link between the length of the link 20, which is the distance from the post 12 of the rib connection 40, and the travel length of the plunger inside the post. For example, in the umbrella shown, the distance between the rib connection 40 and the post 12 is substantially equal to the diameter of the post. If the distance of the rib connection 40 is designed to be twice as large as it is now, the length of the link will increase accordingly, and the stage of the plunger between the open and closed states of the umbrella will also increase accordingly. In addition, with respect to the enlarged diameter of the post, an arcuate enlarged link would be needed so that it could be received inside the post and moved freely.

In contrast to US Pat. No. 5,711,332, the instrument according to the invention is a linkless type of connection in which the movement and orientation change inside (a) the post, so that the instrument according to the invention has the diameter of the pole to any desired size. And (b) in US Pat. No. 5,711,332, there is no double pivot joint connecting the link from one side to the guide member moving inside the post and from the next to the rib, so that the mechanism of the present invention has a small number of parts. Due to the small number of moving parts, heavy pin-slide joints that can be easily assembled and maintained and do not move inside the poles, there is only one movable connection that is not limited by the diameter of the poles. (c) there is no linkage relationship between the size of the umbrella part, so that the pin-slide joint of the present invention can change the range of movement and the pole diameter of the guide member. It makes it possible to design the distance between the pivot joint and the rib pole.

The canopy induction mechanism of the present invention having a short moving distance and a small number of parts is particularly useful for producing a motor driven electric umbrella. Because the moving distance of the canopy guide member is short,

A) Less rotation of the umbrella's electric motor is required to open and close the umbrella.

B) The number of parts of the umbrella is reduced, resulting in reduced weight and improved durability (for example, compared to other powered umbrellas of the design having strut joints supporting the canopy ribs and struts driven by the collar to open and close the umbrella).

C) With no struts, the canopy can be lowered near the user's head for maximum protection from snow, rain and strong winds.

D) A soft override mechanism can be used (described in detail later).

E) An auxiliary hand grip can be added to the umbrella pole near the canopy to allow the user to hold the umbrella effectively with both hands in the event of strong winds.

F) A more innovative and attractive design can be obtained (ie without struts), which allows the product to remain competitive despite the price increase due to increased manufacturing costs compared to semi-automated umbrellas.

G) Mass production of single size induction mechanisms for different size umbrellas (for example, both children and adult umbrellas may use the same induction mechanism). This is the opposite of the strut umbrella structure, where there is a link between canopy size, pole length, strut length, and rider's travel range.

According to G), the invention relates not only to guide mechanisms with ribs assembled, but also to canopy guide members (which can be mass produced designed to use canopy ribs of different types and sizes) for gripped umbrellas, (a A canopy guide member having a first portion of a plurality of pin-slide joints rigidly connected about a common central hub and spaced apart circumferentially; (b) a spacer having a central lower end connected to the pole of the umbrella, and a plurality of pivot connection points circumferentially spaced about the central lower end; The instrument can accommodate several types of ribs that differ in shape and length of the flexible portion located at its distal end (see FIG. 10), and the desired type of rib can be connected to the pivot connection point of the spacer.

The invention also relates to an electric motor driven gripping umbrella having a canopy which can be guided to any desired position between a deployed and folded state by a guiding member movable between two points on the pole of the umbrella, The umbrella includes a short range of spirals that drive the guide member between the deployed and folded states. Preferably, in various embodiments of the present invention, the operating range of the guide member is from 20% to 100% effective length relative to the maximum diameter in the folded state. More preferably, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the operating range of the guide member is from 50% to 95% effective length compared to the maximum diameter in the folded state of the umbrella. The term 'inducing member' refers to a member operating back and forth along a predetermined range above the central pole of the umbrella, the operation inducing the canopy between the deployed and folded states. The term 'effective length' refers to the actual range in which the guide member operates between two extreme positions on the pole, irrespective of the length of the spiral on which the member operates (but preferably the length of the spiral is longer than necessary). The helix is connected to the motor through a flat, flat part that is lighter in weight than the screw to reduce the overall weight of the umbrella).

As will be more apparent from the following description, as described above in connection with a canopy having a short travel distance and a small number of parts for a gripped umbrella according to the present invention, the reduction in the moving range of the canopy guide member is a It reduces the number, increases the durability of some of these members, ensures that the finished umbrella maintains the proper weight, and is safe, small in size and easily operated by electric for children. The above and other advantages of the electric umbrella of the present invention are essential to occupy a significant position in the global market, and unlike all other inventions that have failed to successfully develop and / or commercialize the electric umbrella, the dream of commercial existence and electric umbrella It is essential to realization.

In order to shorten the range of movement of the guide member, the umbrella of the present invention is designed to be guided and deployed through the adjacent end of the rib so that the canopy can be fully deployed by concentrating the lever center near the upper end of the umbrella. The lever center of the umbrella has a diameter similar to the maximum diameter when the umbrella is folded, and according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a strut is provided between the canopy ribs and the pole of the umbrella above the center of the lever in the deployed state. Not extended. This includes an electric umbrella of the prior art comprising a strut (stretcher) having a considerable length necessary for the lever center of the umbrella to protrude from the runner of the umbrella and to run smoothly along the post of the umbrella to support the canopy; In contrast. By eliminating the need for struts in the canopy guide mechanism, it reduces the number of members that make up the umbrella, simplifies the manufacturing process, assembly, and maintenance, and strengthens the canopy ribs by increasing the thickness, thereby increasing the overall weight of the umbrella. Make sure your umbrella is strong and durable. By the absence of the strut, an internal hand grip is provided near the upper end of the umbrella post, which makes it possible to stably hold the umbrella even under strong winds and to lower the umbrella near the user's head. This is in contrast to the prior art umbrellas where the struts occupy the space around the upper part of the post. However, the present invention is not limited to structures without struts, and if the struts are desired to be added for passive reinforcement, the movement of the canopy guide member used for deployment of the canopy without active assistance of the struts is shortened. The umbrella is an improvement over the prior art (struts are used only for the purpose of passive support or stabilization).

Another advantage of removing the struts is that the canopy ribs and the posts can look more comfortable and have an attractive design. This allows the ribs to be covered from both sides of the canopy (ie, having a two-ply canopy or having a covering fabric sleeve that extends uninterrupted along the ribs so that the ribs can be hidden according to various embodiments of the present invention). .

As described above, the strut-free umbrella structure allows the spiral of the induction mechanism to be shortened, which is useful for standing-up deployment of the canopy by a small number of motor rotations, which speeds opening and closing of the canopy and shortens the operating time of the motor. (This reduces the wear of the motor).

Accordingly, the present invention also relates to an induction mechanism of short moving parts, which is useful for a gripped umbrella, in particular an electric gripped umbrella, and (a) having a top and a bottom and having a small diameter (i.e., a conventional gripped umbrella). Hollow poles), the diameter and diameter of which are similar or in no case much larger; (b) a canopy guide member comprising a plurality of first portions (ie, pins or slides) of pin-slide joints circumferentially spaced and rigidly connected around a common central point; (c) a plurality of circumferentially spaced canopy ribs each having a short lever arm including a second portion of the pin-slide joint (mate of the first portion); (d) an electric motor coupled to move the canopy guide member for a short movement between two vertically spaced positions above the top of the pole; (e) a battery housing electrically connected to energize the motor; (f) one or more manual switches to allow a user to adjust the canopy between the deployed and folded states; The lever can pivot the rib around a pivot point located between the short lever arm and the rib; The lever arm forms an angle of 120 degrees to 165 degrees, preferably about 135 degrees, with the ribs around the pivot point; The rib is pivotally connected to a spacer at the pivot point that spaces the pivot point from the hollow pawl; At the lowest of the two vertically spaced positions, the first one of the pin-slide joints is adjacent to the upper end of the pawl to develop the canopy, and at the highest of the two vertically spaced positions the pin The first of the slide joints is away from the upper end of the pawl and the canopy is folded.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electric umbrella also includes a load recognition circuit to stop the motor (by disconnecting the battery power supply) in recognition that the current of the motor increases beyond a predetermined threshold. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the load recognition circuit is used not only to protect the motor, but also to automatically stop the motor when the canopy is reached in a fully deployed state or when the canopy is reached in a fully folded state. In this state, the electric motor continues to rotate and the electric current of the electric motor is physically cut off, and the load recognizing circuit operates to disconnect the power from the electric motor. According to various embodiments, the umbrella's electrical circuitry is designed such that each operation of the load recognition circuitry (usually a situation corresponding to the end of a full deployment or full folding operation of the umbrella) changes the polarity of the power connection of the motor. In the next operation, the user rotates the motor in the opposite direction to the last operation. With this arrangement, the umbrella can be provided with only one switch for both the deployment and the folding operation, whereby the role is automatically changed after each operation.

Although a preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a pin-slide joint between the guide member and each rib, similar or equivalent configurations, such as a telescopic connection, in which the short lever arm of the rib is moved telescopically relative to the corresponding arm of the guide member. It is also contemplated to use and this is also within the scope of the present invention.

The invention also relates to a system of a rechargeable electric umbrella, comprising: (a) an electric umbrella powered by a rechargeable battery and having a battery charging circuit having a contact terminal; And (b) a stand having a connection to at least one terminal having a contact mating with a contact terminal of an AC power network, an AC-DC converter, and an electric umbrella; Or (c) a stand having at least one terminal having contact portions mating with contact terminals of the vehicle battery and the electric umbrella.

According to various preferred embodiments of the present invention, the electric umbrella is provided with an electric circuit for detecting a low battery voltage and generating an alarm. Battery low voltage alarm is preferably LED light.

According to various embodiments, the powered umbrella of the present invention has a back-up battery. The backup battery is provided in the housing and is manually replaced with the main battery when a voltage drop of the main battery is detected, which can be switched by physical replacement, switched between electrical circuits or controlled by a circuit that detects battery low voltage. This is achieved by the operation of an electrical switch that can be automatically switched by a switching circuit, in which case an LED is emitted indicating that a backup battery is being used. The backup battery may be rechargeable or non-rechargeable. If the main battery is rechargeable and has a recharging circuit built into the umbrella (i.e. the battery is recharged in the housing inside the umbrella) and the backup battery is also rechargeable, it recognizes the presence of external power and connects the backup battery to the main battery. It is desirable to provide a separate recharge circuit for the backup battery that connects to recharge at the same time, and after disconnecting the external power supply, the backup battery is held at a fully charged voltage until the low voltage of the main battery is disconnected. Switch that prevents accidental charging of the non-rechargeable battery when the main battery is rechargeable and has a recharging circuit embedded in the umbrella (ie the battery is recharged in the housing inside the umbrella) and the backup battery is non-rechargeable Is provided (the same switch is located between the main battery and the backup battery).

According to various embodiments of the present invention, the powered umbrella also includes position recognition means to enable rapid positioning of the umbrella. The position recognizing means comprises first and second electrical circuits, the first circuit being attached or located inside the umbrella, and the second circuit being held by the user. The alarm or beep sounds when (a) the communication between the first circuit and the second circuit is lost (in this case the alarm is generated by the circuit maintained by the user), or (b) by the user to position the umbrella. Is generated when an operation command is generated (in this case an alarm is generated in a circuit attached to the umbrella). Preferably, each umbrella will have a unique identification code so that the user can locate and recognize his umbrella among several similar umbrellas. The position recognition circuit is preferably powered by a unique battery, ie a battery separate from the main battery, so that the umbrella can be positioned even when the main battery is exhausted. Thus, the position recognition circuit can be located where the main battery is located, near the lifting center in the upper part of the umbrella and away from the handle of the umbrella.

The invention also relates to a canopy induction mechanism for a multifold canopy. This embodiment includes a plurality of pivot joints spaced circumferentially at a distance around a central bottom portion each adapted to receive a rib stretcher to be associated with an rib that is acceptable by the corresponding pivot connection point, thereby providing a flat folding canopy. To the embodiment.

The invention also relates to a situation in which the canopy guidance mechanism further comprises a canopy mechanism. A canopy mechanism for a multifold canopy includes: (i) a multifold rib pivotally connected to a pivot connection and forming a plurality of pin-slide joints with said guide member; And (ii) a plurality of rib stretchers pivotably connected to each pivot joint and each multifold rib.

The invention also relates to an electric umbrella comprising a canopy guide mechanism according to an embodiment of a multifold canopy. According to this embodiment, the canopy guide mechanism of the multifold canopy has its lower end connected to the top of the telescopic pole, the telescopic pole its lower end connected to the main hand grip of the umbrella, and the canopy guide member is connected to the folded state of the umbrella and Depending on the deployed state, the rotation of the motor located near or within the main hand grip is driven along a short path between the top and bottom positions of the pole. The motor is powered by a battery located nearby and transmits its rotational force to a screw or spiral shaft such that the rotational motion is converted into the vertical motion of the induction member, resulting in telescopic motion of at least two telescopic sections of the pole. .

According to various embodiments, the umbrella is provided with decorative lighting, for example using LEDs. Such illumination can be placed throughout the canopy via optical fibers.

According to various preferred embodiments, the umbrella of the present invention is provided with a battery charger having an integrated power plug that is built in a hand grip and that can be pulled open or folded to be connected to an outlet.

According to various preferred embodiments, the umbrella of the present invention cooperates with the remote controller via wireless communication means, preferably located in a concealed space above the upper connection hub.

The umbrella may also have a voice alert or acoustic alert that may occur during use and indicate various abnormal conditions that are recognized by sensors and utility electronics.

According to various preferred embodiments, the hand grip has a cushioning or protective padding to prevent damage from falling.

According to various embodiments, the umbrella of the present invention further includes a foldable or retractable foot that is housed within the hand grip and is useful for positioning the umbrella vertically.

1A is a view showing a first preferred embodiment of the short-range moving canopy guidance mechanism according to the present invention (umbrella folded state).

FIG. 1B is a partial view of the short-range moving canopy guidance mechanism of FIG. 1A (with an umbrella deployed). FIG.

FIG. 2A is a view showing a short-range moving canopy induction mechanism according to the present invention, and part of the electric umbrella, which is particularly suitable for use in an electric umbrella.

2B is a bottom view of the flange of the guide mechanism.

FIG. 2C is a top view of the embodiment of the umbrella pole shown in FIG. 2A.

3 to 5 are views showing various positions regarding the operation of the induction member and the override device shown in FIG.

6 is a partial view showing another preferred embodiment of the electric umbrella according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a cover-placed concealed space of the induction mechanism, useful for utility electronic circuitry.

Figure 8a is a partial perspective cross-sectional view showing that the main hand grip and the electrical component is located therein as the lower end of the electric umbrella according to the present invention.

8B is a diagram illustrating an overload detector for stopping the motor by recognizing that the load has exceeded a predetermined threshold.

8C is a diagram illustrating a battery low voltage detection and alarm circuit.

9 is a view showing the general shape of the electric umbrella according to the present invention without a canopy fabric.

10 shows the distal end of a rib according to the invention.

11 and 12 are diagrams showing the relationship between the canopy fabric and its guide mechanism differently, respectively.

13 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a canopy having an aeration channel.

14A is a short-range moving canopy induction mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention, which is suitable for a multifold canopy having a telescopic umbrella pole and shows a state in which an umbrella is folded.

FIG. 14B is a top view of the canopy guide member of the embodiment of FIG. 14A positioned in the guide. FIG.

FIG. 15 is a view illustrating an expanded state of an umbrella in the same embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 14A.

16A to 16C are partial vertical cross-sectional views respectively showing three states of operation of the canopy guide mechanism according to the pin-slide joint embodiment of the present invention.

17 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state of FIG. 16B in the canopy guide mechanism of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16A-16C.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a canopy rib made of a single material as a canopy rib according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16A to 17.

19 is a top view of the canopy rib of FIG. 18.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in order to help the understanding of the present invention.

The accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate various preferred embodiments of the invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

1 shows a short-range moving canopy induction mechanism for an umbrella, in particular a gripping umbrella, ultimately an electric gripping umbrella, according to the invention. The induction mechanism has a base member 1 (also referred to herein as a "spacer") having a plurality of pivotal connections 1a spaced circumferentially around the periphery 1b for the connection of the corresponding canopy rib 2. Each canopy rib 2 can be pivoted about the pivot connection 1a between the folded state (state shown) and the deployed state (state shown in FIG. 1B) of the umbrella. The ribs are guided between the deployed and folded states by the lever arm 2a, which is an adjacent end portion of the rib (the distal end of the rib is shown in FIG. 10) and is flexible to allow the canopy to be developed in a mushroom shape. Is made with. At the end of the lever arm 2a, pins 2b slidably positioned inside the slide 4c formed on the slide bar 4b together form a pin-slide joint. A plurality of slide bars 4b provided one for each canopy rib are firmly connected and spaced apart from each other circumferentially around the central hub 4a. The slide bar 4b and the hub 4a together form a canopy guide member 4, which guides 4 along the path indicated by the arrow A, with the hub on the top of the pole 3 of the umbrella. It is movable between the top position (shown position) in the far apart position and the bottom position (position shown in FIG. 1B) where the hub is located in the proximal position above the top portion of the pole 3. The movement between the two positions along the path A of the induction member 4 includes a plurality of ribs 2 in a folded canopy state (state shown) corresponding to the top position of the hub 4a, It simultaneously leads between the developed canopy state (state shown in FIG. 1B) corresponding to the lowest position of the hub 4a. The base member 1 has a lower flange 1c adapted to engage with the upper end of the pawl 3 of the umbrella.

The short-range moving canopy guide mechanism consists of the guide member 4, the base member 1, and the rib 2, which can be mass produced and supplied to the umbrella producer, can be connected to the post, and according to the respective design. It can be covered with a canopy. The hub 4a may have an internal thread for welding or to have a threaded connection, openings at both ends for receiving a rod reinforced by a pressure ring, or any other suitable connecting means. Through the hollow part of the pole 3 and at the next rod end to the appropriate drive mechanism, each uniquely selected and designed according to the manufacturer's product specifications. Canopies of different sizes can be made using the same canopy guide member having the same base member and ribs of different sizes. This may be implemented by ribs made of different sizes or by using adjustable ribs.

FIG. 1B is a partial view of the canopy guide mechanism of FIG. 1A, showing an umbrella deployed state. FIG. In this state, the hub 4a is at the lowest position above the upper end of the pawl 3, ie near the lower flange 1c at the bottom of the base member. While the guide member is moved in a short range from the highest position shown in FIG. 1A to the lowest position shown in FIG. 1B, the slide bar 4b pushes the pin 2b downwards so that each of the guide members can be moved during the downward operation of the guide member. The pin 2b slides along the slide 4c, thereby lowering the short lever arm 2a and raising the rib 2 in a pivoting motion around the pivot connection 1a.

2a shows a short-range moving canopy guide mechanism according to the invention, which is intended to be used in particular in electric umbrellas. Thus, the figure includes parts of the powered umbrella, since these parts are combined with a short-range moving canopy guidance mechanism. The hub 4a of the canopy guide member according to this embodiment has an inner helix mating with the helix shaft 5. When the spiral shaft is rotated, depending on the direction of rotation, the guide member is moved between the top position and the bottom position on the pawl 13 which is hollow. Rotation of the spiral shaft 5 passes through the pole and connects the lower end (not shown) to the motor (connection is made via a gear suitable for the torque of the motor to the expected resistance of the canopy as it develops) Through 5b). The inner diameter of the pole through which the transmission rod passes can be reduced to a minimum dimension to accommodate the rotating transmission rod, and the diameter of the transmission rod itself can be reduced to withstand the resistance forces that may occur during motor operation. Can be. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2A also includes an override mechanism that allows the umbrella to be opened and closed manually, which may be necessary in the event of an electrical system failure and when the battery is exhausted. The advantage of these overrides is that they can be maintained and used regardless of the user's behavior, regardless of the motorized system, and the user must correctly connect and disconnect sensitive and technical systems and operate them properly. It's free. This simple and user-friendly override system is one of the beneficial results obtained from the development of a unique canopy guidance mechanism according to the present invention. The override device consists of an extended flange 11c of the base member 11, which enables telescopic operation of the pawl 13 with respect to the flange 11c. Thus, unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, in this embodiment, the canopy guide mechanism is not permanently fixed to the upper end of the pawl, and the flange 11c of this embodiment is the flange 1c of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A. ), And has a considerable length. In other words, this length may enable telescopic operation of the flange relative to the pawl and is of sufficient length to rise until the bottom of the base member 11 reaches the guide member 4. The flange 11c, which is considerably longer than the flange 1c of FIG. 1A, can be obtained by making the length larger or by extending the flange 1c by connecting the flange 1c to have a length similar to that of the flange 11c.

Instead of a permanent connection between the flange 1c and the pawl 3 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the flange 11c of this embodiment screw-in, which tightens the lower end 11e of the flange against the pawl 13. to position the flange 11c at an appropriate predetermined position relative to the pole 13 by means of a screw-in hand grip 6 or before the flange 11c and the pawl 13 are tightened with each other by a rotary hand grip. The auxiliary catch 11d and the groove 13a are secured to the pawl 11 of the electric umbrella so as to be releasable. If necessary (eg when the battery is exhausted), the screw-in hand grip can be rotated slightly in the proper direction (eg counterclockwise) to release the flange from the tight tightening of the pole, and the groove 13a By pressing the catch lever 11d1 to release the catch 11d from the flange 11c, the flange 11c can be freely moved up and down by telescopic motion around the pole 13 by holding the hand grip and moving in the desired direction. Can be. Pulling down the hand grip pulls the flange and the base member 11 is away from the guide member 4 so that the canopy is folded (when fully or partially deployed), and pushing the hand grip up pushes the base member 11 ) The canopy is deployed towards the guide member 4 (when fully or partially folded). After the canopy has been moved to the desired position, the hand grip 6 must be rotated clockwise to retighten the end portion 11e of the flange in the direction of arrow B with respect to the pawl. The clockwise rotation of the hand grip 6 is due to the vertical groove 11f made so that the end portion can slightly change the diameter of the end portion of the flange by the rotation of the hand grip 6. The diameter of the is designed so that the change in diameter is sufficient to tighten or release the flange relative to the pole depending on the relative overlap between the helix of the hand grip and the corresponding helix of the end portion of the flange.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the override screw-in hand grip 6 can be located very close to the canopy, since there is no strut of strut between the pawl and the canopy. Therefore, the hand grip 6 is not only essential for the override operation but also holds the umbrella with both hands, i.e. one hand holds the conventional hand grip located at the bottom of the pole and the other hand holds the hand grip 6 near the canopy. Useful, this is very necessary when strong winds blow. In addition, the umbrella according to the present invention can be lowered to the canopy near the user's head, which is essential to protect the user from rain or snow accompanied by wind, can not be implemented with a conventional umbrella.

2B is a view of the lower end 11e of the flange as seen from below. This figure shows that this lower end is divided into three sections by a vertical groove 11f, which is adapted to the pressure applied in the direction of arrow B by rotating the hand grip 6 of FIG. 2A clockwise. By close proximity to each other. When these sections are in close proximity and tightly tighten the umbrella poles, the flanges are secured to the poles to prevent telescopic motion between them, thus keeping the canopy intact.

FIG. 2C is a top view of the pawl 13 according to one optional variant, the pawl being a plurality of hollow thin materials (eg aluminum) made by an extrusion process and forming grooves therebetween. Has a reinforcing rib 14. These grooves may be used to position wires that may be needed in accordance with several possible embodiments for the connection between a battery located on the underside of the pole and an electronic circuit or light located on the top of the pole.

The electric drive system of the umbrella, including the electric motor unit (not shown), the rotational force transmission rod 5b, and the spiral shaft 5 (including the position of the hub 4a around the spiral shaft) remains unchanged and the Operation is not included. The separation between the two systems (ie, override and motorized) ensures a simple, reliable and user friendly device.

3 shows the override device shown in FIG. 2A and is used to open and close the umbrella of FIG. 2. As shown, between FIGS. 2 and 3, the relative position between the pawl 13, the rotational force transmission rod 5b, the spiral shaft 5, and the guide member 4 remains unchanged. That is, the transmission system maintains that state between the two shown states and no rotation of the motor occurs (if the motor is rotated, the hub 4a of the induction member changes its position along the spiral shaft). While nothing has changed in the transmission system, the canopy ribs in the folded position have been brought into the deployed position in FIG. 3 as shown in FIG. 2A. This change causes the flange 11c to push the hand grip 6 after the flange 11c is freed from the pawl 13 so that the flange 11c causes a telescopic motion about the guide member 4 around the pawl 13, thereby causing the base member to 11 is made close to the guide member 4 and raises the rib 2.

FIG. 4 shows the same mechanism as shown in FIG. 2A, after the electric system has been operated to pull the canopy rib into the deployed state. As shown, the rotation of the spiral shaft causes the hub 4a (and the guide member 4) to be moved to the lowest position above the upper end of the pawl 13, while at the same time the short lever arm 2a pivots downward to pivot The rib 2 is raised about the point. The following figure shows that the override device is used to fold the canopy in case of battery low voltage.

Fig. 5 shows the mechanism shown in Fig. 4, in which the canopy rib in the deployed state is folded by the override device. As can be seen from the position relative to the pawl 13, the rotational force transmitting rod 5b, the spiral shaft 5, and the guide member 4 remain unchanged between FIGS. 4 and 5. That is, the transmission system maintains that state between the two shown states and no rotation of the motor occurs (if the motor is rotated, the hub of the induction member changes its position along the spiral shaft). While nothing has changed in the transmission system, the canopy ribs in the deployed position as shown in FIG. 2A have become the folded position in FIG. 5. This change causes the flange 11c to push the hand grip 6 after the flange 11c is freed from the pawl 13 so that the flange 11c causes telescopic operation downward around the pawl 13, thereby causing the base member 11 to By moving the rib 2 away from the guide member 4.

2A and 3 show how the override mechanism is operated between two extreme positions of the rib when the rib is in the original folded state, and FIGS. 4 and 5 show the two extremes of the rib when the rib is originally deployed. How it is manipulated between locations. Thus, it will be understood how the override device according to the invention manipulates the rib from any initial position which may optionally be present to any other position preferred by the user.

6A is a perspective view showing, in partial cross section, another embodiment of a short-range moving canopy guidance mechanism in accordance with the present invention. This embodiment is different from the embodiment shown in Figs. 2A to 5 in the following points.

First, the hub 4a of the induction member 4 extends to a hollow tube 64 having an inner thread that mates with an outer thread of the screw rod 65 that is the upper end of the rotational force transmission rod (see FIG. 6B). By the extension member 4aa, it is driven between the uppermost position and the lowermost position. When the screw rod is rotated in engagement with the screw inside the hollow tube 64, the rotational movement is converted into a vertical movement and the hub extension member 4aa is moved up and down along the rotational direction of the screw rod 65 to guide the member 4. ) Is moved between the lowermost position and the uppermost position shown, which correspond respectively to the deployed state and the folded state shown of the umbrella. A system having a hub extension member which is finished with an outer thread mating with an inner thread of the rod, which is the upper end of the torque transmission rod, is equivalent to the system described above and is therefore included within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that role switching between corresponding parts of the present invention should be considered within the scope of the present invention.

Secondly, the flange 1c extends from below by the pipe segment 1cc and at its end a hand grip 66 is fixed and overlaps with the lower end. This hand grip is not rotated and after pressing the catch lever 61d1 to release the rotary tightening nut 66a of FIG. 6B which forms the lower end of the hand grip 66 and to retract the catch 61d, the flange extension pipe The segment 1cc may be used to pull or push in the telescopic motion with respect to the pole 63. In this embodiment, the catch is located on the hand grip 66 (see FIG. 6C), and as described above, the hand grip of this embodiment overlaps any range of the extended portion of the flange 1c. When the tightening nut 66a is released and the catch is retracted, the override device can be operated in the same manner as the override device of FIGS. 2A-5, pushing the ribs (2) to deploy them as the hand grip is moved upwards, The ribs are pulled and folded as the hand grip is moved downwards (in which case these ribs were partially or fully deployed and not shown).

The short-range movement induction mechanism according to the invention is preferably protected, isolated and shielded by the base member 1 from below and by the conical cover 70 from above.

7 is a position recognizer that activates an alarm when an RF connection (in another embodiment ultrasonic connection) is disconnected; Or an umbrella recognizer that turns on an LED flashing light (in other embodiments a beep or a combination of voice and lighting) when called by a remote control with a user to position the umbrella or to distinguish among other similar umbrellas; Or an emergency light which can be operated by a remote controller possessed by the user; Or a concealed space 72 that can be designed in the upper portion of the cover 71 for installing small electronic circuits useful for various functions, such as safety flashing lights to alert the user when walking in the dark. This functional electronic circuit can be powered by a small battery or through wires passed along the hollow pole of the umbrella, ie through grooves of a pole of the type shown in FIG. 2C. In this case, the parts of the umbrella are all made of a conductive material along the path between the battery compartment and the electronic circuitry, and can replace one of the wires necessary to conduct the power of the battery to the functional electronic circuitry and / or lighting located in the cover. have.

8 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the lower end of the electric umbrella according to the present invention, accommodating a main hand grip 80 having a battery compartment 81 therein, rechargeable batteries 81a and 82b, and a connector for a rechargeable power source; Jack 81c, electric motor 82, switching circuit having push button 83o for umbrella deployment, push button 83c for folding umbrella, low voltage indicator 83c, electronic circuit for overload detection (Fig. 8b) and electronic circuitry for low voltage indicators (FIG. 8C), and gear unit 84 for connection between electric motor 82 and rotational force transmission rod 65b for transmitting rotational force to the short-range moving canopy guidance mechanism. According to another preferred embodiment, further electronic circuitry for the measurement and display of the ambient temperature may be provided and may comprise an electronic clock.

According to several preferred embodiments of the present invention, the battery compartment is made recyclable so that it can be quickly replaced with a recharged battery located inside a similar spare battery compartment and can be handled separately for recharging.

8B shows an overload detection circuit, which detects that the current of the motor has increased beyond a predetermined threshold and disconnects the motor from the battery power source. This circuit not only protects the motor in unexpected emergencies, but is also very useful in conventional operation to indicate the end of the opening and closing operation of the umbrella, and at the end of the folding operation, the hub 4a of the induction member (Fig. 2a to 5) reach the upper end 5a of the spiral shaft 5, or if the hub reaches the lower end of the spiral shaft at the end of the deployment operation, the operation of the motor is significantly resisted and the resistor The current of the motor passing through 81 increases significantly and an overload condition is immediately detected, and an automatic switch 80 (FET gate) disconnects the battery power from the motor. When the user confirms that the motor is stopped, the user releases the push button and the umbrella remains in the current position until the user presses the push button indicating the reverse operation to activate the reverse operation.

Fig. 8C shows a circuit for detecting the battery low voltage, and turns on a red LED alarm light when it is detected that the battery voltage is insufficient.

9 is a perspective view showing the overall absence of the canopy in the electric umbrella according to an embodiment of the present invention. The canopy guide mechanism is located behind the conical cover 70 and can guide the ribs 2 between the deployed and folded positions shown, the ribs being substantially parallel to the poles 63 and the umbrella being one-handed. The main hand grip 80 can be squeezed by it and, if it needs to be deployed, the upper hand grip 66 can be squeezed by the other hand. As shown, the space under the canopy is completely free (except for the poles) so that the canopy can be lowered near the user's head.

The hand grip 66 may use an override device for operation, and by pressing the catch lever (61d1 in FIG. 6c) when the nut 66a is released by rotating the nut 66a, the hand grip 66 is moved downward to be folded and upwards. It can be used to move and deploy. If the state of the canopy is properly made, the nut 66a is rotated and tightened again to maintain this state.

10 shows the distal end of rib 2 in accordance with several preferred embodiments of the present invention. The rib body 21 is made of a rigid metal and the rib end 22 is made of a flexible metal bar (eg flexible steel). The two parts are connected to each other by any suitable method such as small screws, pins, pegs 23, welding, or a combination thereof. The connection can be reinforced by inserting a flexible bar into the groove prepared at the end of the rib body. The flexible part is needed to accommodate the mushroom shape of the canopy in the open state, and the flexible end of the rib is bent downward by the canopy fabric woven into the mushroom shape so that it is arched (e.g. in a tangential position). To be pressed. When the canopy is folded, the flexible part of the rib is returned in the straight orientation, which is necessary for the umbrella to be folded into a small straight shape.

According to various preferred embodiments shown in FIG. 11, the canopy 120 is woven over the cover of the induction mechanism 70 and has another cover 77 thereon. According to another preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the central portion 121a of the canopy 121 is inserted and held in the inner space between the base member 1 and the cover 70 of the guide mechanism.

According to various preferred embodiments shown in FIG. 13, the umbrella of the present invention is provided with an aeration channel (indicated by arrow) useful for reducing wind power with the intention of inflating the umbrella or modifying its structure. Wind reaching from the bottom of the canopy is emitted (at least partially) through the aeration channel indicated by the arrow. The aeration channel may be formed by providing an additional fabric sheet 123 for the cover over the central portion of the canopy, leaving a portion of the base end (ie, the central end) 122a of the canopy untightened. Additional fabric sheets may also be used for decoration and may be provided in a different color or pattern than canopy 122. The top of the umbrella can be designed like the top of a conventional umbrella with a sharp tip 124 that can be connected to the cover 70 by screws (or by any other desired connection method).

Another option is not to allow the aeration channel to be formed between the canopy fabric and the guide mechanism base and cover, but to form it as a hollow pipe made of the rigid material of the base member and cover.

FIG. 14A illustrates a short-range moving canopy guidance mechanism in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, which is suitable for a multifold canopy having a telescopic umbrella pole in the folded state of the umbrella. As shown, the ribs (only one shown) are formed of three folding sections 202, 212, 216. The rib section 202 has a rib lever portion 202a having a pin 202b that is movable along the slide 4c of the slide bar 4b. The plurality of slide bars 4b are circumferentially spaced around the hub 204a which is vertically movable between the plurality of vertical guide members 240 disposed in a circle around the hub 204a, and each vertical guide member ( 240 is disposed in the space between each pair of slide bars 4b. In this configuration, the hub 204a is placed in the top position between the guide members, which corresponds to the folded state of the umbrella. Thus, the three rib sections 202, 212, 216 lie substantially parallel to each other when the three rib sections are folded. Similar to the canopy guide mechanism of the above-described embodiment, when the hub 204a is moved downward, the pin 202b slides along the slide 4c, and the rib is driven by the operation of the rib lever 202a around the pivot connection 201a. The section is rotated. As the rib section 202 pivots upward, the rib stretcher 217 is pivoted about the pivot joint 217a in this regard, and again the pin 217b is along the corresponding slide 202h made in the rib section 202. It linearly moves in the direction indicated by the arrow R. FIG. By linear movement in the display direction of the stretcher 217, the rib section 212 pulls the lever member 212a by the pull member 217b which is linked to the lever member 212a by the pivot joint 231. Therefore, it rotates about the hinge 232. At the same time, the steel wire 218 pulls the rib lever 215 pivotally around the hinge 235 to raise the elastic rib section 216. The result of this exercise is shown in FIG. 15, indicating the deployment state of the umbrella.

The guide member 240, the extension tube 222, and the base member 201 may all be made of a single same material. Alternatively, they may be made in separate parts and connected in any suitable way.

In FIG. 14A, the umbrella pole is also telescopic, the upper end being connected to the upper telescopic section 220 where the upper end is connected to the bottom of the canopy guidance mechanism, and the lower end to the hand grip 277 of the umbrella which is also the housing of the electric motor 279. Consists of a lower telescopic section 221. The helical drive shaft 226 is operably coupled to the motor 229 and can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise by the motor to open and close both the canopy and telescopic poles. In this figure, the telescopic pole is folded and the lower telescopic section 221 is fully inserted inside the upper telescopic section 220. When the electric motor is rotated in the direction of deploying the umbrella, the lower telescopic section is helixed because the tube nut 227 is connected to the top of the upper telescopic section 220 through the extension tube 222. Advancement along the helix of drive shaft 226 causes it to be withdrawn from the upper telescopic section. Shortly after the drive shaft is rotated, a drive shaft shoulder 226a with a diameter larger than the diameter of the drive shaft 226 is engaged with the top of the hollow ring 225 and begins to pull towards the tube nut 227. The hollow ring 225 is connected to the hub 204a via wires 223 and 224 located on both sides of the drive shaft 226 and secured to the hub 204a of the hollow ring 225 and the guide member 204. do. By pulling the hollow ring, the guide member 204 is moved downward to drive the multifold canopy to deploy by deploying the multifold ribs of the aforementioned mechanism. When the hollow ring 225 reaches the vicinity of the tube nut 227, the guide member 204 reaches the bottom position along the vertical guide 240, the multifold canopy is deployed and the telescopic pole is at its maximum length.

When the motor 279 is rotated in the opposite direction, ie in the direction of folding the umbrella, the rotation of the drive shaft 226 inside the tube nut 227 pushes the lower telescopic section 221 into the upper telescopic section 220. The telescopic poles are then folded, and when the upper end of the drive shaft shoulder 226a is engaged with the lower end of the lower extension 204d of the hub, the initial folding shown in FIG. 14A begins by pushing the induction member 204 upward. Location. The hollow ring 225 has a free passage with respect to the helix of the drive shaft 226 and thus does not affect the folding mechanism. For the same reason, the first part of the deployment mechanism, ie drive shaft shoulder 226a, is not affected even before it is joined to the top of the hollow ring as described above.

FIG. 14B is a top view with the canopy guide member 204 of the embodiment of FIG. 14A resting on the guide member 224. As shown, the hub 204a is surrounded by a plurality of black guide members 240, each guide member 240 being coupled with the guide member 240 between a pair of corresponding slide bars 4a. It is disposed with a gap between the slide bar (4a), it is possible to vertically move the hub 204a and the plurality of slide bar (4a) connected to it between the guide member 240. The upper ends of the two wires 223, 224 are fixed to the interior of the hub on both sides of the downward extension 204d. These wires connect the induction member 204 to the hollow ring 225 shown in FIG. 14A and by pulling downwards, the induction member 204 is moved downward to open the multifold canopy.

FIG. 15 is the same as the embodiment shown in FIG. 14A, and shows an expanded state of an umbrella. The lower telescopic section 221 is withdrawn from the upper telescopic section 220, the drive shaft shoulder 226a holds the hollow ring 225 near the tube nut 227, which causes the induction member 204 to wire 223, 224 are held in the lowest position along the guide member corresponding to the deployed state of the multifold canopy, and the multifold rib sections 202, 212, 216 are deployed.

When the electric motor 279 is rotated in the folding direction, the lower telescopic section 221 is moved into the upper telescopic section 220 by the spiral of the drive shaft 226 advances through the tube nut 227. When the top of the drive shaft shoulder 226a reaches the bottom of the lower extension 204d of the hub 204a, the guide member 204 is pushed upwards and the multifold canopy is reversed in the opposite process to the deployment described in Figure 14A. Fold. The folding of the canopy is completed when the guide member returns to the initial folded position described in FIG. 14A and the telescopic pole is in the folded state.

16A-16C are partial longitudinal cross-sectional views showing three states during operation of the canopy guide mechanism according to a pin-slide joint of another preferred embodiment (taken along line A-A in FIG. 17). In the illustrated embodiment, the pin 300 of the pin-slide joint is substantially the end portion of the short lever 303 of the canopy rib 301, which is wider than the rib. Although the diameter of the pin is considerably larger than its length (perpendicular to the ground), it is still referred to herein as a pin because it substantially satisfies the same function as, for example, pin 2b of FIG. The slide of the pin 300 is a hollow cell 311 (hereinafter referred to as " slide 311 ") made in the canopy guide member 310, and is substantially spaced circumferentially about a common center, each of which is pin 300 Is a hub comprising a plurality of hollow cells 311. In FIG. 16A, the top of the canopy guide member 310 is shown above an umbrella pole (not shown), and the pin 300 pushes the short lever 303 upwards so that the ribs 301 are held downward and the canopy. Is to be folded. When the canopy guide member 310 is lowered to the position shown in FIG. 16B, the rib 301 is centered on the hinge 302 by pressing the pin 300 downward and allowing it to slide further into the hollow cell 311. Press to rotate upward. This corresponds to a partially deployed state of the canopy. Further lowering the guide member 310 to the lowermost position shown in FIG. 16C, the pin 300 is pushed downward and slides laterally outward of the hollow cell 311 so that the rib 301 lifts the hinge 302. It is further pivoted to the center so as to be in the position shown in Fig. 16C, which corresponds to the deployed state of the umbrella. The pin-slide joint formed by the pin 300 and the slide 311 is a pivotal movement of the short lever 303 and the rib 311 around the hinge 302 for the vertical movement of the guide member 310. Can be converted to The short lever 303 may be designed shorter than shown, and the pin itself may substantially function as a lever. The length of the short lever 303 is a design condition and depends in particular on the torque of the motor to be used (the short lever can be designed shorter if the torque of the motor is sufficient to raise the rib and unfold the canopy fabric).

FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the canopy guide mechanism of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16A-16C in the state shown in FIG. 16B (taken along line BB in FIG. 16B), with the rib 301 in an intermediate position and the canopy being It is partially deployed and the pin 300 of each rib is maximally slid along the slide 311 in the direction of the central axis of the guide member 310. As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16C, the pin 300 slides maximally along the slide 311 to the opposite side. That is, the maximum distance from the center of the guide member 310. The up-and-down movement of the induction member may be performed by the hub extension 312 (see FIGS. 16A to 16C) extending to the pole of the umbrella, similar to the hub extension member of FIG. 6A, or the inner thread of the hub 4a of FIG. 1A. It can likewise be obtained by the inner thread represented by the double dotted circular line 314.

18 is a side view of the canopy rib according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16A-17, made of a single material. The ribs can be made in a single unit by plastic casting and include pins 300, short levers 303, hinges 302 on both sides, and ribs 301. The rib 301 itself may have recesses 304 on both sides, which is useful when reducing weight without considering strength. The end 305 of the rib can be made to taper gently so that the thickness near the rib end is sufficiently reduced to have flexibility, so that when the canopy is fully deployed, the canopy fabric (not shown) designed in the shape of a mushroom By pressing the flexible end of to bend downward, the ribs are bent in an arcuate shape, shown by dashed line 306.

19 is a top view of the canopy rib of FIG. 18. The rib has a flat end 305 which is flexible in the direction perpendicular to the ground because the thickness has been reduced. Accordingly, the present invention relates to an umbrella composed of a canopy guide mechanism as described above, wherein the ribs are made of a rigid material and the thickness of the distal end is gradually reduced so that the ends of the ribs are flexible to be useful for obtaining a mushroom-shaped canopy. Is reduced. The invention also relates to an umbrella where the thickness near the distal end is reduced to be useful for obtaining a mushroom-shaped canopy in an umbrella without a strut.

Claims (27)

In the canopy guide mechanism for the grip umbrella, (a) a canopy guide member having a first portion of a plurality of pin-slide joints rigidly connected about a common central hub and spaced apart circumferentially, and (b) a spacer having a central lower end connected to the pole of the umbrella, and a plurality of pivot connection points spaced apart circumferentially around the central lower end Including, The plurality of pivot connection points are each adapted to receive a canopy rib having a short lever arm having a second portion of the pin-slide joint mating with the first portion. Canopy Induction Mechanism. The method of claim 1, And a plurality of canopy ribs pivotally connected to said pivot connection, further comprising forming said guide member and a plurality of pin-slide joints. The method of claim 1, Canopy guide mechanism, characterized in that connected to the upper end of the pole. The method of claim 1, And the spacer has a hollow flange projecting from below. The method of claim 1, And the hub is hollow and has an internal thread. The method of claim 1, The hub has a lower end connected to an extension having a screw connection. An umbrella comprising a canopy guide mechanism according to claim 2. In the umbrella comprising a canopy guide mechanism according to claim 2, The canopy guide mechanism has a lower end connected to the upper end of the pole of the umbrella, The pawl has an upper hand grip connected near the upper end and a main hand grip connected to the lower end. umbrella. In the electric umbrella comprising a canopy induction mechanism according to claim 2, The canopy guide mechanism is connected to the lower end of the hollow pole, The hollow pole has a lower end connected to the main hand grip of the umbrella, The canopy guide member is mounted on a screw or spiral shaft which is rotated by a motor powered by a battery located near or inside the main hand grip and whose rotational force converts the rotary motion into a vertical motion of the guide member. Being transmitted, driven along a short path between the top and bottom positions on the pole, respectively corresponding to the folded and deployed states of the umbrella. Electric umbrella. The method of claim 9, An electric umbrella further comprising an override device. The method of claim 9, Further includes an override device, The override device includes an extension flange connected to the bottom of the spacer and capable of telescopic movement with respect to the umbrella pole, and means for releasably tightening the extension flange with respect to the pole. Electric umbrella characterized in that. The method of claim 9, And an upper hand grip located near the top of the pawl and being part of the override device, The override device includes an extension flange connected to the bottom of the spacer and capable of telescopic movement with respect to the umbrella pole, and means for releasably tightening the extension flange with respect to the pole, The upper hand grip is positioned so that it can be used to move the extension flange up and down in the telescopic motion. Electric umbrella characterized in that. The method of claim 9, And a battery compartment located inside the main hand grip. The method of claim 9, And a battery compartment located within the main hand grip that is energized with a jack for receiving a plug of a rechargeable power source of the battery. The method of claim 9, And an recoverable battery compartment located within the main hand grip. The method of claim 9, And an overload detection circuit capable of disconnecting battery power from the motor by recognizing that the electric current of the electric motor has exceeded a predetermined threshold. The method of claim 9, And an overload detection circuit for recognizing that the electric current of the electric motor has exceeded a predetermined threshold and disconnecting battery power from the electric motor, and for changing the polarity of the power connection to the electric motor. The method of claim 9, (a) a position detector; (b) emergency lighting; (c) safety lighting; (d) battery low voltage alarm; (e) temperature measurement; (f) an electronic clock; (g) anti-theft remote sensor; (h) decorative lighting; (i) a battery charger with a built-in power plug; (j) a remote controller in wireless communication with any electronic or electrical circuitry of the umbrella; (k) voice alarms or acoustic alarms; (l) A powered umbrella further comprising at least one functional electronic or electrical circuit selected from a combination of two or more of (a) to (k) above. In the umbrella composed of the canopy guide mechanism according to claim 2, The rib has a proximal end made of a rigid material and the distal end made of a flexible bar. Umbrella characterized in that. In the umbrella composed of the canopy guide mechanism according to claim 2, And no strut or stretcher connected between the umbrella pole and the canopy rib. The method of claim 1, Canopy guidance mechanism further comprising a plurality of pivot joints spaced apart circumferentially about the central bottom portion, each adapted to receive rib stretchers associated with the ribs receivable by corresponding pivot connection points. . The method of claim 1, (i) a multifold rib pivotally connected to said pivot connection and forming a plurality of pin-slide joints with said guide member; And (ii) a plurality of rib stretchers pivotably connected to each said pivot joint and each said multifold rib. In the electric umbrella comprising a canopy guide mechanism according to claim 22, The canopy guide mechanism has a lower end connected to the upper end of the telescopic pole, The telescopic pole has a lower end connected to the main hand grip of the umbrella, The canopy guide member is rotated by an electric motor powered by a battery located near or inside the main hand grip and the rotational force of which rotates the vertical movement of the guide member and at least two telescopic poles of the pole. Transmitted to a screw or spiral shaft that translates into a telescopic movement of the section, thereby driving along a short path between the top and bottom positions on the pole, respectively corresponding to the folded and deployed states of the umbrella Electric umbrella. The method of claim 9 or 22, The hand grip has a protective padding (padding) to have a cushion or to prevent damage caused by falling. The method of claim 9 or 22, And a foldable or retractable foot housed within the hand grip and useful for positioning the umbrella vertically. In the umbrella composed of the canopy guide mechanism according to claim 2, The rib is made of a rigid material, and the thickness of the distal end portion is gradually reduced so that the end portion of the rib is flexible, useful for obtaining a mushroom-shaped canopy. An electric umbrella, characterized in that the thickness near the distal end is gradually reduced to be useful for obtaining a mushroom-shaped canopy.

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