US20030029484A1 - Frame of self-opening umbrella having reduced space after closing - Google Patents
Frame of self-opening umbrella having reduced space after closing Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030029484A1 US20030029484A1 US10/212,730 US21273002A US2003029484A1 US 20030029484 A1 US20030029484 A1 US 20030029484A1 US 21273002 A US21273002 A US 21273002A US 2003029484 A1 US2003029484 A1 US 2003029484A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bore
- connecting element
- pivotal
- spreader
- inner connecting
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45B—WALKING STICKS; UMBRELLAS; LADIES' OR LIKE FANS
- A45B25/00—Details of umbrellas
- A45B25/02—Umbrella frames
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45B—WALKING STICKS; UMBRELLAS; LADIES' OR LIKE FANS
- A45B25/00—Details of umbrellas
- A45B25/16—Automatic openers, e.g. frames with spring mechanisms
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to self-opening umbrellas and more particularly to an improved frame of self-opening umbrella having reduced space after closing.
- a conventional stick umbrella comprises a plurality of ribs formed of metal, each having a first pivot joint, a ring slidable on center post having a plurality of second pivot joints, and a plurality of U-shaped spreaders (formed by punching a thin metal material) each coupled between first and second pivot joints.
- a self-opening umbrella having such configuration the strength thereof is not sufficient.
- the opening of self-opening umbrella is effected by suddenly expanding a spring secured onto ring.
- such small pivot joints and spreaders are the main elements for buffering the elastic force of spring.
- pivot joints and spreaders tend to rust after long time of contacting rain. As a result, pivot joints and spreaders may detach from umbrella or deform, thereby shortening a useful life of the self-opening umbrella.
- An improvement of above self-opening umbrella is effected by providing a frame of self-opening umbrella formed of fiber re-enforced plastic (FRP) due to its sufficient strength and lightweight features.
- FRP fiber re-enforced plastic
- each of ribs R 1 and spreaders R 2 has a cross-section of circle.
- FRP based frame is disadvantageous for higher manufacturing cost and larger occupied space.
- second pivot joint P coupling spreader R 2 and link B has two lugs P 1 and a pin P 3 pivotably coupled between lugs P 1 .
- Each of a plurality of links B is coupled between pin P 3 and lower ring T 1 .
- FRP fiber reinforced plastic
- the frame of self-opening umbrella comprises:
- a lower ring slidably mounted on a lower portion of the post
- an upper ring slidably mounted on an upper portion of the post
- a plurality of ribs each being formed of fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) material, and having an inner end thereof pivotally extended from the hub and a first connecting member sleeved thereon;
- FRP fiber reinforced plastics
- a plurality of spreaders each being formed of FRP tube and including an outer connecting element mounted at an outer end thereof pivotably coupled to the first connecting member of the rib and an inner connecting element mounted at an inner end thereof pivotably coupled to the upper ring, and a first half oval recess on an outer end thereof;
- a plurality of second pivotal member each including a first bore therein, and a second half oval recess at an inner end thereof;
- a plurality of links formed of stainless steel, each including a lower hook end coupled to the lower ring and an upper hook end coupled to the second pivotal member;
- a first pivotal hole is provided on each of the spreader, the half oval recess on the inner end of the second pivotal member and the half oval recess on outer end of the inner connecting element are combined together to form a second pivotal hole, when each of the spreader is passed through the second pivotal member and inserted into the inner connecting element, and each of the second pivotal member and each of the inner connecting element are fitted and sleeved on each of the spreader and assembled together, the second pivotal hole is aligned with the first pivotal hole of spreader to thereby enable the upper hook end of each link to be pivotally coupled to the first and second pivotal holes.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a portion of frame of self-opening umbrella according to the invention
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the assembled FIG. 1 umbrella, in an open condition
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2 umbrella
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3 umbrella in part section
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of spreader, second pivotal member, and steel sleeve of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 5A is a view similar to FIG. 5, showing spreader, second pivotal member, and steel sleeve according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 5B is a view similar to FIG. 5, showing spreader, second pivotal member, and steel sleeve according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 5C is a view similar to FIG. 5, showing spreader, second pivotal member, and steel sleeve according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 6 is a side view of frame of any of above embodiments in a closed condition.
- FIG. 7 is a side view of frame of a conventional self-opening, umbrella in a closed condition.
- FIGS. 1 to 5 there is shown a frame of self-opening umbrella constructed in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention.
- Frame of the umbrella is supported by a center post 10 comprising a lower ring 11 mounted on a lower portion of the post 10 , an upper ring 13 mounted on an upper portion of the post 10 , a hub 14 mounted on a top of the post 10 , a spring 12 biased between the lower ring 11 and upper ring 13 , a plurality of ribs 15 , each having one end extended from the hub 14 , a plurality of first pivotal connection members 16 sleeved on ribs 15 , a plurality of spreaders 17 each having an inner connecting element 173 pivotally coupled to the upper ring 13 and an outer connecting element 172 pivotally coupled to the first pivotal connection members 16 , a plurality of second pivotal members 18 sleeved on spreaders 17 , and a plurality of links 19 formed of stainless steel, each having a lower hook end
- ribs 15 , spreaders 17 , inner connecting elements 173 of spreaders 17 , second pivotal members 18 , and links 19 are elongate hollow bar formed of FRP tubes and a first pivotal hole 176 provided near the inner portion of each spreaders 17 (see FIGS. 1, 4 and 5 ).
- second pivotal members 18 , inner connecting elements 173 , and outer connecting elements 172 are formed of strong nylon by plastic injection molding.
- second pivotal members 18 and inner connecting elements 173 are fitted together.
- the inner connecting element 173 comprises a hole 173 A at a free end pivotally coupled to the upper ring 13 , a first bore 173 B within the element, a cylindrical joint 173 C on outer end having a smaller outer diameter, a half oval recess 186 A on the surface of joint 173 C, and a second bore 173 E extended from the outer side of the first bore 173 B and having an inner diameter larger than that of the first bore 173 B.
- a reinforced steel sleeve 30 is fitted within the second bore 173 E and abutted on the shoulder between bore 173 B and 173 E.
- the second pivotal member 18 comprises a first bore 180 having an inner diameter the same as the inner diameter of inner connecting element 173 (i.e., the inner diameter of the first bore 173 B), a second bore 181 extended from the inner side of the first bore 180 and having an inner diameter larger than that of bore 180 , and a half oval recess 186 B on the surface at inner end corresponding to recess 186 A.
- the inner diameters of inner connecting element 173 and second pivotal member 18 are the same as outer diameter of spreader 17 so that spreader 17 may be passed through second pivotal member 18 and inserted into the inner connecting element 173 for being supported.
- half oval recess 186 B on the inner end of the second pivotal member 18 and the half oval recess 186 A on outer end of the inner connecting element 173 are combined together to form a second pivotal hole 186 when the second pivotal member 18 and the inner connecting element 173 are fitted and sleeved on the spreader 17 .
- the inner diameter 32 of steel sleeve 30 is the same as inner diameter of inner connecting element 173 (i.e., the diameter of the first bore 173 B).
- the outer end 31 of steel sleeve 30 contacts the bottom of recess 186 A.
- joint 173 C is fitted within the second bore 181 of the second pivotal member 18 for coupling inner connecting element 173 and second pivotal member 18 together.
- two half oval recesses 186 A and 186 B form a second pivotal hole 186 which is aligned with the first pivotal hole 176 of spreader 17 when spreader 17 , second pivotal member 18 , and inner connecting element 173 are assembled together.
- second pivotal member 18 Since the structure of second pivotal member 18 is simplified the pin and lugs on the conventional joint of umbrella are eliminated in the invention.
- the pivotal hole 176 and the pivotal bore 186 are large enough to allow an upper hook end 192 of link 19 to smoothly insert through for being pivotably secured in the hollow FRP spreader 17 .
- loop portion 1920 of upper hook end 192 is permitted to smoothly move a distance defined by the pivotal holes 186 and 176 .
- hooked portion 1921 of the upper hook 192 contacts inner wall of the inner bore 170 of spreader 17 .
- this invention further has the benefits of easy assembly and aesthetic appearance.
- FIG. 6 a closed condition of the invention is shown. Since there is no provision of pivotal pin and legs between link 19 and spreader 17 , also the directions of links 19 , spreaders 17 and ribs 15 are substantially parallel to that of the center post 10 after folding. Accordingly, the folded self-opening umbrella has the advantages of reduced space, easy storage, and lower transporting cost.
- the coupling of inner connecting element 173 and second pivotal member 18 may be done by adhesive or ultrasonic welding.
- adhesive is poured through apertures 174 and 184 to secure inner connecting element 173 to second pivotal member 18 and incorporated with the spreader 17 .
- second pivotal member 18 is secured in spreader 17 by upper hook end 192 of link 19 such coupling by adhesive may be omitted. In other words, it is optional and totally decided by manufacture.
- FIG. 5A there is shown a second embodiment of the invention.
- the differences between first and second preferred embodiments are that cylindrical joint 173 C on one end of the first embodiment is replaced by a third bore 173 C′ extended from the outer side of the second bore 173 E and second hole 181 extended from the inner side of the first bore 180 of the first embodiment is replaced by a cylindrical joint 181 ′ respectively.
- These variations also serve as the same function of the first embodiment and the related descriptions are therefore omitted.
- FIG. 5B there is shown a third embodiment of the invention.
- inner connecting element 173 of the first embodiment is divided into two parts 173 and 173 ′ in which the latter is coupled to second pivotal member 18 and steel sleeve 30 as the first embodiment.
- These variations also serve as the same function of the first embodiment and the related descriptions are therefore omitted.
- FIG. 5C there is shown a fourth embodiment of the invention.
- steel sleeve 30 of the first embodiment is replaced by a longer steel sleeve 30 A and a half oval recess 186 C is formed on steel sleeve 30 A which is aligned with recesses 186 A and 186 B to form a pivotal hole 186 for permitting upper hook end 192 of link 19 to insert through when the inner connecting element 173 and second pivotal member 18 are coupled together.
Abstract
A frame of self-opening umbrella is provided wherein both ribs and spreader are formed of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) tubes. Also there is no provision of pin and legs on pivotal member between each of link formed of stainless steel and each spreader. Each link has an upper hook end coupled to the pivotal member of the spreader. Accordingly, the folded self-opening umbrella has a reduced space. Such umbrella further has simple components and aesthetic appearance.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention generally relates to self-opening umbrellas and more particularly to an improved frame of self-opening umbrella having reduced space after closing.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- For obtaining the features of being compact and lightweight, a conventional stick umbrella comprises a plurality of ribs formed of metal, each having a first pivot joint, a ring slidable on center post having a plurality of second pivot joints, and a plurality of U-shaped spreaders (formed by punching a thin metal material) each coupled between first and second pivot joints. However, for a self-opening umbrella having such configuration the strength thereof is not sufficient. In detail, the opening of self-opening umbrella is effected by suddenly expanding a spring secured onto ring. Also, such small pivot joints and spreaders are the main elements for buffering the elastic force of spring. However, pivot joints and spreaders tend to rust after long time of contacting rain. As a result, pivot joints and spreaders may detach from umbrella or deform, thereby shortening a useful life of the self-opening umbrella.
- An improvement of above self-opening umbrella is effected by providing a frame of self-opening umbrella formed of fiber re-enforced plastic (FRP) due to its sufficient strength and lightweight features. As shown in FIG. 7, each of ribs R1 and spreaders R2 has a cross-section of circle. However, FRP based frame is disadvantageous for higher manufacturing cost and larger occupied space. As shown, second pivot joint P coupling spreader R2 and link B has two lugs P1 and a pin P3 pivotably coupled between lugs P1. Each of a plurality of links B is coupled between pin P3 and lower ring T1. With this configuration, the strong expanding force of spring S may be buffered in opening umbrella. In closing umbrella, lower ends of ribs R1, spreaders R2, second pivot joints P, and links B are folded toward one another in which links B are oblique and contact surface of upper ring T2. As a result, spreaders R2 slant outward and ribs R1 slant inward. This has the disadvantage of incapable of reducing space of umbrella to a minimum after closing. This in turn may cause inconvenience in storage and/or increase cost of transporting. While sizes of center post M and pivot joints P may be reduced in the FRP based umbrella the reduction effect is still limited. This is because the size of umbrella is predetermined. Also, the windproof factor of umbrella has to be considered. Thus, it is desirable to provide an improved frame of self-opening umbrella having reduced space after closing in order to overcome the above drawbacks of prior art.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a frame of self-opening umbrella wherein there is no provision of pivotal pin and legs for a pivotal member between each of link and each spreader, and each link has an upper hook end coupled to the pivotal member of the spreader. Accordingly, the folded umbrella has a reduced space.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a frame of self-opening umbrella wherein both ribs and spreader are formed of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) tube for reducing weight.
- It is still another object of the present invention to provide a self-opening umbrella having simple components and aesthetic appearance.
- To accomplish the above objects and features, the frame of self-opening umbrella comprises:
- a lower ring slidably mounted on a lower portion of the post;
- an upper ring slidably mounted on an upper portion of the post;
- a hub disposed on a top of the post;
- a spring mounted on the post and biased between the lower ring and the upper ring;
- a plurality of ribs, each being formed of fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) material, and having an inner end thereof pivotally extended from the hub and a first connecting member sleeved thereon;
- a plurality of spreaders, each being formed of FRP tube and including an outer connecting element mounted at an outer end thereof pivotably coupled to the first connecting member of the rib and an inner connecting element mounted at an inner end thereof pivotably coupled to the upper ring, and a first half oval recess on an outer end thereof;
- a plurality of second pivotal member, each including a first bore therein, and a second half oval recess at an inner end thereof; and
- a plurality of links formed of stainless steel, each including a lower hook end coupled to the lower ring and an upper hook end coupled to the second pivotal member;
- wherein a first pivotal hole is provided on each of the spreader, the half oval recess on the inner end of the second pivotal member and the half oval recess on outer end of the inner connecting element are combined together to form a second pivotal hole, when each of the spreader is passed through the second pivotal member and inserted into the inner connecting element, and each of the second pivotal member and each of the inner connecting element are fitted and sleeved on each of the spreader and assembled together, the second pivotal hole is aligned with the first pivotal hole of spreader to thereby enable the upper hook end of each link to be pivotally coupled to the first and second pivotal holes.
- The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a portion of frame of self-opening umbrella according to the invention;
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the assembled FIG. 1 umbrella, in an open condition;
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2 umbrella;
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3 umbrella in part section;
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of spreader, second pivotal member, and steel sleeve of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 5A is a view similar to FIG. 5, showing spreader, second pivotal member, and steel sleeve according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 5B is a view similar to FIG. 5, showing spreader, second pivotal member, and steel sleeve according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 5C is a view similar to FIG. 5, showing spreader, second pivotal member, and steel sleeve according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 6 is a side view of frame of any of above embodiments in a closed condition; and
- FIG. 7 is a side view of frame of a conventional self-opening, umbrella in a closed condition.
- Referring to FIGS.1 to 5, there is shown a frame of self-opening umbrella constructed in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention. Frame of the umbrella is supported by a
center post 10 comprising alower ring 11 mounted on a lower portion of thepost 10, anupper ring 13 mounted on an upper portion of thepost 10, ahub 14 mounted on a top of thepost 10, aspring 12 biased between thelower ring 11 andupper ring 13, a plurality ofribs 15, each having one end extended from thehub 14, a plurality of firstpivotal connection members 16 sleeved onribs 15, a plurality ofspreaders 17 each having an inner connectingelement 173 pivotally coupled to theupper ring 13 and an outer connectingelement 172 pivotally coupled to the firstpivotal connection members 16, a plurality of secondpivotal members 18 sleeved onspreaders 17, and a plurality oflinks 19 formed of stainless steel, each having alower hook end 191 pivotally coupled to thelower ring 11 and anupper hook end 192 pivotally coupled to the secondpivotal member 18. The improvements of the invention areribs 15,spreaders 17, innerconnecting elements 173 ofspreaders 17, secondpivotal members 18, andlinks 19. For obtaining the benefits of lightweight frame, simple components, and easy assembly,ribs 15 andspreaders 17 are elongate hollow bar formed of FRP tubes and a firstpivotal hole 176 provided near the inner portion of each spreaders 17 (see FIGS. 1, 4 and 5). Also, secondpivotal members 18, innerconnecting elements 173, and outer connectingelements 172 are formed of strong nylon by plastic injection molding. - In the embodiment, second
pivotal members 18 and inner connectingelements 173 are fitted together. As shown in FIG. 5, the inner connectingelement 173 comprises ahole 173A at a free end pivotally coupled to theupper ring 13, afirst bore 173B within the element, acylindrical joint 173C on outer end having a smaller outer diameter, a halfoval recess 186A on the surface ofjoint 173C, and asecond bore 173E extended from the outer side of thefirst bore 173B and having an inner diameter larger than that of thefirst bore 173B. A reinforcedsteel sleeve 30 is fitted within thesecond bore 173E and abutted on the shoulder betweenbore - The second
pivotal member 18 comprises afirst bore 180 having an inner diameter the same as the inner diameter of inner connecting element 173 (i.e., the inner diameter of thefirst bore 173B), asecond bore 181 extended from the inner side of thefirst bore 180 and having an inner diameter larger than that ofbore 180, and a halfoval recess 186B on the surface at inner end corresponding to recess 186A. The inner diameters of inner connectingelement 173 and secondpivotal member 18 are the same as outer diameter ofspreader 17 so thatspreader 17 may be passed through secondpivotal member 18 and inserted into the inner connectingelement 173 for being supported. It is noted that the halfoval recess 186B on the inner end of the secondpivotal member 18 and the halfoval recess 186A on outer end of the inner connectingelement 173 are combined together to form a secondpivotal hole 186 when the secondpivotal member 18 and the inner connectingelement 173 are fitted and sleeved on thespreader 17. - The
inner diameter 32 ofsteel sleeve 30 is the same as inner diameter of inner connecting element 173 (i.e., the diameter of thefirst bore 173B). Theouter end 31 ofsteel sleeve 30 contacts the bottom ofrecess 186A. Also, joint 173C is fitted within thesecond bore 181 of the secondpivotal member 18 for coupling inner connectingelement 173 and secondpivotal member 18 together. It will be appreciated that two halfoval recesses pivotal hole 186 which is aligned with the firstpivotal hole 176 ofspreader 17 whenspreader 17, secondpivotal member 18, and inner connectingelement 173 are assembled together. Since the structure of secondpivotal member 18 is simplified the pin and lugs on the conventional joint of umbrella are eliminated in the invention. In detail, thepivotal hole 176 and thepivotal bore 186 are large enough to allow anupper hook end 192 oflink 19 to smoothly insert through for being pivotably secured in thehollow FRP spreader 17. Also, as shown in FIG. 4,loop portion 1920 ofupper hook end 192 is permitted to smoothly move a distance defined by thepivotal holes portion 1921 of theupper hook 192 contacts inner wall of theinner bore 170 ofspreader 17. - Due to the above-mentioned improved construction, this invention further has the benefits of easy assembly and aesthetic appearance. Referring to FIG. 6, a closed condition of the invention is shown. Since there is no provision of pivotal pin and legs between
link 19 andspreader 17, also the directions oflinks 19,spreaders 17 andribs 15 are substantially parallel to that of thecenter post 10 after folding. Accordingly, the folded self-opening umbrella has the advantages of reduced space, easy storage, and lower transporting cost. - Note that the coupling of inner connecting
element 173 and secondpivotal member 18 may be done by adhesive or ultrasonic welding. In the case of coupling by adhesive, adhesive is poured throughapertures element 173 to secondpivotal member 18 and incorporated with thespreader 17. In another consideration, since secondpivotal member 18 is secured inspreader 17 byupper hook end 192 oflink 19 such coupling by adhesive may be omitted. In other words, it is optional and totally decided by manufacture. - Referring to FIG. 5A, there is shown a second embodiment of the invention. The differences between first and second preferred embodiments are that cylindrical joint173C on one end of the first embodiment is replaced by a
third bore 173C′ extended from the outer side of thesecond bore 173E andsecond hole 181 extended from the inner side of thefirst bore 180 of the first embodiment is replaced by a cylindrical joint 181′ respectively. These variations also serve as the same function of the first embodiment and the related descriptions are therefore omitted. - Referring to FIG. 5B, there is shown a third embodiment of the invention. The difference between first and third preferred embodiments is that inner connecting
element 173 of the first embodiment is divided into twoparts pivotal member 18 andsteel sleeve 30 as the first embodiment. These variations also serve as the same function of the first embodiment and the related descriptions are therefore omitted. - Referring to FIG. 5C, there is shown a fourth embodiment of the invention. The differences between first and fourth preferred embodiments are that
steel sleeve 30 of the first embodiment is replaced by alonger steel sleeve 30A and a halfoval recess 186C is formed onsteel sleeve 30A which is aligned withrecesses pivotal hole 186 for permittingupper hook end 192 oflink 19 to insert through when the inner connectingelement 173 and secondpivotal member 18 are coupled together. - While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention set forth in the claims.
Claims (10)
1. A self-opening umbrella having a frame supported by a center post, the frame comprising:
a lower ring slidably mounted on a lower portion of the post;
an upper ring slidably mounted on an upper portion of the post;
a hub disposed on a top of the post;
a spring mounted on the post and biased between the lower ring and the upper ring;a plurality of ribs, each being formed of fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) material, and having an inner end thereof pivotally extended from the hub and a first connecting member sleeved thereon;
a plurality of spreaders, each being formed of FRP tube and including an outer connecting element mounted at an outer end thereof pivotably coupled to the first connecting member of the rib and an inner connecting element mounted at an inner end thereof pivotably coupled to the upper ring, and a first half oval recess on an outer end thereof;
a plurality of second pivotal member, each including, a first bore therein, and a second half oval recess at an inner end thereof; and
a plurality of links formed of stainless steel, each including a lower hook end coupled to the lower ring and an upper hook end coupled to the second pivotal member;
wherein a first pivotal hole is provided on each of the spreader, the half oval recess on the inner end of the second pivotal member and the half oval recess on outer end of the inner connecting element are combined together to form a second pivotal hole, when each of the spreader is passed through the second pivotal member and inserted into the inner connecting element, each of the second pivotal member and each of the inner connecting element are fitted and sleeved on each of the spreader, whereby the second pivotal hole of the second pivotal member is aligned with the first pivotal hole of the spreader when each of the spreader, the second pivotal member, and the inner connecting element are assembled together to thereby enable the upper hook end of each link to be pivotally coupled to the first and second pivotal holes.
2. The umbrella of claim 1 , wherein each of the inner connecting element comprises a first bore provided therein and a second bore extended from an inner side of the first bore to an outside end thereof having an inner diameter larger than that of the first bore, and a steel tube like connection member is further mounted within the second bore of each of the inner connecting element.
3. The umbrella of claim 2 , wherein each of the second pivotal member comprises a first bore provided therein, a second bore, extended from the inner side of the first bore, having an inner diameter larger than that of the first bore, and a second half oval recess provided at an inner end thereof; each of the inner connecting element further comprises a cylindrical joint on outer end thereof having a smaller outer diameter than that of the element;
wherein the cylindrical joint of the inner connecting element is inserted into the second pivotal member when the inner connecting element and the second pivotal member are fitted together.
4. The umbrella of claim 1 , wherein each inner connecting element comprises a first bore provided therein and a second bore, extended from an outer side end of the first bore to an outer side end of the connecting element, having a diameter larger than that of the first bore of the connecting element, a first half oval recess at an outer end thereof, and a first cylindrical joint at the outer end thereof, a steel sleeve fitted within the second bore of the inner connecting element; and each second pivotal member comprises a first bore provided therein and a second bore extended from an inner side end of the first bore to an inner side end thereof and having a diameter larger than that of the first bore of the second pivotal member, a second half oval recess at an inner end of the second pivotal member; wherein each spreader has a first pivotal hole on a surface, an outer surface of the sleeve contacts a bottom of the first recess, the first cylindrical joint is fitted within the second bore of the second pivotal member for coupling the inner connecting element and the second pivotal member together, whereby the first and the second recesses are combined to form a second pivotal hole which is aligned with the first pivotal hole of each spreader when the spreader, the second pivotal member, and the inner connecting element of the spreader are assembled together.
5. The umbrella of claim 1 , wherein the inner connecting element is separately formed from the pivotal connection member.
6. The umbrella of claim 5 , wherein an outer end of the inner connecting element contacts an inner end of the pivotal connection member.
7. The umbrella of claim 4 , wherein the sleeve in the second bore of the inner connecting element comprises a third half oval recess on an outer end thereof.
8. The umbrella of claim 1 , wherein each inner connecting element comprises a first bore provided therein and a second bore, extended from an outer side end of the first bore to an outer side end of the connecting element, having a diameter larger than that of the first bore of the connecting element, and a third bore further formed and extended from an outer side end of the second bore to an outer side end of the connecting element, having a diameter larger than that of the second bore of the connecting element and a first half oval recess at an outer end thereof, a steel sleeve fitted within the second bore of the inner connecting element; and each second pivotal member comprises a bore through therein and a second cylindrical joint provided at an outer surface of the inner side end thereof and having an outer diameter smaller than that of the second pivotal member, a second half oval recess at an inner end of the second pivotal member; wherein each spreader has a first pivotal hole on a surface, an outer surface of the sleeve contacts a bottom of the first recess, the second cylindrical joint is fitted within the third bore of the inner connecting element for coupling the inner connecting element and the second pivotal member together, whereby the first and the second recesses are combined to form a second pivotal hole which is aligned with the first pivotal hole of each spreader when the spreader, the second pivotal member, and the inner connecting element of the spreader are assembled together.
9. The umbrella of claim 8 , wherein the sleeve in the second bore of the inner connecting element comprises a third half oval recess on an outer end thereof.
10. The umbrella of claim 1 , wherein each of the inner connecting element and the pivotal member are formed by plastic injection molding.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
TW090213521U TW563445U (en) | 2001-08-08 | 2001-08-08 | Improved pivotal component for umbrella |
TW090213521 | 2001-08-08 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030029484A1 true US20030029484A1 (en) | 2003-02-13 |
Family
ID=21685773
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/212,730 Abandoned US20030029484A1 (en) | 2001-08-08 | 2002-08-07 | Frame of self-opening umbrella having reduced space after closing |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20030029484A1 (en) |
TW (1) | TW563445U (en) |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1908453A (en) * | 1932-01-14 | 1933-05-09 | Frank Maier | Umbrella |
US3021854A (en) * | 1958-03-25 | 1962-02-20 | Rosenkaimer Gmbh | Hinge connection for umbrella top ribs and structures |
US6076540A (en) * | 1998-04-24 | 2000-06-20 | You; Ching-Chuan | Collapsible frame structure for self-opening umbrella |
US6095169A (en) * | 1997-12-31 | 2000-08-01 | Fu Tai Umbrella Works, Ltd. | Automatic umbrella having rib assembly formed with light grooved rib reinforced resilient rib |
US6230725B1 (en) * | 1999-05-03 | 2001-05-15 | Ko Chin-Sung | Umbrella main stretcher formed of a carbon fiber rod and aluminum alloy portion |
US6374840B1 (en) * | 2000-06-02 | 2002-04-23 | Treasure Garden, Inc. | Cordless patio umbrella |
US6626198B2 (en) * | 2001-04-09 | 2003-09-30 | Cheng Yuan Tseng | Resilient stave support assembly for umbrella |
-
2001
- 2001-08-08 TW TW090213521U patent/TW563445U/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2002
- 2002-08-07 US US10/212,730 patent/US20030029484A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1908453A (en) * | 1932-01-14 | 1933-05-09 | Frank Maier | Umbrella |
US3021854A (en) * | 1958-03-25 | 1962-02-20 | Rosenkaimer Gmbh | Hinge connection for umbrella top ribs and structures |
US6095169A (en) * | 1997-12-31 | 2000-08-01 | Fu Tai Umbrella Works, Ltd. | Automatic umbrella having rib assembly formed with light grooved rib reinforced resilient rib |
US6076540A (en) * | 1998-04-24 | 2000-06-20 | You; Ching-Chuan | Collapsible frame structure for self-opening umbrella |
US6230725B1 (en) * | 1999-05-03 | 2001-05-15 | Ko Chin-Sung | Umbrella main stretcher formed of a carbon fiber rod and aluminum alloy portion |
US6374840B1 (en) * | 2000-06-02 | 2002-04-23 | Treasure Garden, Inc. | Cordless patio umbrella |
US6626198B2 (en) * | 2001-04-09 | 2003-09-30 | Cheng Yuan Tseng | Resilient stave support assembly for umbrella |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
TW563445U (en) | 2003-11-21 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20030019512A1 (en) | Auto-opening umbrella frame | |
US6814093B2 (en) | Auto-opening umbrella with enhanced spreaders | |
US8061375B2 (en) | Adjustable rib connectors | |
US7210491B2 (en) | Umbrella structure | |
US7703464B2 (en) | Quick connector for shade structure | |
US5746235A (en) | Linkage device for an umbrella | |
US20050115599A1 (en) | Device for securing link to spreader of umbrella | |
US5636392A (en) | Hammock | |
US6668845B2 (en) | Multiple-fold automatic umbrella as ergonomically constructed and manipulated | |
US20070000529A1 (en) | Umbrella frame with folding four-segment ribs | |
US20040226590A1 (en) | Automatic umbrella | |
US20110108074A1 (en) | Windproof umbrella | |
US6834659B2 (en) | Rib assembly for multi-foldable umbrella | |
US6397866B1 (en) | For spring mechanism for large umbrella with automatic open feature | |
US6244284B1 (en) | Foldable umbrella | |
US5472006A (en) | Structure four-section umbrella framework with attachable flexible frame member | |
US6769441B2 (en) | Fastening structure of umbrella | |
US7254869B2 (en) | Hinge coupling | |
US20030029483A1 (en) | Fiber re-inforced plastic frame of self-opening umbrella | |
US20030029484A1 (en) | Frame of self-opening umbrella having reduced space after closing | |
US6158452A (en) | Auto-opening umbrella | |
US7011100B2 (en) | Skeleton for ear-shaped umbrella | |
US20070062566A1 (en) | Flat umbrella improvement structure | |
GB2397223A (en) | Tri-folded umbrella | |
US20030159726A1 (en) | Reinforced umbrella frame |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO PAY ISSUE FEE |