US3658076A

US3658076A - Collapsible umbrella of the automatic opening type

Info

Publication number: US3658076A
Application number: US41353A
Authority: US
Inventors: Hiroyuki Yasuda
Original assignee: Ideal Shoji Co Ltd
Current assignee: Ideal Shoji Co Ltd
Priority date: 1969-06-30
Filing date: 1970-05-28
Publication date: 1972-04-25
Anticipated expiration: 1989-04-25
Also published as: CH499974A; GB1290316A; DE2031492A1; NL7009638A; NL154927B; FR2051431A5

Abstract

A collapsible umbrella of the automatic opening type having a stick made up of three sections telescopically slidable into and out of one another by the biasing forces of springs actuated by depressing a button in handle means. The pushing of the button is also effective to cause terminal forward rib portions to be pivotally brought into a position in which they are substantially aligned with respective main rib portions and cause holding ribs and supporting ribs to move to their open positions, so that the umbrella can be automatically opened in a single operation.

Description

[72] Inventor:

United States Patent Yasuda 154] COLLAPSIBLE UMBRELLA OF THE AUTOMATIC OPENING TYPE l-liroyuki Yasuda, Tokyo, Japan [73] Assignee: ldeal Shoji Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo,

' Japan 221 Filed: May 28,1970

2] Appl.No.: 41,353

[451 Apr. 25, 1972 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,906,277 9/1959 Militano 1 35/22 3,439,690 4/1969 Weber 1 35/26 3,073,327 1/1963 Foltis et al. ..135/22 1,491,553 4/1924 Schlesinger ..135/44 X Primary Examiner-Peter M. Caun Attorney-Kelman and Berman 5 7 ABSTRACT.

A collapsible umbrella of the automatic opening type having a stick made up'of three sections telescopically slidable into and out of one another by the biasing forces of springs actuated by depressing'a button in handle means. The pushing of the button is also effective to cause terminal forward rib portions to be pivotally brought into a position in which they are substantially aligned with respective main rib portions and cause holding ribs and supporting ribs to move to their open positions, so that the umbrella can be automatically opened in a single operation. v

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H/ro/uK/ yam/CL HG Ts COLLAPSIBLE UMBRELLA OF THE AUTOMATIC OPENING TYPE This invention relates to a collapsible umbrella which can be automatically opened in a single operation.

Collapsible umbrellas are known which comprise foldable ribs and a stick which is made up of two or three sections telescopically slidable into and out of one another, so that the umbrella can be collapsed to a compact overall size. However, collapsible umbrellas of the prior art are difficult to open from the collapsed state. Particularly, it has been difficult to open a collapsible umbrella of the prior art by one hand. Other disadvantages of collapsible umbrellas of the prior art include the reduction of mechanical strength of the umbrellas due to their collapsible construction and the difficulty with which the ribs of the umbrellas can be brought to their extended positions.

The present invention obviates the aforementioned disadvantages of collapsible umbrellas of the prior art. Accordingly, a principal object of this invention is to provide a collapsible umbrella which can be opened automatically by one hand by merely depressing a button by a finger.

Another object of the invention is to provide a collapsible umbrella of the type described which can be not only opened automatically by pushing a button but also collapsed by a single operation by applying pressure to the portion of the stick of the umbrella ranging from the ferrule to the handle.

According to the present invention, the aforementioned objects are accomplished by providing the umbrella with a stick which is made up of three sections or outer, intermediate and inner sections which are telescopically slidable into and out of one another. The outer stick section mounts therein a first spiral spring which is connected at one end to an upper rib supporting member secured to the upper end of the outer stick section and abuts at the other end against a plug blocking the upper end of the intermediate stick section. The intermediate stick section mounts therein a second spiral spring of different biasing force from the first spiral spring which is connected at one end to the upper end of the intermediate stick section and abuts at the other end'against a plug blocking the upper end of the inner stick section. Mounted in positions immediately below the plugs secured to the intermediate and inner stick sections respectively are locking members which are adapted to be engaged in small openings formed in the lower end portions of the outer and intermediate stick portions respectively for locking the stick sections in place when the umbrella is open. The upper rib supporting member secured to the upper end of the outer stick section pivotally supports main rib portions each of which is pivotally connected to a forward rib portion through sliding means which pivotally supports a holding rib connected to a supporting rib. The holding ribs and supporting ribs are pivotally connected to an intermediate rib supporting member and a lower rib supporting member respectively which are slidably fitted over the stick sections. A third spiral spring is mounted between the intermediate rib supporting member and lower rib supporting member. Handle means is mounted at the lower end of the inner stick section wherein a locking means having a button and a stop pawl is disposed.

These and additional features and advantages of the invention will become evident from the description set forth hereinafter when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a sectional, elevation view of essential portions of the umbrella according to this invention in the open state;

FIG. 2 shows the umbrella of FIG. 1 in the partly closed state FIG. 3 shows the umbrella of FIG. I in the fully closed state;

FIG. 4 shows the umbrella of FIG. 1 in the collapsed state;

FIG. 5 illustrates the stick or pole of the umbrella of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of elements connecting the stick the umbrella of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the rib pivoting mechanism X in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of the rib pivoting mechanism of FIG. 7 in the assembled condition;

FIG. 9 shows a modified handle functionally equivalent to that illustrated in FIG. 1 in the condition of FIG. 2; and,

FIG. 10 shows the same device in the condition of FIG. 3.

The construction of the umbrella according to this invention will be explained with initial reference to FIG. 1. l is an outer section of a tubular pole or stick having an upper rib supporting member 2 secured to its upper end. A ferrule is threadably fitted over the member 2. 3 is an intermediate, tubular stick section'telescopically slidable in the

outer stick section

1, and 4 is an inner, tubular stick section telescopically slidable in the intermediate stick section 3. A handle 5 is fixed to the lower end of the inner stick section 4. 6 and 7 are first and second spiral compression springs mounted in the outer and

intermediate stick sections

1 and 3 respectively, the

springs

6 and 7 being secured between

spring stops

8 and 9 on the upper ends of the outer and

intermediate stick sections

1 and 3 respectively and plugs 10 and 11 closing the upper ends of the intermediate and

inner stick sections

3 and 4 respectively. The spring stop 9 isv formed with a cutout 9a as shown in FIG. 6 which is adapted to receive therein the axial rib 3 of the intermediate stick section 3. A spring stop supporter 9b is secured to a lower projection 10' of the plug 10. This arrangement increases the strength of the umbrella according to this invention.

12 and 13 are locking members mounted in the intermediate and

inner stick sections

3 and 4 below the

plugs

10 and 11 respectively. When the outer and

intermediate stick sections

1 and 3 are extended relative to the inner stick section 4, the

locking members

12 and 13 are engaged in two small openings l4, l4 and l5, 15 formed in the lower end portions of the outer and

intermediate stick sections

1 and 3 respectively for locking the stick sections in the extended positions. The

locking members

12 and 13 include springs 12' and 13 respectively. The spring 12 is mounted between the spring stop 9 and plug 10 1' is an opening which receives therein a stop pawl 34 when the umbrella is collapsed, whereby the umbrella can be maintained in collapsed state.

The umbrella according to this invention comprises main rib portions 16, forward rib portions 17, holding ribs 18 and supporting ribs 19. The main rib portions 16 which are L'- shaped in section are pivotally connected to the upper rib supporting member 2. A sliding means 20 is mounted on each of the main rib portions 16. The detailed construction of the sleeve 20 is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

The sleeve 20 which is'also U-shaped in cross-section is formed with

lugs

22 and 23 spaced apart from each other. The lug 22 pivotally receives a base 17a of one of the forward rib portions 17 which is received in one of the main rib portions 16 after extending through a stop ring 21 secured to the lower end of the main rib portion. The other lug 23 receives one of the holding ribs 18 which is connected at the other end to an intermediate rib supporting member 24. As the sleeve 20 moves each forward rib portion 17 slides into and out of one of the main rib portions 16, with the sliding movement of the sleeve 20 being restricted by the stop ring 21. When the sleeve 20 is moved toward the upper rib supporting member 2, the major part of the forward rib portion 17 is received in and enclosed by the main rib portion 16. It is one of the features of this invention to provide pivots at different points for each forward rib portion 17 and each holding rib 18 in the sleeve 20. This arrangement permits to minimize frictional dragging caused by the holding ribs 18 in pivotal motion. The sliding movement of the sleeve 20 and telescopic sliding movements of the

members

16 and 17 are facilitated by the fact that the pivot for each holding rib 18 is disposed in a position displaced toward the stop ring 21 from the center of the sleeve 20.

20a and 20b are fitting members formed on opposite ends of each sleeve 20 which are .bent inwardly for slidably mounting the sleeve 20 over each main rib portion 16. 22a is a pin for pivotally connecting the base of each forward rib portion 17 to the

lug

22, and 23a is a pin for pivotally connecting the other end of each holding rib 18 to the lug 23.

As aforementioned, each of the holding ribs 18 is pivotally connected at one end to the outer lug 23 of an associated sleeve and at the other end to the intermediate rib supporting member 24 which is adapted-to move up and down in sliding motion along the outer, intermediate and

inner stick sections

1, 3 and 4. The member 24 is formed integrally at its lower end with an annular seating portion 25 and at its upper end with a cylindrical portion 26. Each holding rib 18 has secured at its central portion a hinge assembly 27 which pivotally supports one end of one of the supporting ribs 19, the other end of said supporting rib 19 being pivotally connected to a lower rib supporting member 28 which is disposed below the intermediate rib supporting member 24 and adapted to slide along the outer, intermediate and

inner stick sections

1, 3 and 4. The lower rib supporting member 28 is integral with a cylindrical member 29 which is loosely fitted over the stick sections. The cylindrical member 29 is integral at its lower end with a reduced portion 30 formed with two axially aligned openings 31 and .31. 32 is a third spiral spring mounted between the lower end surface of the annular seating portion 25 and the upper end surface of the reduced portion 30. 33 is a locking member inserted in the lower end portion of the inner stick section 4 and includes a stop pawl 34 which projects outwardly through an opening 35 formed in the lower end portion of the inner stick section 4. The locking member 33 has a bent lower end portion which projects outwardly through an upper recess 5 of the handle 5. A button 36 is mounted on the lower end of the locking member 33.

The detailed construction of the handle mechanism is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. 38 is a screw connecting the handle 5 to the lower end of the inner stick section 4. 39 is a locking member mounted in the lower end portion of the

inner stick section

4, and 40 is a small opening in the section 4 adapted to receive therein the locking member 39. An auxiliary tubular member 41 which is fitted over the lower end portion of the inner stick section 4 is formed with a guide slot 42 for the locking member 33 for both maintaining the umbrella closed and bringing it to the open state. 44 is an opening formed in the auxiliary tubular member 41 for providing relief for the locking member 39. l I

When the cylindrical member 29 integral with thelower rib supporting member 28 is moved downwardly and the stop pawl 34 of the locking member 33 is engaged in the opening 31 in the reduced portion 30 of the cylindrical member 29 as shown in FIG. 9, then the umbrella is closed. At this time, the locking member 39 is maintained in engagement with the small opening 40 and relief opening 44. If the forward ends of the main forward rib portions 17 are gathered together and the handle 5 is pressed upwardly against the baising force of the auxiliary spiral spring 43, then the locking member 39 is released from engagement with the relief opening 44 and the forward ends of the forward rib portions 17 are brought into engagement with the upper recess 5' of the handle 5. At the same time, the stop pawl 34 engages the opening 31 so as to. I

lock the umbrella in the closed position. The auxiliary spiral spring 43 is effective to maintain the umbrella the closed state. The auxiliary spiral spring 43 is also effective to facilitate the umbrella opening operation when the button 36 is depressed to release the stop pawl 34 from the opening 31 and to cause the lower rib supporting member 28 to move upwardly by the biasing forces of the spiral springs 6 and 7.

The provision of the auxiliary spiral spring 43 mounted between the lower end of the auxiliary tubular member 41 formed with the slot 42 for guiding the locking means 33 and the lower end of the inner stick section 4 ensures that the stop pawl 34 and engaging opening 35 are engaged positively and permits the former from being released from the latter smoothly and quickly. Besides, the provision of the auxiliary tubular member is effective to compensate for the loss of mechanical strength that might otherwise be caused by the formation of the cutout 35 in the inner stick section 4 through which the locking member sticks out.

The first and second spiral springs 6 and 7 differ from each other in their biasing forces. If the spring 6 has a lower biasing force than the spring 7, the locking member 12 will first be released from engagement in the small opening 14 to permit the intermediate stick section 3 to be received in the telescopic sliding motion in the outer stick section 1, and then the locking member 13 will be released from engagement in the small opening 15 to permit the inner stick section 4 to be received in telescopic sliding motion in the intermediate stick section 3. If the spring 7 has a lower biasing force than the spring 6, the locking member 13 will first be released from engagement in the small opening 15 to permit the inner stick section 4 to be received in telescopic sliding motion in the intermediate stick section 3 as shown in FIG. 2 and then the locking member 12 will be released from engagement in the small opening 14 to permit the intermediate stick section 3 to be received in telescopic sliding motion in the outer stick section 1 as shown in FIG. 4. In either case, the umbrella will be in the state shown in FIG. 4 when it is collapsed. However, when the umbrella is closed by moving the cylindrical member 29 downwardly from its upper position shown in FIG. 1 in which the umbrella is open, forces will be exerted on the locking member 13 more removed from the cylindrical member 29 than the locking member 12 if the spring 6 has a higher biasing force than the spring 7. This facilitates the closing the umbrella as shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, the spring 6 preferably has a higher biasing force than the spring 7. The third spiralspring 32 has a biasing force which is sufficiently high to maintain the umbrella in the closed state as shown in FIG. 1. 37 is a rubber tube which provides protection to the portion of the intermediate rib supporting member 24 which pivotally supports the holding ribs 18.

The operation of the umbrella will now be explained. To close the umbrella, the cylindrical member 29 is moved downwardly by one hand while the handle 5 is held by the other hand. As the member 29 moves downwardly, the main rib portions 16 and forward rib portions 17 are moved toward the stick by the supporting ribs 19 and holding ribs 18. At the same time, the third spiral spring 32 is compressed. Further downward movement of the cylindrical member 29 releases the locking member 13 from engagement in the

small openings

15, 15 to permit the major part of the inner stick section 4 to be received in telescopic sliding motion in the intermediate stick section when the spring 6 has a higher biasing force than the spring7. The spring 7 is then compressed and the stop pawl 34 is engaged in the opening 31 of the reduced portion 30 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 9.

If the forward rib portions 17 are gathered together and the handle 5 is pushed upwardly while the umbrella is closed, then the forward rib portions 17 are engaged in the recess 5' of the handle 5 (the forward rib portions 17 are omitted in F I6. 10).

Upon application of pressure to the portion of the stick which lies between the upper end of the upper rib supporting member 2 and the handle 5, the locking member 12 is released from the

small openings

14, 14 and the first spiral spring 6 is compressed. This causes the lower end of the outer stick section 1 to move successively over the intermediate stick section 3, and through the cylindrical portion 26, intermediate rib supporting member 24, lower rib supporting member 28, cylindrical member 29 and reduced portion 30, so that the outer stick section l'is fitted over the intermediate and

inner stick sections

3 and 4. At the same time, the sleeves 20 move over the main rib portions 16 so that the forward rib portions pivotally supported by the sleeves 20 at the lugs 22 are received in the main rib portions 16. As the lower end of the outer stick section 1 moves downwardly, the stop pawl 34 is caused to withdraw into the inner stick section 4 but it opening 1 in the outer stick section 1, when aligned therewith, and the umbrella is brought to the collapsed state as shown in FIG. 4. Y

. At this time, the forward end of the stop pawl 34 is aligned with the opening 31 in the portion 30 of the cylindrical member 29. The engagement of the two members is intended not so much to maintain the umbrella in the collapsed state as to provide relief for the stop pawl 34. FIG. 5 schematically shows the manner in which the various stick sections are received in telescopic engagement.

The fabric (not shown) attached to the

rib portions

17 and 16 is secured to the upper rib supporting member 2 by the ferrule which is threadably connected to the upper end of the upper rib supporting member. The cloth is secured at the lower end to openings 17' in the forward rib portions 17 and sewn to the sleeves 20. Thus, when the umbrella is collapsed state, the upper sags so that the umbrella assumes a mushroom shape.

One has only to depress the-button 36 in the handle 5 to open the collapsed umbrella. The button 36 releases the stop pawl 34 from the openings 1' and 31 and causes the same to withdraw into the inner stick section4. This causes the outer and

intermediate stick sections

1 and 3 to be substantially simultaneously moved out of the inner stick section 4 by the first and second spiral springs 6 and 7. As the stick sections move out of one another, the intermediate rib supporting member 24 and upper rib supporting member 28 move upwardly, so that the main rib portions 16 and foreward rib portions 17 are extended and the umbrella is brought to the open state by the third spiral spring 32.

While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to a prefered embodiment thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific form of the embodiment, but that many changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What we claim is:

1. A collapsible umbrella comprising, in combination:

a. a tubular, elongated pole having an outer section, an intermediate section, and an inner section telescopically engaging each other for movement between an extended condition and a collapsed condition of said pole;

b. an upper rib supporting member secured to the upper end of said outer section remote from said inner section in said extended condition of the pole;

c. an intermediate rib supporting member and a lower rib supporting member movable on said pole toward and away from said upper rib supporting member;

d. a first compression spring longitudinally interposed'in said pole between said upper rib supporting member and said intermediate section;

. a second compression spring longitudinally interposed in said pole between said intermediate section and said inner section;

f. first locking means for yieldably securing said sections to each other in the extended condition of said pole;

g. a plurality of main rib members, one end of each main rib member being pivotally secured to said upper rib supporting member;

h. hinge means slidable on each main rib member toward and away from the other end of said main rib member;

i. a plurality of forward rib members, one end of each forward rib member telescopically engaging an associated main rib member and being secured to the associated hinge means, the other end of the forward rib member projecting from the other end of the associated main rib member;

j. a plurality of holding rib members, one end of each holding rib member being pivotally connected to a respective hinge means, the other ends of said holding rib members being pivotally secured to said intermediate rib supporting member;

a plurality of supporting rib members having respective first ends pivoted to portions of respective holding rib members intermediate the ends thereof, and second ends pivoted to said lower rib supporting member;

I. a third compression spring interposed between said intermediate and lower rib supporting members;

m. second looking means mounted on said inner section for locking said lower rib supporting member to said inner section in a position of the lower rib supporting member remote from said upper rib supporting member in the collapsed condition of said pole;

n. a handle on said inner section,

1. said second locking means including a pawl member engageable with said lower rib supporting member, and a button member on said pawl member closely adjacent said handle for release of said pawl member from said lower rib supporting member when said button is manually operated;

0. two plug members respectively secured in the upper ends of said intermediate section and of said inner section.

1. said first spring engaging the plug member in said intermediate section, and said second spring being interposed between said two plug members,

2. said first locking means including two locking members I respectively mounted on said intermediate and inner sections adjacent said plug members, said outer and intermediate sections being formed with openings respectively engaged by said locking members in said extended condition of the pole; and

p. a spring seat member and spacing means interposed between said spring seat member and the plug member secured to the upper end of said intermediate section for firmly securing the plug member to the spring seat member, said second compression spring engaging said spring seat member.

2. An umbrella as set forth in claim 1, wherein one of said locking members is longitudinally interposed in said pole between said spring seat member and the associated plug member.

3. An umbrella as set forth in claim 1, wherein said intermediate section is shorter than said outer and inner sections and is received in said outer section in said collapsed condition of the pole, said outer section being formed with an opening receiving said pawl member in said collapsed condition.

4. An umbrella as set forth in claim 1, wherein said main rib members are substantially U-shaped in cross section. closing means closing the open side of said U-shape at the other end of each main rib member and limiting the movement of said hinge means, each holding rib member being secured to a ortion of the associated hinge means adjacent said closing means, and each forward rib member being secured to another portion 'of said hinge means remote from said closing means, said forward rib member extending through the closed other end of the associated main rib member.

5. A collapsible umbrella comprising, in combination:

a. a tubular, elongated pole havingan outer section, an intermediate section, and an inner section telescopically engaging each other for movement between an extended condition and a collapsed condition of said pole;

b. an upper rib supporting member secured to the upper end 'of said outer section remote from said inner section in said extended condition of the pole;

d. a first compression spring longitudinally interposed in said pole between said upper rib supporting member and said intermediate section;

e. a second compression spring longitudinally interposed in said pole between said intermediate section and said inner section;

k. a plurality of supporting rib members having respective first ends pivoted to portions of respective holding rib members intermediate the ends thereof, and second ends pivoted to said lower rib supporting member;

m. second locking means mounted on said inner section for locking said lower rib supporting member to said inner section in a position of the lower rib supporting member remote from said upper rib supporting member in the collapsed condition of said pole;

n. a handle on said inner section,

0. an auxiliary tubular member longitudinally slidable on said inner section toward and away from a position of abutting engagement with said lower rib supporting member; and

. an auxiliary compression spring secured to the lower end of said inner section for engagement with said auxiliary member, said auxiliary member being formed with a guide slot for passage of said button member therethrough;

1. said lower rib supporting member being formed with two longitudinally spaced openings, said pawl member respectively engaging said spaced openings when said auxiliary spring is relaxed and compressed while engaging said lower rib supporting member,

2. said handle being formed with a recess open toward said pole in the direction of elongation of the same, said forward rib members being dimensioned to be received in said recess of the handle in said compressed condition of said auxiliary spring, while being outside said recess in said relaxed condition of the spring,

the umbrella including third locking means for releasably holding said auxiliary spring in the compressed condition.

Claims

1. A collapsible umbrella comprising, in combination: a. a tubular, elongated pole having an outer section, an intermediate section, and an inner section telescopically engaging each other for movement between an extended condition and a collapsed condition of said pole; b. an upper rib supporting member secured to the upper end of said outer section remote from said inner section in said extended condition of the pole; c. an intermediate rib supporting member and a lower rib supporting member movable on said pole toward and away from said upper rib supporting member; d. a first compression spring longitudinally interposed in said pole between said upper rib supporting member and said intermediate section; e. a second compression spring longitudinally interposed in said pole between said intermediate section and said inner section; f. first locking means for yieldably securing said sections to each other in the extended condition of said pole; g. a plurality of main rib members, one end of each main rib member being pivotally secured to said upper rib supporting member; h. hinge means slidable on each main rib member toward and away from the other end of said main rib member; i. a plurality of forward rib members, one end of each forward rib member telescopically engaging an associated main rib member and being secured to the associated hinge means, the other end of the forward rib member projecting from the other end of the associated main rib member; j. a plurality of holding rib members, one end of each holding rib member being pivotally connected to a respective hinge means, the other ends of said holding rib members being pivotally secured to said intermediate rib supporting member; k. a plurality of supporting rib members having respective first ends pivoted to portions of respective holding rib members intermediate the ends thereof, and second ends pivoted to said lower rib supporting member; l. a third compression spring interposed between said intermediate and lower rib supporting members; m. second looking means mounted on said inner section for locking said lower rib supporting member to said inner section in a position of the lower rib supporting member remote from said upper rib supporting member in the collapsed condition of said pole; n. a handle on said inner section, 1. said second locking means including a pawl member engageable with said lower rib supporting member, and a button member on said pawl member closely adjacent said handle for release of said pawl member from said lower rib supporting member when said button is manually operated; o. two plug members respectively secured in the upper ends of said intermediate section and of said inner section. 1. said first spring engaging the plug member in said intermediate section, and said second spring being interposed between said two plug members, 2. said first locking means including two locking members respectively mounted on said intermediate and inner sections adjacent said plug members, said outer and intermediate sections being formed with openings respectively engaged by said locking members in said extended condition of the pole; and p. a spring seat member and spacing means interposed between said spring seat member and the plug member secured to the upper end of said intermediate section for firmly securing the plug member to the spring seat member, said second compression spring engaging said spring seat member.

2. said first locking means including two locking members respectively mounted on said intermediate and inner sections adjacent said plug members, said outer and intermediate sections being formed with openings respectively engaged by said locking members in said extended condition of the pole; and p. a spring seat member and spacing means interposed between said spring seat member and the plug member secured to the upper end of said intermediate section for firmly securing the plug member to the spring seat member, said second compression spring engaging said spring seat member.

3. the umbrella including third locking means for releasably holding said auxiliary spring in the compressed condition.

4. An umbrella as set forth in claim 1, wherein said main rib members are substantially U-shaped in cross section, closing means closing the open side of said U-shape at the other end of each main rib member and limiting the movement of said hinge means, each holding rib member being secured to a portion of the associated hinge means adjacent said closing means, and each forward rib member being secured to another portion of said hinge means remote from said closing means, said forward rib member extending through the closed other end of the associated main rib member.

5. A collapsible umbrella comprising, in combination: a. a tubular, elongated pole having an outer section, an intermediate section, and an inner section telescopically engaging each other for movement between an extended condition and a collapsed condition of said pole; b. an upper rib supporting member secured to the upper end of said outer section remote from said inner section in said extended condition of the pole; c. an intermediate rib supporting member and a lower rib supporting member movable on said pole toward and away from said upper rib supporting member; d. a first compression spring longitudinally interposed in said pole between said upper rib supporting member and said intermediate section; e. a second compression spring longitudinally interposed in said pole between said intermediate section and said inner section; f. first locking means for yieldably securing said sections to each other in the extended condition of said pole; g. a plurality of main rib members, one end of each main rib member being pivotally secured to said upper rib supporting member; h. hinge means slidable on each main rib member toward and away from the other end of said main rib member; i. a plurality of forward rib members, one end of each forward rib member telescopically engaging an associated main rib member and being secured to the associated hinge means, the other end of the forward rib member projecting from the other end of the associated main rib member; j. a plurality of holding rib members, one end of each holding rib member being pivotally connected to a respective hinge means, the other ends of said holding rib members being pivotally secured to said intermediate rib supporting member; k. a plurality of supporting rib members having respective first ends pivoted to portions of respective holding rib members intermediate the ends thereof, and second ends pivoted to said lower rib supporting member; l. a third compression spring interposed between said intermediate and lower rib supporting members; m. second locking means mounted on said inner section for locking said lower rib supporting member to said inner section in a position of the lower rib supporting member remote from said upper rib supporting member in the collapsed condition of said pole; n. a handle on said inner section,