WO2007018492A1 - Mecanisme pour ouvrir et fermer un auvent - Google Patents

Mecanisme pour ouvrir et fermer un auvent Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2007018492A1
WO2007018492A1 PCT/US2005/026185 US2005026185W WO2007018492A1 WO 2007018492 A1 WO2007018492 A1 WO 2007018492A1 US 2005026185 W US2005026185 W US 2005026185W WO 2007018492 A1 WO2007018492 A1 WO 2007018492A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
canopy
covering device
pole
height
hub
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2005/026185
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
David G. Lenahan
Marius Popescu
Original Assignee
Lenahan David G
Marius Popescu
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Lenahan David G, Marius Popescu filed Critical Lenahan David G
Priority to PCT/US2005/026185 priority Critical patent/WO2007018492A1/fr
Publication of WO2007018492A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007018492A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45B—WALKING STICKS; UMBRELLAS; LADIES' OR LIKE FANS
    • A45B19/00—Special folding or telescoping of umbrellas
    • A45B19/04—Special folding or telescoping of umbrellas with telescopic sticks

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to stationary covering devices, such as patio umbrellas, used for outdoor protection. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mechanism for opening and closing such devices.
  • stationary and portable covering devices that provide protection from the sun, rain, dust, etc.
  • stationary covering devices which are typically substantially larger than portable covering devices, include patio umbrellas and parasols used as accessories to outdoor furniture.
  • portable covering devices include portable rain umbrellas, visor hats, etc.
  • the present invention relates to stationary covering devices that, because of their larger size, are subject to different functional requirements than portable covering devices.
  • stationary covering devices such as patio umbrellas
  • canopies that rotate about a longitudinal axis.
  • Exemplary conventional canopies have round, square, rectangular, or polygonal shapes configured to provide coverage over a shading target area.
  • typical devices are mounted along a vertical axis, for example, one provided by an upright support pole, that passes through a vertex point of the canopy.
  • the support pole extends through a raised surface area, such as a tabletop, that is positioned at a fixed height along the vertical axis.
  • stationary covering devices include a support mechanism that opens and closes the canopy over the table surface area.
  • United States Patent Nos. 5,711,333; 6,182,917; 6,805,143; 6,705,335; and 6,591,848 disclose various structures for supporting and/or opening and closing a patio umbrella.
  • FIG. 1 A conventional, prior art patio umbrella device 100 is shown in FIG. 1.
  • a vertical supporting pole 112 supports an upper hub 104 fixed at or near the apex of the device 102.
  • a sliding lower hub 106 is located below the upper hub 104.
  • Main ribs Main ribs
  • the conventional arrangement shown in FIG. 1 requires that either the horizontal dimension 113 of the main rib 109 (and consequently the canopy width 103), or the canopy mounting height dimension 122 be strictly controlled so that the closing arc 115 allows the device to open or close completely without interfering with a table 116 or other surface located beneath it.
  • the inventor of the present invention has recognized that limiting these interrelated dimensions solely in response to the table height 118, which is typically between 28 and 30 inches, has significant consequences when the device is used for shade.
  • the open position canopy width 103 is limited, the resultant shadow cast by the canopy may not be adequate to shade the table and chairs within the shading target area, since solar altitude angles change over the course of the day, and over the course of the year. Therefore, a wider canopy is desirable since it will intercept a broader range of direct sunlight and provide more shade directly beneath it.
  • the canopy mounting height 122 must be increased to provide clearance for the tabletop when the canopy is closed. However, as the canopy mounting height 122 is increased, more direct sunlight is allowed to penetrate beneath it, resulting in less shade to the target shading area. Therefore, increasing the mounting height 122 in order to accommodate a wider canopy can negate the benefits of the wider canopy, at least if the goal is to provide shade to a target area located directly beneath the device.
  • the present invention is directed to a mechanism for opening and closing a canopy.
  • the invention provides a convenient, effective and economical means to open and close canopies, such as patio umbrellas, when they are mounted vertically through a fixed object of known height, such as a table.
  • the invention does not either limit the width of the canopy to the height variable of the stationary object, or necessarily require that the canopy be mounted higher relative to the ground because of the canopy width and the height of the stationary object.
  • the invention facilitates effective covering and/or shading of the target zone beneath the canopy by removing this limitation.
  • a covering device comprises a canopy, a pole for supporting the canopy at a variable height, and an activation mechanism operative to move the canopy between an open position and a closed position and to vary the height of the canopy.
  • the pole can include a first telescoping section and a second telescoping section that together define a first pole length when the canopy is in the open position, and a second, longer pole length when the canopy is in the closed position.
  • the covering device can further comprise an upper hub attached proximate to an upper end of the pole, and a plurality of canopy support ribs attached to the upper hub, wherein operating the activation mechanism to move the canopy from the open position to the closed position raises the upper hub.
  • the covering device can further comprise a lower hub slidable with respect to the pole, and a plurality of struts extending between the lower hub and the support ribs, wherein operating the activation mechanism to move the canopy from the open position to the closed position lowers the lower hub.
  • the covering device can further include a lead screw extending along the pole, wherein the lower hub includes a threaded portion in engagement with the lead screw and the upper hub includes a threaded portion in engagement with the lead screw.
  • the activation mechanism can comprise a rotatable crank that turns the lead screw.
  • the covering device can further comprise a rotation handle adapted to rotate the canopy about the pole.
  • a rotation handle adapted to rotate the canopy about the pole.
  • the pole can include an upper portion and a lower portion, and the rotation handle can be adapted to rotate the upper portion with respect to the lower portion.
  • the rotation handle can include a cam assembly adapted to substantially prevent rotation between the upper portion and the lower portion.
  • the canopy can have a symmetrical shape or an asymmetrical shape.
  • a second exemplary embodiment of the covering device comprises a canopy having a vertex point, a pole for positioning the canopy at a height, the pole having a hollow outer portion and an inner portion disposed within the hollow outer portion, the inner portion being movable relative to the outer portion and being attached to the vertex point of the canopy, a plurality of canopy support ribs attached to an upper hub located proximate to the vertex point of the canopy, and an activation mechanism for opening and closing the canopy, the activation mechanism moving the inner portion of the pole along a vertical axis to vary the height of the canopy.
  • the activation mechanism can raise the height of the canopy when in a closed position and lower the height of the canopy when in an open position.
  • the activation mechanism comprises a gear system, and a lead screw that is rotated by the gear system for moving the inner portion of the pole along the vertical axis.
  • the activation mechanism can comprise a rotatable crank.
  • FIG. 1 is a side, partial sectional view of a prior art patio umbrella
  • FIG. 2 is a side, partial sectional view of a patio umbrella in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a partially-exploded, perspective view of an umbrella support pole and lower hub according to the present invention, with the support pole shown in broken lines;
  • FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of an umbrella support pole and crank according to the present invention, with the support pole shown in broken lines;
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 show an alternate embodiment of a release handle in accordance with the invention.
  • the mechanism includes a support pole 200 that supports a covering device 202, such as a fabric canopy, in an upright position.
  • Covering device 202 can have any desired geometry, either symmetrical or asymmetrical. Examples of asymmetrical covering devices are disclosed in co-pending International Patent Application No. PCT/US2004/00333A1 , filed on February 6, 2004, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • the pole 200 can be divided into multiple sections.
  • pole 200 includes an upper portion 204 and a lower portion 206 that mate together, for example, by insertion into one another, however other configurations are possible.
  • the lower portion 206 can include a base 208 or other structure for supporting the pole 200 in an upright position.
  • the total length of the pole 200 may be selected based on the particular application of the covering device, for example, depending on the size of the table to be shaded.
  • the upper portion 204 of pole 200 can include a first or outer telescoping section 210 (shown in sectional view in FIG. 2) and a second or inner telescoping section 212 that telescopes with respect to the first telescoping section 210.
  • the second telescoping section 212 is received within the first telescoping section 210, however, the first telescoping section 210 may alternatively be received within the second telescoping section 212.
  • the mechanism can include an upper hub 214 (shown in sectional view) attached to the top of the second telescoping section 212.
  • Hub 214 can include attachment points for a plurality of canopy support ribs 216.
  • the support ribs 216 are hinged to the upper hub 214 by pin connections, however other types of connections are possible.
  • the mechanism can also include a lower hub 218 (discussed in more detail below in connection with FIG. 3) that slides up and down with respect to the pole 200.
  • a plurality of struts 220 can extend between the lower hub 218 and the support ribs 216.
  • the struts 220 can be hinged to the lower hub 218 and/or the support ribs 216 by pin connections or some other type of connection.
  • movement of the lower hub 218 up and down along the pole 200 translates into movement of the struts 220 and the support ribs 216, which consequently causes the canopy 202 to move between open and closed positions.
  • the lower hub 218 includes an upper body 218a and a lower body 218b that are fastened together around the pole 200, for example, by screws.
  • a two part sleeve 222 (comprising sleeve halves 222a and 222b) is located around the pole 200 and is fixed to the lower body 218b.
  • the sleeve 222 has a diameter that allows it to slide up and down on pole 200.
  • a hub nut 224 can be located within the pole 200 and can be connected to the sleeve 222 such that movement of the hub nut 224 translates into movement of the sleeve 222 and consequently the lower hub 218.
  • the hub nut 224 is fixed for movement with the sleeve 222 via a connector pin 226 that extends from the sleeve 222, through a slot 228 in the pole 200, and into a slot 225 in the hub nut 224, although other configurations are possible.
  • a connector pin 226 that extends from the sleeve 222, through a slot 228 in the pole 200, and into a slot 225 in the hub nut 224, although other configurations are possible.
  • lower hub 218 is not limited to the construction shown in FIG. 3.
  • the mechanism can also include a crank mechanism 230 located on pole 200.
  • the crank mechanism 230 is preferably located at a convenient distance above typical tabletop height, and serves to open and close the covering device 202 when operated.
  • the crank mechanism 230 can include a crank arm 232 that, when turned, translates into rotation of a lead screw 234 that extends along the approximate center of pole 200.
  • Rotation of the lead screw 234 causes the hub nut 224, discussed above, to travel either upward or downward on the lead screw 234, depending upon the direction of rotation. Due to the fixed connection between the hub nut 224 and the lower hub 218, the rotation of the lead screw 234 also causes the lower hub 218 to travel either upward or downward on the pole 200. Accordingly, rotating the crank arm 232 effectively opens or closes the covering device 202, depending on the direction of rotation of the crank arm 232.
  • the number of crank rotations necessary to either open or close the covering device 202 can be adjusted, and can be a function of both the canopy size and geometry, the specific thread type on the lead screw 234, and desired maximum allowable force to turn the crank arm
  • Rotation of the crank arm 232 can also cause the first telescoping section 210 and the second telescoping section 212 of pole 200 to telescope with respect to one another, effectively increasing or decreasing the overall length of pole 200, and the vertical height of upper hub 214.
  • the lead screw 234 can extend through pole 200 and terminate near the uppermost point of the pole 200.
  • the second telescoping section 212 can have a pole nut 236 that is fixed thereto and threaded onto the lead screw 234.
  • the threads on the portion of lead screw 234 that is threaded into hub nut 224 are preferably opposite to the threads on the portion of lead screw 234 that is threaded into pole nut 236.
  • the crank handle 232 is turned to close the covering device 202
  • the lower hub 218 moves downward while the pole nut 236 is caused to move upward on the lead screw 234, causing the second telescoping section 212 of pole 200 to extend upward.
  • the upper hub 214 is mounted to the top of the second telescoping section 212, it too moves upward.
  • the net affect of these movements is to simultaneously bring down the lower hub 218 while raising the upper hub 214. Since the upper hub 214 and the upper terminus of the support ribs 216 are moved upward as they close, additional clearance for the support ribs 216 is provided at the fixed tabletop height. Consequently, the invention allows for additional canopy width without the need to change the canopy mounting height.
  • the amount of travel distance of the nuts 224, 236 along the lead screw 234 can be adjusted to accommodate a variety of canopy geometries and fixed object height clearance requirements by varying the thread design, and by integrating the requirements of the closing geometry of the chosen canopy with the basic design of the invention.
  • crank mechanism 230 can be located on the upper portion 204 of the pole 200, preferably at a distance above typical tabletop height or other stationary object height, thus allowing a user to access the crank arm 232.
  • the outward appearance and exact shape of the crank mechanism 230 may be modified in any manner suiting the desired final appearance of the device.
  • the crank mechanism 230 comprises two case sections 231a, 231b that fit together around the pole 200, and are then fixedly attached together with screws 240 or other fasteners.
  • the crank mechanism 230 may be comprised of any number of sections, horizontal, vertical, or a combination of both.
  • the case sections 231a, 231b are constructed of injection- molded plastic. However, they may alternatively be constructed of other materials, including aluminum, steel, or other rigid and durable materials, and may be machined, cast, extruded, or otherwise formed into a final shape.
  • crank mechanism 230 can include a pinion gear 242 that is attached to crank arm 232, for example, by an axle 244 that passes through an opening in case section 23 Ib.
  • Crank arm 232 may be secured to axle 244 by a screw
  • Bushings 246 may be provided to sleeve the axle 244 where it passes through case section 23 Ib.
  • An opening 248 may be provided in pole 200 to allow insertion of pinion gear 242.
  • pinion gear 242 engages a second pinion gear 250 mounted to the lead screw 234.
  • Lead screw 234 can be fixed to a gear shaft 252 by a pin 254.
  • Gear shaft 252 can in turn extend through a bushing assembly 256 attached to the pole 200 to support the lead screw 234, gear shaft 254 and pinion gear 250 for rotation within the pole 200.
  • Pinion gear 242 can be held in engagement with pinion gear 250 such that rotation of crank arm 232 translates into rotation of lead screw 234, providing the opening/closing movements of the covering device 202 described above, as well as the telescoping effect of the pole 200.
  • One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other structures than those described herein may be implemented to translate the rotation of crank arm 232 into rotation of lead screw 234.
  • the present invention can also include a mechanism to facilitate rotation of the covering device.
  • This may be particularly beneficial in the instance where the covering device has an asymmetrical shape, such that one orientation of the covering device offers increased shade protection.
  • the invention allows an asymmetrically configured covering device to provide maximum coverage to a desired stationary area when it is rotated from a first canopy position to a second canopy position.
  • the covering device can be used to create a fixed location shaded zone at various times of the day based on the predictable angles of the sun as it changes position.
  • crank mechanism 230 can include a release handle 260 that is located opposite the crank arm 232.
  • handle 260 could be located anywhere on crank mechanism 230 so long as the placement does not interfere with the cranking mechanism.
  • release handle 260 could be in a separate housing or other accommodation, and located either above or below crank mechanism
  • the release handle 260 and related structures could be eliminated.
  • Release handle 260 may be hinged to case section 23 Ia, for example, by a pin 262, and may be movable between a closed position (shown) in which the release handle 260 is substantially parallel to the pole 200, and an open position, in which the release handle 260 is tilted away from pole 200.
  • Release handle 260 can include a cam surface 264.
  • Cam surface 264 can act on a pressure pad 266 that can be mounted on case section 231a.
  • the pressure pad 266 can be retained in place on case section 23 Ia by integral pins 268 that fit into slots 270 (only one shown) in case section 231a, such that pressure pad 266 can move horizontally with respect to the pole 200.
  • An opening 280 may be provided in pole 200 to allow pressure pad 266 to extend therethrough. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, pressure pad 266 extends through opening 280 in the upper portion 204 of pole 200 and contacts the lower portion 206 of pole 200.
  • release handle 260 When release handle 260 is in the closed position, the cam surface 264 applies pressure to the pressure pad 266, which in turn causes the pressure pad 266 to act against the lower portion 206 of pole 200, effectively preventing any relative rotation between the upper portion 204 and the lower portion 206 of pole 200.
  • Lower portion 206 can be secured to base 208 or some other fixture to prevent rotation of lower portion 206 relative to the ground.
  • release handle 260 When release handle 260 is rotated to the open position, at least some of the pressure exerted on pressure pad 266 is released, thereby allowing the upper portion 204 to rotate with respect to the lower portion 206 of pole
  • release handle 260 can be used as a handle to rotate the covering device into the desired position.
  • An alternate embodiment of the release handle is shown in Figs. 5 and 6.
  • Release handle 260' is shown with a an adjustable cam surface 265 extending from cam surface 264'.
  • Adjustable cam surface 265 allows the factory to precisely adjust the clamping pressure to be applied and for the user to maintain that specification over time by making slight adjustments to, for example, a set screw 261 as required.
  • the addition of the adjustable cam surface helps reduce the need for very tight tolerances between and among the various components of the release handle mechanism.

Landscapes

  • Tents Or Canopies (AREA)

Abstract

Le dispositif de couverture comprend un auvent, un piquet pour supporter l'auvent à une hauteur variable et un mécanisme d'activation permettant de déplacer l'auvent entre une position ouverte et une position fermée et de faire varier la hauteur de l'auvent. Par exemple, le piquet peut comprendre une première section télescopable et une deuxième section télescopable qui définissent ensemble une première longueur de piquet lorsque l'auvent est dans la position ouverte, et une deuxième longueur de piquet plus longue lorsque l'auvent est dans la position fermée.
PCT/US2005/026185 2005-07-22 2005-07-22 Mecanisme pour ouvrir et fermer un auvent WO2007018492A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2005/026185 WO2007018492A1 (fr) 2005-07-22 2005-07-22 Mecanisme pour ouvrir et fermer un auvent

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2005/026185 WO2007018492A1 (fr) 2005-07-22 2005-07-22 Mecanisme pour ouvrir et fermer un auvent

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007018492A1 true WO2007018492A1 (fr) 2007-02-15

Family

ID=37727593

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2005/026185 WO2007018492A1 (fr) 2005-07-22 2005-07-22 Mecanisme pour ouvrir et fermer un auvent

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2007018492A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008030895A1 (fr) * 2006-09-05 2008-03-13 Oliver Joen-An Ma Structures générant de l'ombre telles que des parasols
US7963293B2 (en) 2004-11-04 2011-06-21 Oliver Joen-An Ma Umbrella opening and closing device
CN109984434A (zh) * 2019-03-15 2019-07-09 南京工程学院 基于全自动伞的收伞伞面塑形与旋紧装置
US10368617B2 (en) 2016-10-25 2019-08-06 ZHUN-AN Ma Umbrella assembly set up devices
EP4205596A4 (fr) * 2020-09-07 2024-01-17 Tempo Mfg Llc Structure combinée encliquetable de boîtier de manivelle

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4011881A (en) * 1974-08-31 1977-03-15 Carl Becher Ohg Planen-Und Zelte-Fabrik Large shelter standing umbrella
US4424824A (en) * 1982-07-20 1984-01-10 Becher Textil- Und Stahlbau Gmbh Garden and market umbrella
US4813442A (en) * 1987-04-22 1989-03-21 Erica Haines Collapsible protective structure
US5291908A (en) * 1988-06-14 1994-03-08 Grady Ii Clyde C Powered umbrella
US5386842A (en) * 1991-02-27 1995-02-07 Becher Textil- Und Stahlbau Gmbh Umbrella, in particular large umbrella
US6230724B1 (en) * 1999-05-25 2001-05-15 Jin-Sheng Lai Operation mechanism for a parasol

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4011881A (en) * 1974-08-31 1977-03-15 Carl Becher Ohg Planen-Und Zelte-Fabrik Large shelter standing umbrella
US4424824A (en) * 1982-07-20 1984-01-10 Becher Textil- Und Stahlbau Gmbh Garden and market umbrella
US4813442A (en) * 1987-04-22 1989-03-21 Erica Haines Collapsible protective structure
US5291908A (en) * 1988-06-14 1994-03-08 Grady Ii Clyde C Powered umbrella
US5386842A (en) * 1991-02-27 1995-02-07 Becher Textil- Und Stahlbau Gmbh Umbrella, in particular large umbrella
US6230724B1 (en) * 1999-05-25 2001-05-15 Jin-Sheng Lai Operation mechanism for a parasol

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7963293B2 (en) 2004-11-04 2011-06-21 Oliver Joen-An Ma Umbrella opening and closing device
WO2008030895A1 (fr) * 2006-09-05 2008-03-13 Oliver Joen-An Ma Structures générant de l'ombre telles que des parasols
WO2008030898A1 (fr) * 2006-09-05 2008-03-13 Oliver Joen-An Ma Moyeux pour des structures générant de l'ombre
US7798161B2 (en) 2006-09-05 2010-09-21 Oliver Joen-An Ma Shade structures such as umbrellas
US7900643B2 (en) 2006-09-05 2011-03-08 Oliver Joen-An Ma Hubs for shade structures
US8555906B2 (en) 2006-09-05 2013-10-15 Oliver Joen-An Ma Hubs for shade structures
US10368617B2 (en) 2016-10-25 2019-08-06 ZHUN-AN Ma Umbrella assembly set up devices
US11013303B2 (en) 2016-10-25 2021-05-25 ZHUN-AN Ma Umbrella assembly set up devices
CN109984434A (zh) * 2019-03-15 2019-07-09 南京工程学院 基于全自动伞的收伞伞面塑形与旋紧装置
EP4205596A4 (fr) * 2020-09-07 2024-01-17 Tempo Mfg Llc Structure combinée encliquetable de boîtier de manivelle

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