WO2014122649A1

WO2014122649A1 - Foldable umbrella

Info

Publication number: WO2014122649A1
Application number: PCT/IL2014/050127
Authority: WO
Inventors: Abraham ZULTI
Original assignee: Zulti Abraham
Priority date: 2013-02-07
Filing date: 2014-02-06
Publication date: 2014-08-14

Abstract

An umbrella is provided. The umbrella comprises a frame and a canopy attached thereto. The frame comprises a tube extending vertically along a tube axis, a cap at a top end of the tube, a runner configured to move along at least a portion of the tube, a plurality of ribs hingedly articulated to the cap, and a plurality of stretchers, each being hingedly articulated between the runner at a first point of attachment thereof, and one of the ribs at a second point of attachment thereof. Each of the caps comprises a disk projecting radially from the tube, the disk having a radial characteristic dimension which is more than one tenth the distance between the first and second points of attachment of the stretchers.

Description

FOLDABLE UMBRELLA

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to umbrellas, and in particular to those collapsible between an open and a closed position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Umbrellas are common devices used to protect people from the elements, for example rain or excessive sunshine. Personal umbrellas are designed such that their size and weight lend themselves to being carried by individuals, in case the situation warrants their use.

Umbrellas are typically foldable between an open position, in which a frame thereof, and therefore a canopy mounted thereupon, are fully extended, and a closed position, in which the frame and canopy are retracted, which facilitates storage and/or transporting the umbrella.

According to widely-accepted interpretations of Orthodox Jewish Law, opening an umbrella is prohibited in certain situations, most notably on the Jewish Sabbath and some holidays. This is due to restrictions on constructing tents and tent-like structures on these days. An extension of these restrictions prohibits carrying an umbrella which had been previously open.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided an umbrella comprising a frame and a canopy attached thereto, the frame comprising:

• a tube extending vertically along a tube axis;

• a cap at a top end of the tube configured for being attached to the tube;

• a runner configured to move along at least a portion of the tube;

• a plurality of ribs hingedly articulated to the cap; and • a plurality of stretchers, each being hingedly articulated between the runner at a first point of attachment thereof, and one of the ribs at a second point of attachment thereof;

wherein each of the caps comprises a disk projecting radially from the tube, the disk having a radial characteristic dimension which is more than one tenth the distance between the first and second points of attachment of the stretchers.

The characteristic dimension may be the average distance between and edge of the disk and the tube axis, or it may be the average distance between the points of articulation of the ribs to the tube axis.

The characteristic dimension of the disk may be more than one sixth the distance between the first and second points of attachment of the stretchers.

The characteristic dimension of the disk may be more than one quarter the distance between the first and second points of attachment of the stretchers.

The characteristic dimension of the disk may be at least 4 cm, and no greater than 12.5 cm.

The characteristic dimension of the disk may be at least 4.8 cm.

The disk may comprise a square area which is at least 8 cm, and no more than 25 cm, on a side. The square area may be at least 9.6 cm on a side.

The umbrella may be configured such that, in a fully closed position thereof, the ribs are disposed towards the tube at an angle of at least 2°. The angle may be at least 3.75°, or at least 5°.

According to another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided an umbrella comprising a frame and a canopy attached thereto, the frame comprising:

• a tube extending vertically along a tube axis;

• a cap at a top end of the tube comprising a disk projecting radially therefrom and being configured for being attached to the tube;

• a runner configured to move along at least a portion of the tube;

• a plurality of ribs hingedly articulated to the disk radially therearound; and • a plurality of stretchers, each being hingedly articulated between the runner at a first point of attachment thereof, and one of the ribs at a second point of attachment thereof;

wherein the umbrella is configured such that, in a fully closed position thereof, the ribs are disposed towards the tube at an angle of at least 2°.

The angle may be at least 3.75°, or at least 5°.

According to a further aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided an umbrella comprising a frame and a canopy attached thereto, the frame comprising:

• a tube extending vertically along a tube axis;

• a runner configured to move along at least a portion of the tube;

• a plurality of ribs hingedly articulated to the disk radially therearound; and

• a plurality of stretchers, each being hingedly articulated between the runner at a first point of attachment thereof, and one of the ribs at a second point of attachment thereof;

wherein the disk comprises a square area which is at least 8 cm, and no more than 25 cm, on a side. The square area may be at least 9.6 cm on a side.

According to any one of the above aspects, the cap may further comprise a tube-connector configured to attach the cap to the top end of the tube. The tube-connector may be formed as a tubular member extending laterally from an underside of the disk. The cap may further comprise a plurality of cap-supports extending from a bottom end of the tube-connector to an underside of the disk.

According to any one of the above aspects, the cap may comprise a substantially flat top side.

According to any one of the above aspects, the disk may comprise a plurality of radially-arranged notches receiving therein the ribs. Each notch may comprise a pin therein, each of the ribs comprising a through-going aperture receiving therethrough one of the pins, thereby pivotally articulating the ribs to the cap.

According to any one of the above aspects, the frame may further comprise a handle at bottom end thereof.

According to any one of the above aspects, the canopy may be made from a nylon material. The canopy may comprise at least one of an acrylic coating on its underside and a water repellant material on its topside.

According to any one of the above aspects, the frame may further comprise:

• a secondary runner disposed below the runner;

• a plurality of secondary stretchers each hingedly articulated at a bottom end thereof to the secondary runner, and at a top end thereof to one of the stretchers; and

• a spring between the runner and the secondary runner.

According to any one of the above aspects, the weight of the umbrella may be less than 2 kg. Alternatively, it may be less than 1.5 kg. Alternatively, it may be less than 1 kg. Alternatively, it may be less than 600 grams.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the presently disclosed subject matter and to see how it may be carried out in practice, an embodiment will now be described, by way of a non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of an umbrella according to the presently disclosed subject matter, in an open position thereof;

Fig. IB is a close-up perspective view of a top portion of a frame of the umbrella illustrated in Fig. 1A;

Figs. 2A and 2B are perspective views of handles of the umbrella illustrated in Fig. 1A; Figs. 3A and 3B are perspective view of frames of the umbrella illustrated in Fig. 1 A, in closed and fully closed positions thereof, respectively; and

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of another example of an umbrella according to the presently disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As illustrated in Fig. 1A, there is provided an umbrella, which is indicated generally at 10. It comprises a frame, which is generally designated at 12, carrying thereon a canopy 14.

The frame 12 comprises a central tube 16, which extends along a vertical axis X and which carries the other elements thereof, a cap 18 at a top end of the tube, and a primary runner 20 which is configured to move along a portion of the length of the tube. A plurality of ribs 22 are arranged radially around, and hingedly articulated to, the cap 18, at a top end 22_top of each. A primary stretcher 24 extends between an interior point 22_int on each of the ribs 22 and the primary runner 20, and is hingedly articulated to each one. Typically, interior point 22_int is in the middle third of the primary stretcher. The distance between the top end 22_top and interior point 22_int of each rib 22 may be the same.

As illustrated in Figs. 2A and IB, the tube 16 may be provided with a handle 26 at a bottom end thereof. The handle 26 may be made from any suitable material, such as plastic or wood. It may be formed with indentations 28 provided to comfortably accommodate a user's fingers (as illustrated in Fig. 2A), it may be formed having a U-shape (as illustrated in Fig. 2B), or with any other suitable shape and/or design. The handle 26 may be a separate piece attached to the tube 16, or may be formed integrally therewith. Providing a handle 26 facilitates use of the umbrella 10 as a "personal umbrella", i.e., one which may be conveniently carried by a person to protect himself from the elements, such as rain, sunshine, etc. The cap 18 is configured to support the ribs 22 and facilitate pivoting them with respect to the tube. As best seen in Fig. IB, it thus comprises an upper disk 30, and a downwardly facing tube-connector 32.

The disk 30 extends radially from the tube 16, and is formed with a substantially flat top side 34, and with a plurality of notches 36 formed radially therearound. Each of the notches 36 comprises a pin (not illustrated) disposed therewithin, each of which is received within a corresponding aperture at the top end 22_top of one of the ribs 22 to articulate it to the cap 18. It will be appreciated that the term "pin" when used herein may refer to any suitable element for articulating the ribs 22 to the cap 18, such as a metal wire, etc.

According to some examples, the disk 30 is sized such that is has a diameter of at least 8 cm. According to other examples, it is sized such that it has a diameter of at least 9.6 cm. According to further examples, it is sized such that it contains a square having at least 8 cm. on a side (e.g., it is a circle which circumscribes a square having at least 8 cm. on a side, i.e., it has a radius of at least 5.66 cm). According to still further examples, it is sized such that it contains a square having at least 9.6 cm. on a side (e.g., it is a circle which circumscribes a square having at least 9.6 cm. on a side, i.e., it has a radius of at least 6.79 cm). According to still further examples:

• a circle which is tangent to the pins (and which therefore has a radius which is the average distance between the pins and axis X) disposed within the notches 36 formed in the disk 30 has a diameter of at least 8 cm;

• the circle has a diameter of at least 9.6 cm;

• the circle contains a square having at least 8 cm. on a side (e.g., it is a circle which circumscribes a square having at least 8 cm. on a side); or

• the circle contains a square having at least 9.6 cm. on a side (e.g., it is a circle which circumscribes a square having at least 9.6 cm. on a side). According to further examples, the disk 30 is sized such that it contains a square having at least 8 cm. on a side which is not intersected by the tube 16 (e.g., it is a circle having a radius of at least about 9 cm). According to further examples, it is sized such that it contains a square having at least 9.6 cm. on a side which is not intersected by the tube 16 (e.g., it is a circle having a radius of at least about 10.75 cm). According to modifications of these examples, these, or values slightly higher thereof (for example 12.5 cm), may also be the maximum size of the disk 30.

The ratio of A to B in Fig. IB, wherein A is the distance between the point on each rib 22 to which the primary stretcher 24 is articulated thereto (i.e., the interior point 22_int thereof) and its point of articulation with the disk 30, and B is the radius of the circle C (i.e., the average distance between axis X of the tube 16 and each of the pins disposed within the notches 36 formed in the disk 30) is no more than about 10: 1. According to other examples, the ratio A.B is no more than about 6: 1. According to further examples, the ratio A.B is no more than about 4: 1. Alternatively, according to each of the examples above, B may be the radius of the disk 30 of the cap 18.

The tube-connector 32 is configured to attach to a top end of the tube 16. It may be formed as a tubular member extending laterally down from an underside 33 of the disk 30, with an inner diameter sized so as to snuggly receive therein the top end of the tube. A fastening member (not illustrated), an adhesive, or any other suitable means may be provided to facilitate maintaining the position of the tube 16 within the tube-connector 32. Besides serving to attach the cap 18 on the top end of the tube 16, the tube-connector 32 constitutes a spacer, ensuring that the primary runner 20 is held at a predetermined distance from the top of the tube in the open position of the umbrella 10, thereby maintaining its shape in the open position.

A plurality of cap-supports 38 may be provided spanning between a bottom end of the tube-connector 32 and an underside of the disk 30. It will be appreciated that the cap-supports 38 are not configured to move during normal operation of the umbrella 10, and the number thereof provided is independent of the number of ribs 22 provided.

The canopy 14 is made of cloth or synthetic fabric. It may optionally be coated. For example, it made from a nylon taffeta material, optionally have an acrylic coating on its underside and/or a water repellant material (such as Scotchguard™ sold by the 3M Company™) on its topside. Such a fabric is suited for a "personal umbrella" since, inter alia, it is lightweight. The canopy 14 may be made from a single piece of fabric, or from several panels sewn together. It is attached to the ribs 22 so as to fold therewith and to not interfere with the motion thereof during opening and closing of the umbrella 10.

The umbrella 10 is designed such that its weight lends itself for use as a "personal umbrella". For example, lightweight materials may be used to construct it. According to some examples, its weight is no more than 600 grams. According to other examples, its weight is no more than 1 kg. According to further examples, its weight is no more than 1.5 kg. According to still further examples, its weight is no more than 2 kg.

The umbrella may be used in an open position (as illustrated in Fig. 1 A), and stored in a closed position, as illustrated in Figs. 3A and 3B. (It will be appreciated that, for clarity purposes, the umbrella 10 is illustrated in Figs. 3A and 3B without its canopy 14, so as to illustrate the components of the frame 12 in the closed position). In the closed position of the umbrella 10, as illustrated in Fig. 3A, the ribs 22 may lie substantially parallel to the tube 16, with the primary runner 20 being located at a lower point along the tube (i.e., farther from the cap 18. Alternatively, as illustrated in Fig. 3B, the umbrella 10 is designed such that, in a fully closed position thereof, the ribs 22 may be angled towards the tube 16 (i.e., a bottom end 22_bot of each rib is angled toward the tube). According to some examples, the angle Θ at which the ribs 22 may be disposed towards tube 16 in the closed position of the umbrella 10 is no less than about 2° or 2.25° (for example, with a round cap 18 having a radius of 4 cm, and ribs having a length of about 100 cm). According to other examples, the angle Θ is no less than about 3.75° (for example, with a round cap 18 having a radius of 4 cm, and ribs having a length of about 60 cm). According to further examples, the angle Θ is no less than about 5° (for example, with a round cap 18 having a radius of 4.8 cm, and ribs having a length of at least 55 cm). In use, the umbrella 10 is typically stored in its closed position. When a user wishes to open it for use, he moves the primary runner 20 up along the length of the tube 16 (i.e., toward the cap 18). As the primary stretchers 24 are each attached to the primary runner 20 at one end, and to one of the ribs 22 at the other end, and as each rib pivots with respect to the tube 16 (by being hingedly articulated to the cap 18), the upward movement of the primary runner causes the ribs to pivot outwardly from the tube 16, thereby bringing the umbrella to its open position. A reverse action brings the umbrella 10 from its open to its closed position.

As a result of the size of the disk 30 as described above, the umbrella 10 comprises a small canopy, even when in its closed position, for example as illustrated in Figs. 3 A and 3B. Thus, opening the umbrella 10, thereby defining a protected area under the canopy 14, extends the smaller protected area under the cap 18. Under Orthodox Jewish law, such an action may be permitted in a situation wherein creating a new protected area below a canopy would be forbidden. Thus, by providing a cap 18 which has the structure and minimum size (e.g., under Orthodox Jewish law) of a canopy, opening the umbrella 10 as described herein will constitute only the extension of a protected area under a canopy, and not the creation of a new one.

In addition, the flat top side 34 of the disk 30 at one end of the umbrella 10 facilitates its being stored in an upright orientation when in its closed position, without being externally supported.

As illustrated in Fig. 4, the umbrella 10 may be an automatic umbrella, i.e., it is configured to open automatically when an element is released. In such a case, in addition to the elements disclosed above with reference to Figs. 1A and IB, the frame 12 may comprise a secondary runner 40, with a plurality of secondary stretchers 42 hingedly articulated thereto at bottom ends 42_bot thereof. A top end 42_top of each of the secondary stretchers 42 is hingedly articulated to one of the primary stretchers 24. A spring (not illustrated) may be provided between the primary runner 20 and the secondary runner 40. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will readily appreciate that numerous changes, variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention mutatis mutandis.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An umbrella comprising a frame and a canopy attached thereto, said frame comprising:

• a tube extending vertically along a tube axis;

• a cap at a top end of said tube configured for being attached to said tube;

• a runner configured to move along at least a portion of said tube;

• a plurality of ribs hingedly articulated to said cap; and

• a plurality of stretchers, each being hingedly articulated between said runner at a first point of attachment thereof, and one of said ribs at a second point of attachment thereof;

wherein each of said caps comprises a disk projecting radially from said tube, said disk having a radial characteristic dimension which is more than one tenth the distance between the first and second points of attachment of the stretchers.

2. The umbrella according to claim 1, wherein said characteristic dimension is the average distance between and edge of said disk and said tube axis.

3. The umbrella according to claim 1, wherein said characteristic dimension is the average distance between the points of articulation of said ribs to said tube axis.

4. The umbrella according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein the characteristic dimension of said disk is more than one sixth the distance between the first and second points of attachment of the stretchers.

5. The umbrella according to claim 4, wherein the characteristic dimension of said disk is more than one quarter the distance between the first and second points of attachment of the stretchers.

6. The umbrella according to any one claims 2 and 3, wherein said characteristic dimension is at least 4 cm, and no greater than 12.5 cm.

7. The umbrella according to claim 6, wherein said characteristic dimension is at least 4.8 cm.

8. The umbrella according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said disk comprises a square area which is at least 8 cm, and no greater than 25 cm, on a side.

9. The umbrella according to claim 8, wherein said square area is at least 9.6 cm on a side.

10. The umbrella according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cap further comprises a tube-connector configured to attach said cap to the top end of the tube, said tube-connector being formed as a tubular member extending laterally from an underside of said disk, wherein said cap further comprising a plurality of cap-supports extending from a bottom end of said tube-connector to an underside of said disk.

11. The umbrella according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cap comprises a substantially flat top side.

12. The umbrella according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said disk comprises a plurality of radially-arranged notches receiving therein said ribs.

13. The umbrella according to claim 12, wherein each notch comprises a pin therein, each of said ribs comprising a through-going aperture receiving therethrough one of said pins, thereby pivotally articulating said ribs to said cap.

14. The umbrella according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said frame further comprises a handle at bottom end thereof.

15. The umbrella according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said canopy is made from a nylon material.

16. The umbrella according to any one of the preceding claims, being configured such that, in a fully closed position thereof, said ribs are disposed towards the tube at an angle of at least 2°.

17. The umbrella according to claim 16, wherein said angle is at least 3.75°.

18. The umbrella according to claim 17, wherein said angle is at least 5°.

19. According to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weight of the umbrella is no more than 2 kg.

20. According to claim 19, wherein the weight of the umbrella is no more than 1.5 kg.

21. According to claim 20, wherein the weight of the umbrella is no more than 1 kg.

22. According to claim 21, wherein the weight of the umbrella is no more than 600 grams.

23. An umbrella comprising a frame and a canopy attached thereto, said frame comprising:

• a tube extending vertically along a tube axis;

• a cap at a top end of said tube comprising a disk projecting radially therefrom and being configured for being attached to said tube;

• a runner configured to move along at least a portion of said tube;

• a plurality of ribs hingedly articulated to said disk radially therearound; and

wherein said umbrella is configured such that, in a fully closed position thereof, said ribs are disposed towards the tube at an angle of at least 2°.

24. The umbrella according to claim 23, wherein said angle is at least 3.75°.

25. The umbrella according to claim 24, wherein said angle is at least 5°.

26. The umbrella according to any one of claims 23 through 25, wherein said disk comprises a square area which is at least 8 cm, and no greater than 25 cm, on a side.

27. The umbrella according to claim 26, wherein said square area is at least 9.6 cm on a side.

28. The umbrella according to any one of claims 23 through 27, wherein said cap further comprises a tube-connector configured to attach said cap to the top end of the tube, said tube-connector being formed as a tubular member extending laterally from an underside of said disk, wherein said cap further comprises a plurality of cap-supports extending from a bottom end of said tube- connector to an underside of said disk.

29. The umbrella according to any one of claims 23 through 28, wherein said cap comprises a substantially flat top side.

30. The umbrella according to any one of claims 23 through 29, wherein said disk comprises a plurality of radially-arranged notches receiving therein said ribs.

31. The umbrella according to claim 30, wherein each notch comprises a pin therein, each of said ribs comprising a through-going aperture receiving therethrough one of said pins, thereby pivotally articulating said ribs to said cap.

32. The umbrella according to any one of claims 23 through 31, wherein said frame further comprises a handle at bottom end thereof.

33. The umbrella according to any one of claims 23 through 32, wherein said canopy is made from a nylon material.

34. According to any one of claims 27 through 33, wherein the weight of the umbrella is no more than 2 kg.

35. According to claim 34, wherein the weight of the umbrella is no more than 1.5 kg.

36. According to claim 36, wherein the weight of the umbrella is no more than 1 kg.

37. According to claim 37, wherein the weight of the umbrella is no more than 600 grams.

38. An umbrella comprising a frame and a canopy attached thereto, said frame comprising:

• a tube extending vertically along a tube axis;

• a runner configured to move along at least a portion of said tube; -45 -

wherein said disk comprises a square area which is at least 8 cm, and no greater than 25 cm, on a side.

39. The umbrella according to claim 38, wherein said square area is at least 9.6 cm on a side.

40. The umbrella according to any one of claims 38 and 39, wherein said cap further comprises a tube-connector configured to attach said cap to the top end of the tube, said tube-connector being formed as a tubular member extending laterally from an underside of said disk, wherein said cap further comprises a plurality of cap-supports extending from a bottom end of said tube- connector to an underside of said disk.

41. The umbrella according to any one of claims 38 through 40, wherein said cap comprises a substantially flat top side.

42. The umbrella according to any one of claims 38 through 41, wherein said disk comprises a plurality of radially-arranged notches receiving therein said ribs.

43. The umbrella according to claim 42, wherein each notch comprises a pin therein, each of said ribs comprising a through-going aperture receiving therethrough one of said pins, thereby pivotally articulating said ribs to said cap.

44. The umbrella according to any one of claims 38 through 43, wherein said frame further comprises a handle at bottom end thereof.

45. The umbrella according to any one of claims 38 through 44, wherein said canopy is made from a nylon material.

46. According to any one of claims 38 through 45, wherein the weight of the umbrella is no more than 2 kg.

47. According to claim 46, wherein the weight of the umbrella is no more than 1.5 kg.

48. According to claim 47, wherein the weight of the umbrella is no more than 1 kg.

49. According to claim 48, wherein the weight of the umbrella is no more than 600 grams.