Auxiliary Frame Brace Patents (Class 135/27)
  • Patent number: 11939787
    Abstract: A rapidly deployable structure that includes a first and second hub, a plurality of legs and a rod connected to the first hub. The first hub includes first recesses. The second hub includes second recesses and an alignment guide. Each leg is connected to the first hub and the second hub. The rod connected is to the first hub and includes pins that are movable between an extended state, where pins protrude from the rod, and a retracted state where the pins are retracted within the rod. The first hub is movable relative to the second hub between a first state in which the rod is disposed above the alignment guide in an axial direction defined by an opening in the alignment guide and a second state in which a portion of the rod comprising the pins is below the alignment guide in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Edward Michaelchuck, Scott Ramsey, Christopher Strem
  • Patent number: 10729954
    Abstract: A system is delineated for protecting golf bag contents. The system may comprise a golf bag; a telescopic member coupled to the golf bag, wherein the telescopic member resides in a stowed state substantially within the golf bag and is selectively moved to a deployed state to facilitate protecting the contents of the golf bag; and a cover coupled to the telescopic member, wherein the cover resides in a stowed state when the telescopic member is in its stowed state and is selectively moved by movement of the telescopic member to a deployed state for the cover to protect the contents of the golf bag. The system may be manufactured integrally with a golf bag or as a separate piece for installation on a golf bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventor: Michael C. Hennenberg
  • Patent number: 10716372
    Abstract: An umbrella frame bending structure for two-fold inverted umbrella includes an umbrella shaft assembly, an umbrella frame and bending devices. The bending devices are arranged on the umbrella frame such that when the main ribs and auxiliary ribs of the umbrella frame are opened, the auxiliary ribs limit the opening distance of the main ribs, causing the main ribs to curve. The umbrella frame bending structure has the advantages of low cost, simple structure and ease of installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Inventor: Sheng-Chun Li
  • Patent number: 10448716
    Abstract: An improved umbrella (10) comprising: a shaft (11); a plurality of ribs(13) spaced around the shaft (11) arranged to be capable of extending outwardly of the shaft (11) in a deployed condition; a canopy (12) supportable by the ribs (13); and a tensioner (19) comprising a filamentary material which extends around the perimeter of the umbrella (10), wherein the filamentary material (19) is arranged to tension the perimeter of the umbrella (10) and resist inversion of the umbrella (10) by pulling a distal end of each rib (13) towards the shaft (11) when in the deployed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Inventor: Richard David Heale
  • Patent number: 10264861
    Abstract: An umbrella includes a shaft, a top cap and a runner. Multiple rib units and multiple stretchers are pivotably connected to the top cap and the runner. The rib units each have a first rib, a second rib and a third rib. The first, second and third ribs are pivotably connected in sequence. A canopy is mounted to the rib units. The second ribs each have a first connection portion on one end thereof, and the first connection portion has a seat which is connected to a link unit. The link unit has a joint which is connected to the third rib. The third rib has a positioning member to position the joint. The third rib and the joint are connected with each other to bear wind force applied to the second rib and the third rib, such that the second and third ribs do not deform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Inventor: Yen-Shuo Su
  • Patent number: 9788617
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved pull rib structure of a wind-resistant umbrella. The pull rib includes a rigid pull bar section and a flexible pull wire connected to each other. The pull wire has a free end that is coupled through a tighten-up device to the outer rib. The tighten-up device includes a position-restoration member arranged therein to connect to the free end of the pull wire and apply a position-restoration driving force to the pull wire. The tighten-up device keeps the pull wire in a stretched and tight condition during collapsing of umbrella so as to prevent entangling and ensure a smooth opening operation and service life of the umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: XIAMEN MINGHO BROTHERS MFG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tien-Cheng Chen, Sun-Feng Sung
  • Patent number: 9486044
    Abstract: A reverse folding umbrella includes a cane body and a umbrella body; the cane body including a shaft and a handle; the umbrella body including a hollow tube, outer and inner fabric; the hollow tube having a grip disposed in one end thereof, and a top notch disposed in opposite end thereof; the top notch having a plurality of upper ribs connected around a peripheral edge thereof; one end of the upper ribs connected with reverted ribs; the reverted ribs connected with lower ribs; the lower ribs connected around a peripheral edge of a runner; the reverse folding umbrella that has the function of rain or sun shelter and walking cane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventor: Jenhao Dai
  • Patent number: 9301582
    Abstract: An umbrella is formed of an elongated shaft having a first end and an opposite second end and a runner slidably disposed about the elongated shaft. The umbrella includes a rib assembly including a plurality of ribs that are attached to the runner by a plurality of struts that move between open and closed positions. In accordance with the present invention, the elongated shaft has a cross-sectional shape defined by a plurality of curved sections and a plurality of planar sections interspersed between the plurality of curved sections for providing increased torsional strength to the elongated shaft. At least one of the ribs can have a cross-sectional shape defined by a plurality of curved sections and a plurality of planar sections interspersed between the plurality of curved sections for providing increased torsional strength to the at least one rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: SHEDRAIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Ryan Haythornthwaite, Andrew Paul Haythornthwaite
  • Patent number: 9138035
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a flexible canopy. In one embodiment, the flexible canopy includes a central shaft, a sliding collar, a plurality of supports, a plurality of tensioners, a tensioner connection hub, and a membrane. The sliding collar is slidably connected to and surrounds the central shaft. A first end of each of the supports is connected to the sliding collar, and a second end of each of the supports is connected to the membrane near the edge of the membrane. Each of the tensioners is connected at one end to a different one of the supports and at the other end to the tensioner connection hub. In one embodiment, the flexible canopy includes a handle connected to a first, lower end of the central shaft. In other embodiments, the first, lower end of the central shaft includes or is insertable into a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture LLP
    Inventor: Alejandro H. Stochetti
  • Publication number: 20150129005
    Abstract: An improved umbrella (10) comprising: a shaft (11); a plurality of ribs(13) spaced around the shaft (11) arranged to be capable of extending outwardly of the shaft (11) in a deployed condition; a canopy (12) supportable by the ribs (13); and a tensioner (19) comprising a filamentary material which extends around the perimeter of the umbrella (10), wherein the filamentary material (19) is arranged to tension the perimeter of the umbrella (10) and resist inversion of the umbrella (10) by pulling a distal end of each rib (13) towards the shaft (11) when in the deployed condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Richard David HEALE
  • Patent number: 9016296
    Abstract: An umbrella structure includes a shaft, a top notch fixed at the top end of the shaft, a runner mounted around and slidable along the shaft, plural ribs, plural stretchers, a canopy, and plural torsion springs. Each rib has an upper end pivotally connected to the top notch. Each stretcher has an upper end pivotally connected to an intermediate portion of one of the ribs and a lower end pivotally connected to the runner. The canopy can be opened or closed by sliding the runner upward or downward along the shaft. One torsion spring is provided where each rib is pivotally connected to the corresponding stretcher. When the runner is slid downward to close the canopy, each torsion spring is compressed and stores energy. When the runner is slid upward to open the canopy, each torsion spring releases the stored energy to reduce the effort required for opening the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Joen-Shen Ma
  • Patent number: 8939163
    Abstract: The present invention includes an umbrella anti-inversion apparatus comprising a removable cuff and a plurality of removable and adjustable straps. The cuff is attached around an umbrella shaft and the straps extend radially from the strap openings on the adjustable cuff to the umbrella tips to which they are connected. There are adjusting means incorporated on to the straps enabling easy modification of length thereby providing varied tension in each strap for effectively preventing undesirable displacement of the rib outer ends; thus providing a particular means for averting the inversion of an umbrella canopy in an open position from high winds and other weather events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Aubrey Michael Gray
  • Patent number: 8893736
    Abstract: A foldaway umbrella (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) moveable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, said umbrella comprising: k) a central spine (12, 112, 212, 312, 312, 412, 512); l) an upper crown (24, 124, 224, 324, 424, 524) moveable with respect to the central spine; m) a lower crown (38, 138, 238, 338, 438, 538) fixed with respect to the central spine; n) a collapsible canopy framework (16, 116, 216, 316, 416, 516) connected to the upper crown and the lower crown; and o) a main canopy (18, 118, 218, 318, 418, 518) covering the collapsible canopy framework said main canopy (18, 118, 218, 318, 418, 518) covering the collapsible canopy framework said main canopy having an inside face closest to the collapsible canopy framework and an outside face crown from a position remote of the lower crown to a position close to the lower crown results in the collapsible canopy framework, and thus the main canopy, to move from the open configuration to the closed configuration wherein the main canopy i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Jenan Kazim
  • Publication number: 20140283888
    Abstract: The present invention includes an umbrella anti-inversion apparatus comprising a removable cuff and a plurality of removable and adjustable straps. The cuff is attached around an umbrella shaft and the straps extend radially from the strap openings on the adjustable cuff to the umbrella tips to which they are connected. There are adjusting means incorporated on to the straps enabling easy modification of length thereby providing varied tension in each strap for effectively preventing undesirable displacement of the rib outer ends; thus providing a particular means for averting the inversion of an umbrella canopy in an open position from high winds and other weather events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Aubrey Michael Gray
  • Publication number: 20140209132
    Abstract: An umbrella system that provides stability to an umbrella to prevent it from inversion or damage in strong wind conditions. The umbrella includes guidelines that may be stored in the umbrella handle, and may include a spring stored in the handle for retracting a dispensed length of the guidelines. The guidelines may be secured to the canopy of the umbrella or to the ribs of the umbrella. When the umbrella is in an open position, the guidelines may be extended from the handle to the perimeter of the canopy. The guidelines provide a downward force to the umbrella canopy such that when there are strong winds, the umbrella does not invert due to the guidelines pulling down on the canopy. The guidelines may also be stored within the ribs of the umbrella. Clips may also be used to secure one end of the guidelines to the canopy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: David Landry
  • Publication number: 20140130836
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a flexible canopy. In one embodiment, the flexible canopy includes a central shaft, a sliding collar, a plurality of supports, a plurality of tensioners, a tensioner connection hub, and a membrane. The sliding collar is slidably connected to and surrounds the central shaft. A first end of each of the supports is connected to the sliding collar, and a second end of each of the supports is connected to the membrane near the edge of the membrane. Each of the tensioners is connected at one end to a different one of the supports and at the other end to the tensioner connection hub. In one embodiment, the flexible canopy includes a handle connected to a first, lower end of the central shaft. In other embodiments, the first, lower end of the central shaft includes or is insertable into a base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: ADRIAN SMITH + GORDON GILL ARCHITECTURE LLP
    Inventor: Alejandro H. Stochetti
  • Patent number: 8607808
    Abstract: A light windproof umbrella is provided with a center post including a top ferrule, an upper grommet, an intermediate sliding ring, and a sliding runner under the sliding ring; ribs each having one end pivotably secured to the grommet and the other end being open; main joints each formed at a portion of the rib proximate to the other end of the rib; auxiliary joints each formed at a portion of the rib between the main joint and the grommet; stretchers each having one end pivotably secured to the sliding ring and the other end moveably secured to the rib; struts each having one end pivotably secured to the sliding runner and the other end pivotably secured to the auxiliary joint; a lower canopy; and an upper canopy in a partial covering relationship to the lower canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan You
  • Patent number: 8511327
    Abstract: The invention provides an anti-wind eccentric umbrella, with a shaft, a framework, an upper ring, a lower ring and a canopy, in which the framework is composed of ribs, stretchers and a main frame. The two ends on one side of a main frame that is cross-hinged by a first main brace and a second main brace through a main frame hinge axis are respectively hinged with the upper ring and the lower ring. The anti-wind eccentric umbrella has a rib vacant position and the rib vacant position and the ribs are distributed in 360°. The main frame is on the rib vacant position, the top notch is hinged with an auxiliary rib, the runner is hinged with an auxiliary stretcher and the auxiliary stretcher is at the rib vacant position at the outer side of that occupied by the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventors: Min Li Sun, Jin Yang
  • Patent number: 8499775
    Abstract: An umbrella includes an internal shaft fit into an interior chamber of a central post. A cap is fixed to a top end of the internal shaft. An intermediate collar is movably fit to the central post and a runner located below the collar is fixed to the central post. Each of ribs has an inner end connected to the cap. Each of stretchers has two ends connected to the intermediate collar and the respective rib. Each of the driving bars has ends connected to the runner and the respective rib at a location between the connection of the rib to the cap and the connection of the rib to the respective stretcher. A connector is movably fit over the central post below the runner and is connected by a pull bar to the intermediate collar. The connector includes a fixing member engageable and fixable to the central post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventors: Joen-Shen Ma, Yung Cheng Ma
  • Publication number: 20130042897
    Abstract: The invention provides an anti-wind eccentric umbrella, comprising a shaft, a framework, an upper ring, a lower ring and a canopy, in which the framework is composed of ribs, stretchers and a main frame. The two ends on one side of a main frame that is cross-hinged by a first main brace and a second main brace through a main frame hinge axis are respectively hinged with the upper ring and the lower ring. The anti-wind eccentric umbrella comprises a rib vacant position and the rib vacant position and the ribs are distributed in 360°. The main frame is on the rib vacant position, the top notch is hinged with an auxiliary rib, the runner is hinged with an auxiliary stretcher and the auxiliary stretcher is at the rib vacant position at the outer side of that occupied by the main frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Min Li Sun, Jin Yang
  • Patent number: 8240322
    Abstract: A splash-proof umbrella structure comprises a rod passing through a slide sleeve sliding up and down along the rod. The slide sleeve is coupled to support sticks. A piece of umbrella cloth is arranged on the support sticks. The upper side of the rod has a first rod sleeve and a second rod sleeve. The first rod sleeve has first link rods coupled to the support sticks. The second rod sleeve has second link rods coupled to the first link rods. The bottom of the rod has a handle. When getting off a vehicle in rain, the user can open the umbrella in a confined space to prevent from being wetted by rainwater via sliding the slide sleeve upward to stretch the umbrella cloth bottom-up. When not in use, the umbrella cloth can be collapsed via sliding the slide sleeve toward the handle. Further, the handle can collect rainwater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventors: Tzu-cheng Chang, Chin-Sen Hsieh, Chih-Chi Chou
  • Patent number: 8225806
    Abstract: An umbrella having housing with a deployable canopy extendable and retractable therefrom. The canopy comprises a material covering supported by flexible ribs and rib extension retainer cords. The umbrella further provides an adjustable strap extending between the exterior distal ends and a handle on one distal end of a flexible collapsible material. The adjustable strap further provides a D-ring and clasp on one end allowing for removal of said strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Anthony F. Simonelli
  • Patent number: 8220473
    Abstract: A foldable umbrella capable of auto-adjustment of the umbrella cloth comprises: a plurality of foldable ribs; an umbrella pole for connecting one ends of the ribs; an umbrella cloth expanded along a space spanned by the ribs; at least one connection portion located on an inner side of the umbrella cloth and two adjacent ribs. Each connection portion includes two L-shaped retainers and one connecting unit; and each L-shaped retainer is made of flexible and bendable material. When the umbrella is folded, by the clamping effect of the two L-shaped retainers of one connection portion, the umbrella cloth will present a smooth folded shape so that the umbrella cloth is folded along the umbrella pole easily. Thus the umbrella cloth can be folded easily, rapidly, and directly with a beautiful outlook and a small size. It is difficult to be damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Han-Hsiang Chang
  • Patent number: 8096310
    Abstract: An umbrella frame structured for use in a strong wind conditions such as those conditions frequently encountered on a boat traveling at relatively high speeds. An umbrella frame assembly includes a reinforcing assembly connected thereto in a supportive, operative orientation thereby providing a stable support for an umbrella canopy which can remain open even during travel of the boat. The frame assembly can be modified to support canopies of varying shapes and sizes and the frame assembly can be easily removed, for storage purposes, from a supporting base which may be mounted on or connected to a boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: TUUCI Worldwide, LLC.
    Inventor: Dougan H. Clarke
  • Publication number: 20110000513
    Abstract: An umbrella in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a canopy that is extendable into an extra wide configuration to cover two users. In accordance with one embodiment the umbrella opens to a first open position to provide coverage for one person and expands to a second open position to provide coverage for a second person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Joanna Amron, Alan Amron, Montie W. Roland, Paul A. Hakenewerth, Stephen P. Koester
  • Publication number: 20100243009
    Abstract: A umbrella includes an upright post, a swing mechanism pivotally mounted on the upright post, a frame mounted on the swing mechanism to pivot in concert with the swing mechanism relative to the upright post, and a driving mechanism mounted on the upright post and connected with the swing mechanism to drive the swing mechanism to pivot relative to the upright post. Thus, the frame is rolled relative to the upright post to tilt leftward or rightward to adjust the inclined angle of the skeleton of the frame so as to provide a better shading effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Jin-Sheng Lai
  • Publication number: 20090308419
    Abstract: An umbrella includes a shank, a frame, and a canopy in covering relationship to the frame wherein the canopy includes a main section and a rearward extending section, and the frame includes a plurality of rearward extending first rib sections. The umbrella being open is adapted to provide a wider protection area to an object carried on the shoulder or towed by the hand against the rain. The umbrella frame is made of FRP so as to reduce weight significantly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan You
  • Publication number: 20090188537
    Abstract: An umbrella system relating to the general protection of fixed outdoor umbrellas, especially during windy conditions. The umbrella system uses a supportive shaft equipped with a resiliently deformable region allowing omni-directional bending under wind loading. A preferred embodiment of the deformable region comprises a helical spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: John Andrew Bacik
  • Publication number: 20090139555
    Abstract: A beach umbrella with improved sturdiness, durability and ability to keep the shading size maximized, but weight of the structure to the minimum is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Lev Kharag
  • Publication number: 20090126769
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a canopy device, in particular an umbrella or parasol, comprising: a rod; a canopy of flexible material connected to the rod close to an end thereof; operating means displaceable along the rod for closing or opening the canopy; and means for tensioning the canopy, which canopy tensioning means comprise a set of first tensioning members and a set of second tensioning members, wherein the first tensioning members are each pivotally connected with one first outer end to the rod and extend therefrom along the canopy to a position close to the periphery thereof, and wherein the second tensioning members are each pivotally connected with a first outer end to the operating means and are connected with a second outer end to a corresponding first tensioning member, wherein the connection between the first and second tensioning members is arranged closer to the periphery of the canopy than to the rod, and is preferably situated substantially close to the periphery of the canopy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Senz Technologies BV
    Inventor: Gerrit Hoogendoorn
  • Patent number: 7527063
    Abstract: A kind of rib structure in an umbrella with two layers of umbrella cover mainly uses a thinner metal bar to be bent and formed the sleeve rings and paralleled long and short skeletons, and circular rings are wrapped in the end of the long and short skeletons. The sleeve ring is used to be sleeve-set directly on the position close to the mounting seat of the last folded rib with rounded bar shape in the umbrella rib. A front edge of the upper layer umbrella cover is fix-mounted on the upper rib-mounting nest of umbrella, and its lower edge is mounted on the circular ring of the long skeleton by the silk wire. The front edge in the lower layer of umbrella cover is mounted on the circular ring of the short skeleton by the silk wire, and its lower edge is mounted on the ball tail of the last folded rib by the silk wire. The upper and lower layers of umbrella cover can be linked by this independent sleeve-set method without the need of change in original elements of the umbrella rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Hsia Hui Chen
  • Publication number: 20090025764
    Abstract: An umbrella frame part includes: a slender support of a metal extrudate, the support being formed with at least one retaining groove extending along the length of the support and defined by a grove-defining wall, the groove-defining wall having two opposite end portions extending toward each other to define a constricted opening therebetween, the constricted opening in a normal direction relative to the length of the support; and at least one slender decorative bar inserted fittingly into the retaining groove, having an outer surface exposed from the constricted opening, and restricted by the end portions of the groove-defining wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Henry LEE
  • Patent number: 7011100
    Abstract: A skeleton for an umbrella includes multiple sets of rib members, each of which includes a main rib, a first link connected to the main rib, and a stretcher connected at an outer end to the first link. Two opposite sets of the rib members are further provided with a second link connected to a near outer end of the main rib, an elastic first ear-forming rib connected at an inner end to the second link, and a pull cord connected at an inner end to a near outer end of the stretcher and at an outer end to an outer end of the first ear-forming rib. The ear-forming ribs are pulled by the pull cords into curved and tense state to look like two ears at two sides of an animal's head when the umbrella is stretched, and flatly bear against the skeleton when the umbrella is collapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Tsun-Zong Wu
  • Patent number: 6918399
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic umbrella, which mainly uses an elastic frame to receive the second rib of the umbrella. The elastic frame can be connected with the runner easily. In opening procedure, the elastic branch rib of the elastic frame can be bended and inclined to push the second rib upward. At the time, the umbrella is opened automatically. The assembled elastic frame and the rib can be easily and firmly that provides improvement for use of the automatic umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Chin Sung Ko
  • Patent number: 6814093
    Abstract: An enhanced frame of an auto-opening umbrella comprises hollow cylindrical intermediate joints with spreaders passed through and each including two spaced bottom lugs, a bar across the lugs, and a recess between the lugs. The bar is disposed less than half of a projected distance of the lug. A plurality of links has hooked ends pivotably coupled to a lower ring and the bar. Also, the recess is in communication with a hole of the joint. The outer hooked end of each link is sufficiently smaller than the recess so that ribs are spaced apart from the spreaders by a much smaller distance when the umbrella is folded. This can achieve a smooth folding operation and a more compact umbrella after folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan You
  • Patent number: 6715504
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stick type umbrella with reinforced frame including a shaft, which connects with a frame having several sets, such as six sets or eight sets, of main ribs and stretchers. The frame is to provide with two different rib-set structures alternately on the frame. One set is to provide a cord between a middle position of the stretcher and an outer position of the main rib, and the other set is to provide a movable joint at the outer end of the stretcher positioned on the relative main rib between two fixed rings. As the cord pulls the main rib tight and the movable joint functions on the main rib to release wind pressure, the stick type umbrella with the present invention can be quite useful and is capable of avoiding breakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Christopher Chen
  • Publication number: 20030226582
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stick type umbrella with reinforced frame including a shaft, which connects with a frame having several sets, such as six sets or eight sets, of main ribs and stretchers. The frame is to provide with two different rib-set structures alternately on the frame. One set is to provide a cord between a middle position of the stretcher and an outer position of the main rib, and the other set is to provide a movable joint at the outer end of the stretcher positioned on the relative main rib between two fixed rings. As the cord pulls the main rib tight and the movable joint functions on the main rib to release wind pressure, the stick type umbrella with the present invention can be quite useful and is capable of avoiding breakage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: Christopher Chen
  • Publication number: 20030226583
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a protecting structure for a stick type umbrella, which includes a shaft assembled with several sets of main ribs and stretcher, while a cover is provided on the ribs. The characteristic is to provide a reinforced cord to connect the main rib and the relative stretcher for holding the main rib to resist the upward wind while the umbrella is open. Thus, the ribs are protected safe against the strong wind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: Christopher Chen
  • Patent number: 6588439
    Abstract: A wind-protecting skeleton for folding umbrella is characterized in a rib-pulling mechanism mounted between each stretcher and each corresponding outer rib of the umbrella. The rib-pulling mechanism includes a flexible pull cord having an inner knotted end connected to a predetermined position on the stretcher and an outer knotted end movably connected to an eye at an inner end of a rigid wire. An eye at an outer end of the rigid wire is pivotally connected to a coupling device fixedly connected to a predetermined position on the outer rib. When the umbrella is stretched, the flexible pull cord and the rigid wire together pull the outer rib inward to protect the same from turning upward or breaking due to a strong wind force against an inner side of the umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Tsun-Zong Wu
  • Publication number: 20030005951
    Abstract: A wind-protecting skeleton for folding umbrella is characterized in a rib-pulling mechanism mounted between each stretcher and each corresponding outer rib of the umbrella. The rib-pulling mechanism includes a flexible pull cord having an inner knotted end connected to a predetermined position on the stretcher and an outer knotted end movably connected to an eye at an inner end of a rigid wire. An eye at an outer end of the rigid wire is pivotally connected to a coupling device fixedly connected to a predetermined position on the outer rib. When the umbrella is stretched, the flexible pull cord and the rigid wire together pull the outer rib inward to protect the same from turning upward or breaking due to a strong wind force against an inner side of the umbrella.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Tsun-Zong Wu
  • Publication number: 20020157695
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved rib structure of a windproof umbrella, more particularly to the improved rib structure of an umbrella having an airflow guidance function, mainly comprising a main shaft and a predetermined number of external supporting ribs, internal supporting ribs, stretcher ribs, and linking ribs; wherein an auxiliary set of supporting ribs being disposed at the external edge of the pivotal connecting section of the internal supporting, and such set of supporting ribs using an isolating member substantially in “T” shape being coupled to the external supporting ribs such that there exists an appropriate interval between the two ribs, and a ringed latch being disposed at the appropriate location on the periphery of the auxiliary external rib in order to set up a second umbrella layer and form an airflow space in the interval between the two layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Ming-ju Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20020104558
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-folded automatic opened umbrella, which includes a shaft having an upper tube and a lower tube. An upper joint is provided on the top of the shaft and a middle joint is provided around the upper tube while a runner is provided around the shaft below the middle joint. An upper spring and a lower spring are put in the upper tube to provide the force for opening the umbrella. An extended rib is positioned within a triangle composed by the shaft, a main rib, and an upper branch rib to assist the umbrella being closed smoothly and being small occupation as closed. This obtains improvement and utility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Shih-Shin Kuo
  • Publication number: 20020088484
    Abstract: A wind pressure releasable umbrella/parasol each of whose plurality of main ribs has a brace tied to its lower end at one end and the other end hung free in a cantilever manner. An upper cover cloth is shading from the top ends of the main ribs and down to points corresponding to the free ends of the braces, on the hand, a lower cover cloth is shading from the free ends of the braces down to the lower ends of the main ribs. A slit of clearance is formed between slightly overlapped edges of the two cover clothes so as to release wind pressure exerted on the umbrella/parasol by allowing the wind to leak therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Chin-Sung Liu, Chiu-Chan Yen
  • Patent number: 6332471
    Abstract: Fixing structure for large-size sunshade, including a series of chain elements, a locating seat and a locating pin. The series of chain elements are composed of several identically-sized chain elements looped with each other and tied to a middle section of a sunshade pull cord. Two ends of the series of chain elements are respectively connected with an upper cord body and a lower cord body of the pull cord. The locating seat is locked on a lower end of the sunshade stem and has two cantilevers parallel to each other. The two cantilevers define therebetween a split for the chain element to pass therethrough. Each of the cantilevers is formed with a locating notch opposite to the other. The locating pin is a rectangular bar member having a length able to cross two sides of the split. The locating pin has a width corresponding to the width of the locating notch of the locating seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventor: Jin-Sheng Lai
  • Patent number: 6318391
    Abstract: A windproof umbrella comprises a canopy including an upper canopy, a lower canopy not equal to upper canopy in size, and a vent hole provided in the center portion of the lower canopy; and a multiple frame including a shank, stationary hubs fixed on the shank, rings slidable along the shank, ribs for supporting canopy, and spreaders. Air beneath the lower canopy exits through a gap formed between upper and lower canopies when frame is stretched. Also, rings moves synchronously along the shank such that the stretching and folding of upper and lower canopies can be smooth and synchronous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan You
  • Patent number: 6302125
    Abstract: A simplified flat top umbrella for simulating a bottle cap of drink or beverage includes: a rib assembly pivotally secured to a central shaft having at least a top rib and an outer rib operatively extended to form a horizontal rib frame having an outer rib portion generally perpendicular to the horizontal rib frame; and an one-piece umbrella cloth secured to the horizontal rib frame for forming a flat top surface for printing decorative or advertising features thereon such as a logo of a drink or beverage and having a skirt portion of the umbrella cloth secured to the outer rib portion by forming a plurality of radial ruffles and ridged rumples radially formed on a periphery of the skirt portion for vividly simulating the ruffles as circumferentially formed on a perimeter of a bottle cap such as cap of drink or beverage bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Fu Tai Umbrella Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Lin, Jung-Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 6230725
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an aluminum alloy umbrella stretcher structure having light weight and improved strength of resisting being broken by strong wind. The improvement comprises providing a carbon fiber segment on the second main umbrella stretcher. In other words, the second main umbrella stretcher according to the invention is composed of an aluminum alloy segment integrated with a carbon fiber segment effectively to enhance the strength of umbrella stretchers, avoiding being broken when the umbrella canopy is reversed by strong wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Chin-Sung Ko
  • Patent number: 6216712
    Abstract: A safety umbrella includes: a central shaft; a rib assembly having a plurality of top ribs pivotally secured to an upper notch on the shaft each top rib pulled by a pulling rope to be tensioned towards an upper portion on the shaft, and a plurality of stretcher ribs each pivotally connected between each top rib and a runner slidably held on the shaft, with each stretcher rib forming an acute angle between the stretcher rib and the shaft; whereby upon opening of the umbrella, the tension force as effected by the pulling rope and acting upon each top rib will be transferred to each stretcher rib to form an upwardly orienting fraction force to lift the stretcher rib along the shaft to stably hold the rib assembly at an opening state; and a ball resiliently held in a lower portion of the shaft, whereby upon closing of the umbrella, the runner will be engaged with the ball for stably retracting the rib assembly at a folded condition, thereby eliminating the acute spring catches as found in a conventional umbrella
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Fu Tai Umbrella Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Lin, Jung-Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 6186157
    Abstract: A windproof umbrella includes: a central shaft, a rib assembly having at least a top rib and a stretcher rib pivotally secured to the central shaft for securing an umbrella cloth thereon, a pulling rod secured on the stretcher rib and a pulling rope connected between the pulling rod and the top rib (or an outer rib portion of the rib assembly), with the pulling rope and pulling rod fastening the top rib (or the outer rib portion of the rib assembly) towards the central shaft for preventing inversion of the umbrella cloth and the rib assembly when opening the umbrella, whereby upon folding of the umbrella, the pulling rod and pulling rope will be tensely folded within the rib assembly without loosening for forming a compact folded umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Fu Tai Umbrella Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Lin, Jung-Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 6173721
    Abstract: A patio umbrella has a pole that has an opening extending therethrough. The patio umbrella has a plurality of ribs for supporting and umbrella covering, and a runner adapted to slide along the pole and coupled to the ribs. The patio umbrella further includes a pulley system that has a first pulley member secured to a first side of the pole, a second pulley member coupled to the runner on the first side of the pole, a wheel positioned inside the opening of the pole, and a pulley rope. The pulley rope has a first end secured to the second pulley member and passes through the first and second pulley members, and then through the wheel inside the opening of the pole, to a free end that is positioned on a side of the pole that is opposite to the first side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Seville Classics, Inc.
    Inventor: Jhoni Mery