Abstract: A durable collapsible frame structure is provided for umbrella with self-opening mechanism, which can make the pivotal coupling between the supporting ribs and the linkage beams highly firm and secure while nonetheless retaining the light-weighted quality of the supporting ribs. The collapsible frame structure is more durable than the prior art by using enforced light-weighted materials such as FRP to form the umbrella frame and steel bars to form the linkage beams. Therefore, the collapsible frame structure is longer in the life of use than the prior art.

Abstract: A simplified flat top umbrella includes: a central shaft (1) having an upper notch (11) formed on an upper portion of the shaft (1) and a lower runner (12) slidably held on the shaft (1), a top rib (2) pivotally secured to the upper notch (11), an outer rib (3) fixed to the top rib (2), a stretcher rib (4) pivotally connected between the lower runner (12) and the top rib (2), and a pulling rib (5) secured between the stretcher rib (4) and an outer portion (32) of the outer rib (3); whereby upon extending of the ribs having an umbrella cloth retained thereon for opening the umbrella, the top rib (2) and the outer rib (3) will be lifted to form a generally horizontal canopy and the outer portion (32) of the outer rib (3) will be pulled inwardly by the pulling rib (5) and the stretcher rib (4) to form a skirt portion generally perpendicular to the horizontal canopy, thereby providing a light compact flat top umbrella for a convenient carrying and operation.

Abstract: An umbrella comprising a central shaft having an upper end and a lower end with the lower end including a handle incorporates a plurality of pivotable members each having a first end pivotally coupled to an upper end of the shaft and being circumferentially spaced about the shaft and oriented generally parallel thereto when the umbrella is in a collapsed condition. A plurality of flexible members are operatively associated with corresponding ones of the pivotable members. The flexible members are each expandable into a generally hoop-shaped configuration adjacent another end of the pivotable members when the pivotable members are pivoted from a collapsed condition to an operative position. The open umbrella appears as a canopy stretched over a plurality of circumferentially spaced ribs with each rib terminating in a hoop-shaped member.

Abstract: A multiple-fold windproof umbrella includes: a central shaft having a rib assembly pivotally secured to the central shaft, a lower cloth having an anti-sagging band fastened on an upper periphery of the lower cloth and secured to the rib assembly, an upper cloth secured to the central shaft and juxtapositionally retained above the lower cloth, and a plurality of control valves each formed between the upper cloth and the lower cloth secured on the rib assembly, with the valves opened for escaping a strong wind blowing into the umbrella cloths; and automatically restoring the upper cloth downwardly for closing the opening between the upper and lower cloths of the umbrella after the escape of wind; with the anti-sagging band provided on the lower cloth automatically tensioning the upper periphery of the lower cloth for preventing the sagging of the lower cloth and for enhancing a smooth folding and unfolding of the umbrella.

Abstract: A windproof umbrella includes: an upper cloth secured on an upper rib pivotally connected to a central shaft of the umbrella, a lower cloth secured on a lower rib pivotally connected to the central shaft and having a central opening circumferentially formed in a top portion of the lower cloth around the central shaft, each upper cloth provided with a control valve thereon for resiliently normally closing an aperture between the upper cloth and the lower cloth; and upon blowing of strong wind on the lower and upper cloths, the control valve will be opened to release the wind for preventing inversion of the umbrella.

Abstract: An automatic umbrella includes: a central shaft consisting of four tubes telescopically engageable with one another; a rib assembly consisting of at least a top rib pivotally secured to a top portion of the central shaft, a stretcher rib pivotally connected with the top rib and a lower runner slidably held on the central shaft, and several ribs pivotally connected to the top rib and the stretcher rib; an opening spring resiliently retained in the central shaft for opening the umbrella; a plurality of closing springs secured on the rib assembly for closing the umbrella; and a control device consisting of an upper roller rotatably mounted on an upper portion of the central shaft, a lower roller rotatably secured on the lower runner and an uppermost roller rotatably secured on a top portion of the shaft for continuously deflectively winding a rope of the control device on the rollers for making an automatic umbrella of quadruple folds or the like.

Abstract: A windproof umbrella includes: an upper cloth secured on an upper rib pivotally connected to a central shaft of the umbrella, a lower cloth secured on a lower rib pivotally connected to the central shaft and having a central opening circumferentially formed in a top portion of the lower cloth around the central shaft, each upper cloth provided with a control valve thereon for resiliently normally closing an aperture between the upper cloth and the lower cloth; and upon blowing of strong wind on the lower and upper cloths, the control valve will be opened to release the wind for preventing inversion of the umbrella.

Abstract: A foldable umbrella includes a post; a stationary hub secured to an upper end of the post; a canopy centrally secured to the stationary hub; a sleeve slidably mounted on the post; a plurality of radially oriented ribs secured to the canopy in equiangularly spaced relation, each rib having a radially inner end and a radially outward end; a plurality of foldable strut assemblies, each strut assembly connected between the sleeve and a respective one of the ribs, each strut assembly including a first strut having one end pivotally connected at a first pivot point to the sleeve and a second end pivotally connected to a respective one of the ribs at a second pivot point spaced radially outwardly from the radially inner end of the rib, a second strut having one end pivotally connected at a third pivot point to the stationary hub and a second end pivotally connected at a fourth pivot point to an intermediate point of the first strut, and a third strut having one end pivotally connected at a fifth pivot point to an in

Abstract: A disposable umbrella having an elongated handle member for supporting a foldable canopy. A plurality of rib members are positionable along the underside of the canopy. A collar member is slidable along the handle and is registrable with a cam surface on the rib members for urging the rib members to open the canopy. The collar member is press-fit into friction-locking engagement with the rib members to releasably retain the canopy in the open position. The collar member, the plurality of rib members and the canopy are assembled on the handle member and secured by an end cap that is lockingly engageable with the handle member.

Abstract: An umbrella rib assembly includes: a top rib having a cross section of U shape and made of light material including aluminum alloy, an outer rib having a cross section of circular shape and made of composite or plastic materials having good resilience and mechanical strength to be connected at an outer end of the top rib, and a stretcher rib pivotally connected with the top rib, thereby providing an umbrella having light weight but having suitable resilience and strength.

Abstract: A double sunshade includes a main shank, a left subordinate sunshade, a right subordinate sunshade and a canopy. The main shank has a main cap atop and a main runner fitted movably around the main shank, main spreaders pivotally connected to the main runner, and main ribs pviotally connected to the main inside cap. The main ribs cross with the main spreaders at pivotal points and then extends further outward to be pivotally connected to subordinate inside caps and subordinate runners of the left and the right subordinate sunshades. Then the subordinate runners of the left and the right subordinate sunshades may be moved up and down for spreading or collapsing the subordinate spreaders and the subordinate ribs when the main runner is moved up and down, with a canopy spread or collapsed, too. And the canopy has a zipper or a Velcro band sewn at its peripheral edge for connecting a double sunshade to another for enlarging the dimensions for shading.

Abstract: In this invention an umbrella with a cover, preferably square or rectangular, is supported on a telescopic shaft by articulated ribs that extend from the shaft beneath the cover. The articulated ribs are connected to auxiliary ribs and both are controlled by guides and stabilizers that extend radially from a reciprocable transfer sleeve on the telescopic shaft and move the ribs and auxiliary ribs to fold the cover inside out as the transfer sleeve is lowered on the shaft, the shaft is shortened, and the umbrella is closed.

Abstract: A collapsible umbrella with a self-opening mechanism is provided. The collapsible umbrella includes a stretchable multi-segment shaft having a top end and a bottom end; an upper fixed hub mounted axially on the top end of the shaft, the upper fixed hub being formed with a plurality of alignment slots and a threaded hole, the threaded hole allowing a finishing cap of either an inner-threaded type or an outer-threaded type to be mounted thereon; a running hub slidably mounted on the shaft; a collapsible frame of a plurality of ribs including a set of upper ribs, a set of inner branch ribs, a set of middle branch ribs, a set of linkage ribs, and a set of outer branch ribs, wherein each of the middle branch ribs is formed with a substantially U-shaped cross section to form a slot and integrally formed with a retaining piece; a fabric held on the collapsible frame; and elastic means which allows the collapsed umbrella to be thereafter expanded in a self-opening manner.

Abstract: A windproof umbrella having an improved rib linkage system which is effective for providing support for an umbrella canopy during normal operating conditions, which is capable of restoring the umbrella to a normal open water-shielding configuration after the canopy has been inverted by strong wind or a gust, which is relatively easy to operate, relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and which has relatively good reliability for use during periods of sustained winds or gusts.

Abstract: A garden umbrella includes upper and lower support ribs, a runner sleeved slidably on a pole, stretchers, and connecting rods pivotally interconnecting upper and lower support ribs. Each stretcher has one end pivotally attached to a runner and an opposite end pivotally attached to the corresponding upper and lower support ribs. As such, the pivotal attachments described above constitute a pantograph structure, thereby facilitating convenient stretching and collapsing operations.

Abstract: A rib assembly adapted for use in an automatic umbrella includes: a top rib pivotally secured to an upper notch fixed on a top of a central shaft of the umbrella, a stretcher rib pivotally connected between the top rib and a runner slidably held on the central shaft, a middle rib pivotally secured between the top rib and a rear rib, and a spring rib pivotally connected between the top rib and the rear rib; characterized in that the spring rib has an inner rib portion formed with a convex spring portion overriding on a lug of a pair of lugs which are provided for pivotally connecting the middle rib with the top rib and a concave deflection portion deflecting the convex portion of the spring rib towards a U-shaped groove of the middle rib, thereby exerting spring force on the convex and concave portion for resiliently restoring the rib assembly from an unfolded state to a folded state for quickly closing the umbrella.

Abstract: In an umbrella, particularly a standing umbrella, sunshade, garden umbrella or similar, with a frame, a roof structure and a canopy, where the roof rods (5) are linked to a pole element (2) bearing a cap (3) and moveable in a telescopic manner relative to the vertical pipe (1), and a slide (4), on which stretchers (6) linked to the roof rods (5) act flexibly, is moveable along the vertical pipe (1), the cap (3) and the slide (4) moving in opposite directions during opening and closing of the umbrella, and with at least one additional stretcher (8) arranged flexibly above the slide (4) between the umbrella pipe (1) and a roof rod (5), the slide (4) being fitted with a locking device (12) with which it can be locked in its upper position and the canopy can be tensioned, it is envisaged that the locking device (12) works in conjunction with a retaining device (13) located on the cap (3) or the moveable pole element (2) to enable simple manual opening of the umbrella and stretching of the canopy, particularly for

Abstract: A linkage device for an umbrella includes a pivot and a joint. A frame having an opening defined therein is integrally formed on a periphery of the pivot. A deformable leaf is provided to the joint and has a configuration to mate with a recess defined in the joint. Furthermore, a pivot rod is provided to the joint and functions as a pivot when the stretchers and the ribs are expand or folded. Therefore, when a portion of the frame is received within the joint, the deformable leaf is able to securely enclose the portion of the frame within the joint.

Abstract: A structure which is easy to be assemble and can firmly combine a rib with a stretcher of an umbrella is disclosed. The structure comprises a fastening and a link. The fastening has a body defining a passage for receiving a rib of the umbrella and a locating piece integrally extending from an outer periphery of the body. The locating piece defines a slot perpendicular to and in communication with the passage. The link has a block. The block defines a front end and a rear end, a first plate integrally extending outwardly from a bottom of the front end, a second plate integrally extending outwardly and upwardly from a top face thereof at the front end, and a pipe integrally extending from the rear end thereof for receiving a stretcher of the umbrella. The block further defines two concave side walls extending between the front end and the rear end thereof to conform with the outer periphery of the body.

Abstract: A strutless umbrella includes a central post, either an inner plunger or tube, a canopy assembly including ribs pivotally mounted on the upper end of the central post. Links connect the ribs to the inner plunger or tube. Movement of one of the ribs moves the plunger or tube which moves the remaining ribs. A latch pin holds the umbrella in the open position.

Abstract: An umbrella frame comprises a plurality of main ribs attached to a slidable moving plate assembly by a plurality of support ribs. A plurality of stabilizing ribs are secured to the support ribs. The stabilizing ribs are further secured to a stationary plate assembly in a manner which permits the main ribs to open by gravity thus resulting in an umbrella frame whose relaxed state is open. An upper plate assembly is secured to the umbrella frame pole by an energy absorbing and dissipating means to stabilize the umbrella in windy conditions.

Abstract: A garden umbrella employing an upper canopy extending from the top of the umbrella pole to the middle of long canopy ribs, and a lower outer canopy extending in a ring around the outer part of the umbrella and having long sleeves sewn across the canopy in a radial pattern for receiving a canopy rib in each sleeve. The canopy ribs are pivotally connected to a runner notch, while the other ends of the canopy ribs are received in the canopy sleeves. Stretcher ribs are pivotally connected between each canopy rib and a top ribholder secured at the top of the umbrella pole. The rib and runner notch configuration, together with the outer canopy, permit very easy opening and closing of the umbrella by movement of the runner notch between its upper, open umbrella position and its lower, closed umbrella position. The lower canopy comprises panels sewn together along the bottom of each rib such that a wind vent space is formed with the upper canopy which extends to the top of each rib.

Abstract: A Windproof umbrella comprising strut, stay, tension member, joint and spoke forming a five member-rib structure, the improvement resides in each strut being formed of a round resilient material; the inner and outer ends of each tension member being bent downwardly to form loops; each joint member having a common axis for pivotally connecting both the outer end of the tension member and the inner end of the spoke and providing with a continued curved portion extending inwardly from the common axis; so that when the umbrella frame is turned inside out the tension members are curved downwardly by virtue of the exended portion of the joint member under tension for urging the joint members upwardly when the slider is pulled downwardly on the shaft, thereby restoring the umbrella to its originally closed condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting a cell sample from a liquid specimen utilizes a collection receptacle in which the specimen is deposited, with a filter media being place in communication with a discharge port in the collection receptacle and a transfer device for drawing specimen from the collection receptacle and through the filter for capturing the cellular component of the specimen on the filter media for defining a cell sample for analysis. The collection receptacle, filter media and carrier therefor and the transfer device may be supplied in kit form for use in a clinical environment. A hypobaric vessel may be used and the transfer device and this vessel may also serve as a disposal receptacle for the liquid specimen passed through the filter media.

Abstract: A skeleton for telescopic umbrella including a shank having a tab, a ring slidably fitted on said shank and having a slot adapted to receive the tab, a fixed collar fixedly mounted at an upper end of the shank, a plurality of expanders pivotally connected with the fixed collar at an end, a plurality of supporters each pivotally connected with a first intermediate portion of one of the expanders at an end, a plurality of first joints each pivotally connected with another end of respective one of the supporters, a plurality of first ribs pivotally connected with the fixed collar at an end and pivotally connected with the first joints at another end, each of the first ribs being pivotally connected with another end of the expanders at a second intermediate portion, a plurality of second ribs fixedly connected with respective first joints at an end, a plurality of second joints each pivotally connected with another end of the second ribs, a plurality of third ribs pivotally connected with respective second joints

Abstract: A foldable self-supporting vaulted shell for use in space, the shell comprising a thin flexible membrane and a plurality of thin battens forming ribs for tensioning said membrane. Each of the battens has a first main face and a second main face, one of the main faces facing the membrane. The membrane includes guide pocket for said battens. The guide pocket terminating at at least one end by abutment-forming end-reception means for receiving corresponding ends of the battens, and forming abutments such that in a deployed condition, the ends of the battens transmit axial force to the membrane. As a result tensioning of the membrane occurs. The shell occupies a small volume in its folded condition for storage in a launcher for the purpose of being placed into orbit. Such a shell is suitable for making microwave antennas. The invention also relates to a method of packaging such a shell.

Abstract: An improved four-section umbrella framework is provided. The framework includes an attachable flexible frame member having a small slot in the main frame member of the umbrella framework. A connector is positioned inside the main frame member such that the latch ring of the connector protrudes through the small slot on the main frame member and provides for the simple attachment of a hook formed at the end of a flexible frame member to form a secure and practical hook joint.

Abstract: A large sunshade for stationary installation in squares, courtyards, etc. has, above the sunshade membrane a sunshade linkage with arms, which can be opened and closed by means of spreading arms. On the arms are provided cover flaps, which are upright in the open state and in the closed state flap in wing-like manner to the side and therefore form a closed, fixed sunshade envelope in conjunction with adjacent flaps.In the central area there are receptacles for the ends of the longer sunshade arms and between which are defined functional areas containing lighting systems, air conditioning openings, etc. By means of a control method with sensors and by means of a control device, the motor opening and closing of the sunshade is controlled in such a way that in permanent operation the microclimate under the sunshade and in particular a group of sunshades is considerably influenced.

Abstract: The tension members in a collapsible umbrella are each provided at the opposite ends with upwardly bent loops that are pivotally connected to a stay and an inner end of a joint member so that when the umbrella is turned inside out by a gust of wind, the tension members are caused to bend downwardly and be stably received within the struts to avoid displacement of the joint members. The downward bending of the tension members place same under considerable tension for urging the joint members upwardly when the umbrella slider is pulled downwardly, thereby restoring the umbrella to its original condition. The joint members are further provided with curved upper portions for permitting the umbrella ribs to cluster more closely around the umbrella shaft for storage.

Abstract: An umbrella including a central shaft, a plurality of fabric support ribs extending outwardly from the central shaft, a fabric cover associated with the fabric support ribs, a plurality of rib support elements for supporting the fabric support ribs and a plurality of detachable attachment elements, each operative to detachably attach a rib support element onto a fabric support rib, whereby in response to strong winds or other forces, detachment occurs, thereby preventing breakage of the support ribs.

Abstract: An improved joint mechanism for an umbrella which has a first connecting device which includes a shaft member which has a channel through its length and is capable of sleeving onto a rib member and a saddle portion with a U-shaped configuration disposed at the middle portion of the shaft member. A second connecting device defines a connecting tube suitable for fixing a tip portion of a stretcher and a yoke portion having a supporting beam which can be rotatably received by the saddle portion of the first connecting device.

Abstract: The present invention includes an umbrella which converts to at least two separate canopy configurations. The umbrella has a closed position, from which it can be opened and latched into at least one middle position. Such a middle position can be used as a car window shade to shade the car from sun entering the front windshield. Alternatively, the middle position can be a partially opened position latched in place for use as an umbrella in restricted places such as a seat in an open air stadium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collapsible umbrella having a canopy frame which s collapsible in an at least four-fold manner and a stick (1) which is telescopic in an at least four-stage manner as well as a slide (2) displaceable on this said stick for canopy opening and closing, the canopy linkage comprising a combination of link parallelograms (I, II, III) or lever formations, which is formed from a combination of hollow, U-shaped, flat and round-profiled rod material. In order to make the folded-together umbrella as compact as possible in its cross-section, the invention provides that all the link parallelograms insert into one another so completely, with optimum utilization of the available cavities of the U-profiled canopy rods, that there are no unused empty spaces in the folding bends (K1, K2, K3, K4) of the folded-together formation (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A tail rib structure comprises a tail rib with its inner end pivotally connected to the outer end of a flexible rib by way of a pin passing through a round hole on a flat portion formed on the inner end of the tail rib and a husk encasing the joint between the tail rib and the flexible rib. The tail rib structure can provide high wind-resistant strength for an umbrella.

Abstract: An oblong umbrella having a hood adapted to be extended oppositely so as to shield several people and which is foldable and extendable in a bellows manner for convenient handling and storage. An umbrella comprises a main shaft, an upper hub secured to the main shaft, a lower runner slidably inserted on the main shaft, main spokes connected to the upper hub, main stretcher links connected to the lower runner at inner ends thereof and to middle parts of the main spokes at the outer ends thereof, two upper frames connected to the upper hub which are projected oppositely, two lower frames connected to the lower runner which are connected to middle parts of the upper frames at middle parts thereof, an upper hinge connected to outer ends of the lower frames, a lower hinge connected to outer ends of the upper frames, second spokes connected to the upper hinges, second stretcher links connected to the lower hinge and to middle parts of the second spokes, and a hood secured to outer ends of the main and second spokes.

Abstract: A folding umbrella for use in extremely gusty conditions includes spreaders extending between canopy supporting ribs and the umbrella pole which are longitudinally extensible against the action of a spring. The ribs and the spreader are linked to the pole for pivotal movement through one hundred and eighty degrees permitting a strong gust of wind to invert the canopy to extend with the spreaders above the pole thereby spilling the wind. The spreaders include cylinders formed by tubes receiving a helical compression spring and one end of each spreader is formed as a piston rod extending through the spring and having a head at the other end trapping the spring against an end of the tube.

Abstract: A rib structure of multiple-fold umbrella having enchanced strength and allowing to be opened and closed more smoothly characterized essentially in that the outermost end of the inner intermediate main rib is formed into a bifurcated portion within which a back-up joint in U-shaped cross section is pivotally connected for fitting thereinto and the inner end of the outer intermediate main rib is pivotally connected to the back-up joint and the outermost end of the inner intermediate main rib, thereby to increase the strength of the umbrella ribs, and that a back-up resilient part is provided between the inner intermediate main rib and the intermediate linking rib or between the outer intermediate main rib and the outer linking rib such that when opening the umbrella, the ribs are straightened and stretched for smooth unfolding by means of the acting force of the back-up resilient part and linkage of the ribs before the umbrella cloth is subject to external force and, when closing, the ribs can be folded intrin

Abstract: An umbrella frame having a pair of mounting rings and frame members which are pivotally connected to each other and to the mounting rings. A frame member having an elongated rod with a notch. A joint assembly is attached to the elongated rod and includes laterally opposed connector halves which mate to form a sleeve over the elongated rod. The sleeve has an inner boss which fits within the notch in the elongated rod when the connector halves are mated over the elongated rod. A collar slides around the mated connector halves to clamp the connector halves together over the elongated rod and to retain the inner boss within the notch in the elongated rod. Strut frame members have an end joint assembly at each end. Rib frame members have an end joint assembly at their inner ends and midpoint joint assemblies at rib midpoints. A mounting ring having a mounting base with a ring of spaced and vertically extending teeth. The frame members are received between the teeth.

Abstract: An improved rib linkage joint for an umbrella where the rib linkage includes an inner rib and an inner linking spoke, both hingedly connected to a middle joint, that middle joint being fixed to one end of a middle rib. The inner rib, the inner linking spoke and the middle joint is each in the form of a strut having a U-shaped cross section with the slots thereof facing upward. A flexible middle linking spoke has one end hooked on a pin fixed between the strut side walls of the inner linking spoke adjacent the middle joint. This structure allows easier assembly of the rib linkage joint initially, as well as enhances compactness of the rib linkage when the umbrella is collapsed.

Abstract: An automatic umbrella includes a retraction restoring spring having an outer spring end contracted to form a narrow spring portion to be embedded in a concavely depressed stretcher rib and having an inner spring end secured to a top rib of a rib assembly for holding an umbrella cloth for smoothly developing the restoring spring force, and an extending spring formed in the central tubular shaft having an upper spring portion having larger spring diameter to be telescopically held in an upper shaft having larger diameter and a lower spring portion having smaller spring diameter than the upper spring portion to be telecopically held in a lower shaft, thereby causing a smooth tensioning or compression of the extending spring in the upper shaft and the lower shaft when extending or retracting the central tubular shaft.

Abstract: Expansible type triangular umbrella ribs and the related collapsing mechanism, wherein the expansible first main rib is arranged to penetrate through the second main rib which is connected with the linking rib, the rear end of the first main rib being directly connected with the front end of the first support rib by pivotal joint, the rear end of the linking rib being pivotally connected to the first support rib, such that the first main rib is expansible to slip along the pivotal connecton between the second main rib and the linking rib; the first main rib, the linking rib and the first support rib being to form a triangular rib structure, the front U-channel of the first support rib being to provide an prolonged flange for receiving the rear portion of the linking rib; the first main rib, the linking rib and the first support rib being arranged in a straight line at the time the umbrella being fully opened; at the time the pivotal connection of the first main rib and the first support rib being attached to

Abstract: The invention provides an improved collapsible tent and tent frame of the umbrella type. The frame includes a plurality of legs pivoted, at the upper ends of the legs, to an upper clevis member. Each leg has pivoted thereto a radial stay member spaced downwardly from the upper end of the leg. The stay member extends inwardly of the tent to be pivoted to the lower clevis. The upper clevis includes a central downwardly opening recess and the lower clevis has fixed thereto an upperwardly projecting post or rod which is adapted to engage the upper clevis so as to stop movement of the lower clevis. Each leg comprises an elongated lower section which can be relatively stiff. The upper end of the lower section is pivoted to an upper section which is relatively flexible and resilient so that the upper portion of the legs can conform to the dome of the sheet material forming the tent cover or ceiling.

Abstract: An automatic umbrella includes: a central shaft having an upper shaft telescopically mounted on a lower shaft, a rib assembly having at least a top rib and a stretcher rib supporting the top rib, an elongate extending spring inserted inside the central shaft which may be lightly operated for resetting the umbrella for restoring its elastic force for extending the shafts, the ribs and the umbrella, a plurality of restoring springs each secured in said rib assembly for normally urging and retracting the ribs, and a seesaw button seesawly formed in a grip of the shaft for selectively extending the shaft, the ribs for opening the umbrella, or for retracting the ribs for closing the umbrella. The umbrella also includes a drag rod formed in the shafts having a locking head formed on a lower end of the rod to be locked by a retraction controller for preventing a false closing operation when opening the umbrella.

Abstract: A coupling device for a hat-like umbrella frame consisting of a coupling member and a rib stretcher. A visor rib comprising an outer segment with a smaller diameter than the inner segment thereof is pivotably connected to a main rib and a respective rib stretcher. The coupling member is substantially U-shaped with an opening at one end thereof. The coupling member is disposed between the rib stretcher and the visor rib for allowing the visor rib to pass through. The outer segment of the visor rib is freely slidable within the opening of the coupling member. The inner segment of the visor rib is unable to pass through the opening member so that a sliding movement between the visor rib and the coupling member will be stopped.

Abstract: First and second elongated coaxial tubular members are slidably related for relative longitudinal movement. The first member carries a cylindrically shaped pivot block to which are pivoted a plurality of circumferentially spaced pivot pieces, for pivotal movement towards and away from the first member. A collapsible umbrella canopy supporting rib extends from each of such pieces. A cup shaped member is attached to the second member and operates simultaneously against the pieces to move them away from the first member and extend the ribs outwardly in canopy supporting position upon relative longitudinal movement of the members.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved umbrella frame and in particular to one comprising a telescopic stick, a runner slidably mounted on the telescopic stick, a crown fixed at upper end of the telescopic stick, stretcher members pivotally connected with the crown, struts hinged to the runner, links hinged to the struts, control ribs connected with the links, auxiliary links connected at one end with the stretcher members, sleeves each enclosing respective auxiliary link and control rib, and outer dome ribs.

Abstract: A folding umbrella, particularly useful as a beach umbrella, in which circumferentially spaced outer ribs are slidably disposed on cooperating struts as the undersupport of the fabric cover, and in one extreme position of the slides, the umbrella opens to a radius of approximately 42 inches, and in an opposite slide position, the umbrella closes to a radius of approximately 32 inches, the 10 inch difference being the result of slide movement of the end of the rib along a strut which produces an internal fold in a central location of the fabric cover and thus diminishes its size accordingly.

Abstract: A method of chemically labeling articles during the course of a theft or robbery and thereby subsequently detecting and identifying both the stolen articles and the thief thereof. A small amount of a latent color reagent having as an active ingredient ninhydrin or hydrindantin or a mixture thereof is discreetly dispensed onto articles in the event of their theft or robbery. Subsequent handling of the articles by the thief causes an indelible stain to form on the hands of the thief approximately twenty minutes after contacting the latent color reagent on the articles. The skin is indelibly stained for twelve to forty-eight hours and the thief is thereby rendered conspicuous. The stolen articles remain intimately contacted with the latent color reagent indefinitely and can be subsequently identified visually by application of a developing solution to produce a characteristic blue-purple stain on the articles.

Abstract: A collapsible headgear includes rib members having somewhat spherical inner ends that fit into radial sockets in a hub, thus enabling the rib members to fold from a collapsed condition, in which they lie along the hub axis, to an erected condition in which they project from the hub. The movement from one condition to the other is produced by a collar and struts that extend between the collar and the rib members. The struts are connected at their outer ends to the rib members by clevises, and have generally spherical inner ends that fit into radial sockets in the collar. Consequently, when the collar is moved upwardly toward the hub, the struts are driven outwardly, and the struts in turn drive the rib members to their erected positions. A cover extends over the rib members, and the cover, rib members, and struts, when erected, are supported above the user's head by supports which extend downwardly from the struts and at their lower ends are fitted with a headband.

Abstract: A telescopic umbrella is provided; the umbrella has a telescoping umbrella stick, with a runner sliding thereon with stretchers running from the slide; at the outer ends of the stretchers are dome ribs, above each of which is located an auxiliary link running approximately parallel therewith, one end of each auxiliary link being hinged to a dome rib while the other end is hinged to a strut; the strut running, when the umbrella is in an open configuration, obliquely upwards from the stretcher towards the umbrella stick, and a control link running from each stretcher approximately parallel with an inner dome rib part, the outer end of the control link serving to control the folding motion of the outer dome rib part in dependence on the movement of the umbrella runner.