Umbrella-type Patents (Class 135/98)
  • Patent number: 8297294
    Abstract: A rechargeable power source, which is detachably coupled with a shading device to electrically connect with an electrical arrangement thereof, includes a rechargeable battery unit having a battery terminal arranged to contact with the electrical terminal of the electrical arrangement, and a locking arrangement which contains a releasable locker to detachably couple the rechargeable battery unit with the shading device and to ensure the battery terminal being contact with an electrical terminal of the electrical arrangement so as to electrically connect the rechargeable battery unit with the electrical arrangement. Therefore, the electrical arrangement of the shading device is powered by the rechargeable battery unit to eliminate the power extension to the external power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Wanda Ying Li
  • Publication number: 20120211040
    Abstract: The invention relates to an umbrella including a security system having a triggering device located on the contact area of the mast with the ground. The triggering device includes a slider, a slider return spring, a flexible transmission assembly connected to the head of the slider; a mechanism to inactivate the trigger, including a cam pivotally mounted on the trigger and capable of resting against the mast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Bernard Amalric, Frédéric Cannac, Jean-Paul Taillefer
  • Patent number: 8240323
    Abstract: A rain shielding device for an automobile includes an umbrella holder, an umbrella cloth, and a power accumulator. The umbrella holder includes a first edge column mounted on a vehicle door, a second edge column mounted on a vehicle body, a plurality of main umbrella sticks between the first edge column and the second edge column, and two interlock members. The umbrella cloth is covered on the umbrella holder. The power accumulator includes a movable member, a plurality of auxiliary umbrella sticks, and an energy-storing member. The interlock members move the movable member when the vehicle door opens, and then the movable member interacts with the auxiliary umbrella sticks to push the main umbrella sticks and umbrella cloth unfolding. The energy-storing member stores energy when the umbrella cloth unfolds and releases energy when the vehicle door is closed; thus provides an auxiliary force when the umbrella cloth folds/unfolds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ann Show Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Chung Lee
  • Patent number: 8220474
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved ventilator apparatus for covers. The apparatus comprises a dome section that is associated with a first ventilator plate on the outside of a vehicle cover. The Dome section extends through the vehicle cover where it is associated with a second ventilator plate. A nut is used to releaseably associate the component pieces together so that a portion of the vehicle cover is clamped between the first ventilator plate and the second ventilator plate. Both the first ventilator plate and second ventilator plate are interchangeable so that either plate may be used on the inside or outside of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: William Gridley
  • Publication number: 20120145207
    Abstract: A shade assembly adapted for use with deck and balcony settings. A shade cover piece is supported to a pole. The support pole includes a hub assembly for horizontally varying the diametric displacement of a number of stays and the shade cover and a hinge assembly for adjusting the angle of the shade cover relative to the support pole. Associated fasteners having channel and collar pieces adapted to rails, balusters and deck boards secure the support pole and shade cover to rails, balusters and/or deck boards of a deck, patio or balcony railing system. Split band collars compressively grip the support pole and rigidly anchor the support pole and cover piece to the railing. Alternative stay stops and non-marring fastener liners are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Susan VanVonderen
  • Publication number: 20120103378
    Abstract: A self-inflating screening shield, in particular umbrella, has an inflatable envelope (11) made of a flexible material. The interior of the envelope (11) is evacuated prior to use, and by means of a chemical reaction a gaseous substance can be produced therein with which the interior of the envelope (11) is inflated. The chemical reaction may consist in dissolving a sodium (bi)carbonate granulate in citric acid. The citric acid may be accommodated in a container which is made to rupture by pressure being applied externally to the envelope (11) by a user, for example at a predetermined breaking point, or by being torn at a predetermined tearing point, thus triggering the chemical reaction. A self-inflating balloon can also be produced in this way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Rolf Vaitl
  • Patent number: 8127780
    Abstract: A telescopic sunshade includes an outer tube having upper and lower positioning holes. An inner tube is slideably received in the outer tube and includes an upper end beyond the outer tube. Ribs are pivotably mounted to a hub fixed to the inner tube. Stretchers are pivotably mounted between the ribs and the outer tube. The sunshade is in a folded state when the inner tube is in an upper position. The sunshade is in an unfolded position when the inner tube is in a lower position. The protruded length of the inner tube in the upper position is larger than that in the lower position. A sleeve is slideably mounted around the outer tube and engaged with the inner tube to move therewith. A positioning button is engaged in the upper or lower positioning hole to retain the sunshade in the folded or unfolded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Benson Tung
  • Patent number: 8116497
    Abstract: A portable system for an outdoor umbrella includes a portable housing, a detachable locker, and an audio device. The portable housing includes a first housing body and a second housing body defining a mounting slot for a shaft of the outdoor umbrella fitting therewithin. The detachable locker includes a first locker provided at the first housing body and a second locker which is provided at the second housing body and is releasably locked with the first locker so as to detachably lock up the second housing body with the first housing body. The audio device includes a speaker supported in the first housing body and an audio input operatively coupling with the speaker such that when the audio input sends an audio signal to the speaker, the speaker is adapted for producing audio sound as an additional function for the outdoor umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Wanda Ying Li
  • Patent number: 8104491
    Abstract: An outdoor shading device includes a supporting frame, a shading awning supported by the supporting frame to define a shading area underneath the shading awning, and a solar power system. The solar power system includes a solar collecting unit having a solar collecting surface overlapped on the shading awning for solar energy collection, and a power storage supported at the supporting frame to electrically connect to the solar collecting unit, wherein when the shading awning is orientated for providing shade from the sun, the solar collecting surface of the solar collecting unit is aligned with the direction of the sun to maximize the solar energy collection, such that after the solar energy is collected, the solar collecting unit converts the solar energy into electrical energy and stored in the power storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Wanda Ying Li
  • Publication number: 20120012145
    Abstract: A canopy system for increasing the coverage of multiple umbrellas has been disclosed. The canopy system includes a canopy portion and at least one fastener for removeably attaching the canopy portion to a first and second umbrella. The fastener can attach to unmodified portions of an umbrella so that the canopy system may be used with existing umbrellas and umbrellas not especially manufactured to couple with a canopy. The canopy system may advantageously include a support structure for supporting the canopy portion in a desired shape. The length of the canopy system can be adjustable and the system can be easily collapsed for storage and portability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Yvonne Uranga
  • Publication number: 20120006370
    Abstract: A structure for forming an open-air enclosed space is described. The structure includes an umbrella, having a plurality of ribs supporting a cover and a tightly woven netting arranged to hang down from the perimeter of the umbrella when the umbrella is in an open position, to form the open-air enclosed space. At least some of the ribs are further provided with rib extensions arranged to protrude beyond the perimeter of the cover and to support the netting in order to create an extended footprint of the open-air enclosed space. An add-on assembly for umbrellas for forming an insect-protected open-air enclosed space is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Maria Liljekvist, Matz Liljekvist
  • Patent number: 8087420
    Abstract: The teachings provided herein are generally directed to gravity-powered, and self-opening umbrella systems that can also be wind-resistant. As evidenced from the teachings provided herein, the systems can be designed in a variety of configurations. The umbrella system can include a counterweight and system of pulleys, where the system of pulleys includes class 1 and class 2 pulleys configured with the counterweight to gain a mechanical advantage in the normal operation of the umbrella. The umbrella can be, for example, a patio umbrella in which the mechanical advantage provides a self-opening of an umbrella canopy and ease-of-retracting of the canopy for a user. And, the system can also be dynamic, such that it's also resistant to external forces, such as the wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: Steven A. Lukacsy
  • Publication number: 20110315179
    Abstract: So that a drive (38, 50, 52) can be formed in the case of a standing parasol (2) having a mast (12) and a collapsible parasol canopy with canopy and support struts (4, 6), in which the canopy struts (4) and the support struts (6) are respectively connected to an upper or a lower articulation ring (8, 10), and in which the upper articulation ring (8) is connected to a telescopic tube (22) which is guided in the mast (12) and can be raised and lowered and the telescopic tube (22) for raising and lowering is connected to a circulating member (34), it is proposed that the circulating member (34) may be actuated by way of an upper deflection roller (36) and a drive gear (50) that is arranged on the mast (12), and that the upper deflection roller (36) is arranged on a deflection support by means of a deflection roller bearing (28), the deflection support being secured to the mast and projecting into the telescopic tube (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: GUSTAV ADOLF GLATZ, Claudio Roberto
  • Patent number: 8079378
    Abstract: An improved combination umbrella and gazebo is provided which protects the user from adverse weather and insects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas S Derlinga
  • Patent number: 8061375
    Abstract: The present inventions relate generally to connectors for interconnecting members of shade structures (e.g. umbrellas and pavilions), such as support ribs and hubs. The connectors can be incorporated or attached to support ribs of shade structures to enable the support ribs to extend from the hubs at various angles to accommodate different shaped canopies. The connectors include an adjustable portion that enables the support ribs to extend to desired points on the periphery of the canopy at an angle that deviates from the angle of the hub channels, which are disposed around the periphery of the hubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Patent number: 8056572
    Abstract: An easy to use, universal, simple, lightweight, compact, portable, dynamically configurable and modular system of concealment and shelter. An operator configures a number of concealment blinds or shelters using brackets, supports, segmented and folding shafts, covers, curtains, and skirts, and more complex modules. Advanced modules include user adjustable domes and angular structures. Angular frames with corresponding angular covers provide improved headroom. The system can be configured for placement on a hillside or over rough terrain and obstacles, or for different types use. The system provides covers with novel windows, movable panels, and configuration attachments. The operator changes the configuration of the structure to quickly provide cover, to increase cover, and to adapt to terrain or changing weather. The system includes novel methods of tightening the skin on a cover to reduce movement and noise, while improving safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Evrio, Inc.
    Inventors: John Livacich, Kendyl A. Roman
  • Patent number: 8047218
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cabin tent frame. The cabin tent frame includes a housing 20 having an insertion portion 23, an inserting slot 22 and an engaging slot 22b, a slider 10 slidably coupled with the lower portion of the housing 20, a fixing unit 30 elastically supported in the slider 10, an upper connecting pole 50 having an engaging piece 52 and a connecting bar 51, a cover 40 coupled to the upper portion of the housing 20, and a connector 53, one end of which is hingedly connected to the upper connecting pole 50 and the other end of which is hingedly connected to the slider 10. Therefore, with some embodiments the present invention, the rotational bearing capacity for the engaging piece 52 can be improved when the upper connecting pole 50 rotates, and at the same time damage to the engaging piece 52 can be substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Jeaki Shin
  • Publication number: 20110259382
    Abstract: This invention relates to a support unit of a roof element comprising a frame and a fabric, fixed on the frame and intended to be stretched between said frame and the support unit, said support unit comprising a central mast and being remarkable in that it comprises means of connecting assembled slidingly and in a lockable manner on said central mast and arranged in order to be fixed to the fabric, a plurality of cables fixed on the upper end of the central mast. This invention also has for object a lightweight shelter comprising a support unit according to the invention, a frame and a fabric, and a modular awning comprising a plurality of lightweight shelters. This invention relates finally to the methods for assembling said lightweight shelter and modular awning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Catherine DALO
  • Patent number: 7997290
    Abstract: The invention relates to a parasol provided with an actuator assembly comprising a spindle having a spindle longitudinal axis and an external screw thread, and a guide for the spindle comprising a holder which extends along a portion of the spindle and which is provided with at least a first and second set of bodies of revolution which are held in the holder body so as to be able to rotate about their axis of rotation and enter into contact with the spindle, where they engage with at least one screw thread part, the second set of bodies of revolution being set apart from the first set of bodies of revolution along the spindle longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: USP bvba
    Inventor: Dirk Jan Stoelinga
  • Patent number: 7980261
    Abstract: The invention originates with a mast on the upper end of which a locking and tiltable jib support is arranged. A jib is guided in the jib support such that said jib can be slid and fastened and carries a roof construction on the outer end thereof, wherein said roof construction can be extended like a canopy, fan, or frame. To make the extension and retraction of the jib easier, it is proposed that the jib support be designed with at least four guide and locking rollers, of which at least two engage in a left-handed track and two in a right-handed track of the jib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Glatz AG
    Inventor: Adolf Gustav Glatz
  • Patent number: 7963293
    Abstract: An umbrella is provided that includes a support pole assembly, a canopy support frame, and an actuating handle. The support pole assembly includes a lower pole and an upper pole. The lower pole has a lower end and an upper end. The upper pole is vertically translatable relative to the lower pole. The canopy support frame includes an upper hub, a lower hub, and a middle hub. The upper hub is coupled with the upper pole and with a plurality of ribs. The lower hub is coupled with the ribs. The middle hub is coupled with the lower pole and with the ribs. The actuating handle is coupled with the upper pole and is translatable relative to the lower pole so that, when the actuating handle is raised, the upper pole and the upper hub are raised causing the canopy support frame to close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Patent number: 7950200
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which includes a drilling device and a tube. The drilling device typically has a first end, at which a point is located and a second end which is connected to a first end of the tube. The apparatus also includes an insertion bar having a first end inserted into the tube and a second end at which a latching device is located. The latching device can set a location of the insertion bar with respect to the tube so that a height is set. The apparatus may also include a first pole receiver connected at the second end of the insertion bar. The apparatus may include a handle which can be inserted into the insertion bar for rotating the insertion bar, tube, and drilling device to drill the drilling device into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Tropiano
  • Publication number: 20110088736
    Abstract: A portable sun and weather shelter is provided. The shelter comprises an umbrella foldable between open and closed positions. The umbrella has a center post, a canopy, and a frame to fold the canopy up and down. A pair of wings are attached to the perimeter edge of the canopy and can be extended outwardly beyond the canopy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: James Christopher Elder
  • Patent number: 7909051
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a cover (11) for an outdoor clothes airer (10) having at least three radially-extending arms (2) supporting an array of clothes lines (7), the cover comprising a sheet (3) of waterproof material which is resistant to ultra-violet rays and dimensioned to extend radially beyond the ends of said radial arms above the clothes lines, arranged to drain outwards, and provided with a central supporting means (16) and a peripheral tensioning means (5) such as a drawstring or plurality thereof for securing the sheet to the airer and a circumferential skirt (6) of an air permeable netting material finished with a weighted hem (9). Access to the laundry contained within the invention is easily achieved by lifting a side or sides of the circumferential skirt and laying it or them on top of the cover sheet, after which the laundry may be laced within the skirt of removed therefrom and the skirt may be let down again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventors: Malcolm Gordon Victory, Guy Darell Unwin, Gail Lobb
  • Publication number: 20110030751
    Abstract: A kind of windproof sunshade comprising an umbrella fabric, an umbrella frame and a stem for supporting said umbrella frame, said umbrella fabric covering said umbrella frame, said umbrella frame comprising multiple long umbrella ribs, multiple short umbrella ribs and a central stick, said long umbrella ribs and said short umbrella ribs being capable of being folded and unfolded, said long umbrella ribs being provided with soft ribs which can be bended and detached from the front ends of said long umbrella ribs in case of wind and restore the original state when the wind stops, said umbrella fabric at least comprising a bottom edge engaged with the long umbrella ribs and a windproof top engaged with said soft ribs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: CHINA YADA TECHNOLOGY GROUP COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: WEIDAN WU
  • Patent number: 7861736
    Abstract: A mechanism for opening and closing a tent or awning is disclosed. A plurality of poles are pivotally attached to a hub at upper engagement points. A plurality of braces are pivotally coupled to the poles at lower engagement points at one end and pivotally coupled to a base at another end. The base has a shaft slidable in the hub and the shaft houses a biasing member which generates an upward force on the shaft which is transmitted to the braces and the poles. The upward force urges the poles to pivot toward the open position when the lower engagement point is radially outward of the upper engagement point, and the upward force urges the poles to pivot toward the closed position when the lower engagement point is radially inward of the upper engagement point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Kwan Jun Choi
  • Patent number: 7854040
    Abstract: A portable, compact germ barrier for protecting a person from direct contact with an unsanitary surface, such as a doorknob, a toilet handle, or the like, is disclosed. A flexible fabric web is fixed to a plurality of stiffening rods that are each pivotally connected at a proximal end thereof to an actuating mechanism fixed through a central aperture of the web. The actuating mechanism includes an actuator for moving the ribs between a closed and an open position. In use, the person manually actuates the actuator, causing the actuating mechanism to pivot each of the ribs from the closed position into the open position. When in the open position, the germ barrier may be used to grasp the surface through the web, preventing direct contact between the person and the surface. The germ barrier is portable, compact, easy to use and it may be kept close-by, such as on a keychain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Inventor: Ferdinand Ramos
  • Patent number: 7828003
    Abstract: A collapsible hunting blind is provided having a primary frame, a panel, an image of a game animal, and a secondary frame. The primary frame has a folded position and an unfolded position. The panel is supported by the primary frame and has a front surface, a rear surface, and an outer periphery. The panel is supported by the primary frame between the folded position and the unfolded position. The image of a game animal is provided on the front surface. The secondary frame communicates with the panel and is configured to hold the primary frame and the panel in the unfolded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Tom Montecucco
  • Publication number: 20100245032
    Abstract: An intelligence outdoor shading arrangement includes an outdoor shading system, an environmental sensor device and a functional controller. The outdoor shading system includes at least an outdoor shading device including a supporting frame, a power source, an awning frame suspendedly and movably supported by the supporting frame, and a shelter mounted to the awning frame to define a shading area under the shelter. The environmental sensor device is electrically linked to the power source and is installed to the outdoor shading system for detecting an environmental change of the shading system in responsive to the shading area thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Wanda Ying Li
  • Patent number: 7779849
    Abstract: The invention adds one or more vertically-deployable sun shades to an umbrella for selectively providing shade for one or more users of an umbrella. More specifically, the sun shade resembles a conventional shade or set of blinds for covering a window. The size, shape, materials, and arrangement of the sun shade can vary according to user preferences or the intended manner or place of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Salvatore J. Labarbera
  • Publication number: 20100175732
    Abstract: An umbrella hub is provided that is operative to engage an umbrella cord for maintaining an umbrella in an open position. The hub can comprise a hub body, an aperture, a passage section, and an engagement section. The hub body can comprise a series of projections extending outwardly from the hub body. The aperture can be formed in one of the projections of the hub body. The aperture can be configured to allow the cord to pass therethrough. Further, the passage section can be configured to allow the cord to pass freely therethrough. Finally, the engagement section can be configured to engage the cord to prevent upward movement of the cord relative to the hub body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Publication number: 20100132751
    Abstract: An intelligent outdoor sun shading device includes a shading system, an environmental sensor device and a functional controller. The shading system includes a supporting frame, a power source supported at the supporting frame, an awning frame suspendedly and movably supported by the supporting frame, and a sun shelter mounted to the awning frame to define a shading area under the sun shelter. The environmental sensor device is electrically linked to the power source and is installed to the shading system for detecting an environmental change of the shading system in responsive to the shading area thereof. The functional controller is electrically linked to the environmental sensor device and is operatively controlled the awning frame of the shading system, wherein when the functional controller receives a command signal from the environmental sensor device, the awning frame is automatically adjusted to regulate the shading area thereof in responsive to the environmental change of the shading system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Wanda Ying Li
  • Publication number: 20090255563
    Abstract: An umbrella comprises a vertical support member and a plurality of ribs operatively associated with the vertical support member and extending generally radially outward from a central location. The umbrella further includes a plurality of elongated, laterally flexible members, one of the flexible members being operatively associated with each of the plurality of ribs and extending outward therefrom. A canopy is supported by the plurality of ribs and has a periphery extending beyond the ribs. Receptacles are disposed on the inner surface of the canopy at points proximate the periphery of the canopy and in substantial alignment with a corresponding rib. The outer end of each flexible member engages a corresponding one of the receptacles. The canopy and the flexible members are configured such that the canopy exerts a tension on the flexible member that causes it to flex inward and downward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Harbaugh
  • Publication number: 20090223547
    Abstract: A protective canopy housing (1) for a barbeque grill (2) having a canopy (6) with a vent opening on a top (22) with an elevated vent cover (8). The canopy is supported by supports (5a, b and c) attached to a grill by C-clamps (4a,b). The canopy housing can include side curtains (10a, b) which may be rolled up and secured along the sides of the canopy. The side curtains may include mesh and can be maintained in a down position during use to protect the users from insects. The curtains can be removably detachable. The canopy would preferably be made of heat-resistant material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Eric R. Schneider
  • Patent number: 7581555
    Abstract: A personal rain protection device that enhances traditional umbrella qualities through the use of an unobtrusive slicker that can be deployed to protect a wearer's entire backside from getting wet. The slicker is securely stowed in a holding pocket located within the umbrella canopy. Upon deployment of the slicker, the slicker solidly covers the backside of a wearer. Light weights contained within the fabric of the slicker help stabilize the slicker and prevent it from flailing. In this manner, a wearer may tread through driving rain with added protection and also sit comfortably on a wet bench, bleacher or chair where a deployed slicker will protect his or her backside from the moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Deborah D. McCullough
  • Publication number: 20090211617
    Abstract: A collapsible hunting blind is provided having a primary frame, a panel, an image of a game animal, and a secondary frame. The primary frame has a folded position and an unfolded position. The panel is supported by the primary frame and has a front surface, a rear surface, and an outer periphery. The panel is supported by the primary frame between the folded position and the unfolded position. The image of a game animal is provided on the front surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Tom Montecucco
  • Patent number: 7562666
    Abstract: Radially disposed ribs for supporting the canopy of an umbrella are pivotally connected by a crown mounted on the outer end of a rod. A sleeve is in external sliding relationship with the rod. Struts are pivotally connected to the sleeve, each strut being associated with one of the ribs for splaying the ribs and collapsing them inwardly. A support tube is connected by a coaxial shaft to the rod, and the sleeve is telescopically received in the support tube. The shaft is threaded and rotated by motor, opposing ends of the threaded shaft being supported for rotation in first and second journals fixed within the support tube and the rod, respectively. A threaded nut fixedly connected to the sleeve is engaged with the threaded shaft for moving the sleeve along the rod between extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Chiaphua Components Limited
    Inventor: Ping Chiu Chan
  • Patent number: 7556053
    Abstract: A supporting device for supporting a cloth element, for example a camouflage net. The supporting device (1) comprises a hollow rod (4), at least one supporting element (12) and an attachment device (50). The supporting element (12) is attached at a proximal end (16) to the attachment device (50). The supporting element (12) can assume the following positions:—a first, retracted position where the supporting element (12) is at least partly mounted inside the hollow rod (4), and—a second, extended position where a distal end (18) of the supporting element (12) is arranged at a distance out from the central longitudinal axis of the hollow rod (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Mitra AS
    Inventor: Guttorm Hansen
  • Patent number: 7556051
    Abstract: A suspension umbrella includes an upright support post, a sliding seat, a control shaft, an umbrella frame, and a drive cord. The umbrella frame includes a shank, a plurality of ribs, a plurality of spreaders and a runner. Thus, the umbrella frame is expanded when the control shaft is movable toward the umbrella frame and is folded when the control shaft is movable outwardly relative to the umbrella frame, so that the umbrella frame is expanded and folded easily and conveniently. In addition, the user only needs to operate the control handle to move the control shaft so as to expand or fold the umbrella frame easily and quickly, thereby greatly facilitating the user operating the suspension umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: Jin-Sheng Lai
  • Patent number: 7549430
    Abstract: A table and umbrella assembly capable of withstanding lateral forces by providing an overall center of gravity below its top. Two collar lock assemblies are removably mounted to a pole assembly that passes through the top center. The umbrella pole assembly, when tubular, may include a weight introduced to the lowermost member. The weight may be either solid or liquid and does not extend above the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Furniture Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: John Gravlee
  • Patent number: 7546845
    Abstract: A double tang articulating hub assembly used in combination with a collapsible self-supporting structure. The double tang articulating hub assembly is used as a connector among tubular rod elements which together provide a generally tubular frame matrix used to erect a collapsible self-supporting prefabricated deployable structure where a clear span interior without supporting columns is required. The hub employs a plurality of one piece “forked plugs” each containing a cylindrical plug with two tangs and an integral post connecting the tangs allowing the forked plug to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: DHS Systems LLC
    Inventor: A. Jon Prusmack
  • Publication number: 20090145471
    Abstract: A tent frame is disclosed including at least three support legs. The at least three support legs may have a connected end and a free end and may include a collapsible truss with at least two compression members, a hinge situated between the compression members, and a tension member extending from a first point near the free end to a second point near the connected end. The at least three support legs may be joined at their respective connected ends. A tent is also disclosed including a collapsible frame and a shell adapted to cover the frame, the shell having at least one window opening and at least one window curtain covering the at least one window opening, the at least one window curtain being adapted to slidably open and close. A method of setting up a tent is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Curtis J. Chesness
  • 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: 7533680
    Abstract: An umbrella or sunshade is provided that includes a support pole assembly and a tilt assembly. The support pole assembly includes a first support pole and a second support pole. The second support pole has a proximal end and a distal end and is curved therebetween. The second support pole is coupled with and extends generally transverse to the first support pole. The tilt assembly includes a transmission and a drive shaft. The drive shaft is housed in the second support pole. The drive shaft has a first end coupled with the transmission and a second end adjacent to the distal end of the second support pole. The transmission is configured to convert rotation of a crank handle into rotation of the drive shaft to pivot a canopy coupled with the distal end of the second support pole relative to the first support pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Patent number: 7520289
    Abstract: A support apparatus for a café umbrella has a support arm pivotally attached to a generally vertical pole. In a preferred uneven-arm arrangement, a canopy-supporting end of the arm is further to one side of the pole than a second, actuator-connected end of the arm is to the other side of the pole. An actuator mechanism connected between the pole and the shorter portion of the arm and can be used to raise or lower the canopy supporting end of the arm by moving the second end of the arm respectively toward or away from the pole. A cable assembly runs along the length of the support arm so that one end hangs beneath the canopy supporting end of the arm where it can retain a removable canopy. The other end of the cable assembly is attached to the pole so that when the actuator draws the arm toward the pole and raises its canopy-supporting end, the free end of the cable moves downward so as to collapse the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Shade Systems Inc.
    Inventor: James N Barber
  • Patent number: 7509967
    Abstract: A frame for automatic umbrella style canopy tents and a tent including the frame are disclosed. In the tent frame, the spreaders, which expand or collapse the upper ribs in radial directions, are configured as extendible members, thus reliably locking the tent frame in an expanded state and securely maintaining a pitched state of the tent. In the tent frame of the present invention, each of the spreaders includes a first spreader part coupled to the upper rib and a second spreader part which is coupled to a spreader holder and into which the first spreader part is inserted such that the first spreader part is extendible, with a spring installed in the second spreader part and causing the first spreader part to be extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Soo-Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 7503336
    Abstract: The invention adds one or more vertically-deployable sun shades to an umbrella for selectively providing shade for one or more users of an umbrella. More specifically, the sun shade resembles a conventional shade or set of blinds for covering a window. The size, shape, materials, and arrangement of the sun shade can vary according to user preferences or the intended manner or place of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventor: Salvatore J. Labarbera
  • Patent number: 7487787
    Abstract: A sunshade includes a supporting rod, a holding sleeve pivotably mounted to an upper end of the supporting rod, an arcuate tube slidably extended through the holding sleeve and including an end for coupling with a canopy support frame, a reel mounted to the other end of the arcuate tube, a mounting member mounted to the supporting rod, a quick release mounted around the other end of the arcuate tube, and a connecting rod including a first end pivotally connected to the mounting member and a second end pivotally connected to the quick release. When the quick release is in a clamping position, the quick release is fixedly clamped on the arcuate tube, and the other end of the arcuate tube is supported by the connecting rod. When the quick release is in a released position, relative sliding movement between the quick release and the arcuate tube is allowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventor: Pai Tung
  • Publication number: 20080314428
    Abstract: An umbrella rib assembly for coupling a ventilating canopy to a main support shaft includes a plurality of first ribs, a plurality of second ribs and a plurality of fastening units. First and second upper surfaces of the first and second ribs are adapted for attachment of central and surrounding canopy patches thereto, respectively. The first and second ribs have first and second coupling segments coupled with each other such that the first and second upper surfaces are offset from each other so as to define an annular space between the central and peripheral canopy patches for ventilation purposes. Each fastening unit is disposed to fasten the second coupling segment to the first coupling segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Henry Lee
  • Publication number: 20080308139
    Abstract: A reflective overlay for shade umbrellas that is both functional and decorative. A substantially circular piece of fabric with a reflective outer surface has a central aperture for positioning on a host umbrella. Built into the periphery are a multiplicity of flaps with gaps between adjacent flaps and at least two attachment means connected to the outer periphery at said gaps for removably attaching the reflective overlay at the periphery of a host umbrella dome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Jerry M. Keesling