Umbrella Patents (Class 135/15.1)
  • Patent number: 8393340
    Abstract: A flexible sunshade includes an elastic element having a lower end mounted to an upper end of a pole. A hub is fixed to an upper end of the elastic element. A canopy is mounted to a plurality of ribs each having an end pivotably connected to the hub. A runner is slideably mounted to the pole. A first end of each of a plurality of stretchers is pivotably connected to the runner. A second end of each stretcher is pivotably connected to one of the ribs. When the canopy, the ribs, or the hub is subjected to a force at a non-parallel angle to a longitudinal axis of the pole, the elastic element flexes to cause the hub to flex in a direction of the force, absorbing at least a portion of the force acting on the flexible sunshade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Benson Tung
  • Patent number: 8331598
    Abstract: An audio system for an outdoor umbrella includes an audio housing, a detachable locker, and an audio device. The audio 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: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Oliver Joen-An Ma
    Inventor: Wanda Ying Li
  • Patent number: 8302616
    Abstract: The umbrella is constructed with a frame that allows one rib to be manually lifted in order to open the umbrella and allows a manually applied force to be placed on the cover between two adjacent ribs in order to close the umbrella. Mechanical cranks and the like are eliminated. In one embodiment, the upper yoke is movable relative to a fixed lower yoke and the tension in the cover maintains the upper movable yoke in the open condition of the umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Telescope Casual Furniture Co.
    Inventor: Robert D. Vanderminden, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20120266928
    Abstract: Disclosed is an umbrella rib assembly 100 of a telescopic construction formed of a main rib 110, a first auxiliary rid 120 and a second auxiliary rib 130 which are foldable, which comprises an inner side member 111, an intermediate member 112, a plurality of main ribs 110, a support member 122 rotatably engaged to the first auxiliary rib fixing member 150, a plurality of first auxiliary ribs 120, and a second auxiliary rib 130, the diameter D1 of the engaging part in which the inner side member 111 of the main rib 110 is rotatably engaged to the main rib fixing member 140 is larger than the diameter D2 of the engaging part in which the second auxiliary rib 130 is rotatably engaged to the second auxiliary rib fixing member 160, and then the second auxiliary rib fixing member 160 descends toward the fixed first auxiliary rib fixing member 150, the umbrella rib assembly 100 is unfolded, and when it ascends toward the fixed main rib fixing member 140, the umbrella rib assembly 100 is folded, so various is telesco
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Boo Il Lee
  • Patent number: 8230869
    Abstract: The umbrella is constructed with a frame that allows one rib to be manually lifted in order to open the umbrella and allows a manually applied force to be placed on the cover between two adjacent ribs in order to close the umbrella. Mechanical cranks and the like are eliminated. In one embodiment, rods are added to the struts to weight and maintain the lower movable yoke in the open condition of the umbrella. In another embodiment, the tension in the cover maintains the upper movable yoke in the open condition of the umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Telescope Casual Furniture, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Vanderminden, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20120073617
    Abstract: An umbrella including a tube, a whale bone device, a barrel slidably engaged on the tube, means for coupling the barrel to the whale bone device, and a latch slidably received in the channel. The tube includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion includes a handle provided thereon. The upper portion includes an upper locking point formed within the tube. The lower portion includes a lower locking point formed within the tube. The whale bone device is pivotally secured to the upper portion of the tube and is movable between an open position and a folded position. The barrel includes a channel formed therein. The latch includes a support element and a locking element. The support element is slidably received in the channel of the barrel for slidably receiving the tube therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Glenn Kupferman
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110297196
    Abstract: A hinge joint assembly including a first body having a first circular serrated edge located around a first central axis; a second body having a second circular serrated edge located around a second central axis, said second circular serrated edge corresponding with and adapted to engage with the first circular serrated edge; an axle rod, extending through the first central axis and the second central axis, adapted to enable the first and second bodies to rotate relative to one another; biasing means, positioned between the first body and the second body, for biasing said first and second bodies away from each other along the axle rod; movement limiting means for preventing the second body from being separated from the first body beyond a pre-determined distance; and a cam element, rotatable about the axle rod, adapted to move the second body relative to the first body, from a joint locked position to a joint unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: Basil Bangs Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Durante
  • Patent number: 8020572
    Abstract: An umbrella is provided that comprises a canopy and a support structure upon which the canopy is supported. The canopy can comprise a first panel and a second panel. The support structure can comprise a spacer configured to provide a gap separating the first and second panels to permit air to be vented through the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Patent number: 7886756
    Abstract: An umbrella handle quick-release structure includes a positioning member, a spring, and an inner sleeve. The positioning member is fixed at a lower end of an umbrella rod. The inner sleeve is secured to a mounting hole of an umbrella handle. The inner sleeve has an axial insertion hole for insertion of the umbrella rod, an axial side groove at a side wall thereof for the positioning member to slide therein along with the insertion of the umbrella rod, a transverse groove for the positioning member to slide therein along with turning of the umbrella rod, and an axial positioning groove for positioning of the positioning member after being turned. The transverse groove has a first end interconnected with a lower end of the axial side groove and a second end interconnected with the axial positioning groove. An upper end of the axial positioning groove is higher than the transverse groove. The spring is located between a bottom of the mounting hole and a lower end of the umbrella rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Futao Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tian-Fu Chen
  • Publication number: 20110030745
    Abstract: A foldable umbrella with one-piece umbrella cloth includes a frame, a one-piece umbrella cloth, and a plurality of connecting pieces. The frame has a shaft, a runner, a plurality of stretchers, and a plurality of ribs. The runner is slidably disposed on the shaft. One end of each of the ribs is radially connected to the distal end of the shaft. A first rod of the rib has at least one penetrating hole. One end of each of the stretchers is together connected to the runner, and the other end of each of the stretchers is connected to the first rods respectively. The one-piece umbrella cloth is integrally formed without seams, disposed on the ribs, and connected thereto via the connecting pieces through the inside of the one-piece umbrella cloth and the penetrating hole of the first rod; therefore it can protect against the penetration of rain reliably.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Feng-To Yu
  • Publication number: 20110017249
    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 cord retention mechanism. For example, the hub can comprise upper and lower hub portions that form a hub body and a cord retention mechanism comprising an aperture extending through the hub body, a recess disposed within the upper or lower hub portion, and a pair of engagement members disposed in the recess. The cord lock mechanism can be configured to allow the cord to pass freely in a first direction while preventing movement of the cord therethrough in a second direction that is opposite the first direction or to pass freely in both the first and second directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Publication number: 20110011431
    Abstract: An umbrella handle quick-release structure includes a positioning member, a spring, and an inner sleeve. The positioning member is fixed at a lower end of an umbrella rod. The inner sleeve is secured to a mounting hole of an umbrella handle. The inner sleeve has an axial insertion hole for insertion of the umbrella rod, an axial side groove at a side wall thereof for the positioning member to slide therein along with the insertion of the umbrella rod, a transverse groove for the positioning member to slide therein along with turning of the umbrella rod, and an axial positioning groove for positioning of the positioning member after being turned. The transverse groove has a first end interconnected with a lower end of the axial side groove and a second end interconnected with the axial positioning groove. An upper end of the axial positioning groove is higher than the transverse groove. The spring is located between a bottom of the mounting hole and a lower end of the umbrella rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Tian-Fu CHEN
  • Publication number: 20100307548
    Abstract: Generally speaking, an umbrella having a frame formed by a plurality of rod members joined together by a plurality of hinges, is disclosed. The frame forms a periphery of a shape, such as a circle, square, hexagon, etc., and the frame is capable of movement between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration. A canopy is attached to the frame, and may be detachable there from, and is also capable of movement with the frame between the folded configuration and the unfolded configuration. A stem having a first end attached to the frame along the periphery and extending there from allows the user to position the umbrella to achieve ideal coverage during use. The stem may include a handle formed at a second end opposite the first end, for improved gripping and control of the umbrella.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: BWBT, LLC
    Inventors: John Thomas Cain, Desmond P. Varady, Scott Miller Padiak, David John VandenBranden, Rick Emery Robinson, Grant Kristofek, Michael Scherer, Stephen Burks
  • Patent number: 7798161
    Abstract: This invention is concerned with shade structures, such as umbrellas, particularly large free-standing umbrellas, which have variable geometry. In preferred embodiments, the invention provides umbrellas that comprise multiple sets of ribs supporting a canopy structure and having a mechanism associated with each set of ribs for influencing the angle or elevation of the rib sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Patent number: 7780139
    Abstract: The present invention is a support system that includes a receptacle mountable to a surface, and a base for providing lateral support to a mountable object. The base includes a skirt and a tube for retaining the mountable object. The tube extends through the skirt and is retained in the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Tom Markert
  • Publication number: 20100116303
    Abstract: Provided is a connection structure for a parasol for connecting a parasol including a post and a sunshade to another parasol. The connection structure includes a set of first fixing units having fastening holes through which the posts are inserted to be fixed, a set of second fixing units opposite to the first fixing units and having fastening holes, a pair of connection units disposed between the first fixing units and the second fixing units, and a pair of connection parts having a pair of connection bars hinged to each other, the respective ends of the connection bars being hinged to the first fixing units, the second fixing units and the connection units such that the first fixing units, the second fixing units, and the connection units are connected to each other in a foldable manner, wherein the connection unit and the connection part are installed between the first fixing units and the second fixing units in plural.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Keun Sung Song
  • Patent number: 7712476
    Abstract: A disposable umbrella includes a staff having an upper end and a lower end suitable for gripping by a user. A fixed collar is mounted on the upper end of the staff. A plurality of main struts are pivotably attached to the fixed collar and extend radially from the fixed collar. The main struts are movable from collapsed positions, wherein the main struts extend generally parallel to the staff, to open positions, wherein the main struts extend outwardly from the staff. A waterproof film is fixed to the main struts, such as by adhesive, and extends generally from the staff to the extended ends of the main struts. A slidable collar has a bore therethrough and is slidably mounted for movement along the staff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Pamela Zonsius
  • Publication number: 20100095990
    Abstract: A collapsible umbrella has an open position and a collapsed position. In a collapsed position, the umbrella of the present invention can be used as a towel, to clean, wipe, and or dry objects, hands, faces, and the like. In an open position, the umbrella function is enabled, so as to protect a person or objects from rain and/or sun. In one embodiment, the canopy of the umbrella is constructed from material having two surfaces performing different functions. In one embodiment, the umbrella of the present invention contains a mechanism adapted to collapse the umbrella in a manner that turns the canopy inside out when in the collapsed position, so as to hide the water-resistant surface of the canopy and expose the absorbent surface. The absorbent surface then becomes naturally accessible for use when the umbrella is in the collapsed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: TOWELLA LLC
    Inventors: Barae Tison, Thomas J. Tison
  • Publication number: 20100024854
    Abstract: An umbrella includes a shaft, a notch, a runner, a plurality of ribs, a plurality of stretchers, a plurality of tips and an umbrella cloth. The notch is fixed with the shaft, the runner slides on the shaft, the ribs are connected with the notch pivotally, the stretchers are pivotally connected between the runner and the ribs, the tips are fixed to the ribs, two ribs are inserted into each tip, and there is a clearance between the two ribs inserted into the same tip, umbrella cloth is fixed with ribs, ribs are covered with umbrella cloth, and umbrella cloth has a plurality of folded parts passing through the clearances respectively. Accordingly, the umbrella cloth of the invention is different from a conventional umbrella cloth which is made by sewing together many small panels of waterproof cloth with each other, so that the umbrella cloth has higher waterproof ability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Feng-To Yu
  • Patent number: 7631653
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for automated movement of an umbrella. An apparatus can be manually or automatically actuated to move the umbrella so as to provide more or less shade as desired by the user. For example, an apparatus is provided which can automatically move an umbrella to follow the movement of the sun. The apparatus can provide maximum or minimum shade (as desired) to the user throughout the day and/or can change the angle of the umbrella with little or no effort by the user. An adjustable umbrella apparatus comprising a ballast-shifting means is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Young Mechatronics Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: David Young, Robert Tegel
  • Patent number: 7591274
    Abstract: An umbrella comprises: a central shaft having an upper hub formed on a top portion of the central shaft; an one-piece frame having a plurality of rib assemblies integrally formed with an upper ferrule and a lower ferrule, with the upper ferrule secured to the upper hub and with the lower ferrule formed with a lower runner slidably held on the central shaft; and an umbrella cloth or cover secured on the frame; thereby forming an umbrella which can be easily constructed for use; and can also be easily detached, when damaged, for reclaiming the parts or elements in construction of the umbrella for environmental protection purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Fu Tai Umbrealla Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Lin, Jung-Jen Chang
  • Publication number: 20090223463
    Abstract: A pet house, for providing convenient and comfortable accommodation for a pet, includes a housing and a plurality of amenities. The housing includes a surrounding wall having a lodging room for the pet accommodating therein, and a side entrance communicating with the lodging room, and a roof frame, which is supported on the surrounding wall to define the lodging room within the surrounding wall and the roof frame. The amenities, including at least one of a solar power system, a power storage, a ventilating device, a dimmer light, an audio device, a remote intercommunication system, and an outdoors shading arrangement, is provided at said pet house for providing the comfort and convenience of said pet house so as to enhance the quality of living.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Shiuan Kuen Chem
  • Patent number: 7581504
    Abstract: An umbrella cover if formed from a unitary piece of material, an octagonal piece of material having eight corners, which may be decorated, such as by printing, without image segmentation. The cover has eight generally triangular slits therein extending one from each corner of the octagon toward, but in spaced relation from, a center point, a point of each triangle at the inner end of the slit. An image is printed on the cover. The sides of each slit are sewn together to form a dart. The cover is tacked to an eight-rib frame, with each dart tacked adjacent a flexion point in a rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Brandbrella, LLC
    Inventors: Hay Man Tsui, Harry Campbell, Joel Greenstein
  • Patent number: 7581554
    Abstract: A containerizable frame structure having a motion conversion means for telescopically projecting it out of and retracting it into a container. Some applications include umbrellas, banners, signs, portable wall structures, and tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Jerome Glasser
  • Publication number: 20090056774
    Abstract: An umbrella includes a canopy having a rib-connecting end, a rib having a tip to connect with the rib-connecting end, a tip cap connected to the rib-connecting end of the canopy and defining a receiving space that receives therein the tip of the rib, and a locking member connected to the tip cap to prevent release of the tip of the rib from the receiving space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Henry LEE
  • Publication number: 20080163907
    Abstract: A collapsible umbrella including a canopy having a top side and a bottom side. The umbrella is capable of being manipulated between an open position and a closed position. The top side of the canopy is substantially exposed when the umbrella is in the open position, and the bottom side of the canopy is substantially exposed when the umbrella is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Devon GARNER
  • Publication number: 20080163915
    Abstract: The present invention is an integrated tool that comprises a stake and post assembly and a hollow sleeve in the form of a pounding member which, when slid in a reciprocating motion over the post and brought downwards with a velocity to strike a collar, imparts sufficient force to the stake for driving the stake into the ground or any other hard surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Philip Nathaniel Wobrock
  • Patent number: 7392816
    Abstract: A shade structure includes a vertical column and a roof having a cover, a framework supporting the cover, and a mount attached for rotational adjustment to a top of the column and supporting the roof on the column. The framework includes a triangularly-shaped main beam arrangement comprising a plurality of beams secured together to form a triangle that lies in a vertical plane and that defines a peak and opposing first corners, with the mount being located between the peak and one of the opposing corners. The framework further includes a pair of transverse beams and a bracing beam secured to the triangular main beam arrangement that define opposing second corners. By this arrangement, an adjustable shade structure is provided that is able to withstand over 40 mph wind loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventors: Andrew H. Porter, William H. Porter
  • Publication number: 20080121255
    Abstract: An umbrella includes a covering member secured on a connecting strap which is attached to a grip of the umbrella, whereby upon folding of an umbrella, the covering member may be provided for neatly wrapping the umbrella canopy as folded; and upon opening of the umbrella, the cover member may then be adapted for wrapping the grip, thereby rendering an umbrella having the canopy neatly opened without obstructing a user's field of vision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Lin, Jung-Jen Chang
  • Publication number: 20080121256
    Abstract: A disposable umbrella includes a staff having an upper end and a lower end suitable for gripping by a user. A fixed collar is mounted on the upper end of the staff. A plurality of main struts are pivotably attached to the fixed collar and extend radially from the fixed collar. The main struts are movable from collapsed positions, wherein the main struts extend generally parallel to the staff, to open positions, wherein the main struts extend outwardly from the staff. A waterproof film is fixed to the main struts, such as by adhesive, and extends generally from the staff to the extended ends of the main struts. A slidable collar has a bore therethrough and is slidably mounted for movement along the staff.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Pamela Zonsius
  • Patent number: 7353583
    Abstract: A method of forming an umbrella canopy having a substantially continuously aligned decorative pattern displayed thereon, wherein the canopy is of the type used on large, outdoor and/or recreational umbrellas. The method includes forming an elongated sheet of canopy material with the decorative pattern displayed along a continuous portion of the length thereof. The decorative pattern is defined by a plurality of substantially equivalent, successively disposed pattern segments, wherein adjacent ones of such pattern segments are inverted relative to one another. The canopy sections used to construct the final product of the umbrella canopy are formed by extending each of a plurality of bias cuts along the entire width of the sheet of canopy material and at predetermined angular orientations to a central longitudinal axis of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: Dougan H. Clarke
  • Publication number: 20080072939
    Abstract: An umbrella comprises: a central shaft having an upper hub formed on a top portion of the central shaft; an one-piece frame having a plurality of rib assemblies integrally formed with an upper ferrule and a lower ferrule, with the upper ferrule secured to the upper hub and with the lower ferrule formed with a lower runner slidably held on the central shaft; and an umbrella cloth or cover secured on the frame; thereby forming an umbrella which can be easily constructed for use; and can also be easily detached, when damaged, for reclaiming the parts or elements in construction of the umbrella for environmental protection purpose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Lin, Jung-Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 7347428
    Abstract: A weighted sunscreen for outdoor use, which includes a shade having an elongated post with a first end, a second end, and a canopy attached to the first end, a weight, to which the second end is attached, a platform comprising an upper side upon which the weight is mounted, and a lower side, and at least three wheels attached to the lower side of the platform. The weighted sunscreen may also include a stopping device to keep the weighted sunscreen from moving. The weight may be concrete, a statue, a planter, an aquatic planter, or an aquarium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Lawrence L Edenso
  • Patent number: 7328714
    Abstract: A grip for an umbrella is provided on an outer wall with a through hole; at least one annular groove having a start point communicating with the through hole and a terminal point; a hook located at the terminal point of the groove; and an elastic strap having an inner end pressing against an inner side of the through hole, and an outer end outward extended through the through hole to form a loop portion having a turning section. The elastic strap could be wound around the groove with the turning section engaged with the hook, and is therefore prevented from tangling other articles in a container holding the umbrella that is not in use. Or, the elastic strap may be extended through a closed item with the turning section engaged with the hook to thereby externally hang the umbrella not in use to the closed item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Tsun-Zong Wu
  • Patent number: 7323983
    Abstract: The present invention is for an umbrella with a device, called the umpod, built into the handle of the umbrella. When detached from the handle, the umpod serves as a receiver of a pulsating RF signal, or other electronic communication, sent from the handle of the umbrella. There is an transmitter located in the handle of the umbrella and a receiver located in the umpod. When the umpod is separated from the umbrella handle, the umpod is activated and when separated by more than a preset distance, the receiver senses the diminished strength of the communication signal and the umpod automatically goes into “alert” mode. In “alert” mode, the umpod vibrates and/or beeps until the umpod is brought back within the range of the preset distance from the umbrella handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Matthew Bergman
  • Patent number: 7185665
    Abstract: An umbrella for use in a golf bag for protecting items stored in the golf bag, the umbrella comprising: a telescopic shaft including an upper sliding tube, and a lower support tube for slidingly receiving a portion of the upper sliding tube, the lower support tube having a ring fixed therearound; an inverted U-shaped clip fixed to the ring, the clip being capable of fastening to a golf bag; wherein a canopy comprises a first canopy having a substantially flat frame of concave disk-shaped portion and a second canopy having a substantially vertical frame of a truncated, hollow cone-shaped section so that the items within the golf bag are covered by the canopy when the shaft is retracted and the clip is secured to the golf bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan You
  • Patent number: 7040593
    Abstract: A universal attachment umbrella holder for providing a portable umbrella holder that can be attached to various objects. The universal attachment umbrella holder includes an adjustable base assembly having a pair of support arms and a clamping arm to permit clamping of the base assembly to an object or positioning on a support surface. A holding assembly is provided for receiving and supporting the post of an umbrella. In an embodiment, a holding tube is used for insertion into the post of the umbrella while the post is further held by a holding cup that surrounds the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Darnell Weatherall
  • Patent number: 6948506
    Abstract: An umbrella includes a notch member aligned with an elongate stem along an axis for connection with a rib assembly, a canopy mounted on the notch member, and a runner slidably sleeved on the stem and connected to a stretcher assembly to stretch or retract the rib assembly. First and second coupling members are respectively secured to the notch member and the stem, and have coupling ends swivelable and frictionally rotatable relative to each other about the axis. A retaining member is disposed to prevent relative displacement of the coupling ends along the axis. As such, the canopy can be forced to rotate relative to the stem about the axis once subjected to a relatively strong external force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Max Wang
  • Patent number: 6926018
    Abstract: A hands free umbrella includes an umbrella having a pole that has a bottom end and a top end. A canopy is attached to the top end of the pole. A handle is attached to the bottom end of the pole and extends downwardly away therefrom. The handle has a bottom side, a top side and a peripheral side wall extending between the top and bottom sides. The handle is substantially solid. A securing member for releasably attaching the handle to a belt is positioned on the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: U Yun Ryo
  • Patent number: 6866052
    Abstract: A party display assembly for supporting a plurality of ornamental objects includes an elongated rod having an upper end and a lower end. A canopy has an upper surface and a lower surface. A coupler is attached to the lower surface for selectively coupling the upper end of the rod to the canopy. A plurality of fastening members is attached to the upper surface of the canopy for selectively fastening objects to the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: Lillian W. Campos
  • Patent number: 6866053
    Abstract: A telescopic shank of beach umbrella invention for facilitating height adjustment and storage is provided. In one embodiment, the shank comprises an upper support tube and a lower sliding tube comprising a top fastening mechanism the fastening mechanism including an eccentric, intermediate shaft, an eccentric groove around the shaft, and a stop on the eccentric groove, and an eccentric C-shaped locking device put on the eccentric groove, the locking device including a stop block. In a sliding position, the stop and the stop block are opposite. Responsive to further rotating the sliding tube, the fastening mechanism, and the shaft about half circle about the support tube, the stop is urged against the stop block and an eccentric portion of the shaft and the stop urge against the locking device for biasing one side of the locking device against an inner wall of the support tube in a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan You
  • Publication number: 20040221882
    Abstract: A structure for repelling flying insects from a selected space is described. The structure includes a cover, extending over the space, a support means to position and support the cover, an insect repellant dispersal means, which in a preferred embodiment includes an air circulation device, positioned beneath the cover, and a source of insect repellant positioned relative to the insect repellant dispersal means. In a preferred embodiment, the source of insect repellant includes citronella, which is introduced in the space in vaporous form, and is dispersed throughout the space by the insect repellant dispersal means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Sheen Watson, Melisa Gayle Watson, Roy Ahoor
  • Publication number: 20040182429
    Abstract: The invention discloses a large portable umbrella which relates to the technical field of large foldable umbrella.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Fengchun Chen
  • Publication number: 20040074528
    Abstract: Device for fixing a screen, for example a sun screen, a rain screen or the like, to a support (2), whereby this screen (1) is provided with a bush (4) in which a bar (5) can be shifted, and whereby this bush (4) is connected to bones (9) of the screen (1) by means of spokes (10) or the like, characterized in that said bush (4) is fixed directly or indirectly to the aforesaid support (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Sofie Brutsaert
  • Publication number: 20040000332
    Abstract: A head mounted umbrella and a method thereof, which reduces its manufacturing cost and time and is stably held on a user's body without shaking, and which prevents a user's face from getting wet with rain water, and is hung on a hanger, is disclosed. The head mounted umbrella includes a hood part having a front opening, a body covering part manufactured in such a way that a circular basic cloth having a central opening and at least one cut radial portion is prepared, and adjacent radial edges of the basic cloth are coupled to each other to form a skirt shape, and the skirt-shaped cloth is coupled to a lower edge of the hood part, and an annular elastic ring is coupled to an outer peripheral edge of the body covering part by an attaching cloth strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: Jae Bong Yang
  • Publication number: 20030102020
    Abstract: An umbrella includes: a flat upper notch formed on a top of a central shaft and a flat lower runner slidably held on the central shaft for pivotally securing a plurality of ribs between the upper notch and the lower runner, either the upper notch or lower runner having four ribs pivotally secured to a narrow right side portion of the upper notch or the lower runner, and having three ribs pivotally secured to a narrow left side portion of the upper notch or the lower runner, thereby decreasing the separating angle between every two opposite ribs disposed on a wide front or rear side portion of the upper notch or the lower runner for smoothening the folding operation when closing the umbrella and also for enhancing the strength of the umbrella ribs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: Fu Tai Umbrella Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Lin, Jung-Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 6571814
    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: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan You
  • Publication number: 20030062072
    Abstract: An umbrella supporting apparatus comprising a harness having shoulder straps, a waistband and a back-mounted umbrella support assembly which allows the canopy of the umbrella to be adjusted in two different planes. The back-mounted umbrella support assembly includes a support plate mounted to the waistband and has a plurality of spaced key holes defining a first set of vertically displace positions or angles. The assembly also includes a rotatable support bracket rotatably mounted to the support plate and a hollow rod coupled to the rotatable support bracket for supporting a shaft or pole of an umbrella. A locking lever is resiliently coupled to the rotatably support bracket. In operation, the rotatable support bracket is adapted to be rotated left or right and locked or secured to one of the spaced key holes via the locking lever to vertically offset the hollow rod from vertically upright or align the hollow rod vertically upright.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Ronnie Hadley
  • Publication number: 20030051747
    Abstract: An automatic bending-angle changing structure for an umbrella comprises an upper and a lower sleeve, a pulley holding rod, a pulley set, a turning cylinder, a turner bracket, a hinge set and a reel, wherein: the pulley set is pin connected with the pulley holding rod which then is extended into the upper sleeve, the turning cylinder is fitted in the upper sleeve; the lower end of the pulley holding rod is slipped thereover with the turning cylinder and is pin connected with the upper end of the hinge set, the lower end of the hinge set is pin connected with the turning cylinder and the turner bracket, thereby a linkage is formed; the lower end of the turner bracket is slipped into the lower sleeve having thereon the reel; a fine rope is wound on the pulley set by means of the reel to move the turning cylinder and the turner bracket, thereby the umbrella can have variation in opening, collapsing and bending.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Jin-Sheng Lai