Nonsymmetrical, Axially Offset, Or Inclined Canopy Patents (Class 135/20.1)
  • Patent number: 11857041
    Abstract: A special-shaped folding umbrella which includes a plurality of 3-fold ribs and a plurality of 4-fold ribs is revealed. When the umbrella is closed, a height of a first connecting point of the 3-fold rib and that of a first connecting point of the 4-fold rib are quite similar (almost the same). A height of a sixth connecting point of the 3-fold rib is at similar to that of a seventh connecting point of the 4-fold rib. A third connecting point of the 3-fold rib and a fourth connecting point of the 4-fold rib are at similar height and so are a fourth connecting point of the 3-fold rib and a fifth connecting point of the 4-fold rib. A tip of the 3-fold rib and a tip of the 4-fold rib are maintained at similar level while the umbrella is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Inventors: Chyi-Fong Wu, Chi-Hua Wu
  • Patent number: 11505962
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing and using a five-device-in-one water-collecting-and-decelerating fruit-and-nut-collecting-and-decelerating wind-diffusing-and-redirecting multi-function-transversable-ridge-and-seam multi-function-twist-locking-base carapace, which has at least one first three-hundred-and-sixty-degree-orientational-carapace panel, at least one second three-hundred-and-sixty-degree-orientational-carapace panel, a water-ejecting fruit-and-nut-discharging wind-diffusing crown-carapace nozzle, at least one breadth-wise carapace-panel-connecting seam, at least one mid-panel water-directing water-decelerating fruit-and-nut-decelerating wind-diffusing ridge seam, a upper hub, rib-hinging intersectors, arched carapace-supporting ribs, a three-hundred-sixty-degree-rotatably-locking center-support stanchion, an adjustable stanchion-supporting twist-locking base, a shuttle hub, and actuating-and-supporting ribs, comprises the steps of: sewing said at least one first three-hundred-and-sixty-degree-orientational-
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventor: Dee Volin
  • Patent number: 11459788
    Abstract: A privacy and weather shield for use with an automobile having a side door includes a canopy including first and second panels pivotally coupled together and each having opposed front and rear edges, respectively, each panel having a framework covered by a waterproof material. The canopy includes a runner slidably coupled to a shaft and a plurality of stretchers are operatively coupled to the runner and to the canopy such that movement of the runner causes the stretchers to move the canopy between a stowed configuration in which the panels are folded/stowed and a deployed configuration in which the panels are extended/deployed. The canopy may be secured atop an automobile cab and door with an elastic fastener extending between the runner and the side door of the automobile. First and second curtains may be releasably coupled to the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Inventor: Richard W. Rasanen
  • Patent number: 11286664
    Abstract: A sun shade includes a cover that is extendable and retractable, a guide rail assembly that is engageable with the cover and defines a first path of movement via a first movable engagement point between the cover and the guide rail assembly, and a support bracket that is engageable with the guide rail assembly and arranged at a lower position relative to the cover. The support bracket defines a second path of movement for the guide rail assembly with the cover via a second movable engagement point between the guide rail assembly and the support bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Inventor: William C. Ayars
  • Patent number: 11278088
    Abstract: A parasol includes a tension rod-type pole that has multiple, length-adjustable telescopic portions; a lower hub that may be penetrated by the pole and that is configured to move in a vertical direction along the pole; a protruding portion that is provided on the pole and that is configured to restrict downward movement of the lower hub; an upper hub that is fixed to the pole; ribs that are joined to the upper hub and that are configured to rotate vertically but not horizontally; struts that are provided for the ribs and that connect the ribs and the lower hub; and a sheet that is provided between the ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: YMEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshinosuke Yamagata
  • Patent number: 11206903
    Abstract: A patio umbrella that includes a tilt mechanism for adjusting a shade angle of the umbrella canopy. The umbrella canopy can be opened and closed by a crank and spool mechanism. The tilt mechanism can be controlled by an actuator that operates independently of the crank and spool mechanism. The actuator can be mounted on the upright pole of the patio umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Inventor: Zhun-An Ma
  • Patent number: 11116296
    Abstract: An outdoor umbrella with a free axial rotation mechanism includes upper and lower umbrella columns, and a jiggle shell assembly positioned on the upper umbrella column. The jiggle shell assembly includes a jiggle shell and a jiggle mechanism. A travel cavity is formed at the bottom of the jiggle shell. An axial rotation mechanism is arranged on a lower part of the jiggle shell assembly mounting the upper and lower umbrella columns. When the axial rotation mechanism is in an unlocked state, upper umbrella column rotates freely along an axial direction. The axial rotation mechanism comprises a socket-and-spigot mechanism and a locking mechanism arranged outside the upper and lower umbrella columns. An upper end part of locking mechanism is positioned in travel cavity and its height is a travel range of realizing clutching of the locking mechanism; and the socket-and-spigot mechanism is positioned in upper and lower umbrella columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Yotrio Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jianqiang Xie
  • Patent number: 11060315
    Abstract: A foldable tent is disclosed. The foldable tent comprises a roof having a tent canvas, a first mastless umbrella structure, a second mastless umbrella structure, and at least a first junction configured to connect in a hinged manner the distal end of a first rib of the first umbrella structure and the distal end of a first rib of the second umbrella structure, the foldable tent being able to assume a deployed position in which the first and second umbrella structures are in the open position and a folded position in which the first and second umbrella structures are in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Inventors: Benjamin Lafoux, Alexandre Genero
  • Patent number: 10925362
    Abstract: A hand-operated cantilever umbrella includes a vertical column (1), a transverse rod (2), a drawing rod (3), an umbrella frame (4) and an umbrella adjustment mechanism (5). The bottom end of the transverse rod (2) is hinged to the slider disposed on the vertical column (1), the umbrella frame (4) hinged to the top end of the transverse rod (2), a large rib connector (470) and a drawing rod connector (30) are rotatably disposed on the middle portion of the transverse rod (2). The large rib connector (470) has a stopper (471) resisting against the drawing rod connector (30). The present invention is simple and rational in structure, and the open and fold operation is more convenient and quick, moreover, since the product does not need any rope to withstand wind in the open process and the subsequent use stage, it is more labor-saving to open, higher in strength and more stable in structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Tempo Manufacturing LLC
    Inventor: Xiong Luo
  • Patent number: 10920426
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an outdoor canopy having a tarpaulin drawing adjustment structure. The outdoor canopy includes a canopy frame and a tarpaulin. The canopy frame includes a column, longitudinal beams and horizontal beams. The tarpaulin is disposed on the horizontal beams and hanging from an outermost one of the horizontal beams. Both ends of the tarpaulin are provided with a tarpaulin-passing sleeve, and the tarpaulin-passing sleeve is provided inside with a tarpaulin-passing tube. A sliding mechanism for adjusting a drawing position of the tarpaulin is disposed between both ends of the tarpaulin-passing tube and the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Zhejiang Tianji Leisure Products CO., LTD
    Inventor: Rongjie Lu
  • Patent number: 10835433
    Abstract: An assistive apparatus is disclosed that solves the problem of conventional toilet seats lacking proper support for individuals and safety assistance. The assistive apparatus provides a rotatable grab bar assisting users in getting up or sitting on a toilet. Also, the grab bar can be attached with a foldaway handle which allows user to pull themselves up easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Inventor: Brian Schwab
  • Patent number: 10758015
    Abstract: A tilt device for an umbrella is a guide track assembly disposed in one of a first tilt member and a second tilt member. The guide track assembly has a first guide track member and a second guide track member. An enclosed guide track is within the guide track assembly. The guide track assembly is slideably received within the first tilt member. A driver that has an upper portion disposed in the second tilt member and a lower portion. The lower portion is disposed in the enclosed guide track. The enclosed guide track is configured to guide movement of the lower portion of the driver within the first tilt member. Movement of the driver causes the second tilt member to tilt relative to the first tilt member. The guide track assembly includes an open channel forming a part of a cord channel through the tilt device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Inventor: Zhun-An Ma
  • Patent number: 10426234
    Abstract: A multi-angle multi-function umbrella comprises: a first foot, a second foot, a mounting plate bolted to the first and second feet, a lower post attached to the mounting plate, an upper post, a middle post, a first inner core inserted into the lower and middle posts, a second inner core inserted into the middle and upper posts, a central tube, a spool, a crank rotatably attached to the spool, a rope threaded through the central tube, central ribs, central arms pivotably attached to the central ribs, an adjustable central canopy attached to the central ribs to adjust to different heights, an intersector slidably attached to the central tube, first ribs pivotably connected to the intersector and central arms, second ribs, third ribs, first coil caps pivotably connected to the first and second ribs, second coil caps pivotably connected to the second and third ribs, raising arms foldably attached to the intersector, an adjustable ring canopy attached to the first and second ribs, and adjusting flaps sewn to the a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Inventor: Dee Volin
  • Patent number: 10368617
    Abstract: An umbrella is provided that has a support pole, a canopy frame, and a set up assembly. The canopy frame is coupled with the support pole. The set up assembly is coupled with the canopy frame. The set up assembly is configured to open the canopy frame. The set up assembly has an actuator handle, a recess disposed on or in the support pole, and a locking pin. The locking pin is coupled with the handle and is moveable by the handle along a first direction between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the locking pin is disposed in the recess. In the second position the locking pin is spaced away from the recess. Movement of the locking pin along the umbrella pole adjacent to the recess in a second direction transverse to the first direction moves the locking pin between the first position and the second position in the first direction without moving the actuator handle in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Inventor: Zhun-An Ma
  • Patent number: 10159238
    Abstract: A portable lighting system includes a vehicle that has a hitch receiver and a lighting system. A lighting unit is removably coupled to the hitch receiver. The lighting unit has a telescopically adjustable height ranging between approximately 1.0 meters and 2.5 meters. Moreover, the lighting unit is selectively positioned in a first position having the lighting unit being vertically oriented. In this way the lighting unit may emit light at a height that is sufficient to attract bugs away from a user. The lighting unit is selectively positioned in second position having the lighting unit being horizontally oriented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Inventor: Joe L. Cumpian, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10136709
    Abstract: A cantilever umbrella assembly is provided that includes an upright pole, a runner, a transverse pole, and a canopy. The upright pole includes an upright guide surface. The runner is coupled with the upright pole and has a bearing coupled with the guide surface for guiding the runner along the upright pole. The cantilever umbrella assembly includes a deployable tension member with a first end disposed in the transverse pole and a second end coupled with the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Patent number: 10136710
    Abstract: A cantilevered umbrella comprising a mast having an elongated configuration, a cantilevered arm extending from the mast, a canopy extending from the cantilevered arm, a carriage connected to the cantilevered arm, and at least one of a constant force spring or a gas spring connected to the mast. The carriage is vertically moveable along the mast to move the canopy between an open position, wherein the canopy is extended, and a collapsed position, wherein the canopy is collapsed. The at least one of the constant force spring or the gas spring is operable with the carriage to assist with moving the canopy between the open position and the collapsed position and to counterbalance the weight of the cantilevered arm and the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: SOL UMBRA, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Roberts, Gary Ricco
  • Patent number: 10104945
    Abstract: A cantilevered umbrella assembly with an arcuate guide track comprises a support column, a cantilever arm attached to the support column, and an at least partially arcuate configured guide track attached to the cantilever arm that defines a sweep axis and a plane. The guide track defines a first free end, a second free end and an apex between the first end and the second end along the sweep axis. The sweep axis defines a first tangent to the sweep axis at the first end, a second tangent at the second end, and a third tangent at the apex, wherein a first line drawn perpendicularly to the first tangent and a second line drawn perpendicularly to the third tangent form a first included angle in the plane of the guide track that ranges from 10 to 45 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Resort Umbrella Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Richard Bauer
  • Patent number: 9744912
    Abstract: A vehicle external device attachment system that allows users to attach devices such as heaters or fans to their uncovered vehicles. An example of such a vehicle is a golf cart. The height of the attached device is adjustable via an adaptor ring. The vehicle external device attachment system provides stability to the external devices unprecedented in existing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Nobert IRA Investments, LLC
    Inventor: Lorraine Nobert
  • Patent number: 9565907
    Abstract: An umbrella having a support arm, a canopy having a support hub defining a first axis, and a pivot joint coupling the support hub to the support structure. The pivot joint is rotatable with respect to the support structure, about a second axis at a fixed angle with respect to the support structure. The pivot joint has a rotatable joint axle rotatably coupled to the support structure, and a tilt joint axle having a first end rotatably coupled to the rotatable joint axle along an interface plane at an angle, and a second end coupled to the support hub, wherein the tilt joint axle defines a longitudinal third axis. The orientation of the canopy can be changed with respect to the support structure by rotating the rotatable joint axle about the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: Mark J. S. Ma
  • Patent number: 9504298
    Abstract: Present invention relates to a tilting mechanism for an umbrella. The tilting mechanism includes: a base, a body, a sliding rod, and a winding device. The base has base pin holes and the body has body pin holes. The base and the body are joined by a pin through the base and body pin holes to form a joint. When umbrella is in upright and closed position, a user turns the crank clockwise, the cord is pulled downwards, a runner of the umbrella is moved upwards to open the umbrella until the runner is stopped by a runner stopper. When the umbrella is in open position, the user continues to turn the crank clockwise, the cord is pulled further down, the sliding rod is moved downwards pushing the wheel to travel along a wheel moving surface, and wheel axle grooves push wheel axle to tilt body around the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Atleisure LLC
    Inventor: Chuan Li
  • Patent number: 9480313
    Abstract: An umbrella having a shaft assembly that includes a lower shaft, an upper shaft, an offset hinge assembly disposed between the lower and upper shafts, and a handle is provided. The umbrella also includes a canopy assembly with a plurality of extendable ribs operatively disposed between the distal end of the upper shaft and the runner. The canopy is operatively disposed over the ribs and affixed to a distal end of the upper shaft and the runner wherein the offset hinge assembly is adapted to be selectively positioned in a stowed position in which said canopy can be opened and closed, and in a deployed position in which said open canopy is offset from said handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Barry J. Cullinane
  • Patent number: 9433268
    Abstract: An umbrella having the crown of the canopy coupled to a support structure via a pivot joint that is structured and configured to allow swiveling and/or tilting of the canopy with ease by a user, in more than one plane or with more than one degree of freedom with respect to the support structure. The canopy frame includes a longitudinal central support hub, and the pivot joint is rotatable about a rotation axis, wherein the axis of the canopy support hub makes a fixed or variable non-zero angle with respect to the pivot joint rotation axis. As a result of the angle between the pivot joint rotation axis and the canopy support hub axis. The rotation of the pivot joint causes tilting of the canopy support hub axis, thus tilting the canopy to change its orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Mark J. S. Ma
  • Patent number: 9380844
    Abstract: An adjustable umbrella includes an umbrella base, a stand column, a sliding sleeve, a cross rod, an adjustment mechanism provided between the bottom joint and the bottom end of the cross rod, a drawing rod, and an umbrella frame. The top of the umbrella frame is rotatably attached to the top end of the cross rod, an internal tube is rotatably disposed inside the cross rod, the bottom end of the internal tube is connected to the adjustment mechanism, the top end of the internal tube is connected to the top of the umbrella frame. When in use, the internal tube connected to the umbrella frame may be rotated by rotating the umbrella frame, so that the leftward and rightward adjustment of a sun-shading angle is realized in coordination with the adjusting mechanism, and operation thereof is simple and convenient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Phaeton Manufacturing LLC
    Inventor: Xiong Luo
  • Patent number: 9271550
    Abstract: An adjustable umbrella, which includes: an umbrella base, a stand column, a sliding sleeve, a cross rod, an umbrella cover adjustment mechanism, a drawing rod, and an umbrella frame, wherein a top of the umbrella frame is rotatably attached to a top end of the cross rod through a rotating mechanism, a bottom joint of the cross rod is rotatably connected to the sliding sleeve, the umbrella frame has an elongated umbrella rib with a bottom end, the bottom end of the elongated umbrella rib is connected to the umbrella cover adjustment mechanism, the umbrella frame is rotatable by adjusting the umbrella cover adjustment mechanism. The sunshade is novel in appearance, and has strong practical performance and reasonable and practical structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Phaeton Manufacturing LLC
    Inventor: Luo Xiong
  • Patent number: 9220325
    Abstract: An umbrella is provided that has a transverse member mounted canopy control module. The umbrella has a support structure and a canopy. The support structure has a first support member having an upper end and a second support member. The second support member has a first end disposed adjacent to the first support member and a second end disposed away from the first end. The second support member extending along a longitudinal axis disposed transverse to the first support member. The canopy has an upper hub. The upper hub is pivotally coupled with the second support member. The umbrella also has an enclosure disposed at the first end of the second support member. A canopy control mechanism is disposed in the enclosure to alter the configuration of the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Patent number: 9027580
    Abstract: In order to provide a rib structure of an umbrella, which has superior appearance without receiving unnecessary structural pressure and can contribute to the development of the industry by motivating consumers to buy, this invention features the rib structure of an umbrella which is formed with multiple ribs wherein the length of specific ribs is different from the length of other specific ribs, cloth is stretched onto the above mentioned ribs thereby changing forms of the umbrella and when the above mentioned cloth is put between the above mentioned ribs and adjacent ribs, the cloth does not expand and contract in the direction of the length of said ribs, but is expandable and contractible in any direction with the exception of the direction of the length of said ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: John David Di Cesare
  • Patent number: 8985129
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a sunshade umbrella capable of adjusting umbrella surface angle, including an upright rod and an upright rod handle which moves up and down along the upright rod, wherein one end of the upright rod is connected with umbrella base, the other end of the upright rod is hinged with the connecting rod, the other end of the connecting rod is hinged with a circumferential fixed hanger rod, the hanger rod is hinged with the upright rod handle, an umbrella surface angle adjusting device is mounted on one end of the hanger rod, an executing device that takes the circumferential movement around the hanger rod is mounted on the other end of the hanger rod, and the executing device is connected with an upper umbrella plate. This umbrella has the following advantages: increased overall firmness of the sunshade umbrella, simple structure, and is convenient to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Hangzhou China Arts Industrial Corp., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ren Li, Yunsheng Wang
  • Publication number: 20150075574
    Abstract: An umbrella is provided that has a transverse member mounted canopy control module. The umbrella has a support structure and a canopy. The support structure has a first support member having an upper end and a second support member. The second support member has a first end disposed adjacent to the first support member and a second end disposed away from the first end. The second support member extending along a longitudinal axis disposed transverse to the first support member. The canopy has an upper hub. The upper hub is coupled with the second support member. The umbrella also has an enclosure disposed at the first end of the second support member. A canopy control mechanism is at least partially disposed in the enclosure to alter the configuration of the canopy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Publication number: 20150068567
    Abstract: A cantilever umbrella assembly is provided that includes an upright pole, a runner, a transverse pole, and a canopy. The upright pole includes an upright guide surface. The runner is coupled with the upright pole and has a bearing coupled with the guide surface for guiding the runner along the upright pole. The cantilever umbrella assembly includes a deployable tension member with a first end disposed in the transverse pole and a second end coupled with the canopy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Publication number: 20150068566
    Abstract: An umbrella is provided that has a transverse member mounted canopy control module. The umbrella has a support structure and a canopy. The support structure has a first support member having an upper end and a second support member. The second support member has a first end disposed adjacent to the first support member and a second end disposed away from the first end. The second support member extending along a longitudinal axis disposed transverse to the first support member. The canopy has an upper hub. The upper hub is pivotally coupled with the second support member. The umbrella also has an enclosure disposed at the first end of the second support member. A canopy control mechanism is disposed in the enclosure to alter the configuration of the canopy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Publication number: 20150059815
    Abstract: An adjustable umbrella, which includes: an umbrella base, a stand column, a sliding sleeve, a cross rod, an umbrella cover adjustment mechanism, a drawing rod, and an umbrella frame, wherein a top of the umbrella frame is rotatably attached to a top end of the cross rod through a rotating mechanism, a bottom joint of the cross rod is rotatably connected to the sliding sleeve, the umbrella frame has an elongated umbrella rib with a bottom end, the bottom end of the elongated umbrella rib is connected to the umbrella cover adjustment mechanism, the umbrella frame is rotatable by adjusting the umbrella cover adjustment mechanism. The sunshade is novel in appearance, and has strong practical performance and reasonable and practical structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Phaeton Manufacturing LLC
    Inventor: Luo Xiong
  • Patent number: 8960210
    Abstract: An umbrella system relating to the general protection of fixed outdoor umbrellas, especially during windy conditions. The umbrella system uses a supportive shaft equipped with a resiliently deformable region allowing omni-directional bending under wind loading. A preferred embodiment of the deformable region comprises a helical spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: John Andrew Bacik
  • Patent number: 8899250
    Abstract: A tiltable sunshade (12) includes a pole (111) rotatably receiving a rod (573) around which a helical spring (579) is mounted. The helical spring (579) can be rotated by operating a handle (213) to cause movement of a follower (599) in the pole (111) between a folded position and an unfolded position and an optional tilted position to fold ribs (451), unfold the ribs (451), and optionally tilt the ribs (451), respectively. When the follower (599) is in the unfolded position or the tilted position, if a canopy (475), the ribs (475), or stretchers (451) of the tiltable sunshade (12) is subjected to an external force causing the runner (297) to move along the longitudinal axis of the pole (111), the helical spring (579) is compressed by the follower (599) and undergoes elastic deformation, providing a buffering effect to the external force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Benson Tung
  • Publication number: 20140311537
    Abstract: An umbrella having the crown of the canopy coupled to a support structure via a pivot joint that is structured and configured to allow swiveling and/or tilting of the canopy with ease by a user, in more than one plane or with more than one degree of freedom with respect to the support structure. The canopy frame includes a longitudinal central support hub, and the pivot joint is rotatable about a rotation axis, wherein the axis of the canopy support hub makes a fixed or variable non-zero angle with respect to the pivot joint rotation axis. As a result of the angle between the pivot joint rotation axis and the canopy support hub axis. The rotation of the pivot joint causes tilting of the canopy support hub axis, thus tilting the canopy to change its orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: Mark J.S. MA
  • Patent number: 8851343
    Abstract: A platform supports a sun shade that can keep a user cool in the sun. The platform comprises a sun shade mechanically coupled to four rods by a series of rod connections. Each rod is inserted into a separate tube with its movement restricted by rod lock. Two tubes are mechanically coupled to a right adjustable shoulder strap. Two tubes are mechanically coupled to a left adjustable shoulder strap. A user can place the left adjustable shoulder strap and the right adjustable shoulder strap on shoulders of the user to provide increased stability to the sun shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph W. Evans, Robert G. Gottlieb
  • Patent number: 8820336
    Abstract: The present invention features an umbrella holder system with ball joint for shade angle adjustment. The system features a general U-shaped base, a ball joint and an umbrella with a handle. The ball joint has an upper opening adapted to receive the umbrella handle and a lower part connected to the U-shaped base. The U-shaped base can be secured to a support structure via a screwed handle. The ball joint has a ball with a threaded rod or a plurality of holes for position securing. The umbrella is pivotably attached to the U-shaped case and can be secured to a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Dennis Duane Schneberger
  • Publication number: 20140230867
    Abstract: Umbrella assemblies described herein are configured to retract and extend, tilt side to side, and open and close. In some embodiments, the umbrella assembly can include a cantilevered beam. The umbrella assembly can further include a tilt mechanism operable to rotate the canopy frame. The umbrella assembly can include a clutch mechanism fixed to the cantilevered beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Patent number: 8776809
    Abstract: A short force arm deflection device is mounted to a section of a center post of an umbrella between a top cap and a runner and includes an upper deflection member and a lower deflection member pivotally connected to each other, and a barrel receiving a compression spring. The upper and lower deflection members are respectively connected to a lower end of an upper post segment and an upper end of a lower post segment. The barrel, receives the compression spring and goes over the connection portion between the lower deflection member and the lower post segment. To open, the runner is pulled upwardly by a pull cord to contact the barrel causing a relative rotation between the upper and lower deflection members for realizing deflection between the top cap and the runner for inclining a canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Joen-Shen Ma, Yung Cheng Ma
  • Patent number: 8763620
    Abstract: A rotatable sunshade includes a pole rotatably coupled to a connection tube fixed to a base. A runner is slideably mounted around the pole to fold, unfold, or tilt a canopy. A control tube is slideably mounted around the pole. When the canopy is tilted and the control tube is in an engagement position, at least one tooth of the control tube engages with at least one tooth of a positioning ring fixed to the connection tube, and the pole is not rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the pole relative to the connection tube. When the canopy is tilted and the control tube is in a disengagement position, the at least one tooth of the control tube disengages from the at least one tooth of the positioning ring, and the pole is rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the connection tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Benson Tung
  • Publication number: 20140158173
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a sunshade umbrella capable of adjusting umbrella surface angle, including an upright rod and an upright rod handle which moves up and down along the upright rod, wherein one end of the upright rod is connected with umbrella base, the other end of the upright rod is hinged with the connecting rod, the other end of the connecting rod is hinged with a circumferential fixed hanger rod, the hanger rod is hinged with the upright rod handle, an umbrella surface angle adjusting device is mounted on one end of the hanger rod, an executing device that takes the circumferential movement around the hanger rod is mounted on the other end of the hanger rod, and the executing device is connected with an upper umbrella plate. This umbrella has the following advantages: increased overall firmness of the sunshade umbrella, simple structure, and is convenient to operate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Ren LI, Yunsheng WANG
  • Patent number: 8726921
    Abstract: An umbrella is disclosed. In one embodiment, the umbrella includes an extensible, collapsible handle adapted to interchangeably secure the umbrella to a surface to allow for hands-free operation while a user is beneath the umbrella in order to remain dry and shaded. In at least one embodiment, the umbrella includes a retractable, magnetic attachment device in the handle. The umbrella includes a multiplicity of angle, pivot, and rotation configurations for use. The umbrella is adapted to pivot and bend in various locations. The umbrella provides for hands-free use when mounted. It at least one embodiment, the umbrella includes one or more of a shaft light and a frame light to provide illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Cindy A. Wilkins
  • Publication number: 20140102494
    Abstract: An umbrella includes a shaft and a runner is movably mounted to the shaft. A frame unit is connected to the runner and a top of the shaft. The frame unit extends laterally from the shaft. A first cap and a second cap are connected to the distal end of the frame unit. A rib unit is connected to the frame unit so as to be connected to a gore whose center is located offset from the axis of the shaft. A positioning portion is connected to the top of the shaft or the top of the runner. A positioning rib unit is pivotably connected to the positioning portion. The positioning portion firmly supports the positioning rib unit and the gore when the umbrella is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Fu-Tien Liu, Lap-Tung Lam
  • Publication number: 20130340800
    Abstract: An eccentric umbrella includes a shaft and a runner is movably mounted to the shaft. A frame extends laterally from the shaft and is located between the top of the shaft and the runner. The frame includes a first top member and a bottom member. A rib unit is connected to the first top member and the bottom member, and supports the gore of the umbrella. The center of the gore is located eccentrically relative to the shaft. A positioning portion has a first end pivotally connected to the rib unit on two sides of the frame. A second end of the positioning portion is pivotably connected to the top of the shaft, a second top member on the top of the shaft, the runner or a positioning link on the frame. The eccentric umbrella provides sufficient coverage to the user when using the eccentric umbrella.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Fu-Tien Liu, Lap-Tung Lam
  • Publication number: 20130333734
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an umbrella canopy tilt mechanism is provided that can include a crank mechanism and an automatic bending mechanism. The crank mechanism includes a crank and a rope. The crank is configured to be swivel-mounted on one end of the curved cantilever of a sunshade umbrella. The automatic bending mechanism is configured to be installed in a shaft of the sunshade umbrella. One end of the rope is configured to connect to the crank. The other end of the rope is configured to extend along the curved cantilever to reach the other end of the curved cantilever. The rope is configured to extend through the shaft and automatic bending mechanism to connect to a lower runner. The lower runner is held and slides on the shaft. An upper runner is fixedly secured to the shaft. The umbrella canopy tilt mechanism can further be provided with a rotation mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Patent number: 8584993
    Abstract: A column includes a hinge assembly, the hinge assembly having an upper portion (2) pivotally attached to a lower portion (1) for movement about a first pivot axis (5), the upper portion of the hinge assembly being associated with an upper part (12) of the column and the lower portion of the hinge assembly being associated with a lower part (11) of the column. In use, movement of the upper and lower hinge assembly portions about the first pivot axis from a normal position, in which the upper part of the column is relatively upright, causes the upper part of the column to rotate towards the lower part of the column, thereby allowing the upper part the column to be moved to a maintenance position. An arm links (3), via second (6) and third (7) pivot axes, the upper and lower portions of the hinge assembly, and the arm is associated with a spring (9) that exerts a force via the arm, which urges the upper and lower hinge assembly portions towards the normal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: The Aluminum Lighting Company Limited
    Inventors: Alexandra Pumford, Craig Thomas Williams, Mark Alan Edwards
  • Publication number: 20130284220
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible omni-umbrella, comprising: a rod, a flexible wire and an umbrella fabric, wherein two ends of the rod are provided with a through hole portion and a fixing portion, respectively. In the present invention, one point of the flexible wire is fixed on the fixing portion and two terminal ends of the flexible wire are connected to each other after being slidably passed through the through hole portion, therefore the flexible wire is formed to a stereoscopic framework, so as to make the umbrella fabric covering the stereoscopic framework capable of shielding rain comprehensively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Li-Hsiang Liu, Min-Wei Lin
  • Publication number: 20130269738
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cantilever umbrella comprising a plurality of retaining plates, an upper hub, an lower hub, a plurality of support ribs and a plurality of strut spreaders, and the structure of the cantilever umbrella is that: the support ribs are hinged to the upper hub, the two ends of each strut spreaders are hinged to the lower hub and the support rib respectively, the cantilever umbrella further comprises a switch mechanism, a support arm, a first bearing rod and a second bearing rod, the two ends of the first bearing rod are hinged to the lower hub and the upper portion of the retaining plate respectively, one end of the second bearing rod is hinged to upper hub and the other end of the bearing rod is provided with a support block, the intermediate portion of the first bearing rod is hinged to the intermediate portion of the second bearing rod, the two ends of the support arm are hinged to the second bearing rod and the retaining plate respectively, the switch mechanism is fixedly moun
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Patent number: 8534304
    Abstract: A tiltable sunshade (12) includes a pole (111) rotatably receiving a screw rod (511) that can be rotated by operating a handle (213) to cause movement of a follower (277) in the pole (111) between a folded position, an unfolded position, and a tilted position to fold ribs (451), unfold the ribs (451), and tilt the ribs (451), respectively. The screw rod (511) has a large pitch portion (519) and a small pitch portion (517). When the follower (277) moves between the folded position and the unfolded position, the follower (277) moves along the large pitch portion (519) at a first speed. When the follower (277) moves between the unfolded position and the tilted position, the follower (277) moves along the small pitch portion (517) at a second speed smaller than the first speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Benson Tung
  • Patent number: 8522804
    Abstract: A sunshade (12) includes a pole (111) rotatably receiving a screw rod (295) that is can be rotated by operating a handle (213) to cause movement of a follower (277) in the pole (111) between a folded position, an unfolded position, and a tilted position. A runner (297) is mounted around the pole (111) and fixed to the follower (277) to move therewith. A pivotable member (383) is pivotably connected to a fixing member (363) fixed on an upper end (113) of the pole (111). Ribs (451) are pivotably mounted to a hub (439) fixed on the pivotable member (383). Stretchers (313) are pivotably mounted between the ribs (451) and the runner (297). The hub (439) and the ribs (451) are tilted when the pivotable member (383) is pivoted due to movement of the follower (277) from the unfolded position to the tilted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Benson Tung