Self-opening And Closing Patents (Class 135/22)
  • Patent number: 11849822
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are retractable umbrella frame devices comprising a base body structure at least partially surrounding a central axis structure. The central axis structure can be connected to a skeletal frame structure comprising a plurality of arms having a first end connected to the central axis structure and a second free end. The plurality of arms can be moveably connected to the central axis structure, such that the arms can be retracted into or extended from the base body structure. In some embodiments, the base body structure comprises open portions along its length. In some embodiments, the retractable umbrella frame devices further comprise one or more secondary support structures at least partially surrounding the base body structure. In some embodiments, the retractable umbrella frame devices can further comprise guide structures connected to the one or more secondary support structures and the arms of the skeletal frame structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Inventor: Joseph Pikulski
  • Patent number: 11819097
    Abstract: An umbrella assembly is described in which a spring assisted movement of a knob away from or toward an umbrella handle respectively deploys or retracts a canopy and a plurality of support ribs. In the deployed position, each rib curves and keeps the canopy under tension. Elastic potential energy of a spring located within a body interior space deploys or retracts the ribs and canopy out of or into the body interior space, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Inventor: Ryan P. Woodring
  • Patent number: 11584209
    Abstract: The present application discloses a smart vehicle sunshade with storage function, which includes a box body, an umbrella body, a drive mechanism, a wind speed sensor and a controller. The box body includes an umbrella body compartment, a trunk and a sealed compartment. An umbrella body compartment door is arranged on an upper side of the umbrella body compartment. The umbrella body includes an umbrella handle, an umbrella opening mechanism, a folding rib and an umbrella surface arranged outside the folding rib. The drive mechanism includes a connecting spindle, an umbrella rotating mechanism, an umbrella rotating drive mechanism and a swing mechanism. The present application can not only detect the wind speed in real time, automatically close the umbrella body when the wind speed is too high, and can automatically restart by a preset time, which effectively improves the service life of the umbrella body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: GUANGZHOU WEWIN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shangyun Deng
  • Patent number: 11224269
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are retractable umbrella frame devices comprising a base body structure at least partially surrounding a central axis structure. The central axis structure can be connected to a skeletal frame structure comprising a plurality of arms having a first end connected to the central axis structure and a second free end. The plurality of arms can be moveably connected to the central axis structure, such that the arms can be retracted into or extended from the base body structure. In some embodiments, the base body structure comprises open portions along its length. In some embodiments, the retractable umbrella frame devices further comprise one or more secondary support structures at least partially surrounding the base body structure. In some embodiments, the retractable umbrella frame devices can further comprise guide structures connected to the one or more secondary support structures and the arms of the skeletal frame structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Inventor: Joseph L. Pikulski
  • Patent number: 11076663
    Abstract: An umbrella system includes a support pole connected to a rotating tube positioned around a center tube that extends between the support pole and a center support that is connected to an umbrella frame. The rotating tube has one or more helical grooves therein that are engaged by teeth of a hub which is connected to the umbrella frame. As the rotating tube is rotated, the hub is driven along the length of the rotating tube thereby opening and closing the umbrella frame. In one arrangement system includes a motor housing assembly including a plurality of batteries and a motor that includes a driven gear that meshes with a stationary gear which causes rotation of the rotating tube. The system also includes a counterbalance assembly positioned within the rotating tube. The counterbalance assembly includes at least one spring positioned within the rotating tube that provides a counterbalance force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: CURRENT PRODUCTS CORP.
    Inventors: Willis Jay Mullet, Richard Scott Hand, John Foreman, Jonathan Derrick Dry
  • Patent number: 11044972
    Abstract: An umbrella includes a shaft, a canopy, and an opening and closing mechanism that moves the canopy between an open state and a closed state. An inner stretcher frame has an inner hub and a plurality of inner stretchers. Each of the plurality of inner stretchers has a proximal end rotatably connected to the inner hub, and a distal end. An outer stretcher frame has an outer hub and a plurality of outer stretchers. Each of the plurality of outer stretchers has a proximal end that is rotatably connected to the outer hub, and a distal end. A plurality of connector assemblies rotatably connect the distal end of each of the plurality of inner stretchers to the distal end of a corresponding one of the plurality of outer stretchers, and retain the outer edge of the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Mr. Christmas Incorporated
    Inventor: Terry Hermanson
  • Patent number: 10888144
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are retractable umbrella frame devices comprising a base body structure at least partially surrounding a central axis structure. The central axis structure can be connected to a skeletal frame structure comprising a plurality of arms having a first end connected to the central axis structure and a second free end. The plurality of arms can be moveably connected to the central axis structure, such that the arms can be retracted into or extended from the base body structure. In some embodiments, the base body structure comprises open portions along its length. In some embodiments, the retractable umbrella frame devices further comprise one or more secondary support structures at least partially surrounding the base body structure. In some embodiments, the retractable umbrella frame devices can further comprise guide structures connected to the one or more secondary support structures and the arms of the skeletal frame structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Inventor: Joseph Pikulski
  • Patent number: 10856631
    Abstract: An array of wirelessly controllable umbrellas includes at least two umbrellas with receivers and with motors operable to open and close the umbrellas. The receivers are operable to wirelessly receive a code and communicate with the motors to open or close the umbrellas based on an authentication of the code being an authorized code and to deny operation of the umbrella based on receipt of an unauthorized code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventor: Joerg Schulhofer
  • Patent number: 10772399
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hinged cane to assist in user mobility. The cane comprises an upper section and a lower section and a hinged mechanism that connects the upper and lower sections. The hinged mechanism comprises a lower block and an upper block and a hinge coupler pivotally connected to the lower block and to the upper block. This configuration enables the lower section to be moved from a use position over a range of travel into a fully folded position. The cane includes a catch mechanism for releasably securing the upper section to the lower section when in the use position. The cane may include a foot that has a relatively more pliable skirt and a relatively less pliable central nub to assist in maintaining the natural walking motion of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Ritter, Megan Gilligan, Gregory J. Foster, Robert W. Sheldon
  • Patent number: 10729213
    Abstract: A folding cane with a first shaft member, a second shaft member, a third shaft member, a handle member, a foot member, a first hinge, a second hinge, a first hinge lock assembly and a second hinge lock assembly is disclosed. The handle member is attached to the top of the first shaft member. The first hinge member connects the first shaft member to the second shaft member. The second hinge member connects the second shaft member to the third shaft member. The foot member is attached to the bottom of the third shaft member. The hinge lock assemblies are capable of automatically locking the hinges when the folding cane is deployed to the use position and each hinge lock assembly includes a spring biased slide tab allowing a user to unlock the hinge lock assemblies when wanting to fold the cane into a compact stored configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: AVENUE MOBILITY LTD.
    Inventors: Helen Ix FitzPatrick, Geri W. Roper, Kenneth A. Tarlow
  • Patent number: 10575610
    Abstract: A two-stage folding structurer for two-fold inverted umbrella includes an umbrella shaft assembly consisting of an inner shaft tube, an outer shaft tube and a handle, and a control device set including a release mechanism mounted in the outer shaft tube, a positioning device mounted in the inner shaft tube, a spring member connected between the release mechanism and the positioning device and a control device mounted to the handle. When the outer shaft tube is received to the inner shaft tube in the received position, the release mechanism is moved close to the positioning device, and a hook of the positioning device is forced to hook in a retaining notch of the release mechanism to lock the outer shaft tube and the inner shaft tube in the received position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Inventor: Sheng-Chun Li
  • Patent number: 10492577
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hinged cane to assist in user mobility. The cane comprises an upper section and a lower section and a hinged mechanism that connects the upper and lower sections. The hinged mechanism comprises a lower block and an upper block and a hinge coupler pivotally connected to the lower block and to the upper block. This configuration enables the lower section to be moved from a use position over a range of travel into a fully folded position. The cane includes a catch mechanism for releasably securing the upper section to the lower section when in the use position. The cane may include a foot that has a relatively more pliable skirt and a relatively less pliable central nub to assist in maintaining the natural walking motion of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Ritter, Megan Gilligan, Gregory J. Foster, Robert W. Sheldon
  • Patent number: 10188079
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a strap assembly that permits various decorative items to be worn comfortably on the head of a pet without easily falling or being pulled off. The strap assembly can be made of a thin, clear or translucent elastic plastic material making it nearly invisible. Alternatively, the strap can be made of a colored or opaque plastic material, or even a woven fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventor: Anne Elizabeth Childress
  • Patent number: 9609926
    Abstract: An umbrella is formed of an elongated shaft having a first end and an opposite second end and a runner slidably disposed about the elongated shaft. The umbrella includes a rib assembly including a plurality of ribs that are attached to the runner by a plurality of struts that move between open and closed positions. In accordance with the present invention, the elongated shaft has a cross-sectional shape defined by a plurality of curved sections and a plurality of planar sections interspersed between the plurality of curved sections for providing increased torsional strength to the elongated shaft. At least one of the ribs can have a cross-sectional shape defined by a plurality of curved sections and a plurality of planar sections interspersed between the plurality of curved sections for providing increased torsional strength to the at least one rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: SHEDRAIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Ryan Haythornthwaite, Andrew Paul Haythornthwaite
  • Patent number: 9004087
    Abstract: A controllable automatic umbrella unfolding device includes an upper runner, a middle runner, a lower runner and a center bar. The upper runner is fixed at the top end of the center bar, the middle runner and the lower runner of the umbrella are movably sleeved on the center bar, the upper runner is connected with long ribs, the long ribs are connected with short ribs, the middle runner is connected with branch ribs, the branch ribs are connected with the short ribs, the short ribs are connected with the lower runner, a gas spring is disposed in the center bar, the tail end of a cylinder barrel of the gas spring is connected with the middle runner of the umbrella, a valve is arranged at the end of a piston rod of the gas spring, and a valve opening device is disposed corresponding to the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Zhunan Ma
  • Publication number: 20150096601
    Abstract: An umbrella is formed of an elongated shaft having a first end and an opposite second end and a runner slidably disposed about the elongated shaft. The umbrella includes a rib assembly including a plurality of ribs that are attached to the runner by a plurality of struts that move between open and closed positions. In accordance with the present invention, the elongated shaft has a cross-sectional shape defined by a plurality of curved sections and a plurality of planar sections interspersed between the plurality of curved sections for providing increased torsional strength to the elongated shaft. At least one of the ribs can have a cross-sectional shape defined by a plurality of curved sections and a plurality of planar sections interspersed between the plurality of curved sections for providing increased torsional strength to the at least one rib.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Shedrain Corporation
    Inventors: DAVID RYAN HAYTHORNTHWAITE, ANDREW PAUL HAYTHORNTHWAITE
  • Publication number: 20150068568
    Abstract: An opening spring for multiple fold automatic open-close umbrellas is revealed. The opening spring is disposed in a shaft to provide power for extending the shaft while opening the umbrella. The opening spring is formed by a wound wire with a constant wire diameter and having a plurality segments of coils with different outer diameters. A gradually changing part is disposed between two adjacent segments of coils. The coil outer diameter of the gradually changing part is reduced from top to bottom along the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Tsun-Zong Wu
  • Publication number: 20140373886
    Abstract: A contraction structure of center post of self-opening umbrella includes an outer tube and an intermediate tube telescopically fit to each other. The intermediate tube has an upper end to which an outer tube plug is mounted. The center post receives therein two sections of runner cord. The two sections of runner cord each have an end fixed to the outer tube plug and an opposite end extending around a runner cord pulley mounted to an upper end of the center post and fixed to a runner at a first runner-cord fixed position. The present invention applies two sections of runner cord to simultaneously operate so that in withdrawing the runner, two identical pulling forces are applied to the runner to enable smooth withdrawal of the runner. The present invention reduces the number of pulleys used, simplifies the structure, and improves the liability of the umbrella and extends lifespan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Chin-Sung Ko
  • Patent number: 8820337
    Abstract: The present invention provides an elastic force magnifying structure of self-opening/closing umbrella. The umbrella includes a central post that comprises an inner tube, an intermediate tube, and an outer tube telescopically fit to each other. The central post receives a primary spring received therein. The elastic force magnifying structure includes an elastic force increasing spring arranged inside the outer tube. The elastic force increasing spring is coupled by a coupling sleeve to the primary spring to serve as an extension thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Chin-Sung Ko
  • Patent number: 8800576
    Abstract: A guy structure for an automatic unfolding and folding umbrella is provided. The guy structure includes two or more guys: One guy is a lower nest guy, provided at least between a middle rod and a lower nest; the other is an unfolding guy, provided at least between the middle rod and a spreading component in the umbrella head. While unfolding the umbrella, an unfolding spring stretches and opens part of the middle rod pipe. The unfolding guy pulls and opens the rest section of middle rod pipe with the cooperation of the lower nest guy, and forms the complete unfolding status. While folding the umbrella, the folding spring makes the lower nest move downward under force of the folding spring. At this time, the unfolding spring does not generate tension on the middle rod pipe above it, thus the middle rod pipe above the unfolding spring can be collected through the lower nest guy or the unfolding guy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: ShengJing Technology (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shumin Chang
  • Patent number: 8720457
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: Bernard Amalric, Frédéric Cannac, Jean-Paul Taillefer
  • Publication number: 20140116481
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of parts of a sunshade umbrella, in particular to a controllable automatic umbrella unfolding device, which comprises an upper runner, a middle runner, a lower runner and a center bar. The upper runner of the umbrella is fixed at the top end of the center bar, the middle runner and the lower runner of the umbrella are movably sleeved on the center bar, the upper runner is connected with long ribs, the long ribs are connected with short ribs, the middle runner is connected with branch ribs, the branch ribs are connected with the short ribs, the short ribs are connected with the lower runner, a gas spring is disposed in the center bar, the tail end of a cylinder barrel of the gas spring is connected with the middle runner of the umbrella, a valve is arranged at the end of a piston rod of the gas spring, and a valve opening device is disposed corresponding to the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Zhunan Ma
  • Publication number: 20140096803
    Abstract: In order to improve a free-standing parasol, particularly a large parasol, in which canopy rods of a canopy are supported through supporting struts on an accommodating collar (8) of a slider (2), which, with the canopy open, can be latched to a parasol pole (4) through a releasable pawl (26) and a catch (30), wherein the pawl (26) is arranged on a tilting lever (12), it is proposed that the tilting lever (12) be surrounded by a housing (20) that comprises bearings (22) for the hinge pin (40). The tilting lever (12) itself has an operating button (13). The housing (20) comprises an aperture (21), through which the the operating button is made accessible. The hinge pin (40) of the tilting lever (12) is oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis (42) of the parasol pole (4) and the hinge pin (40) is closer to the longitudinal axis (42) of the parasol pole (4) than the pawl (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Siegenthaler
  • Patent number: 8684018
    Abstract: An improved automatic umbrella including a tube plug fixed to a top of a second tube of a telescopic tube assembly, an inner tube fixed to the tube plug within the second tube of the telescopic tube assembly, a control tube being movably fitted in the inner tube, wherein the control tube is provided with a lower control pulley at its inner bottom end and the inner tube is provided with an upper control pulley at its inner top end, and a control line being provided such that a first end of the control line is fixed to a bullet head in the telescopic tube assembly, whereas a second end of the control line is sequentially looped around the upper control pulley and the lower control pulley, and finally fixed to a top end of the control tube, whereby the umbrella can be easily folded into a fully compact form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Su-Chen Ni
  • Publication number: 20140041701
    Abstract: The present invention provides an elastic force magnifying structure of self-opening/closing umbrella. The umbrella includes a central post that comprises an inner tube, an intermediate tube, and an outer tube telescopically fit to each other. The central post receives a primary spring received therein. The elastic force magnifying structure includes an elastic force increasing spring arranged inside the outer tube. The elastic force increasing spring is coupled by a coupling sleeve to the primary spring to serve as an extension thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Chin-Sung Ko
  • Publication number: 20130298952
    Abstract: The Umbrapack is an umbrella that is harnessed or anchored to a small backpack and is used to shield the wearer from the harmful UV rays from the sun or protect the wearer from the rain, basically creating an umbra or shade of protection without having to hold an umbrella by the handle. While the user is wearing the Umbrapack they may open or close the umbrella by pulling cords that run to the general mechanisms on the umbrella one would use for said function which are conveniently located on the pack itself. Now we can enjoy the comfort of shade from the weather during outside activities without the inconvenience of holding an umbrella handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Steven D. Williams
  • Patent number: 8567422
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an umbrella including: a shank consisting of an outer tube coupled with a handle and inner tube secured within the outer tube; an auxiliary rib fixing member and a main rib fixing member arranged on the top of the outer tube and of the inner tube, respectively; a rib assembly consisting of a plurality of auxiliary ribs and main ribs rotatably assembled to the auxiliary rib fixing member and the main rib fixing member; an operating slit extending in the vertical direction on the handle and opposed to the outer tube; an operating handle moving in a vertical direction along the outer tube and is assembled to the inner tube by a pin inserted through the operating slit; an operating button mounted on the handle is elastically supported by a spring, and has a stopper protrusion inserted into the operating slit; and a stopper hole formed below the operating handle at the position matched to an upper head center and a lower dead center where the inner tube elevates, and which is selec
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Boo Il Lee
  • Publication number: 20130206194
    Abstract: An umbrella includes an internal shaft fit into an interior chamber of a central post. A cap is fixed to a top end of the internal shaft. An intermediate collar is movably fit to the central post and a runner located below the collar is fixed to the central post. Each of ribs has an inner end connected to the cap. Each of stretchers has two ends connected to the intermediate collar and the respective rib. Each of the driving bars has ends connected to the runner and the respective rib at a location between the connection of the rib to the cap and the connection of the rib to the respective stretcher. A connector is movably fit over the central post below the runner and is connected by a pull bar to the intermediate collar. The connector includes a fixing member engageable and fixable to the central post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: JOEN-SHEN MA, YUNG CHENG MA
  • Patent number: 8365747
    Abstract: The present invention provides a structure of shaft of automatic umbrella, which includes a shaft assembly including a second section having a top end fixed to an internal plug. An inner tube is fixed at a top end thereof to the internal plug and receives therein an operation tube having a bottom coupled to an operation plug. The inner tube receives in a top portion thereof a pulley around which an operation cable wraps. An end of the operation cable is fixed to the bullet-like member and an opposite end fixed to the operation plug. To open the umbrella, a push button is depressed and an expansion spring pushes upward the second section so that the runner cable and the operation cable drive the runner and a third shaft section upward to completely open the umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Su
  • Publication number: 20120305038
    Abstract: A telescopic tube structure for automatic umbrellas includes a tube assembly comprised of an outer tube, a middle tube, and an inner tube, which are telescopically interconnected; wherein a plug is fixedly fitted into a top portion of the middle tube, a bullet-shaped element is provided in the tube assembly, a runner string is connected to the bullet-shaped element at a first end thereof, and is sequentially looped around a first runner-string pulley at a top portion of the tube assembly and a second runner-string pulley of a runner and then connected to a cap at a second end thereof, an outer-tube string is connected to the bullet-shaped element at a first end thereof, and is looped around an outer-tube string pulley of the plug and connected to a bottom portion of the outer tube at a second end thereof The structure may allow umbrellas to be operated more conveniently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: CHIN-SUNG KO
  • Patent number: 8286650
    Abstract: A protective mechanism for automatic umbrella includes a drive stem, a pulley tackle, a spring motor, a clutch, and a clutch spring; wherein, the drive stem is pivoted beneath the telescopic stick, and a hooked head in the telescopic stick controls a downward movement. The pulley tackle is pivoted beneath the drive stem. A strand has on end fixed to the pulley tackle and the other end secured to an upper notch of the umbrella. The spring motor is installed on the pulley tackle. The clutch is disposed under the pulley tackle. The clutch plate and the clutch spring are consecutively installed at a lower part of the drive stem. Confronting the clutch and the pulley tackle, unidirectional slant gears are able to cooperate with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Xiamen Futai Umbrella Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung Jen Chong
  • Patent number: 8276606
    Abstract: A semi-automatic umbrella includes a telescopic central shaft, a handle, and a runner slidable along the shaft. A first pull cord is placed in a tensed state when the shaft is extended, which causes an upward biased movement of an actuating member to thrust a spring-biased runner-retaining member to disengage from the shaft once the first pull cord is released. A tension spring body coupled to a second pull cord is stretchable to acquire an urging force. The stretched tension spring body enables an upward movement of the runner for spreading the umbrella. Once the urging force is released, a downward movement of the runner causes collapse of the umbrella and disengagement of a spring-biased shaft-retaining member from the shaft, thereby permitting folding of the shaft and closing the umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Hsia-Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 8261760
    Abstract: A control device is applied to a base of an umbrella stem. A buckle sits in the base whose upper portion sets a controlling device controlled by the buckle and whose lower portion radially disposes a spool disk. The peripheral wall of the spool disk having ratchets defined thereon is embraced by a spool groove. Two ends of a spiral spring are respectively fixed to the base and the spool disk to generate an elastic force driving the spool disk's rotation. A shift block positioned under the base of the controlling device has a continuous torsion to contact the spool disk and clasp the ratchets. A disk cord provides one end fixed on the spool disk and wound around the spool groove and the other end penetrating the controlling device and the base to join an upper accommodation of the umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Xiamen Mingho Brothers MFG Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tien-Cheng Chen, Sun-Feng Sung
  • Publication number: 20120132239
    Abstract: The umbrella is equipped with a lower ring and upper ring pivotally attached to the bases of each rib and each stretcher, and a main shaft part including an interior pole which is fixed to the upper ring in the upper part, and a circular pipe which is connected to the lower ring in the upper part and is slidably inserted outside of the interior pole. At the opening/closing motion of the umbrella, in response to the umbrella closing operation (umbrella opening operation) to an operation part provided in the lower part of the umbrella, the circular pipe which extends toward the operation part is driven in the direction in which the lower ring approaches (separates from) the upper ring. Consequently, the umbrella opening operation and umbrella closing operation using a single hand become possible in a simple structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Takafumi NAGAO
  • Publication number: 20120125387
    Abstract: A protective mechanism for automatic umbrella includes a drive stem, a pulley tackle, a spring motor, a clutch, and a clutch spring; wherein, the drive stem is pivoted beneath the telescopic stick, and a hooked head in the telescopic stick controls a downward movement. The pulley tackle is pivoted beneath the drive stem. A strand has on end fixed to the pulley tackle and the other end secured to an upper notch of the umbrella. The spring motor is installed on the pulley tackle. The clutch is disposed under the pulley tackle. The clutch plate and the clutch spring are consecutively installed at a lower part of the drive stem. Confronting the clutch and the pulley tackle, unidirectional slant gears are able to cooperate with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Jung Jen Chong
  • Patent number: 8151811
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a protective mechanism for automatic umbrella mainly including a drive unit, a pulley tackle, a spring motor, a clutch, and a clutch spring; wherein, a strand has one end fixed to the pulley tackle and the other end secured to an upper notch of the umbrella, and the spring motor and the clutch are separately mounted on the pulley tackle. Further, between the clutch and the pulley tackle are unidirectional rotor members cooperating with each other. Thus, the drive unit and the clutch spring substantially control the separation and contact of the clutch and the pulley tackle for either releasing the strand and tightening the spring motor while stretching the umbrella or winding the strand in a single direction and loosening the spring motor when collapsing. Therefore, the present invention prevents from striking users by taking off the umbrella stick halfway when manually retracting it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Xiamen Futai Umbrella Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung Jen Chong
  • Patent number: 8127781
    Abstract: An automatic collapsible umbrella (100) comprises an idle-popup resistant device (5) to avoid the telescopic stick (3) popping up unexpectedly while folding the umbrella and hurting the person close by. Said idle-popup resistant device (5) consists essentially of a tow rope (51), a ratchet wheel (52), a spiral spring (54) and a pawl (55). The ratchet wheel (52) and the pawl (55) are controlled by a locking head (45). The tow rope (51) passes through the telescopic stick (3) and an end thereof winds the ratchet wheel (52). By the installation of the ratchet and spiral spring (54), the telescopic stick (3) is allowed to move in unidirectional fashion and to be retracted gradually, improving the safety of the umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Rong-Tuan Cai
  • Patent number: 8104493
    Abstract: A two-stage collapsing device includes a base having a passage with first and second slots defined in an inner periphery thereof. A first locking member and a second locking member are movably received in the two slots. The first and second locking members each include a latch to be engaged with a hole of the runner. A button is connected to the base and the second locking member is fixed to the button. A U-shaped member is pivotably connected to the inside of the button and two legs of the U-shaped member can push the first locking member inward to release the runner when opening the umbrella. During the first stage of collapsing the two legs of the U-shaped member are pivoted away from the two distal ends of the first locking member, so that even if the button is pressed, the umbrella does not open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Ping-Tung Su
  • 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: 20110232707
    Abstract: A protective device for automatic open close umbrellas is revealed. The protective device includes a ratchet mounted in a handle and rotating elastically for retracting or releasing a string, a string whose bottom end is fixed on the ratchet while a top end is fixed on an outer tube of an umbrella shaft or a core tube, and a locking member that is reverse L-shaped and is arranged with an elastic member for turning back therein. The locking member includes an upper part, a lower part, and a middle axle, used as a first-class lever. The upper part is against the bottom of the umbrella shaft so that the fastener can lean against a top surface of the upper part. When the umbrella shaft is gradually folded, the top surface of the upper part of the locking member is separated from the fastener while the bottom of the lower part is locked to one of the ratchet teeth of the ratchet elastically so as to achieve anti-springing effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Tsun-Zong Wu, Hsien-Jung Chen
  • Publication number: 20110214704
    Abstract: A guy structure for an automatic unfolding and folding umbrella is provided. The guy structure includes two or more guys: One guy is a lower nest guy, provided at least between a middle rod and a lower nest; the other is an unfolding guy, provided at least between the middle rod and a spreading component in the umbrella head. While unfolding the umbrella, an unfolding spring stretches and opens part of the middle rod pipe. The unfolding guy pulls and opens the rest section of middle rod pipe with the cooperation of the lower nest guy, and forms the complete unfolding status. While folding the umbrella, the folding spring makes the lower nest move downward under force of the folding spring. At this time, the unfolding spring does not generate tension on the middle rod pipe above it, thus the middle rod pipe above the unfolding spring can be collected through the lower nest guy or the unfolding guy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Shumin Chang
  • Patent number: 7971595
    Abstract: A central shaft control structure is provided for a self-opening/closing umbrella and is arranged in a handle of the umbrella for self-opening/closing of the umbrella, including a safety device composed of a reversal prevention wheel having a toothed surface, an operation bar comprising a pawl, and a barrel fit over the operation bar. The reversal prevention wheel comprises a safety rope wrapped therearound and having an end fixed to a third central shaft segment. When errors occur in the course of compression in closing the umbrella, the central shaft that is being compressed can be held in position, so that instantaneous spring back of the central shaft caused by an umbrella opening spring that is in a compressed condition can be prevented to ensure safety of operation and control of the self-opening/closing umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Chin-Sung Ko
  • Publication number: 20110114142
    Abstract: An automatic collapsible umbrella (100) comprises an idle-popup resistant device (5) to avoid the telescopic stick (3) popping up unexpectedly while folding the umbrella and hurting the person close by. Said idle-popup resistant device (5) consists essentially of a tow rope (51), a ratchet wheel (52), a spiral spring (54) and a pawl (55). The ratchet wheel (52) and the pawl (55) are controlled by a locking head (45). The tow rope (51) passes through the telescopic stick (3) and an end thereof winds the ratchet wheel (52). By the installation of the ratchet and spiral spring (54), the telescopic stick (3) is allowed to move in unidirectional fashion and to be retracted gradually, improving the safety of the umbrella.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Rong Tuan Cai
  • Patent number: 7913708
    Abstract: A one-handed operating mechanism for opening and closing umbrella comprises a handle (1) connected to the bottom end of the stem of the umbrella, an elbow member (2) at its curve pivotally connected to said handle (1), a connecting member (3) with its upper end connected to a slide sliding along the stem to open or close the umbrella, said handle (1) is provided with a channel (4) extending from the upper end to the lower end of the handle to accommodate said elbow member (2) and said connecting member (3) to be moving therein, said channel (4) possesses a bottom side (13), said elbow member (2) possesses a handgrip section (5) exposed outside said channel (4) for palm squeezing, and an actuating section (6) located inside said channel (4) for mutual driving with said connecting member. The connecting member is driven by way of operating the elbow member, thereby driving the slide to slide along the stem to push the runner upward toward the crown to open the umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Kwong Yuen Yung
  • Patent number: 7909049
    Abstract: An operating mechanism used in an umbrella is disclosed to include a telescopic shaft, first and second screw nuts fixedly mounted in the telescopic shaft at different elevations, a third screw nut is fixedly mounted in the runner of the umbrella, a first screw rod threaded through the first screw nut, a second screw rod threaded through the second screw nut and axially slidably connected to and rotatable with the first screw rod, a third screw rod threaded through the third screw nut and axially slidably connected to and rotatable with the second screw rod, and a transmission mechanism connected to the first screw rod and operable to rotate the first screw rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventors: Chuan-Chin Yang, Chi-Sheng Huang
  • Publication number: 20110017248
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an umbrella or parasol system comprising two shafts. The system further comprises opening springs in the upper parts of the shafts, which together with a support arrangement in the lower parts of the shafts, are arranged to open stretchers of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Andrej Witkowski
  • Patent number: 7798160
    Abstract: A safely operable handle device includes a grip shell coupled to a telescopic central shaft unit, a retained block releasably blocked so as to hold the umbrella in an opened state, a reel member rotatably mounted in the grip shell and biased by a coil spring, a cord reelable on the reel member and coupled to one of a top notch and the retained block, an actuator, and a unidirectional retaining mechanism. Upon application of a pressing force to telescopically fold the central shaft unit, and upon movement of the actuator in response to a stroke movement of a push button, the reel member turns in a counterclockwise direction to reel in the cord, and is prevented from turning in a clockwise direction so as to hold the central shaft unit in position to thereby avoid undesirable extension of the central shaft unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Hsia-Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 7481232
    Abstract: An umbrella having opposed moving hubs, one upper and one lower, to which is attached a series of spaced spars to the upper hub and a series of spaced ribs to the lower hub. The ribs are also connected one rib to one spar. An acme-threaded rod passes through an acme nut mounted on each hub, one left hand threaded and one right hand threaded, such that the rod, when connected to a drive shaft and gear motor, and actuated causes the hubs to move toward each other to close the umbrella and away from each other to open the umbrella. The umbrella is covered over by a canopy attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: American Holtzkraft, Inc
    Inventor: Phillip C. Apple
  • Publication number: 20090007946
    Abstract: A double folding auto-expansion and folding umbrella has an umbrella shaft formed by a hollow first tube sheathing with a hollow second tube, a head fixed on the bottom of the hollow second tube, a control switch being installed on the head, a first nest fixed on the top of the hollow first tube; a second nest sheathing on the umbrella shaft and capable of lifting and moving along thereof, a supporting frame composed by a plurality of umbrella bones connecting to the second nest, and an umbrella cloth paved on the supporting frame. The first nest is connected to the hollow first tube, the supporting frame and the umbrella cloth. A retaining seat of the elastic pin is positioned in the about middle of the hollow second tube. An elastic hook is installed under the elastic pin. The elastic hook is connected to the control switch. Besides, the upper portion of the hollow first tube has a first buckling hole. An elastic buckle for buckling the first buckling hole is installed in the second nest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Yi-Chen Hsieh, Hiu Fung Wong
  • Patent number: 7461666
    Abstract: An automatic device for opening or closing multi-folding umbrella is provided, which comprises a umbrella shaft, a control handle, an upper and a lower nest, a rib assembly, a spring for closing, a spring for opening and a dragline in the shaft; a button with a reset spring and a snap convex is installed on the control handle and a rocker with a pushing spring can lock and release the step-cone; when the umbrella is closed, the snap convex of the button falls into the locking recess on the lower part of the upper tube; press the button, and it moves inwards but does not touch the rocker, the snap convex departs from the locking recess on the exterior wall of the upper tube and the umbrella is unfurled under the action of the spring for opening; press the button again, the step-cone is released, the spring for closing pulls the rib assembly to push downwards the lower nest back to the state of closing umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Lucai Huang