Self-opening And Closing Patents (Class 135/22)
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080190469
    Abstract: Canopy conducting mechanism for hand held umbrellas is disclosed. The canopy conducting mechanism is especially useful for electrical umbrellas although may be used for manually operated umbrellas as well. The canopy conducting mechanism has short movement between open and closed states of the umbrella and is based on pin and slide joints between the umbrella ribs and between canopy conducting member, allowing for strutless canopy (i.e. a canopy without stretchers extending between the umbrella post and the ribs). Umbrella rib having a flexible end especially useful for strutless umbrellas is also disclosed. Strutless electrical umbrella comprising said canopy conducting mechanism and flexible end ribs is also disclosed, including single-folding and multi-folding canopy embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Chaim Simcha Amsel
  • Patent number: 7401615
    Abstract: The invention relates to a manual-opened and auto-closed umbrella, which utilizes two springs provided around a shaft and therein accompanying with a runner and a frame to control the umbrella being opened manually and closed automatically. The umbrella is to be opened manually that compresses the springs at the same time, and by a touch to automatically close the umbrella. The manual-opened and auto-closed umbrella therefore obtains a certain utilization and improvement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: Shih-Shin Kuo
  • Patent number: 7389784
    Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic collapsible umbrella, which utilizes several springs provided around a shaft or therein accompanying with a runner apparatus and a frame to control the umbrella being opened or closed automatically. The main character of this umbrella is the operating method that is to prolong the umbrella first, and by a first touch to automatically open; then by a second touch to automatically close. The automatic collapsible umbrella therefore obtains utilization and improvement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Shih-Shin Kuo
  • Publication number: 20080135075
    Abstract: An automatic opening umbrella having a canopy, and a support shaft and an opening mechanism offset or eccentric from the center of the canopy, is described. The opening mechanism includes a framework including varying length rib, link and brace sets on each side of a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the umbrella, the sets being mirror images, with equal numbers of ribs, links and braces. The longest links at distal ends are pivotally connected to a respective longest rib and the longest braces are pivotally connected at distal ends to respective longest links at a mutual connection with the longest link connections to the longest ribs. The shorter links are pivotally connected at distal ends to shorter ribs along the rib lengths. The shorter braces are pivotally connected at distal ends to respective links along the lengths of the links.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Diego Antonio Parisi
  • Patent number: 7328715
    Abstract: A device that releases an operating collar from an open position on the mast of an opened beach or patio umbrella in the presence of a strong wind, allowing the umbrella canopy to close thereby diminishing the wind force acting on the umbrella. The device includes a locking pin and an associated biasing mechanism. In a working configuration of the device, the pin is exposed for insertion through certain holes in the mast. A distal end of the mechanism faces the mast while a proximal end of the mechanism applies a bias force to a proximal end of the pin. The collar rests on the inserted pin with enough force to overcome the bias force tending to eject the pin. When the collar is urged to rise because of a strong wind acting on the umbrella, the pin ejects thus freeing the collar to move downward as the umbrella canopy closes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Seth L. Neubardt
  • Patent number: 7252103
    Abstract: Provided is an opening device mounted on a shank of automatic umbrella including a sliding sleeve having a lower extension and a slot on the extension. The device comprises an upper trigger mechanism lockingly engaged with the extension in a closed condition of the umbrella such that pressing the trigger mechanism will disengage the trigger mechanism from the extension prior to automatically opening the umbrella, and a lower, spring biased rib tip retaining mechanism put on the shank and disposed above the handle, the rib tip retaining mechanism adapted to contain tips of ribs therein in the closed condition of the umbrella. Thus, the tips of ribs are not tangled with foreign objects or other umbrellas when the umbrella is stored in, for example, an umbrella stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan You
  • Patent number: 7168438
    Abstract: A control device for opening and closing an automatic umbrella includes a handle, a lower tube, a control member, a press plate, a bullet head, an upper tube, and a push button. Thus, the push button is pressed in a two-stage manner to push and pivot the press plate to open and close the umbrella automatically, so that the control device is operated easily and conveniently, thereby facilitating a user opening and closing the umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Hsi-Lu Hung
  • Patent number: 7168437
    Abstract: An apparatus for anchoring a device or for carrying articles on a device includes a ring structure and at least one container attached to the ring structure. The ring structure includes a container holder and a shaft holder. The at least one container is attached to the ring structure via the container holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Barbara Bigford
  • Patent number: 7051744
    Abstract: A sunshade structure includes an upright rod, a drive motor, a drive shaft, a pulley, a slide, a skeleton, a lift cord, and a control device. In practice, the control switch of the control device is pushed to start the drive motor to operate the sunshade structure, so that the sunshade structure is expanded or collapsed automatically in a wire manner. Alternatively, the wireless receiver of the control device receives a signal from a remote controller to start the drive motor to operate the sunshade structure, so that the sunshade structure is expanded or collapsed automatically in a wireless manner. Thus, the sunshade structure is expanded or collapsed automatically without needing a manual work, thereby saving the user's energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Hsi-Lu Hung
  • Patent number: 6854474
    Abstract: An openable and obliquely rotatable umbrella comprises a rod body having an upper shaft and a lower shaft; an upper cell set firmly secured to the upper shaft; a lower cell set installed to the upper shaft and the lower shaft; two pulleys installed on the upper shaft; a rotatable tilting means installed between the upper shaft and the lower shaft; a spring installed at a lower end of the interior of the lower shaft; a pull line having a lower end connected to the spring; and an upper end thereof winding through the lower pulley and then being connected to the lower cell set; and a control switch installed to a distal end of an umbrella rib; and a button controlling two pull lines. By the movement of the button of the control switch, the orientations of the umbrella in expanding and folding operation are adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Shiow-Hui Chen
  • Publication number: 20040231713
    Abstract: An automatic collapsible umbrella according to the invention includes a solid shaft secondary rib, and middle junctions provided at pivotal connection portions of the secondary rib with an inner rib and the secondary rib with a connection rib. Without requiring provision of openings at the secondary rib, corresponding connection openings and channels are instead disposed at the middle junctions, thereby providing the secondary rib with higher flexibility strength for reducing chances of bending, and effectively minimizing a volume of the secondary rib for further substantially reducing an entire volume of the collapsed umbrella for easy portability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Fu-Tien Liu
  • Publication number: 20040226590
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic umbrella, which mainly uses an elastic frame to receive the second rib of the umbrella. The elastic frame can be connected with the runner easily. In opening procedure, the elastic branch rib of the elastic frame can be bended and inclined to push the second rib upward. At the time, the umbrella is opened automatically. The assembled elastic frame and the rib can be easily and firmly that provides improvement for use of the automatic umbrella.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Chin Sung Ko
  • Patent number: 6817371
    Abstract: A multiple-fold automatic umbrella includes: a central shaft; a rib assembly pivotally secured to an upper notch and a lower runner on the central shaft; an opening spring and a plurality of closing springs for opening or closing the umbrella; and a control device including a push button, an opening controller having an upper latch for controlling the opening of the umbrella, a closing controller including a lower latch for controlling the closing of the umbrella, and a multiple-fold rope respectively sinuously wound on a plurality of rollers which are respectively mounted on an upper holder formed on an upper portion of the central shaft adjacent to the upper notch and on a lower holder formed on the lower runner for smoothly winding the rope on the rollers for enhancing a smooth opening or closing operation of the umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Fu Tai Umbrella Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Lin, Jung-Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 6810893
    Abstract: An umbrella mechanism (10) comprises a central post (12), eight ribs (14) that are pivotally connected to the post, a sliding hub (16) that is slideably retained on the post, eight struts (18) that each extend between a particular rib (14) and the sliding hub (16), eight tensioning cords (20) and a gas spring (22) that is disposed at an upper end of the central post for exerting a pulling force on the tensioning cords. The ribs are pivotally displaceable between a collapsed condition wherein the ribs (14) are disposed adjacent the post (12) and an open condition wherein the ribs extend radially from the central post. Each tensioning cord is connected at one end to an upper end of the gas spring and at the other end, to a distal end of a particular rib. The gas spring exerts a pulling force on the tensioning cords for assisting in lifting the ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Powerbrella Clare Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Patrick Nevin
  • Patent number: 6810894
    Abstract: An automatic folding umbrella is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Shiow-Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 6805143
    Abstract: A pull cord mechanism for a self-opening umbrella mainly comprises a core tube rest to support the first and second sheaves on one side. The core tube rest links the core tube at the lower end. Both core tube rest and core tube are housed in the hollow of the center shaft where the core tube rest comes on top. A cord retainer is installed at bottom of the center shaft. The lower shaft provides the third and fourth sheaves. The pull cord has one end tied to the cord retainer and the other end runs through the core tube, winding on the first sheave on the core tube rest, turning to the third sheave of the lower shaft, the second sheave on the core tube rest and down to the fourth sheave of the lower shaft and finally fastened to the top of the core tube rest to form a complete loop. The winding arrangement of pull cord enables to shrink the length of the center shaft and reduce the volume of the closed umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Yo Fu Umbrella Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chiu-Chan Yen, Fu-Yi Chou
  • Publication number: 20040099298
    Abstract: A pull cord mechanism for a self-opening umbrella mainly comprises a core tube rest to support the first and second sheaves on one side. The core tube rest links the core tube at the lower end. Both core tube rest and core tube are housed in the hollow of the center shaft where the core tube rest comes on top. A cord retainer is installed at bottom of the center shaft. The lower shaft provides the third and fourth sheaves. The pull cord has one end tied to the cord retainer and the other end runs through the core tube, winding on the first sheave on the core tube rest, turning to the third sheave of the lower shaft, the second sheave on the core tube rest and down to the fourth sheave of the lower shaft and finally fastened to the top of the core tube rest to form a complete loop. The winding arrangement of pull cord enables to shrink the length of the center shaft and reduce the volume of the closed umbrella.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Chiu-Chan Yen, Fu-Yi Chou
  • Patent number: 6736151
    Abstract: An anti-windforce rib assembly of multiple-fold umbrella includes: a spring rib connected between an inner rib and an outer rib of the rib assembly, a buffer device formed on the spring rib and connected to the inner rib, whereby upon blowing of a strong wind to the rib assembly, the force of the strong wind will be dampened, weakend or released by the buffer device on the spring rib to minimize the wind force acting upon the rib assembly to prevent from bending, deformation, breakage or damage of the umbrella rib assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Fu Tai Umbrella Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Lin, Jung-Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 6705335
    Abstract: A collapsible frame structure is provided for umbrella with self-opening mechanism. The collapsible frame structure is more durable than the prior art by using enforced light-weighted materials such as FRP to form the umbrella frame and steel bars to form the linkage beams. Each of the second pivotal-coupling device of the supporting rib is integrally formed with each of the inner linking member of the supporting rib so as to form a compound pivotal-coupling device. Therefore, the collapsible frame structure is easy in assembly process and the yield ratio is also increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan You
  • Patent number: 6701946
    Abstract: A collapsible frame structure is provided for umbrella with self-opening mechanism. The collapsible frame structure is more durable than the prior art by using enforced light-weighted materials such as FRP to form the umbrella frame and steel bars to form the linkage beams. Each of an inner end of each second pivotal-coupling device is in contact with an outer end of the inner linking member of the support rib. Therefore, the collapsible frame structure is easy in assembly process and the yield ratio is also increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan You
  • Publication number: 20040025913
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a positioning structure of an auto-umbrella, which includes an improved shaft around a shaft and a notch connecting with a frame. The characteristic is that the runner is provided with an engaging hook connected with a sleeve, and the engaging hook has its upper end to be a protrusion and has its lower end to connect with an inner spring. The notch is provided with an engaging piece having a flat edge to engage with the protrusion of the hook for positioning the umbrella in secure when the umbrella will be used for a period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Shih-Shin Kuo
  • Publication number: 20030188773
    Abstract: An enhanced frame of an auto-opening umbrella comprises hollow cylindrical intermediate joints with spreaders passed through and each including two spaced bottom lugs, a bar across the lugs, and a recess between the lugs. The bar is disposed less than half of a projected distance of the lug. A plurality of links has hooked ends pivotably coupled to a lower ring and the bar. Also, the recess is in communication with a hole of the joint. The outer hooked end of each link is sufficiently smaller than the recess so that ribs are spaced apart from the spreaders by a much smaller distance when the umbrella is folded. This can achieve a smooth folding operation and a more compact umbrella after folded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan You
  • Publication number: 20030183256
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure for automatic opening umbrella, which mainly includes a runner having a middle connector and a lower connector. A main rib of umbrella frame has its inner end to connect with the upper joint. A supporting rib has its inner end to connect with the middle connector of the runner and has its outer end to connect with middle position of the main rib. A spring has its inner end to connect with the lower connector and has its outer end to connect with the outer end of the supporting rib. The spring will be tensioned as the umbrella is folded to provide a recovery force for automatic opening the umbrella.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Youth Lee
  • Patent number: 6626198
    Abstract: An umbrella a fixed ring secured on top of a rod, a middle ring and a lower ring slidably engaged on the rod, a number of main staves having inner ends rotatably securing to the middle ring, a number of upper staves pivotally coupled between the fixed ring and the main staves, and a number of stave supports each having an inner end rotatably coupled to the lower ring and an outer end secured to the middle portion of the main staves. The main staves and the stave supports are made of composite materials for increasing the strength and for reducing the weight of the umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Cheng Yuan Tseng
  • Patent number: 6626197
    Abstract: A multiple-fold automatic umbrella includes: a central shaft; a rib assembly pivotally secured to an upper notch and a lower runner on the central shaft; an opening spring and a plurality of closing springs for opening or closing the umbrella; and a control device including a push button, an opening controller having an upper latch for controlling the opening of the umbrella, a closing controller including a lower latch for controlling the closing of the umbrella, and a multiple-fold rope respectively sinuously wound on a plurality of rollers which are respectively mounted on an upper holder formed on an upper portion of the central shaft adjacent to the upper notch and on a lower holder formed on the lower runner for smoothly winding the rope on the rollers for enhancing a smooth opening or closing operation of the umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Fu Tai Umbrella Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Lin, Jung-Jen Chang
  • Publication number: 20030168092
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic umbrella, which is comprised of an open mechanism, a central handle assembly, wherein said open mechanism is consisted of an upper rib nest, a low rib nest and proper number of ribs attached with restoring springs; said automatic umbrella also includes a ratio mechanism and a handle control device; said central handle assembly is consisted of a couple of inner and outer telescopic tubes connected together in socket joint, and an extension spring; said extension spring is located on the inside of said outer telescopic tube and the top end of said inner telescopic tube; said ratio mechanism set upon the inside of said central handle includes a movable block base, a standing block base, a stay wire and a stick with a catch head; said standing block base is retained on the upper end of said outer telescopic tube of said central handle nearing to said upper rib nest, said stay wire is fastened on said standing block base with one end, and another end is threaded crossly
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Lung-Chiao Chou
  • Patent number: 6595225
    Abstract: The present invention proposes an improved pull rod structure of a self-opening umbrella, wherein joints are disposed in stretchers. The joints are made of plastic material. The present invention is characterized in that each of the joints has a soft pull rod integrally formed therewith. The other end of each of the soft pull rods is installed in a lower nest. The joints are exploited to facilitate the assembly of a self-opening umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventors: Wen-Chieh Chuang, Chun I Chuang
  • Patent number: 6591848
    Abstract: A parasol control device includes a shaft rotatably received in aligned holes defined in a central rod of the parasol. A handle is coupled to a first end of the shaft for manually rotating the shaft. A rope is fastened to the shaft whereby when the shaft is rotated, the rope is wound to/unwound from the shaft for opening/closing the parasol. A ratchet wheel defines a central bore tightly fit over the shaft whereby a friction is present between the ratchet wheel and the shaft. A block is attached to the rod and defines a bore for rotatably supporting the shaft. A blind hole is defined in the block with a spring biased pin received in the blind hole. A free end of the pin engages with the teeth of the ratchet for generating consecutive impact sounds when the shaft is rotated in a first direction to open the parasol. When the shaft is rotated in an opposite second direction to close the parasol, the ratchet wheel is prevented from rotation by the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Joen Shen Ma
  • Patent number: 6561205
    Abstract: A control mechanism for folding jump umbrellas includes a composite control ring, a lower runner having a step opening at one end for housing a lower runner spring and a sleeve and a square opening engageable with a latch stub of a pushbutton. When the pushbutton is depressed, the square opening will be separated from the latch stub to allow the umbrella frame extending under the force of an extension spring. To retract the umbrella, depress a clip leg to move a latch element away from the harness of an elastic latch strip, the umbrella may be retracted by a retracting spring. When the umbrella tie band is not unfastened and the pushbutton is incidentally triggered, the lower runner spring which has a greater elastic force than a control ring spring will prevent the clip leg from reaching the position of the latch element, and the umbrella will not be extended or retracted immediately. Thus the umbrella can be prevented from extending by incidental triggering of the pushbutton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Tien-Cheng Chen
  • Publication number: 20030079765
    Abstract: A multiple-fold automatic umbrella includes: a central shaft, a rib assembly including a top rib, a stretcher rib, at least an intermediate rib and a tail rib pivotally connected one another and pivotally connected to the central shaft, an opening spring, a plurality of closing springs and a control device for controlling the opening and closing of the umbrella; with the intermediate rib formed by extrusion molding process to have a cross section of two-lobe shape having an inner joint and an outer joint respectively connected on opposite ends of the intermediate rib for pivotally connecting inner and outer ribs of the rib assembly for obtaining a light-weight and proper strength of the rib assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: Fu Tai Umbrella Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Lin, Jung-Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 6543464
    Abstract: This invention relates to umbrellas in general. In particular it relates to umbrellas which automatically open and close. This automatic opening and closing of the umbrella in the presented embodiments is accomplished by means of the rotation of a threaded rod. A key improvement disclosed herein includes a simplification both in the construction of the umbrella itself and in the means for conveniently converting the umbrella to the ordinary manually opened and closed umbrella should the necessity occur. It has been discovered by experimentation that parts previously included in the assembly of prior art are unexpectedly not necessary with the proper choice of design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Clyde Calvin Grady, II
  • Publication number: 20030062074
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a simplified controlling apparatus of an automatic umbrella, which includes a control loop and an elastic control bar. A handle with a single button is provided to receive the controlling apparatus. The simplified structure of this controlling apparatus can effectively control an automatic opening and closing of the umbrella that obtains a utility improvement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Shih-Shin Kuo
  • Publication number: 20030051748
    Abstract: An umbrella supporting mount can be easily and quickly secured to a flat surface of a table or roof of a vehicle in a stable and firm manner without shaking at all. The supporting mount has an integrally punched metal lid of proper height and is equipped with a plurality of vent holes and a pair of symmetric mounting holes on the vertical periphery thereof so as to permit a cranked driving control shaft having a handle at one end to be located in a hollow interior of the lid. A driven unit integrally made of hard plastics consists of a circular base board and a vertically extended block having a driving hole disposed at the center thereof. The circular base board of the driven unit is partially wrapped around by a sucking attachment which is made of flexible rubber and has a peripheral skirt defined at the bottom edge thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Ming-Kun Wu
  • Publication number: 20030034059
    Abstract: The present invention proposes an improved pull rod structure of a self-opening umbrella, wherein joints are disposed in stretchers. The joints are made of plastic material. The present invention is characterized in that each of the joints has a soft pull rod integrally formed therewith. The other end of each of the soft pull rods is installed in a lower nest. The joints are exploited to facilitate the assembly of a self-opening umbrella.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Wen-Chieh Chuang, Chun I. Chuang
  • Publication number: 20030029483
    Abstract: A frame of self-opening umbrella is provided wherein both ribs and spreaders are formed of lightweight fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) tube. Also there is no provision of pin and legs of second pivotal member between each link formed of stainless steel and each spreader. Each link has an upper hook end coupled to the pivotal hole in both the pivotal member and the spreader. Accordingly, the folded umbrella has a reduced space. The umbrella consists of simple constituent components and has an aesthetic appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan You
  • Publication number: 20030019512
    Abstract: An enhanced frame of an auto-opening umbrella comprises hollow cylindrical intermediate pivotal joints with spreaders passed through and each including two spaced bottom lugs, a shaft integrally formed with the lugs, and a recess between the lugs. A plurality of links has hooked ends pivotably coupled to a lower ring and the shaft. The outer hooked end of each link is sufficiently smaller than the recess so that ribs are spaced apart from the spreaders by a much smaller distance when the umbrella is folded. This can achieve a smooth folding operation and a more compact umbrella after folded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan You
  • Publication number: 20030015228
    Abstract: An adornment for mounting a crank which is to control extension and folding of an umbrella includes a first shell located between the umbrella shaft and a crank arm of the crank, and a second shell encasing another side of the umbrella shaft and matching and engageable with the first shell. The first and second shell have respectively a matching symmetrical first coupling section and a second coupling section to engage with a matching first fastening cap and a second fastening cap movable on the umbrella shaft for a selected displacement to form a completed adornment for the crank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Lausan Chung-Hsin Liu
  • Publication number: 20030015229
    Abstract: A parasol control device includes a shaft rotatably received in aligned holes defined in a central rod of the parasol. A handle is coupled to a first end of the shaft for manually rotating the shaft. A rope is fastened to the shaft whereby when the shaft is rotated, the rope is wound to/unwound from the shaft for opening/closing the parasol. A ratchet wheel defines a central bore tightly fit over the shaft whereby a friction is present between the ratchet wheel and the shaft. A block is attached to the rod and defines a bore for rotatably supporting the shaft. A blind hole is defined in the block with a spring biased pin received in the blind hole. A free end of the pin engages with the teeth of the ratchet for generating consecutive impact sounds when the shaft is rotated in a first direction to open the parasol. When the shaft is rotated in an opposite second direction to close the parasol, the ratchet wheel is prevented from rotation by the pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Joen Shen Ma
  • Publication number: 20030000558
    Abstract: The present invention provides a ratio mechanism of an automatic multiple-folding umbrella, cooperating to cooperating to the opening mechanism, and main stick assembly and said handle control mechanism; wherein said terminal pulley of said ratio mechanism has a pulley for threading said inner stay wire over so that one end of said inner stay wire is fixed on said pulley assembly, and the another end is threaded through said pulley on said terminal pulley base, and the pulley of said pulley assembly, then passing through said terminal pulley base to be fixed on said locking head; said main stick is composed of four stick segments. Due to building up said switch, repeat press down said button can bring into being automatic opening and closing umbrella function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Lung-Chiao Chou
  • Patent number: 6481450
    Abstract: A handle mechanism of an automatic folding umbrella which comprises body edges two sides of which are installed with a first spring, respectively, and a guiding track, respectively; further, a penetrating hole being formed at the center of the body; a stop being inserted into the body from a lower side; a center thereof being installed with a stopping portion; a retaining piece being inserted into the body from a lower side thereof; and a center thereof being installed with a retainer; a lower cover covering the stop and the retaining piece to be in the body; a button being installed above and at two lateral walls of the body; an inner edge thereof being installed with a downward protruded press portion; a post being inserted into the penetrating hole of the body; a movable toggle being placed in the body; two sides of the movable toggle being protruded with bosses and being installed with a fourth spring; a folding block with an inverse L shape is formed between two extending pieces at the upper end of the m
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Ming Ho Umbrella Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tien-Cheng Chen
  • Publication number: 20020144722
    Abstract: An umbrella a fixed ring secured on top of a rod, a middle ring and a lower ring slidably engaged on the rod, a number of main staves having inner ends rotatably securing to the middle ring, a number of upper staves pivotally coupled between the fixed ring and the main staves, and a number of stave supports each having an inner end rotatably coupled to the lower ring and an outer end secured to the middle portion of the main staves. The main staves and the stave supports are made of composite materials for increasing the strength and for reducing the weight of the umbrella.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Cheng Yuan Tseng
  • Publication number: 20020129842
    Abstract: An automatic multiple folded umbrella comprises a body edges of two sides of which are installed with a first spring, respectively, and a guiding track, respectively; further, a penetrating hole being formed at the center of the body; a stop being inserted into the body from a lower side; a center thereof being installed with a stopping portion; a retaining piece being inserted into the body from a lower side thereof; and a center thereof being installed with a retainer; a lower cover covering the stop and the retaining piece to be in the body; a button being installed above and at two lateral walls of the body; an inner edge thereof being installed with a downward protruded press portion; a post being inserted into the penetrating hole of the body; a movable toggle being placed in the body; two sides of the movable toggle being protruded with bosses and being installed with a fourth spring; a folding block with an inverse L shape is formed between two extending pieces at the upper end of the movable toggle;
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Tien-Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 6446649
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for anchoring an umbrella that has a shaft are disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of containers that can contain a material or object that provides weight to the containers, preferably equal to the combined weight of the umbrella and the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Barbara Bigford
  • Patent number: 6422250
    Abstract: A foldable umbrella includes a finishing cap with a plurality of first ribs pivotally connected thereto and a first recess is defined in an outer periphery of the finishing cap so that a first pulley and a first pin are received in the first recess. A shaft is connected to the finishing cap and has a plurality of tubes retractably connected with each other. A control device is connected to the shaft and a runner is movably mounted to the shaft. A plurality of stretchers are pivotally connected between the runner and the first ribs. The runner has a second recess in which a second pulley and a second pin are received. A wire has a first end thereof fixedly engaged with the finishing cap and a second end of the wire reeves through the second pin, the first pin, the second pulley, the first pulley and is connected to an end member in the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventors: Chieh-Chih Wu, Ching-Tsai Chen, Chen-Maan Chang
  • Patent number: 6415805
    Abstract: A closing mechanism used in an automatic quadruple folding collapsible umbrella is provided that comprises a pair of rollers and a round pin that cooperate with a rope to perform a closing operation. The pair of rollers is provided on one side of the umbrella runner. The round pin is disposed on the cap and orientated in the same direction as the rollers. With that mechanism, the rope extending from the interior of the umbrella rod passes to the outside through an opening in the cap to be routed around the rollers and the pin and finally tied to the cap. Thus the rope of the mechanism is longer, five times longer than the distance between the rollers and the round pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Shih-Shin Kuo
  • Patent number: 6397866
    Abstract: An auxiliary elastic support mechanism for a large umbrella with automatic open feature is provided. The umbrella is supported by a plurality of ribs and a plurality of spreaders. The mechanism comprises a plurality of rib joint members each put on the rib having a pivot joint and a first spring anchoring lug; a plurality of spreader joint members, each having an outer end secured to one of the rib joint members, an inner end for receiving the spreader therein, and a second spring anchoring lug; and a plurality of auxiliary springs each having an outer hook engaged with the first spring anchoring lug and an inner hook engaged with the second spring anchoring lug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan You
  • Publication number: 20020062850
    Abstract: An improved multiple folding collapsible umbrella structure consists of an umbrella rod, an umbrella stretcher system mounted on the upper portion of the umbrella rod, and an actuating mechanism attached to the lower end of the umbrella rod and urged by a driving mechanism. The actuating mechanism has an inner seat, in which a groove is formed to accommodate a compression spring and a retainer ring. A movable block along with a spring is housed in the longitudinal central hole of the inner seat. An intermediate element is attached to the outer wall surface of the movable block, with its side protrusion extending through a spring seated in the through hole on the cylindrical wall of the movable block. A push block is arranged on the outer side of the intermediate element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Shih-Shin Kuo
  • Patent number: 6374840
    Abstract: A patio umbrella has a pole, a plurality of primary ribs extending from the pole, a hub slidably supported on the pole, and a plurality of secondary ribs, each secondary rib having a first end pivotally coupled to the hub and a second end pivotally coupled to one of the primary ribs. The patio umbrella has a ledge positioned on the pole, and a spring slidably supported on the pole between the hub and the ledge. The patio umbrella can also have at least one stretcher having a first end pivotally coupled to one of the secondary ribs, and a second end pivotally coupled to the ledge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Treasure Garden, Inc.
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-An Ma