Rib And Stretcher Joints Patents (Class 135/29)
  • Patent number: 6920887
    Abstract: A connector for a rib and a spreader of a parasol includes a metal connector body and an inner block made of plastic. The connector body has an upper clamp portion for each rib to fit therein, and two studs extending down from the connector body and defining an inner opening for the inner block to fit therein. The inner block has two side walls defining an inner opening as a turning passageway for each spreader to fit and connected pivotally, and a stop respectively in two sides of the passageway for stopping each spreader in case of collapsing the parasol. Then the side walls can prevent the connector body from contacting the shank to scrape the paint coated on the shank and prevent said shank from rusting. Further the stops can maintain the contained angle between each rib and each spreader not excessively small to permit the parasol easily expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: Albert Chong-Jen Lo
  • Patent number: 6918399
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Chin Sung Ko
  • Patent number: 6863081
    Abstract: A wind-proof umbrella rib structure comprises a main rib, a plurality of sub-ribs and an umbrella cloth. An annular upper nest is at a top of the main rib and a lower nest is at a middle section of the main rib. Each sub-rib includes an upper rib, a lower rib, a tension rib, a driven rib, a connecting rib; and a pivotal piece. Each pivotal piece has a first slot and a second slot. When one end of the lower rib is pivotally to a tension rib, a stud passes through the lower rib, the first slot and the tension rib so as to fix the lower rib. The second slot serves to connect the first and second driven means. The umbrella cloth includes a first cloth and a second cloth. The first and second cloths are overlapped. The overlapped portions are formed with gaps as flow guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: Ming-Ju Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6834659
    Abstract: The rib assembly for multi-foldable umbrella includes an inner rib, a middle rib, an outer rib and a secondary rib. Wherein, the secondary rib and the front strut are solid shafts and the pivot joint of the secondary rib and the inner rib is not necessitated to be flat in shape. Therefore the supporting strength of the secondary rib and the front strut against bending are increased, and the volume thereof is also effectively reduced for further significantly decreasing the volume of the collapsed umbrella as a whole, thereby bringing better convenience for carrying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventors: Fu-Tien Liu, Ping-Tung Su
  • Patent number: 6814093
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan You
  • Publication number: 20040182429
    Abstract: The invention discloses a large portable umbrella which relates to the technical field of large foldable umbrella.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Fengchun Chen
  • Patent number: 6789556
    Abstract: A folded umbrella frame has a plurality of units each comprising a second pivot mechanism, a first pivot mechanism fixed to the lower rib, a first pivot connecting member pivotably coupling to the first pivot mechanism, a second pivot connecting member receiving the upper rib and pivotably coupling to the second pivot mechanism and a steel rod hooking the second pivot connecting member and the first pivot mechanism together. The spreader passes through the channels of the second pivot mechanism to receive in the first bore of the first pivot connecting member. The invention effects a smooth folding by employing no rivet and a reduced size after folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan You
  • Patent number: 6758228
    Abstract: A tri-folded umbrella is disclosed. An enhanced frame of the umbrella comprises pivotably coupled first, second, and third yoke-shaped pivot members formed of plastic, first, second, and third latches, first, second, third ribs, first and second links, and a stretcher. The invention enables an easy assembly and a more compact size after folding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan You
  • Publication number: 20040123889
    Abstract: A stretcher or rib of an umbrella is made of compound material and a cap has a tube in which an end of the stretcher or rib is inserted. A metal collar is mounted to the tube and rolled to deform inward to clamp the tube and the stretcher or rib together. A joint has a tube and the stretcher or rib extends through the joint and the tube. A metal collar is mounted to the tube and rolled to deform inward to clamp the tube of the joint and the stretcher or rib together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Kung-Tai Liang
  • Patent number: 6708704
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Youth Lee
  • 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: 20040025915
    Abstract: An umbrella includes a tubular runner slidably sleeved on a stem between upper and lower positions. A tubular upper end portion of the stem defines a plurality of angularly displaced slots such that anchored segments of an anchored wire are exposed therefrom for pivotally mounting anchoring ends of a plurality of ribs. The ribs have distal ends disposed at an underside of a canopy for supporting the canopy in spread-out and collapsed positions when the runner is moved to the upper and lower positions, respectively. The ribs can be brought into close proximity of the stem after retraction for facilitating storage and carrying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Max Wang
  • Patent number: 6668845
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Fu Tai Umbrella Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Lin, Jung-Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 6655398
    Abstract: An umbrella includes a number of strut assemblies each having a beam and a spring rod pivotally coupled between a strut and a rib. The spring rod includes a middle portion slidably coupled to the beam. A pole is slidably secured to the beam and coupled to the middle portion of the spring rod. For example, the pole includes an aperture for receiving the middle portion of the spring rod and for allowing the middle portion of the spring rod to be loosely coupled to the beam and for preventing the spring rod from being bent or damaged by the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Lu Tsai Huang
  • Publication number: 20030205262
    Abstract: An umbrella frame includes a hub, a center pole coupled to the hub for supporting the hub, and a plurality of ribs disposable into the hub. The ribs serve to extend, stretch or support the cover. The hub has a corresponding plurality of pairs of bores defined therein. One of the bores of each pair is used for deploying the ribs in a configuration to support the cover and the other for storing the ribs. One of the bores of the pair is inclined relative to a horizontal plane defined by the hub, and the other is vertical to a horizontal plane. Each rib has an end disposable into the hub and a spring lock to selectively lock into the hub. The pair of bores coact with the spring lock to selectively lock the rib in the bores in both the deployment and storage configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: James Woodward
  • Publication number: 20030159725
    Abstract: An umbrella facet connecting mechanism which mainly comprises the umbrella facet connecting means, there is a bending position on said umbrella facet connecting means, and there settles a connecting portion on two ends portion and the bending portion respectively; the connecting portion on one end of the umbrella facet connecting means is fixed and connected with the second umbrella facet, whereas another end portion and the connecting portion on bending being fixed and connected with the first umbrella facet so that the peripheral of the first umbrella facet overlaps and connects with that of the second umbrella facet and there keeps a space so when the umbrella facet is on the accepting wind facet said stream could be vent from the space between the overlap position of the first and the second umbrella facet to avoid the flip-out of the major bone of the umbrella to achieve the purpose of anti-winds as well as elonger the usage lifetime of the umbrella means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Fu-Yi Chou, Chiu-Chan Yen
  • Publication number: 20030159726
    Abstract: A rib assembly of reinforced umbrella frame comprises a plurality of latches each including a first connecting piece having a channel member and a second connecting piece having two parallel channels wherein channel member is aligned with one channel; a plurality of first ribs each inserted through and secured to the channel member and the aligned channel; and a plurality of second ribs each inserted through and secured to the other channel. The stretcher assembly includes a plurality of yokes each being pivotably coupled in a groove of the latch. The umbrella is more compact in a storage state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan You
  • Patent number: 6601597
    Abstract: A windbreak and air-ventilating folding umbrella includes a frame coupling with a linkage bar. The linkage bar has one end attached to a sleeve which is movable on the frame and another suspended to allow the linkage bar having open or close movement at the suspended end. The sleeve is formed in C-shape. There is an upper panel fastened to an anchor cap of the umbrella and the suspended end of the linkage bar, and a lower panel fastened to the rib of the umbrella. The upper panel and the lower panel have respectively a portion overlapped with each other. The umbrella thus constructed can shelter rainfall and shield sunshine, and also facilitate air ventilation, thus can prevent the umbrella from overturning in the strong wind, and is adaptable for ordinary or folding umbrellas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Sun-Feng Sung
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20030098049
    Abstract: An umbrella includes a number of strut assemblies each having a beam and a spring rod pivotally coupled between a strut and a rib. The spring rod includes a middle portion slidably coupled to the beam. A pole is slidably secured to the beam and coupled to the middle portion of the spring rod. For example, the pole includes an aperture for receiving the middle portion of the spring rod and for allowing the middle portion of the spring rod to be loosely coupled to the beam and for preventing the spring rod from being bent or damaged by the beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Lu Tsai Huang
  • Publication number: 20030070700
    Abstract: A sunshade comprises a post, a support rod having a lower end detachably mounted on top of the post, a runner mounted to the support rod and slidable along a longitudinal direction of the support rod, plural stretchers, and plural ribs. Each rib comprises an upper tube and a lower tube that are engaged together in a manner allowing relative longitudinal telescopic movement therebetween. Each upper tube comprises an upper end pivotally connected to an upper end of the support rod. A button is provided for retaining each lower tube in one of an extended state and a retracted state relative to an associated one of the upper tubes. An end of each stretcher is pivotally connected to an associated one of the lower tubes. The other end of each stretcher is pivotally connected to the runner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Terry Tung
  • Publication number: 20030041889
    Abstract: A catch-free umbrella includes: a central shaft, a rib assembly pivotally secured to the shaft and an umbrella cloth secured on the rib assembly; with the rib assembly having a plurality of top ribs pivotally secured between an upper notch formed on the shaft and a plurality of stretcher ribs pivotally inclinedly secured to a runner slidably held on the shaft; and the top ribs radially arcuately bent to form a lotus-shape arrangement when opening the umbrella to form an upward force fraction acting on the runner for lifting the runner and the rib assembly without gravitational descending; whereby upon closing of the umbrella by initially lowering the runner, the top ribs of lotus-shape arrangement will serve as closing springs for closing the umbrella automatically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: Fu Tai Umbrella Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Lin, Jung-Jen Chang
  • 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: 20030029485
    Abstract: A foldable umbrella includes a post; a stationary hub secured to an upper end of the post; a canopy centrally secured to the stationary hub; a sleeve slidably mounted on the post; a plurality of radially oriented ribs secured to the canopy in equiangularly spaced relation, each rib having a radially inner end and a radially outward end; a plurality of foldable strut assemblies, each strut assembly connected between the sleeve and a respective one of the ribs, each strut assembly including a first strut having one end pivotally connected at a first pivot point to the sleeve and a second end pivotally connected to a respective one of the ribs at a second pivot point spaced radially outwardly from the radially inner end of the rib, a second strut having one end pivotally connected at a third pivot point to the stationary hub and a second end pivotally connected at a fourth pivot point to an intermediate point of the first strut, and a third strut having one end pivotally connected at a fifth pivot point to an in
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: INNOVENTIONS ENTERPRISES LTD.
    Inventors: Gary D. Johnson, Stanley Hochfeld, Ruth Hochfeld, Alfonso Murcia, Frank Halloway
  • Patent number: 6502592
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an umbrella structure for releasing wind and includes a supporting rib pivotally connected with a main rib of the umbrella at a middle position. The supporting rib is provided inside with a coil spring and an end ball for connecting with the outer circumscription of the upper umbrella cover while the lower cover being on the main rib from the connecting position of the main rib and a branch rib extending outward. The assembled umbrella includes two layers of cover wherein the upper cover is elastically connected by the supporting rib for a better connection and a perfect effect for releasing the heavy wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Chao Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 6470899
    Abstract: A foldable umbrella includes a post; a stationary hub secured to an upper end of the post; a canopy centrally secured to the stationary hub; a sleeve slidably mounted on the post; a plurality of radially oriented ribs secured to the canopy in equiangularly spaced relation, each rib having a radially inner end and a radially outward end; a plurality of foldable strut assemblies, each strut assembly connected between the sleeve and a respective one of the ribs, each strut assembly including a first strut having one end pivotally connected at a first pivot point to the sleeve and a second end pivotally connected to a respective one of the ribs at a second pivot point spaced radially outwardly from the radially inner end of the rib, a second strut having one end pivotally connected at a third pivot point to the stationary hub and a second end pivotally connected at a fourth pivot point to an intermediate point of the first strut, and a third strut having one end pivotally connected at a fifth pivot point to an in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Innoventions Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventors: Gary D. Johnson, Stanley Hochfeld, Alfonso Murcia, Frank Holloway
  • Publication number: 20020129843
    Abstract: An umbrella includes a plurality of ribs pivoted to a ferrule on a stem, and a plurality of stretchers pivoted to a runner which is slidably sleeved on the stem. Each interconnecting member includes a first portion mounted on the respective rib, and a second portion mounted on the respective stretcher and connected to and retainingly slidable relative to the first portion along the length of the rib so as to provide a buffering action to the rib once the latter is subjected to an upwardly blowing force of wind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Max Wang
  • Publication number: 20020124876
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an umbrella structure for releasing wind and includes a supporting rib pivotally connected with a main rib of the umbrella at a middle position. The supporting rib is provided inside with a coil spring and an end ball for connecting with the outer circumscription of the upper umbrella cover while the lower cover being on the main rib from the connecting position of the main rib and a branch rib extending outward. The assembled umbrella includes two layers of cover wherein the upper cover is elastically connected by the supporting rib for a better connection and a perfect effect for releasing the heavy wind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Chao Hui Chen
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6354315
    Abstract: A novel umbrella structure, comprises mainly a shaft, two surface frames, and two connecting parts; wherein, the connecting parts are formed basically by crossing two ribs with each other, and linking them with an main notch and a main runner provided on the shaft and with an sub-notch and sub-runner provided on the surface frames, such that each surface frame can be linked on both symmetrical sides of the shaft, respectively, by the connecting part. As the main runner provided as a sleeve around the shaft slides up and down, the sub-runner on the surface frame will be driven by the connecting parts and slide up and down correspondingly, and its distance to the sub-notch is exactly equal to the distance from the main runner to the main notch and thereby, the umbrella surface can be completely spread out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Futien Liu
  • Patent number: 6345637
    Abstract: An improved automatic opening wind resistant umbrella structure made of fiberglass reinforced plastics (FRP) mainly uses an innovative connection mechanism to associate secondary umbrella stretchers with umbrella ribs and has advantages of simplified construction and reinforced combination strength. The automatic opening wind resistant FRP umbrella structure according to the invention provides excellent convenience in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Chin Sung Ko
  • Patent number: 6336464
    Abstract: An innovative stretcher structure used for collapsible two-layer canopy wind resistant umbrellas primarily uses a connection block in conjunction with two staggered curved portions each formed on a main tail plate and a secondary tail plate to enhance the wind resistant strength of an umbrella. When wind blows the umbrella, a stretcher according to the invention not only supports the umbrella canopy to endure wind but also provides a restoring force to counteract the overturning force exerted on the umbrella stretcher system by wind. Thus the present invention has an enhanced wind resistant strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: Chin Sung Ko
  • Patent number: 6332472
    Abstract: A retracting mechanism used in an automatic multiple collapsible umbrella. The mechanism primarily consists of a spring, one end of which is attached to a second umbrella stretcher and the other end connected to a flexible rib and an umbrella strut. When the umbrella is collapsed, the restoring force of the spring will directly urge umbrella stretchers and ribs to move toward the central umbrella rod. The mechanism of the invention can produce an effect of smoothly collapsing umbrellas with less acting force. In addition, there is only one hole required for the attachment of the umbrella strut and flexible rib. Thus it also has the effects of enhanced strength and shortened manufacturing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventor: Shih Shin Kuo
  • Patent number: 6314976
    Abstract: An umbrella frame provides a stable and enduring support for an umbrella canopy while also allowing canopies of varying shapes and sizes to be mounted thereto. The umbrella frame includes a pair of hub members mounted about a pole member wherein each hub member has a plurality of slots formed in its outer perimeter. Ribs and struts are pivotally secured to the hub members using hub connectors which are removably secured to the hub slots so as to allow the size and shape of the attached canopy to be readily varied. The struts are also pivotally secured to the ribs by a collar member which helps prevent damage to the overlying canopy. The umbrella frame is rotatable about its axis in both the extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Tucci Engineering & Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Dougan H. Clarke
  • Patent number: 6311707
    Abstract: An umbrella includes a shaft having a plurality of ribs radially and pivotally connected to a finishing cap on the top of the shaft and a sleeve is slidably mounted to the shaft. A stop, a first flange and a second flange respectively extend radially outward from the sleeve, wherein the first flange is located between the stop and the second flange. A collar is movably mounted to the sleeve and located between the stop and the first flange. A plurality of first stretchers pivotally connected between the collar and the ribs. A runner is movably mounted to the sleeve and located between the first flange and the second flange. A plurality of second stretchers are pivotally connected between the runner and the ribs. The sleeve is pushed toward the collar to move the collar and to let the panel be expanded by the first stretchers and the movement of the ribs expand the second stretchers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventors: Chieh-Chih Wu, Ching-Tsai Chen, Chen-Maan Chang
  • Patent number: 6311706
    Abstract: In an umbrella runner (2) in which a plurality of stretcher holder grooves (5) that hold stretcher ends having axial holes are formed around an end rim in a radial pattern, plate springs (12a, 12) for pivot support of the stretchers and having free ends that are deformed by insertion of said stretcher ends in said grooves (5) and engage the axial holes in said ends after insertion, thereby pivotally supporting said ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Misuzu Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiromi Sato
  • Publication number: 20010010231
    Abstract: A foldable umbrella includes a post; a stationary hub secured to an upper end of the post; a canopy centrally secured to the stationary hub; a sleeve slidably mounted on the post; a plurality of radially oriented ribs secured to the canopy in equiangularly spaced relation, each rib having a radially inner end and a radially outward end; a plurality of foldable strut assemblies, each strut assembly connected between the sleeve and a respective one of the ribs, each strut assembly including a first strut having one end pivotally connected at a first pivot point to the sleeve and a second end pivotally connected to a respective one of the ribs at a second pivot point spaced radially outwardly from the radially inner end of the rib, a second strut having one end pivotally connected at a third pivot point to the stationary hub and a second end pivotally connected at a fourth pivot point to an intermediate point of the first strut, and a third strut having one end pivotally connected at a fifth pivot point to an in
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Inventors: Gary D. Johnson, Ruth Hochfeld, Alfonso Murcia, Frank Holloway
  • Patent number: 6244284
    Abstract: A foldable umbrella includes an elongate handle, a ferrule fixed on an upper end thereof, a runner sleeved slidably on the handle. Each of a plurality of rib assemblies includes elongated first, second and third ribs. The first rib has a first proximate end connected pivotally to the ferrule, a first distal end, a first pivot and a longitudinal slide slot. The second rib has second proximate and second distal ends, and a second pivot disposed adjacent to the second proximate end. The second pivot is connected pivotally to the first distal end of the first rib. The third rib has third proximate and third distal ends, and a third pivot connected pivotally to the second distal end of the second rib. A stretcher has a fourth proximate end connected pivotally to the runner, and a fourth distal end connected pivotally to the first pivot of the first rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Max Wang
  • Patent number: 6234186
    Abstract: A canopy frame for umbrellas has a structure adapted for various shapes, making the appearance of umbrellas dexterous and interesting. The frame has a main shaft, an upper sliding notch, a lower sliding notch, multiple positioning ribs, multiple upper spreaders, upright ribs, upper angle-forming clamps, auxiliary stretchers, lower spreaders and multiple clamping pieces. Two positioning holes are on the main shaft for the fixing of the upper and lower sliding notch and at the top end of the main shaft is disposed the fixed notch. The upper and lower sliding notch mounted consecutively on the main shaft under the fixed notch. One end of each positioning rib is connected to the fixed notch and the other end is associated with an upper angle-forming clamp. One end of each upper spreader is fixed to the upper sliding notch and the other end is engaged with the middle hinge point of the upper angle-forming clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Yuan Jinn Fwu Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Fu Tsai
  • Patent number: 6206017
    Abstract: A foldable umbrella includes a post; a stationary hub secured to an upper end of the post; a canopy centrally secured to the stationary hub; a sleeve slidably mounted on the post; a plurality of radially oriented ribs secured to the canopy in equiangularly spaced relation, each rib having a radially inner end and a radially outward end; a plurality of foldable strut assemblies, each strut assembly connected between the sleeve and a respective one of the ribs, each strut assembly including a first strut having one end pivotally connected at a first pivot point to the sleeve and a second end pivotally connected to a respective one of the ribs at a second pivot point spaced radially outwardly from the radially inner end of the rib, a second strut having one end pivotally connected at a third pivot point to the stationary hub and a second end pivotally connected at a fourth pivot point to an intermediate point of the first strut, and a third strut having one end pivotally connected at a fifth pivot point to an in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Innoventions Enterprises, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gary D. Johnson, Stanley Hochfeld, Alfonso Murcia, Frank Holloway
  • Patent number: 6202661
    Abstract: A windproof umbrella including a tension member formed of resilient material with inner and outer ends of the tension member being bent into hooks for connecting to the associated stay and joint member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Toshio Okuda
  • Patent number: 6196244
    Abstract: The present invention relates to umbrellas having various canopy shapes which shapes can be altered during use. A multiple position rib formed of a telescoping rib girder in combination with a hub slide assembly with multiple hubs allow the umbrella to be opened to two or more functional positions. An embodiment is an umbrella that can be used as a car shade having two open canopy configurations. In a first open position, all multiple position ribs are in an extended position so that the umbrella serves as a conventional rain umbrella. In a second open position, at least one of the multiple position ribs is folded to allow the umbrella to fit inside a vehicle windshield thereby serving as a sun shade. The multiple position rib can be formed of a rigid inner support assembly and a flexible outer cantilevered assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventors: Joseph R. Haddad, David A. Smith
  • Patent number: 6173723
    Abstract: A skeleton for umbrellas includes an elongated shank, a runner slidably mounted on the shank, a sleeve slidably fitted on the shank and arranged above the runner, a spring disposed between the runner and the sleeve, and a joint fixedly secured to an upper end of the shank, characterized in that a plurality of primary stretchers are pivotally connected with the sleeve, a plurality of secondary stretchers having an end pivotally connected with an upper end of the runner and having another end pivotally connected with an intermediate portion of a respective one of the primary stretchers, a plurality of reinforcing arms pivotally connected at a first end thereof with another end of a respective one of the primary stretchers, and a plurality of ribs pivotally connected at an end with the joint and pivotally connected with a second end of a respective one of the reinforcing arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: Mao-Sheng Wang
  • Patent number: 6164303
    Abstract: A rib assembly for umbrella includes: at least a top rib pivotally secured to an upper notch fixed on a top portion of a central shaft, a stretcher rib pivotally connected with the top rib and pivotally secured to a runner slidably held on the shaft an intermediate connecting rib pivotally connected to the top rib through an intermediate connecting rib, and a tail rib pivotally connected to the intermediate rib; with the top rib formed as a slim elongate rod having an outermost end of the top rib formed as a flat thinning end portion pivotally connected with a pair of narrowing lugs centripetally pressed from two side walls of the U-shaped groove of the stretcher rib; and having an outer portion of the top rib formed as a flat thinning portion for pivotally connecting an inner end of the intermediate connecting rib, thereby forming a slim rib assembly for minimizing a folding volume of the rib assembly when closing the umbrella adapted for making a slim mini pocketable folding umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Fu Tai Umbrella Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Lin, Jung-Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 6102058
    Abstract: A pivotal-coupling device is provided for a collapsible umbrella frame structure, which allows the pivotal coupling between the main shaft and the framing rib to be achieved without having to use supersonic wave bonder, thus making the assembly work more easy to carry out and the manufacturing cost reduced. It also allows the assembly work to be carried out manually without having to use machine tools or welding means. The pivotal-coupling device includes a first linking member affixed to the main shaft; a second linking member affixed to the framing rib, and a pivotal pin for providing a pivotal coupling of the first linking member to the second linking member, allowing the main shaft to be pivotally coupled to the framing rib. Compared to the prior art, this pivotal-coupling device is considerably simpler in structure that allows it to be formed easily through machining and further allows the assembly work to be easily carry out by hand without having to use machine tools or welding means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan You
  • Patent number: 6095169
    Abstract: An automatic umbrella includes: a top rib and a stretcher rib each having a cross section of U shape or the like shape and made of light material including aluminum alloy, an outer rib gradually tapered outwardly and an auxiliary stretcher rib each having a cross section of circular shape or the like shape and made of composite or plastic materials having good resilience and mechanical strength to be respectively connected with the top rib and the stretcher rib, a flattened tensioning spring jacketed on the shaft and retained between a middle runner arid a lower runner having a cross section of the spring ring formed as rectangular shape for forming a slim umbrella shaft, and a top cap member firmly fixed on a top of the shaft, thereby providing an automatic umbrella having light weight, better resilience and strength, slim structure, and firmly fastened top cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Fu Tai Umbrella Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Lin, Jung-Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 6095170
    Abstract: An automatically spreading and collapsing umbrella includes a plurality of rib assemblies pivoted to a ferrule on a handle, and a plurality of stretcher assemblies. Each stretcher assembly is pivoted to a runner slidably sleeved on the handle to stretch or retract a respective rib assembly when the runner is moved. An anchored member has two ends journalled on a main rib of one of the rib assemblies, and a middle portion having an anchored site which is formed as a bent strip that is vaulted upwardly. A collapsing tension spring is retained between a connecting rod of one of the stretcher assemblies and the anchored site so as to define a collapsing line along an extending length of the spring. Stretching of the rib assemblies can extend the spring to store an elastic potential energy to facilitate collapsing of the rib assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Max Wang
  • Patent number: 6095171
    Abstract: A multiple-fold windproof umbrella includes: a central shaft having a rib assembly pivotally secured to the central shaft, a lower cloth secured to the rib assembly, an upper cloth secured to the central shaft and juxtapositionally retained above the lower cloth, and a plurality of control valves each formed between the upper cloth and the lower cloth secured on the rib assembly and openable for escaping a strong wind blowing into the umbrella cloths; and for automatically restoring the upper cloth downwardly for closing the opening between the upper and lower cloths of the umbrella after the escape of wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Fu Tai Umbrella Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Lin, Jung-Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 6089244
    Abstract: A windproof umbrella structure includes mainly a connector being provided at a pivoted position of the main rib and the stretcher to engage with a second rib. The invented assembled frame is covered by an upper cover and a lower cover and obtains a better umbrella strength. When the upward wind occurs, the airflow can pass through the gap between the two covers for avoiding the damage of the ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Chin-Sung Ko