T-head And Socket Patents (Class 135/30)
  • Patent number: 12037807
    Abstract: A quick assembly tent is provided which may be quickly assembled and disassembled without using any tools or requiring know-how by the user. The tent includes a dynamic platform that can rotate about an x-axis along a platform pivot from a closed position to an open position. The tent may be configured to be mounted on a vehicle. The tent may include a rain fly and an entry ladder. The tent may be configured to deploy simply by pivoting the dynamic platform from a closed to an open position. Methods for assembling a quick assembly tent are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: Sylvansport, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas W. Reeder, Thomas M. Dempsey, Gregory K. Mundt
  • Patent number: 11998092
    Abstract: A rotary replaceable umbrella nest assembly for an umbrella has a lower nest cover with a plurality of recesses for receiving the end of each rod; a circular hole is at the center of the lower nest cover for receiving a middle column; a connecting sleeve extends down from the circular hole; the connecting sleeve has a plurality of external threads; a nest support has a ring-shape matching a bottom of the lower nest cover having a center hole for a connecting sleeve to pass through; a lower nest base ornament is disposed below the nest support and is threaded with and is detachably connected to the lower nest cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Tempo Manufacturing LLC
    Inventor: Xiong Luo
  • Patent number: 11969064
    Abstract: Disclosed is an umbrella with dual arms to tighten a fabric or sheet material cover for a clean look and ability to brand. With the dual arms, or spokes, the framework can be created that is solid while operating in the manner of a traditional umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Inventor: Martin James Dotterweich
  • Patent number: 10736390
    Abstract: An umbrella assembly can be assembled using L-shaped elongate members pivotably coupled with upper and lower hubs for supporting and actuating an umbrella cover. The L-shaped elongate members can be pivotably coupled together and paired such that a lateral portion of each of the elongate members extends opposite the other lateral portion within the pair and pivotably coupled with one of the upper hub and the lower hub. The lateral portions pivotably coupled within rib-receiving slots corresponding to one of the upper hub and the lower hub and secured within the rib-receiving slots by one of an upper hub cap and a lower hub cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Inventor: Zhun-An Ma
  • Patent number: 10631605
    Abstract: A mount for a shade structure, in particular a collapsible pavilion. The mount has a base and a cover. The base has a space formed therein configured to receive a ground support of a shade structure. The cover has a top surface and a bottom surface to be secured to the base. A groove is formed in the mount and is configured to pivotably receive a rib. The groove is disposed between opposed walls of the mount. A pin retention recess is disposed on each side of the opposed walls in one of the cover and the base. A plurality of projections are provided that each have a first end fixed to one of the cover and the base in which the pin retention recess is not formed and a second end disposed away from the fixed end. One of the projections is configured to enclose a portion of the retention recess when the cover and the base are secured together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Patent number: 10060152
    Abstract: A mount for a shade structure, in particular a collapsible pavilion. The mount has a base and a cover. The base has a space formed therein configured to receive a ground support of a shade structure. The cover has a top surface and a bottom surface to be secured to the base. A groove is formed in the mount and is configured to pivotably receive a rib. The groove is disposed between opposed walls of the mount. A pin retention recess is disposed on each side of the opposed walls in one of the cover and the base. A plurality of projections are provided that each have a first end fixed to one of the cover and the base in which the pin retention recess is not formed and a second end disposed away from the fixed end. One of the projections is configured to enclose a portion of the retention recess when the cover and the base are secured together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Patent number: 9642422
    Abstract: An umbrella frame has a post, a number of arms, a number of connecting rods, a lift ring and a ring lock. The post has a number of aligned wire elements connected to each other along their length with a number of post spacers. Each arm has at least two aligned wire elements connected together along their length with a number of arm spacers. Each arm is connected to the top of the post and rotates upward from a closed position along the post to an upward open position and back. The lift ring slides up and down the post to open and close the umbrella frame. Each connection rod is connected to the lift ring at one end and the other end to a mid-point on each respective arm. The ring lock secures the lift ring to the post in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: John L. Haller
  • Patent number: 9271551
    Abstract: A rib connector is provided that has a first arm, a second arm, and a transverse member. The first arm has an inner wall, a first recess in the inner wall, and an inclined surface that extends toward the first recess. The second arm has an inner wall and a second recess. The second recess is positioned opposite to the first recess. The transverse member is located between the first arm and the second arm. The transverse member connects the first arm and the second arm. The transverse member is disposed adjacent to a space located between the first and second arms. The space is configured to receive an umbrella rib. A varying distance is provided between the inclined surface and the inner wall of the second arm such that the distance is less at a first position along the inclined surface than at a second position along the inclined surface. The first position is between the first recess and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Patent number: 9243424
    Abstract: A hub assembly for a foldable tent includes a base and a plurality of slots formed on the base. Each slot is formed by a pair of side walls which are integrally formed on the base and includes a pivoting axis substantially normal between the corresponding pair of side walls. Poles are connected to opposing side walls of each corresponding slot for pivotal movement about the pivoting axis. In an open configuration of the tent inner ends of each of the poles engages the engaging surface of the base and is restricted from pivotal movement beyond the engaging surface, and in the closed configuration the inner ends of each pole is disengaged from the engaging surface of the base such that each pole is pivotable to a position substantially perpendicular to each corresponding engaging surface of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventor: Ki Ho Jin
  • Patent number: 9192215
    Abstract: A quick connect system is provided for a shade structure. The system includes a hub and a structural member. The hub has a top surface, a plurality of side walls forming a slot therebetween, and a displaceable retention device having a free end disposed at an elevation below the top surface. The displaceable retention device is moveable laterally away from the slot. The structural member has an end configured to swing in the slot. The end has a laterally extending rotation device. The rotation device extends laterally beyond the free end of the displaceable retention device when the end is disposed in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Publication number: 20140305476
    Abstract: A rib connector is provided that has a first arm, a second arm, and a transverse member. The first arm has an inner wall, a first recess in the inner wall, and an inclined surface that extends toward the first recess. The second arm has an inner wall and a second recess. The second recess is positioned opposite to the first recess. The transverse member is located between the first arm and the second arm. The transverse member connects the first arm and the second arm. The transverse member is disposed adjacent to a space located between the first and second arms. The space is configured to receive an umbrella rib. A varying distance is provided between the inclined surface and the inner wall of the second arm such that the distance is less at a first position along the inclined surface than at a second position along the inclined surface. The first position is between the first recess and the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Patent number: 8166986
    Abstract: An umbrella hub is provided which can comprise a central portion, a body, and an engagement section. The central portion can be configured to receive to an umbrella pole. The body can extend between the central portion and an outer periphery of the hub with the engagement section being located adjacent to the outer periphery thereof. The engagement section can be configured to receive and constrained the movement of an end portion of an umbrella structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Patent number: 7178535
    Abstract: An improved umbrella includes a durable hub including a number of spherical rotating joint knuckles captured in a hub body. The joint knuckles provide rotational movement of rib and spreader elements which support a flexible umbrella cover. The joint knuckles provide increased bearing surface area that increases ease of use and durability. The hub design enables identical hub bodies to be used for a spreader hub and a rib hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Fred Eder
  • Patent number: 6904923
    Abstract: A sunshade has a shade and at least two supports, with each support having a second end that is coupled to the shade at spaced-apart locations thereof. The sunshade also has a connector coupled to the first end of each support, the connector having a central portion that has a groove, and a leaf for coupling the first end of each support. The leaf is hingedly connected to the central portion by an integral thin section and has a locking member fitted inside the groove to hold the leaf at a fixed position with respect to the central portion. Each support of the sunshade can also have an adjustable length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Quantum Auto (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Lun Chai, Tsang To Chai
  • Patent number: 6722382
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Max Wang
  • Publication number: 20030010367
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a strengthened structure of a wind-proof umbrella, which includes a frame being consisted of elastic main ribs and stretched ribs being connected with related joint on the main rib. An extended rod is formed under the joint to contact the stretched rib, when the umbrella is opened, for providing a downward force to offset an upward force on the main rib and obtaining strengthened wind-proof effect to prevent the main rib from being outward folded or broken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Chin Sung Ko
  • 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: 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: 5878763
    Abstract: An improved canopy structure of a bi-section foldable umbrella is provided with an integrally formed slide block having an upper slider and a lower slider. A fixing mount is integrally connected to the top of the upper slider. The fixing mount, the upper slider and the lower slider are connected to one end of positioning spreaders, extending spreaders and auxiliary spreaders respectively. A canopy is fixedly engaged with some of the spreaders. All the extending spreaders and the auxiliary spreaders are bound together in pairs by an inverted T-shaped member at the middle thereof . At the ends of each paired extending spreader and the auxiliary spreader is disposed a tri-point connector so as to permit an elongated rib downwardly extended from the connector. The periphery of a canopy can thus be vertically supported along the edge thereof for better shelter of a person under the umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Yuan Jinn FWU Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Fu Tsai
  • Patent number: 5666986
    Abstract: A tent frame device comprising a hub from which radiates a multiplicity of ribs when the device is in use. The hub is provided with a multiplicity of retaining portions which extend in a tangential direction and which are spaced apart around the hub. A multiplicity of abutment portions are positioned outwardly of the retaining portions respectively. Respective rib-end portions are provided with respective recesses which are open in an intended upward direction and which receive the retaining portions respectively when the device is in use. The undersides of the rib-end portions abut the abutment portions. The invention extends to a tent frame comprising such a hub device and a multiplicity of ribs which radiate from the hub when the device is in use. It also extends to a frame having ribs which can each be folded at one or more joints having engagement means which maintain the relative orientation of the different parts of the rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Fox Design International Limited
    Inventor: Clifford Royston Fox
  • Patent number: 4750509
    Abstract: A tent and folding tent framework which enable quick and easy setup and taking down of the tent include a central hub member about which six ribs are pivotable. The hub member or fixed disk is made of plastic material and includes openings which enable the ribs to be easily assembled into the hub. Each rib includes two joints which pivot through 180 degrees. The joints are biased by springs toward the open position and include locking sleeves which are biased toward the locking position. The six ribs are loosely attached to the tent fabric via fabric loops, so that the entire framework is on the outside of the tent. A single user can easily open and set up the tent, or take down and store the tent, without assembling components and assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Inventor: Soon-Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 4576191
    Abstract: An umbrella frame has a pivotal connection between a crown or slider and canopy spokes or struts (1), respectively. The connection involves a sheet metal sleeve (3), which is carried on a stick (4) and has, integrally formed with it, an annular flange (5) and lobes (6). Each lobe comprises an axially extending inner section (6a) and an, initially outwardly extending, outer section (6b). During assembly, the outer sections are curled inwards about pivot pins(s) for the spokes or struts (1), which are seated in radius portions (R) at the junctions of the inner and outer lobe sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Assignee: Kortenback & Rauh KG
    Inventors: Tilmann Schultes, Joachim Seidel
  • Patent number: 4201237
    Abstract: A collapsible shelter of the umbrella-tent type including a foldable frame and a cover of sheet material affixed to the frame. The tent frame comprises a plurality of support members and novel means of pivotally connecting the mutually respective ends of the support members to a central hub. The central hub is mounted on erecting guide means, which preferably has the form of an erecting rod or cord. A second hub is mounted on the guide means below the central hub, and a plurality of rib members are pivotally connected at mutually respective ends to the second hub, using novel connecting means similar to that used with the support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1980
    Inventors: Paul J. Watts, Lynn D. Crawford, Philip T. Nichols