Ribs And Stretchers Patents (Class 135/31)
  • Publication number: 20090151760
    Abstract: A reversible umbrella is provided. This device includes a supportive pole having an upper portion and a lower portion and a canopy assembly slidably mounted thereon. The canopy assembly further includes first, second, and third sliding collars mounted on the supportive pole; a canopy attached to a plurality of canopy support rods, wherein each of the plurality of canopy support rods is hingeably attached at one end to the third sliding collar; a first plurality of connector rods, wherein one end of each connector rod is hingeably attached to one of the canopy support rods and wherein the other end of the connector rod is hingeably attached to the second sliding collar; and a second plurality of connector rods, wherein one end of each connector rod is hingeably attached to one of the first plurality of connector rods and wherein the other end is hingeably attached to the first sliding collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Noah Brader
  • Patent number: 7533679
    Abstract: A rib for a covering with a light source, bulb holder, and globe is disclosed. In one embodiment, the rib comprises a bulb holder configured to secure a light source and includes structure in order to be installed into the rib and allow for a globe device to be attached to the bulb holder in order to protect the light source and for decorative purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Harbaugh
  • Patent number: 7527063
    Abstract: A kind of rib structure in an umbrella with two layers of umbrella cover mainly uses a thinner metal bar to be bent and formed the sleeve rings and paralleled long and short skeletons, and circular rings are wrapped in the end of the long and short skeletons. The sleeve ring is used to be sleeve-set directly on the position close to the mounting seat of the last folded rib with rounded bar shape in the umbrella rib. A front edge of the upper layer umbrella cover is fix-mounted on the upper rib-mounting nest of umbrella, and its lower edge is mounted on the circular ring of the long skeleton by the silk wire. The front edge in the lower layer of umbrella cover is mounted on the circular ring of the short skeleton by the silk wire, and its lower edge is mounted on the ball tail of the last folded rib by the silk wire. The upper and lower layers of umbrella cover can be linked by this independent sleeve-set method without the need of change in original elements of the umbrella rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Hsia Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 7513266
    Abstract: First longitudinal grooves are formed in the lateral sides of wing parts of a cap and a slider. First through holes are formed to intersect the first longitudinal grooves in the cap and the slider. Second through holes are formed in positions closer to the centers of the cap and the slider than the first through holes. In the cap, two ribs pointing in the lateral directions are individually supported to be pivotable at the first longitudinal grooves by supporting members in the first through holes, and other ribs are pivotally supported in a collective manner by a circular supporting wire passing through the second through holes. In the slider, two stretchers pointing in the lateral directions are individually supported to be pivotable at the first longitudinal grooves by supporting members in the first through holes, and other stretchers are pivotally supported in a collective manner by a circular supporting wire passing through the second through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Shibuya Ryutsu Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidenobu Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7513267
    Abstract: An umbrella has a shaft anchorable in or on the ground or in the air by an anchor and defining an axis and a canopy movable between an unfolded open position in which it is wavy and a folded position inclined to the axis, made of a preferably nonstretching membrane or fabric, formed of a whole number of polygonal sections with outer corners defining alternating high points and low points, traversed at a center by the shaft, centrally axially slidable along the shaft or centrally fixed on the shaft, and having an outer edge. An array of rods extending radially from and pivoted on the shaft extend in the open unfolded position from the shaft to the corners. These rods are wholly above the canopy and do not pass through the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Structurelab GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Gendriesch, Jürgen Schubert, Alexander Prang
  • Publication number: 20090032076
    Abstract: There is disclosed a combination of a sunshade and a terrace heater with light 1. The combination includes a sunshade/canopy 2 mounted on support rods 4 that may be pivoted between a collapsed and a suspended state. Moreover, the combination includes a light element and a heater element with a lattice cage 9 and a reflector plate 10 disposed above it. The canopy 2 is formed of an annular body with a central aperture where the reflector plate 10 has a size of circumference largely corresponding to the central opening in the canopy. The reflector plate 10 extends over a distance from the lattice cage 9 corresponding to the height of the lattice cage 9. Hereby is formed an interspace 13 for ejecting radiant heat with the canopy in collapsed condition when the support rods 4 are connected with the inner side of the reflector plate 10 via a hinge 5 in a position immediately close to the lattice cage 9.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Peter Christian Boldsen
  • Patent number: 7484516
    Abstract: An oval umbrella system (10) for providing improved precipitation protection for individuals. The umbrella system includes a support member (20), a handle member (30) attached to an end of the support member, a collar (22) slidably positioned about the support member, a plurality of first rib linkages (40) extending from the support member, a plurality of second rib linkages (60) extending from the support member, and a covering (80) attached to the rib linkages (40), (60). The first rib linkages preferably have a greater extended length than the second rib linkages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Garland Ka Lun Yu
  • Patent number: 7484518
    Abstract: A reversible umbrella is provided. This device includes a supportive pole having an upper portion and a lower portion and a canopy assembly slidably mounted thereon. The canopy assembly further includes first, second, and third sliding collars mounted on the supportive pole; a canopy attached to a plurality of canopy support rods, wherein each of the plurality of canopy support rods is hingeably attached at one end to the third sliding collar; a first plurality of connector rods, wherein one end of each connector rod is hingeably attached to one of the canopy support rods and wherein the other end of the connector rod is hingeably attached to the second sliding collar; and a second plurality of connector rods, wherein one end of each connector rod is hingeably attached to one of the first plurality of connector rods and wherein the other end is hingeably attached to the first sliding collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Noah Brader
  • Patent number: 7481232
    Abstract: An umbrella having opposed moving hubs, one upper and one lower, to which is attached a series of spaced spars to the upper hub and a series of spaced ribs to the lower hub. The ribs are also connected one rib to one spar. An acme-threaded rod passes through an acme nut mounted on each hub, one left hand threaded and one right hand threaded, such that the rod, when connected to a drive shaft and gear motor, and actuated causes the hubs to move toward each other to close the umbrella and away from each other to open the umbrella. The umbrella is covered over by a canopy attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: American Holtzkraft, Inc
    Inventor: Phillip C. Apple
  • Publication number: 20080314428
    Abstract: An umbrella rib assembly for coupling a ventilating canopy to a main support shaft includes a plurality of first ribs, a plurality of second ribs and a plurality of fastening units. First and second upper surfaces of the first and second ribs are adapted for attachment of central and surrounding canopy patches thereto, respectively. The first and second ribs have first and second coupling segments coupled with each other such that the first and second upper surfaces are offset from each other so as to define an annular space between the central and peripheral canopy patches for ventilation purposes. Each fastening unit is disposed to fasten the second coupling segment to the first coupling segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Henry Lee
  • Patent number: 7461667
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rib structure of a two-layer cover umbrella, which mainly includes an elastic rib having an inner folded end. A connector of a related primary rib of the umbrella is provided with an aperture, for that the inner folded end of the elastic rib is penetrated into the aperture and connected with a lateral rod of the connector. The elastic rib will be then extended outward alone the upper surface of the primary rib smoothly for connecting the upper cover and providing a utilized umbrella with two covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Chin Sung Ko
  • Patent number: 7415986
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reinforced structure for collapsible and wind resistible umbrella comprising a telescoping backbone, an upper and a lower nests, a plurality of multi-sectionalized main umbrella ribs and auxiliary ribs, a first and a second umbrella covers, and a plurality of resilient bands. An elaborately designed jointing technique is applied to joint these main and auxiliary ribs so as to substantially reinforce the mechanical strength of the umbrella to withstand the wind force. The last section of each main rib divided into parallelly laid, shorter first subsection and longer second subsection makes it possible to lay two umbrella covers in a manner leaving a fissure therebetween so as to release the wind flowing out. Furthermore a resilient band is provided between each first subsection of the main rib and the second umbrella cover that contributes to keeping a definite separation between the first and second subsections of the main rib so as to prevent the umbrella from overturning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Hsien-Sao Wu
  • Publication number: 20080135076
    Abstract: Umbrella, simply, is a foldable means used for protection from rain and/or sun intensive wind currents usually makes the umbrella rather difficult to be hold and can lead to a serious damage for its components. Creating gaps or holes through the umbrellas surface can reduce or minimize the bad effects of the wind against the umbrella while it still capable to protect things against rain and sun. The present invention relates to a “multi-layer surface umbrella”, which is an umbrella with a surface consists of several fabric layers with a gap in between each adjacent pair of layers to allow wind currents to pass through the surface easily leading to high degree of stability against blowing wind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Riadh M. M. Awni
  • Publication number: 20080066792
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved multi-folded umbrella having a reduced closed volume, which includes a shaft with a crown secured to its upper end, a slider slidably provided on the shaft, and rib sections pivoted to the crown and the slider consisting of struts, tensions ribs, and spokes. The rib sections of the frame are positioned in side-by-side relationship, either clockwise or anti-clockwise, when the umbrella is closed, wherein the umbrella can be two-folded, three-folded, four folded, five-folded, or more, and between the rib sections, various connecting assemblies are provided. Hence, the present umbrella can be used more conveniently and effectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Hsia Hui Chen
  • Publication number: 20080053499
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved rib structure for using in a four-folded umbrella. The character of the present invention includes a solid first rib, a solid second rib, a solid third rib, and a solid tail rib. Accompanying with branch ribs and elastic ribs, the assembled umbrella can have a small closed volume by use of every rib to be closed to a shaft of the umbrella. Hence, the present umbrella can be used more conveniently and effectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Chin Sung Ko
  • Patent number: 7334591
    Abstract: The structure of the umbrella comprises improved ribs for engaging with the strip portions of the cover. Each rib includes a metal structural shape or component (32) and a plurality of saw-tooth components (34) engaged with said structural shape/component and capable of fixing strip portions (18) of the cover thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Gardenart S.r.l
    Inventor: Vincenzo Aloi
  • Publication number: 20080006313
    Abstract: A stick umbrella structure includes a main shank, a plurality of rib units and a canopy. A fixed hub and a movable slider are mounted on opposite ends of the main shank. The movable slider is slidably provided on the main shank and positioned at two predetermined positions. The rib unit consists of a main rib and a spreader rib. One end of the main rib pivot-connects with the movable slider. One end of the spreader rib pivot-connects with the fixed hub while the other end pivot-connects with a pivot point of the main rib. A center of the canopy is fixed to the fixed hub while an outer periphery of the canopy is fixed to the main ribs. Accordingly, the rib units are capable of unfolding the canopy by spreading the main ribs and the canopy can be folded in a reverse direction by retracting the main ribs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventor: Huang-Lin Wang
  • Publication number: 20080000510
    Abstract: A slimmed rib assembly for multiple-fold umbrella includes: a flat rib pivotally connected with an inner rib and respectively pivotally secured to an upper notch of an umbrella shaft and a runner slidably held on the umbrella shaft, a middle rib having an U-shaped groove and pivotally connected to the flat rib, and a tail rib pivotally securable to the middle rib, with the inner rib having an U-shaped groove recessed therein; whereby upon closing of the umbrella, the flat rib will be received into the U-shaped grooves respectively formed in the middle rib and in the inner rib to greatly minimize the volume of the rib assembly when folded to thereby provide a slim umbrella for convenient storage and handling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Lin, Jung-Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 7254869
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hinge coupling comprising a first connective section comprising a hollow first cylinder at one end with a first piece fastened therein, two parallel projections at the other end, each projection having a bent end, a bore in an intermediate portion open to the external, and a bar interconnected the bent ends, the bar being not aligned with rest of the first connective section, and a second connective section comprising an extension at one end, a hollow second cylinder substantially passed from one end to the other end, an intermediate recess, and a groove formed at bottom of the recess. The bar is fastened in the groove by snapping through the recess, a second piece is inserted into the second cylinder by passing over the bar, and the extension is inserted into the bore by counterclockwise pivoting about the bar. Both sections are parallel after folding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan You
  • Publication number: 20070169801
    Abstract: A reversible umbrella is provided. This device includes a supportive pole having an upper portion and a lower portion and a canopy assembly slidably mounted thereon. The canopy assembly further includes first, second, and third sliding collars mounted on the supportive pole; a canopy attached to a plurality of canopy support rods, wherein each of the plurality of canopy support rods is hingeably attached at one end to the third sliding collar; a first plurality of connector rods, wherein one end of each connector rod is hingeably attached to one of the canopy support rods and wherein the other end of the connector rod is hingeably attached to the second sliding collar; and a second plurality of connector rods, wherein one end of each connector rod is hingeably attached to one of the first plurality of connector rods and wherein the other end is hingeably attached to the first sliding collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Inventor: Noah Brader
  • Patent number: 7174906
    Abstract: The invention relates to a foldable umbrella frame having six ribs, wherein the first rib, the second rib, the third rib, and the fourth rib are formed to be solid rods with outer flat portion. The ribs are pivoted to form a frame. Branch ribs have inner hooks to connect with outer flat portion of respective rib that provides a small volume of the umbrella in closed state for facilitating carrying by users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Chin-Sung Ko
  • Patent number: 7011100
    Abstract: A skeleton for an umbrella includes multiple sets of rib members, each of which includes a main rib, a first link connected to the main rib, and a stretcher connected at an outer end to the first link. Two opposite sets of the rib members are further provided with a second link connected to a near outer end of the main rib, an elastic first ear-forming rib connected at an inner end to the second link, and a pull cord connected at an inner end to a near outer end of the stretcher and at an outer end to an outer end of the first ear-forming rib. The ear-forming ribs are pulled by the pull cords into curved and tense state to look like two ears at two sides of an animal's head when the umbrella is stretched, and flatly bear against the skeleton when the umbrella is collapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Tsun-Zong Wu
  • 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: 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20040238020
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wind-proof umbrella, which includes a shaft and frame. A wire is provided, wherein the inner end of the wire connecting with a relating branch rib and the outer end connecting with tail portion of a relating main rib or a tail rib of the umbrella. The wire can pull the main rib or the tail rib when the umbrella is opened. As there happens a strong, the wire provides enough strength for the umbrella preventing from damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Youth Lee
  • 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6810890
    Abstract: A golf bag umbrella includes a central shaft having a bending portion formed on the shaft, a rib assembly pivotally secured to the central shaft having an umbrella cloth secured on the rib assembly, with the rib assembly including at least a top rib pivotally secured to an upper notch formed on a top of the shaft and a stretcher rib pivotally secured between the top rib and a runner sliding on the shaft having the runner approximating the upper notch to form a crescent configuration between the top rib and the stretcher rib for forming a big dome space beneath the umbrella cloth without tangling the movement of the golf clubs when pulled outwardly from the golf bag, whereby upon bending of the central shaft at the bending portion, the umbrella cloth and the rib assembly may be temporarily tilted to allow an easy withdrawal of the golf club from the golf bag without any obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Fu Tai Umbrella Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Lin, Jung-Jen Chang
  • Publication number: 20040211451
    Abstract: An inverse umbrella having a double canopy structure and an inverse opening system is disclosed. The double canopy structure comprises an outer canopy and an inner canopy. The inverse opening system comprises a network of ribs and mechanism for moving the ribs so that the inner canopy is on the outside when the umbrella is in the collapsed position. When the inverse umbrella is closed after exposure to rain, the dry inner canopy is on the outside, thereby preventing undesirable dripping. The inverse umbrella also includes a unique sleeve and water collection system that encloses the rain dampened umbrella so that water adhering to the canopy can be properly collected in a unidirectional water-retaining device without making the surroundings wet when the user carries around the rain dampened umbrella.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Hock Poh Goh
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040149326
    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: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Ming-Ju Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20040144409
    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: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan You
  • Patent number: 6766814
    Abstract: Collapsible umbrella having a resilient rib tensioning member connected to an end portion of the central shaft and interconnected with a first rib end portion and a second end portion. In response to moving forces against the rib connector it moves from a default position to a first, a second and a third open position to a second to a third. In the first open position, the rib tensioning member exerts a first threshold holding force on the second rib end portion, whereas in the second position, a second threshold holding force holds the second rib end portion, which is greater than the first. The rib tensioning member exerts a third threshold holding force on the second rib end portion, which is less than the second threshold holding force. The ribs having a rib weight sufficient to bias the second rib end portions towards a mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Jean-Rene Perreault
  • 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: 20040123890
    Abstract: Collapsible umbrella having a resilient rib tensioning member connected to an end portion of the central shaft and interconnected with a first rib end portion and a second end portion. In response to moving forces against the rib connector it moves from a default position to a first, a second and a third open position to a second to a third. In the first open position, the rib tensioning member exerts a first threshold holding force on the second rib end portion, whereas in the second position, a second threshold holding force holds the second rib end portion, which is greater than the first. The rib tensioning member exerts a third threshold holding force on the second rib end portion, which is less than the second threshold holding force. The ribs having a rib weight sufficient to bias the second rib end portions towards a mounting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Jean-Rene Perreault
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040025916
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rib structure of a four-folded umbrella, which includes a first rib, a second rib, a third rib, and a tail rib and is connected with a shaft. The characteristic is to provide a connector at the outer end of the third rib and a branch rib, and the connector can bond the third rib and the tail rib that provides the umbrella rib structure to be a perfect arched outlook as it is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Shih-Shin Kuo
  • 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: 6681784
    Abstract: An umbrella facet connecting mechanism which mainly comprises the umbrella facet connection, there is a bending position on said umbrella facet connection, 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 connection 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Fortune Umbrella Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fu-Yi Chou, Chiu-Chan Yen
  • 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: 20030205264
    Abstract: An anit-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, weakened 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: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Fu Tai Umbrella Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Kuang Lin, Jung-Jen Chang
  • 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: 20030183258
    Abstract: A parasol includes a parasol shaft having a plurality of parasol ribs provided radially and movably on top. The parasol ribs are provided on top with a parasol cover made of a number of parasol gores. The feature is that each parasol rib has its outermost end formed into a lower curved receiving portion. Thus, when the parasol cover is spread out on the parasol ribs, the lower portion of the parasol cover on the lower curved receiving portions of the parasol ribs will naturally curve down along the receiving portions and make up a suspending lower portion, simplifying the process of cutting the parasol gores and sewing them together into the parasol cover, and obtaining an effect of blocking off sunlight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Albert Chong-Jen Lo
  • Publication number: 20030183259
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an umbrella without a bow spring provided in a shaft of the umbrella. The improved umbrella is provided a special umbrella frame accompanying with a runner provided around the shaft. While the umbrella is opened, there will be an upward force acting on the runner for maintaining the umbrella in opened state. So it is unnecessary to provide a bow spring in the shaft and obtains utilized effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Youth Lee
  • 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: 6588439
    Abstract: A wind-protecting skeleton for folding umbrella is characterized in a rib-pulling mechanism mounted between each stretcher and each corresponding outer rib of the umbrella. The rib-pulling mechanism includes a flexible pull cord having an inner knotted end connected to a predetermined position on the stretcher and an outer knotted end movably connected to an eye at an inner end of a rigid wire. An eye at an outer end of the rigid wire is pivotally connected to a coupling device fixedly connected to a predetermined position on the outer rib. When the umbrella is stretched, the flexible pull cord and the rigid wire together pull the outer rib inward to protect the same from turning upward or breaking due to a strong wind force against an inner side of the umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Tsun-Zong Wu
  • 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