Umbrella frame with folding four-segment ribs
a four-segment, umbrella frame technology, applied in the direction of umbrellas, traveling accessories, apparel, etc., can solve the problems of poor quality of joints, laborious and time-consuming manufacturing process, and patent sufferan
Inactive Publication Date: 2007-01-04
SILVERBROOK RES PTY LTD
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- Abstract
- Description
- Claims
- Application Information
AI Technical Summary
Benefits of technology
"The present invention provides a FRP umbrella frame with folded ribs that smoothly fold without causing jam. The frame is lightweight and easy to store and transport. The technical effects of the invention include improved folding operation, smooth operation, and reduced weight. The frame includes a shank with a plastic upper hub and lower sleeve, and a folding frame with plastic upper and lower connecting rods, plastic Y-shaped first and second pivotal members, plastic U-shaped first, second, third, and fourth rib segments, and plastic U-shaped first, second, third, and fourth connecting members. The frame also includes a recess for fitting the pivotal members, extensions, and connecting members. The technical effects of the invention include improved folding operation, smooth operation, and reduced weight."
Problems solved by technology
However, the patent suffered from several disadvantages.
This is a tedious and time consuming in manufacturing process.
Moreover, quality of the joint is not reliable.
It is understood that even one malfunctioned joint, for example caused by rust, can cause jam of an umbrella.
Further, the metal umbrella frame tends to break at the rivets due to stress concentration when used after a while.
This inevitably increases the size of frame, resulting in difficulties of storage and transportation.
Method used
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Embodiment Construction
[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, an umbrella frame 10 (e.g., one formed of FRP) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a shank 11 including a plastic top hub 12 having a plurality of slots 120 equally spaced therearound, and a plastic lower sleeve 13 slidably put on the shank 11 and having a plurality of slots 130 equally spaced therearound. An plastic upper connecting rod 20 has a flat portion 200 at one end fitted in and pivotably connected to one slot 120 and a plastic lower connecting rod 21 has a flat portion 210 at one end fitted in and pivotably connected to one slot 130. Each of the connecting rods 20 and 21 is formed of plastic material. The other end of each of the connecting rods 20 and 21 is formed with a bore 201 or 211 for snugly receiving one end of a first rib segment 14 or a strut 15.
[0017] A plastic U-shaped first connecting member 30 comprises a U-shaped recess 302 in its intermediate portion, a tubelike first extension 300 exte...
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Provided is a Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic umbrella frame comprising ribs each consisting of four segments wherein first rib segment and one strut are connected together by one of U-shaped connecting members and one of Y-shaped pivotal members having a cylindrical seat across both ends of its bifurcation, and any two adjacent rib segments are connected together by the U-shaped connecting member and the Y-shaped pivotal member. There are also provided links each for connecting the pivotal member and the distal connecting member. The umbrella can carry out a smooth folding or extending operation and has a reduced folded size and enhanced structural strength.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of Invention [0002] The present invention generally relates to FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics) umbrella frame structure and more particularly to such an umbrella frame having improved ribs each consisting of four segments which are adapted to smoothly fold to minimize storage space of the FRP umbrella. [0003] 2. Description of Related Art [0004] As well-known in the art, metal umbrella frame has many folded ribs each consisting of four rib segments. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,799 discloses such umbrella. However, the patent suffered from several disadvantages. For example, a metal pivotal joint between two segments of the rib is secured by metal rivets. This is a tedious and time consuming in manufacturing process. Moreover, quality of the joint is not reliable. It is understood that even one malfunctioned joint, for example caused by rust, can cause jam of an umbrella. Further, the metal umbrella frame tends to break at the riv...
Claims
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IPC IPC(8): A45B19/10
CPCA45B19/10
InventorYOU, CHING-CHUAN
OwnerSILVERBROOK RES PTY LTD