Operation system for outdoor umbrella

Abstract

An outdoor umbrella includes an umbrella frame, an awning element, and an operation system. The umbrella frame includes a supporting frame and an awning frame adapted to fold between an opened position and a closed position. The operation system includes an operational controller supported at the supporting frame, a pulley unit supported within the umbrella frame in a hidden manner; and an elongated controlling element running from the operational controller to the awning frame through the pulley unit and defining an operation length between the operational controller and the awning frame. When the operational controller is actuated to shorten the operation length of the controlling element, the awning frame is pivotally folded at the closed position. When the operational controller is actuated to extend the operation length of the controlling element, the awning frame is pivotally folded at the opened position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION[0001]1. Field of Invention[0002]The present invention relates to an outdoor umbrella, and more particularly to an outdoor umbrella with an operation system, which enhances the folding operation of the outdoor umbrella and simplifies the operation structure of the outdoor umbrella.[0003]2. Description of Related Arts[0004]A conventional outdoor umbrella is usually composed of an umbrella frame which comprises supporting frame and an awning frame movably supported on the supporting frame, and an awning fabric supported on the awning frame for proving shade under the awning fabric. Conventionally, the outdoor umbrella is usually foldable so that when it is not in use, the outdoor umbrella can be folded into a compact size for convenient transport and storage.[0005]People usually use the conventional outdoor umbrella for a wide variety of outdoor activities. For example, people may use the outdoor umbrella during camping for providing some sort of shi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]A main object of the present invention is to provide an outdoor umbrella with an operation system, which enhances the folding operation of the outdoor umbrella by means of pulley system.

[0012]Another object of the present invention is to provide an operation system for the outdoor umbrella, wherein the operational force for folding the outdoor umbrella is directionally transmitted through the controlling element. In other words, the controlling element is extended along each of the cornering portions of the outdoor umbrella to transmit the operation force from one direction to another direction. Therefore, the operation system simplifies the operation structure of the outdoor umbrella.

[0013]Another object of the present invention is to provide an operation system for the outdoor umbrella, wherein the operation pulleys are supported within the umbrella frame of the outdoor umbrella for guiding the directions of the controlling element such that the overall size of the outdoor umbrella can be significantly reduced by using the smaller size of the operation pulley without compensating the loss of the operation force.

Problems solved by technology

However, there is a conflict between opening and closing the awning easily and the stability of securely locking the umbrella.

For instance, if people can open and close the outdoor umbrella easily, the stability of opening umbrella can not be guaranteed.

On the other hand, if the outdoor umbrella has a very good securing mechanism, it usually needs more force to open the umbrella.

As a result, they may use their own locking mechanism and this may create great trouble when opening the umbrella.

However, such operation system has several drawbacks.

Therefore, the manufacturing process of the operation system is relatively complicated and the manufacturing cost of the operation system is relatively high.

The maintenance of the outdoor umbrella is costly and hassle.

However, the gears are embedded in the umbrella frame such that the user must disassemble the umbrella frame to apply the lubricant at the gears.

As a matter of fact, except for easily opening and closing the umbrella, securely locking has become a virtually universal problem for manufacturers to develop the new generation outdoor umbrella.

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