Shaft structure of automatic umbrella

Abstract

The present invention provides a structure of shaft of automatic umbrella, which includes a shaft assembly including a second section having a top end fixed to an internal plug. An inner tube is fixed at a top end thereof to the internal plug and receives therein an operation tube having a bottom coupled to an operation plug. The inner tube receives in a top portion thereof a pulley around which an operation cable wraps. An end of the operation cable is fixed to the bullet-like member and an opposite end fixed to the operation plug. To open the umbrella, a push button is depressed and an expansion spring pushes upward the second section so that the runner cable and the operation cable drive the runner and a third shaft section upward to completely open the umbrella.

Description

(a) TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention generally relates to an improved structure of automatic umbrella, and more particularly to an improvement made on a shaft assembly of the automatic umbrella, so that the improved automatic umbrella allows of an easier and more efficient operation of a last stage of compressing and closing the umbrella thereby remarkably reducing the potential risk caused in compressing and closing the umbrella.(b) DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART[0002]An early automatic umbrella comprises a control structure and operated in such a way as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,684,893B2. Such a known umbrella control structure is arranged inside a handle and comprises a hollow main body receiving therein a control ring. A control bar is rotatably attached to the bottom of one side of the control ring. A push button is arranged at one side of the main body and is exposed through a side opening of the handle. Expansion and collapse of the shaft of the u...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a novel structure of the shaft of an automatic umbrella to alleviate or overcome deficiencies of the known structure. The shaft includes an operation cable arranged to pull an operation tube to push up a top cap in opening the umbrella. This allows for easy and efficient compression and closing of the umbrella. The invention also provides a structure where an internal plug is fixed to a top end of a second shaft section to support an expansion spring so that the risk of physical injury is reduced. Additionally, the invention includes a push button to open the umbrella and a collapsing spring to close it. The technical effects of this invention are improved functionality, safety, and ease of use for automatic umbrellas.

Problems solved by technology

However, such an automatic umbrella shows a major drawback in the process of compressing and closing the umbrella, for closing umbrella requires an operation of compressing an expansion spring arranged inside the shaft of the umbrella.

Incaution or negligence in the application of force or compression often lead to accidental release of the expansion spring that springs the shaft back to cause damage of the hand or other body portion of the user.

(1) Depressing the push button to close the umbrella can only collapse the umbrella ribs and the canopy carried thereby, but the shaft still maintains the fully expanded condition with all the three sections thereof extended to the extremes. This makes it difficult for a woman or a young child whose hands are usually short to tightly grip and depress the shaft toward the handle.

(2) Since the length of the expansion spring spans from the first section to the third section of the shaft, such a great length imposes a great strength and spring force to the spring. A user must apply a great force with his or her hands to compress and close the umbrella. This makes compressing and closing the umbrella a difficult operation for a woman or a young child whose hands are generally less strong and powerful.

(3) Due to the great strength and spring force of the expansion spring, any incaution or negligence occurring in the application of force to compress and close the umbrella may lead to undesired spring back of the shaft by the released great spring force of the expansion spring. This may cause physical injuries to the hands or other body portions of the user.

Apparently, the known automatic umbrella is generally imperfect in respect of the structural arrangement thereof and may cause inconvenience and danger in operating the umbrella.

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