Umbrella

Abstract

An improved umbrella frame comprising a four-rib canopy frame comprising only five parts plus a simplified four-panel canopy that greatly reduces manufacturing costs. The frame comprises four arms that snap together with a tool-less tongue and groove connection around a central shaft, allowing the four-panel canopy to be stretched over top. The tongue and groove assembly forms an improved runner that gently slides up and down the central shaft to provide open and close functions. The improved umbrella frame is lightweight and may-be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled for packing or storage.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)[0001]The present application derives priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62 / 450,823 filed Jan. 26, 2017.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to umbrellas and, more particularly, to an improved umbrella with a simplified mechanism for operation and simpler and more cost-effective manufacturing process.2. Description of the Background[0003]Umbrellas are an ancient technology that in large part hasn't changed for hundreds of years. The most common prior art umbrella is built around a central, typically round, tube 1, as shown in FIG. 1. The umbrella opens and closes using an outer runner 2 having a through-hole corresponding in size and shape to the central rube, which the user can slide up and down the tube between two positions—open and closed. The runner is held in one of the two positions with spring locks 3, which retract to let the runner pass over it then pop back out to pr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an improved umbrella frame that is simple and cost-effective to manufacture. The frame is lightweight, easy to assemble and disassemble, and can be quickly and safely opened and closed. The frame includes a four-rib canopy frame with a simplified four-panel canopy that reduces manufacturing costs. The frame also includes a tongue and groove connection that allows the canopy to smoothly slide open and close. The frame does not have any sharp points, which makes it safer for users. Overall, the invention provides a more efficient and reliable umbrella frame that is portable and easy to use.

Problems solved by technology

The standard prior art umbrella is prone to a number of drawbacks.

Given the attachment of the ribs to the top notch, i.e. by fitting multiple ribs on top of the top notch and within vertical teeth, held together by a thin wire, there is insufficient resistance to the ribs overextending above the top of the umbrella and allowing the frame and attached canopy to turn inside out under the force of even a moderate wind.

These joints make the prior art umbrella frame even less stable when the user encounters wind, which often accompanies precipitation events in which the umbrella is designed to be used.

Another drawback of the prior art umbrella structure is the shape of the canopy.

As cars be seen, however, the more panels present in the umbrella, the longer and more complex the manufacturing process.

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