Handheld electric umbrella

Abstract

The umbrella comprises an umbrella hub, a plurality of supporting arms, a plurality of supporting pieces, a plurality of umbrella ribs, a sliding piece and a motor. Each support is coupled to the umbrella hub at one of the plurality of first joints. Each support is coupled to one of the plurality of support arms. Each rib extends outwardly from one of the plurality of support arms. The supporting arms are more rigid than the umbrella ribs. The slider can slide between a first position and a second position. Each support is coupled to the slider at one of the plurality of second joints. A motor is coupled to the slider. The motor is suitable for enabling the sliding piece to slide between the first position and the second position.

Description

Cross - reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to a non - provisional patent application entitled "Handheld Electric Umbrella", with application number no. 18 / 234,842 and a filing date of August 16, 2023. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to umbrellas, and more particularly to handheld electric umbrellas. Background Art

[0003] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0004] Umbrellas are well - known devices in many parts of the world. However, the vast majority of handheld umbrellas are manually operated (by the user moving a slider to open, close, or lock the canopy), or semi - automated (by triggering a mechanical device such as a spring to open, close, or lock the canopy). In particular, manual umbrellas are inconvenient, and even troublesome, to put away after the canopy has been wet by rain. Therefore, there is a need for a motorized handheld umbrella that can be fully automatically opened and closed.

[0005] In addition, since holding an umbrella requires one hand, it is often inconvenient when the user needs to use the other hand. For example, when using an umbrella, they cannot hold another object and answer a call on the phone at the same time. Even if the phone is operated using headphones, the user still has to take the headphones out of their pocket or case, put them on their ears, and then pair them with the phone before operating. Such steps may require one or two hands to complete, which causes inconvenience to the umbrella user, especially in heavy rain. Therefore, there is a need for an umbrella that can be easily paired with a phone, that can function as a speaker and microphone for the phone, and that can be opened and closed with only one hand.

[0006] In addition, handheld umbrellas are generally difficult to manufacture due to the need for multiple tools and multiple processes. For example, even after all the components have been gathered, the assembly of the umbrella may require riveting the parts of the ribs together, sewing the canopy to the folding mechanism of the umbrella, installing a spring mechanism, and screwing the other parts of the umbrella together. Multiple tools and multiple processes increase the cost of umbrella assembly. Therefore, there is a need for an umbrella that can be easily assembled with a single tool and a single process. Summary of the Invention

[0007] From the description provided herein, other applicable fields will become apparent. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an umbrella, which includes an umbrella hub, a plurality of support arms, a plurality of support members, a plurality of umbrella ribs, a sliding member, and a motor. Each support member is connected to the umbrella hub at one of a plurality of first joints. Each support member is connected to one of the plurality of support arms. Each umbrella rib extends outward from one of the plurality of support arms. The support arm is more rigid than the umbrella rib. The sliding member is capable of sliding between a first position and a second position. Each support member is connected to the sliding member at one of a plurality of second joints. The motor is connected to the sliding member. The motor is adapted to cause the sliding member to slide between the first position and the second position.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a handheld umbrella, which includes an umbrella hub, a plurality of support arms, a plurality of support members, a plurality of umbrella ribs, a sliding member, a motor, and an umbrella rod. Each support arm is connected to the umbrella hub. Each support member is connected to one of the plurality of support arms. Each umbrella rib extends outward from one of the plurality of support arms. The sliding member is capable of sliding between a first position and a second position. Each support member is connected to the sliding member. The motor is connected to the sliding member. The motor is adapted to cause the sliding member to slide between the first position and the second position. The umbrella rod includes a handle portion. The motor is embedded in the umbrella rod.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing an umbrella, which includes connecting a plurality of support arms to an umbrella hub, connecting each support member to one of the plurality of support arms, connecting each umbrella rib to one of the plurality of support arms, connecting a plurality of support members to a sliding member, and connecting the sliding member to a motor. Each umbrella rib extends outward from one of the plurality of support arms. The sliding member is capable of sliding between a first position and a second position such that the umbrella opens when the sliding member is lowered to the first position and the umbrella closes when the sliding member is raised to the second position. The motor is adapted to cause the sliding member to slide between the first position and the second position. Description of the Drawings

[0011] Embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Moreover, in the drawings, the same reference numerals denote corresponding parts in different views.

[0012] Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view showing a first example of a folding mechanism for an umbrella, the umbrella including an umbrella hub, support arms, support members, a sliding member, and a motor.

[0013] Figure 2 Another cross-sectional side view showing a first example of a folding mechanism for an umbrella, the umbrella including an umbrella hub, support arms, support members, a sliding member, and a motor.

[0014] Figure 3A perspective view showing a second example of a folding mechanism for an umbrella, the umbrella including an umbrella hub, support arms, supports, a slider, and a motor.

[0015] Figure 4 A cross-sectional side view showing a third example of an umbrella hub and support arms.

[0016] Figure 5 A bottom view showing a fourth example of an umbrella hub and support arms.

[0017] Figure 6 A cross-sectional top view showing a first example of an umbrella, the umbrella including an umbrella hub, support arms, ribs, and a canopy.

[0018] Figure 7 A cross-sectional side view showing a first example of an umbrella shaft, the umbrella shaft including a control system, an electrical energy source, and a handle.

[0019] Figure 8 A flowchart showing the operations for manufacturing an umbrella.

[0020] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any way. Detailed Description

[0021] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure, application, or uses.

[0022] In one embodiment, an umbrella is provided that includes an umbrella hub, a plurality of support arms, a plurality of supports, a plurality of ribs, a slider, and a motor. Each support is coupled to the umbrella hub at one of a plurality of first joints. Each support is coupled to one of the plurality of support arms. Each rib extends outwardly from one of the plurality of support arms. The support arms are more rigid than the ribs. The slider is capable of sliding between a first position and a second position. Each support is coupled to the slider at one of a plurality of second joints. The motor is coupled to the slider. The motor is adapted to cause the slider to slide between the first position and the second position.

[0023] One technical advantage of the systems and methods described below is that the umbrellas described herein are easy to operate because they are electrically fully automatic to open and close. For example, a user can open and close the umbrella with only one hand. Another technical advantage of the systems and methods described below is that the umbrellas described herein can be easily connected to a mobile phone and operated with the mobile phone. Another technical advantage of the systems and methods described below is that the umbrellas described herein can be manufactured at low cost and efficiently because they can use only a single tool and a single process, particularly for their folding mechanisms.

[0024] Figure 1 Shows an umbrella ( Figure 6Cross-sectional side view of the folding mechanism 10 of (11) in which the umbrella includes an umbrella hub 12, a plurality of support arms 14, a plurality of supports 16, a slider 20, and a motor 22. The umbrella 11 can be any device capable of shielding the user from wind and rain. The folding mechanism 10 can be any component of the umbrella 11 capable of deploying the umbrella cloth ( Figure 6 in (72) to open the umbrella 11 or capable of contracting the umbrella cloth 72 to close the umbrella 11. The umbrella 11 can be large enough to protect the user from rain but small enough to be convenient for the user to hold. The length of the umbrella 11 can be between 40 cm and 90 cm. The weight of the umbrella 11 can be less than 3 kg.

[0025] The umbrella hub 12 can be any part of the umbrella 11 that forms the center of the umbrella cloth ( Figure 6 in (72). The umbrella hub 12 can extend from the top 28 to the bottom 30. The bottom 30 of the umbrella hub 12 can define an umbrella hub cavity 32, which includes a lower protrusion 36 located within the umbrella hub cavity 32. The top 28 of the umbrella hub 12 can include an upper protrusion 34.

[0026] A plurality of support arms 14 can be rotatably coupled to the umbrella hub 12 at a plurality of first joints 24. The first joints 24 can be located at the inner ends of the support arms 14. The support arms 14 can be any component of the umbrella 11 that extends from the umbrella hub 12 to at least partially define the shape of the umbrella 11. Examples of support arms can include rods, bars, or limbs. The first joint 24 between the support arm 14 and the umbrella hub 12 can allow the support arm to rotate between an open first position and a closed second position. The support arm 14 can also include an end cavity 40 adapted to receive an umbrella rib ( Figure 6 in (18). Each end cavity 40 can be located at the outer end of the support arm 14 opposite the first joint 24. Examples of the end cavity 40 can include holes, slots, or fissures within the support arm 14. The support arm 14 can include a slot 42 adapted to receive the support 16. The slot 42 can be any component of the support arm located towards the outer end of the support arm 14, which allows the support 16 and the support arm 14 to rotate relative to each other. Examples of the slot 42 can include a cavity, a pair of clamps, or a snap.

[0027] A plurality of supports 16 can be rotatably coupled to the support arm 14 at the slot 42 of the support arm 14 at the outer end of the support 16. The support 16 can be any component of the umbrella 11 that is coupled to one of the support arms 14 and, when the umbrella 11 is in the first open position (as Figure 1provides support for one of the support arms 14 when in the position shown). Examples of the support member 16 can include a rod, a bar, or a branch-like object. The support member 16 can be made of any material capable of supporting the support arm 14, including metals such as aluminum or plastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS plastic). In some embodiments, the support member 16 can be longer than the support arm 14 to allow the support arm 14 and the support member 16 to fold properly when the umbrella 11 is in the second closed position, as Figure 2 shown).

[0028] The slider 20 can be rotatably coupled to the plurality of support members 16 at a plurality of second joints 26. Each second joint 26 is disposed at the inner end of the support member 16. The slider 20 can be any component of the umbrella 11 that is movable along a single axis to allow the umbrella 11 to reversibly move from the first open position to the second closed position. Examples of the slider 20 can include a piston, a cylinder, or a rod. The slider 20 can include a molded sleeve 44 located on the outer surface of the slider 20.

[0029] In some embodiments, the slider 20 can have an upper portion that is separable from the lower portion of the slider 20. The support member 16 can be disposed between the upper portion and the lower portion to form the second joint 26. Screws can be used to secure the upper portion of the slider 20 to the lower portion.

[0030] The slider 20 can be coupled to the motor 22 to reversibly move the slider 20 from the first position to the second position. When the slider 20 is in the first position, as Figure 1 shown, the umbrella 11 can be in the first open position, and when the slider 20 is in the second position, as Figure 2 shown, the umbrella can be in the second closed position. The motor 22 can be any electric device capable of moving the slider 20. In some embodiments, the motor 22 can move the slider 20 by rotating a threaded spindle 46 coupled to the slider 20. The motor 22 can be powerful enough to advance or retract the slider 20 between the first position and the second position in no more than 5 seconds, preferably in no more than 3 seconds.

[0031] The motor 22 can be encapsulated within the umbrella shaft 62. The umbrella shaft 62 can be any part of the umbrella 11 that is elongated and allows the user to hold the position of the umbrella 11 when the umbrella 11 is in the open position. Examples of the umbrella shaft 62 can include an elongated cylinder, a tube, or a rod. The umbrella shaft 62 can be made of any material such as aluminum, plastic, or carbon fiber, as long as the material is sufficient to hold the umbrella 11 in that position when the umbrella is in the open position.

[0032] In some embodiments, the umbrella shaft 62 can be divided into an upper portion, as Figure 1 and Figure 2as shown) and the lower part (as Figure 7 ). In such an embodiment, the upper portion of the umbrella shaft 62 can be a component of the folding mechanism 10 that allows the folding mechanism 10 to be separated from the rest of the umbrella 11. Thus, the upper portion of the umbrella shaft 62 can include an inner surface that defines a port 48 to accommodate the umbrella shaft protrusion ( Figure 7 80 in the port 48). Inserting the umbrella shaft protrusion 80 into the port 48 can allow the upper and lower portions of the umbrella shaft 62 to be integrated. In some embodiments, the upper portion of the umbrella shaft 62 can include the umbrella shaft protrusion 80, and the lower portion of the umbrella shaft 62 can include the port 48. The electrical connector 50 can be arranged in the port 48 to allow the motor to be powered by an electrical energy source ( Figure 7 The matching electrical connector 50 may be arranged on the umbrella pole protrusion 80 at the lower portion of the umbrella pole 62 .

[0033] Figure 1 The folding mechanism 10 is shown in an open position, which corresponds to the umbrella 11 being in a first open position. In such a configuration, the support arm 14 can extend outwardly from the umbrella hub 12, and the support member 16 can extend outwardly from the slider 20. In addition, the slider 20 can be in a first position, retracted on the spindle 46, so that the sleeve 44 can be close to the surface of the umbrella shaft 62.

[0034] When the folding mechanism 10 is in the open position, the slider 20 can be positioned below the bottom 30 of the umbrella hub 12. When the slider 20 is in the first position, the first joint 24 between the umbrella hub 12 and the support arm 14 can be arranged closer to the top 28 of the umbrella hub 12 than the second joint 26 between the slider 20 and the support member 16. When the slider 20 is in the first position, the opening distance 52 of the first joint 24 and the second joint 26 relative to the top 28 of the umbrella hub 12 can be between 1.50 cm and 4.60 cm, but is preferably about 2.39 cm.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the inner boss protrusion 36 of the umbrella hub can be disposed in the umbrella hub cavity 32. The inner boss protrusion 36 of the umbrella hub can be sized to fit into a base 38 defined by a surface of the slider 20. In some embodiments, the base 38 can be disposed in the umbrella hub cavity 32, and the protrusion 36 can be disposed on the slider 20. When the slider 20 is in the first position, the inner boss protrusion 36 and the base 38 can be spaced apart.

[0036] Figure 2 Shown in closed position Figure 1The folding mechanism, which corresponds to the umbrella 11 being in the second closed position. In such a configuration, the support arm 14 can project downward from the umbrella hub 12 and can abut or rest against the support member 16. Additionally, the support member 16 can project downward from the slider 20 and can abut or rest against the slider 20 and the sleeve 44.

[0037] When the folding mechanism is in the closed position, the slider 20 can be in the second position, advanced along the main shaft 46 by the motor 22, with the advancement distance 56 being between 2 cm and 6 cm, but preferably about 3.09 cm. In some embodiments, the sleeve 44 can also advance along the main shaft 46. In the second position, the slider 20 can be at least partially advanced into the umbrella hub cavity 32 such that the inner projection 36 of the umbrella hub can be inserted into the base 38 of the slider 20. When the folding mechanism 10 is in the closed position, the outer surface of the sleeve 44 can be shaped to closely accommodate the support member 16, thereby restricting the movement of the support arm 14 and the support member 16 when the umbrella 11 is closed.

[0038] When the folding mechanism 10 is in the closed position, the second joint 26 can be disposed within the umbrella hub cavity 32. Thus, in such a configuration, the second joint 26 can be disposed at least closer to the top 28 of the umbrella hub 12 than the first joint 24. In some embodiments, the second joint 26 can be disposed closer to the top 28 of the umbrella hub 12 than the first joint 24. When the slider 20 is in the second position, the closing distance 54 of the first joint 24 and the second joint 26 relative to the top 28 of the umbrella hub 12 can be between 0.50 cm and 1.40 cm, but preferably about 0.70 cm. In some embodiments, the sum of the opening distance 52 and the closing distance 54 can be equal to the advancement distance 56 of the slider 20 from the first position to the second position.

[0039] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, lowering the slider 20 from the second position to the first position relative to the top 28 of the umbrella hub 12 can open the umbrella 11. Similarly, raising the slider 20 from the first position to the second position relative to the top 28 of the umbrella hub 12 can close the umbrella 11.

[0040] Figure 3 A perspective view of an embodiment of the folding mechanism 10 is shown. In some embodiments, the umbrella pole can extend to be coupled to the umbrella hub 12 through one or more struts 60. The strut 60 can be any component that forms a direct connection between the umbrella pole 62 and the umbrella hub 12. In some embodiments, the strut 60 can be integral with the umbrella pole 62. An example of the strut 60 can be an extension of the umbrella pole 62 that extends through the interior of the slider 20 to be coupled to the umbrella hub 12.

[0041] As Figure 3As shown, another possible example of the strut 60 may include a plurality of struts 60 spaced around the slider 20. In such a configuration, the struts 60 may be spaced apart from each other to form gaps. When the umbrella 11 is closed, the support member 16 and the support arm 14 may move to fill these gaps between the struts 60.

[0042] The umbrella 11 may also include a hub cap 58 that can be inserted onto the upper protrusion 34 of the umbrella hub 12. To accommodate and secure the hub cap 58, the upper protrusion 34 may be threaded so that the hub cap 58 can be screwed onto the upper protrusion 34.

[0043] Figure 4 A cross-sectional side view of the umbrella hub 12 and two support arms 14 is shown. The bottom 30 of the umbrella hub 12 may define one or more joint slots 68 to accommodate the same number of support arms 14. The joint slots 68 may be connected to the umbrella hub cavity 32 or may be separate. A shoulder 25 may extend from the inner end of the support arm 14. The shoulder 25 may be adapted to be positioned within the joint slot 68 to form a first joint 24.

[0044] The umbrella hub 12 may include an outer surface 64 that may be shaped to limit the rotation of the support arm 14 within the first joint 24. For example, as Figure 4 shown, each support arm 14 may include a notch 66 that is shaped to abut against the outer surface 64 of the umbrella hub 12 when the rotation limit of the support arm 14 within the first joint 24 is reached. This limitation of the rotation of the support arm 14 can prevent the umbrella 11 from flipping when the umbrella is in a high-wind environment.

[0045] In some embodiments, as Figure 3 shown, the strut 60 may be used to fix the shoulder 25 of the support arm 14 within the joint slot 68. For example, the bottom 30 of the umbrella hub 12 may be open, allowing the shoulder 25 to be placed within the joint slot 68. The strut 60 may be placed on the bottom 30 of the umbrella hub 12 to fix the shoulder 25 within the joint slot 68 between the umbrella hub 12 and the strut 60. The strut 60 may be fixed to the umbrella hub 12 by a plurality of screws inserted from the upper surface of the umbrella hub 12 and extending downward into the strut 60.

[0046] Figure 5A bottom view showing the umbrella hub 12 and two support arms 14 is presented. The joint slot 68 of the umbrella hub 12 can have a cross shape or a T shape. Accordingly, each support arm 14 can include one or more convex corners 70, and the one or more convex corners can be arranged within the joint slot 68. The complex shape of the support arm 14 within the joint slot 68 can prevent the slapping or vibration of the support arm 14 relative to the umbrella hub 12 and limit the movement of the support arm perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first joint 24. The tightly constrained first joint 24 between the support arm 14 and the umbrella hub 12 can enhance the overall stability of the umbrella 11, as the first joint 24 may be the location where the umbrella is subjected to the greatest mechanical stress. Alternatively, in embodiments without the strut 60, the shoulder 25 can be fixed between the umbrella hub 12 and a cylindrical spacer (not shown) extending around the bottom 30 of the umbrella hub 12.

[0047] Figure 6 A top view showing an example of the umbrella 11 is presented, which includes an umbrella cloth 72, an umbrella hub 12, support arms 14, and a plurality of umbrella ribs 18. The umbrella cloth 72 can be any component of the umbrella 11 that extends over the umbrella hub 12, the support arms 14, and the umbrella ribs 18 to form a protective cover for the user of the umbrella 11. In some embodiments, the umbrella cloth 72 can include an opening 76 at its center. The opening 76 can be large enough to accommodate the upper protrusion 34 of the umbrella hub 12 and can be smaller than the upper surface of the umbrella hub 12. The hub cap 58 can be sized to be larger than the opening 76 of the umbrella cloth 72, such that once the umbrella cloth 72 has been placed on the upper protrusion 34, the hub cap 58 can be fixed to the upper protrusion 34 to secure the umbrella cloth 72 between the upper surface of the umbrella hub 12 and the hub cap 58. In such a configuration, the umbrella cloth 72 can be easily changed if damaged or customized according to the user's preference.

[0048] The umbrella cloth 72 can further include a plurality of umbrella cloth sockets 74, where each umbrella cloth socket 74 can be configured to accommodate the outer end of the umbrella rib 18. The umbrella cloth sockets 74 can be sewn into the lower side of the umbrella cloth 72 such that the umbrella cloth sockets 74 are not visible from the top of the umbrella cloth 72. Additionally, the length of the umbrella cloth sockets 74 can be set between 2 centimeters and 20 centimeters to sufficiently secure the umbrella ribs 18 within the umbrella cloth sockets 74 but also allow the user to manually remove the umbrella ribs 18 from the umbrella cloth sockets 74 when replacing the umbrella cloth.

[0049] The rib 18 can be any component that extends outward from the support arm 14 of the umbrella 11. Examples of the rib 18 can include a rod, a bar, or a wire. The rib 18 can include an inner end disposed within the end cavity 40 of the support arm 14 and an outer end that extends outward and is opposite to the inner end. The rib 18 can be frictionally fitted into the end cavity 40 such that the rib is held in place between the end cavity 40 and the canopy sleeve opening 74. The rib 18 can be made of a strong but flexible material such as aluminum, steel alloy, wood, bamboo, or carbon fiber. The rib 18 can have a certain flexibility to allow a certain degree of movement of the rib within the canopy 72. This flexibility makes it easier for the user to manually remove the canopy 72 and also makes it easier for the user to hold the umbrella 11 during strong winds. The support arm 14 can be more rigid than the rib 18 to enhance the overall stability of the umbrella 11 and to prevent the umbrella 11 from flipping over during strong winds.

[0050] The flexibility of the umbrella 11 and the stability of the umbrella can also be controlled by the relative lengths of the support arm 14 that extends outward from the hub 12 and the rib 18 that extends outward from the support arm 14. For example, if the rib 18 is too long relative to the support arm 14, the umbrella 11 may flip over during strong winds even if the stability of the support arm 14 is increased. Alternatively, if the rib 18 is too short relative to the support arm 14, the umbrella 11 may be too rigid and inflexible and not easily held during strong winds. Additionally, in such a configuration, the canopy 72 may be attached too firmly to the umbrella 11 to be manually removed and replaced. At least for these reasons, the length 75 of the support arm 14 should be between 10 centimeters and 20 centimeters. Additionally, the length 77 of the rib 18 should be between 30 centimeters and 60 centimeters. Even if the umbrella 11 is scaled up or down from these lengths 75, 77, the ratio between the length 75 of the rib 18 and the length of the support arm 14 should be between 1.5 and 3.0, but preferably about 2.0.

[0051] Figure 7 A cross-sectional side view showing an example of the lower portion of the umbrella shaft 62, which includes an electrical energy source 84, an electrical port 86, a control system 90, a microphone 92, and a speaker 94. The lower portion of the umbrella shaft 62 can include a handle portion 78 that includes a replaceable outer surface 99 through which the user can firmly hold the umbrella 11. For example, the replaceable outer surface 99 can include a surface treatment such as indentations or roughening to allow the user to better secure the handle portion 78.

[0052] The electrical energy source 84 can be any component of the umbrella 11 that provides electrical energy to operate the motor 22 and any other electrical devices within the umbrella 11. Examples of the electrical energy source 84 can include a battery or a connection to an alternating current (AC) power source. In some embodiments, the electrical energy source is capable of providing power at a voltage no greater than 3.7 volts to enable a smaller and lighter battery. The electrical energy source 84 can be charged through an electrical port 86 defined on the outer surface of the umbrella shaft 62. Examples of the electrical port 86 can include a universal serial bus (USB) port, a two-pole socket plug, or a direct current (DC) power cable.

[0053] The control system 90 can also be embedded within the umbrella shaft 62. The control system 90 can be any component that can operate any electrical device in the umbrella 11. For example, the control system 90 can be in electrical communication with the motor 22 and the electrical energy source to selectively operate the motor 22 based on user input. The control system 90 can include a switch 82 that is accessible from the outer surface of the umbrella shaft 62 to manipulate the control system 90 to operate the motor 22. Examples of the switch 82 can include a button, a slider, or a toggle switch.

[0054] In some embodiments, the control system 90 can include a transmitter / receiver, such as a Bluetooth short-range wireless device. Such a transmitter / receiver can allow the control system 90 to integrate with and be operated by an external device, such as a mobile phone. Additionally, these embodiments of the umbrella 11 can include a microphone 92 and a speaker 94 embedded within the umbrella shaft 62. A microphone opening 96 and one or more speaker openings 98 can be defined on the outer surface of the umbrella shaft 62 to allow audio communication between the user and the speaker 94 and the microphone 92.

[0055] The user can connect their mobile phone to the control system 90 of the umbrella 11 to use the microphone 92 and the speaker 94 as an alternative mobile phone audio system. Thus, the user may not need to use their hands to operate the mobile phone, which allows them to maintain control of the umbrella 11 with at least one hand.

[0056] In some embodiments, all of the electrical components of the umbrella 11 can be manipulated by a single switch 82 that is accessible from the outer surface. For example, a quick press of the switch 82 can open the umbrella 11, and a second quick press of the switch 82 can close the umbrella 11. Additionally, the mobile phone can be at least partially controlled by the single switch 82. For example, a long press of more than 3 seconds can connect and disconnect the mobile phone from the control system 90. When the mobile phone is connected, a quick press of the switch 82 twice can answer an incoming call or end a call. Additionally, tilting the switch 82 up or down can increase or decrease the volume of the speaker 94.

[0057] In another embodiment, a power switch (not shown) may be included on the outer surface of the umbrella pole to electrically connect the electrical energy source 84 to other electric components of the umbrella 11. In such an embodiment, when the power switch is in the "on" position, all the electrical components of the umbrella 11 may be manipulated by a single switch 82. When the power switch is in the "off" position, the electrical components of the umbrella 11 may not operate. In such an embodiment, the power switch may not operate any electric components of the umbrella 11 but merely allow the single switch 82 to operate the electric components. In some embodiments, the power switch may be incorporated into the single switch 82. For example, the single switch 82 may slide from a first position where it is unpowered and inoperable to a second position. In the second position, the electric components of the umbrella 11 may be powered and operated by the single switch 82.

[0058] In addition, although specific components are described above, the methods, systems, and articles described herein may include additional, fewer, or different components. For example, additional electrical components may be incorporated into the umbrella 11 to be operated by the control system 90. In one embodiment, a small fan may be incorporated into the umbrella pole 62 or the folding mechanism 10 to circulate air within the canopy 72 when the umbrella 11 is open.

[0059] Figure 8 A flowchart showing the operations of manufacturing the umbrella 11 is shown. These operations may include fewer, more, or different operations than Figure 8 shown. Alternatively or additionally, the operations may be performed in a different order than shown.

[0060] The umbrella 11 may be formed in a manufacturing process 100. A plurality of support arms 14 may be coupled to the umbrella hub 12 (102). Each support member 16 may be coupled to one of the plurality of support arms 14 (104). The plurality of support members 16 may also be coupled to the slider 20 (108). Each rib 18 may be coupled to one of the support arms 14 (106). The slider 20 may be coupled to the motor 22 (110). The slider 20 is capable of sliding between a first position and a second position such that when the slider 20 is lowered from the first position away from the umbrella hub 12 to the second position, the umbrella 11 can be opened. Conversely, when the slider 20 is raised from the second position towards the umbrella hub 12 to the first position, the umbrella 11 can be closed.

[0061] In some embodiments, some or all of the above-described manufacturing process 100 can be performed using only a single tool or a single process. For example, as described above, the support arm 12 can be coupled to the umbrella hub 12 (102) using a screw that extends between the umbrella hub 12 and the strut 60. The screw can be inserted into the umbrella hub 12 using a screwdriver. The support member 16 can be coupled to the support arm 14 (104) by a snap-in type slot 42, which only requires manual insertion. Similarly, the umbrella rib 18 can be manually inserted into the end cavity 40 of the support arm 14 (106) and held in place by a friction fit. The support member 16 can be coupled to the slider 20 by screwing the upper portion of the slider 20 onto the lower portion of the slider 20 by hand or using a screwdriver (108). The slider 20 can be screwed onto the main shaft 46 of the motor 22 by hand or using a screwdriver (110). Due to this method, the umbrella 11 can be manufactured using only a screwdriver or by manual operation, thus significantly simplifying and reducing the cost of the manufacturing process.

[0062] In addition to the advantages already described, there may be other advantages that are not currently recognized but may become apparent later. Although various embodiments have been described herein, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible. Therefore, the embodiments described herein are examples and not the only possible embodiments and implementations.

Claims

1. An umbrella, comprising: umbrella hub; a plurality of support arms, each support arm being coupled to the umbrella hub at one of a plurality of first joints; a plurality of support members, each support member coupled to one of the plurality of support arms; a plurality of ribs, each rib extending outwardly from one of the plurality of support arms, and the support arms being more rigid than the ribs; a slide movable between a first position and a second position, each support member coupled to the slide at one of a plurality of second joints; as well as A motor is coupled to the slider, wherein the motor is adapted to slide the slider between the first position and the second position.

2. The umbrella according to claim 1, wherein: The first joints each include a shoulder extending from the support arm, wherein the shoulder is adapted to be positioned within a T-joint slot defined by a bottom portion of the hub.

3. The umbrella according to claim 2, wherein: Rotation of the support arm within the first joint is limited by a notch formed in the support arm, wherein the notch is shaped to abut against an outer surface of the hub when the slider is in or near the first position.

4. The umbrella according to claim 1, wherein: The supporting arm is made of plastic.

5. The umbrella according to claim 4, wherein: The umbrella ribs are made of carbon fiber.

6. The umbrella according to claim 1, wherein: The umbrella hub comprises a top and a bottom, and the bottom of the umbrella hub is provided with a cavity, and when the sliding member is in the second position, the cavity is suitable for accommodating the end of the sliding member.

7. The umbrella of claim 6, wherein: When the slider is in the first position, the umbrella is open and each of the first joints is arranged closer to the top of the umbrella hub than the second joint; and When the slide is in the second position, the umbrella is closed and each of the second joints is arranged at least closer to the top of the umbrella hub than the first joint.

8. The umbrella according to claim 1, wherein: The slide member moves no more than 5 centimeters between the first position and the second position.

9. The umbrella according to claim 8, wherein: The motor is adapted to move the slide between the first position and the second position in no more than 3 seconds.

10. The umbrella according to claim 1, further comprising an umbrella cloth extending across the support arm and the umbrella rib, wherein the umbrella cloth is provided with a plurality of pockets, and each of the pockets is adapted to receive an end of at least one umbrella rib.

11. A handheld umbrella, comprising: umbrella hub; a plurality of support arms, each of the support arms being coupled to the umbrella hub; a plurality of supports, each of the supports coupled to one of the plurality of support arms; A plurality of ribs, each of the ribs extending outwardly from one of the plurality of support arms; a slide movable between a first position and a second position, wherein each of the supports is coupled to the slide; a motor coupled to the slide, wherein the motor is adapted to move the slide between the first position and the second position; as well as An umbrella pole comprises an umbrella handle portion, wherein the motor is embedded in the umbrella pole.

12. The handheld umbrella according to claim 11, wherein: The umbrella shaft is coupled to the umbrella hub.

13. The handheld umbrella of claim 11, further comprising an electrical energy source suitable for operating the motor, wherein the electrical energy source is embedded in the umbrella shaft.

14. The handheld umbrella according to claim 13, wherein: The electrical energy source has a voltage no greater than 3.7 volts.

15. The handheld umbrella of claim 13, further comprising a USB port disposed on an exterior surface, wherein the USB port is electrically coupled to the electrical energy source.

16. The handheld umbrella of claim 11, further comprising a microphone and a speaker embedded in the umbrella shaft.

17. The handheld umbrella of claim 11, further comprising a control system adapted to operate the motor, and comprising a switch disposed on an outer surface of the umbrella shaft and adapted to operate the control system.

18. The handheld umbrella according to claim 17, wherein: No more than a single switch is capable of operating the motor from the outer surface of the umbrella shaft.

19. A method of manufacturing an umbrella, the method comprising: coupling a plurality of support arms to the umbrella hub; Connecting each support member to one of the plurality of support arms respectively; Connecting each rib to one of the plurality of support arms, wherein the rib extends outward from the support arm; coupling a plurality of the supports to a slide, wherein the slide is movable between a first position and a second position, lowering the slide to the first position causing the umbrella to open, and raising the slide to the second position causing the umbrella to close; as well as The slide is coupled to a motor adapted to move the slide between the first position and the second position.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: Connecting the plurality of support arms to the umbrella hub, connecting each of the support members to one of the plurality of support arms, connecting each of the ribs to one of the plurality of support arms, and connecting the plurality of support members to the sliding member can all be achieved using only a screwdriver without using other tools.

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