Umbrella cuff assembly

Abstract

An umbrella rib assembly is revealed. The rib assembly consists of a rib stem removably attached to the distal end of an outer cylindrical rib and a protective piece arranged at the distal end of the rib stem. The rib stem has a mounting hole for attaching the distal end of the outer cylindrical rib. The protective piece has a curved outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The outer surface butts against the respective support ends of the canopy without protruding beyond the canopy. The distal end of the rib stem rests on the inner surface of the protective piece for protection.Thus, the entire needle assembly will not have a sharp end or be exposed outside the canvas when the canvas is unfolded by the plurality of whales. Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Umbrella needle assembly

[0001] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to an umbrella needle assembly, more particularly an umbrella needle assembly with a reduced manufacturing cost thanks to a simple structure.

[0003] Generally, a ball-shaped needle is mounted at the outermost end (such as an outer cylindrical rib or a folding rib) of each rib of an umbrella for convenient attachment to the canopy. However, the needle is exposed and can be accidentally struck by objects or people. The ribs are easily damaged when the needles strike hard objects. People can be injured when the needles hit them. Therefore, there is an umbrella available on the market today in which the needles are hidden and protected by the canopy, without being exposed. Referring to JP Patent No. 3227012 U, a needle 41 is enclosed in a cover fabric 51 illustrated in FIG. 2, without being exposed. Thus, people or objects will not be injured or damaged by the exposed needle.

[0004] However, the umbrella mentioned above requires two external cylindrical ribs 43 with needles 41 to support the canopy and resist external forces more effectively. Most products of this type have a complicated structure, resulting in higher production costs. Therefore, improvements are possible, and it is necessary to propose a needle assembly with a simplified structure to reduce production costs. Summary of the invention

[0005] Thus, the main object of the present invention is to provide a needle assembly for an umbrella, comprising a protective piece disposed on the distal end of a needle stem. The protective piece consists of a curved outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The outer surface abuts against a support end of a canopy, without protruding beyond the canopy. The distal end of the needle stem is positioned at the level of the inner surface of the protective piece so as to be protected by the protective piece. This makes it possible to solve the problem of increased production costs caused by the complicated structure of currently available needle assemblies.

[0006] To this end, a set of ribs of an umbrella according to the present invention is arranged on a distal end of an external cylindrical rib. The umbrella comprises a plurality of ribs arranged symmetrically around from a mast plate and extending outwards from the plate. The ribs are arranged radially on a rear surface of a canvas so that the canvas is divided into a plurality of panels, each with the same area. A support end is formed at the outermost edge of an area between two adjacent panels. The rib assembly used for attaching to the canvas at the support end consists of a rib stem and a protective piece. The rib stem is removably arranged on the distal end of the outer cylindrical rib. An inner end of the rib stem has a mounting hole for attaching the distal end of the outer cylindrical rib to it.The protective piece, which is positioned at the distal end of the needle rib, has a curved outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The outer surface butts up against the support end without protruding from the canopy. The distal end of the needle rib rests on the inner surface of the protective piece so that it is protected by the piece. Thus, the needle assembly will not have a sharp end or be exposed outside the canopy when the umbrella canopy is supported and unfolded by the ribs into the open position.

[0007] Preferably, the protective piece is arranged in a removable manner at the distal end of the needle shank.

[0008] Preferably, the needle bar and the protective piece are connected and integrated by a fastening element comprising a first fastening part and a second fastening part. The first fastening part and the second fastening part are mounted respectively on the needle bar and on the protective piece. The protective piece connected to the needle bar can be rotated at an angle relative to the needle bar. When the fabric is affected and deformed due to external factors, the needle bar remains stationary, and the protective piece is rotated with the deformation of the fabric and subjected to a force so as to be in a displaced and constrained state. In such a state, the needle bar remains stationary, and the protective piece returns to its initial position, with the fabric returning to its initial state when it is no longer affected by external factors and is no longer subjected to deformation.

[0009] Preferably, the needle bar and the protective piece are connected and integrated by a rivet. The protective piece on the needle bar can be rotated at an angle relative to the needle bar. When the fabric is affected and deformed due to external factors, the needle bar remains stationary, and the protective piece is rotated with the deformation of the fabric and subjected to a force so as to be in a displaced and constrained state. In such a state, the needle bar remains stationary, and the protective piece returns to its initial position, with the fabric being returned to a neutral state. initial state when it is no longer affected by external factors and is no longer subject to deformation.

[0010] Preferably, the protective piece is a strip. The protective piece further comprises a shaft portion located on a central portion thereof and two symmetrical wing portions. A rear end of the respective wing portions is curved inwards.

[0011] Preferably, the whalebone can be a non-folding whalebone, a two-fold whalebone, a three-fold whalebone, or a four-fold whalebone.

[0012] Preferably, the fabric further comprises an edge fabric sewn onto the outermost edge of the fabric and a plurality of cover fabrics, each located on the support end and on the back surface of the fabric. The number of cover fabrics corresponds to the number of support ends, and the needle assembly on the support end is covered by the cover fabric. Brief description of the drawings

[0013] The structure and technical means adopted by the present invention to achieve the above and other objectives can be better understood by referring to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] [Fig. 1] represents a perspective view of an embodiment according to the present invention;

[0015] [FIG. aa] represents a partial enlarged view of the embodiment in [Fig. l] (showing a canvas with an edge fabric) according to the present invention;

[0016] [FIG. 1b] represents a diagram showing a rear side of the embodiment in [FIG. aa] according to the present invention;

[0017] [FIG. 2a] represents an exploded view showing a needle bar and a protective piece connected and fixed in a part by a rivet of an embodiment according to the present invention;

[0018] [FIG. 2b] represents a perspective view showing an assembly of a needle bar and a protective piece connected by a rivet of an embodiment according to the present invention;

[0019] [FIG. 2c] represents a diagram showing a protective part of the embodiment at [FIG. 2b] rotated at an angle according to the present invention;

[0020] [FIG. 3a] represents an exploded view showing a needle bar and a protective piece connected and fixed in a part by a fastening element of an embodiment according to the present invention;

[0021] [FIG. 3b] represents a perspective view showing an assembly of a needle bar and a protective piece connected by a fastening element of an embodiment according to the present invention;

[0022] [FIG. 3c] represents a diagram showing a protective part of the embodiment at [FIG. 3b] rotated at an angle according to the present invention;

[0023] [Fig.4] represents a diagram showing one embodiment of a needle. applied to a folding umbrella according to the present invention;

[0024] [Fig. 5] represents a diagram showing one embodiment of a needle. applied to a non-folding rib of a folding umbrella according to the present invention;

[0025] [Fig.6] represents a diagram showing one embodiment of a needle applied to a two-fold rib of a folding umbrella according to the present invention;

[0026] [Fig.7] represents a diagram showing one embodiment of a needle. applied to a three-fold rib of a folding umbrella according to the present invention;

[0027] [Fig.8] represents a diagram showing one embodiment of a needle applied to a four-fold rib of a folding umbrella according to the present invention;

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] The structure and technical features of the present invention are described in detail in the following embodiments, with reference to the corresponding figures and reference numerals. The size of the respective components shown in the figures is not drawn to scale.

[0030] With reference to [Fig. 1], a needle assembly 1 of an umbrella is revealed. The needle assembly 1 is arranged on a distal end 2b of an external cylindrical rib 2a of a rib 2, as illustrated in [Fig. 4]. There are a plurality of ribs 2 arranged symmetrically around a plate 3a of a shaft 3 and extending outwards from the plate 3a. The ribs 2 are arranged radially on a rear surface 4e of a canopy 4 such that the canopy 4 is divided into a plurality of panels 4a, each of which has the same area. A support end 4b is formed at the outermost edge of an area between two adjacent panels 4a. The needle assembly 1 is attached to the canopy 4 and located at the support end 4b, as illustrated in [Fig. 1] to 1b. With reference to [FIG. 2a] to 3c, the needle assembly 1 comprises a needle shank 10 and a protective piece 20.

[0031] The rib types 2 include, but are not limited to, the non-folding rib 2c (as illustrated in [Fig. 5]), the two-fold rib 2d (as illustrated in [Fig. 6]), the three-fold rib 2e (as illustrated in [Fig. 7]), and the four-fold rib 2f (as illustrated in [Fig. 8]). The umbrella therefore has more applications and greater market competitiveness.

[0032] With reference to [Fig. 1] to 1b, the fabric 4 further comprises an edge fabric 4c sewn onto the outermost edge of the fabric 4 and a plurality of cover fabrics 4d, each of which is located on the support end 4b and on the back surface 4e of the fabric 4. The number of the cover fabric 4d corresponds to the number of the support end 4b, and the cover fabric 4d is used to cover the needle assembly 1 at the support end 4b. Thus, the needle assembly 1 is enclosed within the cover fabric 4d, without being exposed.

[0033] As illustrated in [FIG. 2a] and [FIG. 3a], the needle stem 10 is removably disposed on the distal end 2b of the external cylindrical rib 2a of the rib 2. An internal end of the needle stem 10 is provided with a mounting hole 11 allowing the distal end 2b of the external cylindrical rib 2a to be mounted inside it.

[0034] The protective piece 20, which is arranged at a distal end 12 of the needle shank 10, has a curved external surface 21 and an internal surface 22 opposite the external surface 21. The external surface 21 abuts against the support end 4b, without being exposed outside the fabric 4, as illustrated in [Fig. 1] to [Fig. 1b]. The distal end 12 of the needle shank 10 is located on the internal surface 22 of the protective piece 20 so as to be protected by the protective piece 20, as illustrated in [Fig. 2b] and [Fig. 3b]. Thus, the needle assembly 1 will not have a sharp end or be exposed out of the fabric 4 when the fabric 4 of the umbrella is in an open state due to the support and unfolding of the plurality of ribs 2, as illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0035] The protective piece 20 may be, but is not limited to, a strip, as illustrated in [FIG. 2a] to [FIG. 3c]. The protective piece 20 further comprises a shaft portion 23 located on a central portion thereof and two symmetrical wing portions 24, as illustrated in [FIG. 2a] to [FIG. 3c]. The needle assembly 1 effectively supports the support end 4b of the fabric 4 by means of the two wing portions 24. A rear end of the wing portion 24 is curved inwards to reduce wear on the fabric 4, as illustrated in [FIG. 1a], [FIG. 2b], and [FIG. 3b].

[0036] Depending on how the needle bar 10 is connected and integrated into the protective part 20, the needle bar 10 can be designed in different types to meet manufacturers' requirements, as shown in the following embodiments, but not limited to them.

[0037] In the embodiment illustrated in [FIG. 2a] to 2c, the protective piece 20 is removably arranged on the distal end 12 of the needle shank 10 and is connected and integrated into the needle shank 10 by a rivet 30.

[0038] As illustrated in [FIG. 2c], the protective piece 20 on the needle bar 10 can be rotated at an angle relative to the needle bar 10. When the fabric 4 If the webbing 4 is affected and deformed due to external factors, the needle bar 10 remains in place and the protective piece 20 rotates with the deformation of the webbing 4 and is subjected to a force so as to be in a displaced and constrained state, as illustrated in [FIG. 2c]. In such a state, the needle bar 10 remains stationary and the protective piece 20 returns to its initial position with the webbing 4, which is returned to its initial state once it is no longer affected by external factors and is no longer subjected to deformation. The above design prevents the needle bar 10 and the external cylindrical rib 2a connected to the needle bar 10 from being pulled by the webbing 4 and further avoids a reduction in service life.

[0039] In the embodiment illustrated in [FIG. 3a] to [FIG. 3c], the protective piece 20 is not only removably disposed on the distal end 12 of the needle bar 10, but is also connected to and integrated with the needle bar 10 by a fastening element 40 comprising a first fastening portion 41 and a second fastening portion 42, as illustrated in [FIG. 3a]. The first fastening portion 41 and the second fastening portion 42 are mounted respectively on the needle bar 10 and on the protective piece 20.

[0040] As illustrated in [FIG. 3c], the protective piece 20 disposed on the needle bar 10 can be rotated at an angle relative to the needle bar 10. When the fabric 4 is affected and deformed due to external factors, the needle bar 10 remains stationary and the protective piece 20 is rotated with the deformation of the fabric 4 and subjected to a force so as to be in a displaced and constrained state, as illustrated in [FIG. 3c]. In such a state, the needle bar 10 remains stationary and the protective piece 20 is returned to an initial position with the fabric 4, which is returned to its initial state when it is no longer affected by external factors and is no longer subjected to deformation. The above design prevents the needle bar 10 and the external cylindrical rib 2a connected to the needle bar 10 from being pulled by the web 4 and further avoids the reduction in service life.

[0041] Compared to currently available aiguillettes, the aiguillette assembly 1 according to the present invention has the following advantages:

[0042] (1) As illustrated in [FIG. 2b] and [FIG. 3b], the distal end 12 of the stem The needle 10 is located on the inner surface 22 of the protective piece 20 so as to be protected by the protective piece 20. Thus, the needle assembly 1 will not have a sharp end or be exposed outside the canopy 4 when the canopy 4 of the umbrella is in the open state due to the support and unfolding of the plurality of ribs 2, as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. The problem of the high cost of the currently available needle structure, caused by a complicated design, can be solved.

[0043] (2) The protective piece 20 is designed to be able to rotate through an angle relative to to the needle bar 10 while being arranged on the needle bar 10, as illustrated in [FIG. 2c]. When the web 4 is affected and deformed due to external factors, the needle bar 10 remains in place and the protective piece 20 rotates with the deformation of the web 4 and is subjected to a force so as to be in a displaced and constrained state, as illustrated in [FIG. 2c]. In such a state, the needle bar 10 remains stationary and the protective piece 20 returns to its initial position with the web 4, which is returned to its initial state once it is no longer affected by external factors and is no longer subjected to deformation. The above design prevents the needle bar 10 and the external cylindrical stay 2a connected to the needle bar 10 from being pulled by the web 4 and further avoids a reduction in service life. Thus, the umbrella is more competitive on the market.

[0044] Other advantages and modifications will readily become apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention in its broadest aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative features shown and described herein. Consequently, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. Demands A needle assembly (1) which is disposed on a distal end (2b) of an external cylindrical rib (2a) of each of a plurality of ribs (2) of an umbrella comprising a needle shaft (10) and a protective piece (20); the ribs (2a) are arranged symmetrically around a plate (3a) of a mast (3), extending outwards from the plate (3a), covered by a rear surface (4e) of a fabric (4), and used to radially divide the fabric (4) into a plurality of panels (4a) each of which has the same area; a support end (4b) is formed at the outermost edge of an area between the two adjacent panels (4a); wherein the needle assembly (1) is used to connect to the fabric (4) and be located at the support end (4b); in which the needle stem (10) is removably disposed on the distal end (2b) of the external cylindrical rib (2a) of the rib (2), while an internal end of the needle stem (10) is provided with a mounting hole (11) allowing the distal end (2b) of the external cylindrical rib (2a) to be mounted inside it; in which the protective piece (20) is disposed on a distal end (12) of the needle stem (10) and is composed of a curved outer surface (21) and an inner surface (22) opposite the outer surface (21); the outer surface (22) abuts against the support end (4b), without being exposed outside the canopy (4); in which the distal end (12) of the needle stem (10) is situated on the inner surface (21) of the protective piece (20) so as to be protected by the protective piece (20); thus, the needle assembly (1) will not have a sharp end and will not be exposed outside the canopy (4) when the canopy (4) of the umbrella is supported and unfolded by the plurality of ribs (2) so as to be in an open state; in which the protective piece (20) is removably arranged at the distal end (12) of the needle shank (10); in which the needle bar (10) and the protective piece (20) are connected and integrated by a fastening element (40); in which the fastening element (40) comprises a first fastening part (41) and a second fastening part (42) which are respectively arranged on the needle bar (10) and on the protective piece (20); wherein the protective piece (20) arranged on the needle bar (10) can be rotated at an angle with respect to the needle bar (10); wherein the needle bar (10) remains stationary and the protective piece (20) is rotated with the deformation of the fabric (4) and subjected to a force so as to be in a displaced and constrained state when the fabric (4) is affected and deformed due to external factors; in the displaced and constrained state, the needle bar (10) remains stationary and the protective piece (20) is returned to an initial position with the fabric (4) which is returned to an initial state while it is no longer affected by external factors and is no longer subjected to deformation.

2. Needle assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the protective piece (20) is a band; wherein the protective piece (20) further comprises a shaft part (23) located on a central part thereof and two symmetrical wing parts (24); a rear end of each of the wing parts (24) is curved inwards.

3. A aiguillette assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the whalebone (2) is selected from the group consisting of a non-folding whalebone (2c), a two-fold whalebone (2d), a three-fold whalebone (2e) and a four-fold whalebone (2f).

4. Needle assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fabric (4) further comprises an edge fabric (4c) circularly sewn onto the outermost edge of the fabric (4) and a plurality of cover fabrics (4d) each of which is located on the support end (4b) and on the back surface (4e) of the fabric (4); the number of the cover fabric (4d) corresponds to the number of the support end (4b) and the needle assembly (1) on the support end (4b) is covered by the cover fabric (4d).

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