Automated deployment umbrella

Abstract

The invention relates to an automatically deploying umbrella (1), particularly for wheelchairs (2), said umbrella (1) comprising a pole (10) on which is mounted a deployable frame (20), comprising a structural part (22), a sliding movable part (24), a plurality of ribs (26), a plurality of connecting rods (28), and a canopy (29) attached to the plurality of ribs (26), the umbrella (1) being notable in that it comprises a frame deployment module (30), said frame deployment module (30) comprising a so-called "translation" motor (32), mounted at the proximal end (12) of the pole (10), which drives the movable part (24) in translation along the pole (10) in order to deploy or retract the frame (20), and an attachment module (40) connected to the pole (10) at its proximal end (12) and configured to fix the umbrella (1) to an element External. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Automated deployment umbrella technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of umbrellas and more particularly concerns an umbrella with automated deployment, especially for wheelchairs. Previous technique

[0002] The umbrella is a classic device used to protect oneself from the weather when outdoors, in particular to protect oneself from the rain.

[0003] The most common umbrella device consists of a pole comprising a handle at one end and a frame at the opposite end. A canopy is attached to the frame so as to provide a protective surface against the rain.

[0004] To make storing and transporting the umbrella easier, the frame can be unfolded and folded as needed. Indoors or when it is not raining, the frame is folded and the canopy is held close to the shaft, reducing the umbrella's size. When the user needs the umbrella's protection, they unfold the frame to deploy the canopy.

[0005] Several devices exist for deploying and folding the frame, but most require the user to use both hands. This requirement is disadvantageous in several situations, particularly for users with reduced mobility. In particular, it may be unsuitable for some wheelchair users.

[0006] There is therefore a need for a simple and effective solution to remedy at least some of these drawbacks. Description of the invention

[0007] To this end, the invention first relates to an umbrella with automated deployment, particularly for wheelchairs, said umbrella comprising a mast extending between a proximal end and a distal end and on which is mounted a deployable frame, said frame comprising:

[0008] - a structural part fixed to the mast at its distal end,

[0009] - a movable part mounted to slide on the mast between the part of structure and proximal end,

[0010] - a plurality of branches, each connected at one end to the mast,

[0011] - a plurality of connecting rods, each mounted at one of their ends to a branch and connected to the mast by their other end,

[0012] - a canvas fixed to the plurality of branches,

[0013] the umbrella being remarkable in that it comprises:

[0014] - a frame deployment module, said frame deployment module the frame comprising a so-called "translation" motor, mounted at the proximal end of the mast, and a mechanism, connecting said motor to the moving part to drive it in translation along the mast in order to deploy or fold the frame,

[0015] - a mounting module connected to the mast at its proximal end and configured to attach the umbrella to an external element.

[0016] The umbrella according to the invention allows a user, thanks in particular to the motorized deployment module, to deploy the canopy to protect themselves from rain and inclement weather simply and efficiently, while reducing the necessary movements. This umbrella is therefore advantageous for people with reduced mobility, especially wheelchair users, who can also attach the umbrella to a post or armrest using the attachment module. The arrangement of the various parts allows the frame to be deployed in reverse so as not to hinder the user, particularly when they are in a wheelchair.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the translation motor is a rotary motor. The rotary motor is a simple and inexpensive component.

[0018] In this embodiment, the translation motor is connected to the moving part via a threaded rod. The moving part has a threaded orifice, the thread of which is complementary to that of the threaded rod, so that rotating the threaded rod with the motor causes the moving part to translate along the threaded rod. The mechanism is simple: the translation motor rotates the threaded rod in the longitudinal direction of the mast, thus causing the moving part to translate.

[0019] In a variant of this embodiment, the translation motor is connected to the moving part via a rack and pinion mechanism, the moving part being fixedly connected to the rack, the pinion being rotated by the translation motor and the rotation of the pinion by the motor driving the rack and the moving part in translation along the mast.

[0020] In another variant of this embodiment, the translation motor is connected to the moving part via a connecting rod-crank mechanism, the moving part being connected to the connecting rod, the crank being rotated by the translation motor and the rotation of the crank by the translation motor causing the translation of the end of the connecting rod connected to the moving part, causing the translation of the moving part along the mast.

[0021] In another embodiment, the translation motor is a linear motor. The linear motor is more powerful and does not require an additional mechanism to drive the translation of the moving part.

[0022] Advantageously, the mast is hollow and the moving part extends partly into the hollow mast.

[0023] In the embodiment where the translation motor is connected to the moving part by means of a threaded rod, the threaded rod preferably extends inside the hollow mast. Thus, the motor and the mechanism are contained within the hollow mast, which protects these components and reduces the risk of injury to the user.

[0024] In an alternative to this embodiment, the rack and pinion mechanism or the connecting rod and crank mechanism are inside the hollow mast.

[0025] Preferably in the embodiment where the translation motor is a linear motor, the linear motor is located inside the hollow mast and the threaded rod connecting the translation motor to the moving part also extends inside the mast. Thus, the motor and the mechanism are contained within the hollow mast, which protects these components and reduces the risk of user injury.

[0026] Preferably, the attachment module comprises a linkage element, fixed to the mast via an arm, and a tilting motor connected to said arm to rotate it and tilt the mast. The tilting motor allows the umbrella to be tilted simply and efficiently, while reducing the necessary movements, which is therefore advantageous for people with reduced mobility, particularly wheelchair users.

[0027] Advantageously, the tilt motor is integrated into a housing, and the arm is mounted through a wall of the housing. The housing thus protects the tilt motor.

[0028] Preferably, the arm is connected to the mast orthogonally. The tilting motor thus allows the umbrella to be rotated around an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the umbrella mast.

[0029] Advantageously, the translation engine can be operated by at least one deployment command or a voice command. Controlling the translation engine is thus easier and more direct.

[0030] In a self-piloted embodiment, the deployment control is a sensor that automatically activates the translation motor and the deployment of the canopy under certain conditions, such as a light intensity threshold for a light sensor or the presence of raindrops for a rain sensor. The umbrella is therefore more autonomous and responsive, and thus simpler for the user to operate.

[0031] Preferably, the umbrella is an inverted umbrella in which the plurality of ribs are each mounted at one end to the moving part, and the plurality of connecting rods are each mounted at one end to a rib and at their other end to the structural part. The inverted umbrella is an umbrella whose deployable frame folds so that the ribs fold towards the distal end of the shaft. This configuration keeps the movement of the ribs away from the user's head during opening and closing the umbrella, which is particularly advantageous when the user is in a wheelchair and can hardly bend down to avoid the ribs. The inverted umbrella also prevents water on the canopy from running directly onto the user when the umbrella is closed.

[0032] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a wheelchair comprising an umbrella as previously presented, fixed by its attachment module.

[0033] Preferably, the wheelchair includes at least one armrest and at least one deployment control is mounted on at least one armrest. Brief description of the drawings

[0034] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description. This description is purely illustrative and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] [Fig-1] Fig.1 schematically illustrates the umbrella according to the invention.

[0036] [Fig.2] Fig.2 schematically illustrates a side view of the umbrella mast according to the invention.

[0037] [Fig.3] Fig.3 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the moving part of the umbrella according to the invention.

[0038] [Fig.4] Fig.4 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the umbrella mast according to the invention, which represents the deployment module of the frame.

[0039] [Fig.5] Fig.5 schematically illustrates one embodiment of the umbrella attachment module according to the invention.

[0040] [Fig.6] Fig.6 schematically illustrates one embodiment of an inverted umbrella according to the invention in the folded position.

[0041] [Fig.7] Fig.7 schematically illustrates the umbrella according to the invention fixed to a wheelchair. Description of the implementation methods

[0042] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an example of the umbrella 1 according to the invention.

[0043] Umbrella 1

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the umbrella 1 comprises a mast 10, a deployable frame 20, a frame deployment module 30 and a hooking module 40.

[0045] Mat 10

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the mast 10 comprises a proximal end 12 and a distal end 14.

[0047] Preferably, the mast 10 is hollow and includes a rib 11 which extends in the longitudinal direction X of the mast 10 over a section of its length.

[0048] Frame 20

[0049] As shown in [Fig.1], the frame 20 comprises a structural part 22, a movable part 24, a plurality of branches 26, a plurality of connecting rods 28 and a web 29.

[0050] The structural part 22 is fixed securely to the distal end 14 of the mast 10.

[0051] The movable part 24 is fitted onto the mast 10. As shown in [Fig.3], the movable part 24 preferably surrounds the mast 10 and extends partly inside the mast 10 by passing through the groove 11. The part of the movable part 24 located inside the mast 10 includes a threaded hole 25.

[0052] The plurality of branches 26 are metal rods which are connected by a pivot joint to the movable part 24, which allows them to pivot in a plane containing the longitudinal direction X of the mast 10.

[0053] In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1], the branches 26 are flexible rods. Advantageously, each branch 26 can comprise several rods articulated together.

[0054] The branches 26 can alternatively be rigid straight stems.

[0055] Each connecting rod 28 is fixed to a leg 26 and to the structural part 22. In this way there are as many connecting rods 28 as hips 26. Each fixing on either side of the connecting rod 28 is a pivot joint.

[0056] Preferably the connecting rods 28 are straight rods.

[0057] As shown in [Fig. 1], the umbrella 1 is an inverted umbrella. The inverted nature arises from the fact that the hips 26 are connected by a pivot joint to the moving part 24 and that the connecting rods 28 are connected by a pivot joint to the structural part 22.

[0058] As a result, when the umbrella 1 is folded, the branches 26 fold back towards the distal end 14 of the mast 10 as shown in [Fig.6].

[0059] The fabric 29 is a waterproof fabric which protects the user from rain or possibly from the sun when the umbrella 1 is in the deployed position.

[0060] The canvas 29 is fixed at one or more points of each arm 26 and to the structural piece 22.

[0061] 30 Frame Deployment Module

[0062] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.4], the deployment module of the frame 30 includes a so-called "translation" motor 32, a threaded rod 34 and a deployment control 36.

[0063] The translation motor 32 is mounted inside the mast 10 at the proximal end 12. The translation motor 32 is a rotary motor.

[0064] In alternative embodiments, the translation motor 32 is a linear motor.

[0065] The translation motor 32 is actuated by the deployment control 36.

[0066] The threaded rod 34 is connected to the translation motor 32 so as to be put in rotation during operation of the translation motor 32. The threaded rod 34 extends inside the mast 10 and passes through the threaded hole 25 of the moving part 24.

[0067] The threaded rod 34 and the threaded orifice 25 of the moving part 24 have a corresponding thread so that the moving part 24 can be screwed and unscrewed onto the threaded rod 34.

[0068] In alternative embodiments, the rotary translation motor 32 is connected to the moving part 24 by a mechanism comprising, for example, a toothed wheel (or pinion) and a rack or a crank and a connecting rod.

[0069] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the deployment control 36 is a button. The deployment control 36 may be located on the mast 10 or be remote.

[0070] As shown in [Fig.5], the deployment control 36 is preferably located on the attachment module 40 and electrically connected to the translation motor 32.

[0071] In a self-piloted embodiment, the deployment control 36 is a light intensity sensor which automatically activates the translation motor 32 and the deployment of the canvas 29 if the light intensity is greater than a predetermined threshold, for example in the case of strong sunlight.

[0072] As an alternative or in addition to this self-piloted embodiment, the deployment control 36 includes a rain sensor, which automatically activates the translation motor 32 and the deployment of the canvas 29 in the event of detection of raindrops.

[0073] Attachment module 40

[0074] As shown in [Fig.5], the attachment module 40 comprises a housing 42, a tilting motor 44, a tilting control 45, an arm 46 and a clamp 48.

[0075] The tilt motor 44 is inside the housing 42. The tilt motor 44 drives the mast 10 in rotation around an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X.

[0076] The tilt motor 44 is connected to the mast 10 by the arm 46. The arm 46 extends through a wall of the housing 42 and is fixed to the mast 10.

[0077] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.5], the arm 46 is a straight rod fixed orthogonally to the mast 10.

[0078] In other embodiments, the arm 46 could be a bent rod, one end of which is rotated by the tilt motor 44 and the other is fixed to the proximal end 12 of the mast 10.

[0079] The tilt control 45 passes through one of the walls of the housing 42 and is connected to the tilt motor 44. The tilt control 45 allows a user to activate the tilt motor 44, preferably by pressure or rotation.

[0080] Preferably, as shown in [Fig.5], the tilt control 45 is a rotary knob allowing the user to select the tilt of the umbrella 1.

[0081] In an alternative embodiment, the tilt control 45 is replaced by a voice control system which allows a user to activate the tilt motor 44 solely by speech.

[0082] The clamp 48 is fixed to a wall of the housing 42 and allows the attachment module 40 to be hooked onto an element of the wheelchair 2.

[0083] Preferably, several embodiments of the clamp 48 are available to the user to be able to adapt the umbrella 1 to several models of wheelchair 2, whose armrests or uprights may vary in shape, diameter, etc.

[0084] As an alternative or in addition, the clamp 48 may include specific and / or modular adapters to be compatible with several wheelchair models 2.

[0085] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.5], the attachment module 40 also includes the deployment control 36 which is positioned next to the tilt control 45.

[0086] Wheelchair 2

[0087] The wheelchair 2 allows a user, particularly one with reduced mobility, to move around. As shown in [Fig. 7], the umbrella 1 is attached to a part of the wheelchair 2, such as a post or an armrest.

[0088] Example of implementation

[0089] As shown in [Fig. 7], when a user wants to use the umbrella 1 on a wheelchair 2, the umbrella 1 is attached to an element of said wheelchair 2, such as a handle or an armrest. The attachment is made by opening and closing the clamp 48.

[0090] Once the umbrella 1 is fixed to the wheelchair 2, the user can tilt and / or unfold the umbrella 1.

[0091] To tilt the umbrella 1, the user turns the tilt control 45 to select the desired tilt, which triggers the rotation of the mast 10 by the tilt motor 44.

[0092] Preferably, the tilt control 45 has several adjustable positions, allowing, for example, the umbrella 1 to be tilted in one direction or the other.

[0093] In the embodiment where the tilt control 45 is replaced by a voice control system, the user triggers the tilt by uttering a specific voice command.

[0094] Thus, the user can control the tilt of the umbrella 1 without having to manipulate it or hold it with one or two hands, which is advantageous for a person with reduced mobility who uses a wheelchair 2.

[0095] To deploy the umbrella 1, the user presses the deployment control 36, which triggers the rotation of the threaded rod 34 by the translation motor 32.

[0096] During rotation of the threaded rod 34 around its axis, it screws or unscrews in the threaded hole 25 of the moving part 24, which causes the translation of said moving part 24 along the mast 10.

[0097] Since the umbrella 1 is an inverted umbrella, when the movable part 24 translates towards the distal end 14, it causes the branches 26 to unfold around the mast 10 and therefore the fabric 29 to unfold.

[0098] Conversely, when the movable part 24 translates towards the proximal end 12, it causes the branches 26 to fold over the structural part 22 and therefore the fabric 29 to fold.

[0099] Thus, the translation motor 32 makes it possible to deploy and fold the umbrella 1 without having to use both hands simultaneously, which is advantageous for a person with reduced mobility who uses a wheelchair 2.

[0100] The inverted umbrella shape of the umbrella 1 also allows the deployment and folding of the frame 20 to take place at a distance from the user, unlike conventional umbrellas, which is advantageous for a person with reduced mobility who uses a wheelchair 2.

[0101] The presence of the deployment control 36 and the tilt control 45 on the housing 42 of the attachment module 40 makes operations even easier because the user does not need to move their hand to activate either one.

[0102] In the alternative embodiment where the deployment control 36 and / or the tilt control 45 are voice-controlled, the user can deploy the umbrella 1 and tilt it without additional operation with their hands.

[0103] The inverted umbrella 1 therefore allows a user in a wheelchair 2 to protect themselves from rain and bad weather by being able to deploy and fold the umbrella 1 and tilt it in a practical, simple, efficient way without causing discomfort to the user.

Claims

Demands

1. An umbrella (1) with automated deployment, particularly for a wheelchair (2), said umbrella (1) comprising a shaft (10) extending between a proximal end (12) and a distal end (14) and on which is mounted a deployable frame (20), said frame (20) comprising: - a structural part (22) fixed to the shaft (10) at its distal end (14), - a movable part (24) slidably mounted on the shaft (10) between the structural part (22) and the proximal end (12), - a plurality of ribs (26) each connected at one end to the shaft (10), - a plurality of connecting rods (28) each mounted at one end to a rib (26) and connected at the other end to the shaft (10), - a canopy (29) fixed to the plurality of ribs (26), the umbrella (1) being characterized in that it includes: - a frame deployment module (30),said frame deployment module (30) comprising a so-called "translation" motor (32), mounted at the proximal end (12) of the mast (10), and a mechanism, connecting said translation motor (32) to the moving part (24) to drive it in translation along the mast (10) in order to deploy or fold the frame (20), - an attachment module (40) connected to the mast (10) at its proximal end (12) and configured to fix the umbrella (1) onto an external element.

2. Umbrella (1) according to claim 1, wherein the translation motor (32) is a rotary motor.

3. Umbrella (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the translation motor (32) is connected to the moving part (24) by means of a threaded rod (34), the moving part (24) having a threaded orifice (25), the thread of which is complementary to that of the threaded rod (34) so ​​that the rotation of the threaded rod (34) by the translation motor (32) drives the moving part (24) in translation along the threaded rod (34).

4. Umbrella (1) according to claim 2, in an alternative embodiment, the translation motor (32) is connected to the moving part (24) by means of a rack and pinion mechanism, the moving part (24) being connected in a fixed manner to the rack, the pinion being set in rotation by the translation motor (32) and the setting in rotation of the pinion by the translation motor (32) driving the rack and the moving part (24) in translation along the mast (10).

5. Umbrella (1) according to claim 1, wherein the translation motor (32) is a linear motor.

6. Umbrella (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment module (40) comprises a linking element, fixed to the mast (10) via an arm (46), and a tilting motor (44) connected to said arm (46) in order to drive it in rotation to tilt the mast (10).

7. Umbrella (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the translation motor (32) is actuable from at least one deployment command (36) or a voice command.

8. Umbrella (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the umbrella (1) is an inverted umbrella in which the plurality of ribs (26) are each mounted by one end to the movable part (24) and the plurality of connecting rods (28) are each mounted by one of their ends to a rib (26) and by their other end to the structural part (22).

9. Wheelchair (2) comprising an umbrella (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, fixed by its attachment module (40).

10. Wheelchair (2) according to the preceding claim and claim 6, wherein said wheelchair (2) comprising at least one armrest, at least one deployment control (36) is mounted on at least one armrest.

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