Folding umbrella

The folding umbrella uses a shape-maintaining sheet to address the issue of fabric wrinkles by maintaining the umbrella's shape, enhancing its folding and unfolding performance.

JP3249736UActive Publication Date: 2025-01-09RIADVENT CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024003696U
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Utility models
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-11-07
Publication Date
2025-01-09
Estimated Expiration
2034-11-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing folding umbrellas suffer from the occurrence of wrinkles in the umbrella fabric during folding and unfolding processes.

Method used

The folding umbrella incorporates a shape-maintaining sheet adhered to the back surface of the umbrella fabric, which is divided into sections by creases, to maintain the shape of the fabric and reduce wrinkles, along with a mechanism that allows for smooth folding and unfolding.

Benefits of technology

The solution effectively reduces the occurrence of wrinkles in the umbrella fabric, ensuring smooth operation and maintaining the umbrella's shape during folding and unfolding.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a folding umbrella capable of reducing the occurrence of wrinkles in the umbrella fabric when the umbrella fabric is folded, even though it is a parasol. [Solution] The folding umbrella 1 is a parasol and includes a center rod 2, an umbrella bone member 3, and an umbrella fabric 4. The center rod is extendable in the axial direction. The umbrella bone member includes a top wheel, a bottom wheel, and multiple umbrella bones. The multiple umbrella bones are foldable. The umbrella fabric includes an outer material and a shielding layer. The shielding layer is arranged in contact with a back surface of the outer material that is opposite to the front surface in the thickness direction. The shielding layer blocks sunlight. The umbrella fabric is divided into multiple sections by creases that occur when the umbrella bones are folded. The folding umbrella includes a shape-retaining sheet, and the shape-retaining sheet is bonded to the back surface of the shielding layer in at least some of the multiple sections. The shape-retaining sheet maintains the shape of at least some of the multiple sections when the umbrella bones are folded.
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a folding umbrella. [Background technology]

[0002] A folding umbrella is known that includes a center pole, ribs, and umbrella material (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the folding umbrella of Patent Document 1, the umbrella material includes folds and a coating film. In the folding umbrella of Patent Document 1, the coating film is made thick to make it easier to fold the umbrella material. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-33604 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To provide a folding umbrella capable of reducing the occurrence of wrinkles in the umbrella fabric when the umbrella fabric is folded, even though it is a parasol. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The folding umbrella of the present disclosure is a parasol. The folding umbrella includes a center pole, a bone member, and an umbrella fabric. The center pole is extendable in an axial direction. The bone member includes a top roller, a bottom roller, and a plurality of bones. The top roller is fixed to a first end of the center pole in the axial direction. The center pole is inserted into the bottom roller. The bottom roller is located away from the top roller in the axial direction. The bottom roller is slidable along the axial direction. The plurality of bones are connected to the top roller and the bottom roller. The plurality of bones are arranged radially from the top roller. The plurality of bones are foldable. The umbrella fabric is fixed to the first end of the center pole, the top roller, and the bones. The umbrella fabric is folded following the folding of the bones and unfolds following the unfolding of the bones. The umbrella fabric includes an outer material and a shielding layer. The shielding layer is disposed in contact with a back surface of the outer fabric that is located opposite the front surface in the thickness direction. The shielding layer blocks sunlight. The umbrella fabric is divided into a plurality of sections by creases that occur when the umbrella bones are folded. The folding umbrella further includes a shape-retaining sheet. The shape-retaining sheet is adhered to the back surface of the shielding layer in at least some of the plurality of sections. The shape-retaining sheet maintains the shape of at least some of the plurality of sections when the umbrella bones are folded.

[0006] In this folding umbrella, the shape-retaining sheet maintains the shape of at least a portion of the multiple sections when the umbrella ribs are folded, thereby reducing the occurrence of wrinkles in the umbrella fabric. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The folding umbrella of the present disclosure is a parasol, yet is able to reduce the occurrence of wrinkles in the umbrella fabric when it is folded. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a folding umbrella of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the folding umbrella shown in FIG. 1 in a folded state. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a side view of the folding umbrella shown in FIG. 1 in the middle of being folded, with the umbrella fabric omitted. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the folding umbrella shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the umbrella fabric of the folding umbrella shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Fig. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a section in the umbrella fabric shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the booth after the first, second and third folds are folded. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a manner in which the third strip and the fourth strip come into contact with each other when the folding umbrella is folded. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the folding umbrella shown in FIG. 2 with a portion of the umbrella fabric omitted. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a compartment in the folding umbrella of the modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of a compartment in a modified folding umbrella. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of a compartment in the folding umbrella of the modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a compartment in the folding umbrella of the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] (1) The folding umbrella of the present disclosure is a parasol. The folding umbrella includes a center pole, a bone member, and an umbrella fabric. The center pole is extendable in an axial direction. The bone member includes a top roller, a bottom roller, and a plurality of bones. The top roller is fixed to a first end of the center pole in the axial direction. The center pole is inserted into the bottom roller. The bottom roller is located away from the top roller in the axial direction. The bottom roller is slidable along the axial direction. The plurality of bones are connected to the top roller and the bottom roller. The plurality of bones are arranged radially from the top roller. The plurality of bones are foldable. The umbrella fabric is fixed to the first end of the center pole, the top roller, and the bones. The umbrella fabric is folded following the folding of the bones, and unfolds following the unfolding of the bones. The umbrella fabric includes an outer material and a shielding layer. The shielding layer is disposed in contact with a back surface of the outer fabric that is located opposite the front surface in the thickness direction. The shielding layer blocks sunlight. The umbrella fabric is divided into a plurality of sections by creases that occur as the umbrella bones are folded. The folding umbrella further includes a shape-retaining sheet. The shape-retaining sheet is adhered to the back surface of the shielding layer in at least some of the plurality of sections. In this folding umbrella, the shape-retaining sheet maintains the shape of at least some of the plurality of sections when the umbrella bones are folded.

[0011] Although this folding umbrella is a parasol, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of wrinkles in the umbrella fabric when the umbrella fabric is folded.

[0012] (2) In the above (1), the fold may include a first fold and a second fold. The first fold is away from the outer periphery of the umbrella fabric and continues in the circumferential direction based on the axis of the center rod. The second fold is located between the outer periphery and the first fold and continues in the circumferential direction. The umbrella fabric may include a first region and a second region. The first region is defined by the first fold and the second fold. The second region is defined by the second fold and the outer periphery. A shape-retaining sheet may be disposed on the back surface of the shielding layer located in at least a part of the first region and at least a part of the second region. In this folding umbrella, the shape-retaining sheet can reduce the occurrence of wrinkles in at least a part of the first region and at least a part of the second region.

[0013] (3) In the above (2), the fold may further include a plurality of third folds. The plurality of third folds extend from the upper wheel toward the outer periphery. The third folds cross the first fold and the second fold. The umbrella fabric may include a plurality of compartments and a plurality of small spaces arranged in the circumferential direction. The small spaces may include a first outer edge and a second outer edge along each of two circumferentially adjacent umbrella ribs, and a third fold. The small spaces include a third region, a fourth region, a fifth region, and a sixth region. The third region is in the first region and is defined by the first outer edge and the third fold. The fourth region is in the first region and is defined by the second outer edge and the third fold. The fifth region is in the second region and is defined by the first outer edge and the third fold. The sixth region is in the second region and is defined by the second outer edge and the third fold. The shape-retaining sheet may be disposed on at least a portion of the back surface of the third region, at least a portion of the back surface of the fourth region, at least a portion of the back surface of the fifth region, and at least a portion of the back surface of the sixth region. In this folding umbrella, the shape-retaining sheet can reduce the occurrence of wrinkles on at least a portion of the back surface of the third region, at least a portion of the back surface of the fourth region, at least a portion of the back surface of the fifth region, and at least a portion of the back surface of the sixth region.

[0014] (4) In the above (3), when the umbrella ribs are folded, at least a part of the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the fourth region may overlap at least a part of the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the third region. If the shape-retaining sheet has a relatively low coefficient of friction, the overlapping shape-retaining sheets have excellent sliding properties, and the umbrella fabric can be folded smoothly when the folding umbrella is closed.

[0015] (5) In the above (4), when the umbrella ribs are folded, at least a part of the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the sixth region may overlap at least a part of the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the fifth region. When the shape-retaining sheet has a relatively low coefficient of friction, the overlapping shape-retaining sheets have excellent sliding properties, and the umbrella fabric can be folded smoothly when the folding umbrella is closed.

[0016] (6) In the above (5), the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the third region, the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the fourth region, the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the fifth region, and the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the sixth region may not have an opening penetrating therethrough in the thickness direction. The shape-retaining sheets arranged in the third to sixth regions, respectively, can more effectively reduce the occurrence of wrinkles in the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth regions, respectively.

[0017] (7) In the above (6), the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the fifth region and the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the sixth region may each include a side portion extending along the second fold. In this configuration, the side portion can support the third region and the fourth region, so that the third region and the fourth region can be effectively prevented from being wrinkled.

[0018] (8) In the above (7), when the umbrella bones are folded, at least a part of the shape-maintaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the fifth region may overlap at least a part of the shape-maintaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the third region and at least a part of the shape-maintaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the fourth region, and at least a part of the shape-maintaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the sixth region may overlap at least a part of the shape-maintaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the third region and at least a part of the shape-maintaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the fourth region. When the shape-maintaining sheets have a relatively low coefficient of friction, the overlapping shape-maintaining sheets have excellent sliding properties, and the umbrella fabric can be folded smoothly when the folding umbrella is closed.

[0019] (9) In the above (8), the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the third region and the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the fourth region may be symmetrical with respect to the third fold, and the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the fifth region and the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the sixth region may be symmetrical with respect to the third fold. This folding umbrella has a simple structure and is aesthetically pleasing.

[0020] (10) In the above (9), the shielding layer may be a coating layer containing an ultraviolet absorbing material. With this folding umbrella, the shielding layer can be easily formed and can reliably absorb and block ultraviolet rays.

[0021] (11) In the above (10), an opening and closing mechanism including the switch may be provided, and the opening and closing mechanism may extend the center rod based on the operation of the switch, and open the folding umbrella by moving the second tip of the rib away from the first tip, and close the folding umbrella by folding the rib based on the operation of the switch. This folding umbrella can be opened and closed easily.

[0022] (12) In the above (11), a back-return prevention mechanism may be included that prevents the force of the center rod extending from being transmitted to the center rod when the retraction of the center rod is interrupted. With this configuration, the center rod does not extend even if the retraction of the center rod is interrupted, so the retraction of the center rod can be performed in parts. Therefore, even a user with relatively weak strength can retract the center rod.

[0023] (13) In any one of the above (1) to (12), the umbrella may also be a rain umbrella, and the outer fabric may be water-resistant. This folding umbrella is useful as an umbrella for both sunny and rainy days.

[0024] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] A specific example of the folding umbrella of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 9. FIG. 1 is a side view of a specific example of the folding umbrella of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the folding umbrella shown in FIG. 1 in a folded state. FIG. 3 is a side view of the folding umbrella shown in FIG. 1 in the middle of folding, with the umbrella fabric omitted. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the folding umbrella shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the umbrella fabric of the folding umbrella shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along the XX line in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a space in the umbrella fabric shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the space in which the first fold, the second fold, and the third fold are folded. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view explaining the manner in which the third strip and the fourth strip come into contact when the folding umbrella is folded. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the folding umbrella shown in FIG. 2 with the umbrella fabric partially omitted.

[0025] The folding umbrella 1 shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4 is a parasol. Specifically, the folding umbrella 1 is also a rain umbrella, that is, an umbrella that can be used in both sunny and rainy weather. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the folding umbrella 1 includes a center pole 2, an umbrella rib member 3, an umbrella material 4 (see Figure 1), a shape maintaining sheet 5 (see Figure 4), an opening and closing mechanism 6, and a belt 7 (see Figure 9).

[0026] [Middle pole 2] The center rod 2 is extendable in the axial direction AD. The center rod 2 has a first leading end 21 and a first rear end 22. The first leading end 21 is located away from the first rear end 22 in the axial direction AD. A handle 23 is attached to the first rear end 22.

[0027] [Umbrella bone member 3] As shown in Fig. 3, the bone member 3 includes an upper wheel 31, a lower wheel 32, and a plurality of bones 33. The upper wheel 31 is fixed to the first tip portion 21 of the center rod 2 in the axial direction AD. The upper wheel 31 has an annular shape having an axis parallel to the axial direction AD. The center rod 2 is inserted into the lower wheel 32. The lower wheel 32 has an annular shape having an axis parallel to the axial direction AD. The lower wheel 32 is located away from the upper wheel 31 in the axial direction AD. The lower wheel 32 is slidable along the axial direction AD.

[0028] Each of the ribs 33 includes a rib 331 and a support rib 332. The rib 331 is foldable. In other words, the ribs 33 are foldable. The rib 331 includes a first bent portion 3311 and a second bent portion 3312. When the folding umbrella 1 is closed, each of the first bent portion 3311 and the second bent portion 3312 is bent. As shown in FIG. 1, when the folding umbrella 1 is open, the first bent portion 3311 extends. When the folding umbrella 1 is open, the second bent portion 3312 is located outside the first bent portion 3311. The ribs 331 are connected to the upper wheel 31. The ribs 331 are arranged radially from the upper wheel 31. In other words, the ribs 33 are arranged radially from the upper wheel 31. The rib 331 has a second tip 3313. When the folding umbrella 1 is in an open state, the second tip 3313 is located on the opposite side of the first bent portion 3311 as viewed from the second bent portion 3312. The upper rib 31, the first bent portion 3311, the second bent portion 3312, and the second tip 3313 are aligned in this order toward the outside in the radial direction. The second tip 3313 forms the tip (outer end) of the umbrella rib 33.

[0029] The ribs 332 are arranged radially from the runner 32. The ribs 332 are connected to the runner 32 and to the intermediate portion of the rib 331 from the runner 31 to the first bent portion 3311. In this way, the multiple ribs 33 are connected to the runner 31 and the runner 32.

[0030] [Umbrella fabric 4] As shown in FIG. 1, the umbrella fabric 4 is fixed to the first tip 21 of the rod 2, the upper wheel 31 (see FIG. 3), and the ribs 33 (main ribs 331). As shown in FIG. 2, the umbrella fabric 4 is folded following the folding of the ribs 33, and as shown in FIG. 4, it unfolds following the unfolding of the ribs 33. When the folding umbrella 1 is in an open state, the umbrella fabric 4 unfolds from the first tip 21 of the rod 2 toward the second tips 3313 of the multiple main ribs 331. The umbrella fabric 4 has an outer peripheral edge 49 that is continuous in the circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the umbrella fabric 4 includes an outer fabric 46 and a shielding layer 47.

[0031] [Outer fabric 46] The outer material 46 forms the surface of the umbrella fabric 4. The outer material 46 supports the shielding layer 47 from the front side. The outer material 46 may be water resistant. The outer material 46 may be made of a material that is relatively prone to wrinkles when the folding umbrella 1 is closed. In other words, the outer material 46 is allowed to be made of a material that is relatively prone to wrinkles.

[0032] [Shielding layer 47] The shielding layer 47 is arranged in contact with the back surface of the outer material 46. The back surface of the shielding layer 47 is located opposite to the front surface of the outer material 46 in the thickness direction TD. The shielding layer 47 supports the outer material 46 from the back surface side of the umbrella fabric 4. The shielding layer 47 shields sunlight. The shielding layer 47 is a coating layer containing an ultraviolet absorbing material. The material of the shielding layer 47 includes polyurethane resin. As shown in FIG. 4, the umbrella fabric 4 is divided into multiple sections 40 by a fourth fold 44 (described later) that occurs when the umbrella ribs 33 are folded. As shown in FIG. 4, the multiple sections 40 are divided, for example, by the ribs 331. The multiple sections 40 include a first section 401, a second section 402, a third section 403, a fourth section 404, a fifth section 405, and a sixth section 406. The first section 401, the second section 402, the third section 403, the fourth section 404, the fifth section 405, and the sixth section 406 are arranged in order in the circumferential direction.

[0033] [Fold 42] The fold 42 includes a first fold 421, a second fold 422, a third fold 423, and a fourth fold 424.

[0034] [First fold 421] The first fold 421 is located away from the outer peripheral edge 49 of the umbrella fabric 4. The first fold 421 is located away from the first tip portion 21 of the center rod 2. The first fold 421 is continuous in the circumferential direction based on the axis of the center rod 2. When the folding umbrella 1 is in an open state, the first fold 421 passes through a plurality of first bends 3311. When the folding umbrella 1 is in an open state, the first fold 421 has a polygonal shape (for example, a hexagonal shape).

[0035] [Second fold] The second fold 422 is located between the outer peripheral edge 49 and the first fold 421. The second fold 422 is continuous in the circumferential direction. The second fold 422 is located away from the first fold 421 in the radial direction. When the folding umbrella 1 is in an open state, the second fold 422 is located on the opposite side of the first tip portion 21 from the first fold 421. When the folding umbrella 1 is in an open state, the second fold 422 surrounds the first fold 421. When the folding umbrella 1 is in an open state, the second fold 422 passes through a plurality of second bends 3312. When the folding umbrella 1 is in an open state, the second fold 422 has a polygonal shape (for example, a hexagonal shape).

[0036] [Third fold 423] When the folding umbrella 1 is in an open state, the third folds 423 extend from the wheel 31 toward the outer circumferential edge 49. When the folding umbrella 1 is in an open state, the third folds 423 are arranged radially from the wheel 31. When the folding umbrella 1 is in an open state, the third folds 423 are located between the ribs 331 adjacent in the circumferential direction. When the folding umbrella 1 is in an open state, the third folds 423 cross the first folds 421 and the second folds 422. When the folding umbrella 1 is in an open state, the third folds 423 cross the vertex of the polygon at the first fold 421. The third folds 423 pass through the vertex of the polygon at the second fold 422.

[0037] [4th fold 424] The fourth fold 424 is aligned with the rib 33 in the umbrella fabric 4. More specifically, the fourth fold 424 overlaps the rib 331.

[0038] [First area 441, second area 442, ninth area 443] The umbrella fabric 4 includes a first region 441, a second region 442, and a ninth region 443. The first region 441 is defined by the first fold 421 and the second fold 422. The first region 441 is a region outside the first fold 421 in the radial direction and inside the second fold 422. The first region 441 has a hollowed-out polygonal shape (hollowed-out hexagonal shape). The second region 442 is defined by the second fold 422 and the outer peripheral edge 49. The second region 442 has a hollowed-out polygonal shape (hollowed-out hexagonal shape). The second region 442 surrounds the first region 441. The ninth region 443 is a region inside the first fold 421. The ninth region 443 is surrounded by the first region 441. When the folding umbrella 1 is in an open state and viewed from the handle 23 side, the ninth region 443 encompasses the first tip portion 21. The ninth region 443, the first region 441, and the second region 442 are aligned in this order toward the outside in the radial direction.

[0039] [Booth 45] The umbrella fabric 4 includes a plurality of small spaces 45 arranged in the circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the small spaces 45 include a first outer edge 451, a second outer edge 452, and a third fold 423. Each of the small spaces 45 includes a part of the first region 441, a part of the second region 442, and a part of the ninth region 443. Each of the small spaces 45 includes a third region 453, a fourth region 454, a fifth region 455, a sixth region 456, a seventh region 457, and an eighth region 458.

[0040] [Third Area 453] The third region 453 is located within the first region 441. The third region 453 is defined by the first outer edge 451 and the third fold 423. The outer edge of the third region 453 includes a part of the first outer edge 451, a part of the third fold 423, a part of the first fold 421, and a part of the second fold 422. The third region 453 has a quadrangular shape (for example, a trapezoidal shape).

[0041] The fourth region 454 is located within the first region 441. The fourth region 454 is defined by the second outer edge 452 and the third fold 423. The outer edge of the fourth region 454 includes a part of the second outer edge 452, a part of the third fold 423, a part of the first fold 421, and a part of the second fold 422. The fourth region 454 has a quadrangular shape (for example, a trapezoidal shape). When the folding umbrella 1 is in an open state, the fourth region 454 is adjacent to the third region 453 in the circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 7, when the folding umbrella 1 is in a closed state, the fourth region 454 overlaps with the third region 453.

[0042] The fifth region 455 is located within the second region 442. The fifth region 455 is defined by the first outer edge 451 and the third fold 423. The outer edge of the fifth region 455 includes a part of the first outer edge 451, a part of the third fold 423, a part of the second fold 422, and a part of the outer peripheral edge 49. When the folding umbrella 1 is in an open state, the fifth region 455 has a rectangular shape. When the folding umbrella 1 is in an open state, the fifth region 455 is adjacent to the third region 453 in the radial direction. As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, when the folding umbrella 1 is in a closed state, a part of the fifth region 455 overlaps with the third region 453 and the fourth region 454.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 6, the sixth region 456 is located within the second region 442. The sixth region 456 is defined by the second outer edge 452 and the third fold 423. The outer edge of the sixth region 456 includes a part of the second outer edge 452, a part of the third fold 423, a part of the second fold 422, and a part of the outer peripheral edge 49. The sixth region 456 has a rectangular shape. When the folding umbrella 1 is in an open state, the sixth region 456 is adjacent to the fifth region 455 in the circumferential direction. When the folding umbrella 1 is in an open state, the sixth region 456 is adjacent to the fourth region 454 in the radial direction. As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, when the folding umbrella 1 is in a closed state, a part of the sixth region 456 overlaps with the third region 453, the fourth region 454, and the fifth region 455.

[0044] [Shape retention sheet 5] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the shape-retaining sheet 5 is adhered to the back surface 471 of the shielding layer 47 in at least a part of the multiple sections 40. The shape-retaining sheet 5 is disposed on the back surface 471 of the shielding layer 47 located in at least a part of the first region 441 and at least a part of the second region 442. The shape-retaining sheet 5 has high toughness. The mechanical strength of the shape-retaining sheet 5 is higher than the mechanical strength of the umbrella fabric 4. Specifically, the mechanical strength of the shape-retaining sheet 5 is higher than the mechanical strength of both the outer fabric 46 and the shielding layer 47. The shape-retaining sheet 5 has a mechanical strength (toughness) that allows the shape of the folding umbrella 1 to be maintained when the folding umbrella 1 is opened and closed. In addition, the friction coefficient of the shape-retaining sheet 5 is lower than the friction coefficient of the umbrella fabric 4. Specifically, the friction coefficient of the shape-retaining sheet 5 is lower than the friction coefficient of the shielding layer 47. The thickness of the shape-retaining sheet 5 is two or more times and five or less times the thickness of the umbrella fabric 4. The thickness of the shape-retaining sheet 5 is 3 times or more and 10 times or less than the thickness of the shielding layer 47. Examples of materials for the shape-retaining sheet 5 include resins. Examples of resins include polyolefin resins, polyester resins, and acrylic resins. Examples of polyolefin resins include polypropylene resins. Examples of polyester resins include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins.

[0045] [1st Strip 51 to 4th Strip 54] In each of the multiple compartments 45, the shape maintaining sheet 5 is disposed on a part of the back surface of the third region 453, a part of the back surface of the fourth region 454, a part of the back surface of the fifth region 455, and a part of the back surface of the sixth region 456. The shape maintaining sheet 5 in each of the multiple compartments 45 includes a plurality of shape maintaining strips 50. The plurality of shape maintaining strips 50 include a first strip 51, a second strip 52, a third strip 53, and a fourth strip 54.

[0046] [1st Strip 51] The first strip 51 is disposed on a part of the back surface of the third region 453. Specifically, the first strip 51 is adhered to a part of the back surface of the third region 453. The first strip 51 has a rectangular shape. Specifically, the first strip 51 has a D-shaped outer shape. The first strip 51 does not have an opening penetrating in the thickness direction. In other words, the first strip 51 has a solid pattern. The first strip 51 integrally has a first side portion 511, a second side portion 512, a third side portion 513, and a fourth side portion 514. The first side portion 511 is aligned along the first outer edge 451. The second side portion 512 is aligned along the third fold 423. The second side portion 512 is located away from the first side portion 511 in the circumferential direction. The distance between the first side portion 511 and the second side portion 512 increases from the first tip portion 21 toward the outer circumferential edge 49 .

[0047] The third side portion 513 is along the first fold 421. The third side portion 513 connects the first end portion 5111 and the second end portion 5121. The first end portion 5111 is an end portion of the first side portion 511 that is closer to the first tip portion 21. The second end portion 5121 is an end portion of the second side portion 512 that is closer to the first tip portion 21. The fourth side portion 514 is along the second fold 422. The fourth side portion 514 is located away from the third side portion 513 in the radial direction. The fourth side portion 514 connects the third end portion 5112 and the fourth end portion 5122. The third end portion 5112 is an end portion of the first side portion 511 that is farther from the first tip portion 21. The fourth end portion 5122 is an end portion of the second side portion 512 that is farther from the first tip portion 21.

[0048] [Second Strip 52] The second strip 52 is disposed on a part of the back surface of the fourth region 454. Specifically, the second strip 52 is bonded to a part of the back surface of the fourth region 454. The second strip 52 is located away from the first strip 51 in the circumferential direction. The second strip 52 and the first strip 51 are line-symmetrical with respect to the third fold 423. The second strip 52 has a quadrangular shape. Specifically, the second strip 52 has a D-shaped outer shape. The second strip 52 does not have an opening penetrating in the thickness direction. The second strip 52 has a fifth side portion 521, a sixth side portion 522, a seventh side portion 523, and an eighth side portion 524. The fifth side portion 521 is along the second outer edge 452. The sixth side portion 522 is along the third fold 423. The seventh side portion 523 is along the first fold 421. The eighth side portion 524 is along the second fold line 422 .

[0049] The third strip 53 is disposed on a part of the back surface of the fifth region 455. Specifically, the third strip 53 is bonded to a part of the back surface of the fifth region 455. The third strip 53 is located away from the first strip 51 in the radial direction. The third strip 53 has a quadrangular shape. Specifically, the third strip 53 has a D-shaped outer shape. The third strip 53 does not have an opening penetrating in the thickness direction. In other words, the third strip 53 has a solid pattern. In addition, the third strip 53 has a ninth side portion 531, a tenth side portion 532, an eleventh side portion 533, and a twelfth side portion 534. The ninth side portion 531 is located between the third fold 423 and the first outer edge 451 in the circumferential direction. The ninth side portion 531 extends in the radial direction. Specifically, the ninth side portion 531 is parallel to the first outer edge 451. The tenth side portion 532 is along the third fold 423. The tenth side portion 532 is located away from the ninth side portion 531 in the circumferential direction. The distance between the ninth side portion 531 and the tenth side portion 532 increases from the first tip portion 21 toward the outer circumferential edge 49.

[0050] The eleventh side 533 is along the second fold 422. The eleventh side 533 connects the fifth end 5311 and the sixth end 5321. The fifth end 5311 is an end of the ninth side 531 that is closer to the first tip 21. The sixth end 5321 is an end of the tenth side 532 that is closer to the first tip 21. The twelfth side 534 is along the outer periphery 49. The twelfth side 534 connects the seventh end 5312 and the eighth end 5322. The seventh end 5312 is an end of the ninth side 531 that is farther from the first tip 21. The eighth end 5322 is an end of the tenth side 532 that is farther from the first tip 21.

[0051] The fourth strip 54 is disposed on a part of the back surface of the sixth region 456. Specifically, the fourth strip 54 is bonded to a part of the back surface of the sixth region 456. The fourth strip 54 and the third strip 53 are symmetrical with respect to the third fold 423. The fourth strip 54 has a quadrangular shape. Specifically, the fourth strip 54 has a D-shaped outer shape. The fourth strip 54 does not have an opening penetrating in the thickness direction. The fourth strip 54 has a thirteenth side portion 541, a fourteenth side portion 542, a fifteenth side portion 543, and a sixteenth side portion 544. The thirteenth side portion 541 is located between the third fold 423 and the second outer edge 452 in the circumferential direction. The fourteenth side portion 542 is along the third fold 423. The fifteenth side portion 543 is along the second fold 422. The sixteenth side portion 544 is along the outer circumferential edge 49 .

[0052] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the opening / closing mechanism 6 includes a switch 61 and a backflow prevention mechanism (not shown). The switch 61 is provided on the handle 23. As shown in Figure 1, the opening / closing mechanism 6 extends the center rod 2 based on the operation of the switch 61, and opens the folding umbrella 1 by moving the first rear end 22 of the ribs 33 away from the center rod 2, and as shown in Figures 2 and 3, closes the folding umbrella 1 by folding the ribs 33 based on the operation of the switch 61. The backflow prevention mechanism (not shown) is a ratchet that does not transmit the force of the center rod 2 extending to the center rod 2 when the contraction of the center rod 2 is stopped.

[0053] [Belt 7] 9, the belt 7 extends from the surface of the second region 442. The belt 7 holds together the umbrella fabric 4 with the ribs 33 folded.

[0054] [Opening and closing the folding umbrella 1 and folding the umbrella ribs 33] 1 and 4, when the switch 61 is pressed, the rod 2 extends, the second tip 3313 of the rib 33 separates from the rod 2, the ribs 33 unfold, and the umbrella fabric 4 follows the unfolding of the ribs 33. This causes the folding umbrella 1 to open.

[0055] Furthermore, when the switch 61 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the ribs 33 are folded, and the first fold 421, the second fold 422, the third fold 423, and the fourth fold 424 are folded accordingly, and the umbrella fabric 4 is folded. As shown in FIG. 7, the third region 453, the fourth region 454, the fifth region 455, and the sixth region 456 overlap each other. At this time, at least a part of the first strip 51, at least a part of the second strip 52, at least a part of the third strip 53, and at least a part of the fourth strip 54 overlap each other. In other words, when the ribs 33 are folded, at least a part of the shape-maintaining sheet 5 arranged on the back surface of the fourth region 454 overlaps at least a part of the shape-maintaining sheet 5 arranged on the back surface of the third region 453. In addition, when the umbrella bone 33 is folded, at least a part of the shape-maintaining sheet 5 arranged on the back surface of the fifth region 455 overlaps with at least a part of the shape-maintaining sheet 5 arranged on the back surface of the third region 453 and at least a part of the shape-maintaining sheet 5 arranged on the back surface of the fourth region 454. At least a part of the shape-maintaining sheet 5 arranged on the back surface of the fifth region 455 and at least a part of the shape-maintaining sheet 5 arranged on the back surface of the sixth region 456 overlap with at least a part of the shape-maintaining sheet 5 arranged on the back surface of the third region 453 and at least a part of the shape-maintaining sheet 5 arranged on the back surface of the fourth region 454. As shown in FIG. 8, the back surface 54S of the fourth strip 54 directly contacts the back surface 53S of the third strip 53. The contact portion between the two back surfaces 53S, 54S described above has excellent slidability (sliding property) because the coefficient of friction of the shape-maintaining sheet 5 is relatively low. The contact area between the two rear surfaces 53S, 54S has excellent slidability (sliding property) because the shape-maintaining sheet 5 has a relatively low friction coefficient.

[0056] After that, the center rod 2 is contracted. Specifically, the handle 23 is pushed toward the first tip portion 21. At this time, a force (reaction force) that separates the first tip portion 21 and the handle 23 from each other acts on the handle 23 based on the spring force included in the opening and closing mechanism 6. Even if the pushing of the handle 23 is interrupted halfway through, the above-mentioned force does not act on the handle 23 due to the anti-reverse mechanism. The handle 23 is pushed again. In other words, the operation of pushing the handle 23 into the first tip portion 21 can be divided into multiple operations. In other words, the operation of pushing the handle 23 into the first tip portion 21 can be performed in stages.

[0057] [Variations] 10 to 13 are bottom views of compartments in the folding umbrella of the modified example. The folding umbrella of the modified example will be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 13.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 10, the first strip 51 has a first opening 510. The first opening 510 is an opening that penetrates in the thickness direction TD. The first strip 51 has a rectangular frame shape. The first opening 510 has a rectangular shape. The second strip 52 has a second opening 520. The second opening 520 is an opening that penetrates in the thickness direction TD. The second strip 52 has a rectangular frame shape. The second opening 520 has a rectangular shape.

[0059] The third strip 53 has an I-shape. The third strip 53 extends along the fold 423. The third strip 53 has a tenth side 532.

[0060] The fourth strip 54 has an L-shape. The fourth strip 54 has a fourteenth side portion 542 and a sixteenth side portion 544 integrally therewith.

[0061] 11, the second strip 52 has a cutout 525. The cutout 525 has a triangular shape. The second strip 52 has a U-shape that is open toward the outer circumferential edge 49. The second strip 52 has a fifth side portion 521, a sixth side portion 522, and a seventh side portion 523. The second strip 52 does not have an eighth side portion 524 (see FIG. 10).

[0062] 12, in the booth 45, the shape maintaining sheet 5 includes a first strip 51, a second strip 52, and a fourth strip 54, but does not include a third strip 53 (see FIG. 6). In other words, in the booth 45, the shape maintaining sheet 5 is disposed in a part of the back surface of the third region 453, a part of the back surface of the fourth region 454, and a part of the back surface of the sixth region 456. In the booth 45, the shape maintaining sheet 5 is not disposed in a part of the back surface of the fifth region 455 (see FIG. 6).

[0063] As shown in FIG. 13, each of the third strip 53 and the fourth strip 54 has an I-shape.

[0064] However, the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the scope of the utility model registration claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the utility model registration claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1 folding umbrella, 2 center pole, 3 umbrella bone member, 4 umbrella fabric, 5 shape retention sheet, 6 opening and closing mechanism, 7 belt, 21 first tip, 22 first rear end, 23 handle, 33 umbrella bone, 40 section, 42 fold, 44 fourth fold, 45 space, 46 outer material, 47 shielding layer, 49 outer edge, 50 shape retention strip, 51 first strip, 52 second strip, 53 third strip, 53S back side, 54 fourth strip, 54S back side, 61 switch, 331 rib, 332 support rib, 401 first section, 402 second section, 403 third section, 404 fourth section, 405 fifth section, 406 sixth section, 421 first fold, 422 second fold, 423 third fold, 424 fourth fold, 441 1st region, 442 2nd region, 443 9th region, 451 1st outer edge, 452 2nd outer edge, 453 3rd region, 454 4th region, 455 5th region, 456 6th region, 457 7th region, 458 8th region, 471 Back surface, 510 1st opening, 511 1st side, 512 2nd side, 513 3rd side, 514 4th side, 520 2nd opening, 521 5th side, 522 6th side, 523 7th side, 524 8th side, 525 Notch, 531 11th side, 532 12th side, 533 13th side, 534 14th side, 541 15th side, 542 16th side, 543 17th side, 544 18th side, 3311 First bend, 3312 second bend, 3313 second tip, 5111 first end, 5112 third end, 5121 second end, 5122 fourth end, 5211 fifth end, 5212 seventh end, 5221 sixth end, 5222 eighth end, 5311 eleventh end, 5312 thirteenth end, 5321 twelfth end, 5322 fourteenth end, 5411 fifteenth end, 5412 seventeenth end, 5421 sixteenth end, 5422 eighteenth end, AD axial direction, TD thickness direction.

Claims

1. A folding umbrella that is a parasol, A center rod that can expand and contract in the axial direction; An umbrella bone member including: a top wheel fixed to a first end portion of the center rod in the axial direction; a runner into which the center rod is inserted, which is located apart from the top wheel in the axial direction and is slidable along the axial direction; and a plurality of foldable umbrella bones connected to the top wheel and the runner and arranged radially from the top wheel; An umbrella fabric is fixed to the first tip of the center rod, the upper wheel and the umbrella bone, and is folded in accordance with the folding of the umbrella bone and is expanded in accordance with the unfolding of the umbrella bone; Equipped with The umbrella fabric is The outer material and a shielding layer that is arranged in contact with a back surface that is opposite to the front surface of the outer material in the thickness direction and that shields sunlight; The umbrella fabric is divided into a plurality of sections by folds that occur when the umbrella bones are folded, The folding umbrella further comprises a shape-retaining sheet that is adhered to a back surface of the shielding layer in at least a portion of the plurality of compartments and that maintains the shape of at least a portion of the plurality of compartments when the umbrella ribs are folded.

2. The crease is A first fold that is separated from the outer peripheral edge of the umbrella fabric and continues in a circumferential direction based on the axis of the center rod; a second fold line located between the outer circumferential edge and the first fold line and continuing in the circumferential direction; The umbrella fabric is a first area defined by the first fold and the second fold; a second area defined by the second fold and the outer circumferential edge, The folding umbrella according to claim 1 , wherein the shape-retaining sheet is disposed on a back surface of the shielding layer located on at least a portion of the first region and at least a portion of the second region.

3. The fold lines further include a plurality of third fold lines extending from the upper wheel toward the outer periphery and crossing the first fold line and the second fold line; The umbrella fabric includes a plurality of the compartments and a plurality of spaces arranged in the circumferential direction, The small space includes a first outer edge and a second outer edge along each of the two ribs adjacent in the circumferential direction, and the third fold, The booth is: a third region within the first region, the third region being defined by the first outer edge and the third fold; a fourth region within the first region and defined by the second outer edge and the third fold; a fifth region within the second region, the fifth region being defined by the first outer edge and the third fold; a sixth region within the second region and defined by the second outer edge and the third fold; The folding umbrella according to claim 2, wherein the shape-retaining sheet is arranged on at least a portion of the back surface of the third region, at least a portion of the back surface of the fourth region, at least a portion of the back surface of the fifth region, and at least a portion of the back surface of the sixth region.

4. 4. The folding umbrella according to claim 3, wherein when the umbrella bones are folded, at least a portion of the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the fourth region overlaps with at least a portion of the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the third region.

5. 5. The folding umbrella according to claim 4, wherein when the umbrella ribs are folded, at least a portion of the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the sixth region overlaps with at least a portion of the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the fifth region.

6. 6. The folding umbrella according to claim 5, wherein each of a shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the third region, a shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the fourth region, a shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the fifth region, and a shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the sixth region does not have an opening penetrating in the thickness direction.

7. The folding umbrella according to claim 6, wherein each of the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the fifth region and the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the sixth region includes a side portion extending along the second fold.

8. 7. The folding umbrella of claim 6, wherein when the umbrella ribs are folded, at least a portion of the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the rear surface of the fifth region overlaps with at least a portion of the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the rear surface of the third region and at least a portion of the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the rear surface of the fourth region, and at least a portion of the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the rear surface of the sixth region overlaps with at least a portion of the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the rear surface of the third region and at least a portion of the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the rear surface of the fourth region.

9. a shape-retaining sheet disposed on a back surface of the third region and a shape-retaining sheet disposed on a back surface of the fourth region are symmetrical with respect to the third fold; The folding umbrella according to claim 8 , wherein the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the fifth region and the shape-retaining sheet arranged on the back surface of the sixth region are symmetrical with respect to the third fold.

10. The folding umbrella according to claim 1 , wherein the shielding layer is a coating layer containing an ultraviolet absorbing material.

11. An opening / closing mechanism including a switch is provided, The opening and closing mechanism includes: The center rod is extended based on the operation of the switch, and the second tip of the rib is separated from the first tip to open the folding umbrella. The folding umbrella according to claim 1 , wherein the folding umbrella is closed by folding the ribs based on the operation of the switch.

12. The folding umbrella according to claim 11, wherein the opening and closing mechanism includes an anti-reverse mechanism that does not transmit the force of the center rod extending to the center rod.

13. It is also an umbrella, The folding umbrella according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the outer material is water resistant.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Folding umbrella and manufacturing method thereof

    JP2022033604A