Folding umbrella

Abstract

To provide a folding umbrella capable of protecting the tip of a tubular body of a center rod from impact caused by contact and collision due to reciprocal sliding of a movable potter's wheel. [Solution] The folding umbrella 1 comprises a center rod 2 having a first tubular body 2a formed from a prepreg sheet containing continuous fibers extending parallel to the axial direction, and a second tubular body 2b arranged so that it can be accommodated inside the first tubular body from its tip side, a movable wheel 4 arranged on the center rod so that it can slide in the axial direction, a support rib 6 one end of which is pivoted to the movable wheel, a main rib 5 connected to the support rib, and a protective part 10 arranged at the tip of the first tubular body and having an impact absorbing layer formed as the outermost layer from a prepreg sheet containing continuous fibers.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a folding umbrella. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional umbrella typically comprises a long, slender center pole, a handle attached to the lower end of the center pole, a top roller attached to the top of the center pole, multiple ribs extending radially from the top roller, a lower roller (movable roller) attached to the center pole so as to be slidable along its axial direction, multiple support ribs each having one end housed in the lower roller (movable roller) and the other end connected to each of the multiple ribs, and a cover cloth covering the multiple ribs.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses such a folding umbrella, which includes a center rod having a first tubular body formed from a prepreg sheet containing continuous fibers extending parallel to the axial direction and a second tubular body arranged so that it can be accommodated inside the first tubular body from its tip side, a movable wheel attached to the center rod so that it can slide in the axial direction, a rib one end of which is pivoted to the wheel, a main rib connected to the rib, and a ring attached to the tip of the outer surface of the first tubular body and made of a material that does not contain continuous fibers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6740148 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is known that in such folding umbrellas, the movable wheel may come into contact with or collide with the end of the tubular body of the center rod. In conventional folding umbrellas such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1, the center rod (tubular body) is formed from a continuous fiber prepreg sheet to reduce weight. This reduces the possibility of fibers being exposed from the end face of the center rod when the movable wheel comes into contact with or collides, causing discomfort to the user, thanks to the adhesive part (ring) attached to the end of the tubular body of the center rod. However, there is a problem in that the adhesive part (ring) may come off as the movable wheel repeatedly comes into contact with and collides with the adhesive part (ring) during its reciprocating sliding motion.

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a folding umbrella that can protect the tip of the tubular body of the center rod from impacts caused by contact and collision due to the reciprocating sliding of the movable wheel. Other purposes of this invention will become clear by reading this entire specification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The folding umbrella according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a center rod having a first tubular body formed from a prepreg sheet containing continuous fibers extending parallel to the axial direction and a second tubular body arranged so that it can be accommodated inside the first tubular body from its tip side; a movable wheel attached to the center rod so as to be slidable in the axial direction; a rib whose one end is pivotally supported on the wheel; a main rib connected to the rib; and a protective part attached to the tip of the first tubular body, the protective part having an impact-absorbing layer formed as the outermost layer from a prepreg sheet containing continuous fibers.

[0008] In one embodiment of the folding umbrella of the present invention, the thickness of the impact absorbing layer is configured to be 60% or less of the maximum wall thickness of the first tube body.

[0009] In one embodiment of the folding umbrella of the present invention, the thickness of the impact absorbing layer is configured to be 15% to 40% of the maximum wall thickness of the first tube body.

[0010] In one embodiment of the folding umbrella of the present invention, the protective part is formed to protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the first tube body by 0.3 mm or less.

[0011] In one embodiment of the folding umbrella of the present invention, the protective part is formed to protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the first tube body by 0.2 mm or less.

[0012] In one embodiment of the folding umbrella of the present invention, the prepreg sheet containing continuous fibers is a woven sheet.

[0013] In one embodiment of the folding umbrella of the present invention, the fibers of the continuous fiber-containing prepreg sheet are glass, and the prepreg sheet is a plain weave or satin weave sheet.

[0014] In the folding umbrella according to one embodiment of the present invention, the impact absorbing layer is formed in a range of 3 mm to 10 mm from the tip of the protective part.

[0015] In the folding umbrella according to one embodiment of the present invention, the impact absorbing layer is formed in a range of 3 mm to 6 mm from the tip of the protective layer.

[0016] In the folding umbrella according to one embodiment of the present invention, the shock absorbing layer is formed to cover the axial end of the first tube body.

[0017] In one embodiment of the folding umbrella of the present invention, a step is formed at the tip of the first tube, and the protective part, which has the impact absorbing layer formed of a prepreg sheet containing continuous fibers as the outermost layer, is fixed to the step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] The embodiment of the present invention makes it possible to provide a folding umbrella that can protect the tip of the tubular body of the center rod from impact caused by contact and collision due to the reciprocating sliding of the movable wheel. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a folding umbrella according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 2] 1(a) is a diagram showing a schematic view of the structure of the first tubular body 2a of a folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1(b) is a diagram showing an enlarged schematic view of the vicinity of the tip of the first tubular body 2a of a folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention (the area indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 1(a)). [Figure 3] 1(a) is a diagram showing a schematic view of the structure of the first tubular body 2a of a folding umbrella 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1(b) is a diagram showing an enlarged schematic view of the vicinity of the tip of the first tubular body 2a of a folding umbrella 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention (the area indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 1(a)). [Figure 4] 1A to 1C are diagrams briefly explaining a method for making the first tube body 2a of the center pole 2 of the folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are used to designate common components in the drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale for the sake of clarity.

[0021] First, a folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a schematic front view of the folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2(a) is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the first tubular body 2a of the folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2(b) is an enlarged schematic diagram showing the vicinity of the tip of the first tubular body 2a of the folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention (the area indicated by the dotted line in (a)). Note that the folding umbrella 1 is in an open state in Figure 1.

[0022] The folding umbrella 1 in Figure 1 is a hook-and-eye type folding umbrella. The present invention can be applied not only to hook-and-eye type folding umbrellas, but also to any type of folding umbrella, topless or otherwise.

[0023] As shown in the figure, a folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention mainly comprises a center rod 2, a top roller 3, a bottom roller (movable roller) 4, multiple ribs 5, multiple support ribs 6, a handle 7, and a top support rib 9. The folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention does not have a bottom support rib. If the folding umbrella 1 is a topless folding umbrella, the folding umbrella 1 may further comprise auxiliary ribs. The auxiliary ribs are arranged, for example, to connect the top roller and the support ribs.

[0024] In a folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the center pole 2 includes a first tube 2a and a second tube 2b. Both the first tube 2a and the second tube 2b are formed as hollow, elongated tubes. The second tube 2b is formed so that its outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the first tube 2a. This allows the second tube 2b to be housed inside the first tube 2a, starting from its tip. The center pole 2 may be configured to include three or more tubes. Because the diameter of the first tube 2a is configured to be larger than the diameter of the second tube 2b, the first tube 2a may be referred to as the large tube and the second tube 2b as the small tube, based on this relationship in diameter.

[0025] In a folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the head 3 is provided at the tip of the shaft 2, and the handle 7 is provided at the base end of the shaft 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the head 3 is provided at the tip of the second tube 2b located at the tip end of the shaft 2, and the handle 7 is provided at the base end of the first tube 2a located at the base end of the shaft 2.

[0026] In a folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the runner (movable runner) 4 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape. The runner (movable runner) 4 is slidably attached to the center rod 2 along its axial direction. The runner (movable runner) 4 is formed so that its inner diameter is larger than both the outer diameter of the first tubular body 2a and the outer diameter of the second tubular body 2b. However, as will be described later, conventional umbrellas have an inherent problem in that the runner (movable runner) 4 repeatedly comes into contact with and collides with the tip of the tubular body of the center rod as the runner (movable runner) 4 slides back and forth.

[0027] In a folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the ribs 5 has a base rib 5a extending radially from the top swivel 3, a tip rib 5b pivoted to the tip of the base rib 5a, a dowel 5c to which the support rib 6 is connected, and a tip 5d provided at the tip of the tip rib 5b. The base rib 5a is pivoted to the top swivel 3 so as to be tiltable in the axial direction of the center rod 2. In addition, upholstery cloths (not shown in FIG. 1) are attached to the ribs 5.

[0028] In the folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, one end of each of the ribs 6 is housed in the lower wheel (movable wheel) 4, and the other end is connected to a corresponding one of the ribs 5. In the folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the base rib 5a, the tip rib 5b, and the ribs 6 are made of aluminum, titanium, or other metal material, or a composite material that combines these metal materials with other materials.

[0029] A through hole (not shown in FIG. 1) is formed in the second tubular body 2b, and the through hole has an elongated shape extending in the axial direction, and the through hole is provided with a stopper (upper stopper) 9. The stopper (upper stopper) 9 is made of a metal plate, and is constantly biased relative to the second tubular body 2b so as to protrude outward from the through hole.

[0030] The lower wheel (movable wheel) 4 has a slit (not shown in FIG. 1) into which the flap (upper flap) 9 engages. When opening the folding umbrella 1, the lower wheel (movable wheel) 4 is slid up to the position of the flap (upper flap) 9, and the flap (upper flap) 9 engages with the slit in the lower wheel (movable wheel) 4. By engaging the slit with the flap (upper flap) 9 in this way, the folding umbrella 1 is kept in an open state (open umbrella state).

[0031] When folding umbrella 1 from the position shown in FIG. 1, the engagement between lower roller (movable roller) 4 and upper roller (movable roller) 9 can be released by sliding lower roller (movable roller) 4 toward the handle. By moving lower roller (movable roller) 4 toward the handle, ribs 5 and support ribs 6 are folded. That is, by moving lower roller (movable roller) 4 downward (toward the handle), support ribs 6 connected to lower roller (movable roller) 4 and base rib 5a connected to support rib 6 are tilted toward the axial direction of center rod 2. In this way, by moving lower roller (movable roller) 4 toward the handle, the angle between base rib 5a and support rib 6 and the axial direction of center rod 2 becomes smaller, and tip rib 5b is bent upward in FIG. 1. Next, when the lower wheel (movable wheel) 4 is slid further toward the handle, the base rib 5a, tip rib 5b, and support rib 6 are folded until they are approximately parallel to the second tubular body 2b of the center rod 2. Then, by grasping the handle 7 and the folded base rib 5a, tip rib 5b, and support rib 6 and sliding the first tubular body 2a toward the tip, the first tubular body 2a moves to a position where it accommodates the second tubular body 2b inside, and as a result, the folding umbrella 1 enters a closed state. Now, in the folding umbrella 1 in the closed state, the second tubular body 2b is accommodated in the first tubular body 2a, and the base rib 5a, tip rib 5b, and support rib 6 are folded.

[0032] Next, a folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be further described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 2(a) is a diagram schematically illustrating the structure of the first tubular body 2a of the folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2(b) is a diagram schematically illustrating an enlarged view of the vicinity of the tip of the first tubular body 2a of the folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention (the area indicated by the dotted line in Figure 2(a)). As shown in the figures, in the folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first tubular body 2a has a tubular main body layer 20. A step (first step) 21 extending around the central axis of the rod 2 is formed at the tip of the outer peripheral surface of this main body layer 20, and this step 21 is defined by a bottom surface 21a and a wall surface 21b.

[0033] In a folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the main body layer 20 is formed from a prepreg sheet in which continuous fibers are impregnated with a matrix resin. A prepreg sheet containing continuous fibers has a sheet shape. In this specification, the term "continuous fibers" refers to fibers that are continuously connected from one end of the sheet to the other, as is commonly used in the technical field of prepreg sheets. Continuous fibers are also sometimes called long fibers. A prepreg sheet containing continuous fibers that is applicable to the present invention may contain, in addition to the continuous fibers, fibers that are shorter than the distance between one end and the other end of the prepreg sheet.

[0034] In a folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the main body layer 20 has continuous fibers aligned in a direction parallel to the central axis A of the first tube 2a (which also coincides with the central axis of the first tube 2b and the central axis of the center rod 2). The center rod 2 is required to have high bending rigidity. Since the main body layer 20 has continuous fibers aligned in a direction parallel to the central axis A, the first tube 2a has high bending rigidity.

[0035] The folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a center rod 2 having a first tube 2a including a main body layer 20 formed from a prepreg sheet containing continuous fibers extending parallel to the axial direction, and a second tube 2b housed within the first tube 2a from its distal end, a runner (movable runner) 4 slidably mounted on the center rod 2 in the axial direction (X), a support rib 6 pivoted at one end to the runner 4, a main rib 5 connected to the support rib 6, and a protective part 10 attached to the distal end (the step 21) of the first tube 2a and having an outermost shock-absorbing layer 10a formed from a prepreg sheet containing continuous fibers. The fiber in the protective part 10, which has the outermost shock-absorbing layer 10a formed from a prepreg sheet containing continuous fibers, is glass, aramid, or carbon. In addition, the protective part 10 may be formed to include a single or multiple impact absorbing layers 10a, or an impact absorbing layer 10a and an inner layer (not shown) having other functions and properties (for example, improved design, etc.).

[0036] According to the folding umbrella 1 of one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a folding umbrella that can protect the tip of the tubular body of the center rod from impact caused by contact and collision due to the reciprocating sliding of the lower wheel (movable wheel).

[0037] In addition, in the folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the thickness A of the impact absorbing layer 10a is configured to be 60% or less of the maximum thickness of the first tubular body 2a. More preferably, in the folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the thickness A of the impact absorbing layer 10a is configured to be 15% to 40% of the maximum thickness of the first tubular body 2a. In this way, by ensuring the thickness of the continuous main body layer while providing the impact absorbing layer, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the strength of the tip, which is prone to breakage.

[0038] Furthermore, in the folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the protective part 10 provided with the shock absorbing layer 10a is formed so as to protrude outward (radially outward) by 0.3 mm or less from the outer peripheral surface of the first tubular body 2a in the radial direction of the center rod 2. More preferably, in the folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the protective part 10 provided with the shock absorbing layer 10a is formed so as to protrude outward (radially outward) by 0.2 mm or less from the outer peripheral surface of the first tubular body 2a in the radial direction of the center rod 2. Even more preferably, in the folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the protective part 10 provided with the shock absorbing layer 10a is formed so as to protrude outward (radially outward) by 0.1 mm or less from the outer peripheral surface of the first tubular body 2a in the radial direction of the center rod 2. In this way, by absorbing the impact caused by contact and collision due to the reciprocating sliding of the lower wheel (movable wheel), and by keeping the protrusion amount D outward (radially outward of the middle rod 2) from the main layer 20 of the first tube body 2a within the above range (if the protrusion amount D is too large, the lower wheel (movable wheel) will not be able to slide back and forth), it is possible to prevent or reduce exposure of the fibers of the main layer 20 of the first tube body 2a to the outside of the middle rod 2.

[0039] In a folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the protective part 10 includes an impact-absorbing layer 10a formed of a prepreg sheet containing continuous fibers in its outermost layer. The prepreg sheet containing continuous fibers is a woven fabric. By using a woven fabric, even if some fibers peel off, the fibers perpendicular to the peeled fibers are adjacent to each other, effectively preventing or reducing fiber peeling. The woven fabric may be configured such that the fibers are oriented at a 0° angle, a 90° angle, or an oblique angle. In a folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the protective part 10 includes an impact-absorbing layer 10a formed of a prepreg sheet containing continuous fibers in its outermost layer. The prepreg sheet contains glass fibers, and the prepreg sheet is a plain-woven or satin-woven sheet. In this way, even if the protective part 10 including the impact-absorbing layer 10a is damaged, the impact on the main body layer 20 is minimized. Furthermore, since the protective part 10 is made of glass fiber, no discomfort is caused to the user.

[0040] In a folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the shock absorbing layer 10a is formed in a range of 3 mm to 10 mm from the tip of the protective part 10 in the axial direction (X) of the center rod 20. More preferably, in a folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the shock absorbing layer 10a is formed in a range of 3 mm to 6 mm from the tip of the protective layer 10 in the axial direction (X) of the center rod 20. In this way, it is possible to protect the tip of the tube of the center rod from impacts caused by contact and collision due to the reciprocating sliding of the lower wheel (movable wheel), while preventing problems with tube strength caused by a shorter main body layer 20 of the first tube 2a due to the longer length of the shock absorbing layer 10.

[0041] Next, referring to Figure 3, a folding umbrella 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 3(a) is a diagram schematically illustrating the structure of the first tubular body 2a of the folding umbrella 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3(b) is a diagram schematically illustrating an enlarged view of the tip of the first tubular body 2a of the folding umbrella 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention (the area indicated by the dotted line in (a)). The basic structure of the folding umbrella 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the folding umbrella 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, so a detailed description will be omitted. However, in the folding umbrella 1 according to this another embodiment of the present invention, the protective part 10 provided with the impact-absorbing layer 10a is formed in a substantially inverted L-shape when viewed in cross section as shown in the figure, and the impact-absorbing layer 10a is formed to cover the axial tip of the first tubular body 2a. 3, in a folding umbrella according to one embodiment of the present invention, a step (second step) 22 is formed at the tip of the first tubular body, and the protective part, which has the shock-absorbing layer formed of a prepreg sheet containing continuous fibers as the outermost layer, is fixed to the step 22. Here, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the step (second step) 22 is formed on the outer peripheral surface and axial end surface of the tip of the main layer 20, and the step 22 is defined by the top surface 22a and the wall surface 22bb. In this way, it is possible to more effectively prevent the main layer 20 of the first tubular body 2a from curling up and the fibers of the main layer 20 from being exposed.

[0042] Finally, referring to FIG. 4, a method for producing the first tube 2a of the shaft 2 of a folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described. First, a mandrel whose diameter gradually decreases toward the tip and a prepreg sheet are prepared. The mandrel may be configured to have a constant diameter along its entire length. The prepreg sheet is a prepreg sheet in which continuous fibers oriented in a predetermined direction are impregnated with a matrix resin. Various reinforcing fibers, such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, and aramid fiber, can be used as the continuous fibers. Thermosetting resins, such as epoxy, bismaleimide, polyimide, unsaturated polyester, vinyl ester, or phenol, can be used as the matrix resin.

[0043] The prepreg sheet (1 to n layers) constituting the inner portion of the main body layer 20 is wound around a prepared mandrel. Then, the prepreg sheet (n+1 layers) constituting the outer portion of the main body layer 20, shortened by the length of the tip protective portion 10, is wound around the prepared mandrel. The prepreg sheet for the protective portion 10 (shock-absorbing layer 10a) is then wound around the tip portion where the (n+1)th prepreg sheet is not present. The outer periphery is covered with tape, and the resulting product is baked. This causes the resin in the prepreg sheet to flow, integrating the main body layer 20 and the protective portion 10 (shock-absorbing layer 10a) into one piece. In this manner, the first tube 2a of the center pole 2 of the folding umbrella 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be obtained. The second tube 2b may also be formed from a prepreg sheet containing continuous fibers in a manner similar to that for the first tube 2a.

[0044] The upper wheel 3, lower wheel (movable wheel) 4, ribs 5, support ribs 6, handle 7, lower stopper 8, and upper stopper 9 can be formed using known techniques, and the manufacturing methods will not be described here.

[0045] The dimensions, materials, and arrangement of each component described in this specification are not limited to those explicitly described in the embodiments, and each component can be modified to have any dimensions, materials, and arrangement that can be included in the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, components not explicitly described in this specification can be added to the described embodiments, and some of the components described in each embodiment can be omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1 folding umbrella 2 Middle pole 2a First tube 2b Second tube 3. Potter's Wheel 4 Lower potter's wheel (movable potter's wheel) 5 Main bone 6 bone 9 Top flip 10 Protection part 10a Shock absorbing layer 20 Main layer 21 First step 22 Second step

Claims

1. a center rod having a first tube formed from a prepreg sheet containing continuous fibers extending parallel to the axial direction, and a second tube provided inside the first tube so as to be able to be housed from its tip side; A movable potter's wheel slidably attached to the center rod in its axial direction; a support rib whose one end is pivotally supported on the movable potter's wheel; a main rib connected to the support rib; a protective portion provided at the tip of the first tubular body, the protective portion having an impact absorbing layer formed of a prepreg sheet containing continuous fibers as an outermost layer; A folding umbrella with a

2. 2. The folding umbrella according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the impact absorbing layer is 60% or less of the maximum wall thickness of the first tube body.

3. 2. The folding umbrella according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the impact absorbing layer is 15% to 40% of the maximum wall thickness of the first tube body.

4. 2. The folding umbrella according to claim 1, wherein the protective portion is formed so as to protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the first tube by 0.3 mm or less.

5. 2. The folding umbrella according to claim 1, wherein the protective portion is formed so as to protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the first tube by 0.2 mm or less.

6. The folding umbrella according to claim 1, wherein the prepreg sheet containing the continuous fibers of the impact absorbing layer is a woven sheet.

7. 2. The folding umbrella according to claim 1, wherein the fibers of the prepreg sheet containing the continuous fibers of the impact absorbing layer are glass, and the prepreg sheet is a plain weave or satin weave sheet.

8. The folding umbrella according to claim 1, wherein the impact absorbing layer is formed in a range of 3 mm to 10 mm from the tip of the protective part.

9. The folding umbrella according to claim 1, wherein the impact absorbing layer is formed in a range of 3 mm to 6 mm from the tip of the protective layer.

10. The folding umbrella according to claim 1 , wherein the impact absorbing layer is formed so as to cover the axial tip of the first tube body.

11. 2. The folding umbrella according to claim 1, wherein a step is formed at the tip of the first tube, and the protective part, which has the impact absorbing layer formed of a prepreg sheet containing continuous fibers as its outermost layer, is fixed to the step.

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