Instant folding umbrella ribs and umbrellas using said ribs

Abstract

To provide an instantaneously folding umbrella rib that can quickly close an umbrella, has a stable structure, and has highly reliable self-locking, and an umbrella using the umbrella rib. [Solution] The instant-folding umbrella rib includes a top rib, a bottom rib, a two-fold center rod, and multiple rib assemblies. The center rod is equipped with a quarter-circle stopper (self-locking in conjunction with the bottom rib) and a handle. The rib assembly includes a first rib 5, a second rib 6, and a built-in spring 7. The first rib consists of a long rib, a first link 9, a second link 10, a first folding rib 11, and a second folding rib 12. The tip of the second rib is hinged to the center of the first folding rib, and one end of the first folding rib is hinged to the top rib and the other end is hinged to the tip of the second folding rib 12. The first link is hinged to the tip of the second folding rib, and the other end of the first link is hinged to the tip of the second rib.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of umbrellas, and more particularly to an umbrella with a quick-folding rib and an umbrella using the rib. [Background technology]

[0002] Umbrellas are a necessity for protecting ourselves from the rain and sun, and their structural design directly affects the user experience. Among them, folding umbrellas have become the first choice for many users due to their small storage size and easy portability. However, existing folding umbrellas have many problems that need to be urgently solved in practical use.

[0003] First, the biggest problem is that closing an umbrella is cumbersome and inefficient. Conventional folding umbrellas often use a multi-stage hinge structure for the ribs, requiring the user to manually fold each rib unit one by one to close the umbrella. Multi-fold umbrellas, such as three-fold and five-fold umbrellas, in particular, have a large number of ribs and complex folding sections, which not only takes time but also requires the skilled use of both hands, making them extremely inconvenient on rainy days or when you're in a hurry. Handling them hastily can cause rain to splash onto your clothes, or the ribs can become deformed or damaged if you use inadequate force when folding them by hand.

[0004] Second, the stability of the folding structure of the umbrella ribs is insufficient. Most existing folding umbrellas have a simple hinge structure and lack an effective limiting or guiding structure, making them prone to getting caught or jamming when opening or closing. Furthermore, uneven force distribution can cause some ribs to loosen or sway after prolonged use, affecting the umbrella's support effect and service life. Furthermore, the spring support structure of some umbrella ribs is not designed rationally, resulting in insufficient spring elasticity, which does not provide effective support when closing the umbrella, or is too elastic, which can cause strong impact forces when closing the umbrella, making it easy for the user's fingers to get pinched, or the ribs to fold too quickly and break upon impact.

[0005] Furthermore, the self-locking mechanism is unreliable. Most existing folding umbrellas use simple buckle or pinball mechanisms for their self-locking handles and center rods. When the umbrella is open and receives external impact or is used for extended periods, the self-locking mechanism is prone to failure, causing the handle to slide along the center rod and the umbrella to suddenly close, affecting safety. Some self-locking mechanisms are difficult to unlock and require considerable force to push or pull, making them inconvenient to operate and particularly unfriendly to the elderly and children.

[0006] Furthermore, putting away an umbrella after closing it is extremely difficult. Most conventional folding umbrellas have umbrella covers made from conventional fabrics that lack shape-memory properties, which means they are prone to stubborn wrinkles after closing and require time to smooth out. Otherwise, the wrinkles will be noticeable after storage, ruining the appearance when used again. Meanwhile, the folding structure of the poles of existing folding umbrellas is not fully optimized, and some poles, such as those for bi-fold and tri-fold umbrellas, are too long and bulky even after folding, taking up space in backpacks or pockets when carrying them, making them inconvenient to use.

[0007] Finally, the compatibility between the ribs and the umbrella fabric is poor. In existing folding umbrellas, the unfolding angle and tension of the ribs are poorly controlled, which causes the umbrella fabric to easily loosen or sag after unfolding, affecting its effectiveness in protecting against rain and sunlight. When closing the umbrella, the folding of the ribs and the contraction of the umbrella fabric are not synchronized, which means the umbrella fabric is easily tangled with the ribs or caught in the fold joints, making it even more difficult to close the umbrella.

[0008] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, there is an urgent need for a folding umbrella structure that can quickly close the umbrella, has a stable structure, has reliable self-locking, and does not require tedious tidying up after closing, in order to solve many of the problems in using existing folding umbrellas and improve the user experience. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an instant folding umbrella rib and an umbrella using the same, in order to solve the problems described in the background art above. The technical solutions adopted by the present invention to achieve the above purpose are as follows: the purpose

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems of existing folding umbrellas, such as the cumbersome operation of closing the umbrella, the unstable rib structure, the insecure self-locking, and the tendency of the umbrella cloth to wrinkle after closing the umbrella, and to provide an instant-folding umbrella rib and an umbrella using said rib, which can quickly fold the umbrella rib, allowing the umbrella to be opened and closed smoothly and stably, and eliminating the need for additional tidying up after closing the umbrella. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] technical solution To achieve the above objectives, the technical solutions adopted by the present invention are as follows:

[0012] An instant folding umbrella includes a bone assembly, a top roller, a bottom roller, and a center rod, the top roller being fixed to the top of the center rod, and a bottom roller being slidably mounted on the center rod and moving along the axial direction of the center rod, with multiple bone assemblies evenly distributed between the top roller and the bottom roller, one end of the bone assembly being hingedly connected to the top roller and the other end of the bone assembly being hingedly connected to the bottom roller, The umbrella bone assembly includes a first umbrella bone, a second umbrella bone, and a spring. The spring is fitted inside the first umbrella bone, one end of the spring is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the first umbrella bone, and the other end of the spring is fixedly connected to the tip of the second umbrella bone. The top of the second umbrella bone is hinged to the center of the first umbrella bone, the tip of the first umbrella bone is hinged to the upper roller, and the bottom of the second umbrella bone is hinged to the lower roller.

[0013] Furthermore, the first umbrella bone includes a long bone, a first link, a second link, a first folding bone, and a second folding bone, and the tip of the second umbrella bone is hinged to the center of the first folding bone, one end of the first folding bone is hinged to the upper runner, and the other end of the first folding bone is hinged to the tip of the second folding bone, and the first link is hinged to the tip of the second folding bone, and the first link is hinged to the first link. The other end of the link is hingedly connected to the tip of the second umbrella bone, and a long bone is further fixedly connected to the tip of the second umbrella bone, and a second link is hingedly connected to the end of the long bone, and the other end of the second link is hingedly connected to the tip of the first umbrella bone, so that the long bone, the first link, the second link, the first umbrella bone, the second umbrella bone, and the second umbrella bone jointly form a stable foldable link structure.

[0014] Furthermore, a link stopper is fixed to the second folding bone, and the second link passes through the link stopper and is hinged to the tip of the first folding bone. The link stopper limits the movement trajectory of the second link, ensuring stable operation of the folding structure.

[0015] Furthermore, a quarter-circle stopper is fixed to the tip of the center rod, and the stopper works in conjunction with the lowering wheel to self-lock, thereby fixing the lowering wheel after opening the umbrella and preventing it from sliding unexpectedly.

[0016] Furthermore, the rod is at least a two-fold rod, but may be a multi-fold structure if necessary to improve ease of storage.

[0017] Additionally, a handle is fixedly attached to the bottom of the rod, making it easier for the user to grip and operate.

[0018] A folding umbrella includes a shape-memory umbrella cloth or other fabric and any of the instant-folding umbrella ribs described above, wherein the shape-memory umbrella cloth is attached to the umbrella rib assembly and operates in synchronization with the unfolding and folding of the umbrella rib assembly. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0020] The ribs fold instantly, making operation convenient and efficient. To close the umbrella, the user simply releases the self-locking mechanism between the lower rib and the quarter-circle stopper and pushes the lower rib along the center rod toward the upper rib. At this time, the deformation of the spring inside the rib assembly caused by opening the umbrella is quickly restored. The spring's elasticity moves the second rib, driving the folding link structure of the first rib, resulting in quick folding. The lower rib slides upward along the center rod. This eliminates the need to manually fold each rib, achieving instant folding. This greatly simplifies the steps in closing the umbrella, saving time and making it especially suitable for rainy days or when you're in a hurry, avoiding the inconvenience of splashing rain and complicated operations.

[0021] The umbrella is easy to put away after closing, and the umbrella cloth maintains its shape. The folding umbrella of this invention uses a shape-memory fabric with excellent shape-memory properties, so after folding and closing the umbrella, the umbrella cloth quickly returns to a flat state, is less likely to wrinkle, and requires no additional effort to put away. In addition, the shape-memory umbrella cloth is highly compatible with the umbrella rib assembly, fitting tightly to the ribs when unfolded, ensuring effective protection from rain and sunlight. It does not get tangled or caught when folding, further improving the user experience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of the entire structure of an instant folding umbrella rib according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an umbrella rib assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a structural diagram of an umbrella rib assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the center rod according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5]1 is a schematic diagram of a folding umbrella according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be described more comprehensively below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various forms and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the purpose of providing these embodiments is to allow a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the disclosure of the present invention.

[0024] It should be noted that when a component is described as being "fixed" to another component, the component may be directly attached to the other component, or intermediate components may be present. When a component is described as being "connected" to another component, the component may be directly connected to the other component, or intermediate components may be present. Conversely, when a component is described as being "on" another component directly, no intermediate components are present. As used herein, terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only embodiment. As used herein, terms such as "top," "bottom," "left side," "right side," "front," "rear," and similar expressions refer to the positions shown in the drawings.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. In the present invention, the terms used herein are used only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated items.

[0026] The technical configuration of this patent will be described in more detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, an embodiment of the present invention provides an instant folding umbrella rib and an umbrella using the umbrella rib, which includes an umbrella rib assembly 1, a top pulley 2, a bottom pulley 3, a center rod 4, and a shape-memory umbrella cloth 16.

[0028] The center rod 4 has a bifold structure, with the upper wheel 2 fixedly attached to its top, and the lower wheel 3 slidably mounted on the center rod 4, with a quarter-circle stopper 14 fixedly attached to the tip of the center rod 4. When the lower wheel 3 slides to the bottom of the center rod 4, the quarter-circle stopper 14 engages with the lower wheel 3 to achieve a self-locking mechanism, stabilizing the open state of the umbrella and preventing the lower wheel from sliding due to an external impact force, which could cause the umbrella to close. A handle 15 is fixedly attached to the bottom of the center rod 4. The handle 15 is made of a non-slip material, making it easy for the user to hold and operate, improving comfort during use.

[0029] Three to six bone assemblies 1 are evenly distributed between the upper roller 2 and the lower roller 3. Each bone assembly 1 includes a first bone 5, a second bone 6, and a spring 7. The spring 7 is fitted inside the first bone 5, with one end of the spring 7 fixed to the inner wall of the first bone 5 and the other end fixed to the tip of the second bone 6. The top of the second bone 6 is hinged to the center of the first bone 5, the tip of the first bone 5 is hinged to the upper roller 2, and the bottom of the second bone 6 is hinged to the lower roller 3. A rotating shaft made of a wear-resistant material is used at the hinge connection point to ensure smooth rotation and prevent snagging.

[0030] The first rib 5 consists of a long rib 8, a first link 9, a second link 10, a first folding rib 11, and a second folding rib 12. The tip of the second rib 6 is hinged to the center of the first folding rib 11, and one end of the first folding rib 11 is hinged to the upper runner 2 and the other end is hinged to the tip of the second folding rib 12. The first link 9 is hinged to the tip of the second folding rib 12, and the other end of the first link 9 is hinged to the tip of the second rib 6. A long bone 8 is further fixedly connected to the tip of the second folding bone 12, and a second link 10 is hingedly connected to the end of the long bone 8, with the other end of the second link 10 hingedly connected to the tip of the first folding bone 11. A link stopper 13 is fixedly provided on the second folding bone 12, and the second link 10 passes through the link stopper 13 and is hingedly connected to the tip of the first folding bone 11. The link stopper 13 acts as a guide and limit for the second link 10, preventing the second link 10 from slipping during movement, ensuring stable operation of the folding link structure, and reducing the occurrence of jamming or sticking.

[0031] The shape memory umbrella cloth 16 or other fabric is attached to the long bones 8 of the umbrella bone assembly 1, fits to the long bones 8, and operates in sync with the unfolding and folding of the umbrella bone assembly 1. The material of the shape memory umbrella cloth 16 has excellent flexibility and shape and shape memory ability, so it can accommodate repeated folding and unfolding of the umbrella bones and is resistant to breakage.

[0032] The operating process of this embodiment is as follows: To open the umbrella, the user grasps the handle 15 and slides the runner 3 downward. The runner 3 moves the second rib 6 downward, which in turn pulls the second rib 12 through the first link 9, unfolding it. At the same time, the second rib 12 extends the long rib 8, gradually straightening the first rib 11 and the second rib 12. At this time, the spring 7 expands and stores elastic energy. When the runner 3 slides to the bottom of the center rod 4, the quarter-circle stopper 14 engages with the runner 3 to self-lock, keeping the umbrella open and providing proper protection from rain and sun. To close the umbrella, the user gently presses the quarter-circle stopper 14 to release the self-locking state of the runner 3. At this time, the spring 7 quickly recovers its deformation, releasing the accumulated elastic potential energy. The resulting elastic force pulls the second rib 6 upward. The second rib 6 folds the second folding rib 12 toward the center rod 4 via the first link 9. At the same time, the long rib 8 is pulled by the second link 10 and synchronously collapses, causing the first folding rib 11 and the second folding rib 12 to fold and close together. The lower wheel 3 is driven by the rib assembly 1 and slides upward along the center rod 4. Instant folding is achieved without the need to manually fold the ribs during the closing process. The shape-memory umbrella cloth 16 quickly returns to its original shape after being folded along with the ribs, allowing the umbrella to be stored without any additional effort.

[0033] The above embodiments are only for the purpose of illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical solutions are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention. The scope of patent protection for the present invention should be determined by the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 1. Umbrella bone assembly 2. Potter's Wheel 3. Wheel Throw 4 Middle pole 5 First umbrella bone 6 Second umbrella bone 7 Spring 8 Long bones 9 First Link 10 Second Link 11 First fold bone 12 Second fold bone 13 Link Stopper 14 Quarter Circle Stopper 15 Handle 16 Shape memory umbrella cloth

Claims

1. An instant folding umbrella bone assembly, comprising: a head roller, a base roller, and a center rod, the head roller being provided at the top of the center rod, the base roller being provided on the center rod and sliding along the center rod, and a plurality of bone assemblies being provided between the head roller and the base roller, one end of the bone assembly being connected to the head roller and the other end of the bone assembly being connected to the base roller; The instant folding umbrella bone assembly includes a first umbrella bone, a second umbrella bone, and a spring, the spring is installed inside the first umbrella bone, one end of the spring is connected to the first umbrella bone, the other end of the spring is connected to the tip of the second umbrella bone, the top of the second umbrella bone is connected to the center of the first umbrella bone, the tip of the first umbrella bone is connected to the upper roller, and the bottom of the second umbrella bone is connected to the lower roller.

2. 2. The instant folding umbrella bone of claim 1, wherein the first umbrella bone includes a long bone, a first link, a second link, a first folding bone, and a second folding bone, a tip end of the second umbrella bone is connected to a center portion of the first folding bone, one end of the first folding bone is connected to the upper wheel, the other end of the first folding bone is connected to a tip end of the second folding bone, the first link is provided at the tip end of the second folding bone, the other end of the first link is connected to the tip end of the second umbrella bone, the long bone is connected to the tip end of the second folding bone, the second link is connected to the end end of the long bone, and the other end of the second link is connected to the tip end of the first folding bone, and the long bone, the first link, the second link, the first folding bone, the second folding bone, and the second umbrella bone form a folding link structure.

3. The instant folding umbrella bone according to claim 2, characterized in that a link stopper is provided on the second folding bone, and the second link passes through the link stopper and is connected to the tip of the first folding bone.

4. The instant folding umbrella rib according to claim 3, characterized in that a quarter-circle stopper is provided at the tip of the center rod, and the stopper is used to self-lock in conjunction with the lower wheel.

5. The instant folding umbrella bone according to claim 4, wherein the center rod is at least a bi-fold center rod.

6. The instant folding umbrella bone according to claim 5, characterized in that a handle is provided at the bottom of the center rod.

7. A folding umbrella comprising: a shape-memory umbrella cloth; and an instant-folding umbrella rib assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the shape-memory umbrella cloth is removably attached to the umbrella rib assembly.

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