Umbrella with anti-inversion mechanism

Abstract

The umbrella includes an anti-inversion mechanism configured to apply a force to each rib assembly that counteracts an inversion force applied to the umbrella. The anti-inversion mechanism includes a first elongated member coupled at a first end to one of the plurality of ribs. The umbrella also includes a second elongated member having a first end coupled to the first elongated member. A first connector is coupled to a distal end of the distal rib, and a second connector is coupled to a second end of the first elongated member. The first connector and the second connector are coupled to each other to securely attach the second elongated member to the distal rib.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 662,435, filed October 24, 2019, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 749,852, filed October 24, 2018, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein as if each were expressly set forth in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to an umbrella, and more particularly to an umbrella rib assembly having an anti-inversion function. [Background technology]

[0003] As is well known, an umbrella is a device that protects a user from the elements, especially liquid and solid precipitation or even the sun. A traditional umbrella has the following parts: pole, canopy, ribs, runners, flaps, and base. The pole is the metal or wooden shaft that extends between the umbrella's handle (or base stand in case of patio models) at the bottom and the canopy at the top. The canopy is the fabric part of the umbrella that catches the rain, wind, and sun. The ribs are the elements that give the umbrella its structure and shape. The outer ribs hold the canopy and the inner ribs (sometimes called stretchers) act as supports and connect the outer ribs to the umbrella pole. The runners slide up and down the pole while connected to the ribs / stretchers, helping to open and close the canopy. Many umbrella designs include a top flap to hold the runner up when the canopy is open, a bottom flap to hold the runner down when the canopy is closed, and sometimes a central ball spring to extend the pole length in telescoping models. Although solely for decoration, finials (also called ferrules) are found on canopies, at the apex of the umbrella.

[0004] The ribs of an umbrella function to support the umbrella canopy fabric in the folded configuration. Under normal operating conditions, the forces acting on the umbrella canopy fabric increase towards a peak value when the canopy is fully deployed and when wind gusts tend to flip the canopy over. These forces are transmitted from the canopy to the canopy ribs and can act in opposite directions against the ribs depending on the wind direction. The ribs must thus be strong enough to withstand forces that can act on them from either of two main opposing directions.

[0005] In addition to their strength requirements, the shape of the umbrella ribs should vary between a substantially straight profile when the umbrella is folded and a curved profile when the canopy is fully deployed. The straight design is intended to allow the folded ribs to be parallel to the axis of the umbrella when the umbrella is folded, while the curved design provides the classic mushroom-like shape (also called bell-shaped). Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one aspect of the disclosure, an umbrella is provided that includes an elongated shaft having a first end and an opposing second end and a runner slidably disposed about the elongated shaft. The umbrella includes a plurality of rib assemblies, each including a first rib portion, a second rib portion, and a third rib portion. The rib assemblies are attached to the runner by struts that move between an open position, in which the first, second, and third rib portions are in an open, extended position, and a closed position, in which the first, second, and third rib portions are in a closed, folded position.

[0007] The umbrella further includes an anti-inversion mechanism configured to apply a force to each rib assembly that counteracts an inversion force applied to the umbrella. The anti-inversion mechanism includes a flexible elongated structure having a first bent end disposed externally along the second rib portion and attached to the second rib portion by passing through an opening formed in the second rib portion and being secured within the hollow interior of the second rib portion. The mechanism further includes a flexible wire having a first end attached to the flexible elongated structure of the anti-inversion mechanism and a second end attached to a rib tip located at the free distal end of the rib assembly.

[0008] In one implementation, the umbrella includes an elongated shaft having a first end and an opposing second end and a runner slidably disposed about the elongated shaft. The umbrella includes a plurality of rib assemblies. Each rib assembly includes a plurality of ribs including a distal rib. The rib assemblies are attached to the runner by struts that move between an open position in which the plurality of rib portions are in an open, extended position and a closed position in which the plurality of rib portions are in a closed, folded position. The umbrella includes an anti-inversion mechanism configured to apply a force to each rib assembly that counteracts an inversion force applied to the umbrella. The anti-inversion mechanism includes a first elongated member (e.g., a metal wire) coupled at a first end to one rib of the plurality of ribs. The umbrella also includes a second elongated member (e.g., a string) having a first end coupled to the first elongated member. A first connector is coupled to a distal end of the distal rib and a second connector is coupled to a second end of the first elongated member, and the first connector and second connector are coupled to one another to securely attach the second elongated member to the distal rib. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a top view of an exemplary dual canopy umbrella in accordance with the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a side view of the shaft, runner and rib assembly with the anti-inversion mechanism shown in the extended position, the canopy not shown. [Diagram 3]FIG. 13 is a side view showing the runner and rib assembly in a partially closed position. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a close up view showing the runner and rib assembly in a partially closed position. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a close-up view of a portion of the anti-inversion mechanism. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a side view of a shaft, runner and rib assembly having an anti-inversion mechanism according to another embodiment, the canopy not shown, shown in a partially folded position. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a side view showing the runner and rib assembly in an extended position. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a top side perspective view of the umbrella in a fully extended position. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a tip connector system that is part of the anti-inversion mechanism. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a tip connector system that is part of the anti-inversion mechanism. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a tip connector system that is part of the anti-inversion mechanism. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tip connector system in an assembled state. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tip connector system in an assembled state. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tip connector system in an assembled state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] As discussed herein, the present invention is directed to improvements regarding several components of an umbrella, including, but not limited to, the shaft configuration and its rib assembly. As discussed herein, the features of the present invention can be implemented in both manual and automatic type umbrellas. Additionally, other features can be implemented in other types of umbrellas. Thus, the following discussion and figures describe exemplary embodiments that implement the teachings of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a top view of an umbrella 100 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention with multiple rib assemblies illustrated, and FIG. 2 shows a side view of the umbrella 100 without a canopy. The umbrella 100 includes a shaft 130 having a first (top) end and an opposite second (bottom) end. The shaft 130 itself can be formed of any number of different components that cooperate to provide the shaft 130, and the shaft 130 shown in FIG. 2 is part of a manual umbrella assembly where a user manually opens and closes the umbrella. At the first end of the shaft, a cap 141 can be provided to close the shaft 130, and at the second end, a handle 105 is provided to be grasped by a user. A movable runner 140 is provided along the shaft 130.

[0012] The umbrella 100 may be a dual canopy design in which there is a first canopy 110 that functions as a primary canopy and a second canopy 120 that functions as a secondary canopy. Both the first canopy 110 and the second canopy 120 are secured to the cap at the top of the shaft along their innermost portions, and the second canopy 120 is also attached to the first canopy 110 around its periphery at selected locations, as described herein. It will be understood that the shape and size of the canopies shown are merely exemplary and not limiting of the invention. Thus, FIG. 1 shows just one exemplary dual canopy design and is not limiting. The outer periphery of the second canopy 120 may be positioned along the bottom surface of the first canopy 110, and as is known in the art, the first canopy may thus have a central opening that is covered by the second canopy, but the dual canopy design functions as an air vent because the seams between the two canopies are open in selected locations to allow exhaust.

[0013] The first canopy 110 has a large central opening over which the second canopy 120 is placed, and the peripheral outer edge of the second canopy 120 covers the first canopy 110 so as to define an air vent between the two canopies.

[0014] The umbrella 100 includes a number of rib assemblies coupled to both the cap and the runners 140, which result in the opening and closing of the rib assembly 200 and attached canopy (not shown) based on the direction of movement of the runners 140. As described herein, each rib assembly is defined by a number of rib sections that are pivotally attached to another rib assembly to allow the rib assembly to fold and extend in response to the opening and closing of the canopy by the runners 140.

[0015] The connection between the rib assembly and the runner 140 is made by a first strut 210. The strut 210 is an elongated structure having a first end 212 and an opposite second end 214, where the second end 214 is pivotally attached to the rib assembly and the first end 212 is pivotally attached to the runner 140, as discussed herein. The pivotal connection between the first strut 210 and the runner 140 and between the first strut 210 and the rib assembly may be achieved with fasteners such as rivets or pins. More specifically, a first strut joint (first connection point / pivot) 225 may be formed between the first strut 210 and the rib assembly at the second end 214, and a similar strut joint may be formed between the first strut 210 and the runner 140 at the first end 212.

[0016] The first strut 210 may be formed from any number of different materials, including a metal (eg, a zinc alloy).

[0017] 2-6, the rib assembly may be formed from several elongated rib components (sections) that are coupled with each other and with other components of the umbrella to provide a rib assembly that opens and closes. In the illustrated embodiment, each rib assembly includes multiple rib sections, and more specifically, the rib assembly includes three different rib sections: a first rib section 220, a second rib section 400, and a third rib section 600.

[0018] The first rib portion 220 includes a first end 222 and an opposite second end 224, the second rib portion 400 includes a first end 410 and an opposite second end 413, and the third rib portion 600 includes a first end 602 and an opposite second end 604.

[0019] The attachment of rib portions 220, 400, 600 has pivotal capabilities to allow both opening and closing of rib assembly 200. More specifically, and as described herein, pivot joints or the like may be provided between the respective portions to allow for both desired rib actions when the rib assembly is opened (extended) and closed (folded).

[0020] A first end 222 of the first rib portion 220 is pivotally connected to the top cap and a second end 224 is connected to a first end 410 of the second rib portion 400 at a pivot joint (pivot point) 414. The pivot joint allows the first rib portion 220 and the second rib portion 400 to pivot between a fully closed position and a fully open position.

[0021] A second strut 230 is also provided and extends between the first strut 210 and the second rib portion 400. More specifically, the second strut 230 has a first end 232 and an opposite second end 234. The first end 232 is pivotally attached to the second end 214 of the first strut 210 at a pivot 215. The second end 234 is pivotally attached to the first end 410 of the second rib portion 400 at a pivot 412. Along an upper surface of the second strut 230 at or near the first end 232, the second strut 230 has a coupling member 242, which may be shaped such as a hook. The hook 242 faces the first rib portion 220.

[0022] A biasing member 240 is biasedly attached between the second strut 230 and the first rib portion 220. The biasing member 240 may comprise an elongated spring attached at a first end to a hook 242 and at a second end to the first rib portion 220 at a connection point 244. The first rib portion 220 may have a C-shaped cross-section such that there is a central channel in which the biasing member 240 may be received, as shown in FIGS. 2-6. The biasing member 240 thus applies a biasing force to the second strut 230 and the first rib portion 220. In particular, the biasing member 240 may function to draw the second strut 230 toward the first rib portion 220 when the umbrella 100 is closed.

[0023] Along the top surface of the first rib portion 220 is a connecting member 247. The connecting member 247 may be eyelet shaped.

[0024] As mentioned, the first end 410 of the second rib portion 400 is pivotally attached to both the first rib portion 220 and the second strut 230, and the second end 413 is pivotally attached to the rib joint member 500, as described in more detail below. The second rib portion 400 may also have a C-shaped cross-section and thus may have a central channel formed therein.

[0025] The rib joint member 500 has a first end 502 and a second end 504. The rib joint member 500 has two defined pivotable attachment regions, more specifically, a first attachment region is defined at the first end 502 and a second attachment region at which the second end 413 is pivotally attached to the second attachment region of the rib joint member 500. The second end 504 of the rib joint member 500 may have a tubular structure that allows for receiving the third rib portion 600. The third rib portion 600 may have a cylindrical shape and may be in the form of a flexible metal rod. The first end 602 of the third rib portion 600 is attached to the second end 504 by being received within an opening in the second end 504 and then fixedly attached thereto by using any number of conventional techniques including bonding and the like.

[0026] Unlike the first rib portion 220 and the second rib portion 400, both of which may have a C-shaped cross section and be made of metal, the third rib portion 600 is more flexible and has a solid structure, such as a cylindrical rod. At a second end 604 of the third rib portion 600, a rib tip 610 is provided. The rib tip 610 may be a metal portion to which a peripheral edge of the main first canopy 110 is attached. For example, a hole may be formed through the rib tip 610 through which a portion of the first canopy 110 may extend. The rib tip 610 also includes a protrusion 612 that extends along a portion of the lower surface of the rib tip 610. The protrusion 612 is preferably formed of the same material as the rib tip 610, since it is integrally formed with the rib tip 610 and has a hollow structure.

[0027] The anti-inversion mechanism of the present invention includes a first wire member having a first wire portion 300 (wire bonding member for the inner canopy), a second wire member 310 , a second wire member 700 , and a third wire member 800 .

[0028] The first wire member comprises a bent wire structure that is bent to form a first wire portion 300 and a second wire portion 310. The first wire portion 300 and the second wire portion 310 extend along one another such that the two free ends of the first wire member are adjacent to one another due to the bend in the wire member itself. The first wire member is threaded through a coupling member 247 (eyelet) to secure the first wire member to the first rib member 220.

[0029] The second wire portion 310 is coupled to the second rib member 400 by a coupling member 415 located along the top surface of the second rib member 400. The coupling member 415 may be in the form of a clip or eyelet to which the second wire portion 310 is attached (i.e., the second wire portion 310 extends through a hole in the coupling member 415).

[0030] The free end of the first wire portion 300 includes a tip member 302, such as a metal tip member, and the free end of the second wire portion 310 is attached at a first end 502 to a rib joint member 500 at a pivot 312. As described below, the first end portion 300 is coupled to the secondary canopy 120 to provide a means for preventing inversion of the secondary canopy 120.

[0031] The second wire member 700 is an elongated wire (e.g., a metal rod) having a first end 702 and an opposite second end. The first end 702 may be a bent end that is secured to the second rib portion 400 by passing through the bottom of the second rib portion 400 into a central channel defined therein and then fixedly attached therein by a rivet or the like. The second wire member 700 is secured only at its first end 702, thus representing a cantilevered, flexible structure that flexes under an applied force, as described herein. The second wire member 700 may be a metal wire (e.g., a metal rod) that is rigid and maintains its shape under normal operating conditions. As discussed herein, the third wire member 800 has a significantly different shape in that it represents a thin wire or metal string that can be easily bent and easily assume a non-linear shape in normal use. The third wire member 800 has a significantly lower stiffness than the second wire member 700, which under normal use maintains its elongated, straight shape except for the purposefully bent ends 702. The third wire member 800 may also be formed of a synthetic (polymeric) material, such as a polymeric wire, cable, or string.

[0032] A connector 710 is provided at the free end of the second wire member 700 and may be pivotally attached to the free end of the second wire member 700 by a rivet or the like. The connector 710 may be a plastic hollow structure into which the free end of the second wire member 700 is received. The connector 710 is also attached to a third wire member 800, which is much more flexible and thinner than the rigid metal second wire member 700 and thus may bend freely. The third wire member 800 may be a nylon coated stainless steel wire. Element 711 may represent a means for attaching the connector 710 to the second wire member 700.

[0033] A first end 802 of the third wire member 800 is attached to the connector 720, which thus connects the third wire member 800 to the second wire member 700. A second end 804 of the third wire member 800 is attached to the protrusion 612 of the tip rib 610. In this manner, the third wire member 800 is attached to the first main canopy 110. It will be appreciated that the third wire member 800 may be a colored wire with a colored nylon, and in one embodiment, the third wire member 800 has a red color to distinguish it from the otherwise stainless steel colored or black rib features.

[0034] The rib assembly may be attached to the first canopy 110 and the second canopy 120 as follows.

[0035] The secondary canopy 120 is attached to the first rib member 220 by fastening the secondary canopy 120 to the first rib member 220 through the attached thread through hole 241. At the inner edge of the first canopy 110, where the central opening is formed, the second canopy 120 can be fastened to the first canopy 110 by a stitch (thread) that also captures the wire portion 300. This attachment point is located inwardly relative to the free end 302 of the wire portion 300, which is fastened to the peripheral outer edge of the second canopy 120 with a rib tip at the end 302. Thus, the length of the wire portion 300 from the attachment point to the two canopies 110, 120 to the end 302 is not attached to the first canopy 110, but extends over the first canopy 110 and is flexible to counteract the inversion forces.

[0036] The rib joint member 500 has holes 315 through which the first canopy 110 is attached, and the first canopy 110 is secured using threads that pass through the holes 315 and are attached to the first canopy 110 .

[0037] Additionally, the third rib member 600 may be attached to the first canopy 110 using threads or stitches to secure the third rib member 600 to the first canopy 110 .

[0038] According to one aspect of the present invention, an anti-inversion mechanism defined by wire members 300, 310, 700, 800 is provided and configured to counteract inversion forces applied to an umbrella in selected operating conditions, particularly in windy or other adverse conditions. As is well known by umbrella users, when a gust of wind blows upwards towards the interior of the umbrella, the pressure applied by the wind can cause the canopy to invert, causing the ribs to function unproductively and exert an outward force. The canopy generally assumes a concave shape when inversion occurs, as well as forcing the ribs to pivot in an unintended direction, which can result in one or more ribs breaking. This renders the umbrella unusable. The umbrella of the present invention has an anti-inversion mechanism that is made up of several components that have been individually discussed above.

[0039] Wire / cable 800 may thus be considered an anti-inversion wire that attaches the anti-inversion mechanism to canopy tip 610 as disclosed herein. Cable 800 may, and preferably is, in the form of a nylon-coated stainless steel wire, although other constructions such as Kevlar fiber or other types of high strength fiber may also be suitable.

[0040] The wire 700 may thus be configured to function as an anti-inversion spring that applies a counteracting force to resist inversion of the umbrella as a result of a force (e.g., pressure) applied to the underside of the canopy. The anti-inversion spring (wire 700) thus applies a biasing force to maintain the rib assembly, particularly the third rib portion 600, in a normal operating position. This biasing force thus counteracts upward movement of the third rib portion 600 as a result of an applied inversion force (e.g., an upward wind gust). The strength of the wire 800 prevents the outer perimeter of the canopy from lifting upward and thus inverting, which would lead to stresses and possible breakage of the parts.

[0041] It will be appreciated that the rib portions 220, 400, 600 may be formed of any number of different materials, and that in accordance with the present invention, the rib portions 220, 400, 600 may be formed of two or more different materials. For example, the rib portions 220, 400 may be formed of a metal, such as aluminum, however, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the rib portion 600 may be formed of a carbon material (e.g., channeled carbon).

[0042] 5, in the folded state, the second wire member 700 is located adjacent (extending adjacent and parallel to) the second rib portion 400. However, in the fully open position, the free end of the second wire member 700 is deflected downwardly away from the second rib portion 400 and may function as a spring element to store energy due to its downward deflection and cantilevered structure. Similarly, the third wire 800 in the closed state extends adjacent and parallel to the third rib portion 600 as shown, but in the open position, the wire 800 is tensioned away from the third rib portion 600 by the deflected wire member 700.

[0043] Although elements 300, 700, 800 are described as wire members, it will be understood that these elements are not limited to wire construction, but may be formed from many types of inelastic materials and may take a variety of shapes including strings, wires, ribbons, etc. These elements may be bendable, but do not stretch under the application of force (inelastic).

[0044] Figures 7-9 show one exemplary umbrella 1000 in which the anti-inversion mechanism or system 1100 may be implemented. As with the embodiment of Figures 1-6, it will be understood that the embodiment of Figures 7-9 is merely one type of umbrella in which the system 1100 may be implemented in many different types of umbrellas.

[0045] Umbrella 1000 may be a single canopy type umbrella or may be a dual canopy design as shown in Figures 1-6. Because umbrella 1000 is similar to umbrella 100, like elements are similarly numbered. In particular, umbrella 1000 may include many of the same parts as umbrella 100, and therefore the same figure legends are used to describe the same parts common to both umbrella 1000 and umbrella 100.

[0046] The umbrella 1000 includes a number of rib assemblies 1010 coupled to both the cap and the runners 140, which cause the rib assemblies 1010 and attached canopy (not shown) to open and close based on the direction of movement of the runners 140. As described herein, each rib assembly is defined by a number of rib sections that are pivotally attached to one another to allow the rib assembly to fold and extend in response to the opening and closing of the canopy by the runners 140.

[0047] Each rib assembly 1010 may be very similar in construction to rib assembly 200, with one difference being that the first wire member has a different construction to accommodate a single canopy in Figures 7-9 and a dual canopy design in Figures 1-6. In particular, the second wire portion 310 is maintained, but the first wire portion 300 is removed. The second wire portion 310 terminates at a joining member 247, as opposed to bending back to form the first wire portion 300 as in the first embodiment (Figures 1-6).

[0048] Additionally, while umbrella 1000 is a three-rib type umbrella, it will be understood that anti-inversion system 1100 is not limited to implementation on a three-rib type umbrella. Instead, anti-inversion system 1100 may be implemented on rib structures having more than three ribs in total. In the illustrated three-rib type umbrella, anti-inversion system 1100 is incorporated between the second rib and the third rib as shown and described herein.

[0049] The anti-inversion system 1100 includes a first elongate member, including a second wire portion (first elongate member) 310, a second elongate member, and a third elongate member. It will be understood that the second elongate member may be the same as or similar to the second wire member 700, and the third elongate member may be the same as or similar to the third wire member 800. As discussed herein, each of these elements 310, 700, 800 are not limited to being wires, but instead may take many different forms, such as wires, strings, ribbons, etc. This is particularly true for the first elongate member 310 and the third elongate member 800.

[0050] One main difference between umbrella 1000 and umbrella 100 is how third elongate member 800 is attached to third rib portion 600. Again, the attachment technique described below is not limited to attaching third elongate member 800 to third rib portion 600, but generally to any distal rib of third elongate member 800 (e.g., in a two-rib umbrella, the distal rib is the second rib). It will be appreciated that the attachment methods described below may be implemented in the umbrella structures shown in Figures 1-6.

[0051] The second rib portion 400 may be in the form of a stamped metal rib, but it will be understood that it is not limited to being a metal rib as it may take other shapes such as injection molded plastic or other materials. A second elongate member 700, which may be a flexible metal wire or rod, is attached at a first end to the second rib portion 400.

[0052] As shown, the second elongate member 700 is attached at their respective ends to a third elongate member 800. In many embodiments, the second elongate member 700 and the third elongate member 800 are formed of different materials. For example, the second elongate member 700 may be in the form of a rigid, flexible metal rod or wire, and the third elongate member 800 may be in the form of a thinner string or wire or cable.

[0053] In particular, as shown in Figure 8, a connector 1009 may be used to connect the second elongate member 700 and the third elongate member 800. In one embodiment, the third elongate member 800 (the string) may be overmolded into the connector 1009 to provide a secure connection between the third elongate member 800 and the connector 1009. A second end of the second elongate member 700 is attached to the connector 1009 and a first end of the third elongate member 800 is attached to the connector 1009. The connector 1009 may thus provide a means for joining two different structures that are formed of two different materials.

[0054] The method of attachment of the third elongate member 800 (e.g., a wire or string or ribbon) to the third rib portion 600 is best shown in Figures 10-15. More specifically, the umbrella 1000 includes a tip connection system 1001 that allows the third elongate member 800 to be easily attached to the third rib portion 600.

[0055] Generally, a first connector 1200 (first coupling) associated with the third elongate member 800 mates with a second connector 1300 (second coupling) associated with the third rib portion 600 to attach the third elongate member 800 to the third rib portion 600. As described herein, the attachment mechanism may be a mechanical mechanism such as a snap fit may be formed between the third elongate member 800 and the third rib portion 600.

[0056] More specifically, the first connector 1200 is provided for attachment to a distal end of the third rib portion 600. The first connector 1200 is thus fixedly attached to an end of the third rib portion 600, and similarly, the second connector 1300 is provided for attachment to a distal end of the third elongate member 800. The first coupling portion 1200 may be considered to be an inner tip, and the second connector 1300 may be considered to be an outer tip. As described herein, the inner tip is configured to be received within the outer tip. The first connector 1200 may thus be considered to be a male portion, and the second connector 1300 may be considered to be a female portion.

[0057] The first connector 1200 is thus located at the distal end 604 of the third rib portion 600. The first connector 1200 may be a generally cylindrical portion that caps the distal end 604 of the third rib portion 600. The first connector 1200 includes a pair of locking tabs (first locking elements) 1210 that protrude outwardly along the sides of the first connector 1200. For example, the locking tabs 1210 may be located opposite each other (180 degrees apart) along the sides of the first coupling portion 1200. In the illustrated embodiment, the first connector 1200 has a pair of flats 1209 formed along the sides of the first connector 1200, and two locking tabs 1210 are formed along these two flats 1209. Each of the locking tabs 1210 may have a rounded configuration.

[0058] One end 1203 (proximal end) of the first connector 1200 may be enlarged relative to other portions of the first connector 1200, and more specifically, the end 1203 may be an annular shaped flange that also functions as a stop, as described herein. More specifically, when the first connector 1200 is received within the second connector 1300, the first connector 1200 is inserted until the flange 1203 contacts the open end of the second connector 1300.

[0059] As shown, the first connector 1200 may completely cap the distal end 604 of the third rib portion 600 .

[0060] In one embodiment, the first connector 1200 may be attached to the distal end 604 using any number of conventional techniques, including but not limited to overmolding the first connector 1200 onto the distal end 604, or the first coupling portion 1200 may be a pre-fabricated portion that is attached to the distal end 604 by using a bonding agent (adhesive) or by other techniques.

[0061] The first connector 1200 may thus be considered to be a male part because it has a cap shape at the end of the distal end 604 .

[0062] The second connector 1300 is disposed at the distal end of the third elongate member 800 as shown. The second connector 1300 has a main portion 1302 in the shape of a hollow cylinder having a hollow interior 1304 accessed at an open first end 1303 of the second connector 1300. The opposite second end 1305 is the closed end of the second connector 1300. A pair of openings or windows (second locking elements) 1310 are formed in the main portion 1302. Notably, the spacing and location of the windows 1310 are complementary to the location and spacing of the locking tabs 1210 as the locking tabs 1210 are slidably received within the windows 1310, resulting in a secure coupling between the two connectors 1200 and 1300. Thus, the axial length of the hollow interior 1304 is selected in terms of the axial (longitudinal) length of the first connector 1200 such that when the first connector 1200 is received within the hollow interior 1304, the distal end of the first connector 1200 abuts the distal end of the hollow interior 1304. At the same time, the locking tab 1210 enters within the window 1310 to operatively couple the first connector 1200 to the second connector 1300. In other words, the reception of the locking tab 1210 within the window 1310 may be a snap-fit ​​type coupling, and more specifically, a one-way, irreversible type coupling, in that the first connector 1200 is not intended to be disengaged from the second connector 1300. The mating of the two connectors 1200, 1300 may be considered to be a clipping type action.

[0063] The second connector 1300 also includes an extension 1350 integral with and extending outwardly from the main portion 1302. The extension 1350 extends longitudinally along a portion (a length) of the main portion 1302. The extension 1350 serves as an anchor for the third elongated member 800 since a distal end of the third elongated member 800 is securely attached to the extension 1350. The extension 1350 effectively positions and positions the third elongated member 800 away from the hollow interior 1304 since the third elongated member 800 may not interfere with the reception of the first coupling 1200 into the second coupling 1300.

[0064] The distal end of the third elongate member 800 is secured to the extension 1350 using any number of suitable techniques. For example, the distal end may be secured by an overmolding process in which the extension 1350 (and therefore the entire second connector 1300) is formed around the third elongate member 800 by an overmolding process. The extension 1350 may be considered to be along the underside of the second connector 1300.

[0065] Other techniques, such as bonding agents, can be used to secure the third elongate member 800 to the extension 1350 .

[0066] 13-15 illustrate a first connector 1200 and a second connector 1300 (inner / outer end) in an assembled situation where the first mating portion (inner end) 1200 is fully received within the hollow interior 1304 of the second connector 1300. As described, locking of the two connectors 1200 and 1300 occurs by locking tabs being received within windows.

[0067] The tip of the locking tab 1210 can be a beveled edge to allow the locking tab 1210 to be received within the window 1310. The beveled edge allows the second connector 1300 to flex to allow the first connector 1200 to pass within the hollow interior 1304, and since the tab 1210 defines the widest portion of the first connector 1200, the flex is released when the tab 1210 is received within the window 1310.

[0068] The present tip connection system 1001 is thus configured to provide a means to couple the third elongate member 800 (string, wire, ribbon) to the distal end of a rib, in this case the third rib portion 600. By using two connector pieces, a simple, yet effective connection can be established between the third elongate member 800 and the third rib portion 600. In this manner, the anti-inversion mechanism can be easily incorporated into the umbrella design and attachment of the anti-inversion mechanism and the rib assembly can be accomplished by the tip connection system 1001.

[0069] It will also be appreciated that it is possible to configure the tip connection system 1001 such that the first connector 1200 is associated with the third elongate member 800 and the second connector 1300 is associated with the rib 600 .

[0070] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, the invention may be embodied in other forms and with other materials and structures. Accordingly, the invention is defined by the recitations in the claims appended hereto and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An umbrella, an elongate shaft having a first end and an opposite second end; a runner slidably disposed about the elongated shaft; a plurality of rib assemblies, each rib assembly including a plurality of ribs including a distal rib, the rib assemblies attached to the runner by struts that move between an open position in which the plurality of ribs are in an open, extended position and a closed position in which the plurality of ribs are in a closed, folded position; an anti-inversion mechanism configured to apply a force to each rib assembly to counter an inversion force applied to the umbrella, the anti-inversion mechanism including a first elongated member coupled at a first end to a rib of the plurality of ribs; a second elongated member having a first end coupled to the first elongated member; a first connector coupled to a distal end of the distal rib; a second connector coupled to a second end of the first elongated member, the first connector and the second connector coupled to one another to securely attach the second elongated member to the distal rib; and An umbrella comprising:

11. An umbrella wherein the second connector comprises a plastic having a hollow main portion having an open first end and an opposite closed second end, the hollow main portion receiving the first connector, the second connector further comprising an integral extension projecting outwardly from a sidewall of the hollow main portion, the second elongated member being coupled to the extension, the second elongated member comprising a string, the string being embedded within the extension by an overmolding process resulting in the string being surrounded by the extension.

2. 10. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the first elongated member comprises a metal wire and the second elongated member comprises a string.

3. 2. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ribs comprises a first rib, a second rib, and a third rib comprising the distal rib, the second elongated member comprises a rigid metal wire, a first end of the second elongated member is coupled to the second rib, and the second elongated member comprises a string.

4. The umbrella of claim 3 , wherein the string is formed of a metal or polymeric material.

5. The umbrella of claim 3 , further comprising a third connector for attaching the first elongated member to the second elongated member.

6. 6. The umbrella of claim 5, wherein the third connector comprises a molded structure, and the second elongated member is embedded within the molded structure by an overmolding process.

7. 2. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the first connector comprises a male portion and the second connector comprises a female portion, the male portion being received within the female portion with a snap fit.

8. 8. The umbrella of claim 7, wherein the first connector includes at least one locking tab received in at least one window formed in the second connector to securely attach the first connector to the second connector.

9. 9. The umbrella of claim 8, wherein the first connector includes a pair of locking tabs and the second connector includes a pair of windows that receive the locking tabs.

10. 10. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the first connector comprises a plastic portion surrounding a distal end of the distal rib that is embedded within the plastic portion by an overmolding process.

11. 11. The umbrella of claim 10, wherein the plastic portion includes an enlarged end that abuts an open end of the second connector when the first connector and the second connector are mated with one another.

12. 2. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the first elongated member has a first bent end disposed outwardly along the one rib and attached to the one rib by being secured within a hollow interior of the one rib through an opening formed in the one rib.

13. 2. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the first connector is coupled to the second connector by an irreversible snap fit defined by a locking tab formed along the first connector being received within a window formed along the second connector.

14. An umbrella, an elongate shaft having a first end and an opposite second end; a runner slidably disposed about the elongated shaft; a plurality of rib assemblies, each rib assembly including a plurality of ribs including a distal rib, the rib assemblies attached to the runner by struts that move between an open position in which the plurality of ribs are in an open, extended position and a closed position in which the plurality of ribs are in a closed, folded position; an anti-inversion mechanism configured to apply a force to each rib assembly to counter an inversion force applied to the umbrella, the anti-inversion mechanism including a first elongated member coupled at a first end to a rib of the plurality of ribs; a second elongated member having a first end coupled to the first elongated member; an inner tip coupled to a distal end of the distal rib and including a first locking element; a hollow outer tip coupled to a second end of the first elongate member and including a second locking element, the inner tip being received within the hollow outer tip and the first locking element engaging the second locking element to securely attach the second elongate member to the distal rib; An umbrella comprising: a distal end of the distal rib is embedded within the inner tip by an overmolding process and the second elongate member is embedded within the hollow outer tip; an umbrella wherein the second elongate member is recessed within the hollow outer tip at a position laterally offset from an entrance into the hollow outer tip so as to not interfere with the receiving portion of the inner tip.

15. 15. The umbrella of claim 14, wherein the first elongated member comprises one of a rigid metal structure and a rigid plastic structure, and the second elongated member comprises one of a wire, a cable, and a string.

16. 15. The umbrella of claim 14, wherein the first locking element comprises a pair of locking tabs and the second locking element comprises a pair of windows configured to receive the pair of tabs to lock the inner tip to the hollow outer tip.

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