Umbrella-shaped structure

Abstract

To house inside a part of an umbrella cloth stretched between parent ribs when closing an umbrella-shaped structure.SOLUTION: An umbrella-shaped structure includes: core materials 4 each disposed on a stretching and spreading part of an umbrella cloth stretched between parent ribs 3; a middle pulley 14 moving along an umbrella shaft 5 by following a lower pulley 11 and rotatable around the umbrella shaft 5; and a tension member 6 connecting the core materials 4 and the middle pulley 14. The stretching and spreading part of the umbrella cloth is wound into a gap between the umbrella shaft 5 and the parent ribs 3 by the tension member 6, when the middle pulley 14 is rotated in a state that the lower pulley 11 moves to the side of a handle 15, the parent ribs 3 are pulled to the side of the umbrella shaft 5 and the tension of the umbrella cloth is loosened.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to umbrella-shaped structures such as umbrellas, sun umbrellas, Japanese umbrellas, beach umbrellas, garden umbrellas, and the like.

Background Art

[0002] When the umbrella is closed, the portion stretched between the main ribs of the umbrella cloth sags and spreads, which is obstructive. Therefore, this sagging portion is wound around the outside of the umbrella shaft and bundled, and further fixed with a winding string. Since this series of operations is performed by hand, if the umbrella cloth is wet due to use on a rainy day, the hands will get wet. As an umbrella for eliminating this annoyance of wet hands, there are, for example, those disclosed in Citation 1 and Citation 2.

[0003] The umbrella of Citation 1 is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. A plurality of elastic curved members 102 are provided on the umbrella cloth 101. In the state where the umbrella 100 is open, since the main ribs 103 arranged radially stretch the umbrella cloth 101, the curved members 102 are elastically deformed into a flat shape. From this state, when the umbrella 100 is closed, the tension of the umbrella cloth 101 by the main ribs 103 is relaxed, so the curved members 102 are curved, and the sagging portion 101a between the main ribs 103 of the umbrella cloth 101 is wound around the outside of the umbrella shaft 104. Then, by winding the winding string 105 curved outside the sagging portion 101a, the sagging portion 101a can be prevented from spreading.

[0004] Also, the umbrella of Citation 2 is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. An outer rib 112 is provided outside the umbrella cloth 111. The outer end of the outer rib 112 is connected to the outer peripheral edge of the umbrella cloth 111, and the inner edge is connected to an outer pulley 113 rotated by a middle rod 114. When closing the open umbrella 110, by rotating the middle rod 114, the sagging portion 111a of the umbrella cloth 111 is wound around the outside of the middle rod 114 and the main ribs 115 so as not to spread. That is, in addition to the main ribs 115 for expanding and stretching the umbrella cloth 111, a plurality of outer ribs 112 are provided outside the umbrella cloth 111.

Prior Art Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-312609 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-19889 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, in the above-mentioned umbrella 100, the slack portion 101a of the umbrella fabric 101 is wrapped around the outside of the umbrella shaft 104, so the wet part of the umbrella fabric 101 is exposed. Therefore, there is a risk of wetting the hands or clothes of the user of the umbrella 100.

[0007] Similarly, in the umbrella 110 described above, the slack portion 111a of the umbrella fabric 111 is wrapped around the outside of the central pole 114, so the wet part of the umbrella fabric 111 is exposed. Therefore, there is a risk of wetting the hands or clothes of the user of the umbrella 110.

[0008] The present invention was made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide an umbrella-like structure that can conceal the portion of the umbrella fabric stretched between the ribs when the umbrella-like structure is closed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above objective, the umbrella-shaped structure of the present invention includes core materials provided in the stretched portion stretched between the ribs of the umbrella fabric, and a lower ferrule. It is provided together with the lowering wheel. It moves along the umbrella shaft, and, By the user's actions It features a rotatable central ferrule around the umbrella shaft, a tension member connecting the core material and the central ferrule, and a lower ferrule. and medium potter's wheel With the handle side moved and the main ribs pulled towards the umbrella shaft side, the tension of the umbrella fabric loosens, and the central ferrule Depending on the user When rotated, the stretched portion is wrapped between the umbrella shaft and the ribs by the tensioning member.

[0010] Therefore, when closing the umbrella-like structure, if the tension of the umbrella fabric caused by the ribs is released and the central ferrule is rotated, the taut portion of the umbrella fabric is wrapped around the inner umbrella shaft of the ribs. As a result, the umbrella-like structure can be closed while the taut portion of the umbrella fabric is tucked inside.

[0011] Furthermore, the umbrella-shaped structure of the present invention may be equipped with a locking mechanism that prevents the rotation of the central ferrule while the expanding portion is wrapped around the umbrella shaft and the main ribs. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, when closing the umbrella-shaped structure, the stretched portion of the umbrella fabric can be retracted towards the umbrella shaft and wrapped around the shaft for storage. This allows the rain-soaked portion of the umbrella fabric to be hidden, preventing the user's hands, clothes, etc. from getting wet. Furthermore, according to the present invention, when closing the umbrella-shaped structure, the stretched portion of the umbrella fabric can be housed inside the ribs, eliminating the need to secure the umbrella fabric with a winding cord after closing the umbrella-shaped structure, thus making the winding cord unnecessary.

[0013] Furthermore, according to the present invention, when closing the umbrella-like structure, the stretched portion of the umbrella fabric can be stored and hidden inside the ribs, resulting in a neater appearance and providing a novel umbrella-like structure with a unique design. In this case, if the winding cord is eliminated, the appearance can be made even neater, providing an even more innovative umbrella-like structure.

[0014] Furthermore, according to the present invention, when closing the umbrella-shaped structure, the expanded portion of the umbrella fabric is wrapped around the umbrella shaft for storage, so the expanded portion of the umbrella fabric does not become crumpled and can be neatly bundled. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1]Shows the positional relationship between the core material of the umbrella and the tension member. (A) is a view of the umbrella in the open state, (B) is a view of the umbrella in a partially closed state, (C) is a view of the umbrella in a further closed state before rotating the middle runner, and (D) is a view of the umbrella in a closed state with the core material wrapped around the umbrella cloth. [Figure 2] It is a view showing the umbrella cloth in the open state. [Figure 3] It is a view showing the mounting state of the core material. [Figure 4] It is a view showing the connection part between the core material and the tension member. [Figure 5] Shows the lower runner and the middle runner, and is a cross-sectional view of the umbrella-shaped structure in the open state. [Figure 6] Shows the lower runner and the middle runner, and is a cross-sectional view of the umbrella-shaped structure in the closed state. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of FIG. 6. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view for explaining how to accommodate the stretched part of the umbrella cloth in the space around the umbrella shaft inside the main rib. [Figure 11] Shows a conventional umbrella and is a perspective view in the open state. [Figure 12] Shows the conventional umbrella in FIG. 10 and is a perspective view in the state of being closed halfway. [Figure 13] Shows another conventional umbrella and is a perspective view in the open state. [Figure 14] Shows the umbrella in FIG. 13 and is a perspective view in the state of being closed halfway.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Next, an example of an embodiment of the umbrella-shaped structure according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Examples of the umbrella-shaped structure include umbrellas, parasols, Japanese umbrellas, sunshade umbrellas such as beach umbrellas and garden umbrellas, etc. In this embodiment, an umbrella will be described as an example. However, it is not limited to umbrellas.

[0017] Figures 1 to 10 show an umbrella 1 according to this embodiment. The umbrella 1 is equipped with a plurality of main ribs 3, a plurality of support ribs 8, and a lower ferrule 11. Starting from the closed state of the umbrella 1 shown in Figure 1(D), when the user moves the lower ferrule 11 along the umbrella shaft 5 toward the tip 9, the support ribs 8 push up the main ribs 3. As a result, the main ribs 3 spread out radially (Figure 2). That is, the umbrella 1 opens (Figure 1(A)). Then, from the open state of the umbrella 1, when the user moves the lower ferrule 11 along the umbrella shaft 5 toward the handle 15, the support ribs 8 pull the main ribs 3 toward the umbrella shaft 5. That is, the umbrella 1 closes.

[0018] Furthermore, the umbrella 1 includes core materials 4 provided in the stretched portion 2a stretched between the main ribs 3 of the umbrella fabric 2, a middle runner 14 that moves along the umbrella shaft 5 in accordance with the lower runner 11 and is rotatable around the umbrella shaft 5, and a tensioning member 6 that connects the core materials 4 and the middle runner 14.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, one core material 4 is provided between each main rib 3. The core material 4 is linear or rod-shaped and is made of, for example, plastic, resin, or metal. In this embodiment, the core material 4 is made of glass fiber reinforced plastic, but it is not limited to this. The core material 4 is provided at a position equidistant from two adjacent main ribs 3. The inner end 4a of the core material 4 is rotatably connected to the upper ferrule 10. Furthermore, the inner ends 4a of the core material 4 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the upper ferrule 10. This prevents the core material 4 from overlapping when it is wrapped between the umbrella shaft 5 and the main ribs 3, allowing for a greater amount of wrapping.

[0020] The length of the core material 4 is such that when the central ferrule 14 rotates around the umbrella shaft 5, the stretched portion 2a of the umbrella fabric 2, which is stretched between the ribs 3, is reliably pulled between the umbrella shaft 5 and the ribs 3. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the length of the core material 4 is such that its outer end 4b reaches near the outer edge 2c of the umbrella fabric 2, but it does not necessarily have to be this long. The outer end 4b of the core material 4 is attached to the inner surface 2d of the umbrella fabric 2. A connecting slider 18, which will be described later, is attached to the core material 4.

[0021] The tension member 6 is linear or rod-shaped and is made of, for example, plastic, resin, or metal. In this embodiment, the tension member 6 is made of glass fiber reinforced plastic. One end 6a of the tension member 6 is slidably connected to the core material 4. When the middle runner 14 moves from the upper runner 10 side toward the handle 15 side in accordance with the lower runner 11, one end 6a of the tension member 6 moves from the inner end 4a side toward the outer end 4b side of the core material 4. In this embodiment, one end 6a of the tension member 6 is rotatably connected to a connecting slider 18 that is movable along the core material 4, so that one end 6a of the tension member 6 is slidable relative to the core material 4 and rotatable relative to the connecting slider 18 (Figure 4). When opening and closing the umbrella 1, the connecting slider 18 slides relative to the core material 4, changing the connection position between the core material 4 and the tension member 6, making it possible to open and close the umbrella 1. Furthermore, the other end 6b of the tensioning member 6 is rotatably connected to the central turntable 14.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1(A), the tensioning member 6 is housed in the inner space 12 on the side of the ferrule 9 that is further than the support rib 8 when the umbrella 1 is open. This prevents the tensioning member 6 from getting in the way of the user when using the umbrella 1.

[0023] Figures 5 and 6 show the lower runner 11 and the middle runner 14. Figure 5 corresponds to the open state of the umbrella 1, and Figure 6 corresponds to the closed state of the umbrella 1. The lower runner 11 and the middle runner 14 are cylindrical in shape, with the lower runner 11 located on the outer circumference of the middle runner 14. The upper part 14a and lower part 14b of the middle runner 14 protrude above and below the lower runner 11, and the other end 6b of the tension member 6 is rotatably connected to the upper part 14a at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. There are gaps between the middle runner 14 and the umbrella shaft 5, and between the middle runner 14 and the lower runner 11, allowing the middle runner 14 to rotate relative to the umbrella shaft 5 and the lower runner 11. The lower runner 11 is also rotatable relative to the umbrella shaft 5, but its rotation relative to the umbrella shaft 5 is restricted because the support ribs 8 are connected to the lower runner 11.

[0024] In other words, part of the middle ferrule 14 is covered by the lower ferrule 11 (Figure 7), while the other part is exposed (Figure 8). The user can hold the umbrella 1 with one hand by holding the lower ferrule 11, and with the other hand grasp the exposed part of the middle ferrule 14 and rotate it.

[0025] In this embodiment, the tip 9 side is described as the upward direction, and the handle 15 side is described as the downward direction. A handle 15 is fixed to the lower end of the umbrella shaft 5. A locking mechanism 7 is provided between the handle 15 and the lower part 14b of the central ferrule 14 to prevent the central ferrule 14 from rotating around the umbrella shaft 5.

[0026] The locking mechanism 7 includes a recess 7a provided on either the handle 15 or the center wheel 14, and a protrusion 7b provided on the other that can be inserted into the recess 7a (Figure 9). The inner circumferential surface of the recess 7a and the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 7b are provided with groove-shaped teeth that interlock with each other. Relative movement of the recess 7a and the protrusion 7b in the axial direction is possible (inserting and removing the protrusion 7b from the recess 7a), but relative rotation around the axis is not possible when the protrusion 7b is inserted into the recess 7a. In other words, by connecting the lower part 14b of the center wheel 14 to the handle 15 via the locking mechanism 7, rotation of the center wheel 14 around the umbrella axis 5 can be prevented. In this embodiment, the center wheel 14 is provided with a recess 7a and the handle 15 is provided with a protrusion 7b, but the center wheel 14 may be provided with a protrusion 7b and the handle 15 may be provided with a recess 7a.

[0027] In the open state of the umbrella 1 shown in Figure 1(A), the lower ferrule 11 and the middle ferrule 14 are held in place by an upper latch (not shown). When the user releases the lock from the upper latch to close the umbrella 1 and moves the lower ferrule 11 and the middle ferrule 14 toward the handle 15, the support ribs 8 pull the main ribs 3 toward the umbrella shaft 5, and the umbrella fabric 2, which was taut by the main ribs 3, begins to loosen (Figure 1(B)).

[0028] The locking mechanism 7 may also be a ratchet mechanism that restricts the direction of rotation to one side (Figure 9). In this case, the recess 7a and the protrusion 7b are formed with the teeth tilted in one direction. This allows the user to insert the lower part 14b of the central runner 14 into the handle 15, and then rotate the handle 15 to rotate the central runner 14, thereby winding the umbrella fabric 2 between the umbrella shaft 5 and the ribs 3. Because the ratchet mechanism prevents the central runner 14 from rotating in the direction that would spread the umbrella fabric 2, the user can easily wind the umbrella fabric 2. Furthermore, the user can fold the umbrella in two actions: closing the umbrella fabric 2 and winding it in.

[0029] Then, with the umbrella fabric 2 sufficiently slackened (Figure 1(C)), when the central runner 14 is rotated by the user, the taut portion 2a of the umbrella fabric 2 is pulled towards the umbrella shaft 5 by the tensioning member 6 and further wrapped between the umbrella shaft 5 and the ribs 3 (Figure 1(D)). Note that the state with the umbrella fabric 2 sufficiently slackened means that the central runner 14 is pulled sufficiently (to the maximum extent) towards the handle 15, that is, the central runner 14 is in contact with the handle 15 or in contact with it via another member. Also, the state where the ribs 3 are sufficiently pulled towards the umbrella shaft 5, that is, the movement of the central runner 14 cannot pull the ribs 3 any further towards the umbrella shaft 5. In short, this is the closed state of the umbrella 1 (fully closed state).

[0030] In other words, the rotation of the central ferrule 14 causes the other end 6b of the tensioning member 6 to rotate around the umbrella shaft 5, moving the entire tensioning member 6 so as to wrap around the umbrella shaft 5 and pull the core material 4 into the space between the umbrella shaft 5 and the ribs 3. As a result, the taut portion 2a of the umbrella fabric 2 to which the core material 4 is attached is pulled in and housed between the umbrella shaft 5 and the ribs 3. This allows the umbrella 1 to be closed while the taut portion 2a of the umbrella fabric 2 is wrapped around the umbrella shaft 5 on the inside of the ribs 3, as shown in Figure 10.

[0031] The user stops moving the lower runner 11 and the middle runner 14 toward the handle 15 before rotating the middle runner 14. This allows the umbrella fabric 2 to be rolled up in a more controlled shape compared to rotating the middle runner 14 while moving the lower runner 11 and the middle runner 14 toward the handle 15. In this process, the user holds the lower potter's wheel 11 with one hand and rotates the middle potter's wheel 14 with the other. This allows the user to adjust the amount and strength of the molten clay rolled into the wheel. Furthermore, since the user rotates the middle potter's wheel 14, there is no need to provide a spiral groove for rotating the middle potter's wheel 14.

[0032] Then, by fitting the lower part 14b of the central ferrule 14 into the handle 15, the locking mechanism 7 is activated, preventing the expansion portion 2a of the central ferrule 14 from rotating in the direction of expansion (opposite to the winding direction) (Figure 1(D)). In other words, with the expansion portion 2a wound between the umbrella shaft 5 and the main rib 3, the rotation of the central ferrule 14 is locked, preventing the umbrella fabric 2 from expanding and keeping the umbrella 1 closed.

[0033] To open the closed umbrella 1, simply pull the lower part 14b of the middle ferrule 14 away from the handle 15, that is, release the lock by the locking mechanism 7, and move the lower ferrule 11 and the middle ferrule 14 toward the upper ferrule 10. As the lower ferrule 11 moves toward the upper ferrule 10, each rib 3 spreads out radially, stretching the umbrella fabric 2. Accordingly, each core material 4 also spreads out radially, pulling each tension member 6. In this state, the lock by the locking mechanism 7 is released, so the middle ferrule 14 is pulled by each tension member 6 and rotates in the opposite direction to the winding direction.

[0034] In this way, when the umbrella 1 is closed and the central runner 14 is rotated, the stretched portion 2a of the umbrella fabric 2 is wound around the umbrella shaft 5, so the user does not need to manually handle the stretched portion 2a of the umbrella fabric 2. Therefore, the user's hands will not get wet. Furthermore, when closing the umbrella 1, the expanded portion 2a of the umbrella fabric 2 can be hidden inward. This allows the part that gets wet from the rain to be hidden, preventing the user's hands or clothes from getting wet.

[0035] When the umbrella 1 is closed, the taut portion 2a of the umbrella fabric 2 can be wrapped around the umbrella shaft 5 for storage. Therefore, the closed umbrella 1 can be folded into a slim shape.

[0036] Furthermore, when the umbrella 1 is closed, the stretched portion 2a of the umbrella fabric 2 can be hidden, resulting in a cleaner appearance and providing a new and unprecedented umbrella design 1. Furthermore, when closing the umbrella 1, the stretched portion 2a of the umbrella fabric 2 can be rolled inward, eliminating the need to secure the umbrella fabric 2 with a cord after closing the umbrella 1, thus eliminating the need for a cord. This also contributes to a cleaner appearance, allowing us to offer a completely new umbrella design.

[0037] Furthermore, its simple structure, which involves manually rotating the 14-inch potter's wheel, allows for lower manufacturing costs and a lighter weight. Furthermore, the central ferrule 14 can be stopped and rotated after being sufficiently pulled towards the handle 15 on the umbrella shaft 5. This allows the umbrella fabric 2 to be sufficiently loosened before being rolled up, ensuring that it is rolled up securely and evenly.

[0038] Furthermore, since winding can begin after moving one end 6a (connecting part) of the tensioning member 6 sufficiently toward the outer end 4b of the core material 4, it is easier to wind the entire tensioning member 6 around the umbrella shaft 5. This makes it easier to wind the entire tensioning member 6 around the umbrella shaft 5 compared to when the central ferrule 14 rotates in conjunction with its movement on the umbrella shaft 5, that is, when rotation begins before the central ferrule 14 is sufficiently pulled toward the handle 15 on the umbrella shaft 5. Furthermore, the user can adjust the amount and strength of the winding by rotating the central ferrule 14 themselves to wind the umbrella fabric 2 between the umbrella shaft 5 and the main ribs 3.

[0039] In other words, since the user rotates the central runner 14 themselves, compared to the case where a spiral groove is provided on the umbrella shaft 5 and the central runner 14 rotates along the groove, the start and end of the rotation of the central runner 14, the speed of rotation, etc., are not restricted by the spiral groove. Therefore, the user can start and stop the rotation of the central runner 14 from any position on the umbrella shaft 5. The user can adjust the degree to which the umbrella fabric 2 is rolled up to their liking while observing how much it is rolled up and then fold it. [Industrial applicability]

[0040] This invention can be used in umbrella-shaped structures such as rain umbrellas, parasols, Japanese-style umbrellas, beach umbrellas, garden umbrellas, and other sunshade umbrellas. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 1 Umbrella (umbrella-like structure) 2 Umbrella cloth 2a The stretched section between the ribs of the umbrella fabric. 3 main bone 4 Core material 5 Umbrella shaft 6. Tension member 7. Locking mechanism 11. Lower potter's wheel 14 Medium potter's wheel 15 Handle

Claims

1. Core material provided in each of the stretched sections between the main ribs of the umbrella fabric, A middle ferrule is provided on the lower ferrule and moves along the umbrella shaft together with the lower ferrule, and is also rotatable around the umbrella shaft by the user's operation, The system comprises a tensioning member connecting the core material and the central turntable, When the lower and middle runners are moved toward the handle and the ribs are pulled toward the umbrella shaft, and the tension of the umbrella fabric is loosened, the middle runner is rotated by the user, causing the stretched portion to be caught between the umbrella shaft and the ribs by the tensioning member. An umbrella-shaped structure characterized by the following:

2. The umbrella-shaped structure according to claim 1, further characterized by comprising a locking mechanism that prevents the rotation of the central ferrule while the expanded portion is wrapped around the umbrella shaft and the main ribs.

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