UMBRELLA WITH ANTI-INVERSION MECHANISM

Abstract

An umbrella includes an anti-inversion mechanism configured to apply a force to each rib assembly that counteracts any inversion force applied to the umbrella. The anti-inversion mechanism includes a first elongated element that is coupled at one end to a rib of the plurality of ribs. The umbrella also includes a second elongated element that has one end coupled to the first elongated element. 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 element. The first connector and the second connector are coupled together to securely attach the second elongated element to the distal rib.

Description

UMBRELLA WITH ANTI-INVERSION MECHANISM CROSS-REFERENCE WITH RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 662,435, filed on October 24, 2019, which is based on, and claims priority from, U.S. provisional patent application 62 / 749,852, filed on October 24, 2018, the full contents of each application being incorporated herein by reference as if expressly set forth in their respective entirety herein. Technical field The present invention relates to umbrellas and, more particularly, to an umbrella rib assembly having an anti-inversion feature. Background As is well known, an umbrella is a device that protects the user from the elements, particularly from rain, snow, and ice, or even from the sun. A traditional umbrella has the following parts: a shaft, a canopy, ribs, a flap, springs, and a ferrule. The shaft is the metal or wooden axle that extends from the umbrella handle at the bottom (or the base support in the case of a patio umbrella) to the canopy at the top. The canopy is the fabric part of the umbrella that catches the rain, wind, and sun. The ribs give an umbrella its structure and shape. The outer ribs support the canopy, and the inner ribs (sometimes called extenders) act as supports and connect the outer ribs to the shaft. A flap slides up and down the shaft while connected to the ribs / extenders and is responsible for opening and closing the canopy.Many umbrella designs include a top spring to hold the flap up when the canopy is open, a bottom spring to hold the flap down when the canopy is closed, and sometimes a center ball spring to extend the shaft length on telescopic models. Strictly ornamental, the ferrule (also called the crown) is located at the top of the umbrella, above the canopy. The ribs of an umbrella function within a folding structure that supports the canopy fabric. Under normal operating conditions, the forces acting on the canopy fabric increase to their maximum values ​​when the canopy is fully extended and when gusts of wind tend to invert it. These forces are transmitted from the canopy to the ribs and can act on the ribs in opposite directions depending on the wind direction. Therefore, the ribs must be strong enough to withstand the forces that can act upon them from either of the two main opposing directions. In addition to their strength requirements, the shape of the umbrella ribs must change from a fairly straight outline when the umbrella is folded to a curved one when the canopy is fully extended. The straight design aims to allow the bent tips to remain parallel to the umbrella's axis when folded, while the curved design provides the typical mushroom shape (also called a bell shape). Compendium In one aspect of the present description, an umbrella is provided and includes an elongated shaft having a first end and an opposite second end and a flange slidably arranged around the elongated shaft. The umbrella includes a plurality of rib assemblies, where each rib assembly includes a first rib portion, a second rib portion, and a third rib portion. The rib assembly is attached to the flange by a strut that moves between open and closed positions, where in the open position, the first, second, and third rib portions are in an extended open position, and in the closed position, the first, second, and third rib portions are in a folded closed position. The umbrella also includes an anti-inversion mechanism configured to apply a force to each rib assembly that counteracts any inversion force applied to the umbrella. The anti-inversion mechanism includes a flexible, elongated structure arranged externally along the second rib section. This structure has a bent first end that connects to the second rib section by passing through an opening formed in the second rib section and anchoring itself within an internal recess. The mechanism also includes a flexible wire with a first end attached to the flexible, elongated structure of the anti-inversion mechanism and a second end attached to a rod tip located at a free distal end of the rib assembly. In one implementation, the umbrella includes an elongated shaft having a first end and an opposite second end, and a flange slidably arranged around the elongated shaft. The umbrella includes a plurality of rib assemblies. Each rib assembly includes a plurality of ribs, each of which includes a distal rib. The rib assembly is attached to the flange by a strut that moves between open and closed positions. In the open position, the plurality of ribs are extended, and in the closed position, the plurality of ribs are folded. The umbrella includes an anti-inversion mechanism configured to apply a force to each rib assembly that counteracts any inversion force applied to the umbrella. The anti-inversion mechanism IVIA / a / ZUZZ / UI ¿ I1 Z includes a first elongated element (e.g., a metal wire) that is coupled at a first end to a rod of the plurality of rods. The umbrella also includes a second elongated element (e.g., a cord) that has a first end coupled to the first elongated element. A first connector is coupled to a distal end of the distal rod; and a second connector is coupled to a second end of the first elongated element, wherein the first connector and the second connector are coupled together to securely join the second elongated element to the distal rod. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Fig. 1 is a top plan view of an example of a double-canopy umbrella according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a side elevation view of a shaft, flange and rod assembly with an anti-inversion mechanism, without showing the hoods and shown in an extended position; Fig. 3 is a side elevation view showing the flange and rod assembly in a partially closed position; Fig. 4 is a close-up view showing the flange and rod assembly in the partially closed position; Fig. 5 is a side view of an anti-inversion mechanism; Fig. 6 is a close-up of a part of the anti-inversion mechanism; Fig. 7 is a side elevation view of a shaft, flange and rod assembly with an anti-inversion mechanism according to another embodiment, without the hoods being shown and shown in a partially folded position; Fig. 8 is a side elevation view showing the flange and rod assembly in an extended position; Fig. 9 is a top and side perspective view of the umbrella in the fully extended position; Figures 10-12 are exploded perspective views of a tip connector system that forms part of the anti-inversion mechanism; and Figures 13-15 are perspective views of the tip connector system in an assembled condition. Detailed description of certain modalities As discussed herein, the present invention is directed to improvements in several components of an umbrella, including, but not limited to, the shaft construction and the rib assembly. As discussed herein, the IVIA / a / ZUZZ / UI ¿ I1 Z Features of the present invention can be implemented with both a manual and an automatic umbrella. Furthermore, the other features can be implemented with other types of umbrellas. Accordingly, the following exposition and figures describe exemplary embodiments implementing the indications of the present invention. Figure 1 shows a top plan view of an umbrella 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing multiple rib assemblies, and Figure 2 is a side elevation view showing the umbrella 100 without the canopy. The umbrella 100 includes a shaft 130 having a first (upper) end and a second opposite (lower) end. The shaft 130 itself may be formed from any number of different components cooperating to provide the shaft 130, and the shaft 130 illustrated in Figure 2 is part of a manual umbrella assembly in which the user manually opens and closes the umbrella. At the first end of the shaft, a cap 141 may be provided for closing the shaft 130, and at the second end, a handle 105 is provided for the user to grip. A movable tab 140 is provided along the shaft 130. The umbrella 100 may have a double-canopy design in which there is a first canopy 110 acting as the main canopy and a second canopy 120 acting as the secondary canopy. Both the first canopy 110 and the second canopy 120 are anchored to the lid at the top of the shaft along their innermost portions, and the second canopy 120 is also joined at its periphery at selected locations to the first canopy 110 as described herein. It is understood that the shape and size of the canopies illustrated are for illustrative purposes only and are not exhaustive of the present invention. Therefore, Fig. 1 shows only one double-canopy design by way of example and is not exhaustive.The outer periphery of the second hood 120 can be arranged along the lower surface of the first hood 110 and, as is known in the art, the first hood can have an open center which is covered by the second hood, but the double hood design acts as ventilation since the seam between the two hoods is open in select locations to allow ventilation. The first hood 110 has a large central opening over which the second hood 120 is positioned to define a ventilation between the two hoods and the peripheral outer edge of the second hood 120 overlaps the first hood 110. The umbrella 100 includes a plurality of rib assemblies that engage with both the cap and the tab 140, resulting in the opening and closing of the rib assembly 200 and the attached canopy (not shown) depending on the direction of movement of tab 140. As described herein, each rib assembly is defined by a series of rib portions 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 means of the MA / a / ZUZZ / UI z ι iz tab 140. The connection between the rod assembly and the flange 140 is made by means of a first strut 210. The strut 210 is an elongated structure having a first end 212 and an opposite second end 214, with the second end 214 pivotally attached to the rod assembly, as explained herein, and the first end 212 pivotally attached to the flange 140. The pivoting connection between the first strut 210 and the flange 140, and between the first strut 210 and the rod assembly, can be achieved with a fastener, such as a rivet or pin, etc. More specifically, a first strut joint (first connection point / pivot) 225 is formed between the first strut 210 and the rod assembly at the second end 214, and a similar strut joint can be formed between the first strut 210 and the flange 140 at the first end 212. The first strut 210 can be made of any number of different materials, including a metal (for example, a zinc alloy). As shown in Fig. 2-6, the rib assembly can be formed from a series of elongated rib components (parts) that are coupled to each other and to other umbrella components to provide a rib assembly that opens and closes. In the illustrated embodiment, each rib assembly includes a plurality of rib parts, and more particularly, the rib assembly includes three distinct rib parts, namely, a first rib part 220, a second rib part 400, and a third rib part 600. The first part of rod 220 includes a first end 222 and an opposite second end 224; the second part of rod 400 includes a first end 410 and an opposite second end 413; and the third part of rod 600 includes a first end 602 and an opposite second end 604. The joints between the 220, 400, and 600 rod parts are pivoting in nature to allow the 200 rod assembly to open and close. More specifically, and as described herein, a pivoting joint or similar feature may be provided between the respective parts to allow the desired rod action when the rod assembly is opened (expanded) and closed (folded). The first end 222 of the first rod part 220 is pivotally connected to the top cap, and the second end 224 is connected to the first end 410 of the second rod part 400 at a pivot joint (pivot point) 414. This pivot joint allows the first rod part 220 and the second rod part 400 to pivot between a fully closed position and a fully open position. A second strut 230 is also provided and extends between the first strut 210 and the second rod 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 rod 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 element 242 that may be hook-shaped or similar. The hook 242 faces the first rod portion 220. A deflection element 240 is attached at an angle between the second strut 230 and the first rod portion 220. The deflection element 240 may comprise an elongated spring attached at its first end to the hook 242 and at its second end to the first rod portion 220 at a connection point 244. The first rod portion 220 may have a C-shaped cross-section, thus providing a central channel in which the deflection element 240 can be received, as shown in Fig. 2-6. The deflection element 240 thereby applies a deflection force to the second strut 230 and the first rod portion 220. In particular, when the umbrella 100 is closed, the deflection element 240 can act to pull the second strut 230 toward the first rod portion 220. Along an upper surface of the first part of rod 220 there is a coupling element 247. The coupling element 247 may be eyelet-shaped. As mentioned, the first end 410 of the second rod portion 400 is pivotally attached to both the first rod portion 220 and the second strut 230, and the second end 413 is pivotally attached to a rod connecting element 500, as described in more detail below. The second rod portion 400 may also have a C-shaped cross-section and thus have a central channel formed within it. The rod joining element 500 has a first end 502 and a second end 504. The rod joining element 500 has two defined pivoting joining regions, and more specifically, a first joining region is defined at the first end 502, while the second end 413 is pivotally attached to this second joining region of the rod joining element 500. The second end 504 of the rod joining element 500 may have a tubular structure to allow the reception of the rod third part 600. The rod third part 600 may be cylindrical and may be in the form of a flexible metal bar. The first end 602 of the rod third part 600 is joined to the second end 504 by being received within an opening in the second end 504 and then fixedly attached to it using any number of conventional techniques, including bonding, etc. Unlike the first part of the 220 rod and the second part of the 400 rod, which have C-shaped cross-sections and can be formed from metal, the third part of the rod MA / a / ZUZZ / UI z ι iz The rod 600 is more flexible and has a solid structure, such as a cylindrical bar. At the second end 604 of the third part of the rod 600, a rod tip 610 is provided. The rod tip 610 can be a metal piece to which the peripheral edge of the first main cap 110 is attached. For example, a hole can be formed through the rod tip 610 through which a portion of the first cap 110 can be extended. The rod tip 610 also includes a protrusion 612 that extends along a section of the lower surface of the rod tip 610. The protrusion 612 is preferably formed from the same material as the rod tip 610, as it is integrally formed and has a hollow construction. The anti-inversion mechanism of the present invention includes a first wire element having a first wire part 300 (wire coupling element for the inner hood), a second wire part 310, a second wire element 700, and a third wire element 800. The first wire element comprises a bent wire structure that is bent to form a first wire portion 300 and a second wire portion 310 extending alongside each other such that the two free ends of the first wire element are close together because the wire element is bent back on itself. The first wire element passes through the coupling element 247 (eyelet) to secure the first wire element to the first rod element 220. The second wire portion 310 is coupled to the second rod element 400 by means of a coupling element 415 located along the upper surface of the second rod element 400. The coupling element 415 may be in the form of a clip or an eyelet to which the second wire portion 310 is attached (i.e., the second wire portion 310 extends through a hole in the coupling element 415). The free end of the first wire part 300 includes a tip element 302, such as a metal tip element, while the free end of the second wire part 310 is attached to the rod joining element 500 at the pivot 312 on the first end 502. As described below, the first end part 300 is coupled to the secondary hood 120 as it provides a means to prevent inversion of the secondary hood 120. The second wire element 700 is an elongated wire (e.g., a metal bar) having a first end 702 and a second opposite end. The first end 702 may be a bent end that is anchored to the second rod portion 400 by passing through the underside of the second rod portion 400 into the central channel defined within the second rod portion 400 and then being permanently attached to it, such as by a rivet or similar fastener. The second wire element 700 is anchored only at its first end 702 and thus represents a flexible cantilever structure that bends under the applied forces as described herein. The second wire element 700 may be a metal wire (e.g., a metal bar) that is rigid and maintains its shape under normal operating conditions.As described herein, the third wire element 800 has a very different form, being more of a thin wire or metal cord that can be easily bent and readily assumes a non-linear shape during normal use. The third wire element 800 has much less rigidity than the second wire element 700, which, under normal conditions of use, maintains its elongated linear shape, except for the intentionally bent end 702. The third wire element 800 may also be made of a synthetic material (polymer), such as a polymer wire, cord, or cable, etc. At the free end of the second 700 wire element, a 710 connector is provided and can be pivotally attached to the free end of the second 700 wire element by means of a rivet or similar fastener. The 710 connector may be a hollow plastic structure into which the free end of the second 700 wire element is received. The 710 connector is also attached to the third 800 wire element, which is much more flexible and thinner than the rigid metal 700 wire element and can therefore be freely bent, etc. The third 800 wire element may be a nylon-coated stainless steel wire. Element 711 may represent a means of attaching the 710 connector to the second 700 wire element. A first end 802 of the third wire element 800 is attached to connector 720, thereby connecting the third wire element 800 to the second wire element 700. A second end 804 of the third wire element 800 is attached to the protrusion 612 of the tip rod 610. In this way, the third wire element 800 is attached to the first main cap 110. It is understood that the third wire element 800 may be a colored wire due to the colored nylon, and in one embodiment, the third wire element 800 is red to differentiate it from what is otherwise a black or stainless steel-colored rod mechanism. The rod assembly can be attached to the first and second hood 110, 120 as follows. The secondary hood 120 is joined to the first rod element 220 by passing an attached thread through the hole 241 to anchor the secondary hood 120 to the first rod element 220. At the inner edge of the first hood 110 where the central opening is formed, the second hood 120 can be anchored to the first hood 110 by means of a stitch (thread) that also captures the wire portion 300. This joining point is located inside the free end 302 of the IVIA / a / ZUZZ / UIZ I1Z wire part 300 which, once against this, is anchored to the peripheral outer edge of the second hood 120 using a rod tip at end 302. Therefore, the length of wire part 300 from the point of attachment to the two hoods 110, 120 to end 302 is not attached to the first hood 110 and extends over it and is freely flexible to counteract inversion forces. The rod joint element 500 has a hole 315 to which the first hood 110 is attached using a thread passing through hole 315 with said thread attached to the first hood 110 to anchor the first hood 110. Additionally, the third rod element 600 can be attached to the first hood 110 using a thread or stitch to anchor the third rod element 600 to the first hood 110. According to one aspect of the present invention, the anti-inversion mechanism, defined by wire elements 300, 310, 700, and 800, is provided and configured to counteract an inversion force applied to the umbrella during selected operating conditions, and in particular, during windy or other adverse conditions. As umbrella users are well aware, if a sudden gust of wind is directed upwards, towards the inside of the umbrella, the pressure exerted by the wind will invert the canopy, causing the ribs to be forced counterproductively outwards. Generally, the canopy assumes a concave shape when inversion occurs, and similarly, the ribs are forced to pivot in undesirable directions, which can lead to the breakage of one or more ribs. This renders the umbrella unusable.The umbrella of the present invention has the anti-inversion mechanism which is composed of several components that were analyzed individually above. The 800 wire / cable can therefore be considered an anti-inversion wire that connects the anti-inversion mechanism to the tip of the 610 hood as described herein. The 800 wire can be, and preferably is, in the form of a nylon-coated stainless steel wire. However, other structures, such as Kevlar or other types of high-strength fibers, may also be suitable. Wire 700 can be configured to act as an anti-inversion spring, applying a counterforce to resist the umbrella's inversion 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 deflecting force to maintain the rib assembly, and in particular the third rib section 600, etc., in a normal operating position. This deflecting force counteracts the upward movement of the third rib section 600 resulting from an applied inversion force (e.g., a sudden upward gust of wind). The resistance of wire 800 prevents the outer periphery of the canopy from inverting by being lifted upwards (which causes stress on the parts and likely breakage). The rod portions 220, 400, and 600 can be made of any number of different materials, and it is understood that, according to the present invention, the rods 220, 400, and 600 can be made of two or more different materials. For example, the rod portions 220 and 400 can be made of a metal, such as aluminum; however, according to one aspect of the present invention, the rod portion 600 can be made of a carbon material (e.g., corrugated carbon). As shown in Fig. 5, in the folded state, the second wire element 700 is positioned close to (attached to and parallel with) the second rod section 400. However, in the fully open position, the free end of the second wire element 700 bends downward from the second rod section 400 and is separated from it. This free end can act as a spring element, storing energy due to its downward deflection and cantilevered structure. Similarly, the third wire 800, in the closed state, is attached to and runs parallel to the third rod section 600, as shown. However, in the open position, wire 800 is moved away from the third rod section 600 by the deflected wire element 700 and is therefore under tension. It will also be understood that while elements 300, 700, and 800 are described as wire elements, these elements are not limited to being wire constructions and can be formed from many types of inelastic materials and can take on various forms, including a rope, a wire, a ribbon, etc. These elements can be bent but do not elongate when subjected to a force (inelastic). Figures 7-9 illustrate an example umbrella 1000 in which an anti-inversion mechanism or system 1100 can be implemented. As with the modality in Figures 1-6, it will be appreciated that the incorporation in Figures 7-9 is only one type of umbrella in which system 1100 can be implemented, and system 1100 can be implemented in many different types of umbrellas. Umbrella 1000 can be a single-canopy type umbrella or a double-canopy design, as shown in Figures 1-6. Since Umbrella 1000 is similar to Umbrella 100, similar elements are numbered in the same way. In particular, Umbrella 1000 may include many of the same parts as Umbrella 100, and therefore the same figure legends are used to represent the parts that both Umbrella 1000 and Umbrella 100 have in common. The umbrella 1000 includes a plurality of rib assemblies 1010 that attach to both the cap and the flange 140, resulting in the opening and closing of the rib assembly 1010 and the attached canopy (not shown) depending on the direction of movement of the IVIA / a / ZUZZ / UI ¿ I1 ¿ tab. 140. As described herein, each rod assembly is defined by a series of rod parts that are pivotally attached to one another to allow folding and extension of the rod assembly in response to the opening and closing of the hood by means of tab 140. Each 1010 rod assembly can be very similar to the 200 rod assembly construction, with the difference that the first wire element has a different construction to accommodate a single hood of Fig. 7-9 as opposed to the double-hood design of Fig. 1-6. In particular, the first wire portion 300 is eliminated, while the second wire portion 310 is retained. The second wire portion 310 terminates at the coupling element 247 instead of being bent back to form the first wire portion 300 as in the first embodiment (Fig. 1-6). Furthermore, although the 1000 umbrella is a three-rib type umbrella, it will be appreciated that the 1100 anti-inversion system is not limited to implementation in a three-rib type umbrella. Instead, the 1100 anti-inversion system can be implemented in a rib construction with more than three ribs in total. In the three-rib type umbrella illustrated, the 1100 anti-inversion system is incorporated between the second and third ribs, as shown and described herein. The 1100 anti-inversion system includes the first elongated element comprising the second wire portion (a first elongated element) 310, a second elongated element, and a third elongated element. It will be noted that the second elongated element may be the same as, or similar to, the second wire element 700, and the third elongated element may be the same as, or similar to, the third wire element 800. As explained herein, each of these elements 310, 700, and 800 is not limited to being a wire but can take many different forms, such as a wire, a rope, or a ribbon. This is especially true of the first and third elongated elements 310 and 800. A key difference between the 1000 umbrella and the 100 umbrella is how the third elongated element 800 is coupled to the third rod section 600. Again, the coupling technique described below is not limited to attaching the third elongated element 800 to the third rod section 600, but is generally a way to couple the third elongated element 800 to any distal rod (for example, in a two-rib umbrella, the distal rod is the second rib). It will be appreciated that the joining method described below can be implemented in the umbrella construction shown in Figures 1-6. It will be noted that although the second part of rod 400 can be in the form of a stamped metal rod, it can also take other forms, such as injection-molded plastic or other material, and is therefore not limited to being a metal rod. The second elongated element 700, which can be a wire or a bendable metal bar, is joined at one end to the second part of rod 400. As shown, the second elongated element 700 is attached to the third elongated element 800 at their respective ends. In many embodiments, the second elongated element 700 and the third elongated element 800 are made of different materials. For example, the second elongated element 700 may be in the form of a rigid or flexible metal rod or wire, and the third elongated element 800 may be in the form of a thinner rope, wire, or cable. In particular, as shown in Fig. 8, a connector 1009 can be used to connect the second elongated element 700 and the third elongated element 800. In one embodiment, the third elongated element 800 (rope) can be overmolded onto the connector 1009 to provide a secure connection between the third elongated element 800 and the connector 1009. The second end of the second elongated element 700 is attached to the connector 1009, and a first end of the third elongated element 800 is attached to the connector 1009. The connector 1009 can thus provide a means of joining two different structures made of two different materials. The method of joining the third elongated element 800 (e.g., wire, string, or tape) to the third rod part 600 is best shown in Fig. 10-15. More specifically, the umbrella 1000 includes a tip connection system 1001 that allows the third elongated element 800 to be easily joined to the third rod part 600. In general, a first connector 1200 (first coupling part) that is associated with the third elongated element 800 is coupled to a second connector 1300 (second coupling part) that is associated with the third rod part 600 to join the third elongated element 800 to the third rod part 600. As described herein, the joining mechanism may be of a mechanical type in which a press fit or similar may be formed between the third elongated element 800 and the third rod part 600. More specifically, the first connector 1200 is provided for attachment to the distal end of the third rod portion 600. Therefore, the first connector 1200 is fixedly attached to the end of the third rod portion 600, and similarly, the second connector 1300 is provided for attachment to the distal end of the third elongated element 800. The first coupling portion 1200 can be considered an inner tip, while the second connector 1300 can be considered an outer tip. As described herein, the inner tip is configured to be received within the outer tip. Therefore, the first connector 1200 can be considered a male part, and the second connector 1300 can be considered a female part. The first 1200 connector is thus located at the distal end 604 of the third part of the rod 600. The first connector 1200 may be a generally cylindrical part that caps the distal end 604 of the third rod part 600. The first connector 1200 includes a pair of locking tabs (first locking element) 1210 projecting outward along the sides of the first connector 1200. For example, the locking tabs 1210 may be positioned opposite each other (180 degrees apart) along the sides of the first mating part 1200. In the illustrated embodiment, the first connector 1200 has a pair of planes 1209 formed along the sides of the first connector 1200, and the two locking tabs 1210 are formed along these two planes 1209. Each of the locking tabs 1210 may have a rounded construction. One end 1203 (a proximal end) of the first connector 1200 may be enlarged relative to the other section of the first connector 1200, and more specifically, end 1203 may be an annular flange that also acts as a stop, as described herein. More specifically, once the first connector 1200 is received into the second connector 1300, the first connector 1200 is inserted until flange 1203 seats against the open end of the second connector 1300. As shown, the first 1200 connector can completely cover the distal end 604 of the third part of the 600 rod. In one embodiment, the first connector 1200 can be joined 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 part 1200 can be a prefabricated part that is joined to the distal end 604 by means of a bonding agent (adhesive) or by means of other techniques. The first 1200 connector can then be considered a male part since it has a cap shape at the end of the distal end 604. The second connector 1300 is arranged at the distal end of the third elongated element 800 as shown. The second connector 1300 has a main portion 1302 that is in the form of a hollow cylindrical piece with a hollow interior 1304, which is accessed by a first open end 1303 of the second connector 1300. A second opposite end 1305 is a closed end of the second connector 1300. Within the main portion 1302, a pair of openings or margins (second locking element) 1310 are formed. In particular, the spacing and locations of the margins 1310 are complementary to the locations and spacing of the locking tabs 1210, as the locking tabs 1210 are slidably received within the margins 1310 to effect a secure coupling between the two connectors 1200, 1300.Therefore, the axial length of the hollow interior 1304 is selected in view of the axial (longitudinal) length of the first connector 1200 so that when the first connector. IVIA / a / ZUZZ / UI ¿ I1 Z Connector 1200 is received within the hollow interior 1304, with the distal end of the first connector 1200 abutting the distal end of the hollow interior 1304. Simultaneously, the locking tabs 1210 engage the margins 1310 to effectively couple the first connector 1200 to the second connector 1300. In other words, the engagement of the locking tabs 1210 with the margins 1310 can be described as a press-fit coupling, and more specifically, it is a one-way, irreversible coupling, as the first connector 1200 is not intended to be disconnected from the second connector 1300. The coupling between the two connectors 1200 and 1300 can be considered a clipping action. The second connector 1300 also includes an extension 1350 that is an integral part of and extends outward from the main part 1302. The extension 1350 extends longitudinally along a section (a length) of the main part 1302. The extension 1350 serves as a fixation for the third elongated element 800 in that a distal end of the third elongated element 800 is securely attached to the extension 1350. The extension 1350 is separated from the hollow interior 1304 to effectively locate and position the third elongated element 800 away from the hollow interior 1304, as the third elongated element 800 cannot interfere with the reception of the first mating part 1200 into the second mating part 1300. The distal end of the third elongated element 800 is attached to the extension 1350 using any number of suitable techniques. For example, the distal end can be anchored by an overmolding process in which the extension 1350 (and the entire second connector 1300) is formed around the third elongated element 800. The extension 1350 can be considered to lie along the underside of the second connector 1300. Other techniques, such as the use of a bonding agent, can be used to anchor the third elongated element 800 to the extension 1350. Figures 13-15 illustrate the first and second connectors (inner / outer tips) 1200, 1300 in the assembled condition with the first mating part (inner tip) 1200 fully inserted into the hollow interior 1304 of the second connector 1300. As mentioned, the locking between the two connectors 1200, 1300 occurs because the locking tabs are received at the margins. The front edge of the locking tab 1210 may be a beveled edge to allow the locking tabs 1210 to be received in the margins 1310. The beveled edge allows the second connector 1300 to flex in order to allow the first connector 1200 to pass into the hollow interior 1304, and since the tabs 1210 define the widest part of the first connector 1200, once the tabs 1210 are received in the margins 1310, any flexing is released. ινΐΛ / a / zuzz / ui ¿ iiz The present 1001 tip connection system is configured to provide a means of attaching the third elongated element 800 (rope, wire, tape) to the distal end of a rod, in this case, the third rod portion 600. Using two connecting pieces, a simple yet effective connection can be established between the third elongated element 800 and the third rod portion 600. In this way, the anti-inversion mechanism can be easily incorporated into the umbrella design, and the connection between the anti-inversion mechanism and the rod assembly can be achieved using the 1001 tip connection system. It will also be appreciated that it is possible to construct the 1001 tip connection system so that the first connector 1200 is associated with the third elongated element 800 and the second connector 1300 is associated with the rod 600. Although the invention has been described in relation to certain embodiments thereof, it can be implemented in other ways and using other materials and structures. Accordingly, the invention is defined by the references in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An umbrella comprising: an elongated shaft having a first end and an opposite second end; a flange slidably arranged around the elongated shaft; and a plurality of rib assemblies, wherein each rib assembly includes a plurality of ribs including a distal rib, wherein the rib assembly is attached to the flange by a strut movable between open and closed positions, wherein, in the open position, the plurality of ribs are in an extended and open position and, in the closed position, the plurality of ribs are in a folded and closed position; an anti-inversion mechanism configured to apply to each rib assembly a force counteracting an inversion force applied to the umbrella, wherein the anti-inversion mechanism includes a first elongated element coupled at a first end to a rib of the plurality of ribs;a second elongated element having a first end coupled to the first elongated element; a first connector coupled to a distal end of the distal rod; and a second connector coupled to a second end of the first elongated element, wherein the first connector and the second connector couple to each other to securely join the second elongated element to the distal rod.

2. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the first elongated element comprises a metal wire and the second elongated element comprises a rope.

3. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the plurality of rods comprises a first rod, a second rod, and a third rod comprising the distal rod, wherein the second elongated element comprises a rigid metal wire with the first end of the second elongated element being coupled to the second rod, and the second elongated element comprises a cord.

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

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

6. The umbrella of claim 5, wherein the third connector comprises a molded structure with the second elongated element incorporated into the molded structure by an overmolding process.

7. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the first connector comprises a male MA / a / ZUZZ / UI z ι iz 17 part and the second connector comprises a female part, wherein the male part is received by press fit within the female part.

8. The umbrella of claim 7, wherein the first connector includes at least one locking tab that is received within at least one formed margin in the second connector to securely join the first connector to the second connector.

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

10. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the first connector comprises a plastic piece surrounding the distal end of the distal rod, which is incorporated within the plastic piece by an overmolding process.

11. The umbrella of claim 10, wherein the plastic piece includes a flared end that sits against an open end of the second connector when the first and second connectors are coupled together.

12. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the second connector comprises a plastic having a hollow main part with a first open end and a second opposite closed end, wherein the hollow main part receives the first connector, wherein further the second connector includes an integral extension projecting outward from a side wall of the hollow main part, wherein the second elongated element is coupled to the extension.

13. The umbrella of claim 12, wherein the second elongated element comprises a rope that is incorporated within the extension by an overmolding process.

14. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the first elongated element is arranged externally along a rod and has a first bent end that joins the rod by passing through an opening formed in the rod and is anchored within a hollow interior of the rod.

15. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the first connector is coupled to the second connector by an irreversible snap fit defined by locking tabs, which are formed along the first connector, which are received within margins formed along the second connector.

16. An umbrella comprising: an elongated shaft having a first end and an opposite second end; a flange slidably arranged around the elongated shaft; and a plurality of rib assemblies, wherein each rib assembly includes a plurality of ribs including a distal rib, wherein the rib assembly is attached to the flange by a strut movable between open and closed positions, wherein, in the open position, the plurality of ribs are in an extended and open position and, in the closed position, the plurality of ribs are in a folded and closed position; an anti-inversion mechanism configured to apply to each rib assembly a force counteracting an inversion force applied to the umbrella, wherein the anti-inversion mechanism includes a first elongated element coupled at a first end to a rib of the plurality of ribs;a second elongated element having a first end coupled to the first elongated element; an inner tip that couples to a distal end of the distal rod and includes a first locking element; and a hollow outer tip that couples to a second end of the first elongated element and includes a second locking element, wherein the inner tip is received within the hollow outer tip and the first locking element engages with the second locking element to securely attach the second elongated element to the distal rod.

17. The umbrella of claim 16, wherein the first elongated element comprises a rigid metal structure and a rigid plastic structure, and the second elongated element comprises a wire, cable, and rope.

18. The umbrella of claim 17, wherein the distal end of the distal rod is incorporated within the inner tip and the second elongated element is incorporated within the hollow outer tip.

19. The umbrella of claim 18, wherein the second elongated element is incorporated in a location that is laterally offset from an inlet in the hollow outer tip so as not to interfere with the reception of the inner tip within the hollow outer tip.

20. The umbrella of claim 16, wherein the first locking element comprises a pair of locking tabs and the second locking element comprises a pair of margins configured to receive the pair of tabs to lock the outer tip with respect to the hollow outer tip.

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