Umbrella and fulcrum joint

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a technique capable of suppressing rattling of ribs against wind pressure, in an umbrella. [Solution] An umbrella (1) is provided with: a shaft (21) that has an upper runner (22) and a lower runner (23); a plurality of ribs (3) that are provided to the upper runner (22) in the circumferential direction, and that are each provided with an inner rib (31) which has a base end rotatably connected to the upper runner (22) and with an outer rib (32) which is connected to the corresponding inner rib (31) so as to be foldable to the inner side and to the outer side of the umbrella (1) and which can be bent with respect to wind pressure, in addition to being foldable with respect to the inner rib (31), due to having imparted thereto a restoring force to the reference position at expansion of the umbrella (1) and having a tapered shape; and a plurality of stretchers (4) that are provided to the lower runner (23) in the circumferential direction, that each have a base end rotatably connected to the corresponding lower runner (23), and that each have a tip connected to the tip portion of the corresponding inner rib (31).

Description

Umbrella and fulcrum joints

[0001] The present invention relates to an umbrella.

[0002] Conventionally, there is an umbrella in which a coil spring is provided in the middle of the ribs extending radially from the upper roller, allowing the ribs to bend back in response to wind pressure and deflect the wind pressure (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-206505

[0004] The umbrella in Patent Document 1 simply has a coil spring installed in the middle of the ribs of an existing umbrella, and is unable to flexibly deflect large amounts of wind pressure, making the ribs prone to flapping in response to wind pressure.

[0005] The present invention is, for example, as follows. Below, reference numerals in the drawings are used for reference. [1] Referring to Figure 1, an umbrella (1) comprises: a central shaft (21) having an upper turntable (22) and a lower turntable (23); a plurality of ribs (3) arranged circumferentially around the upper turntable (22), each of which has an inner rib (31) whose base end is rotatably connected to the upper turntable (22); and outer ribs (32) that are foldably connected to the inner rib (31) on the inside and outside of the umbrella (1), and that are given a restoring force to a reference position when the umbrella (1) is unfolded and have a tapered shape, so that they can bend relative to the inner rib (31) and flex in response to wind pressure; and a plurality of support ribs (4) arranged circumferentially around the lower turntable (23), each of which has a base end rotatably connected to the lower turntable (23) and a tip end rotatably connected to the tip end of the inner rib (31). [2] An umbrella (1) comprising: a plurality of ribs (3) arranged circumferentially around a top roller (22) on a center shaft (21); an inner rib (31) rotatably connected to the top roller (22); and outer ribs (32) connected to the inner rib (31) so as to bend inward and outward of the umbrella (1), and having a tapered shape that provides a restoring force to a standard position when the umbrella (1) is unfolded, and that can bend relative to the inner rib (31) and flex in response to wind pressure. [3] Referring to Figure 5, the umbrella (1) described in [1] or [2], wherein the outer rib (32) is solid and has a cross-sectional shape that is flattened inward and outward of the umbrella (1). [4] The umbrella (1) described in [1] or [2], wherein the inner rib (31) is made of metal. [5] Referring to Figure 6, in the umbrella (1) described in [1] or [2], in the direction in which the ribs (3) extend, the distance (H) from the connection point (F) between the inner rib (31) and the support ribs (4), which are provided in a circumferential direction around the lower roller (23) provided on the center shaft (21), and whose base ends are rotatably connected to the lower roller (23) and whose tips are rotatably connected to the tips of the inner ribs (31) to the connection center (S) between the inner rib (31) and the outer rib (32) is 1 / 30 or less of the length of the ribs (3).[6] Referring to Figure 10, in the umbrella (1) described in [1] or [2], the inner rib (31) comprises: an inner rib body (310) whose base end is rotatably connected to the upper turntable (22); and a fulcrum joint (53) made of resin, fixed to the inner rib body (310), provided in a plurality of positions circumferentially around the outer ribs (32) and the lower turntable (23) provided on the center shaft (21), whose base end is rotatably connected to the lower turntable (23), and whose tip is rotatably connected to the tip of the inner rib (31). [7] Referring to Figure 11, in the umbrella described in [6], the outer rib (32) has a shaft portion (321) extending on both sides in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the center shaft (21), and the tip of the fulcrum joint (53) is formed with a pair of arms (311) having a bearing portion (312) that rotatably receives the shaft portion (321), and hinge springs (521, 522) that press the outer surface of the base end of the outer rib (32) when the outer rib (32) rotates and apply a restoring force to the outer rib (32) to a reference position. [8] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, in the umbrella described in [6], the outer rib (32) has a shaft portion (321) extending on both sides in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the center shaft (21), the fulcrum joint (53) is formed with a pair of arms (311) having bearing portions (312) that rotatably receive the shaft portion (321), and at least one of the shaft portions (321) extends to the outside of the arm portion (311) through the bearing portion (312), The umbrella (1) comprises a coil portion (511) fitted onto the shaft portion (321), a first arm portion (512) extending from the coil portion (511) and connecting to the inner rib (31), and a second arm portion (513) extending from the coil portion (511) and connecting to the outer rib (32), and is equipped with a torsion coil spring (51) that imparts a restoring force to the outer rib (32) to return it to a reference position.[9] Referring to FIG. 8, in the umbrella (1) described in [1] or [2], the outer rib (32) has a shaft portion (321) extending on both sides in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the center shaft (21), the tip of the inner rib (31) is formed with a pair of arms (311) having bearing portions (312A) that rotatably receive the shaft portion (321), and at least one of the shaft portions (321) extends to the outside of the arm portion (311) through the bearing portion (312A), The umbrella (1) comprises a coil portion (511) fitted onto the shaft portion (321), a first arm portion (512) extending from the coil portion (511) and connecting to the inner rib (31), and a second arm portion (513) extending from the coil portion (511) and connecting to the outer rib (32), and is equipped with a torsion coil spring (51) that imparts a restoring force to the outer rib (32) to return it to a reference position.

[10] Referring to Figure 12, the umbrella (1) described in [1] or [2] is provided with a wave-shaped rod spring (54) that connects the outer ribs (32) to the inner ribs (31) while separating them from each other and applies the restoring force to the outer ribs (32), and the wave-shaped rod spring (54) has a first end connected to the inner rib (31) and a second end connected to the outer rib (32), and a wave-shaped portion (521) is formed in the center of the umbrella (1) that applies a restoring force to the second end in response to deformation of the second end.

[11] Referring to Figure 13, in the umbrella (1) described in [1] or [2], the main ribs (3) are fixed to the inner ribs (31) with their first ends inserted into the interior of the inner ribs (31) from the tip surface of the inner ribs (31), and their second ends are connected to the outer ribs (32), and the outer ribs (32) are connected to the inner ribs (31) while spaced apart from the inner ribs (31), and the umbrella (1) is equipped with a coil spring (56) that applies a restoring force to the outer ribs (32) to return them to their reference position.

[12] In the umbrella (1) described in [1] or [2], the outer ribs (32) are made of a thermoplastic resin containing a fibrous filler.

[13] Referring to Figure 10, a fulcrum joint (53) for an umbrella (1) is provided, in which an outer rib (32) constituting the tip side of a main rib (3) is foldably connected to the inside and outside of the umbrella (1) relative to an inner rib (31) constituting the base end side of the main rib (3), and a restoring force to a reference position is applied when the umbrella (1) is opened, and the tip of a support rib (4) is connected to the tip of the inner rib (31), wherein the inner rib (31) comprises an inner rib body (310) whose base end is rotatably connected to the center shaft (21) of the umbrella (1), and the fulcrum joint (53), and the fulcrum joint (53) is made of resin and fixed to the tip of the inner rib body (310), and the outer rib (32) and the support rib (4) are rotatably connected to the fulcrum joint (53).

[14] Referring to Figure 11, in the fulcrum joint (53) described in

[13] , the exoskeleton (32) has an axial portion (321) extending on both sides in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the central shaft (21), and the tip of the fulcrum joint (53) is formed with a pair of arm portions (311) having bearing portions (312) that rotatably receive the axial portion (321), and hinge springs (521, 522) that press the outer surface of the base end of the exoskeleton (32) when the exoskeleton (32) rotates and apply a restoring force to the exoskeleton (32) to a reference position.

[15] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, in the fulcrum joint (53) described in

[13] , the outer rib (32) has a shaft portion (321) extending on both sides in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the center shaft (21), the fulcrum joint (53) is formed with a pair of arms (311) having bearing portions (312) that rotatably receive the shaft portion (321), and at least one of the shaft portions (321) extends to the outside of the arm portion (311) through the bearing portion (312), The coil portion (511) of the torsion coil spring (51) is fitted onto the shaft portion (321), a first arm portion (512) extending from the coil portion (511) of the torsion coil spring (51) is connected to the fulcrum joint (53), and a second arm portion (513) extending from the coil portion (511) of the torsion coil spring (51) is connected to the exoskeleton (32), and the fulcrum joint (53) applies a restoring force to the exoskeleton (32) to a reference position.

[0006] 1 is a schematic diagram of an umbrella; 2 is a perspective view of an umbrella seen from below; 3 is an enlarged view illustrating the structure of a dowel; and 4 is a view illustrating the variable state of the outer ribs from calm to strong winds. 5 (A) is a perspective view of an outer rib with a circular cross section; 5 (B) is a perspective view of an outer rib with a flattened circular cross section; 6 (A) is a view illustrating the connection center, connection points, and support structure; 6 (B) is a view illustrating a method for connecting the inner rib and outer rib using a shaft; 6 (C) is a view illustrating a method for connecting the inner rib and outer rib using an elastic member; 7 (A) is a side view showing a connection mechanism for the inner rib and outer rib that combines contact connection and a torsion coil spring; 7 (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the connection mechanism; 8 (A) is a side view showing the connection mechanism in which a portion of the hole in the connection mechanism in FIG. 7 is an open receiving portion; 8 (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the connection mechanism; 9 (A) is a side view showing a connection mechanism in which a hinge spring is added to the connection mechanism in FIG. 7. Fig. 9(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the connection mechanism. Fig. 10(A) is a side view showing the connection mechanism in which the tip of the inner bone in the connection mechanism in Fig. 7 serves as a fulcrum joint. Fig. 10(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the connection mechanism. Fig. 11(A) is a side view showing the connection mechanism in which the tip of the inner bone in the connection mechanism in Fig. 9 serves as a fulcrum joint. Fig. 11(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the connection mechanism. Fig. 12(A) is a side view showing a connection mechanism that combines a non-contact connection with a wave rod spring. Fig. 12(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the connection mechanism. Fig. 13(A) is a side view showing a connection mechanism that combines a non-contact connection with a cylindrical coil spring. Fig. 13(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the connection mechanism.

[0007] (1. Basic Structure of Umbrella 1) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the umbrella 1. In this specification, the top and bottom of Figure 1 will be referred to as top and bottom. The umbrella 1 comprises a shaft 2, ribs 3, and support ribs 4. The shaft 2 has a shaft body 21, an upper turntable 22, and a lower turntable 23, and is provided at its lower end with a handle 24 that is gripped by the user.

[0008] The shaft body 21 is longitudinal and cylindrical. The upper spring 22 is fixed to the upper part of the shaft body 21. When the umbrella 1 is closed, the lower spring 23 is held by a lower stopper 26 located at the bottom of the shaft body 21. When the umbrella 1 is opened, the lower stopper 26 is released, allowing the lower spring 23 to move along the shaft body 21. The user then slides the lower spring 23 upward to the position held by the upper stopper 25, which is located on the shaft body 21 above the lower stopper 26 but below the upper spring 22. Alternatively, the lower spring 23 slides upward due to the upward biasing force of the biasing member until it abuts against the rivet 231 (to the position held by the upper stopper 25). With the lower spring 23 held in this position by the upper stopper 25, the umbrella 1 is in an open (spread-open) state, as shown in FIG. 1 . To close the umbrella 1, the user releases the upper lever 25, slides the lower roller 23 downward to the position held by the lower lever 26, and the lower roller 23 is held in that position by the lower lever 26, closing the umbrella 1. Besides the manual opening method described above, the umbrella 1 can also be opened by a jumping method. The umbrella 1 may be a jumping type.

[0009] A plurality of ribs 3 are provided around the periphery of the upper turntable 22 (see Figure 2), with an appropriate number, for example, eight. The tips of the ribs 3 bend at least inward and outward from the umbrella 1, allowing wind pressure to escape from the umbrella 1. A sheet 7 (Figure 2) is stretched between these ribs 3. By allowing the outer ribs 32 to bend up and down relative to the inner ribs 31 and return to their original position, wind pressure acting on the umbrella 1 can be released. This also prevents the outer ribs 32 from bending upward, causing the umbrella 1 to become so-called "ochoko."

[0010] The sheet 7 has a stretchability that allows it to follow the deformation of each rib 3, and preferably has a stretchability of 20% or more. The center of the sheet 7 is passed through the base 211, which is the upper end of the shaft body 21, and is connected by sewing or adhesive to the base 211, multiple points in the direction of extension of each rib 3, and to the tip 33 fitted to the tip of the rib 3. When the umbrella 1 is opened, the ribs 3 curve outward (Fig. 4), with an inclination angle θ (Fig. 4(A)) from the horizontal plane of, for example, 10°.

[0011] The ribs 3 include an inner rib 31 and an outer rib 32. The base end of the inner rib 31 is rotatably connected to the top wheel 22, allowing it to rotate inward and outward relative to the center shaft 2. The inner rib 31 is preferably strong and durable, and not easily bent or broken. The material of the inner rib 31 may be metal, such as iron, stainless steel, or aluminum alloy, or resin, such as thermoplastic resin containing fibrous filler. Increasing the rigidity or mechanical strength of the inner rib 31 allows it to firmly support the base end of the outer rib 32, allowing the outer rib 32 to smoothly change its angle, thereby preventing the umbrella 1 from flapping when subjected to wind pressure. For example, the inner rib 31 is press-formed from an aluminum alloy and has a U-shaped cross-section to reduce weight. Furthermore, the inner rib 31 has a substantially uniform cross-sectional shape along its length.

[0012] The outer ribs 32 are connected to the inner ribs 31 so as to be able to bend inside and outside the umbrella 1, and are given a restoring force to return to the reference position when the umbrella 1 is unfolded.

[0013] A rib 4 is provided for each rib 3, and multiple ribs are provided circumferentially around the lower turntable 23. The base ends of the ribs 4 are rotatably connected to the lower turntable 23, allowing them to rotate inward and outward relative to the center shaft 2. The ends of the ribs 4 are inserted between a pair of arms 611 (FIG. 3) of a dowel 61, and a shaft 612 (FIG. 3) rotatably held by the arms 611 is passed through them. In this manner, the ends of the ribs 4 are rotatably connected to the ends of the inner ribs 31. If the umbrella 1 is a jump-type umbrella, the lower turntable 23 (also known as the middle turntable) to which the ribs 4 are connected is located below the upper turntable 22 on the center shaft body 21. The lowest turntable is located below the lower turntable 23. A coil spring, through which the center shaft body 21 passes, is located between the lower turntable 23 and the lowest turntable. Multiple support ribs are provided circumferentially around the lowest turntable. The lower end of the support rib is connected to the lowest turntable, and the upper end of the support rib is rotatably connected to the middle part of the support rib 4.

[0014] Like the inner ribs 31 , the ribs 4 also preferably have high rigidity or mechanical strength, and the material and cross-sectional shape thereof may be the same as those of the inner ribs 31 .

[0015] (2. Functions and Design of the Inner Rib 31 and Outer Rib 32) In Patent Document 1, a single rib is divided in the middle and connected with a coil spring, and there is no concept of differentiating the functions and designs of the inner rib and outer rib. In this embodiment, the inner rib 31 and outer rib 32 have completely different functions and designs to prevent the rib 3 from flapping in response to wind pressure. Specifically, in this embodiment, the outer rib 32 is made of resin and has a tapered shape.

[0016] Figure 4(A) shows the state of the outer ribs 32 in calm conditions, Figure 4(B) shows the state of weak winds, Figure 4(C) shows the state of a moderately strong wind, and Figure 4(D) shows the state of the outer ribs 32 in strong winds. In Figures 4(A) to 4(D), the state of the outer ribs 32 in calm conditions is indicated by solid lines, and the state of deformation due to wind is indicated by dashed lines. In Figures 4(A) to 4(D), the lower side of the center shaft 2 is not shown. In this embodiment, the outer ribs 32 are bendable relative to the inner ribs 31, allowing for significant deformation relative to the inner ribs 31. At the same time, the outer ribs 32 are made of resin and have a tapered shape, which gives the outer ribs 32 flexibility and allows them to flex. These factors work in harmony, allowing the outer ribs 32 to flex significantly in response to wind pressure and to move flexibly. As a result, the umbrella 1 of this embodiment can significantly release wind pressure and suppress flapping of the umbrella 1, allowing users to use the umbrella 1 comfortably and safely.

[0017] (3. Configuration of the outer ribs 32 in relation to flexibility) (3-1. Material of the outer ribs 32) To ensure that the outer ribs 32 have sufficient functionality to flex greatly in response to wind pressure and return to their original shape, the outer ribs 32 are made of a thermoplastic resin containing a fibrous filler. The thermoplastic resin may be polycarbonate. The fibrous filler may be glass fiber, carbon fiber, cellulose fiber, or the like. Forming the outer ribs 32 from a resin composition containing a fibrous filler can impart high levels of rigidity (particularly bending elasticity), creep characteristics, recovery from flexure, and durability to the outer ribs 32, and can also improve the moldability of the outer ribs 32.

[0018] (3-2. Design of the outer ribs 32) (3-2-1. Shape of the outer ribs 32) Figure 5(A) shows an outer rib 32 with a circular cross section, and Figure 5(B) shows an outer rib 32 with a circular cross section that is flattened. The outer ribs 32 have a tapered shape to allow for greater flexibility. This allows the outer ribs 32 to bend more than if they were not tapered. The outer ribs 32 may have a circular cross section as shown in Figure 5(A) or other shapes. The outer ribs 32 may be flattened inward and outward directions of the umbrella 1 as shown in Figure 5(B) to allow for easier flexibility inward and outward directions of the umbrella 1. The outer ribs 32 may be elliptical or other shapes as long as they are flat. The outer ribs 32 may be solid.

[0019] (3-2-2. Length of outer ribs 32) In order to increase the amount of variability of the outer ribs 32 and further reduce wind pressure on the umbrella 1, it is preferable that the length of the outer ribs 32 in the direction in which the ribs 3 extend be 120% or more of the length of the inner ribs 31.

[0020] (4. Support structure of outer rib 32) Figure 6(A) is a diagram illustrating the connection center S, connection point F, and support structure 6. There are two methods for connecting the inner rib 31 and outer rib 32: a method using an axis as shown in Figure 6(B) and a method using an elastic member as shown in Figure 6(C). When an axis is used, the axis becomes the connection center S between the inner rib 31 and outer rib 32. When an elastic member such as a coil spring is used, the longitudinal center of the elastic member becomes the connection center S between the inner rib 31 and outer rib 32. The tip of the support rib 4 is connected to a dowel fixed to the inner rib 31 using an axis. The axis becomes the connection point F between the support rib 4 and the inner rib 31.

[0021] 6(A), the support structure 6 for the outer ribs 32 is formed by rotatably connecting the inner ribs 31, the support ribs 4, and the portion 212 between the upper turntable 22 and the lower turntable 23 in the center shaft body 21 to each other to form a triangular framework. A truss structure is known in which the load is applied to each element only in the axial direction when a load is applied, and the support structure 6 is similar to a truss structure, and is a strong structure against the input of a load from the base end of the outer ribs 32.

[0022] The connection center S between the inner rib 31 and the outer rib 32 is preferably located near the connection point F, which is the apex of the support structure 6 that has the greatest strength and rigidity. Specifically, in the extension direction of the ribs 3, the distance H from the connection point F to the connection center S between the inner rib 31 and the outer rib 32 is preferably 1 / 30 or less of the length of the rib 3. For example, the distance H is preferably 25 mm or less. As a result, in this embodiment, the base end of the outer rib 32 can be firmly supported by the support structure 6, allowing the outer rib 32 to deform smoothly, suppressing shaking and rattle that occurs in the umbrella 1 due to the movement of the outer rib 32.

[0023] (5. Method of connecting the inner ribs 31 and outer ribs 32) (5-1. Contact, non-contact) The method of connecting the inner ribs 31 and outer ribs 32 includes the following A1) and A2). A1) The inner ribs 31 and outer ribs 32 are connected in a contact state by the shaft and bearing part, and a restoring force is applied to the outer ribs 32 by the variable device. A2) The inner ribs 31 and outer ribs 32 are connected in a separated state by the variable device, and a restoring force is applied to the outer ribs 32 by the variable device.

[0024] (5-2. Fulcrum joint 53) The method of connecting the inner ribs 31 and outer ribs 32 includes the following B) which is included in A1). B) The inner ribs 31 and outer ribs 32 are connected in a contacting state by the fulcrum joint 53 (Figs. 10 and 11), which is a multifunctional part incorporating a fulcrum and joint, and a restoring force is applied to the outer ribs 32 by an external variable device or an internal variable part.

[0025] (5-3. Variable Device) Examples of the variable device that applies a restoring force to the exoskeleton 32 include the following C1) to C4). C1) Torsion coil spring 51 (FIG. 9) C2) Hinge springs 521, 522 (FIG. 9) C3) Wave-shaped rod spring 54 (FIG. 12) C4) Cylindrical coil spring 56 (FIG. 13)

[0026] (6. Combination of A1) Contact Connection and C1) Torsion Coil Spring 51) FIG. 7(A) is a side view showing the connection mechanism 5 between the inner rib 31 and the outer rib 32. FIG. 5(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the connection mechanism 5, with only the inner rib 31 hatched. In the connection mechanism 5, a pair of arms 311 protruding toward the tip and facing each other in the horizontal direction are formed at the tip of the inner rib 31. Holes 312 (bearings) are formed in the arms 311 and penetrating the arms 311. The base end of the outer rib 32 is disposed between the arms 311. The outer rib 32 has shafts 321 extending outward from the base end in the horizontal direction (a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the center shaft 2). The holes 312 rotatably receive the shafts 321.

[0027] The torsion coil spring 51 applies a restoring force to the outer ribs 32, returning them to a reference position (the position of the outer ribs 32 when the umbrella 1 is unfolded and no wind pressure is applied) along the extension direction of the ribs 3. The coil portion 511 of the torsion coil spring 51 is fitted onto a shaft portion 321 protruding outward from the arm portion 311. The tip of an arm portion 512 (first arm portion) extending from one end of the coil portion 511 is bent inward and inserted into a hole 313 formed in the side of the inner rib 31 to connect to the arm portion 512, for example, by adhesive. Similarly, the tip of an arm portion 513 (second arm portion) extending from the other end of the coil portion 511 is bent inward and inserted into a hole 322 formed in the side of the outer rib 32 to connect to the arm portion 513, for example, by adhesive. Such a connection mechanism 5 can smoothly bend the outer rib 32 in the vertical direction relative to the inner rib 31, and can provide the outer rib 32 with a restoring force to return it to its reference position, with a simple configuration.

[0028] The torsion coil spring 51 may be provided on both horizontal sides of the inner rib 31 and the outer rib 32. The connection point F between the support rib 4 and the inner rib 31 is located on the inner rib 31 closer to the base end (the right side in FIG. 7A ) than the connection center S (the central axis of the shaft portion 321) of the outer rib 32 to the inner rib 31 and in the vicinity of the connection center S.

[0029] FIG. 8(A) is a side view showing the connection mechanism 5A. FIG. 8(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the connection mechanism 5A, with only the inner rib 31 hatched. In the connection mechanism 5, the portion of the arm portion 311 that rotatably receives the shaft portion 321 is a closed circular hole portion 312. However, in the connection mechanism 5A, a portion of the hole is opened to form a receiving portion 312A (bearing portion). The other configurations of the connection mechanism 5A are the same as those of the connection mechanism 5. The size of the open portion of the receiving portion 312A is large enough for at least the shaft portion 321 to traverse. In this embodiment, the receiving portion 312A includes an arc-shaped portion that receives the shaft portion 321 and a slit that extends from the arc-shaped portion to the tip of the arm portion 311 and is open at the tip. In this embodiment, the outer rib 32 can be connected to the inner rib 31 by inserting the shaft portion 321 into the receiving portion 312A, sliding it to the back, and placing the torsion coil spring 51 therein, which makes the connection easy.

[0030] (7.C2) Hinge springs 521, 522 added to connection mechanism 5 of FIG. 7) Figure 9(A) is a side view showing connection mechanism 5B. Figure 9(B) is a cross-sectional view showing connection mechanism 5B, with only the inner rib 31 hatched. Connection mechanism 5B adds hinge springs 521, 522 to connection mechanism 5, with the remainder of the configuration being similar to connection mechanism 5. Hinge spring 521 protrudes from the upper side of the tip surface of inner rib 31 (outside of umbrella 1) in Figure 9(A) between arms 311 and is flexible. When outer rib 32 rotates outward from umbrella 1, hinge spring 521 presses against the outer surface of the base end of outer rib 32, urging the base end of outer rib 32 toward the inside of umbrella 1. The hinge spring 522 is flexible and protrudes from the lower side of the tip surface of the inner rib 31 (inside the umbrella 1) in FIG. 9(A) between the arms 311. When the outer rib 32 rotates inward of the umbrella 1, the hinge spring 522 presses against the outer surface of the base end of the outer rib 32, urging the base end of the outer rib 32 toward the inside of the umbrella 1. In the connection mechanism 5B, the hinge springs 521 and 522, in addition to the torsion coil spring 51, can apply a restoring force to the outer rib 32 to its reference position. Note that only one of the hinge springs 521 and 522 may be provided. The torsion coil spring 51 does not have to be provided. The hinge springs 521 and 522 may be provided in the connection mechanism 5A and in the connection mechanism 5C (FIG. 10) described below.

[0031] (8-1. Fulcrum Joint 53) Figure 10(A) is a side view showing the connection mechanism 5C. Figure 10(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the connection mechanism 5C, with only the fulcrum joint 53 hatched. In the connection mechanism 5C, the tip of the inner rib 31 in the connection mechanism 5 of Figure 7 is replaced with a fulcrum joint 53 that is separate from the inner rib 31. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the connection mechanism 5 of Figure 7. In this embodiment, the inner rib 31 comprises an inner rib main body 310 whose base end is rotatably connected to the upper turntable 22, and a fulcrum joint 53 made of resin, fixed to the inner rib main body 310, to which the outer rib 32 and the support rib 4 are rotatably connected. A hole 531 is formed at the base end of the fulcrum joint 53, into which the tip of the inner rib main body 310 is fitted for connection. The rest of the configuration of the fulcrum joint 53 is the same as that of the tip of the inner rib 31 of Figure 7.

[0032] The fulcrum joint 53 can be formed from an appropriate resin, such as a thermoplastic resin containing a fibrous filler, such as glass fiber, to achieve high rigidity and strength. The inner rib body 310 may be made of a metal, such as iron, stainless steel, or aluminum alloy, or may be formed from a thermoplastic resin containing a fibrous filler. The outer rib 32 is rotatably connected to the fulcrum joint 53. The ends of the support ribs 4 are rotatably connected to the fulcrum joint 53 via bosses 61. The bosses 61 may be integral with or separate from the fulcrum joint 53. In this embodiment, the complex-shaped parts are made of resin and separate from the inner rib 31, making it easier to manufacture the umbrella 1. Because the fulcrum joint 53 is an independent part that supports the outer rib 32, the inner rib body 310 can be formed to an appropriate thinness, while the fulcrum joint 53 can be formed to a large thickness, easily ensuring the strength required to support the outer rib 32. Although one end of the torsion coil spring 51 (the right end in FIG. 10A) is connected to the fulcrum joint 53, it may extend to the inner bone body 310 and be connected to the inner bone body 310.

[0033] (8-2. Adding C2 hinge springs 521, 522 to fulcrum joint 53) Fig. 11(A) is a side view showing connection mechanism 5D. Fig. 11(B) is a cross-sectional view showing connection mechanism 5D, with only fulcrum joint 53 hatched. Connection mechanism 5D adds hinge springs 521, 522 to fulcrum joint 53 in connection mechanism 5C; in other words, the tip end of inner rib 31 in connection mechanism 5B in Fig. 9 serves as fulcrum joint 53.

[0034] (9. Combination of A2) Non-Contact Connection and C3) Wave-Shaped Rod Spring 54) FIG. 12(A) is a side view showing the connection mechanism 5E, and shows a cross section of the slippage prevention tube 55. FIG. 12(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the connection mechanism E. In the connection mechanism 5E, the outer rib 32 is bendably connected to the inner rib 31 while separated from the inner rib 31, and the wave-shaped rod spring 54 applies a restoring force to the outer rib 32 toward a reference position. The rib 3 includes the wave-shaped rod spring 54 and the slippage prevention tube 55. The slippage prevention tube 55 is a flexible metal plate rolled into a cylindrical shape. It is fitted between the distal end of the inner rib 31 and the proximal end of the outer rib 32, which is located away from the distal end of the inner rib 31, and is joined to the outer surfaces of the inner rib 31 and the outer rib 32 by adhesive or the like. The slippage prevention tube 55 may be a cylindrical rubber tube or a cylindrical coil. The slippage prevention tube 55 prevents the outer rib 32 from slipping in the cross-sectional direction and the axial direction relative to the inner rib 31. In addition, since the wave-shaped rod spring 54 performs the function of a spring member more than the slippage prevention tube 55, the slippage prevention tube 55 may be omitted.

[0035] The wave-shaped rod spring 54 is a rod-shaped spring member, and is attached to both horizontal side surfaces of the distal end of the inner rib 31 and the proximal end of the outer rib 32 from the outside of the slippage prevention tube 55. A plurality of (e.g., two) pins 541 are provided upright on both longitudinal ends of the wave-shaped rod spring 54. Meanwhile, at the distal end of the inner rib 31 and the proximal end of the outer rib 32, holes 314, 323 are formed at intervals along the extension direction of the inner rib 31 and the outer rib 32 in the central portions in the thickness direction of the inner rib 31 and the outer rib 32. The pins 541 are inserted into the holes 314, 323 and joined with an adhesive or the like.

[0036] In this way, the first end of the corrugated rod spring 54, which is on the right side in Fig. 12(A), is connected to the inner rib 31, and the second end, which is on the left side in Fig. 12(A), is connected to the outer rib 32. A corrugated portion 521 is formed in the longitudinal center of the corrugated rod spring 54. The corrugated portion 521 provides a restoring force to the second end, which is on the left side in Fig. 12(A), in response to deformation of the second end. The dowel 61 is provided inside the umbrella 1 at the tip of the inner rib 31, in a position that does not overlap with the anti-slip tube 55. The midpoint between the tip of the inner rib 31 and the base end of the outer rib 32 is the connection center S between the inner rib 31 and the outer rib 32.

[0037] In this example, the outer ribs 32 are connected to the inner ribs 31 without using any shaft, so they can be bent in any direction, allowing wind pressure to be efficiently released.

[0038] (10. Combination of A2) Non-Contact Connection and C4) Cylindrical Coil Spring 56) Figure 13 is a side view showing a connection mechanism 5F. In the connection mechanism 5F, the outer rib 32 is also bendably connected to the inner rib 31 while separated from the inner rib 31, and a cylindrical coil spring 56 is provided to apply a restoring force to the outer rib 32 toward a reference position. The ribs 3 are configured to include this cylindrical coil spring 56. In the connection mechanism 5E, a first end of the cylindrical coil spring 56 is fixed to the inner rib 31 while being inserted into the inner rib 31 from the distal end surface of the inner rib 31. A second end of the cylindrical coil spring 56 is fixed to the outer rib 32 while being inserted into the outer rib 32 from the proximal end surface of the outer rib 32. Specifically, a hole 315 is formed in the distal end surface of the inner rib 31, and a hole 324 is formed in the proximal end surface of the outer rib 32. A first end of the cylindrical coil spring 56 is inserted into the hole 315 and bonded thereto by adhesive or the like. A second end of the cylindrical coil spring 56 is inserted into the hole 324 and bonded thereto by adhesive or the like. A dowel 61 is provided inside the umbrella 1 at the tip of the inner rib 31.

[0039] In this example, the outer ribs 32 are connected to the inner ribs 31 without using a shaft, so they can be bent in any direction, allowing wind pressure to be efficiently released. The cylindrical coil spring 56 connects to the tip of the inner rib 31, allowing a dowel 61 to be installed at the tip of the inner rib 31. Therefore, in this example, the connection point F between the support ribs 4 and the inner rib 31 can be positioned very close to the tip of the inner rib 31, providing firm support for the outer ribs 32 and reducing rattling of the umbrella 1 caused by deformation of the outer rib 32.

[0040] The present invention can be implemented in the embodiments without departing from its features. The embodiments, variations, and effects are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. The features and structures of the embodiments and variations can be added and combined in various ways to obtain alternative configurations.

[0041] 1...umbrella, 2...center shaft, 3...main rib, 4...support rib, 22...upper turntable, 23...lower turntable, 31...inner rib, 32...outer rib, 53...fulcrum joint, 310...inner rib body.

Claims

1. An umbrella comprising: a central shaft having an upper and lower rollers; a plurality of ribs arranged circumferentially about the upper roller, each of which comprises an inner rib whose base end is rotatably connected to the upper roller; an outer rib which is foldably connected to the inner rib on the inside and outside of the umbrella, and which is given a restoring force to a standard position when the umbrella is opened and has a tapered shape so that it can flex in addition to bending relative to the inner rib in response to wind pressure; and a plurality of ribs which are arranged circumferentially about the lower roller, each of which has a base end rotatably connected to the lower roller and a tip end rotatably connected to the tip of the inner rib.

2. An umbrella comprising: an inner rib which is rotatably connected to a top wheel attached to a central shaft and has a plurality of ribs arranged circumferentially around the top wheel; and an outer rib which is connected to the inner rib so as to be able to bend on the inside and outside of the umbrella, and which is given a restoring force to a standard position when the umbrella is unfolded and has a tapered shape so that it can flex in addition to bending relative to the inner rib in response to wind pressure.

3. An umbrella as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer ribs are solid and have a cross-sectional shape that is flattened inward and outward directions of the umbrella.

4. An umbrella according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner rib is made of metal.

5. An umbrella as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein in the direction in which the ribs extend, the distance from the connection point between the inner rib and a plurality of support ribs, which are provided circumferentially around a lower wheel provided on the center shaft, with their base ends rotatably connected to the lower wheel and their tips rotatably connected to the tip end of the inner rib, to the connection center between the inner rib and the outer rib is 1 / 30 or less of the length of the rib.

6. An umbrella as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner rib comprises: an inner rib body, the base end of which is rotatably connected to the upper wheel; and a fulcrum joint made of resin and fixed to the inner rib body, which is provided in a circumferential direction with respect to the outer rib and the lower wheel provided on the central shaft, the base end of which is rotatably connected to the lower wheel and the tip of which is rotatably connected to the tip of the inner rib, to which a rib is rotatably connected.

7. An umbrella as described in claim 6, wherein the outer rib has an axis extending on both sides in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the central shaft, and the tip of the fulcrum joint is formed with a pair of arms equipped with a bearing portion for rotatably receiving the axis, and a hinge spring for pressing the outer surface of the base end of the outer rib when the outer rib rotates, and for applying a restoring force to the outer rib to a reference position.

8. An umbrella as described in claim 6, wherein the outer rib has a shaft portion extending on both sides in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the central shaft, the fulcrum joint is formed with a pair of arms having a bearing portion for rotatably receiving the shaft portion, at least one of the shaft portions extends through the bearing portion to the outside of the arm portion, and the umbrella has a coil portion fitted to the shaft portion, a first arm portion extending from the coil portion and connecting to the inner rib, and a second arm portion extending from the coil portion and connecting to the outer rib, and is equipped with a torsion coil spring that imparts a restoring force to the outer rib to a reference position.

9. An umbrella as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer rib has a shaft portion extending on both sides in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the central shaft, the tip of the inner rib is formed with a pair of arms having a bearing portion for rotatably receiving the shaft portion, at least one of the shaft portions extends through the bearing portion to the outside of the arms, and the umbrella has a coil portion fitted to the shaft portion, a first arm portion extending from the coil portion and connecting to the inner rib, and a second arm portion extending from the coil portion and connecting to the outer rib, and is equipped with a torsion coil spring that imparts a restoring force to the outer rib to a reference position.

10. An umbrella as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a corrugated rod spring which connects the outer rib to the inner rib while separated from the inner rib and imparts the restoring force to the outer rib, the corrugated rod spring having a first end connected to the inner rib and a second end connected to the outer rib, and a corrugated section formed in the centre which imparts a restoring force to the second end in response to deformation of the second end.

11. An umbrella as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the main rib has a first end fixed to the inner rib with a first end inserted into the inner rib from the tip surface of the inner rib and a second end connected to the outer rib, and is provided with a coil spring which connects the outer rib to the inner rib in a state spaced apart from the inner rib and applies a restoring force to the outer rib to a reference position.

12. An umbrella as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer ribs are formed from a thermoplastic resin containing a fibrous filler.

13. A fulcrum joint used in an umbrella in which an outer rib forming the tip side of a main rib is connected to an inner rib forming the base side of the main rib so as to be bendable on the inside and outside of the umbrella, a restoring force to a reference position is applied when the umbrella is opened, and the tip of a support rib is connected to the tip of the inner rib, wherein the inner rib comprises an inner rib body the base end of which is rotatably connected to a central axis of the umbrella, and the fulcrum joint, the fulcrum joint being made of resin and fixed to the tip of the inner rib body, and the outer rib and support rib are rotatably connected to each other.

14. A fulcrum joint as described in claim 13, wherein the exoskeleton has an axis portion extending on both sides in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the central axis, and the tip of the fulcrum joint is formed with a pair of arms having bearing portions for rotatably receiving the axis portion, and a hinge spring for pressing the outer surface of the base end portion of the exoskeleton when the exoskeleton rotates, and for applying a restoring force to the exoskeleton to a reference position.

15. A fulcrum joint as described in claim 13, wherein the exoskeleton has an axle portion extending on both sides in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the central axis, the fulcrum joint is formed with a pair of arms having a bearing portion for rotatably receiving the axle portion, at least one of the axles extends through the bearing portion to the outside of the arms, a coil portion of a torsion coil spring is fitted into the axle portion, a first arm portion extending from the coil portion of the torsion coil spring is connected to the fulcrum joint, and a second arm portion extending from the coil portion of the torsion coil spring is connected to the exoskeleton, providing the exoskeleton with a restoring force to a reference position.

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