COLLAPSIBLE UMBRELLA WITH QUICK CONNECT RIB SECTIONS

Abstract

An umbrella with a frame structure supported by a support structure. The frame structure has a support hub, a plurality of long ribs each comprising a first rib section and a second rib section releasably connected by a pivot rib coupler, wherein each long rib has an end releasably or fixedly coupled to an upper end of the support hub. The frame structure further having a plurality of short rib sections in the form of a plurality of third rib sections, each comprising a first end releasable coupled to the pivot rib coupler and a second end releasably or fixedly coupled to a lower end of the support hub, wherein each pivot rib coupler is configured to pivot the third rib section relative to the first and second rib sections that are releasably coupled to the pivot rib coupler.

Claims

1. An umbrella, comprising: a support structure, a frame structure supported by the support structure, comprising: a support hub; a plurality of long ribs, each comprising a first rib section and a second rib section releasably connected by a pivot rib coupler, wherein each long rib has an end releasably or fixedly coupled to an upper end of the support hub; a plurality of short rib sections in the form of a plurality of third rib sections, each comprising a first end releasable coupled to the pivot rib coupler and a second end releasably or fixedly coupled to a lower end of the support hub, wherein each pivot rib coupler is configured to pivot the third rib section relative to the first and second rib sections that are releasably coupled to the pivot rib coupler.

2. The umbrella as in claim 1, wherein the pivot rib coupler comprises a straight pivot portion having a first end and a second end, and an angled pivot portion having an end pivotally connected to the straight pivot portion and an extended end, wherein a first end of the first rib section is releasably coupled to the first end of the straight pivot portion of the pivot rib coupler, and a first end of the second rib section is releasably coupled to the second end of the straight pivot portion of the pivot rib coupler, wherein the first end of the third rib section is releasably coupled to the extended end of the angled pivot portion of the pivot rib coupler.

3. The umbrella as in claim 2, wherein the first end and the second end of the straight pivot portion of each pivot rib coupler, and the extended end of the angled pivot portion of each pivot rib coupler, are each an opened end configured to receive the first end of a corresponding one of the first, second and third rib sections.

4. The umbrella as in claim 3, wherein the first end of each of the first rib sections, the second rib sections and the third rib sections are releasably coupled to the corresponding first, second and extended ends of the pivot rib coupler, using a user finger operated releasable quick connect coupling that does not require using an external tool for a user to release the coupling.

5. The umbrella as in claim 4, wherein the finger operated releasable coupling comprises a push button spring clip at the first end of each of the first, second and third rib sections, and a complementary opening at the corresponding first, second and extended ends of the pivot rib coupler.

6. The umbrella as in claim 1, wherein the support hub comprises: an upper hub at the upper end of the support hub, and a plurality of upper pivot hub connectors each having an end pivotally coupled to the upper hub, wherein a second end of each first rib section is releasably or fixedly coupled to an extended end of a corresponding upper pivot hub connector; and a lower hub at the lower end of the support hub, and a plurality of lower pivot hub connectors each having an end pivotally coupled to the lower hub, wherein a second end of each third rib section is releasably or fixedly coupled to an extended end of a corresponding lower pivot hub connector.

7. The umbrella as in claim 6, wherein the second end of each of the first rib sections is releasably coupled to the extended end of the corresponding upper pivot hub connector, and the second end of each of the third rib sections is releasably coupled to the extended end of the corresponding lower pivot hub connector.

8. The umbrella as in claim 7, wherein the second end of each of the first rib sections is releasably coupled to the extended end of the corresponding upper pivot hub connector and the second end of each of the third rib sections is releasably coupled to the extended end of the corresponding lower pivot hub connector using a user finger operated releasable quick connect coupling that does not require using an external tool for a user to release the coupling.

9. The umbrella as in claim 8, wherein the finger operated releasable coupling comprises a push button spring clip at the second ends of each of the first and third rib sections, and a complementary opening at the extended end of the corresponding upper pivot hub connector and extended end of the corresponding lower pivot hub connector.

10. The umbrella as in claim 5, wherein the finger operated releasable coupling comprises a double push button spring clip.

11. The umbrella as in claim 10, wherein at least two of the first rib section, the second rib section and the third rib section are similar in length and are interchangeable.

12. The umbrella as in claim 11, wherein the first and second rib sections are similar in length and are interchangeable.

13. The umbrella as claim 1, wherein at least a portion at respective ends of the various rib sections is provided with a cross-sectional shape that is non-symmetrical about at least one axis in a sectional plane, to facilitate user matching of the ends of the rib sections to complementary openings at the corresponding first, second and extended ends of the pivot rib coupler, extended end of the upper pivot hub connector and extended end of the lower pivot hub connector.

14. The umbrella as in claim 13, wherein the cross-sectional shape conforms to a rounded top and flat bottom.

15. The umbrella as in claim 1 wherein the support structure comprises (a) a central support post, wherein the frame structure is supported at an upper end of the central support post, or (b) a side support post and an arm cantilevered from the side support post, wherein the frame structure is supported at an extended end of the arm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIGS. 1-3 are various perspective views of a collapsible umbrella, depicted in a fully extended state, comprising a frame structure supported on a central support post, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIGS. 4-8 are perspective views of the collapsible umbrella depicted in FIGS. 1-3, with the canopy removed, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIGS. 9-14 are various perspective views of the upper and lower hubs of the frame structure, and releasable coupling to rib sections, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIGS. 15-16 are various perspective views of the pivot rib coupler, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIGS. 17-20 are various perspective views of releasable coupling of pivot rib couplers and rib sections, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 21 depicts a double push button spring clip at one end of a rib section, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 22 depicts replaceable rib sections of different lengths, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 23 depicts cross-sectional profiles of rib sections, in accordance with alternate embodiments of the present invention; and

[0029] FIG. 24 depicts a double push button spring clip, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the presently exemplary device provided in accordance with aspects of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be prepared or utilized. It is to be understood, rather, that the same or equivalent functions and components may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0031] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices and materials similar or equivalent to those described can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the exemplary methods, devices and materials are now described.

[0032] All publications mentioned are incorporated by reference for the purpose of describing and disclosing, for example, the designs and methodologies that are described in the publications that might be used in connection with the presently described invention. The publications listed or discussed above, below and throughout the text are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention.

[0033] The present invention provides a simple, reliable and easy to assemble collapsible umbrella assembly structure that incorporates releasable, removable and/or replaceable quick connect rib sections, which addresses the above noted concerns to optimizes structural integrity along with reduced manufacturing, shipping, and material costs. The inventive collapsible umbrella assembly can be easily assembled for use and repaired with replacement rib sections after damage to the ribs in the frame structure. The present invention balances and optimizes structural integrity along with reduced manufacturing, shipping, and material costs.

[0034] FIGS. 1-3 are various perspective views of a collapsible umbrella U, depicted in a fully extended state, comprising a frame structure FS supported on a central support post P, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 4-8 are perspective views of the collapsible umbrella U depicted in FIGS. 1-3, with the canopy C removed, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] As illustrated by the figures, the inventive collapsible umbrella U comprises a support structure SS, a frame structure FS supported by the support structure SS, comprising: a support hub H; a plurality of long ribs L, each comprising a first rib section L1 and a second rib section L2 releasably connected by a pivot rib coupler RC, wherein each long rib L has an end releasably coupled to an upper end of the support hub H; a plurality of short rib sections S in the form of a plurality of third rib sections S3, each comprising a first end releasable coupled to the pivot rib coupler RC and a second end releasably coupled to a lower end of the support hub H, wherein each pivot rib coupler RC is configured to pivotal the third rib section S3 relative to the first and second rib sections L1, L2 that are releasably coupled to the pivot rib coupler RC. FIG. 8 depicts an exploded view of the assembly of the first, second and third rib sections (L2, L2, S3), the pivot rib coupler RC, and the upper and lower pivot hub connectors UHC, LHC.

[0036] A canopy C comprising a flexible material (e.g., canvas, fabric, etc.) is supported on the frame structure FS, with the flexible material spanning over the long ribs L. Once assembled, the collapsible umbrella U can be operated to open/extend or close/collapse the canopy C in similar fashion as known collapsible umbrellas.

[0037] FIGS. 9-14 are various perspective views of the upper and lower hubs UH, LH of the frame structure FS, and releasable coupling to rib sections L1, L2, S3, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the support hub H comprises an upper hub UH at the upper end of the support hub H, and a plurality of upper pivot hub connectors UHC each having an end pivotally coupled to the upper hub UH, wherein a second end of each first rib section L1 is releasably coupled to an extended end of a corresponding upper pivot hub connector UHC; and a lower hub LH at the lower end of the support hub H, and a plurality of lower pivot hub connector LHC each having an end pivotally coupled to the lower hub LH, wherein a second end of each third rib section S3 is releasably coupled to an extended end of a corresponding lower pivot hub connector LHC. The upper and lower hubs UH, LH and/or the upper and lower pivot hub connectors UHC, LHC could be made of an appropriate rigid material, such as metal (e.g., aluminum, iron or steel), composite materials, plastics, etc.

[0038] FIGS. 15-16 depict various perspective views of the pivot rib coupler RC, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the pivot rib coupler RC comprises a straight pivot portion SC having a first end E1 and a second end E2, and an angled pivot portion AC having an end pivotally connected to the straight pivot portion SC and an extended end EX, wherein a first end of the first rib section L1 is releasably coupled to the first end E1 of the straight pivot portion SC of the pivot rib coupler RC, and a first end of the second rib section L2 is releasably coupled to the second end E2 of the straight pivot portion SC of the pivot rib coupler RC, wherein the first end of the third rib section S3 is releasably coupled to the extended end EX of the angled pivot portion AC of the pivot rib coupler RC.

[0039] In one embodiment, the first end E1 and the second end E2 of the straight pivot portion SC of each pivot rib coupler RC, the extended end EX of the angled pivot portion AC of each pivot rib coupler RC, the extended end of each upper pivot hub connector UHC, and the extended end of each lower pivot hub connector LHC, are each an opened end (i.e., a coupling opening CO) sized and configured to receive an end of a corresponding one of the first, second and third rib sections L1, L2, S3.

[0040] FIGS. 17-20 are various perspective views of removable/releasable coupling of pivot rib couplers RC and rib sections L1, L2, S3, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the first end of each of the first rib sections L1, the second rib sections L2 and the third rib sections S3 are releasably coupled to the corresponding first, second and extended ends E1, E2, EX of the pivot rib coupler RC, the second end of each of the first rib sections L2 is releasably coupled to the corresponding extended end of the upper pivot hub connector UHC, and the second end of each of the third rib sections S3 is releasably coupled to the corresponding extended end of the lower pivot hub connector LHC. In the illustrate embodiment, the releasable coupling comprising a user finger operated releasable coupling that does not require using an external tool for a user to release the coupling. In one embodiment, the releasable coupling comprises a push button spring clip BSC at the first and second ends of each of the first and third rib sections L1, S3 and the first end of each of the second rib sections L2, and a complementary opening provided at the corresponding first, second and extended ends E1, E2, EX of the pivot rib coupler RC, extended end of the upper pivot hub connector UHC and extended end of the lower pivot hub connector LHC.

[0041] To facilitate ease of assembly of the rib sections to the complementary components, the releasable coupling may be of the type generally referred to as a double push button spring clip BSC. FIG. 24 depicts a double push button spring clip BSC, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. This double push button spring clip BSC includes first and second push buttons (protrusions) B1, B2 attached onto or otherwise formed with (e.g., by stamping integral therewith) the flat spring material of the spring clip that is in a generally V-shape, with two prongs SP providing counter spring bias when the prongs SP are brought closer by an external force. The spring material may be metal (e.g., spring steel) or plastic. FIG. 24 depicts the embodiment of a metal double push button spring clip BSC.

[0042] FIG. 21 depicts the double push button spring clip BSC inserted into an end portion of a rib section (L1, L2, S3), in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The first and second button B1, B2 protrude through complementary holes RH provided in the wall of the end portion. The user presses on the second push button B2 that is located further from the end of the rib section (L1, L2, S3), against the spring bias of the flat spring, thereby lowering/depressing the first button B1 that is closer to the end of the rib section to be generally flush with the external wall of at the end of the rib section. This allows the end portion of the rib section to be inserted into the coupling opening CO of a complementary component (e.g., at an extended end of a pivot rib coupler RC or a pivot hub connector LHC, UHC). The first button B1 of the clip is at the inserted end portion of the rib section (L1, L2, S3). A hole BH is provided on the corresponding wall of the coupling opening CO, which receives the first button B1, thereby preventing the end portion of the rib section from being withdrawn from the coupling opening, thus securing the end portion of the rib section (L1, L2, S3) relative to the coupling opening CO. To release the rib section (L1, L2, S3) from the coupling opening CO, the user can press on the second button B2 to lower/depress the first button B1 to allow the end portion of the rib section (L1, L2, S3) to be withdrawn from the coupling opening CO. In the illustrated embodiment, each first and third rib sections L1, S3 has both ends and each second rib section L2 has one end provided with the metal push button spring clip BSC.

[0043] While the illustrated embodiment depicts the push button spring clip provided at the end portion of the rib section (L1, L2, S3) and the hole RH is provided at the wall of the coupling opening CO, their locations can be swapped without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0044] While the illustrated embodiment depicts the push button spring clip to be a double push button spring clip, a single push button spring clip may be used, in which case a first button at the end of the rib section is depressed directly by a user in order to insert the end portion into or withdrawn the end portion from the coupling opening.

[0045] The replaceable rib sections L1, L2, S3 may be of same or different lengths, depending on the size of the frame structure for the desired collapsible umbrella. FIG. 22 depicts replaceable rib sections L1, L2, S3 of different lengths, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment (also referring to the exploded view of FIG. 8 that depicts a branch of ribs of the frame structure as also shown in FIG. 7), the shortest rib section corresponds to the first rib section L1 of the long rib; the longest rib section corresponds to the second rib section L2 of the long rib; and the medium length rib section corresponds to the third rib section S3. This is consistent with the depiction in the exploded view in FIG. 8, of the assembly of first, second and third rib sections L1, L2, S3, the pivot rib coupler RC, and the upper and lower pivot hub connectors UHC, LHC. Each rib section L1, L2, S3 is in the form of an elongated, slender beam, in the form of a straight tubing having a uniform cross section along its length, as depicted in the illustrated embodiment. Other configuration of the beam, uniform or non-uniform cross section, could be used. The rib sections L1, L2, S3 could be made of an appropriate rigid material, such as metal (e.g., aluminum, iron or steel), composite materials, plastics, etc.

[0046] To reduce part variations, at least two of the first rib section, the second rib section and the third rib section L1, L2, S3 may be similar in length and are interchangeable. For example, the first and third rib sections L1, S3 may be of similar length and interchangeable. In another embodiment, the first rib section L1, the second rib section L2 and the third rib section S3 are all similar in length and are interchangeable.

[0047] FIG. 23 depicts cross-sectional profiles of rib sections L1, L2, S3, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The rib sections may have a generally stretched round or oval shaped cross-section (or a rectangle with opposing rounded sides in the major axis), which is symmetrical about two orthogonal axes in the cross-sectional plane. With the rib sections assembled in the frame structure of the collapsible umbrella, this stretched sectional configuration of the rib sections can better withstand the anticipated stronger vertical component load relative to the anticipated lighter lateral component load. The complementary coupling openings in the first, second and extended ends of the pivot rib coupler, extended end of the upper pivot hub connector and extended end of the lower pivot hub connector each may have a similar stretched round or oval shaped cross-section, or simply an opening of another geometry that is sized to accommodate the inserted end of the rib section.

[0048] In another embodiment depicted in FIG. 23, at least a portion at the respective ends of the various rib sections (i.e., the portion of the rib sections at which the double push button spring clip is located) may be profile indexed, e.g., provided with a cross-sectional shape that is non-symmetrical about at least one axis in the sectional plane. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-sectional profile shape conforms to a rounded top and flat bottom FB (i.e., as compared to the other embodiment, the stretched round/oval is provided with a flat bottom). The complementary coupling openings in the first, second and extended ends E1, E2, EX of the pivot rib coupler RC, extended end of the upper pivot hub connector UHC and extended end of the lower pivot hub connector LHC each has a similar cross-section profile. This provides a unique, positive, indexed, coupling profile to facilitate matching the orientation of the ends of the rib sections to complementary openings at the corresponding first, second and extended ends of the pivot rib coupler, extended end of the upper pivot hub connector and extended end of the lower pivot hub connector. As a result, a user would not confuse the orientation of a rib section L1, L2, S3 with respect to a coupling opening CO, thereby ensuring the first push button B1 at the end of the rib section L1, L2, S3 will match up with the hole BH at the coupling opening CO.

[0049] In another embodiment, rib sections L1, L2, S3 may be configured with other cross-sectional profiles. For example, instead of tube-shaped beams having cross-section of closed walls, open wall cross-section, such as generally channel-shaped (e.g., U-shaped or V-shaped) beams may be adopted for the rib sections. Alternatively, beams having cross-sections of other geometrical shapes, such as I-shaped, rectangle-shaped, triangle-shape, etc., cross-sections, may be adopted for the rib sections.

[0050] In another embodiment, the rib sections may have different cross-section profiles. For example, the first and second rib sections may have similar cross-section profile, and the third rib section may have a cross-section profile different from that of the first and second rib sections.

[0051] While the above described embodiments include complementary coupling openings and rib section ends of similar cross-sectional profile shapes, the cross-sectional profile of the end portion of the rib section and the coupling opening do not need to be similar to be complementary. For example, an I-shaped cross-section of the rib section may be received in a complementary coupling opening that has a rectangular cross-section profile.

[0052] The umbrella support structure SS may comprise a central support post P, wherein the frame structure FS is supported at an upper end of the central support post P, as depicted in the illustrated embodiment, or a side support post (not shown) and an arm cantilevered from the side support post, wherein the frame structure FS is supported at an extended end of the arm. For example, the inventive frame structure features of the present invention may be adopted in a side supported umbrella, such as the one disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,136,709B2, which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0053] It is appreciated that for a particular umbrella support structure that is partially assembled with a hub structure, different lengths of rib sections may be selectively chosen to assemble a frame that can accommodate canopies of different sizes. For example, the second rib section extending from and pivot rib coupler may be chosen to have a shorter or longer length to accommodate a canopy of a smaller or larger area, respectively.

[0054] In a further embodiment, instead of releasably coupling to the upper end and lower end of the support bub as in the above described and illustrated embodiments, each long rib L has an end fixedly coupled to the upper end of the support hub H, and each third rib sections S comprises a second end fixedly coupled to a lower end of the support hub H. As in the above described embodiments, an upper hub UH is provided at the upper end of the support hub H and a plurality of upper pivot hub connectors UHC each having an end pivotally coupled to the upper hub UH, wherein a second end of each first rib section L1 is fixedly coupled (e.g., using rivets, epoxy, bolts, screws, etc.) to an extended end of a corresponding upper pivot hub connector UHC; and a lower hub LH is provided at the lower end of the support hub H and a plurality of lower pivot hub connectors LHC each having an end pivotally coupled to the lower hub LH, wherein a second end of each third rib section S3 is fixedly coupled (e.g., using rivets, epoxy, bolts, screws, etc.) to an extended end of a corresponding lower pivot hub connector LHC. For example, instead of using finger operated releasable couplings as in the previously disclosed embodiments, the second end of each of the first and third rib sections L1, S3 can be inserted into a complementary opening at the extended end of the corresponding upper and lower pivot hub connectors UHC, LHC and said second end may be fastened to said opening at the extended end of the upper and lower pivot hub connectors UHC, LHC by rivets, expoxy, bolts, screws, etc. or a combination of such fasteners.

[0055] The inventive frame structure for the collapsible umbrella achieves at least the following advantages over the prior art:

[0056] a. The quick connect coupling of the rib sections to the hub structure allows the collapsible umbrella frame to be easily assembled at the point of use, thus not have to rely on full assembly of the collapsible umbrella frame at the point of manufacture.

[0057] b. The collapsible umbrella frame structure can be partially assembled at the point of manufacture with the hub structure assembled to the support structure or part thereof, which results in a smaller package that would reduce significant shipping costs compared to shipping costs imposed on a more bulky fully assembled umbrella frame structure.

[0058] c. The removable, replaceable and/or interchangeable rib sections permits repairing of damaged rib of an umbrella frame by replacing the damaged rib section, thus not leading to premature waste of the rest of the umbrella.

[0059] d. The rib sections facilitate inventory management, with potentially lesser part variations. Having rib sections of similar lengths leads to less variation in rib sections. Further, for the same partially assembled core support structure and hub structure, different size rib sections can be used to assemble a frame structure that can accommodate different size canopies to assemble umbrella of different sizes. So, it would not be necessary to maintain inventory of complete umbrella assemblies of different size canopies. Different size canopies can be accomplished by using rib sections of desired lengths with the same core partially assembled frame structure.

[0060] e. User may decide to change the size of the canopy without having to purchase an entire new umbrella including fully assembled frame structure. User may simply replace some of the rib sections (e.g., the second rib sections extending from the pivot rib coupler) and replace the canopy.

[0061] e. The rib sections may be sold as replacement parts, thus generating more revenue for the seller.

[0062] f. The rib sections facilitate warranty replacement of only damaged rib sections, instead of having to replace an entire umbrella with only a damage rib, thus lessen the burden on fulfillment of warranty claims by the seller/manufacturer and potentially improving customer satisfactions.

[0063] While the present invention has been described above in connection with the illustrated embodiments, the scope of patent invention covers all possible present and future variations and improvements that is apparent from the disclosure above. While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit, scope, and teaching of the invention. Accordingly, the disclosed invention is to be considered merely as illustrative and limited in scope only as specified in the appended claims.