CANOPY UMBRELLA WITH IMPROVED CONTROL

Abstract

An umbrella haying a quick release finial and a quick release cam cleat assembly is provided. The quick release finial includes a ball plunger assembly and a lever arm for applying force to release the ball plunger. The quick release cam cleat assembly includes a pivotable cam cleat and a pivotable gravity lock rocker arm.

Claims

1. An umbrella assembly, the umbrella assembly comprising: a quick release finial, wherein the quick release finial comprises: a finial top; a finial tower connected to the finial top; a non-threaded finial post connected to the final tower, wherein the finial post comprises: at least one ball plunger assembly; a finial insert, wherein the finial insert comprises: a non-threaded bore hole adapted to snugly receive the finial post; and a bottom surface for engaging the at least one ball plunger assembly.

2. The umbrella assembly as in claim 1 wherein the finial top further comprises a finial top adaptable to allow comfortable hand held grasping.

3. The umbrella assembly as in claim 1 wherein the quick release finial further comprises at least one rocker surface.

4. The umbrella assembly as in claim 3 wherein the quick release finial further comprises a hinge.

5. The umbrella assembly as in claim 1 further comprising a quick releaser cam cleat assembly, wherein the quick releaser cam cleat assembly comprises: a stationary bottom grip; a top grip pivot post; a top grip cam pivotable on the top grip pivot post; a rocker arm pivot post; a rocker arm pivotable on the rocker arm pivot post; and wherein the top grip cam and the rocker arm pivot to engage and hold a line between the stationary bottom grip and the top grip cam.

6. The umbrella assembly as in claim 5 wherein the quick releaser cam cleat assembly further comprises: a first line guide; a second line guide, wherein the first and second line guide are coaxial to fully align the line between the top grip cam and the stationary bottom grip.

7. The umbrella assembly as in claim 6 wherein the quick releaser cam cleat assembly further comprises a mounting base for mounting the bottom grip and the rocker arm pivot post.

8. The umbrella assembly as in claim 6 wherein the quick releaser cam cleat assembly further comprises a gravity holding spring.

9. The umbrella assembly as claim 1 further comprising a pole, wherein the pole comprises a pole bore hole adaptable to receive the finial insert.

10. The umbrella assembly as in claim 9 further comprising a hub slidable on the pole.

11. The umbrella assembly as in claim 10 further comprising a mechanical advantage system, wherein the mechanical advantage system comprises a plurality of pulleys according to the formula: MA=2N, where MA=desired mechanical advantage; and N=number of pulleys.

12. An umbrella apparatus, the umbrella apparatus comprising: an umbrella; a pole; a top hub; a slidable hub having a hole suitable fir sliding the slidable hub along, the pole; a plurality of rib members connectable to the umbrella and the top hub; a plurality of pivotable struts disposed, one-to-one, between the slidable hub and the plurality of rib members; a finial top adaptable to allow comfortable hand held grasping; and wherein the finial top comprises: a finial tower connected to the finial top; a finial post connected to the final tower, wherein the finial post is not threaded and wherein the finial post comprises: at least one ball plunger assembly.

13. The umbrella apparatus as in claim 12 further comprising: a finial insert, wherein the finial insert comprises: a bore hole adapted to snugly receive the finial post; a bottom surface for engaging the at least one ball plunger assembly; and wherein the pole comprises a bore hole adapted to snugly receive the finial insert.

14. The umbrella apparatus as in claim 12 further comprising: a mechanical advantage system, wherein the mechanical advantage system comprises a plurality of pulleys disposed between the top hub and the slidable hub.

15. The umbrella assembly as in claim 12 further comprising a quick releaser cam cleat assembly, wherein the quick releaser cam cleat assembly comprises: a stationary bottom grip; a top grip pivot post; a top grip cam pivotable on the top grip pivot post; a rocker arm pivot post; a rocker arm pivotable on the rocker arm pivot post; a mounting base for mounting the bottom grip and the rocker arm pivot post; and wherein the top grip cam and the rocker arm pivot to engage and hold a line between the stationary bottom grip and the top grip cam.

16. The umbrella assembly as in claim 12 wherein the quick releaser cam cleat assembly further comprises: a first line guide; a second line guide, wherein the first and second line guide are coaxial to fully align the line between the top grip cam and the stationary bottom grip.

17. The umbrella assembly as in claim 16 wherein the quick releaser cam cleat assembly further comprises a rope leverage surface.

18. The umbrella assembly as in claim 16 wherein the quick releaser cam cleat assembly further comprises a gravity holding spring.

19. An umbrella system, the umbrella system comprising: a quick releaser cam cleat assembly, wherein the quick releaser cam cleat assembly comprises: a stationary bottom grip; a top grip pivot post; a top grip cam pivotable on the top grip pivot post; a rocker arm pivot post; a rocker arm pivotable on the rocker arm pivot post; a mounting base for mounting the bottom grip and the rocker arm pivot post; wherein the top grip cam and the rocker arm pivot to engage and hold a line between the stationary bottom grip and the top grip cam; a finial top adaptable to allow comfortable hand held grasping; and wherein the finial top comprises: a finial tower connected to the finial top; a finial post connected to the final tower, wherein the finial post is not threaded and wherein the finial post comprises: at least one ball plunger assembly; a finial insert, wherein the finial insert comprises: a non-threaded bore hole adapted to snugly receive the finial post; and a bottom surface for engaging the at least one ball plunger assembly.

20. The umbrella system as in claim 19 wherein the quick releaser cam cleat assembly further comprises: a first line guide; a second line guide, wherein the first and second line guide are coaxial to fully align the line between the top grip cam and the stationary bottom grip.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 is a pictorial illustration of an umbrella in a closed position in which features of the invention are implemented;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a pictorial illustration of the umbrella in an open position in accordance with the invention shown in FIG. 1;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a pictorial illustration of the umbrella illustrating quick release mechanical advantage features and quick release finial in accordance with the invention shown in FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 4 is an exploded pictorial illustration of the quick release finial feature in accordance with the invention shown in FIG. 3;

[0026] FIG. 4A is a free body diagram and formula for estimating the breakaway force of the quick release final;

[0027] FIG. 4B is an exploded pictorial illustration of the quick release finial feature in accordance with the invention shown in FIG. 3; and

[0028] FIG. 5 is an exploded pictorial illustration of the quick releaser cam cleat in accordance with the invention shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following brief definition of terms shall apply throughout the application:

[0030] The term comprising means including but not limited to, and should be interpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context;

[0031] The phrases in one embodiment, according to one embodiment, and the like generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present invention (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment);

[0032] If the specification describes something as exemplary or an example, it should be understood that refers to a non-exclusive example; and

[0033] If the specification states a component or feature may, can. could, should, preferably, possibly, typically, optionally, for example, or might (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or to have the characteristic.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a pictorial illustration of an umbrella 10 in a closed position in which features of the invention are implemented Umbrella 10 includes pole 12, umbrella shade 16, and quick release finial 32.

[0035] Referring also to FIG. 2 there is shown a pictorial illustration of the umbrella in an open position in accordance with the invention shown in FIG. 1. In the open position rib members 22, pivotable rigid struts 20 and slidable hub 36 are visible. It will be appreciated umbrella shade 18 is opened when slidable hub 36 is pushed upwards on pole 12 which in turn pushes one end of struts 20, which are pivotable at the hub 36 strut end connection points 34. As struts ends 34 are pushed upwards the other end of the struts 20 connected to ribs 22 push, or lift, the ribs upwards and outwards to open the umbrella. It will be appreciated that the force required to open the umbrella 10 will require sufficient force to push hub 36 upwards to simultaneously lift all rib members 22. Depending on weather conditions, the number of rib members, and other factors, this could be a difficult task without a mechanical advantage.

[0036] Referring also to FIG. 3 there is shown a pictorial illustration of the umbrella illustrating quick release mechanical advantage features and quick release finial in accordance with the invention shown in FIG. 1. The quick release mechanical advantage features include quick releaser 31 (shown in more detailed later), line or rope 33, and mechanical advantage system 37. Mechanical advantage system 37 may be any suitable mechanical advantage system such as, but not limited to a pulley based mechanical advantage system. A pulley based mechanical advantage system is determined according to the mechanical advantage (MA) desired formula, e.g., MA=2n, where n equals the number of pulleys.

[0037] Still referring, to FIG. 3, line 33 is threaded through quick releaser 31 (shown in more detail later) and mechanical advantage system 37 and secured to hub 36. In release mode line 33 is pulled downwards, and through a mechanical advantage pulls hub 36 upwards, thereby opening the umbrella as described earlier. In hold mode the quick releaser 31 holds the line 33 in place.

[0038] Also shown in FIG. 3 is quick release finial 32 (shown in more detail later). Quick release finial 32 is removed to allow slidable hubs 36, 39 to be easily removed for repair of the hubs 36, 39 and/or rib members 22 and/or struts 20.

[0039] Referring also to FIG. 4 there is shown an exploded pictorial illustration of the quick release finial assembly 32 in accordance with the invention shown in FIG. 3. Quick release finial includes finial top 42, finial tower 44, finial post 48, and finial insert 46. Finial post 48 includes bail plunger assembly 43 comprising spring 43B, and ball 43A. It will be appreciated that finial post 48 can have more than one ball plunger assembly 43. Only one ball plunger assembly 43 is shown in FIG. 4 for clarity. In addition, finial top 42 may be suitable shaped to facilitate gripping by hand in order to remove the quick release finial assembly 32

[0040] Still referring to FIG. 4, finial insert 46 is adapted to compression fit into pole 12 having a bore hole 12B suitable to receive finial insert 46. It will be appreciated that finial insert 46 may be any suitable shape such as for example a tubular shape or a square shape having a suitable bore hole 48B adaptable to snugly receive finial post 48. Finial insert 46 includes a hole or bore having a diameter to fit, snugly, finial post 48. It will be appreciated that finial insert 46 may be any suitable shape such as for example a tubular shape or a square shape having a suitable bore hole adaptable to snugly receive finial post 48.

[0041] Finial post 48 includes ball plunger assembly 43 having spring 43B and ball 43A. Ball plunger assembly holds finial assembly 32 in place until enough force (break away force) is applied in an upwards direction to ball 43B to compress spring 43A to allow finial assemble 32 to be removed from finial insert 46. It will be appreciated that final post 48 and finial insert 46 are not threaded thus allowing for quick removal of the final post 48 from insert 46.

[0042] It will also be appreciated that bore hole 48B is of sufficient length to allow ball plunger assembly 43 to be substantially adjacent to the bottom outside surface 46A of finial insert 46 when the finial post 48 is fully inserted thus locking the quick release finial assembly 32 in place.

[0043] The breakaway force S may be estimated according to the diagram and formula shown in FIG. 4A. Still referring to FIG. 4, finial top 42 is adapted to allow comfortable hand held grasping to apply breakaway force S.

[0044] Also shown in FIG. 4 is bevels or rockers 44A. In alternate embodiments final tower 44 may be hinged 44B to finial post 48 to allow tower 44 and rocker surfaces 44A to function as a lever to apply required breakaway force S.

[0045] Referring also to FIG. 4B there is shown an exploded pictorial illustration of an alternate finial assembly 44B in accordance with the invention shown in FIG. 3.

[0046] Referring also to FIG. 5 there is shown an exploded pictorial illustration of the quick releaser cam cleat assembly 31 in accordance with the invention shown in FIG. 3. Quick releaser cam cleat assembly 31 includes stationary bottom grip 51, pivotable top grip cam 52A, top grip pivot post 52A, rocker arm 53, rocker arm pivot post 51A, and mounting base 54.

[0047] When an upward unlock force is applied to rope or line 33 (e.g., a user tugs on line or rope 33) and the quick releaser cam cleat assembly 31 is in the lock position the upward force operates to rotate rocker arm 53 in a counter clockwise rotation thereby disengaging the top grip cam cleat 52 allowing line 33 to pass freely through the quick releaser cam cleat assembly 31.

[0048] Still referring to FIG. 5, when a locking force is applied to line 33 the quick releaser cam cleat assembly 31 is in the unlock position. The locking force rotates top grip cam cleat 52 on top grip pivot post 52A and rocket arm 53 on rocker arm pivot post 51A in a clockwise as shown in FIG. 5) rotation. The clockwise rotation of top grip cam cleat 52 grips and holds line 33 between top grip cam cleat 52 and stationary bottom grip 51. It will be appreciated that the quick releaser cam cleat assembly is normally in the lock position due to the rocker arm 53 pivoting (due to gravity force G) in a clockwise rotation around rocker arm pivot post 51A, i.e., gravity locked. In alternate embodiments rocker arm 53 may be counter weighted (e.g., weighted towards an end distal from the pivot point) to facilitate gravity lock and/or spring loaded 52C to facilitate gravity lock. Similarly, rocker arm pivot post may be oval or cam shaped to facilitate the rocker arm staying in an open position when the quick releaser cam cleat assembly 31 is in the unlock position.

[0049] Still referring to FIG. 5 it will be appreciated that rope guides 52B and 52D align the rope 33 through the engagement area between the top grip 52 and the stationary bottom grip 51. Thus, when in the quick releaser cam cleat assembly 31 is in the lock position the rope 33 is full engaged by design and not left to the user to ascertain if the rope 33 is fully engaged. In addition, rope guide 52D provides a rope leverage surface 51A to facilitate rope 33 pivoting rocker arm 53 around pivot post 51A when unlocking or locking the quick releaser cam cleat assembly 31.

[0050] It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Thus, various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances that fall within the scope of the appended claims.