GB2592897A

GB2592897A - Umbrella

Info

Publication number: GB2592897A
Application number: GB2000553.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Augusto Fernandes Leite Costa Anibal
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-01-14
Filing date: 2020-01-14
Publication date: 2021-09-15
Also published as: GB202000553D0

Abstract

An umbrella comprising a canopy 18 supported centrally by a tube 10 and a plurality of radially extending ribs 16 attached to the edge of the canopy. The ribs are movable from a position adjacent the tube to an extended position by means of stretchers 2 pivotally attached to the ribs 16 and extending from a cylindrical runner 8 which can be slid up the tube. Each of the stretchers has a minimum length when used to extend its rib and is elastically extensible beyond said minimum length to allow to the canopy to turn inside out. At least one stretcher may comprise a cylinder 4 that abuts the rib and defines the limit of minimum length. The cylinder 4 may also houses an outer rod 12, slidable into and out of the cylinder at its radially outer end. The inner rod may be attached to the outer rod 12 by means of an expansion spring or elastic cord.

Description

UMBRELLA

Background to the Invention

[0001] This invention relates to an umbrella.

[0002] A known umbrella comprises a canopy supported centrally by a tube. A plurality of radially-extending ribs attached to the edge of the canopy are movable from a position adjacent the tube to an extended position by means of stretchers extending from a cylindrical runner which can be slid up the tube.

[0003] If the canopy is blown inside out then the umbrella can be damaged and ultimately destroyed. lithe ribs and stretchers are made stronger, to prevent the canopy from being blown inside out, the umbrella can become too heavy, causing a person carrying to risk falling.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] It is an aim of the invention to provide an umbrella in which the canopy can be blown inside out without damaging the umbrella.

[0005] The invention provides an umbrella comprising a canopy supported centrally by a tube, a plurality of radially-extending ribs attached to the edge of the canopy and movable from a position adjacent the tube to an extended position by means of stretchers pivotally attached to the ribs and extending from a cylindrical runner which can be slid up the tube, wherein each of the stretchers has a minimum length when used to extend its runner, and is elastically extensible beyond said minimum length to allow to the canopy to turn inside out.

[0006] In one embodiment, each stretcher comprises a cylinder that abuts the rib and defines the limit of the minimum length, and an elastic member fixed within the cylinder and facilitating extension of the stretcher. The elastic member may comprise an elastic cord or an extension spring. The elastic member may be attached to the rib or to a rod that is attached to the rib and is arranged to slide within the cylinder.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0008] Figure 1 is fragmentary view of the inside of an umbrella according to an embodiment of the invention; [0009] Figure 2 schematically shows one of the stretchers in a refracted state; [0010] Figure 3 schematically shows the stretcher of Figure 2 in an extended state; and [0011] Figure 4 is a fragmentary view showing the canopy of the umbrella inside out.

Detailed Description of Particular Embodiments

[0012] The drawings show an umbrella having a plurality of stretchers 2 -in this example eight stretchers. Each stretcher comprises a cylinder 4 housing an inner rod 6, pivotally attached to a slider 8 of the umbrella, arranged to slide on a central tube 10. The cylinder 4 also houses an outer rod 12, slidable into and out of the cylinder at its radially outer end. The inner rod 6 is attached to the outer rod 12 by means of an expansion spring 14. The outer rod 12 is pivotally attached to a rib 16 of the umbrellas, the ribs 16 carrying the canopy 18 in a conventional manner.

[0013] Figures 1 and 2 show the stretchers 2 under normal circumstances. The cylinders 4 abut the ribs 16 and can be used to extend the ribs and brace them against the canopy 18.

[0014] Figure 3 and 4 show how, in the event the canopy 18 is blown inside out, the outer rods 12 move partially out of the cylinders 4 as the springs 14 are extended.

[0015] The canopy 18 can be returned to its normal state immediately by pulling the slider 8 downwardly.

[0016] Thus, the umbrella can be allowed to turn inside out without damaging the stretchers or ribs. The number of these can be varied according to the umbrella design.

Claims

Claims: 1. An umbrella comprising a canopy supported centrally by a tube, a plurality of radially-extending ribs attached to the edge of the canopy are movable from a position adjacent the tube to an extended position by means of stretchers pivotally attached to the ribs and extending from a cylindrical runner which can be slid up the tube, wherein each of the stretchers has a minimum length when used to extend its rib, and is elastically extensible beyond said minimum length to allow to the canopy to turn inside out.
2. An umbrella according to claim 1, wherein the at least one stretcher comprises a cylinder that abuts the rib and defines the limit of the minimum length.
C\I 3. An umbrella according to claim 2, wherein an elastic member is fixed within the cylinder and to facilitate extension of the stretcher.
4. An umbrella according to claim 3, wherein the elastic member comprises an elastic cord.
5. An umbrella according to claim 3, wherein the elastic member comprises an extension spring.
6. An umbrella according to claim 3,4 or 5, wherein the elastic member is attached to the rib and is arranged to slide within the cylinder.
7. An umbrella according to claim 3,4 or 5, wherein the elastic member is attached to a rod that is attached to the rib and is arranged to slide within the cylinder.