COLLAPSIBLE UMBRELLA

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a collapsible compact umbrella frame and umbrella.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Umbrellas have frames comprising ribs that are deployable to activate the umbrella and collapsible for storage and portability. However, even in the collapsed state, the umbrella may still be too large for storage or portability, for example for carrying in a handbag.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a collapsible umbrella frame and/or umbrella.

In one aspect the present invention may be said to consist in an umbrella frame collapsible into a compact configuration comprising: a shaft, a canopy frame with a plurality of ribs around the shaft, each rib being collapsible and comprising: a first strut with a first point coupled to the shaft, a second strut joined to a second point of the first strut at a first pivot, a strut actuator for manipulating the struts to put the rib in a collapsed configuration, wherein the strut actuator is operable to place the rib into the collapsed configuration by positioning the first and second struts adjacent the shaft, and wherein the first strut has a variable length that reduces in the collapsed configuration to reduce the combined length of the first and second strut when positioned adjacent the shaft, and/or the second strut has a variable length that reduces in the collapsed configuration to reduce the length of the third strut when positioned adjacent the shaft.

Preferably the strut actuator comprises: a first member coupled to the shaft at a first point and the first strut at a second pivot, and/or a second member coupled to the first member at a second pivot and the second strut at a third pivot.

Preferably the first strut comprises a telescoping portion to provide the variable length.

Preferably the telescoping portion comprises a sleeve and a strut member slidable within the sleeve.

Preferably the second strut comprises a telescoping portion to provide the variable length.

Preferably the telescoping portion comprises a sleeve and a rib member slidable within the sleeve.

Preferably the first member is coupled to the slidable strut member.

Preferably the second member is coupled to the slidable rib member.

Preferably a first strut lever is pivotably coupled between the first strut and the first member.

Preferably a second strut lever is pivotably coupled between the first strut and the second member.

Preferably the strut actuator further comprises a slidable coupling that couples the first strut to the shaft at the first point.

Preferably the strut actuator is operable to pivot the first strut by moving the first point of the first strut relative and/or opposably to the first point of the first member.

Preferably movement along the shaft of the first point of the first strut relative and/or opposably towards the first point of the first member pivots the first strut away from the shaft and moves the slidable strut member of the first strut to increase the strut length into a deployed configuration.

Preferably movement along the shaft of the first point of the first strut relative and/or opposably away from the first point of the first member pivots the first strut toward the shaft and moves the slidable strut member of the first strut to decrease the strut length into a collapsed configuration.

Preferably movement along the shaft of the first point of the first strut relative and/or opposably towards the first point of the first member pivots the second strut away from the shaft and moves the slidable rib member of the second strut away to increase the strut length into a deployed configuration.

Preferably movement along the shaft of the first point of the first strut relative and/or opposably away from the first point of the first member pivots the second strut toward the shaft and moves the rib member of the second strut to decrease the strut length into a collapsed configuration.

Preferably the umbrella further comprises a canopy on the canopy frame.

Preferably when collapsed the umbrella frame has a sufficiently small overall length for easy storage, and wherein when deployed is a sufficient length to provide a canopy radius that is large enough to provide a suitable canopy area for protection.

In another aspect the present invention may be said to consist in an umbrella comprising: an umbrella fame according to anyone of the paragraphs above, and a canopy on the umbrella frame.

In another aspect the present invention may be said to consist in an umbrella frame collapsible into a compact collapsed configuration comprising: a shaft, a canopy frame with a plurality of ribs around the shaft, each rib being collapsible and comprising: a first strut with a first point coupled to the shaft and with a variable length portion, a strut actuator with a first member for manipulating the strut to move the rib between a collapsed and deployed configuration, the first strut and strut actuator being coupled at a first pivot and combining to provide a structural support for the rib, wherein the variable length portion extends and structural support extends to a support length SL in the deployed configuration based on a length R of the first strut between the first point and the first pivot, and the variable length portion contracts and the structural support contracts to a collapsed length CL in the collapsed configuration dependent on a smaller length cR of the first strut between the first point and the first pivot, where cR is less than R.

Optionally the length R is large enough to provide a support length SL that supports a rib with a large enough radius RLT to provide sufficient coverage in the deployed state, while length cR is small enough to provide a collapsed length CL that is small enough to make the umbrella frame compact in the collapsed state.

Optionally the umbrella frame further comprising a second strut joined to a second point of the first strut at a second pivot, the strut actuator comprising a second member for manipulating the second strut to move the rib between the collapsed and the deployed configuration, the second member providing an additional structural support and the second strut increasing the radius RLT in the deployed configuration.

Optionally the ratio of the support length to total umbrella frame radius (SL:RLT) is about 0.2:1 to 0.4:1.

Optionally the ratio of total umbrella frame radius to compact length (RLT:CL) is about 1.8:1 to 3.2:1.

Optionally the ratio of combined radial length are of triangular support structure in deployed state to the combined radial length of the triangular support structure in the collapsed state (R1+R2):(R1+cR2) is about 270:1.56*SL.

Optionally:

- a. RLT is about 450 mm to 600 mm
- b. SL is about 100 mm to 200 mm
- c. R1, R2 are about 100 m to 200 mm
- d. CL is about 190 mm to 250 mm

Optionally the umbrella frame comprises a canopy on the canopy frame.

In another aspect the present invention may be said to consist in an umbrella frame comprising: a shaft, a canopy frame with a plurality of ribs around the shaft, each rib being collapsible and comprising: a first strut extendable and collapsible by a strut actuator, the first strut and strut actuator joining and a first pivot to create a rib support structure with: two limbs of length R1, R2 that extends to a support length SL in the deployed configuration, and at least one limb of smaller length cR2 in the collapsed configuration.

In another aspect the present invention may be said to consist in an umbrella frame comprising: a shaft, a canopy frame with a plurality of ribs around the shaft, each rib being collapsible, wherein the canopy frame is deployable to a length RLT, and collapsible to a length CL, such that the ratio RLT:CL is improved over existing umbrellas.

It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7) and, therefore, all sub-ranges of all ranges expressly disclosed herein are hereby expressly disclosed. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

The term “comprising” as used in this specification means “consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term “comprising”, features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprises” are to be interpreted in the same manner.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, of which:

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D show in generic schematic form the struts and pivot points of a rib of an umbrella frame in partial deployed and collapsed configurations respectively.

FIGS. 2A to 2G show in schematic form the various members of one rib of an umbrella frame according to a first possible embodiment, in collapsed, deployed and various in between configurations.

FIGS. 3A, 3B show in perspective form the umbrella frame in collapsed and deployed configurations.

FIG. 4 shows various angles and lengths of the umbrella frame.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6 show in schematic form the various members of one rib of an umbrella frame according to a second possible embodiment, in collapsed and deployed configurations.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show an umbrella frame with a canopy.

FIGS. 9A, 9B show the canopy with respect to a person.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments described provide an umbrella frame, to which a canopy can be attached to provide an umbrella. The umbrella frame is collapsible into a compact storage configuration (state), in which the ribs forming a canopy frame of the umbrella frame collapse into a configuration with a reduced length, to reduce the overall length of the umbrella in the collapsed state. The embodiments utilise a combination of telescopic members and pivots to provide ribs that can be collapsed (folded and contracted in length) to a sufficiently small overall length for easy storage, but can be extended/deployed to a sufficient length to provide a canopy radius that is large enough to provide a suitable canopy area for protection, while also ensuring suitable rigidity/robustness of the canopy frame during the extended/deployed configuration (state). The ratio of the deployed length to the collapsed length while retaining rigidity is an improvement over existing umbrellas.

FIGS. 1A to 1D show in generic diagrammatic form the main struts and pivots of a rib 11 of a canopy frame 12 that provide for reduced overall axial length of a rib 21 (E) and an umbrella frame 13 as a whole in a collapsed configuration. FIGS. 1A, 1B shows the rib 11 in a deployed and partially deployed configuration respectively, and FIGS. 1C, 1D shows the rib 11 in an almost collapse and collapsed) configuration respectively. A main shaft 15 is provided in the umbrella frame 13. The main shaft has a plurality of ribs e.g. 11 arranged around it (forming the canopy frame 12), of which one is shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B. The rib 11 comprises a first strut (or member) 14 coupled (at a first point 16 on the strut) to the shaft 15. The first strut 14 is coupled to the shaft 15 in a manner that (optionally, but in a preferred embodiment) allows the first strut point to move along or parallel to the shaft (either with the shaft or relative to it). The first strut 14 is coupled to the shaft 15 in a manner that also allows pivoting 16 of the first strut 14 about the first point 16 relative to the shaft 15. Preferably, but not necessarily, the first point 16 on the first strut 14 joined to the shaft 15 is at a first end of the first strut.

A second strut (or member) 17, is joined (at a first point 18) via a first pivot 18 onto the first strut 14 (at a second point on the first strut). Preferably, the second point 18 on the first strut 14 joined to the second strut 17 is at the other (second) end of the first strut. Likewise, preferably but not essentially, the first point 18 on the second strut 17 is at a first end of the second strut.

At least one of, and preferably both, the first 14 and second 17 struts have a variable length (e.g. by way of respective variable length portions 19, 20) that allow reduction and increase of the respective strut 14, 17 lengths. This could be by way of a telescopic arrangement, for example.

In use, each rib 11 can be manipulated between a compact collapsed configuration (for storage/portability—see FIG. 1C, 1D) and an extended/deployed configuration where the canopy is deployed to provide the user with protection from the elements. To achieve the collapsed configuration, the ribs are folded and compacted in length as shown in FIG. 1C, 1D. Preferably, the first point 16 is moved downwards 5 along or parallel to the shaft 15 (either with the shaft or relative to it), which hinges/pivots the first strut 14 at pivot 16 so that the first strut 14 is positioned adjacent/close to shaft (and preferably aligned with and/or abutting the shaft), as shown in FIG. 1C, 1D. The second strut 17 is also hinged/pivoted at the pivot 18 so that the second strut is positioned adjacent/close to the shaft and/or the first strut (and preferably aligned with and/or abutting the shaft and first draft). This is the folding aspect of collapsing. Note, for both struts, adjacent does not necessarily mean completely abutting or aligned, but could also mean something approach that configuration. Also note, FIG. 1C shows rib partially collapsed—when fully collapsed the struts will be even closer to the shaft as in FIG. 1D. In addition, to achieve the collapsed configuration, the ribs are compacted in length. Preferably, the length of at least one of the struts is reduced (e.g. by manipulating a variable length portion 19, 20), to reduce the overall axial length 21 (E) of the collapsed struts between the pivot 18/end points 16, 6 of the struts 14, 17. This provides for a compact collapsed configuration to assist with storage. The shaft 15 can also collapse/compact (e.g. via telescoping members) to reduce the overall axial length 7 (F) of the umbrella frame. The collapsing struts combine with the telescoping shaft to reduce the overall axial length.

Referring to FIGS. 1A to 1D, to achieve the deployed configuration, each rib is unfolded and the length of each rib extended. The first point 16 on the first strut 14 is moved upwards 8 along or parallel to the shaft 15 (either with the shaft or relative to it), which hinges/pivots 16 the first strut 14 so that it extends/pivots away from the shaft 15 as shown in FIG. 1A, 1B. The second strut 17 is also actuated so that it pivots at the first point 18 relative to the first strut 14 and extends/pivots away from the shaft 15. The canopy, which is attached to the rib 11, is then deployed. As part of the deployment, the length of each rib is extended. At least one of the variable length portions 19, 20 of the first and second strut is extended, which increases the overall radial length 22 (D) of the deployed rib 11 to increase the coverage area of the canopy.

As shown in FIG. 1C, 1D, in the collapsed configuration, the first 14 and second 17 strut hinge relatively so that the pivot 18 is positioned towards the top of the shaft. Alternative configurations are possible. For example, the first and second strut could hinge downwards such that the pivot 18 is positioned towards the bottom of the shaft.

The rib 11 is manipulated into the collapsed and/or deployed configurations using a strut actuator 23. This could take many forms, but a possible generic embodiment is shown in dotted lines in FIGS. 1A to 1D. In this embodiment, the strut actuator 23

- draws the first 14 and second 17 struts in towards the shaft 15 into the collapsed configuration and manipulates the variable length portion 19, 20 of one or both struts 14, 17 to reduce overall axial strut length 21, and
- pushes the first 14 and second 17 struts away from the shaft 15 into the deployed configuration and manipulates the variable length portions 19, 20 of one or both struts to increase radial strut length 22.

The strut actuator 23 preferably comprises a first member 24 coupled (at a first point 25 on the first member) to the shaft 15. The first member 24 is coupled to the shaft in a manner that allows the first member to hinge at the first point 25. In some embodiments it may also allow that point 25 to move along or parallel to the shaft (either with the shaft or relative to it). Preferably, but not necessarily, the first point 25 on the first member 24 joined to the shaft 15 is at a first end of the first member. The first member 24 and first strut 14 are coupled to the shaft 15 and/or the shaft is configured so that the first member 24 and first strut 14 coupling points 25, 16 are relatively and/or opposably movable (that is, movable in opposite or opposing directions) along or parallel to the shaft. This could be achieved by way of a slidable coupling(s) between the respective first member and first strut and the shaft, or a telescopic shaft 15 with at least two opposably movable members, in which each of the first member and first strut are coupled respectively to one of the movable members. Note, only one of the first strut and first member may actually move relative to the shaft (one might be prevented from axial movement, for example), but they are still moveably relatively and/or opposably to each other.

A second point 27 on the first member 24 is joined by a pivot 27 to a third point on the first strut 14, the second point 27 on the first member preferably although not necessarily being somewhere between the end points of the first member, and the third point on the first strut preferably being at some point between the two endpoints of the strut. The strut actuator 23 also preferably comprises a second member 28, joined at a pivot 26 at a first point (preferably a first end) to the second end of the first member 24, and joined at a pivot 29 at a second point (preferably a second end) to a second point on the second strut 29.

The strut actuator 23 works in the following way in order to manipulate the rib 11 into the collapsed and/or deployed configuration. To collapse the umbrella, the coupling points 25, 16 of the first member 24 and first strut 14 respectively are moved along the shaft away from each other (arrows “A”)—preferably by moving the coupling point 16 of the first strut down the shaft. The first member 24 and first strut 14, and the pivot 27 are drawn in towards the shaft 15, so that they are adjacent to it, and preferably aligned with and/or against (abut) the shaft as shown in FIG. 1C, 1D. As part of this movement, the first member 24 actuates the variable length portion 19 to reduce the overall length of the first strut 14 between its endpoints 18, 16. At the same time, the second member 28 of the strut actuator 23 draws the second strut 17 towards the shaft 15 so that it is adjacent the shaft and the first member/first strut. The second member 28 also actuates the variable length portion to reduce the overall length of the second strut 17. This results in the rib 11 being folded into the collapsed position, and the overall length being compacted.

It will be appreciated that where only one of the first 14 and second 17 strut have variable length portions 19, 20, then the strut actuator 23 only actuates one variable length portion.

To deploy the umbrella, the coupling points 25, 16 of the first member and first strut are moved along the shaft towards each other (arrow “B”), which pivots out and extends the first strut 14 away from the shaft 15. The second member 28 coerces the second strut 17 so that it pivots 18 relative to the first strut 14 and extends away from the shaft 15, as shown in FIG. 1A, 1B. The first and/or second member 24/28 also increase the variable length portion 19, 20 of one or both struts 14, 17 to increase your overall length of the first and/or second strut.

The strut actuator 23 might also comprise part of the shaft 15, or an attachment to the shaft. For example one or both of the first member 24 and first strut 17 maybe coupled to a slidable runner on the shaft, and/or coupled to telescopic members on the shaft.

It will be appreciated that the generic arrangement shown above is one example only. It will be possible to have other arrangements. For example, the first and second member could positioned in an alternative manner to manipulate the struts.

It will also be appreciated that while the first member and first strut move in an opposable and/or relative direction to each other along or parallel to the shaft, they might not both move. For example, one of the first member and/or first strut may be fixed longitudinally to the shaft, and the other moves along the shaft. Irrespective of this, there is still relative opposable movement between the two locations on the first member and first strut attached to the shaft.

Only one of the first 14 and second 17 struts might have a variable length. For example, optionally, the second strut 17 does not need a variable portion (although still might have a slidable portion to tension the tip as explained below). This can still result in an overall lesser axial length 21 (E) in the collapsed configuration. For example, where one strut is short and/or where the pivot is not at the half way point of the struts, then only one strut length might be variable. In this case, the longer strut length would be reduced on collapsing to reduce the overall axial length.

FIGS. 1E, 1F show how such an arrangement provides ribs that can be collapsed (folded and contracted in length) to a sufficiently small overall length for easy storage, but can be extended/deployed to a sufficient length to provide a canopy radius that is large enough to provide a suitable canopy area for protection, while also ensuring suitable rigidity/robustness of the canopy frame during the extended/deployed configuration (state). FIG. 1E shows various dimensions (leading to ratios) of the umbrella frame when deployed, and FIG. 1F shows the various dimensions (leading to ratios) of the umbrella frame when collapsed. In both Figures, some features of the umbrella fame shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D have been removed for clarity.

Referring to FIG. 1E, in the deployed configuration, the first strut 14 (of the rib 11 of the umbrella frame 12) has a length L1 and the second strut 17 has a length L2. In the deployed configuration, these ribs 14, 17 do not extend exactly perpendicular from the shaft 15, so they have respective radial lengths from the shaft 15 of RL1 and RL2, resulting in a total radial length of the rib 11 from the shaft RLT (D in FIGS. 2A and 4), wherein RLT=RL1+RL2. The total radial length RLT is long enough to support a radius of canopy with sufficient coverage of the user when the umbrella frame is deployed. The first strut 14 is supported by a triangular support structure 50. The triangular support structure also indirectly supports the rib 11 (including second strut 17) overall. The triangular support structure comprises: a portion TSS3 of the shaft 15 (between the pivot couplings 16 and 25); a portion TSS1 of the first member of the strut actuator (between the shaft at pivot coupling 25 and the pivot 27) of radial length R1; and a portion TSS2 of the first strut (between the shaft at pivot coupling 16 and the pivot 27) also of radial length R2. In many cases R1 equals or almost equals R2, but that is not essential. The total perpendicular (radial) length from the shaft 15 to the pivot 27 of the triangular support structure 50 is SL. It is desirable that the perpendicular length SL is as long as possible to provide as much cantilever support to the rib 11 as possible. This provides rigidity, and also enables the total length RLT of the rib 11 to be longer, thus providing greater coverage by the canopy when the umbrella frame is deployed.

As such, the length R1, R2 of the portions TSS1, TSS2 of the triangular support structure should be as long as possible, to make length SL as long as possible. However, as the length R1 and/or R2 increases, this reduces the compactness of the umbrella in the collapsed state, as will be described below. Also, the lengths L1 and L2 of the first and second struts 14, 17 should be as long as possible, to maximise the total rib length RLT.

However, the longer these struts are, the less rigidity there is in the rib 11 when deployed. Moreover, the length L1 and L2 (and L1 in particular in preferred embodiments) impact on the overall compactness of the umbrella in the collapsed state.

The arrangement described herein allows for length L1 and L2 that, when deployed, provide sufficient canopy coverage when deployed, while still having sufficient rigidity from the triangular support structure 50, in turn while also allowing for a collapsed state CL (to be described below) that is sufficiently compact. Each of these parameters impacts on the other, but the arrangement as described allows for improved overall dimensions and/or ratios between various dimensions and configurations. This will now be described with reference to FIG. 1F.

As described previously, in the collapsed state, the strut actuator 23 and the first strut 14 are moved apart so that they move adjacent the shaft 15. This collapses the triangular support structure TSS. As part of this, the variable length portion 19 of the first strut 14 reduces, which then reduces the length L1 of the first strut, and as a result the distance R2 from the shaft 15 along the first strut to the pivot 27. This results in a new length cR2, where c is a constant, where 0<c<1. As such, in the collapsed state, the total length of the sides of the collapsed triangular support structure 50 is not R1+R2, but rather a lesser length being CL=R1+cR2. (In the case where R1=R2, these can be defined a R, and the total length CL is not 2R, but rather a lesser length being CL=(1+c)R.) CL can also be the overall length of the collapsed umbrella frame. As such, this arrangement allows for in the deployed state a longer R1 and/or R2 for the triangular support structure 50—as the collapsed length CL is less than R1+R2. This longer R1 and/or R2 leads to a longer SL, and therefore greater support allowing for a longer RLT (as a longer SL provides support for a longer RLT while still retaining required rigidity of the deployed rib 11), while still allowing for a lesser CL in the compact state. In addition, the reduced length of the first strut 14 means that in the collapsed state the overall length of the first strut L1 reduces to bL1, where b is a constant, where 0<b<1. This allows for a longer L1 that provides for an overall longer RLT and (greater canopy coverage), while still enabling a collapsed state length CL that is less than L1.

Likewise, and optionally, the collapsing of the second strut means that in the collapsed state the overall length of the strut L2 reduces to aL2, where a is a constant, where 0<a<1. This allows for a longer L2 that provides for an overall longer RLT and (greater canopy coverage), while still enabling a collapsed state length CL that is less than L2. Typically L2 will be shorter than L1, and in the collapsed state will be shorter also (although this is not essential and as can be seen in FIG. 6). As such, in many cases reduction of length L2 may not be essential as it is already less than bL1. In any case, if the collapsed state of the umbrella frame is to have an overall length CL, then this will be defined by the greatest of R1+cR2 (or (1+c)R where R1=R2), bL1, aL2, and the greatest of these must be short enough to give the desired CL. The shaft length 15 will also be a consideration of overall length CL, and it may reduce in length also to get the desired CL.

In addition to the above, the first strut 14 extends beyond the pivot 27 to the second pivot 18. The portion of the first strut 14 between the pivots 27 and 18 provides additional support.

In addition to the above, the second member 28 of the strut actuator provides additional support for the overall umbrella frame 12 rib 11, and for the second strut 17. This is in addition to its actuation function. The parallelogram formed by second member 28, strut 11, member 24 and strut 17 in combination provide additional support.

In summary, by an interrelated design of lengths L1, L2 and R1, R2 (or R where R1=R2) (and shaft length), the umbrella frame can be designed such that there is enough length RLT for sufficient coverage during deployment, a large enough length SL to provide sufficient support for the deployed umbrella frame, and enough length reduction of R1, R2, L1 and/or L2 to provide sufficient compactness CL during the collapsed state.

By sufficient coverage, it is meant that the canopy has an area Au when deployed that is sufficient to cover a person to provide protection from elements. Preferably, and with reference to FIGS. 9A, 9B this means the deployed canopy has a radius Ru that results in an area Au at least the same radius Rp or resulting area Ap as a person when viewed in plan (FIG. 9A), and more preferably the canopy has a radius Ru or area Au more than (greater than) the radius Rp or resulting area Rp of a person when viewed in plan, and even more preferably the canopy has a radius Ru resulting in an area Au which is a multiple (integer or real number multiple) of the radius Rp or area Ap of a person 91 in plan (FIG. 9B), such as an area that is about 1 to about 2 times the area of a person in plan, or more. Other multiples are possible, such a radius or area that is about 0.5 to about 1 times the radius/area of a person, or greater than 2 times the radius/area of a person in plan. The area of a person in plan could be taken from a radius Rp of their widest part, such as the across the shoulders and using Πr². Likewise, the area of the canopy could be taken from a diameter/radius Rp of their widest part, such as tip to tip 50 and using Πr². Note, the canopy/person as will be described is not actually circular, and so the canopy/person area will not be Πr²as for a circle, but this is an approximation. As one example, the radius of the canopy when deployed could be about 450 mm to 600 mm, which provides an area of approximately 0.6 m2 to 1.1 m2. Likewise, by sufficient compactness, it is meant that the length CL is small enough to provide a convenient size for carriage/storage. An example could be a length CL of about 190 mm to about 250 mm. The length SL is enough to support a canopy so it can withstand elements and other forces (e.g. wind, rain and other forces) to at least the same degree as existing umbrellas, while still providing overall a larger canopy when deployed and/or more compact umbrella when collapsed.

The present design disclosed enables these dimensions to be arranged to provide overall improvement for coverage, compactness and support over existing umbrella canopy frames. It will be appreciated that compromises in one parameter could lead to gains in another parameter (e.g. allowing for smaller canopy area could lead to a more compact collapsed umbrella) but in each case, the relationship between the coverage, compactness and support will be overall better than can be provided by existing umbrellas, including the ration RLT:CL. It also enables the reduction of strut members 14, 17 to two, and pivots between them to one (pivot 18), while still getting the benefits of coverage and compactness. The design will lead to the following ratios, which provide improvement over similar ratios of existing umbrellas.

- Ratio of triangular support structure radius to total umbrella frame radius—SL:RLT
- Ratio of total umbrella frame radius to compact length—RLT:CL
- Ratio of combined radial lengths R1, R2 of triangular support structure in deployed state to the combined radial length of the triangular support structure in the collapsed state (R1+R2):(R1+cR2) or in the case of R1=R2; 2R:(1+c)R, where R=R1=R2.

The ratio RLT:CL encompasses a feature of the umbrella which provides for a coverage when deployed versus a compactness when collapsed that is better than existing umbrellas

Some possible ranges, dimensions and the relative ratios will now be described, along with a possible example of dimensions and ratios. It will be appreciated that these ranges and examples of dimensions and relative ratios should not be considered limiting, but are rather examples to demonstrate the benefits provided by the umbrella frame as described in relation to typical sizes of umbrellas. An umbrella frames with any dimensions could be constructed according to the embodiments described, each still providing the benefits described, including the ability to provide a RLT:CL ratio better than existing umbrellas.

The overall deployed rib 11 could have a radial length RLT of about 450 mm to 600 mm, and one example being about 521.72 mm, leading to a deployed canopy with this radius. RL1 and RL2 would combine to this length, and could fall within commensurate ranges. For example, where RLT is about 521.72 mm this could comprise a radial length of the first strut 14 RL1 of 265.36 mm and a radial length of the second strut 17 RL2 of 256.36 mm.

The length R1, R2 of members TSS1 and TSS2 could fall in the range of about 100 mm to about 200 mm, and one example being R1=138 mm and R2=132.58 mm respectively. This leads to a radial length SL from the shaft to the pivot 27 of about 131.68 mm when the rib 11 is deployed (or an SL that falls within a range commensurate with R1, R2 falling within a range of e.g. about 100 mm to about 200 mm). The total extended length L1 of the first strut could be about 200 to about 300 mmm, such as about 269 mm, which leads to a radial length RL1 of about 265.36 mm or e.g. about 2*SL from the shaft 15 to the pivot 18. The length L2 could be about 200 mm to about 300 mm, such as about 258 mm. Note, it is not essential for the radial length RL1 to be 2*SL. The contracted length L1 could be about 200 mm to 300 mm, such as about 212 mm. The contracted length of L2 (if it contracts) could be about 200 mm to 300 mm, such as about 247 mm)

These lead to more general lengths of e.g.: RLT=3.95*SL; RL1=2*SL; bL1 of 1.56*SL and CL=1.81*SL. In this case second strut 17 in the collapsed configuration is longer than the reduce length bL1 of the first strut 14, which therefore influences the overall length CL. This may not always be the case. More generally, CL can be about 190 mm to 250 mm. In the collapsed form the overall length CL could be 190 mm to 250 mm (or more generally e.g. 1.81SL)

These dimensions lead to the following ratios (as non-limiting examples):

- SL:RLT is about e.g. 0.2:1 to 0.4: or in the particular example, 131.68:521.72=approx. 0.25:1,
- RLT:CL is about e.g. 1.8:1 to 4:1, and preferably at least or greater than 4:1.
- (R1+R2):(R1+cR2) is about 270:1.56*SL

It will be appreciated the other ratios could be extracted, or they could be provided in the reciprocal form and the above are by way of example only.

A first possible embodiment of the umbrella fame 13 and umbrella will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2G and 3A, 3B. This embodiment implements the aspects described above. FIGS. 2A to 2G show one rib 11 of the umbrella frame 13 attached to the shaft 15, in various configurations between fully collapsed and fully deployed, while FIGS. 3A, 3B show perspective views of the full frame with all ribs shown in a fully collapsed and fully deployed configurations. The canopy is not shown for reasons of clarity, but it will be appreciated that the canopy can be attached to the umbrella frame to provide a working umbrella. An example of a canopy 70 is shown in FIGS. 7, 8 with respect to a second possible embodiment, but it will be appreciated that the canopy can be applied to the frame of the first possible embodiment in the same manner. The canopy can be applied as described in PCT application WO2005/048765, for example.

Referring to the Figures, the umbrella frame 13 comprises a shaft 15 and six ribs e.g. 11 extending radially from the shaft 15. In the collapsed configuration the ribs fold up and compact in length to provide a compact portable and storable configuration with a reduced overall rib length/axial length, and in the deployed configuration foldout and extend in length to provide an operational umbrella. The embodiment will now be described with reference to one of the ribs 11, all of which work in the same manner.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the umbrella frame 13 comprises a shaft 15, with a collapsible and deployable ribs 11 extending radially therefrom. Each rib 11 comprises a first strut 14 that is pivotably coupled 16 to the shaft 15 on a slidable runner 30 at a first end 16 (first point). The slidable runner can move axially up and down the shaft 15 to move the first end 16 of the first strut 14 up 8 and down 5 the shaft to manoeuvre the first strut 14 towards and away from the shaft 15. The first strut 14 comprises a strut sleeve 31 and strut member 32 that is slidable within the sleeve 31. The slidable strut member 32 and strut sleeve 31 are a telescopic arrangement to provide variable length (a variable length portion 19) of the first strut. As the strut member 32 retracts within the strut sleeve 31, the overall length of the first strut is reduced, and as the first strut member 32 extends from the strut sleeve 31 the overall length of the first strut is increased. A fixed sleeve 33 is provided at the other end of the strut member.

A second strut 17 is connected to the second end 18 of the first strut 14 at a pivot 18 on the fixed sleeve 33. The second strut 17 comprises a rib guide (sleeve) 34 and a rib 35 that is slidable within the rib guide. The rib and the rib guide provide a telescopic arrangement to provide variable length (variable length portion 20) of the second strut. As the rib 35 retracts within the rib guide 34, the overall length of the second strut 17 is reduced, and as the rib 35 extends from the rib guide 34 the overall length of the second strut 17 is increased. A tip 50 is provided at the end of the rib 35 to locate and couple the rib 35 with the canopy. The tip 50 could for example be the force spreader which provides a tensioning force to the canopy as described in PCT application WO2005/048765 and incorporated herein in its entirety.

A strut actuator 23 is provided, comprising the previously described slidable runner 30 and also a first member 24 (also termed up a strut) which is coupled to the shaft 15, preferably by a pivot 25 coupling at the first end (first point) of the first member. The coupling 25 is preferably pivotable but not slidable or otherwise moveable relative to the shaft 15. A second point 27 of the first member 24 is pivotably attached to the first strut 14 at a second point 27 on the first strut. A first lever member 36 is at one end 38 pivotably coupled to the strut sleeve 31 (third point on the first strut) and at another end 37 pivotably coupled to the first member. The first member 24 is curved and at a second end 26 is pivotably coupled to a second member 28 of the strut actuator 23 at a fixed sleeve 41. The second member 28 has a shaft 40 and a fixed sleeve 42 at the other end, which is pivotably 29, coupled to the rib 35 of the second strut. A second lever member 43 is at one end 44 pivotably coupled to the strut fixed sleeve 33 and at another end 45 pivotably coupled to the second member shaft 40.

With reference to FIGS. 2A to 3B, and 4 the frame operates as follows. FIG. 4 shows the various angles and pivoting axes of the embodiment. To deploy the umbrella, the slidable runner 30 is pushed vertically up 8 the shaft 15 to create opposable movement between the first end 16 of the first strut 14 and the first end 25 of the first member 24 of the strut actuator 23. As the runner slides up direction A, the distance a between the first ends 25, 16 of the first member and first strut reduces and the angles Z and Y increase. This also increases angle X. This movement extends the first member 24, first strut 14 and pivot 27 away from the shaft. The first lever member 36 retains a reaction force between the first member 24 and sleeve 31 of the first strut 14 so that the pivot 27 will draw the slidable strut member 32 out of the sleeve 31 as the pivot moves away from the shaft, thus increasing the length of the first strut by distance B. This provides a triangle between points 25, 27 and 16 in which two sides have variable length during collapse/deployment.

Irrespective of whether or not B increases in length, the angle W decreases. An uneven parallelogram is formed between points 27, 26, 44 and 45. The second end 26 of the first member 24 coerces the second member 28 to pivot around the first end 26 and extend away from the shaft 15. The decreasing of angle W leads to decreasing angle V. The second member 28 coerces the second strut 17 so that it extends away from the shaft 15 as it hinges around the pivot 18 with the first strut 14. The second lever member 43 also creates a reaction force between the second member 28 and first strut/second strut so that the end of the second member 28 pivots around 29 and coerces the rib 35 out of the rib guide 34 thus increasing the overall length of the second strut 17 by a distance C. This means pivots 18 and 29 move away from each other. This creates an overall rib radial length 22 (D) (also RLT) which is of sufficient length to deploy the canopy and provide a radial length of suitable dimension to protect a user from the elements to the required degree.

To collapse the umbrella, the slidable runner 30 is pushed vertically down 5 the shaft 15 to create opposable and/or relative movement between the first end 16 of the first strut 14 and the first end 25 of the first member 24 of the strut actuator 23. As the runner slides down, the distance A between the first ends of the first member and first strut increase and the angles Z and Y decrease. This movement draws the first member 24, first strut 14 and pivot 27 towards the shaft 15, preferably aligned against the shaft. The first lever member 36 creates a reaction force between the first member 24 and sleeve 31 of the first strut 14 so that the pivot 27 will pull the slidable strut member 32 into the sleeve 31 as the pivot 27 moves towards the shaft, thus decreasing the length of the first strut by distance B. The first level member 36 provides stability in the triangle, and itself forms a triangle between points 38, 37 and 27. The increase of angle X within the triangle during deployment activates linear motor of the first strut 14 with respect to the sleeve 31 to increase length B.

The second end 26 of the first member 24 coerces the second member 28 to pivot around the first end 26 and draw towards the shaft. The second member 28 coerces the second strut 17 so it pulls towards the shaft as it hinges around the pivot 18 with the first strut 14. The second lever member 43 also creates a reaction force between the second member 28 and first strut/second strut so that the end of the second member 29 coerces the rib 35 into of the rib guide 34 thus decreasing the overall length of the second strut by a distance C. This creates an overall length dimension of the collapsed rib E, which is of sufficient reduced length make collapsed umbrella suitable for storage/portability. The shaft 15 can also collapse/compact (e.g. via telescoping members) to reduce the overall axial length 7 (F) of the umbrella frame. The collapsing struts combine with the telescoping shaft to reduce the overall axial length.

Another possible embodiment is shown in FIGS. 5A to 8. This embodiment implements the aspects described above and has many features similar to the previous embodiment, but has some different features. The different features will be described, and those skilled in the art will realise that a full description is not required here.

Figure shows one rib 11 of the umbrella frame 13 attached to the shaft 15, while FIG. 6 shows one rib 11 shown in a fully collapsed. FIGS. 7, 8 shows a full umbrella frame with a canopy attached, such as like that as described in PCT application WO2005/048765. The rib 11 deploys and collapses generally as described previously herein.

Referring to FIG. 5A, 5B, the umbrella frame 13 comprises a shaft 15, with a collapsible and deployable ribs 11 extending radially therefrom. Each rib 11 comprises a first strut 14 that is pivotably coupled 16 to the shaft 15 on a slidable runner 30 at a first end 16 (first point). The slidable runner can move axially up and down the shaft 15 to move the first end 16 of the first strut 14 up 8 and down 5 the shaft to manoeuvre the first strut 14 towards and away from the shaft 15. The first strut 14 comprises a strut sleeve 60 and strut member 61 that is slidable within the sleeve 60. The slidable strut member 61 and strut sleeve 60 are a telescopic arrangement to provide variable length (a variable length portion 19) of the first strut. As the strut member 61 retracts within the strut sleeve 60, the overall length of the first strut is reduced, and as the first strut member 61 extends from the strut sleeve 60 the overall length of the first strut is increased. A fixed sleeve 62 is provided at the other end of the strut member.

A second strut 17 is connected to the second end 18 of the first strut 14 at a pivot 18 on the fixed sleeve 62. The second strut 17 comprises a rib guide (sleeve) 63 and a rib 35 that is slidable within the rib guide 63. The rib 35 attaches to a fixed sleeve 64, which holds the pivot 18. A second rib 66 is fixed to and extends from the rib guide 63 to a tip/force spreader 50, which locates and couples the rib 66 with the canopy 70. A spring 65 resides over the second rib 66 between the rib guide 63 and the force spreader. The tip 50 could for example be the force spreader which provides a tensioning force to the canopy as described in PCT application WO2005/048765 and incorporated herein in its entirety. As the rib 11 deploys, the rib guide 63 slides over the first rib 35 such that the rib 35 slides out of the rib guide 63 and the rib guide also pushes the second rib 66 against the tip 52 to deploy the tip. A reaction force from the canopy pushes back though the tip against the spring 65. This deploys and tensions the canopy 70. During collapse, the rib guide 63 retracts back and slides over the first rib 35 so it slides into the rib guide 63, and the second rib 66 pulls back, so the reaction force from the canopy through the tip is removed and tension on the spring is released to allow the tip 50 and canopy 70 to collapse. As can be seen, in this arrangement the second strut 17 is variable in length by way of the first rib 35 sliding into and out of the gibe guide 63 during collapse and deployment. The first rib 35 and rib guide 63 are telescoping to provide a variable length portion. However, the length variation is only small, and is not essential for compactness reasons. Rather, the length variation arrangement is predominantly to provide tensioning. Therefore, the second possible embodiment demonstrates the option of having a second strut 17 in which variable length is not essential for providing a compact arrangement. It is short enough such that in the collapsed configuration the second strut 17 (with no, or only marginal shortening) is short enough to still provide the required compactness, yet is still long enough to provide the overall radial length RLT to provide sufficient canopy 70 coverage.

It will be appreciated that various variations of the embodiment shown are possible. For example the rib 11 could be arranged in an upside down manner to that described. Also, it might only be necessary to have one of the telescoping/extendable length portions. It might be possible to move the pivot point 18 so that one of the first 14 and second 17 struts is shorter than the other, and the other strut has a variable length portion, so that on collapsing it is reduced to reduce the overall length of both struts in the collapsed configuration. It is preferable that both struts have a telescoping portion, as this may maximise the reduction in length.

COLLAPSIBLE UMBRELLA

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