Patent Grant
10602816
This disclosure relates to umbrellas, and more particularly to umbrellas with inflatable portions.
An umbrella is a device designed to protect a user against the elements (e.g., rain, snow, sleet, sunlight, and wind). Some umbrellas are hand-held device that, when deployed, shield one or more users with a portable protective canopy. Some umbrellas are fixed or semi-fixed devices that are deployed to provide protection to a particular area, such as an outdoor patio, walkway, beach, field, or other area. In general, umbrellas are resilient against the elements (e.g., having water, wind, and/or sun resistant properties) to provide its users with the desired degree of protection.
Some umbrellas include a support assembly, canopy assembly, and a toroidal air bladder. The support assembly includes a pump and a handle. The canopy assembly includes a plurality of support ribs attached to the handle, and a sheet attached to each of the support ribs. The toroidal air bladder is coupled to the air pump, and the air bladder disposed about the handle and engages the support ribs.
Some umbrellas include a support assembly and a canopy assembly. The support assembly includes a pump and a handle. The canopy assembly includes a hub member attached to the handle, a plurality of air bladders attached to the hub member and coupled to the air pump, and a sheet attached to each of the air bladders.
Some embodiments of these umbrellas include one or more of the following features.
In some embodiments, the umbrella is configured to reversibly switch between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. In some cases, in the stowed configuration, the air bladder is deflated and the support ribs extend from the handle in a direction substantially parallel to the handle. In some cases, in the deployed configuration, the air bladder is inflated, the support ribs are supported by the air bladder at an angle with respect to the handle, and the sheet extends between adjacent support ribs.
In some embodiments, the pump is incorporated into the handle.
In some embodiments, the umbrella further includes a hub attached to an upper portion of the handle. In some cases, the hub attaches the plurality of support ribs to the handle. In some cases, the toroidal air bladder is attached to the hub. In some cases, plurality of support strips attach the toroidal air bladder to the hub.
In some embodiments, an umbrella further includes a stabilizer attached to the support ribs. The stabilizer limits the support ribs to a pre-defined angular range with respect to the handle.
In some embodiments, the support assembly further includes an air release mechanism operable to release air within the toroidal air bladder.
In some embodiments, the air release mechanism includes a collar disposed about an outer periphery of the support assembly. The collar is configured to reversibly switch between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the collar obstructs a channel in fluid communication with the toroidal air bladder, thereby preventing the air within the toroidal air bladder from flowing through the channel and escaping from the umbrella. In the second position, the collar does not obstruct the channel, thereby allowing the air within the toroidal air bladder to flow through the channel and escape from the umbrella.
In some embodiments, the umbrella is configured to reversibly switch between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. In some cases, in the stowed configuration, the air bladders are deflated. In some cases, in the deployed configuration, the air bladders are inflated and extend from the hub member at an angle with respect to the handle, and the sheet extends between adjacent air bladders.
In some embodiments, the pump is incorporated into the handle.
In some embodiments, the hub member includes a valve operable to control the release of air from the air bladders.
In some embodiments, the hub member includes a plurality of valves. Each valve associated with a corresponding air bladder and operable to control the release of air from the corresponding air bladder.
The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
Umbrellas can include inflatable components. For example, some umbrellas include one or more inflatable members that allow the umbrellas to switch between a stowed configuration (e.g., a collapsed configuration that is more suitable for transport) and a deployed configuration (e.g., an extended configuration that provides a user with protection). These inflatable members can include air bladders with inflated shapes such as, for example, toroids, straight beams, and curved beams. Umbrellas that include these inflatable members can be quickly stowed and deployed, allowing a user to conveniently transport and use the umbrella as needed. In some cases, umbrellas with inflatable members are also more resilient than umbrellas that only have rigid structural members, and are more resistant to wind or other potentially damaging external forces. Umbrellas with inflatable members can also allow a user to control the degree of rigidity of the umbrella enabling users to controllably strengthen the umbrella as appropriate for the desired applications or conditions.
An example umbrella 100 is shown in
The hub 122 provides a central attachment point for components of the canopy assembly 120, and attaches the canopy assembly 120 and the support assembly 140 to each other. The hub 122 of umbrella 100 has a generally toroidal shape, and is fixed to an upper portion of the support assembly 140.
The support ribs 124 provide structural support for the canopy assembly. Each support rib 124 is a rod or strip that is attached on one end to the hub 122, and extends radially outward from the hub 122 at equidistant points about the outer periphery of the hub 122. Each support rib 124 is attached to the hub 122 through a corresponding articulated joint 130. The joint 130 allows the support rib 124 to pivot with respect to the hub 122 between a stowed position (e.g., such that the support rib 124 extends in a direction approximately parallel to an axis of the support assembly 140, or at a relatively small angle to the axis of the support assembly 140) and a deployed position (e.g., such that the support rib 124 extends at an angle to the axis of the support assembly 140, or at a larger angle to the axis of the support assembly 140 relative to that of the stowed position). The joints 130 can be or include a pivot, a hinge, a ball and socket, a saddle, or other articulating mechanism that allows the support ribs 124 to pivot between the stowed position and deployed positions. As shown in
The sheet 126 protects a region 160 below the canopy assembly. The sheet 126 is attached each of the support ribs 124, and extends between adjacent support ribs 124. When the support ribs 124 are in a stowed position, the sheet 126 is loosely draped from each of the support ribs 124. When the support ribs 124 are extended to a deployed position, the sheet 126 extends with the support ribs 124, and is tightly drawn between the support ribs 124, protecting the region 160 below the canopy assembly, for example, from rain or sunlight. The sheet 126 is composed of one or more materials that are resistant to the elements such as, for example, a material that blocks rain (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate or stretchable nylon). In some implementations, the sheet 126 is opaque to block sunlight.
The air bladder 128 provides a mechanism for controllably pivoting the support ribs 124 between the stowed position and the deployed position and/or for supporting the support ribs in the deployed position. The air bladder 128 is generally toroidal in shape, and is positioned about the support assembly 120 along the underside of sheet 126. The air bladder 128 is substantially air tight, and can be fully or partially inflated such that its internal volume is filled with air pressurized or compressed relative to the ambient environment. The air bladder 128 can be deflated by releasing such compressed air. When deflated, the air bladder 128 does not have a substantially rigid form, and the support ribs 124 hang from the hub 122 in a direction substantially parallel to the support assembly 140 (or at a relatively small angle with respect to the support assembly 140). When partially inflated, the air bladder 128 increases in rigidity, and enlarges about the support assembly 140.
In umbrellas in which the air bladder 128 provides a mechanism for controllably pivoting the support ribs 124, the enlarging air bladder 128 contacts the support ribs 124, and pushes the support ribs 124 away from the support assembly 140 as the air bladder 128 inflates. This force causes the support ribs 124 to pivot at joints 130 with respect to the hub 122, extending the support ribs 124 at an increasingly large angle with respect to the support assembly 140. As the air bladder 128 continues to inflate, the support ribs 124 are pushed further and further outward, until the support ribs 124 are in a fully deployed position. Each support rib is supported on one end by the central hub and on the other end by the fixed length of fabric around a 360 degree circumference on the outer most diameter of the canopy. The canopy is sewn to locate the ribs in a symmetric pattern and limits their movement. When pressure is applied by the air bladder, it pushes on each rib part way between the two fixed ends of the rib and bends the rib into an arc creating a curved canopy structure and tightening the canopy. In the fully deployed position (e.g., as shown in
In some cases, the range of motion of the support ribs 124 is limited, such that they cannot extend beyond the fully deployed position. For example, some umbrellas include joints 130 that limit the range of motion of the support ribs 124 (e.g., joints 130 with a limited range of articulation). As another example, some umbrellas include a stabilizer that is attached to the support ribs 124, which limits the range of motion of the support ribs 124. Stabilizers are discussed in greater detail below.
The air bladder 128 can have varying degrees of rigidity, depending on the amount of air compressed within it. As such, the rigidity of the umbrella 100 can be varied by driving more or less air into the air bladder 128. The air bladder 128 biases the support ribs towards the deployed position. Some umbrellas include another opening mechanism such as, for example, a spring and use the air bladder 128 for helping maintain the support ribs in the deployed position after the support ribs are positioned by the opening mechanism.
The size of the air bladder 128 and the air pressure contained within the air bladder 128 can vary based on one or more factors. For example, air bladders that differ in size and/or air pressure have different rigidities, and can also affect the curvature of the sheet 126. As such, the size of the air bladder (e.g., the inner and outer diameters of the air bladder) and/or the air pressure contained within it can vary depending on the desired physical characteristics of the umbrella 100. In some cases, for example to increase inflation and deflation speed, a small diameter and low air pressure is used. As an example, to support an umbrella approximately 40 inches in diameter, some air bladders have an outer diameter of approximately 8 inches (e.g., between 7 and 9 inches), and an air pressure between 5 and 15 psi when inflated. In practice, other sizes and air pressure are also possible.
The pump 142 is coupled to the air bladder and is operable to compress air from outside the umbrella 100 (e.g., from the ambient environment) into the air bladder 128. The pump 142 is coupled to the air bladder 128 through a tube 146, which provides an air-tight channel for air to travel between the pump 142 and the air bladder 128. In umbrella 100, the tube 146 is positioned along an upper portion of the support assembly 140, such that during operation of the pump 142, air travels upwards from the pump 142, through the tube 146, and into the air bladder 128. In umbrella 100, the pump 142 is a piston pump that drives air into the toroidal air bladder when a user manually cycles an internal piston (e.g., using an appropriate handle). The pump 142 also includes a valve (e.g., a one-way valve or check valve) that prevents air from escaping from the air bladder 128. The valve is releasable, such that air contained within air bladder 128 can be controllably released from the air bladder 128. In some cases, the pump 142 includes a valve that automatically releases air from the air bladder 128 when the air pressure within them exceeds a particular threshold (e.g., 20 psi). Pumps are discussed in greater detail below.
The handle 144 acts as a grasping surface for the user. The handle 144 is positioned along a lower portion of the support assembly 140. In some umbrellas, the handle 144 is integral with the pump 142, such that the user can use the handle 144 to operate the pump 142 during deployment of the umbrella (e.g., to cycle the pump 142 and inflate the air bladder 128), as well as to grasp the umbrella before and after deployment. In some cases, the handle 144 is separate from the pump 142, such that the user grasps the handle 144 to position the umbrella 100 during use, and separately grasps a pump 142 during its operation.
In an example usage of the umbrella 100, the umbrella is initially in a stowed position. In the stowed position, the support ribs 124 are substantially parallel to the support assembly 140 (or at a relatively small angle with respect to the support assembly 140), and the sheet 126 drapes loosely from the support ribs 124. The user deploys the canopy assembly by cycling the pump 142 using the handle 144 (e.g., by alternatively pushing the handle 144 towards the pump 142 and pulling the handle 144 away from the pump 142), driving air into the pump 142, through the tube 146, and into the air bladder 128. As the air bladder 128 inflates, the air bladder 128 expands, pressing the support ribs 124 outwards, such that they pivot outward from the support assembly 140 about the joints 130. In the fully deployed position, the sheet is 126 is tightly drawn between the support ribs 124, forming a protective canopy. If desired, the user can continue driving additional air into the air bladder 128, increasing the rigidity of air bladder 128 and further strengthening the umbrella 100 in its deployed configuration. The user then grasps the umbrella 100 by the handle 144, and positions the umbrella 100 as desired. When deployed, the sheet 126 provides the user with a protective shield against the elements. For example, the user can position his body within the protected region 160 to shield himself from rain and/or sunlight. As the umbrella 100 is portable, the user can carry the umbrella 100 as he walks, such that he remains protected during travel. When finished using the umbrella 100, the user releases the valve of pump 142, releasing air from the air bladder 128. Once the air bladder 128 is deflated, the umbrella 100 returns to the stowed configuration.
As described above, several support ribs 124 are attached to the hub 122 through joints 130. The joints 130 are hinged joints, allowing each of the support ribs 124 to pivot with substantially one degree of freedom with respect to the hub 122. As also shown in
As described above, the air bladder 128 provides a mechanism for controllably pivoting the support ribs 124 between the stowed position and the deployed position. As shown in
The air bladder 128 is attached to the hub 122, such that the air bladder 128 and hub 122 remain coupled whether the air bladder 128 is deflated or inflated. The air bladder is 128 is attached to the hub 122 through several support straps 204; the support straps 204 extend between the air bladder 128 and the hub 122. In some umbrellas, the support straps 204 extend from the upper surface of the hub 122 to the lower surface of the air bladder 128. In this arrangement, the air bladder 128 is pulled upward when inflated (e.g., in the direction of arrow 208), and applies force to the underside of the support ribs 124. This increases the rigidity of the protective canopy, and in some cases, also increases the curvature of the protective canopy. Further, in this arrangement, the air bladder 128 rotates when inflated (e.g., in the direction of arrow 210). If the air bladder 128 is also secured to the sheet 126 (e.g., at the points 206), this rotation applies an outward force to each of the support ribs 124 (e.g., in the direction of arrow 212), and further increases the rigidity of the protective canopy.
Although shown and described above, umbrella 100 is merely an illustrative example. In practice, umbrellas vary in configuration from umbrella 100. For example, the umbrella 100 has support ribs 124 that bow or arc to a particular degree when in a deployed position. In practice, support ribs 124 can bow to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the implementation. In some umbrellas, the support ribs 124 bow to a greater degree than shown in
As another example, the overall shape of the canopy assembly 120 can also vary. For example, when in the deployed configuration, the umbrella 100 is shown having support ribs 124 and sheet 126 that define a curved canopy (e.g., roughly approximating the surface of a spherical sector). In some umbrellas, the support ribs 124 and sheet 126 define canopies having a different surface arrangement, such example a conical surface, a pyramidal surface, or an arbitrary symmetrical or asymmetrical surface.
As another example, the umbrella 100 is shown having support ribs 124 that extend from hub 122 approximately perpendicular to the extension of support assembly 140 when in the deployed configuration. In practice, when the support ribs 124 are in the deployed configuration, the support ribs 124 can extend from hub 122 to a greater or lesser degree than that shown. For example, in some umbrellas, when the support ribs 124 are in the deployed configuration, the support ribs 124 extend from the hub 122 at an angle less than 90° (e.g., 60°, 70°, or 80°) or greater than 90° (e.g., 100, 120°, or more).
As another example, the umbrella 100 can have different numbers of support ribs 124. For example,
As discussed above, some umbrellas include a stabilizer that is attached to the support ribs 124, which limits the range of motion of the support ribs 124. In some cases, the stabilizer 402 is sheet that extends between the support ribs 124 and the support assembly 140.
Stabilizer 402 can be used, for example, to prevent the support ribs 124 from pivoting beyond a particular range with respect to the extension of the support assembly 140. For example, the stabilizer can prevent the support ribs 124 from over-pivoting due to over inflation of the air bladder 128 or due to external force (e.g., wind blowing on the underside of the umbrella 100). In this manner, when deployed, the shape of the canopy assembly 120 is preserved despite misuse by a user, inclement weather, and/or other external forces. In some cases, the stabilizer 402 is flexible, collapsible, or foldable, such that it can be folded, crushed, or otherwise collapsed as the umbrella is closed.
In some cases, the stabilizer 402 is attached to the support assembly 140 through a stabilizer mount (e.g., a cylindrical ring) that can move along the shaft of the support assembly 140. This allows the user to collapse the protective canopy, in part, by pulling downward on the stabilizer mount. As the stabilizer mount moves downward along the support assembly 140, the stabilizer 402 pulls the support ribs 124 from their deployed positions. The user continues pulling downward on the stabilizer mount until the support ribs 124 are parallel to the shaft of the support assembly 140, thereby collapsing the protective canopy. Conversely, as the umbrella 100 is being deployed, the stabilizer mount is pulled upward by the support ribs 124 and stabilizer 402 along the shaft of the support assembly 140. The stabilizer mount continues moving upward until the umbrella is fully deployed, or in some cases, until the stabilizer mount is limited from moving upward any further (e.g., until it contacts a blocking element that prevents further upward movement of the stabilizer mount with respect to the support assembly 140).
In the examples described above, the air bladder 128 is positioned along an underside of sheet 126, such that when air bladder 128 is inflated, the air bladder 128 pushes the support ribs 124 away from the support assembly 140. In some umbrellas, the air bladder 128 is instead positioned along the upper side of sheet 126. For example, as shown in
In this example, when the air bladder 128 is deflated, the air bladder 128 does not have a substantially rigid form, and the support ribs 124 hang from the hub 122 in a direction substantially parallel to the support assembly 140 (or at a relatively small angle with respect to the support assembly 140). When partially inflated, the air bladder 128 increases in rigidity, and enlarges about the support assembly 140. As the air bladder 128 inflates, the enlarging air bladder 128 pulls the support ribs 124 away from the support assembly 140. This pulling force causes the support ribs 124 to pivot at joints 130 with respect to the hub 122, extending the support ribs 124 at an angle with respect to the support assembly 140. As the air bladder continues 128 to inflate, the support ribs 124 are pulled further and further outward, until the support ribs 124 are in a fully deployed position. In the fully deployed position (e.g., as shown in
Although umbrella 100 is shown as having a toroidal air bladder 128 in the above examples, some umbrellas 100 have air bladders that inflated into other shapes, such as straight beams and curved beams. An umbrella 100′ having multiple straight inflatable members is shown in
As above, the hub 122 provides a central attachment point for components of the canopy assembly 120, and attached the canopy assembly 120 and the support assembly 140 to each other.
The support ribs 124 provide structural support for the canopy assembly. Each support rib 124 is a rod or strip that is attached on one end to the hub 122, and extends radially outward from the hub 122. Each support rib 124 is attached to the hub 122 through a screw 812. The support ribs 124 are flexible, and can bend between a stowed position (e.g., such that the support rib 124 extends in a direction approximately parallel to the extension of the support assembly 140) and a deployed position (e.g., such that the support rib 124 extends in a direction that is angled to a particular degree, such as 90°, with respect to the extension of the support assembly 140). As shown in
The sheet 126 provides a protective region 160 below the canopy assembly. In some implementations, the sheet 126 is similar to the examples described above. For example, the sheet 126 can be attached each of the support ribs 124, and extends between adjacent support ribs 124. When the support ribs 124 are in a stowed position, the sheet 126 is loosely draped from each of the support ribs 124. When the support ribs 124 are extended to a deployed position, the sheet 126 extends with the support ribs 124, and is tightly drawn between the support ribs 124, forming the protective region 160 below the canopy assembly.
The air bladders 128 provide a mechanism for controllably adjusting the umbrella 100′ between the stowed position and the deployed position. Each air bladder 128 is generally in the shape of a narrow beam, and is attached to a corresponding side aperture 808 of the hub 122. Each air bladder 128 is also attached to a support rib 124, and extends along the underside of sheet 126 radially outward from the center of sheet 126. The air bladder 128 is substantially air tight, and can be fully or partially inflated such that its internal volume is filled with pressurized or compressed air relative to the ambient environment, or deflated such that its internal volume does not contain compressed air. When deflated, the air bladders 128 do not have a substantially rigid form, and the support ribs 124 hang from the hub 122 in a direction substantially parallel to the support assembly 140. The umbrella 100′ provides perpendicular stability of the inflated sheet 126 and the support assembly 140 is achieved without a stability sheet 402 as the aperture 808 is rigidly mounted to the support assembly 140 and resists movement of the sheet 126 relative to the support assembly 140 (e.g., the shaft of the handle). In some cases, this connection between the support assembly 140 and the hub 122 allows the umbrella 100′ to resist external forces (e.g., wind). In some cases, the stabilizer 402 is flexible, collapsible, or foldable, such that it can be folded or crushed as the umbrella is collapsed. In some cases, the air bladders 128 are flexible, collapsible, or foldable, such that they can be folded, crushed, or otherwise collapsed as the umbrella is closed.
When partially inflated, the air bladders 128 increase in rigidity. As the air bladders 128 inflate, the enlarging air bladders 128 pushes the support ribs 124 away from the support assembly 140. This pushing force causes the support ribs 124 to extend at an angle with respect to the support assembly 140. As the air bladders 128 continue to inflate, the support ribs 124 are pushed further and further outward, until the support ribs 124 are in a fully deployed position. In the fully deployed position (e.g., as shown in
The pump 142 is coupled to the air bladders 128 and allows air to be pumped from outside the umbrella 100′ (e.g., from the ambient environment) into the air bladders 128. As described above, the pump 142 can be coupled to the air bladders 128 through channels defined by lower apertures 806, interior channels 810, and side apertures 808, which provide air-tight channels for air to travel between the pump 142 and each of the air bladders 128. The pump 142 can be similar to the pumps described above. For example, in some implementations, the pump 142 is a piston pump that drives air into the air bladders 128 when a user manually cycles an internal piston (e.g., using an appropriate handle). The pump 142 also includes several valves (e.g., one-way valves or check valves) coupled to each of the lower apertures 806 that prevent air from escaping from the air bladders 128. The valves are releasable, such that air contained within air bladders 128 can be controllably released from the air bladders 128. In some cases, the pump 142 includes a valve that automatically releases air from the air bladders 128 when the air pressure within them exceeds a particular threshold (e.g., 20 psi). Pumps are discussed in greater detail below.
The handle 144 acts as a grasping surface for the user. In the some implementations, the handle 144 is similar to the handles 144 described above. For example,
In an example usage of the umbrella 100′, the umbrella is initially in a stowed position. In the stowed position, the support ribs 124 are substantially parallel to the support assembly 140, and the sheet 126 drapes loosely from the support ribs 124. The user deploys the canopy assembly by cycling the pump 142 using the handle 144 (e.g., by alternatively pushing the handle 144 towards the pump 142 and pulling the handle 144 away from the pump 142), driving air into the pump 142 and into each of the air bladders 128. As the air bladders 128 inflate, the air bladders 128 expand, pressing the support ribs 124 outwards from the support assembly 140. In the fully deployed position, the sheet is 126 is tightly drawn between the support ribs 124, forming a protective canopy. If desired, the user can continue driving additional air into the air bladders 128, increasing the rigidity of air bladders 128 and further strengthening the umbrella 100′ in its deployed configuration. The user then grasps the umbrella 100′ by the handle 144, and positions the umbrella 100′ as desired. When deployed, the sheet 126 provides the user with a protective shield against the elements. For example, the user can position his body within the protective region 160 to shield himself from rain and/or sunlight. As the umbrella 100′ is portable, the user can carry the umbrella 100′ as he walks, such that he remains protected during travel. When the user is finished using the umbrella 100′, the user releases the valve of pump 142, releasing air from the air bladders 128. Once the air bladders 128 are deflated, the umbrella 100′ returns to the stowed configuration.
Although
In some implementations, the shape of the canopy assembly 120 can vary from the examples described above. For instance,
The shape of the air bladder 128 can also vary from the examples described above. For instance,
Not all umbrellas include support ribs 124. For instance,
In some umbrellas (e.g., umbrella 100′ shown in
As described above, an umbrella (e.g., an umbrella 100, 100′, 100″, or 100″′) includes a pump 142 operable to compress air from outside the umbrella into one or more air bladders. In practice, a pump 142 can have different arrangements, depending on the implementation.
As an example, a pump 142′ is schematically shown in
The pump chamber 1206, the shaft chamber 1208, and the hose 1210 are interconnected (i.e., in fluid communication with each other), such that air can flow between them. The hose 1210, in turn, is connected to an air bladder 128, such that air from the pump chamber 1206, the shaft chamber 1208, and the hose 1210 can be compressed into the air bladder 128.
The flow of air into, out of, and within the pump 142′ is regulated by check valves 1212a-f. The check valves 1212a and 1212b are positioned at opposite ends of the pump chamber 1206, and regulate the flow of air from outside the pump 142′ into pump chamber 1206. The check valves 1212b and 1212c are each positioned between the pump chamber 1206 and the shaft chamber 1208, and regulate the flow of air between the pump chamber 1206 and the shaft chamber 1208. The check valve 1212e is positioned between the shaft chamber 1208 and the hose 1210, and regulates the flow of air between the shaft chamber 1208 and the hose 1210. The check valve 1212f is positioned at the end of the shaft chamber 1208, and regulates the flow of back from outside the pump 142′ into the shaft chamber 1208 and hose 1210.
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
A user alternates between drawing the handle 1202 outward in the direction of the arrow 1214 and pressing the handle 1202 inward in the direction of the arrow 1216 to compress more and more air into the air bladder 128, thereby inflating the air bladder 128 and deploying the umbrella. As shown in
To stow the umbrella, a user can operate the pump 142′, such that the check valve 1212f is opened. As shown in
Although an example arrangement of the handle 1202, the shaft chamber seal 1204, the pump chamber 1206, the shaft chamber 1208, the hose 1210, the check valves 1212a-f is shown, this is merely an illustrative example. In practice, the physical arrangement of components can vary, depending on the implementation. As an example, in some cases, one or more of the check valves 1212a-f are be positioned along different points of the pump 142′ than that shown in
Further, although an example air release mechanism is described above, this this also merely an illustrative example. In practice, a pump can have various configurations that allow a user to selectively release air from the air bladder 128. As an illustrative example,
When the release button 1302 is released, the end 1306b of the air escape tube 1304 retracts through the check valve 1212b, thereby re-sealing the air escape tube 1304 from air bladder 128. The user can again operate the pump to inflate the air bladder (e.g., by cycling the pump, as described above).
As another example,
As shown in
When the release button 1302 is released, the air release collar 1402 retracts to its original position, and re-obstructs the channels 1404, thereby re-sealing the air bladder 128 from the outside environment. The user can again operate the pump to inflate the air bladder 128 (e.g., by cycling the pump, as described above).
In the umbrellas described above, the air bladders 128 are inflated using a manually-actuated pump 142. However, in some umbrellas, the air bladders 128 are inflated using other mechanisms, either in addition to or instead of a pump 142. For example, some umbrellas 100 include one or more containers of compressed air (e.g., a bottle of compressed air or CO2) coupled to the air bladders 128. In an example usage, a user uses the containers to inject air into the air bladders 128 to deploy the canopy (e.g., by releasing air from the container using a release valve). In some cases, umbrellas include one or more electric pumps that allow a user to controllably inflate the air bladders 128, without requiring that the user manually cycle the pump. In some cases, the umbrella 100 includes a gas generator device that generates gas to deploy the canopy assembly. For example, some umbrellas includes a gas generator that generates nitrogen gas using a solid propellant, such as sodium azide.
A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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