PARASOL DU TYPE À TÊTE REPLIABLE ET PROCÉDÉ DE PLIAGE DE LA TÊTE D'UN TEL PARASOL

Field of the Invention

The invention falls within the field of shelter against the sun's rays devices and relates more particularly to an umbrella of the collapsible head type. The invention also relates to a folding process of the head of such an umbrella.

State of the art

Among the shelter of the existing devices against sunlight, known umbrellas, that is to say devices with a foot intended to be fixed to the ground, and carrying a remote head from the ground.

The head is typically comprised of a plurality of whales deploying radially around a central axis, on which is fixed a canvas able to filter at least partly the sun's rays when struck by said radiation. Whales are generally fixed in an articulated manner on the one hand, at the foot, and on the other hand, a sliding ring fitted on the foot, able to occupy two extreme positions. According to a first extreme position of the ring, whales are folded over the foot, as well as the fabric, and in a second extreme position whales are deployed radially around the foot, exerting forces on the web in order to stretch and to give it the shape of a spherical cap. When the fabric is stretched, it projects a shaded area on the ground, thus forming a shelter against the sun's rays.

These umbrellas have particular drawback of not being used when the wind blows at relatively high speeds, typically a few tens of kilometers per hour, because of the substantial wind resistance of the fabric. Mean wind resistance, the surface on which pressure forces are exerted by the wind. These lobbying efforts generate torque values ​​on whales. These force moments can generate mechanical stresses in the umbrella head, and cause damage to said head due to low resistance to mechanical whale. In addition, the pressure forces exerted on the umbrella cover can, if the mast is not secured to the floor or if such efforts are important enough, generate a lift phenomenon moving the umbrella in the wind, then posing obvious security problems.

Disclosure of the invention

In one aspect, the present invention aims to provide an umbrella suitable for use when the wind blows, without cause dangerous problems or deteriorate.

Another object of the invention is to provide an umbrella adapted to project a shaded area on the ground, fully operable by a user.

A further object of the present invention to provide an umbrella whose use is simple and fast.

The present invention relates, in a first aspect, a parasol comprising a foot having a mast, and a head integral with one end of said mast, comprising a canvas able to filter at least a portion of the sun and a support structure of said fabric. Said support structure is deformable between a first said deployed configuration, wherein the fabric is stretched, and a second said folded configuration, wherein the fabric is folded. The support structure comprises a first arch closed on itself, said 'peripheral hoop "falling within a plane in the deployed configuration of the support structure, and the cloth is fixed inside the peripheral hoop such that said web is stretched within said hoop device in the deployed configuration of the support structure. The support structure also comprises a second loop, called "inner hoop", closed on itself, the inner hoop being disposed inside of the peripheral loop, contiguous in a point of inner tangency and substantially coplanar with the latter when the support structure is in its deployed configuration.

When the support structure is in its expanded configuration, the umbrella is in the use position, that is to say, the fabric is capable of projecting a shaded area on the ground.

In this deployed configuration, the umbrella head advantageously has a geometrical shape substantially planar adapted to be placed substantially parallel to the wind direction. The thus arranged head therefore no or little wind resistance, wind pressure forces on said head are therefore absent or relatively low. With these features of the umbrella head, the umbrella can be used when the wind blows, without cause dangerous problems or deteriorate.

In addition, the inner hoop allows to provide mechanical resistance against the forces exerted on the support structure, in particular generated by the wind in its direction.

Next to particular embodiments, the invention also has the following characteristics, implemented separately or in each of their technically operative combinations.

In particular embodiments of the invention, the hoop device is elastically deformable between a position, called the "free position" in which it is deployed so as to stretch the fabric, and a position called "relaxed position", in which it is folded on itself in a substantially planar conformation.

The free position of the peripheral hoop corresponds to the deployed configuration of the support structure, and the stress position said peripheral hoop corresponds to the folded configuration of the support structure.

The hoop device being elastically deformable, once deformed, it tends to resume the shape it occupied prior to deformation and generates efforts in this regard. The mechanical stresses to which the device is subjected hoop stress position oppose these efforts so as to cancel and maintaining said hoop stress position. The hoop device is therefore adapted to recover its shape spontaneously when no longer subjected to mechanical stresses, and thus to deploy and stretch the fabric. Therefore, it is easy and fun to put the umbrella in the use position. In addition, the deployment of the fabric is made faster than the umbrellas of the state of the art.

The umbrella is configured such that when the device is in its relaxed position hoop, said hoop device is elastically deformed so as to fold the web on itself and presenting a substantially flat shape. The sunshade then occupies a storage position in which it is adapted to be easily transported and stored.

Advantageously, the head is secured to said end of the mast through a hinge system comprising a first hinge means attached to the head and a second hinge means attached to the mast, said first and second articulation means cooperating with each other.

These first and second means of joints are adapted to form a joint through which the head is able to adopt different positions with respect to the mast.

In particular embodiments of the invention, the first articulation means is disposed in periphery of the head.

Due to this characteristic, when the umbrella is in the use position, the fabric is capable of projecting a shaded area on the ground, fully operable by a user, in so far as the mast is disposed outside of said shaded area .

In particular embodiments of the invention, the first articulation means is fixed to a strut fixed to the inside of the inner hoop so as to extend between two diametrically opposite points of the inner hoop.

Because of these characteristics, the umbrella is simple in design and implementation. Thus the cost of the umbrella is relatively low, and any maintenance operations are facilitated, such as spare parts.

In particular embodiments of the invention, the first articulation and the second articulation means are configured so as to allow the head to be movable relative to the base along at least one degree of rotational freedom.

The hinge means are preferably configured such that the head is rotatable relative to the mast according to a mechanical connection of the ball joint type, to change the orientation of the head relative to the mast according to three axes of rotation.

Thus, the head can easily be arranged substantially parallel to the wind direction so that it has no or little wind resistance. The head can advantageously be integral with the removably foot, so as to be detached from the foot.

In particular embodiments of the invention, the supporting structure comprises a third hoop closed on itself, said "intermediate bow", disposed between the peripheral and internal poles, fixed at a point of tangency of the inner hoop device, and fixed to the web on at least one portion of its periphery.

Advantageously, the intermediate bow is resiliently deformable between a position, called the "free position" in which it is deployed, and a position called "relaxed position", in which it is folded on itself in a substantially planar conformation. The free position of the intermediate arch corresponds to the deployed configuration of the support structure and the biased position of said intermediate arch corresponds to the folded configuration of the support structure. The intermediate bow is substantially coplanar with the peripheral pole.

The intermediate bow makes it possible to provide additional resistance against the forces exerted by the weight of the head on the support structure, more or less high according to its size, and, where appropriate, by the wind on the support structure .

In particular embodiments of the invention, wherein the mast is of adjustable length.

Thus, when the umbrella is in its storage position, the pole length can be minimum, and the top folded against the mast, so as to reduce the size of the parasol. The umbrella can be easily transported and stored.

In particular embodiments of the invention methods, the mast comprises a fastening means in the ground.

The present invention relates, in a second aspect, a bending process of the head of an umbrella comprising:

- a first step to fold one against the other two opposite points of the peripheral loop, while applying a torsional force on said peripheral hoop, so as to rotate a portion of the head, substantially one hundred and eighty : Twenty degrees with respect to another part of said head,

- a second step consisting in folding the two parts of the head against one another so as to form an intermediate arrangement in which the peripheral arch two superimposed rings against each other,

- a third step of repeating the first and second stages on the intermediate arrangement thus formed, so as to constrain the support structure in its folded configuration,

- a fourth step of immobilizing the support structure in said folded configuration with attachment means.

Preferably, when the supporting structure includes an intermediate hoop and the hoop device is manipulated when the implementation of the folding process of the umbrella head, this operation causes deformation of the intermediate bow substantially similar to those suffered by the peripheral pole.

The present invention also relates to a process of unfolding the head comprising a step of releasing the support structure in which the user acts on the attachment means in order to make the mobility of the support structure so that it finds spontaneously its deployed configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the figures which represent:

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of an umbrella according to the invention, a support structure is in an expanded configuration,

- Figure 2: a perspective view of the umbrella of Figure 1, the support structure is in a folded configuration, - Figure 3: a perspective view of the umbrella of Figure 1 in the storage position,

- Figure 4 is a perspective view of a strut hingedly attached to the foot of the umbrella of Figure 1, and a detailed view of an umbrella head articulation system parasol base attached to said spacer ,

- Figures 5 to 8: successive folding steps of the head of the umbrella of Figure 1.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention relates to a parasol 10 as shown in Figures 1 to 3 in a non-limiting embodiment, comprising a head 20 of umbrella 10, called "head" in the following text, fixed to a foot 30 of parasol 10, says "walk" in the text below. More specifically, the foot 30 includes a mast 32 extending between two opposite ends, the head 20 being secured to one of these ends.

The head 20 is formed by a support structure 21 comprising at least a first peripheral hoop 210 closed on itself elastically deformable. By "peripheral hoop closed on itself" means that the peripheral hoop 210 has a geometric shape whose contour is closed, as shown in Figure 1, so as to define an interior area.

The hoop device 210 is adapted to be elastically deformed, to a position called "open position" to a position called "stress position", when subjected to sufficient intensity efforts, that is, , greater than a given value. When the forces are no longer applied on said circumferential hoop 210, or when the intensity is insufficient, that is to say less than a given value, the peripheral hoop 210 is advantageously capable of spontaneously resume its free position. The free position is the position occupied by the circumferential hoop 210 before deformation, that is to say, a position in which it is deployed. When in its extended position, the hoop device is registered in a plane.

A web 22 adapted to filter at least a portion of the sun's rays is attached to the inside of the peripheral hoop 210.

In a first configuration of the support structure 21, called "expanded configuration", as shown in Figure 1, peripheral hoop 210 occupies its free position, and the fabric 22 is tensioned. When the fabric 22 is tensioned by the cradle device 210, said device 210 preferably exerts hoop tension forces on the entire periphery of the fabric 22.

For example, peripheral 210 hoop is engaged in a housing or extending along the periphery of the web 22. Alternatively, the circumferential hoop 210 may be attached to the fabric 22 by any attachment means known those skilled in the art, permanent or removable.

The fabric 22 includes a face 221 known as the "upper face", which is intended to receive sunlight when the umbrella 10 is in the use position, and a face 222 known as the "underside", which is intended to remain facing soil when the umbrella 10 is in the position of use.

The support structure 21 also comprises a second loop, called "inner hoop" 21, 1 closed on itself so as to define an interior area, and fixed to the web 22, for example, against a face 221 or 222 of the canvas 22. as shown in Figure 1, where the support structure 21 is in its expanded configuration, the inner hoop 1 21 is disposed within the peripheral hoop 210, adjacent to an inner tangent point 23, and is substantially coplanar with the latter.

The inner hoop 21 1 is preferably circular in shape. The inner hoop 21 1 may be made of any elastically deformable material.

The support structure 21 may comprise a third arch called "intermediate bow" 212 disposed between the peripheral poles 210 and internal 21 1. Analogously to the peripheral poles 210 and internal 21, 1 the intermediate bow 212 is closed on itself so as to form an inner area, and fixed to the web 22, for example, against one of its faces 221 or 222 .

The intermediate bow makes it possible to provide additional resistance against the forces exerted by the weight of the head on the support structure, more or less high according to its size, and, where appropriate, by the wind on the support structure .

Advantageously, analogously to the device cradle 210, the intermediate bow 212 is elastically deformable between a position, called the "free position" in which it is deployed so as to extend a portion of the cloth, and a position called " constraint position "in which it is folded on itself in a substantially planar conformation.

The intermediate bow 212 may be made of any elastically deformable material.

By way of non-limiting example, the surface of the inner area bounded by the intermediate bow 212 is twice larger than the area of ​​the inner area bounded by the inner hoop 21 January.

Preferably, the poles 210, 21 1 and 212 are arranged with relation to other contiguous manner at a point of tangency 23. The inside tangent point 23 is called "inner point of tangency" insofar as the intermediate hoops 212 and within 21 1 are arranged inside the peripheral hoop 210.

The arch device 210 is the roll bar most subject to mechanical stresses, such as the forces generated by the weight of the head and / or the forces generated by wind. It is sized to have a higher mechanical resistance to intermediate hoops 212 and inner 21 January. The cross section of the circumferential hoop 210 therefore has larger dimensions than the cross section of the intermediate bow 212. Similarly, the intermediate bow 212 may be sized to have a higher mechanical strength inside hoop 21, 1 the right section can therefore have dimensions larger than the dimensions of the cross section of the inner hoop 21 January.

In the nonlimiting exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS 1 and 5, the peripheral poles 210 and 212 are intermediate substantially ovoid geometrical shape. More specifically, said device 210, and intermediate bows 212 respectively develop along two transverse portions joined together by two longitudinal portions symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry S. The two transverse portions each have the geometric shape of a circular arc, the radii of said arcs being different values ​​from each other.

Preferably, the peripheral poles 210 and intermediary 212 are fixed to each other, the point of tangency inner 23, by one of their transverse portions. More particularly, as illustrated in figure 1, said peripheral poles 210 and 212 are fixed through the point of tangency inner 23 by their respective transverse portion whose radius value is the lowest.

The head 20 is secured to the mast 32 by an articulation system

24. Advantageously, the hinge system 24 may be fixed on the periphery of the circumferential hoop 210.

The hinge system 24 comprises a first hinge means

243 attached to the head 20 and a second hinge means 31 attached to the mast 32.

The first articulation means 243 is attached to a spacer 240 fixed to the inside of the inner hoop 21 1 so as to connect two points of the inner hoop 21 January diametrically opposed.

The spacer 240 extends along a longitudinal axis and includes two opposite ends each comprising a respective end face. Each end face preferably includes a notch 241, 242 for receiving a portion of the inner hoop 21 January.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 5, the spacer

240 is adjacent to the point of inner tangency 23 of the inner hoop 21, 1 through 212 and device 210, by one of its ends called "proximal end", its other end, called the "distal end" being spaced from said inner tangent point 23, so that the mast 32 is eccentric with respect to the head 20.

Alternatively, the spacer 240 may not be adjacent to the inner point of tangency 23.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the detail view of Figure 4, the notch 242 carried on the face of the proximal end of the spacer 240 includes a plurality of cavities so as to successively receive, juxtaposed to each other, the inner hoop 21, 1 the intermediate bow 212 and the peripheral hoop 210. the indentations are sized to match the dimensions of the cross sections of the peripheral arches

210, intermediate 212 and inner 21 January. The notch 241 carried on the face of the distal end does not include, preferably, only one fingerprint in so far as it is intended to receive only the inner hoop 21 January.

Alternatively, in other embodiments not shown in the figures, the notches 241, 242, end faces may include only one each footprint.

Advantageously, the spacer 240 and the inner hoop January 21 are mechanically connected by an interference type fit, achieved, for example, by a slight deformation of the inner hoop 21, 1 generating a voltage holding spacer 240 . Alternatively, the spacer 240 can be mechanically connected to the inner hoop 21 1 by any other fixing means known per se.

Preferably, the second hinge means 31 is located at one of the ends of the mast 32, so-called "top end."

As shown in Figure 4 by way of non-limiting example, the first hinge means 243 may comprise a sphere 244.

Preferably, the sphere 244 is maintained at a distance from the spacer 240 via a shaft 245 whose longitudinal axis extends, for example, perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the spacer 240, as shown the detailed view of Figure 4.

Preferably, the shaft 245 is arranged in the vicinity of the proximal end of the spacer 240. The spacer 240, the shaft 245 and the sphere 244 can be obtained in one piece by molding.

However, alternatively, the shaft 245 may be attached to the spacer 240 by an assembly of the screw / nut type or by any known joining means, and the sphere 244 may be fixed to the shaft 245 permanently by example, by bonding.

The second hinge means 31 is intended to cooperate with the first hinge means 243, so that the head 20 is adapted to be movable relative to the base 30 according to at least one degree of rotational freedom.

In other embodiments not shown in the figures, the first and second hinge means 243, 31 can together form a mechanical connection pivot type or a mechanical link having two degrees of freedom in rotation.

Preferably, the hinge system 24 allows the articulation of the head 20 relative to the foot 30 according to a mechanical connection of the ball joint type.

Preferably, the second hinge means 31 comprises a housing of complementary shape to the sphere 244, so that said sphere 244 is pivotable in the housing about at least one axis of rotation.

The second hinge means 31 also includes rotation blocking means of said sphere 244. For example, the housing is provided with a clamping member capable of deforming said housing, within its elastic limit so as to applying a clamping force on the sphere 244 sufficient to block said sphere 244 in rotation.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the head is integral with the removably foot, so that it can be detached from the mast. Thus, a user can include the use of different sizes of heads with a single foot.

As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the mast 32 is provided at its other end, called the "lower end" of a fixing means 33 in the ground.

Advantageously, the fastening means 33 in the ground consists of a thread on a portion of the length of the mast 32, whose cross section decreases towards the lower end of mast 32. Thus, the sunshade 10 can be screwed into the soil furniture or in any suitable housing so as to perform an assembly screw / nut.

Alternatively, the attachment means 33 may be formed by any device or arrangement known to those skilled in the art, such as the conformation of the shaped lower end edge.

Advantageously, the mast length 32 may be adjustable between two extreme minimum and maximum lengths, respectively represented by Figures 1 and 4.

For this purpose, the mast 32 may be telescopic so that it can be divided into at least two coaxial portions fitted one inside the other and able to slide relative to each other. Then the mast 32 comprises stop means in translation of the portions together. For example, one of the portions is provided with a clamping member capable of deforming said portion so as to apply a clamping force on the other portion sufficient to block the portions in translation.

In the nonlimiting embodiment shown by FIGS 1-4, the mast 32 is divided into four portions, three of which are provided with clamping members.

Alternatively, in other embodiments not shown in the figures, the portions of the mast 32 can be fixed in an articulated manner to each other, so as to respectively occupy a folded position in which they are adjacent to each other, on their entire length, and an unfolded position that they are coaxial and adjacent to each other by each of their ends.

The umbrella 10 may advantageously occupy a position of use, wherein the support structure 21 is in its deployed configuration, as shown in Figure 1, the fabric 22 being deployed.

In this position, the web 22 is deployed and is for projecting a shaded area on the ground, when struck by sunlight, to provide shelter for a user against said spokes.

3 shows the umbrella 10 in the storage position, the support structure 21 occupying a second configuration, called "collapsed configuration" and the strut 32 being adjusted so that its length is minimal. In this folded configuration of the support structure 21, the circumferential hoop 210 and the intermediate bow 212 are elastically deformed, stress position, so as to fold the web 22 onto itself, as described more fully in the remainder of text.

In this position, the sunshade 10 is intended to be transported or stored.

To change the position of the umbrella 10, a use position to a storage position, the user must perform steps to comply with the supporting structure 21 in the folded configuration. Figures 5-8 represent an embodiment of the successive steps of a folding process of the head 20 according to the invention.

5 shows a first step which consists in folding one against the other one point of each longitudinal portion of the circumferential hoop 210. The points are preferably chosen so that its orthogonal projection with respect to the axis of symmetry S passes through the interior area defined by the intermediate bow 212, and are preferably substantially symmetrical with respect to one another along the axis of symmetry S.

At the same time, torsional stress is applied to the peripheral hoop 210 so that respective portions of the upper face 221 and bottom 222 of the web 22 are simultaneously exposed in the same plane. Part of the head 20 is pivoted so constituted, substantially one hundred eighty degrees with respect to another portion of said head (20). These two parts, correspond with each of the upper face 221 and bottom 222 of the web 22. The head then takes substantially the form of a lemniscate.

It should be noted that the handling of the device cradle by the user, during the implementation of the folding process, causes deformations of the intermediate bow substantially similar to those suffered by the peripheral pole.

In a second step, the two parts of the head 20 are then folded against each other, so that the portions of upper 221 and lower 222 faces are arranged opposite one another as shown in Figure 6. an intermediate arrangement is formed wherein the circumferential hoop 210, as it is deformed due to these steps, form two superimposed rings against each other, as well as the intermediate bow 212.

Preferably, but not limitatively, the hoops 210, 21 1 and 212 are manipulated so that the intermediate bow 212 is substantially concentric with the inner hoop 21 1 and that their diameter is substantially identical.

A third step is to repeat the first and second steps performed above, the two points to fold against each other being two diametrically opposed points of the circumferential hoop 210, as illustrated in Figure 7. The head 20 then has a disc shape whose diameter is substantially equal to the diameter of the inner hoop 21, 1 formed by a superposition of portions of arcs.

It is to be noted that when the peripheral poles 210 and 212 are intermediate stress position, they exert tensile forces to the extent that said peripheral intermediate hoops 210 and 212 seek to return to their free position, that is, say their initial form, deployed.

8 shows a fourth step of immobilizing the support structure 21 in its folded configuration resulting from the previous folding steps. Indeed, it is necessary to immobilize the peripheral poles 210 and intermediate 212 to retain that shape. This step of immobilization of the support structure 21 is carried by a fastening means 25 opposing the tension forces exerted by the peripheral poles 210 and intermediate 212 to bring the free position.

As shown in FIG 8 in a non-limiting embodiment, the attachment means comprises a strap 25 fixed at the periphery of the head 20, to be arranged on both sides of the head 20 so that it surrounds diametrically said head 20. the strap can be attached to one of its ends to the point of tangency inner hoops 23 210 21 1 and 212, and may include a removable fastening means of the strap onto itself an attachment point.

Preferably, the head 20 has indicia means for enabling a user to determine the position of the points of the circumferential hoop 210 to fold against each other during at least one of the steps above.

These reference means may be fixed color marks, for example, on the housing or extending along the periphery of the web 22.

It should be noted that the material constituting the peripheral poles 210 and intermediate 212, as well as their dimensions, are determined so that said poles are not deformed beyond their elastic limit during the head folding steps 20. in this context, the deformation of the peripheral poles 210 and intermediate 212 is still reversible.

To change the position of the umbrella 10, a storage position to a use position, the unfolding of the head 20 is made without further user intervention than that of releasing said support structure 21 of the means of fastener 25.

Indeed, the tension forces exerted by the peripheral arches

210 and via 212 tend to spontaneously bring the support structure in the deployed configuration.

In other embodiments of the invention, the material constituting the cradle device 210, as well as the dimensions of its cross section and the interior area defined by it, are such that it has a sufficiently high rigidity to maintain the head 20 in a substantially planar shape when the supporting structure 21 is deployed, without intermediate bow 212. It is within the purview of the skilled person, based on his general knowledge, to achieve such a choice of material and dimensions of the bow device 210 suitable.

More generally, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of example, but on the contrary extends to any modifications to the human scope of 'art.