Free arm umbrella

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

This application is directed to products for providing shade from the sun or protection from the wind, rain, snow, or other elements, particularly as related to umbrellas. In some embodiments, a free arm umbrella (e.g., cantilever, wall-mounted, etc.) is provided, mainly used for hanging or securing on a wall.

Description of the Related Art

Generally, sun-shading products currently on the market are commonly known for being complicated in structure, high in price, and occupying a relatively large amount of space. With living spaces decreasing in size in buildings, homes and apartments in cities and other environments, there is a demand for products that allow people living in such environments to enjoy outdoor leisure in the shade in small places (e.g., a balcony). This application is directed to improved free arm umbrella structures, featuring favorable price, structure, and compactness at least when stowed.

SUMMARY

Overcoming disadvantages mentioned above, this application is directed to an effort to provide a free arm umbrella for large-scale application, which features simple structure, easy operation, low or affordable price and usability in a narrow, small, or limited space.

To meet the ends or objectives described above, in some embodiments, the following technical solutions are adopted for these free arm umbrellas:

In some embodiments, a free arm umbrella is provided including a mount structure, a shade providing structure including an upper hub and a lower hub coupled with the upper hub by a plurality of umbrella structural members, and a first strut rod and a second strut rod, wherein first and second ends of the first strut rod are pivotally coupled with the lower hub and an upper portion of the mount structure respectively, one end of the second strut rod is pivotally coupled with the upper hub and another end is coupled with the mount structure. The umbrella includes a rotation device configured to be moveable between first and second positions, wherein when the rotation device is in the first position the shade providing structure is prevented from rotating about an upright axis and wherein the rotation device enables the shade providing structure to rotate about the upright axis when in the second position.

In some embodiments, the mount structure includes a first portion for securing the free arm umbrella to a fixed structure and a second portion rotatably coupled to the first portion to enable the shade providing structure to be moved about an upright axis.

In some embodiments, the second portion includes a shaft disposed between ends of the first and second strut rods closest to the first portion of the mount structure

In some embodiments, an upper and lower end of the shaft are coupled to the first portion by first and second mounts, the shaft extending through the first and second mounts along a direction generally parallel to the upright axis.

In some embodiments, the shaft extends within a housing configured to be connected to a support block coupled to the end of the second strut rod opposite the end coupled to the upper hub when the free arm umbrella is in an open position.

In some embodiments, the umbrella further includes a support rod configured to be pivotally coupled to the housing at one end and coupled to a middle portion of the second strut rod at an opposing end.

In some embodiments, the support block includes an engagement member configured to form a snap-fit engagement with a rod extending between two sides of the housing to maintain the free arm umbrella in the open position.

In some embodiments, the shaft includes a bottom end configured to be coupled to the rotation device, wherein the rotation device is translatable between the first position and the second position.

In some embodiments, the rotation device includes a handle having a first set of engagement structures configured to mate with a second set of engagement structures when the rotation device is in the first position to prevent the shade providing structure from rotating about the upright axis, the second set of engagement structures being attached to a mount that secures the shaft to the first portion of the mount structure.

In some embodiments, applying a downward force to the rotation device moves the rotation device to the second position and disengages the first set of engagement structures from the second set of engagement structures.

In some embodiments, the first and second set of engagement structures includes corresponding patterns of teeth and gaps configured to mate with each other when the rotation device is in the first position.

In some embodiments, releasing the downward force applied to the rotation device enables the rotation device to return to the first position.

In some embodiments, the umbrella further includes a locking device having a first configuration for securing the support block to the housing to maintain the free arm umbrella in the open position and a second configuration for enabling the free arm umbrella to move between open and closed positions.

In some embodiments, a free arm mount umbrella includes a mounting structure, a shaft pivotally coupled with the mounting structure, a shade structure including an upper hub and a lower hub coupled with the upper hub by a plurality of umbrella structural members, and first and second pivotally connected members, wherein first and second ends of the first member are coupled with the lower hub and the shaft respectively, a first end of the second strut member is pivotally coupled with the upper hub and a second end is engageable and disengageable from a locking device coupled with the shaft. The umbrella includes a rotation device having a first configuration for preventing rotation of the shaft and a second configuration for permitting rotation of the shaft.

In some embodiments, the rotation device is moveable between first and second positions, wherein when the rotation device is in the first position a plurality of gear teeth are engaged to prevent the shade structure from rotating and when the rotation device is in the second position the plurality of gear teeth are disengaged allowing the shade structure to rotate.

In some embodiments, the locking device further including a housing disposed about the shaft and a locking pin pivotally mounted on the housing, the housing configured to receive the second end of the second member and a first locking aperture positioned to be aligned with a second locking aperture in the second end of the second member, wherein the locking pin is insertable into the locking apertures on the housing and the second end of the second member to secure the second end of the second member to the shaft.

In some embodiments, the locking pin includes angled surfaces to facilitate insertion of the pin into the locking apertures.

In some embodiments, the locking pin includes angled surfaces to facilitate alignment of the locking apertures.

The benefits of this these embodiments include but are not limited to: this free arm umbrella applies a scissor-type opening method, and is fixable on a wall or can be hung on a column with the wall mounting structure. In some embodiments, the rotation device enables the umbrella to swing or rotate, and the control mechanism facilitates the opening of the umbrella. With simple structure, easy operation, low cost and usability in a narrow space, this umbrella is suitable for large scale applications in some embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages are described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate but not to limit the inventions. In the drawings, like reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout similar embodiments.

• Figure 1 is perspective view of an example free arm umbrella.
• Figure 2 is a detail view of the example free arm umbrella as shown in Figure 1.
• Figure 3 is a partial view of the example free arm umbrella as shown in Figure 2 with a handle removed.
• Figure 4 is a top perspective view of the handle shown in Figure 2 and removed in Figure 3.
• Figure 5 is a partial view of the example free arm umbrella as shown in Figure 2 with a pivotable member removed.
• Figure 6 is a partial view of the example free arm umbrella as shown in Figure 2 with a housing removed.
• Figure 7 is rear perspective view of the pivotable member as shown in Figure 2 and removed in Figure 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the present description sets forth specific details of various embodiments, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrative only and should not be construed in any way as limiting. Furthermore, various applications of such embodiments and modifications thereto, which may occur to those who are skilled in the art, are also encompassed by the general concepts described herein.

To articulate the technical characteristics of this application, examples of the free arm umbrella and various components herein are detailed below as an illustration of potential embodiments.

In some embodiments as illustrated in Figures 1-7, a type of rotation device 108 is provided that is configured to allow a free arm umbrella, as described in any of the embodiments discussed herein, to swing or rotate to a user selected position and be maintained in that position. The embodiment can comprise one or more features of any of the embodiments described below and illustrated in the corresponding Figures. For example, the free arm umbrella 100 can include a wall mount structure 101, a shade providing structure including an upper hub 102 (e.g., nest), lower hub 103 (e.g., nest), and a plurality of umbrella structural members (e.g., umbrella ribs 105, support ribs 106, etc.), a support rod 109, a first strut rod 110, a second strut rod 120, a control mechanism 107, and a support block 121. The embodiments illustrated in Figures 1-7 can also comprise one or more different features. For example, the free arm umbrella can comprise a rotation device 108 as discussed in more detail below.

In some embodiments, the wall mount structure 101 is configured to mount the free arm umbrella 100 to a fixed structure (e.g., wall, upright surface, etc). The wall mount structure 101 can include a first portion 111 (e.g., plate, mount) for securing the free arm umbrella 100 to the fixed structure (not shown). The wall mount structure 101 can include a shaft 130 rotatably coupled to the wall mount structure 101 to enable the shade providing structure to be moved about an upright or vertical axis. In some embodiments, rotation of the shaft 130 rotates the shade providing structure.

In some embodiments, the free arm umbrella, as illustrated in Figures 1-7, can include the rotation device 108 configured to allow a user to move, swing or rotate the free arm umbrella 100 about the upright or vertical axis. The vertical axis can extend in a direction parallel to an axis extending between lower and upper ends 132, 131 of the shaft 130 which are pivotally mounted to the wall mount structure 101. In some embodiments, the shaft 130 (e.g., cylindrical pole) is rotatably fixed to the wall mount structure 101 via one or more mounts (e.g., an upper L-shaped mount 140 and a lower L-shaped mount 142) that are secured to the wall mount structure 101. In other embodiments, different shaped mounts can be used. The shaft 130 can be moveable (e.g., rotatable) relative to the mounts 140, 142. In some embodiments, the shaft 130 can extend through both the upper and lower mounts 140, 142 such that the upper end of the pole 131 extends above an upper surface of mount 140 and is hingedly coupled to one end of the first strut rod 110 opposite the other end of the first strut rod 110 coupled to the lower nest 103.

In such embodiments, a shaft 130 rotatably fixed to a wall mount structure 101 via one or more mounts provides a rotatable support structure for the free arm umbrella 100 having increased strength and robustness over other types of configurations.

In some embodiments, one end of support rod 109 can be hingedly coupled to second strut rod 120 opposite the other end of support rod 109 coupled to a lower portion of the shaft 130 either directly or indirectly via a housing 133 of the control mechanism 107 that is attached or secured to the shaft 130. In some embodiments, one end of the support rod 109 is received within an opening of the housing 133. The opening is positioned between two opposing sides of the housing 133. One end of the support rod 109 is hingedly coupled to the housing 133 via a pin or rod 150 configured to extend through the two sides and opening of the housing 133 and the end of the support rod 109. In some embodiments, second strut rod 120 can be hingedly coupled to upper nest 102 at one end and removably fixable to a lower portion of shaft 130, either directly or indirectly via the housing 133, at an opposite end.

In certain such embodiments, coupling one end of the support rod 109 to the housing 133 via a pin 150 extending through the two sides and opening of the housing 133 and the end of the support rod 109, provides a more robust or durable hinged coupling. Forces can be distributed more evenly onto the pin 150 and the housing 133.

In some embodiments, the second strut rod 120 can include two parallel rods spaced apart, extending between the upper hub 102 and the housing 133 when the free arm umbrella is in the open position. The first strut rod 110 can extend between the upper end 131 of the shaft 130 and the lower hub 130 while passing between the two parallel rods of the second strut rod 120 at a middle portion of the second strut rod 120. The second strut rod 120 can pivotally coupled to the first strut rod 110 at the middle portion where the second strut rod 120 bisects the space between the parallel rods of the first strut rod 110. Such a configuration allows the free arm umbrella to maintain its structural integrity and be folded up in the closed position as tightly (e.g., as small and compressed footprint) as possible.

As discussed above in previous embodiments, the free arm umbrella 100 can be moved into an open or closed position. In some embodiments, a user can hold handle 122 and push one end of second strut rod 120, opposite the end hingedly coupled to the upper nest 102, into engagement with the lower portion of shaft 130 or housing 133 (e.g., fixed to shaft 130) such that the second strut rod 120 is removably fixable to the shaft 130 or housing 133. When the second strut rod 120 is in such an engaged position, the free arm umbrella 100 is maintained or fixed in the open position. To close the free arm umbrella 100, the user can pull the handle 122 to disengage or release the second strut rod 120 from the shaft 130 or housing 133 and move the free arm umbrella 100 into the closed position.

As illustrated in Figures 5-6, in some embodiments, the second strut rod 120 can be provided with a support block 121 at one end. The support block 121 can include an engagement member 144 (e.g., u-shaped end, etc). The support block 121 is configured to be received within the opening in the housing 133 between two opposing sides of the housing 133. The engagement member 144 is configured to engage with and disengage from a shaft, pin or rod 146 coupled to and extending through the opening of the housing 133. When the engagement member 144 is engaged to the rod 146, the free arm umbrella 100 is maintained in the open position. When the engagement member 144 is disengaged from the rod 146, the free arm umbrella 100 is moveable to the closed position. In some embodiments, the engagement member 144 is configured to form a snap-fit engagement with the rod 146.

In certain such embodiments, such a snap-fit engagement between the engagement member 144 and rod 146 provides a less complex or more simple design. Such an engagement provides a design requiring less parts or components. The engagement member 144 can be engaged with the rod 146 in this simple, yet secure and effective manner.

In some embodiments, the control mechanism 7 includes a locking device 123 attached to the housing 133 and configured to secure or lock the second strut rod 120 in the engaged position (e.g., when the engagement member 144 is engaged to the rod 146). To release or disengage the second strut rod 120 from the engaged position, a user can press a bottom portion of locking device 123 and then move or pull the handle 122 to disengage the second strut rod 120 from the housing 133.

In some embodiments, the locking device 123 includes a pivotable member 166 configured to pivot about a support structure 154 attached to the housing 133 between locked and unlocked positions. The pivotable member 166 can include a protrusion 152 located on an upper portion of the pivotable member 166 and configured to be inserted into or received within recesses 148 and 158 (e.g., apertures, windows, channels) of the support block and housing 133 in the locked position to prevent accidental disengagement of the second strut rod 120 from the housing 133.

In some embodiments, the protrusion 152 can be configured to include a self-alignment feature. As illustrated in Figure 7, one end 176 of the protrusion 152 can include two generally parallel surfaces 168 and 170 on opposing sides of the protrusion 152. At a second end 178, the protrusion 152 includes a downward sloping surface 172 extending from surface 168 towards the opposing side of the protrusion 152 and a downward sloping surface 174 extending from surface 170. The surfaces 168 and 170 can abut or generally follow the sides of the recess 158 such that the protrusion 152 can be self-aligned or guided into the recess 158 as the locking device 123 moves to the locked position. When the second strut rod 120 is in the engaged position, the recess 158 of the housing can be aligned with the recess 148 of the support block 121 such that a top surface of the recess 148 is positioned below a top surface of the recess 158. In such a configuration, as the locking device 123 is moved to the locked position, the surfaces 172 and 174 of the second end 178 are downward sloping such that they can be self-aligned or guided into the recess 148 along the top surface of the recess 148.

In some embodiments, the support structure 154 can include one or more pins 160 extending outwardly away from a central portion of the support structure 154. The one or more pins 160 are configured to extend through one or more corresponding apertures 164 positioned on the pivotable member 166 such that the pivotable member can pivot about an axis extending longitudinally through the one or more pins 160. The one or more pins 160 can be configured to act as a fulcrum about which the pivotable member 166 can pivot.

In some embodiments, the support structure 154 includes a biasing mechanism(not shown) (e.g., one or more springs or other elastic elements) configured to bias or maintain the pivotable member 164 in the locked position. In some embodiments, one end of the biasing mechanism abuts,contacts, or is centered on a protrusion 162 located on an interior surface of the pivotable member 164. An opposite end of the biasing mechanism abuts, contacts, or is centered on a protrusion 156 positioned on a surface of the support structure 154. The biasing mechanism is positioned between the surface of the support structure 154 and interior surface of the pivotable member 164 to maintain the pivotable member 164 in the locked position. The biasing mechanism and protrusions 156, 162 can be located below the one or more pins 160. In this type of configuration pressing or applying a force to a bottom portion of the pivotable member 166 compresses the biasing mechanism and moves a lower portion of the pivotable member 166 towards the housing 133. As the lower portion moves toward the housing 133, the upper portion of the pivotable member 164 moves laterally away from the housing 133. Thus, moving the protrusion 152 out of the recesses 148 and 158 and the locking device into the unlocked position. When a user releases the force applied to the pivotable member 166, the biasing mechanism biases the locking device 123 back to the locked position.

With reference to Figures 1-7, in some embodiments, the rotation device 108 can comprise, but is not limited to a handle 121 and a biasing mechanism 128 (e.g., spring, elastic element). The handle 121 is configured to be moveably secured to the lower end of the pole 132 via the biasing mechanism 128, a channel (e.g., recess, aperture, etc.) 126 in the lower end of the pole 132, a pin 124 (e.g., screw, nut and bolt, etc.), and corresponding first and second sets of engagement structures 129, 127. In some embodiments, the pin 124 is configured to extend through an aperture 134 of the handle 122 and channel 126. The pin 124 is coupled to a portion of the biasing mechanism 128 to secure the handle 121 to the lower end of the pole 132 and biasing mechanism 128. Such a configuration permits the handle 122 to be moveably secured to the lower end of the shaft 132. The pin 124 is vertically translatable up and down within the channel 126 which permits the handle 121 to be vertically translatable.

In some embodiments, the rotation device 108 is vertically translatable between a first position (e.g., an engaged or locked position) and a second position (e.g., a disengaged or unlocked position). In the first position, the free arm umbrella 100 is fixed or locked in a position selected by a user wherein the first set of engagement structures 129 (e.g., protrusions, teeth, etc.) of the handle 122 mechanically engages to or mate with the corresponding second set of engagement structures 127 (e.g., protrusions, teeth, etc.) attached to a bottom surface of mount 142. This engagement prevents the free arm umbrella 100 from swinging or rotating about the vertical axis through the support pole 130 to different positions. A user can vertically translate the rotating mechanism 108 to the second position by holding the handle 122 and applying a downward force to the handle 122 indicated by arrow 135. By applying a downward force, the biasing mechanism 128 is biased or compressed, as the handle 121 translates downwardly. The corresponding engagement structures 129, 127 are disengaged as the handle 121 is translated downwardly. Upon disengagement of the corresponding engagement structures 129, 127, the free arm umbrella 100 is configured to be rotatable to a position selected by the user.

In some embodiments, the free arm umbrella 100 is configured to be rotatable less than or equal to about ±90, ±135, ±175 degrees from a vertical plane bisecting midpoints of the wall mount structure 101 and shaft 130. Releasing the handle 121 of the rotation device 108 in the second position, permits the rotation device 108 to return to the first position in which the corresponding engagement structures 129, 127 are configured to engage or mate to prevent further rotation of the free arm umbrella 100. For example, when the handle 121 is released when the rotation device 108 is in the second position, the biasing mechanism 128 biases the rotation device 108 back to the first position in which the engagement structures 129, 127 can engage or mate with each other.

In some embodiments, the first set of engagement structures 127 can comprise, but is not limited to, a cylindrical or circular pattern of downwardly extending teeth or protrusions, coupled to a bottom surface of mount 142, spaced apart around the perimeter of the shaft 130 with gaps or spaces 125 positioned between each tooth or protrusion. The corresponding second set of engagement structures 129 of the rotation device 108 can comprise, but is not limited to, a corresponding pattern of teeth or protrusions and gaps extending radially inwardly from an inner surface of handle 122 configured to mate or engage with the gaps and protrusions of the first set of engagement structures 127 to prevent rotation of the free arm umbrella 100.

In certain such embodiments, the rotation device 108 with engagement structures 129, 127 provides a robust and easy to use design for allowing a user to rotate and selectively maintain the free arm umbrella 100 in a desired position. The protrusions or teeth of the corresponding engagement structures 129, 127 provide a secure and strong mechanical engagement for preventing further rotation of the free arm umbrella 100. The steps for engaging and disengaging the rotation device 108 and rotating the free arm umbrella 100 are simplified. The rotation device 108 can allow a user to simply pull the handle 121 downwardly in one motion to move the rotation device into the disengaged position and then rotate the handle to move the free arm umbrella 100. The user can then simply release the handle 121 to return the rotation device 108 back into the engaged position. With such a rotation device 108, the user does not have to screw or unscrew a bolt several time to move the rotation device 108 between engaged and disengaged positions. Additionally. the user can use one hand to operate the rotation device 108 and rotate the free arm umbrella.

In some embodiments, the free arm umbrella of this application features simple structure, easy operation, low cost and usability in narrow places or areas, and is suitable for large scale application.

Although specific application of this umbrella has been articulated, more uses are available.. Therefore, the explanation, description and appended figures are instructive, instead of restrictive or limiting. Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the inventions have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of these inventions, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combination or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.