Configurable umbrella
US6196244A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 6, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA45B2011/005
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention relates to umbrellas having various canopy shapes which shapes can be altered during use. A multiple position rib formed of a telescoping rib girder in combination with a hub slide assembly with multiple hubs allow the umbrella to be opened to two or more functional positions. An embodiment is an umbrella that can be used as a car shade having two open canopy configurations. In a first open position, all multiple position ribs are in an extended position so that the umbrella serves as a conventional rain umbrella. In a second open position, at least one of the multiple position ribs is folded to allow the umbrella to fit inside a vehicle windshield thereby serving as a sun shade. The multiple position rib can be formed of a rigid inner support assembly and a flexible outer cantilevered assembly. Flex strength properties of the outer cantilevered assembly can be varied within a rib and between ribs to provide a stable frame for certain unconventionally shaped umbrellas, including domes with flattened centers, asymmetric rib configurations, and ribs of differing lengths. Flex strength properties of the outer cantilevered assembly can be also varied to increase t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.