Patent ID: 6230725
Filing Date: 2001-05-15
Classification: A45B

Abstract:
An umbrella stretcher structure for resisting wind induced damage, comprising:a first main stretcher having a first end pivotally coupled to an umbrella shaft;a support stretcher having one end pivotally coupled to an intermediate portion of said first main stretcher and an opposing end pivotally coupled to a runner on the umbrella shaft;a second main stretcher having a pivotal coupling member on a first end thereof pivotally coupled to a second end of said first main stretcher, said second main stretcher including a carbon fiber rod coupled to said pivotal coupling member on one end thereof and integrally joined to an aluminum alloy portion on an opposing end, said aluminum alloy portion having a U-shaped cross-sectional contour;a secondary umbrella stretcher coupled on one end to said support stretcher adjacent to its coupling to said first main stretcher and coupled on an opposing end to said pivotal coupling member adjacent its coupling to said first main stretcher;a rear rib pivotally coupled to said aluminum alloy portion of said second main stretcher; and,a flexible rib coupled between said rear rib and said first main stretcher, wherein displacement of said umbrella stretcher structure by wind forces flexes said carbon fiber rod to a greater degree than said aluminum alloy portion, said carbon fiber rod subsequently applying a bias force to return said umbrella stretcher structure's position.