Patent ID: 6591848
Filing Date: 2003-07-15
Classification: A45B

Abstract:
A control device for a parasol, comprising:a longitudinally directed hollow rod with a pair of holes formed through a wall thereof, said pair of holes being axially in alignment and having an axis defining a substantially horizontal axis; a shaft extending in a lateral direction passing through said pair of holes in said rod and rotatably supported thereby, said shaft having a hole passing therethrough for fastening one end of a rope located within said rod to the shaft whereby rotation of the shaft causes said rope to be wound or unwound from the shaft, thereby respectively pulling or releasing said rope extending upward within said rod so as to effect respectively opening of closing of the parasol; a ratchet wheel having teeth fitted over a retaining section of the shaft whereby rotation of the shaft in a first direction effects rotation of said ratchet wheel in unison therewith; at least one block having a surface substantially conforming to the outer surface of said rod, said block having a cylindrical projection extending from said surface into one of said pair of holes, a bore being defined in said projection for rotatably receiving said shaft, said block having a blind hole formed therein receiving a pin, a biasing element being located between said pin and said blind hole for biasing a free end of the pin to engage the teeth of said ratchet wheel.