Umbrella

An umbrella comprises a foldable frame and a web provided having a substantially circular central portion and a substantially annular skirt portion continuous with the central portion. The frame comprises a rigid support shaft, a plurality of ribs pivotably attached to the support shaft at one end thereof, a runner element slidably attached to the shaft, and a plurality of stretcher arms each pivotably fastened at one end to the runner element and at an opposite end to a respective one of the ribs. In addition, the frame includes a plurality of skirt support members each pivotably attached to a free end of a respective one of the ribs, and a plurality of pulling members each pivotably attached at one end to a respective one of the stretcher arms and at an opposite end to a respective one of the skirt support members. The skirt portion of the cover or web is fastened to the skirt support members.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates to an umbrella or parasol. 
Umbrellas have long served to protect the human body from the sun or the 
rain. Umbrellas are preferably foldable, attractive, and resistant to 
inversion or collapse in the wind. Although foldable umbrellas are well 
known, the prior art does not provide a versatile device that will resist 
wind inversion and yet have the aesthetic appeal of a flat top umbrella or 
parasol. Traditional umbrellas are generally of a parabolic or dome-like 
shape. 
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
An object of the present invention is to provide an umbrella which has an 
improved resistance to inversion or collapse, for example, in strong 
winds. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved umbrella 
which has a distinctive and attractive appearance. 
Another, more particular, object of the present invention is to provide an 
improved flat top umbrella. 
Another particular object of the present invention is to provide an 
umbrella with a distinctive appearance which renders it especially 
suitable for advertising purposes. 
A further object of the particular invention is to provide a sturdy 
flat-top umbrella which has a simple construction. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
An umbrella comprises, in accordance with a first conceptualization of the 
present invention, a web having a central portion and a substantially 
annular skirt portion continuous with the central portion, a rigid support 
shaft, and a foldable frame. The frame includes a first support assembly 
operatively connected to the shaft for spreading or stretching the central 
portion from a folded storage configuration into an opened or use 
configuration during an opening of the umbrella and for supporting the 
central portion in the opened configuration upon an opening of the 
umbrella. The frame further includes a second support assembly operatively 
connected to the shaft for drawing the skirt portion, during an opening of 
the umbrella, into an orientation angled with respect to the opened 
configuration of the central portion and coaxial with the shaft and for 
supporting the skirt portion in the angled orientation upon an opening of 
the umbrella. Crimping elements are provided for forming in the skirt 
portion a plurality of cross-sectionally V-shaped ridges spaced about the 
skirt portion. 
An umbrella in accordance with the present invention resembles a bottle 
cap, particularly a traditional cap for a carbonated beverage bottle. The 
V-shaped ridges on the skirt portion of the umbrella web extend in 
respective axial or longitudinal planes angularly spaced from each other 
and are preferably angularly equispaced with respect to one another, 
whereby the ridges simulate or resemble crimps on a bottle cap. 
An umbrella comprises, in accordance with another conceptualization of the 
present invention, a foldable frame and a web provided having a central 
portion and a substantially annular skirt portion continuous with the 
central portion. The frame comprises a rigid support shaft, a plurality of 
ribs pivotably attached to the support shaft at one end thereof, a runner 
element slidably attached to the shaft, and a plurality of stretcher arms 
each pivotably fastened at one end to the runner element and at an 
opposite end to a respective one of the ribs. In addition, the frame 
includes a plurality of skirt support members each pivotably attached to a 
free end of a respective one of the ribs, and a plurality of pulling 
members each pivotably attached at one end to a respective one of the 
stretcher arms and at an opposite end to a respective one of the skirt 
support members. The skirt portion of the cover or web is fastened to the 
skirt support members. 
The stretcher arms function to pivot the ribs about the one end of the 
umbrella shaft upon a sliding of the runner element. During an opening 
stroke of the runner element, the pulling members serve to pivot the skirt 
support members about their respective points of attachment to the free 
ends of the umbrella ribs and further serve to maintain the skirt support 
members in a downwardly depending configuration during use of the 
umbrella. 
Pursuant to another feature of the present invention, a plurality of 
flexible tensile elements are provided, each extending from the runner 
element to a respective one of the skirt support members. The tensile 
elements function to strengthen the umbrella by forming, together with the 
rigid members of the umbrella frame, a triangulated truss work. Each of 
the tensile elements is preferably connected to the respective one of the 
skirt support members at a coupling point or pivot pin connecting such 
skirt member to a respective one of the pulling members. 
In an umbrella in accordance with the present invention, a plurality of 
string-like elements are advantageously provided, each extending from a 
respective one of the stretcher arms to a respective one of the tensile 
elements. These string-like elements facilitate folding of the tensile 
elements during a collapse of the umbrella. Each of the string-like 
elements is preferably connected to the respective one of the stretcher 
arms at a coupling point connecting such stretcher arm to a respective one 
of the pulling members. 
Pursuant to another feature of the present invention, the skirt portion of 
the umbrella cover or web is provided with a plurality of pockets spaced 
circumferentially about the skirt portion. Each of the pockets receives a 
crimping element in the form of a plate or shield element which is 
preferably made from a substantially triangular plate member bent along an 
axis of symmetry to form two substantially triangular wing portions 
oriented at an angle with respect to one another. The bent plate members 
shape the skirt portion of the umbrella top or web to form a series of 
ridges analogous to crimps in a bottle cap, particularly a traditional 
carbonated beverage bottle cap. The umbrella thus assumes the appearance 
of a bottle cap, which is not only novel and attractive but also makes the 
umbrella particularly suitable for the advertising of bottled products. 
An umbrella frame in accordance with the present invention has specific 
geometric relationships which enable proper folding and unfolding of the 
umbrella. Each of the pulling members is attached to the respective skirt 
support member at a first distance from the free end of the respective 
rib, while each of the stretcher arms is attached to the respective rib at 
a point of attachment lying at a second distance from the free end of the 
respective rib. Each of the pulling members is attached to the respective 
stretcher arm at a third distance from the point of attachment of that 
stretcher arm to the respective rib. Each pulling arm has a length which, 
when added to the third distance, is at least approximately equal to the 
sum of the first distance and the second distance. 
An umbrella in accordance with the present invention is particularly strong 
and resistant to inversion from the wind. The support is achieved via a 
triangulated arrangement of components in the manner of a truss work. Such 
a structure is stronger than conventional cantilevered umbrella frames. 
The truss work umbrella frame may be adapted for use in a flat top 
umbrella or may be used in a more conventional dome-type or parabolic 
umbrella. In either case, the skirt portion of the umbrella top preferably 
forms a distinct angle with the central portion of the umbrella top.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, an umbrella comprises a web 20 of flexible 
water-resistant material fastened to a frame assembly 22. Web 20 comprises 
a circular top portion 24 (see also FIG. 8) and an annular skirt portion 
26 which depends downwardly from the top portion in the opened 
configuration of the umbrella, as illustrated in FIG. 1. 
The umbrella further comprises a shaft member 28 to which an annular runner 
element 30 is slidably fastened. At an upper end, shaft 28 carries a hub 
32 to which a plurality of substantially rigid elongate ribs or spokes 34 
are pivotably connected. In the opened configuration of the umbrella (FIG. 
1), ribs 34 extend substantially perpendicularly and radially with respect 
to shaft 28 and are angularly equispaced from one another. 
A plurality of substantially rigid elongate stretcher arms 36 are each 
pivotably fastened at one end to runner 30 and at an opposite end to a 
respective rib 34 at a coupling point or pivot pin 38. Stretcher arms 36 
are angularly equispaced about runner 30 and are aligned with the 
respective ribs 34. In the opened configuration of the umbrella (FIG. 1), 
each stretcher arm 36 forms an acute angle a.sub.1 with the respective rib 
34, while in the closed or collapsed configuration of the umbrella (FIG. 
3), each stretcher arm 36 forms an obtuse angle a.sub.2 with the 
respective rib 34. 
A plurality of skirt support members 40 in the form of rods (see FIG. 7) 
equal in number to ribs 34 are pivotably attached to the free ends of 
respective ribs 34. A like plurality of substantially rigid elongate 
coupling members 42 are each pivotably connected at one end to respective 
skirt support rods 40 and at an opposite end to respective stretcher arms 
36. Coupling members 42 serve to pull skirt supports or rods 40 from an 
extended position, which is substantially parallel to or aligned with the 
respective rib 34 in the closed storage configuration of the umbrella, as 
depicted in FIG. 3, to a downwardly angled position in the opened or use 
configuration of the umbrella, as shown in FIG. 1. 
As illustrated in FIG. 4, each coupling or pulling member 42 is attached to 
the respective skirt support rod 40 at coupling point or pivot pin 43 
located a distance A from the free end of the respective rib 34. As 
described hereinabove, the associated stretcher arm 36 is attached to that 
rib 34 at coupling point or pivot pin 38 which is located at a distance B 
from the free end of the rib. The coupling member 42 is connected to the 
respective stretcher arm 36 at a coupling point or pivot pin 44 located a 
distance D from coupling point 38. The coupling member 42 has an effective 
length C (measured from pivot pin 43 to coupling point 44) which, when 
added to distance D is at least approximately equal to the sum of the 
distances A and B. Because of these dimensional relationships, skirt 
support rod 40 is substantially aligned with rib 34 in the closed 
configuration of the umbrella (FIG. 3). 
As illustrated in FIG. 1, frame assembly 22 is provided with a plurality of 
tensile elements 46 (e.g., strings or cords), preferably equal in number 
to ribs 34. Each cord 46 is connected at a radially inner end to runner 30 
and, more particularly, to a pivot pin 48 which connects the respective 
stretcher arm 36 to runner 30. At a radially outer end, each cord 46 is 
connected to coupling point or pivot pin 43. 
As further illustrated in FIG. 1, frame assembly 22 is also provided with a 
plurality of additional string-like elements 47 each connected at one end 
to a respective coupling point or pivot pin 44 and at an opposite end to a 
respective cord 46. String-like elements 47 serve as retainers 
facilitating the folding of cords 46 during a closing of the umbrella. 
Cord 46 acts as a tension link to form a triangle with stretcher arm and a 
triangular component formed substantially by rib 34, skirt support rod 40 
and coupling member. This triangle, together with the triangle formed by 
umbrella shaft 28, rib 34 and stretcher arm 36, constitutes a triangulated 
trusswork which greatly strengthens the umbrella against inversion in 
windy conditions. The three triangles are triangular truss components of a 
foldable linkage pivotally attached to the shaft 28 at one end thereof and 
to runner element 30. 
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of skirt support rod 40 and its respective coupling 
member 42. In addition, FIG. 5 illustrates a an umbrella top crimping 
member in the form of a substantially triangular plate 50 shown in an 
unbent configuration in FIG. 6. Triangular plate 50 is bent along an axis 
of symmetry 54 to form a pair of wings 56 oriented at a substantially 
45.degree. angle with respect to one another. 
As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3, skirt support rod 40 is disposed between 
wings 56, in the angle or channel defined thereby. Rod 40 (see FIG. 7) is 
formed with a flange 58 to which coupling member 42 is connected at 
coupling point or pivot pin 43. Rod 40 is further formed at one end with a 
hook or pivot pin portion 60 which connected to the free end of the 
respective rib 34. At an opposite end, skirt support rod 40 is provided 
with a formation 61 for facilitating the attachment of umbrella top skirt 
portion 26 to the skirt support rod. Formation 61 may take any 
conventional form such as an eyelet 61a for receiving a thread or, 
alternatively, an extension 61b for receiving a cap (not shown). 
As illustrated in FIG. 8, web 20 is provided along skirt portion 26 with a 
plurality of angularly or circumferentially equispaced triangular pockets 
62 for receiving respective triangular plates 50. Each pocket 62 is formed 
by a double layer of top material. Pockets 62 are slightly larger than and 
preferably geometrically similar to plates 50. Each pocket 62 is stitched 
or otherwise connected to skirt portion 26 of umbrella top or web 20 along 
at least two sides 64 and 66. 
As best seen in FIG. 2, plates 50, when bent to form wings 56 and inserted 
into pockets 62 of umbrella top or web 20, define a series of ridges 68 
about the web skirt portion 26, particularly in the opened configuration 
of the umbrella, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Ridges 68 crimp the 
material of umbrella top skirt portion 26 and thereby simulate the crimps 
of a bottle cap, particularly a traditional carbonated beverage bottle cap 
(not illustrated). 
Crimping plates 50 form in skirt portion 26 a plurality of 
cross-sectionally V-shaped ridges spaced about the skirt portion. The 
V-shaped ridges extend in respective axial or longitudinal planes 
angularly spaced from each other and are preferably angularly equispaced 
with respect to one another. 
It is to be noted that plates 50, as well as ribs 34, coupling or pulling 
members 42 and the other elements of the umbrella frame 22, may be made of 
either a hard polymeric or a metallic material. 
During manufacture of an umbrella in accordance with the invention, the 
frame assembly 22, including skirt support rods 40, is assembled 
separately from umbrella web 20. Triangular plates 50 are bent and 
inserted into pockets 62 of umbrella top skirt portion 26. Skirt portion 
26 is then connected to rod attachment formations 61 (FIG. 7) at a 
plurality of angularly spaced apart points 67 (FIG. 8). In addition, 
central portion 24 of web 20 is connected to shaft member 28 at hub 32. 
As illustrated in FIG. 9, another umbrella frame assembly 122 comprises a 
shaft member 128 to which an annular runner element 130 is slidably 
fastened. At an upper end, shaft 128 carries a hub 132 to which a 
plurality of flexible elongate ribs or spokes 134 are pivotably connected. 
In the opened configuration of the umbrella shown at the left side in FIG. 
9, ribs 134 extend in a substantially parabolic arc from hub 132 and are 
angularly equispaced from one another. A plurality of substantially rigid 
elongate stretcher arms 136 are each pivotably fastened at one end to 
runner 130 and at an opposite end to a respective rib 134 at a coupling 
point or pivot pin 138. Stretcher arms 136 are angularly equispaced about 
runner 130 and are aligned with the respective ribs 134. A plurality of 
skirt support members 140 in the form of rods equal in number to ribs 134 
are pivotably attached to the free ends of respective ribs 134. A like 
plurality of substantially rigid elongate coupling members 142 are each 
pivotably connected at one end to respective skirt support rods 140 and at 
an opposite end to respective stretcher arms 136. Coupling members 142 
serve to pull skirt supports or rods 140 from an extended position, which 
is substantially parallel to or aligned with the respective rib 134 in the 
closed storage configuration of the umbrella to a downwardly angled 
position in the opened or use configuration of the umbrella. Frame 
assembly 122 is further provided with a plurality of tensile elements 146 
(e.g., strings or cords), preferably equal in number to ribs 134. Each 
cord 46 is connected at a radially inner end to runner 130 and, more 
particularly, to a pivot pin (not shown) which connects the respective 
stretcher arm 136 to runner 130. At a radially outer end, each cord 146 is 
connected to a respective skirt support rod 140. Cords 146 each act as a 
tension link to form a triangle with the respective stretcher arm 136 and 
coupling member 142. This triangle, together with the triangle formed by 
umbrella shaft 128, rib 134 and stretcher arm 136, constitutes a truss 
type of configuration to strengthen the umbrella against inversion. 
The right side of FIG. 9 depicts a frame assembly 222 which is similar in 
structure to frame assemblies 22 (FIG. 1) and 122 (left side of FIG. 9) 
but is not as sturdy as frame assemblies 22 and 122. Frame assembly 222 
forms an umbrella having a more traditional parabolic or dome-type shape 
wherein skirt support rods 240 form with the outer ends of ribs 234 an 
angle b.sup.2 which is nearly 180.degree.. In contrast, skirt support rods 
140 and respective ribs 134 of frame assembly 122 include an angle b.sup.1 
which is significantly less than 180.degree. and thereby defines a sharp 
point or edge 141 at the junction of rib 134 and rod 140. 
In another umbrella, shown in FIG. 10, a frame assembly 322 has ribs 334 
which extend in a planar configuration perpendicularly to a support shaft 
328. Ribs 334 are supported in that planar configuration by respective 
stretcher arms 336. Coupling members 342 are each connected at an inner 
side to stretcher arms 336 and at an outer side to skirt support rods 340. 
Rods 340 are pivotably connected to the free ends of respective ribs 334 
and depend perpendicularly with respect to the ribs. Tension cords 346 
extend from a runner 330 on shaft 328 to the coupling point or junction of 
skirt support rods 340 and coupling members 342. 
Although the invention has been described in terms of particular 
embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in the art, in light 
of this teaching, can generate additional embodiments and modifications 
without departing from the spirit of or exceeding the scope of the claimed 
invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawings and 
descriptions herein are proferred by way of example to facilitate 
comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the 
scope thereof.