INTERNAL ACTION UMBRELLA

Abstract: The presently disclosed umbrella device accomplishes both automatic opening, as accomplished by the previous art (but by a means different from that of the prior art) and in addition discloses a means by which the automatic closing of the umbrella can be accomplished (by a means not disclosed in the prior art). Novel mechanical means are used to open and close the umbrella without the need to move the hand from its normal position on the handle (13 or 58), the normal carrying position. A preferred embodiment of the invention uses compressed gas in an ampule (23) to extend a spring (7) provided for the opening of the umbrella (1) while extending the telescoped handle cylinders (9 and 5) which closes the umbrella. The preferred embodiment also features a sleeve (12) which can simultaneously exhaust gas to atmosphere through the port (18) while releasing the mechanical latch (34) to allow a spring (7) to telescope the handle cylinders (5 and 9) and deploy the umbrella canopy (11).

Description: Internal fiction Umbrella Technical Field This invention relates to umbrellas in general. In particular it relates to umbrellas which automatically open and close. This automatic opening and closing of the umbrella is acco plisned by means of springs either alone or in combination with force exerted by compressed gas or by other means. Background ftrt It is known in the art to construct umbrellas which open automatically with the manual release of a catch wherein the compression of a spring causes a hollow member, to which the ribs of the umbrella are attached, to move along a shaft extending through the hollow member. It is also known in the art to provide means for the biasing closed of the umbrella by springs. However, the umbrellas of the art in general require tne movement of the hand from one position to another in order to effect closing or even worse require the use of two hands. These defects are coupled with a complexity of design which contributes to a high cost of manufacture. Disclosure of Invention The presently disclosed umbrella device accomplishes both automatic opening, as accomplished by the previous art, (out by a means different from, that of the prior art) and in addition discloses a means by which the automatic closing of the umbrella can be accomplished (by a means not disclosed in the prior art). Novel mechanical means are used to allow the opening and closing of the umbrella without the need to move tne hand from its normal position on the handle in the normal carrying position to either open or close the umbrella. fi preferred embodiment of the invention uses further novel means to economically use compressed gas to remove the need to manually compress springs for either the opening or the closing of the umbrella. Brief Description of Drawings Figure 1 contains a sec ional view of the umbrella mechanism i wherein the umbrella is in an opened position. Figure 2 contains a sectional view of the umbrella mechanism wherein the umbrella mechanism 1 is in a closed position. Figure 3 contains an overhead view of the umbrella mechanism while in the open position depicted in cross section by Figure 1. Figure _■ contains a sectional view taken along lines fl-ft of Figure 1. Figures 5 through 3 are sectional views through an umbrella mechanism 51 wherein 1 ke—numbered items in Figure 1 through . and Figures 5 through 9 correspond to identical parts. Figure lβ is an enlarged detailed overhead view of spring latch 5. itself along with associated parts. Figure 11 is an enlarged elevational view of spring latch 54. Figure 12 is a enlarged sectional view of spring latch 54 taken from Figure S showing how it interacts with catch 68. Figure 13 is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 5 wherein modifica ions reverse the roles of closing spring 5 and cylinder spring 7. Figure 13 shows the umbrella in the so—called "closed" position. Figure 13ft is a side view of Figure 13 showing a detail of the aforementioned mo i fications. Figure 13B is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of Figure 13 showing in greater detail how the aforesaid modif cations interact to effect the opening and closing of the umbrella embodiment of Figure 13. Figure i. illustrates the umbrella embodiment of Figure 13 after it has been "opened". Figure 15.i1lustrates in the closed position an embodiment wherein a small electric motor may be used to open and close the umbrella of Figure 13 rather than springs. Figure 16 illustrates the opened position of the embodiment of Figure 15. Figure 17 illustrates in the closed position an embodiment in which the motive force used to open and close the umbrella is provided by a magnet and solenoid. Figure lθ illustrates the embodiment of Figure 17 in the open position. Figure 19 is a sectional view of an embodiment in which compressed gas provides the motive force to open and close the embodiment which is depicted in the closed position. Fi ure 19ft illustrates an enlarged sectional of a mechanism used to control the flow of gas. Figure 19B illustrates in enlarged sectional view an alternative means of controlling the flow of gas. Figure 2β shows in the open position the embodiment of Figure 19. Best Mode For Carrying Out The Invention In Figure 1 can be seen umbrella ribs lø held in an open position by umbrella struts ≤ wherein umbrella ribs l£ι rotate about pivot point 3, while strut ≤ and rib lø are attached one to the other at the second pivot point 4. Ribs Iι3 are covered by and attached to water repellent fabric 11. In addition strut 2 is attached to outermost cylinder 5 at pivot point S. Cylinder spring 7 is attached at one of its ends to outermost cylinder 5 and at its opposite end said cylinder spring 7 is attached to cylinder cap 8. Cylinder cap 8 is itself attached to inner cylinder 9 which extends through the center of spring 7, and thence into outer cylinder 5 such that inner cylinder 9 is connected with outer cylinder 5. Inner cylinder 9 is free to slide up and down within outer cylinder 5. Cylinder 5 is attached at its lower end to the handle 13. Tube 15 is concentrically located within inner cylinder 9 and attached at one end to handle 13. Shaft 14 fits snugly within tube 15 and is attached at one of its ends to cylinder cap β. Outer sleeve 12 fits snugly around the outside perimeter of outer cylinder 5 and is free to move up and down in relation to outer cylinder 5 with the application of force to thumb piece 16, fixial passage 17, which is oriented along the ma j or axis of handle 13, connects the hollow interior of tube i5 with radial passage 18. Radial passage 18, as shown in Figure l, connects axial passage 17 to the exterior of handle 13. Secondary passage 27 which is also located axially intersects radial passage 18 at a right angle, as shown in Figure 1, such that secondary passage 27 provides a flow path for gases between radial passage 18 and chamber 26. Figure 2 shows how upon the depression of button 19 which compresses valve spring 29 the depression of button 19 through the action of valve shaft 3ø, to which button 19 is connected, causes valve plug 2ø to move away from valve seal 28 and thereby allows a passage of pressurized gases contained in chamber 26 into secondary passage 27. Chamber 26 is sealed from the exterior of handle 13 by chamber plug 21 which may be removed to allow disassembly of valve plug 2® from valve shaft 3ø. ftmpule passage 31 connects chamber 26 with ampule 23 wherein said ampule 23 contains gases such as air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide under pressure commonly between 137.9 and 689.4 kilopascals. Set screw 24 holds ampule 23 firmly against the opening of ampule passage 31 as shown in Figure 1, to avoid the escape of gases. Needle valve 25 is similar in configuration to valves commonly used in automobile tires and tubes. Needle valve 25 is used to replenish the supply of gas in ampule 23 by means of needle valve passage 32 which intersects ampule passage 31. Pressure relief valve 22 which is connected to ampule passage 31 by pressure relief passage 33 may consist of any one of many designs known in the art capable of avoiding the creation of excess pressure within ampule 23 and chamber 26 during the replenishment of gas within ampule 23 through the use of needle valve 25. Figure 2 also shows how upon sliding sleeve 12 on outer cylinder 5 into a position such that it orsvents the passage of gas through radial passage 18 to the exterior of handle 13 followed by the subsequent depression of button 19 pressurized gases flow through ampule 23 through ampule passage 31, chamber 26, secondary passage 27, radial passage 18, axial passage 17, and then into the interior of tube 15. The aforesaid gases force shaft 14 and consequently cylinder cap 8 and inner cylinder 9 upward. This upward movement of cylinder cap & causes ribs lø to assume a position (commonly termed the closed position ) substan i lly parallel to and adjacent to sleeve 12 by rotation of strut 2 around pivot point 4 and 6 simultaneous with the rotation of ribs lø around pivot points 3 and 4 as depicted in Figure 2. In this position as shown in Figure 2 catch 34 attached to inner cylinder 9 engages an opening 35 in outer cylinder 5 and holds the umbrella device in the so-called closed position. Thus the closing of the umbrella device is accomplished merely by the depression of button 19. The opening of the umbrella device is accomplished merely by applying upward pressure on thumb piece 16 which causes sleeve 1£ to slide upward on outer cylinder 5 and thereby first opens radial passage 18 to the atmosphere (i.e. to the exterior of handle 13) and then with the continuing upward movement causes the release of catch 34 whereby the retracting action of cylinder spring 7 causes cylinder cap 8 along with shaft 14 in inner cylinder 9 to advance toward the uppermost end of outer cylinder 5 and ultimately assume the relative position shown in Figure 1. During this opening of the umbrella device, button 19 is ideally not depressed; thereby conserving the supply of compressed gases contained in ampule 23 and chamber 26. This opened position depicted in cross section by Figure 1 is further illustrated by the overhead view of the umbrella device shown in Figure 3. Figure 4, which is a cross section along lines ft-fi of Figure 1, shows the concentric nature of sleeve 12, outermost cylinder 5, inner cylinder 9, tube 15 and shaft 14. One variation in the structure of the umbrella device shown in Figure 1 through 4 eliminates inner cylinder 9 and outer cylinder 5 and simply requires that sleeve 12 fit snugly around tube 15. In this variation cylinder spring 7 is attached to the uppermost end of tube 15 as is pivot point 6 and thereby strut 2. Similarly catch 34 is located on shaft 14 and engages an opening in tube 15 in the closed posi ion shown in Figure 2 in a manner similar to that employed in the original embodiment of the present umbrella device which does contain inner cylinder 9 and outer cylinder 5. Be it known that this aforementioned variation of the original embodiment, depending on the choice of materials for shaft 14 and tube 15, can exhibit less strength than the original embodiment which is deDicted in Figures 1 through 4. T h at is, the presence of inner cylinder 9 and outer cylinder 5 provides a means of increased strength through increased diameter without at the same time requiring larger amounts of gases due to an increase in volume associated with expanding the diameter of tube 15 and shaft 14. Similarly it can be seen that the umbrella device depicted in Figures 1 through 4 would also function with the elimination of shaft 14 and tube 15 but so configured the device modified by the exclusion of shaft 14 and tube 15 would require the release of much larger amounts of gas from ampule 23 in order to effect the closing of the umbrella device than the amount of gas required by the umbrella device as shown in Figures i through 4. The umbrella 51 of Figure 5 contains elements 2 through 12 which are similar to Items 2 through 12 of the umbrella 1 depicted in Figures 1 through 4. In addition there is shown in Figure 5 certain modifications consisting of elements which are different when comparison is made between the umbrella 1 of the first type and the aforesaid umbrella 51 of the second type. In Figure 5 closing spring 52 is a helical coil spring which is attached at its lower end to spring base 53 and at its upper end to spring latch 54. Spring base 59 is in turn attached to the handle 58 wherein handle 58 screws onto the threaded lower end of outermost cylinder 5. (It is to be understood that the expansive force exerted by closing spring 52 is greater than the contractile force exerted by cylinder spring 7.) filso as shown in Figure 5 there is attached to the inner surface of outermost cylinder 5 an inner sleeve 61. Stationary catch 68 is attached to inner sleeve 61 as shown in Figure 5. filso as shown in Figure 5 upper stop 53 is attached to outermost cylinder 5 such that a portion of it protrudes through a hole in outermost cyliner 5 and holds inner cylinder 9 in the elevated position shown in Figure 5 against the force exerted by cylinder spring 7. Upper stop 53 is composed of spring steel or other such material such that the application of upward force on thumb piece 16 causes sleeve 12 to slide upward on outer cylinder 5, and sleeve 12 is tnereby forced between the lower projection of upper stop 53 and outermost cylinder 5, upper stop 53 is thereby forced radially outward from the major vertical axis of the umbrella releasing inner cylinder 9 which through the contractile force of cylinder spring 7 is forced down within outermost cylinder 5 to a position shown in Figure 9. Lower stop 57 is moved inward and outward relative to the major vertical axis of the umbrella through the application of force to pushbutton 55 which depresses pushbutton spring 56. The connection of lower stop 57 to pushbutton 55 is accomplished as shown in Figure lø. Radial catch 62 protrudes radially from spring latch 54, and vertical catch 63 protrudes vertically upward from spring latch 54 in the "released" position depicted in Figure 5. This "released" position is shown in detail in Figure 11. fls shown in Figure 11 vertical catch 63 and radial catch 62 are, in reality, perpendicularly projecting surfaces of the same catch element 64 wherein this catch element 64 is held in a slot in spring latch 54 by spring latch pin 7ø, such that latch element 64 rotates about spring latch pin 70. Bullet pin 71 protrudes up into either one of two notches in the bottom surface of latch element 64. Bullet pin 71 is forced up into either of the aforesaid two notches in latch element 64 by the action of bullet spring 72. fls shown in Figure 11 when bullet pin 71 is in the rightmost notch of the aforesaid two notches of the latch element 64, latch element 64 is held in the aforesaid released position. However, when radial catch 62 is forced upward by contact with stationary catch 6 , as shown in Figure 12, bullet pin 71 is forced downward- compressing bullet spring 72- and latch element 64 rotates about spring latch pin 7$. Following the aforesaid rotation of latch element 64, bullet pin 71 rests in the leftmost notch of the aforesaid two notches in the bottom surface of latch element 64 as shown in Figure 12, wherein the position of latch element 64 shown in Figure 12 is termed the latched position. In this latched position vertical catch 63 contacts lower stop 67 upon the application of force in the upward direction to spring latch 54 - as by the compression of closing spring 52. The operation of the aforesaid umbrella 51 of the second type can be illustrated by ref rence to Figures 5 through 12. In Figure 5 the aforesaid umbrella 51 is shown in the so-called closed position in which the aforesaid umbrella 51 is normally 6 held before going out into the rain. Prior to entering the rain, handle 58 is unscrewed from the threaded lower position of outer cyliner 5 and spring 52 along witn the attached spring latch 54 is withdrawn from the interior of outer cylinder 5 to a position shown in Figure 6 such that spring latch 54, vertical catch 63, and radial catch 62 have assumed the relative position shown in detail in Figure 12. Force is then applied upward on handle 58 which compresses closing spring 52. Upon the threadable securement of handle 5B to the threaded lower portion of outer cylinder 5, the relative position of spring latch 54 and the closed spring 52 are as shown in Fi ure 7. With this sequence of ac ions necessary preparations have been made for the automatic closing of the umbrella 51 once it has been opened. The automatic opening of the umbrella 51 is accomplished by the application of upward pressure on thumb piece 16 which causes sleeve 12 to slide upward on outer cylinder 5 until it wedges between the lowermost pro eftion of outer stop 53 and outermost cylinder 5 thus forcing upper stop 53 in a radial direction away from the major vertical axis of the umbrella, which allows inner cylinder 3 to travel downward within outer cylinder 5 to the position shown in Figure 8. This movement of inner cylinder 3 downward as a result of the contractile force of cylinder spring 7 is accompanied obviously by rotation of strut 2 about pivot paint 6 and pivot point 4 while umbrella ribs lø rotate around pivot point 3 to accomplish the so called open position of the umbrella shown in the aforesaid Figure 8. The automatic closing of the umbrella with only one hand is accomplished merely by depressing pushbutton 55 which in " turn compresses spring 56 and , moves lower stop 57 in a radial direction outward such that spring latch 54 and vertical catch 63 are free to move upward and do so as a result of the compressive force of closed spring 52, such that vertical catch 63 engages at lower end of inner cylinder 9 and drives it upward to the relative position shown in Figure 5. In the process of this upward movement of spring latch 54 and inner cylinder 9, as vertical catch 63 passes the position of upper stop 53, the a ially projecting portion of upper stop 53 presses against vertical catch 63 with sufficient force to cause the rotation of latch element 64 about spring latch pin 7ø such that the aforesaid "released" position is attainable by latch element 64 as depicted in Figure 11. The full cycle of operation of the umbrella 51 in the automatic mode has thus been described. Manual operation of the aforesaid umbrella can also be accomplished from the so called closed position shown in Figure 5 merely by the application of upward pressure on thumb piece 16 which causes sleeve 12 to slide upward on outer cylinder 5. fls sleeve 12 is forced between upper stop 53 and outer cylinder 5 inner cylinder 9 is forced downward by the contractile force of cylinder spring 7 to the position shown in Figure 9. The manual closing of the umbrella 51 is accomplished merely by grasping handle 58 in one hand and grasping pull ring 73 in the other. Force is then applied " to separate the two hands which causes inner cylinder 9 to slide upward and thereby ultimately assume the position shown in Figure 5. fls previously indicated Figure 13 depicts the embodiment of Figure 5 wherein modifica ions have been made which reverse the function of cylinder spring 7 and closing spring 52. That is in the embodiment shown in Figure 13 closing spring 52 provides the motive force to open the umbrella rather than close it and cylinder spring 7 provides the force to close the umbrella. To achieve this end the cylinder spring 7 shown in Figure 13 differs from the cylinder spring shown in Figure 5 in that the cylinder spring of Figure 5 requires the exertion of force to expand it while the cylinder spring of Figure 13 requires the exertion of force to compress it. Further it can be seen that inner cylinder 9 of Figure 5 has been detached from cylinder cap 8 to form internal rod 79 of Figure 13. In addition, outer cylinder 5 of Figure 5 has been attached to cylinder cap 8 in Figure 13. Also in Figure 13 struts 2 are attached to and rotate within collar 75 rather than being attached to outermost cylinder 5 at a pivot point 6 as in Figure 5. Collar 75 is attached by means of collar pin Sø to internal rod 79, wherein collar pin 8ø extends from collar 75 through slot 74 to internal rod 79 as shown in Figures 13fi and lø 13B. For purposes of illustration, slot 74 has been shown to have a triangularly shaped slot end 77 at its upper end and a triangularly shaped slot end 78 at its lower end. Figure 13 is a sectional view taken along lines 13-13 of Figure 13fl. Thus upper slot end 77 and lower slot end 78 are shown in Figure 13 as short breaks in the wall of outermost cylinder 5. Collar stop 76 merely provides a convenient attachment point for upper stop 53 which is fabricated from spring steel. fls shown in Figure 13B upward force on outer sleeve 12 would cause upward motion of outer sleeve 12 and force upper stop 53 radially outward from its normal position to the position shown in Figure 13B. This allows internal rod 79 to move downward from its position shown in Figure 14 where the umbrella is open, to its position shown in Figures 13, 13ft, and 13B where the umbrella is closed. The internal rod ' 73 is forced to move downward by the action of cylinder spring 7 on collar 75 which is in turn attached to internal rod 79 by collar pin 8ø. Thus the umbrella is made to attain the closed position. To effect the automatic opening of the umbrella, handle 58 is first disengaged or unscrewed from outer cylinder 5 and the spring 52 compresssed as previously described in connection with Figures 5 and 6. The subsequent depression of pushbutton 55 forces inner cylinder 3 to travel upward whicn in turn causes collar 75 to move upward relative to outer cylinder 5 which forces struts 2 outward thereby opening the umbrella. Figure 15 depicts an embodiment in which the opening and closing of the umbrella is accomplished also by the upward and downward movement of inner cylinder 3. However, in the embodiment of Figure 15 a threaded nut 86 has been attached to the lower end of inner cylinder 3 such that when internal screw 81 is threadably inserted and rotated the threaded nut 86 and consequently the inner cylinder 3 move upward and downward. The rotating shaft of bidirectional motor 84 is attached to the lower end of internal screw 81. The casing of the electric motor 84 is attached by means of motor support 83 to the handle 58. By means of electric circuitry commonly known in the art of electronics the potential energy stored in battery 85 can be used to effect, with the movement of position switch 82 to one of its available positions, the shaft of the electric motor 84 to roatate in a given direction causing the upward or downward motion of threaded nut 86. Movement of the position switch 82 to yet another position can be made to effect the rotation in the opposite direction of the shaft of electric motor 84. This of course causes movement of threaded nut 86 and consequently of inner cylinder 3 in a direction opposite to that previously induced. In this manner the umbrella can be made to open and close automatically, where the open position of the umbrella is shown in Figure 16 and the closed position is shown in Figure 15. In the embodiment shown in Figures 17 and 18 the motive force required for moving collar 75 upward and downward is provided by means of a magnet 88 contained within the center of solenoid 37.. By means known in the art of physics the flow of electricity through wires wound within the solenoid can be effected using the battery 85 as a source of electric potential so that the induced electric field exerts an upward force on the magnet 88 which effects the closing of the umbrella as shown in Figure 18. Also by means commonly known in the art of electrical circuits the direction of the flow of electricity in solenoid 87 can be reversed through altering the position of switch 82 so that downward force is now exerted on magnet 88 and hence on collar 75 which is connected to magnet 88 by collar pin Sø. The embodiment shown in Figure 13 in closed position in a sectional view is similar to the embodiment previously described in connection with Figure 1 as reflected in the occurrence of identically numbered items. However, in the embodiment of Figure 13 inner cylinder 3 has been detached from cylinder cap 8 and outer cylinder 5 has been in turn attached to cylinder cap 8. The other modifications pertaining to the installation of slot 74, collar 75, collar stop 76, upper stop 53, collar pin 8ø, internal rod 79 and cylinder spring 7 have also been made. In addition, an "o" ring 94 has been attached to the upper end of tube 15 so that a seal is formed between inner cylinder 3 and the tube 15 such that when button 13 is depressed as previously described in connection with Figure 1, the gas which enters the space encompassed by tube 15 and inner cylinder 3 acts to force inner cylinder 9 upward; thereby opening the umbrella to the position shown in Figure 2ø. The inner cylinder is secured in the up position by the insertion of upper stop 53 in the manner previously described in connection with Figure 1. It has been found in the development of this embodiment that when ampule 23 is provided with a gas of sufficiently high pressure that the button 13 shown in Figures 1 and 13 cannot be easily depressed and released fast enough to avoid overpressuring the area within tube 15 and inner cylinder 3 to a pressure beyond that required to open the umbrella. This resulted in the unnecessary loss of gas from the ampule 23 with each opening of the umbrella and decreased therefore tne number of times the umbrella could be opened without refilling the ampule 23 o providing a new ampule 23 filled with gas. It has been found possible to avoid this ove ressu ing by two different methods. The first o * F these methods is illustrated in Figure 13fl while the second is illustrated in Figure 13B.The operation of the mechanism of Figure 19fl can be explained as follows. When the button 13 is depressed the pressure within chamber 26 drops very rapidly and hence the pressure on the upward side of disc 96 in disc chamber 97 also drops very rapidly. Since the pressure on the down side of the disc 96 is still higher owing to the inability of the gas to get past the small wall clearance between disc 36 and the wall of the chamber 37, an unbalanced force moves the disc 36 upward against the action of surge spring 3ø until the disc 36 comes into contact with the surge seat 32. fls this seat is made, very little or no further gas escapes from the ampule 23 even if the depression of button 13 is continued. However, after button 13 is released as gas slowly filters between the wall of chamber 37 and disc 96 the pressure on the upstream and downstream sides of disc 36 is partially equalized. This partial equalization coupled with the force of surge spring 3ø causes the disc 36 to move downward to its former position before button 19 was depressed. In this way the flow of gas from ampule can be regulated in "shots". The shot size can be varied by varying the volume of chamber 26 and chamber 97. An alternative means of regulating this flow of gas from ampule 23 can be found in Figure 19B wherein it is snown that an extremely small diameter orifice can be used to restrict the flow gas so severely that when the limiting condition of gas reaching the speed of sound in the orifice is reached tne total gas flow during 2 or three seconds in which button 19 is depressed is within the range required merely to open the umbrella and not cause overpressuring. The size of this orifice depends upon the pressure of the gas contained in the ampule 23. However, for cases where ampule 23 is initially at pressures in the range of 4136 kilopascals to 8273 kilopascals as is the case for supercritical or highly compressed gases the diameter of orifice has been found to be satisfactory when it is in the range of .127 to 1.016 millimeters in diameter. fl further improvement is displayed in the Figures 19A and 19B in that it will be noticed that the valve plug 2ø of these figures is conical in shape when viewed from the high pressure side of the plug. This conical shape has been found to decrease the amount of pressure required on button 19 in order to open valve plug 2ø when extremely high pressures are used in ampule 23. In addition, improvement has been achieved by increasing the number of openings and closings obtainable with one ampule by the addition of a diaphragm 93, which is flexible, as an interruption in the valve shaft 3ø of Figure 1 to form the arrangment shown in Figures 13A and i3B. Diaphragm retainer 38 holds both the diaphragm 33 and the outer end of valve shaft 30 in place, wherein the widened portion of the valve shaft 3ø fits into a suitably widened area in the diaphragm retainer 98. As an added « advantage, the provision of a conical seal puncture 33 as shown in Figures 13A and 19B allows the use of disposable cartridges of carbon dioxide which contain a metal plate which is punctured by seal puncture 33 upon the application of pressure by set screw 24 to the bottom of the ampule 23. While I have thus described the preferred embodiment of the present invention, many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art and it must be understood tnat the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative only and not limitative of the present invention. All such variations and modifications as are in accord with the principles described are meant to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims: CLAIMS: 1. fln umbrella having a canopy and a frame of interconnected ribs and a means for the automatic opening and closing of the aforesaid ribs and canopy comprising: a hollow outer cylinder; a hollow inner cylinder located concentrically within the aforesaid outer cylinder wherein the inner cylinder slidably moves within the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder; a sleeve which slidably moves on the exterior of the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder; a hollow inner tube located concentrically within the aforesaid hollow inner cylinder; a handle attached to the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder and hollow inner tube wherein said handle contains an ampule of compressed gas and said ampule is connected by passageways to the aforesaid hollow inner tube; an extension spring attached at one end to the aforesaid inner cylinder and at its alternate end attached to the aforesaid outer cylinder; a latching mechanism preventing the movement of the inner cylinder with respect to the outer cylinder wherein said mechanism is released by the movement of the aforesai sleeve; a shaft which fits snugly within the aforesaid inner tube; a valve disposed within said handle which either stops or allows flow of gas from the aforesaid ampule through passageways to the aforesaid inner tube; a vent port communicating with said passageways which permits communication of said passageways with the atmosphere upon the movement of the aforesaid sleeve; movement in one direction of said sleeve simultaneously releasing said latching mechanism and opening said vent port to atmosphere, movement of said sleeve in a direction reverse of the aforesaid direction allowing said latching mechanism to engage while sealing said vent so that fluid pressure from said ampule may impinge against said shaft. 2. fln umbrella having a canopy and a frame of interconnec ed ribs and a means for the automatic opening and closing of the aforesaid ribs and canopy comprising: a hollow outer cylinder; a hollow inner cylinder located concentrically within the aforesaid outer cylinder wherein the inner cylinder slidably moves within the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder; a sleeve which slidably moves on the exterior of the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder a handle attached to the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder wherein said handle contains an ampule of compressed gas and said ampule is connected by passageways to the interior of said hollow outer cylinder; an extension spring attached at one end to the aforesaid inner cylinder and at its alternate end attached to the aforesaid outer cylinder; a latching mechanism preventing the movement of the inner cylinder with respect to the outer cylinder wherein said mechanism is released by the movement of the aforesaid sleeve; a valve disposed within said handle which either stops ov¬ al lows flow of gas from the aforesaid ampule through passageways to the interior of the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder; a vent port communicating with said passageways which permits communication of said passageways with the atmosphere upon movement of the aforesaid sleeve; movement in one direction of said sleeve simultaneously releasing said latching mechanism and opening said vent port to atmosphere, movement of said sleeve in a direction reverse of the aforesaid direction allowing said latching mechanism to engage while sealing said vent so that fluid pressure from said ampule may impinge against said hollow inner cylinder. 3. fl device, commonly known as an umbrella, wherein the ribs supporting the fabric of the umbrella are attached to a collar, wherein said collar freely slides along a hollow outer cylinder as a result of the contractile force of a cylinder spring, one end of the aforesaid cylinder spring being attached to the outer cylinder and the other end of the aforesaid cylinder spring being attached to the collar, and also as a result of a closing spring provided within the aforesaid outer cylinder upon suitable compression of the aforesaid closing spring and engagement subsequently with an inner cylinder which is attached to the aforesaid collar by means of a pin or pins extending through a slot or slots provided in the said outer cylinder. 4. fl device, commonly known as an umbrella, consisting of a hollow outer cylinder attached to a handle wherein ' a series of passageways fitted with a push—button—operated valve connect a hollow tube located concentrically within the aforesaid hollow outermost cylinder with a gas arπouie located within the aforesaid handle wherein the aforesaid hollow tube is also attached to the aforesaid handle and said hollow tube is located within a inner cylinder which is also attached to a collar which fits around the aforesaid outermost cylinder by means of a pin or pins extending through a slot or slots provided in the aforesaid outer cylinder and attached to this aforesaid collar fits a spring attached at one end to the aforesaid outer cylinder and at tne otnεr end to tne aforesaid collar. fin umbrella having a canopy and a frame of interconnected ribs and a means for the automatic opening and closing of the aforesaid ribs and canopy comprising: a hollow outer cylinder provided with a slot or slots extending therethru along a portion of its length; a collar which slides along the exterior surface of the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder; a hollow inner cyl inder located concen rically within tne aforesaid hollow outer cylinder wherein said inner cylinder slidably moves within the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder and the said hollow inner cylinder is attached to the aforesaid collar by means of a pin or pins extending through a slot or slots provided in the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder; a cylinder spring for biasing the aforesaid collar relative to the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder; a sleeve which slidably moves on the exterior of the aforesaid h 11ow ou er cy1 in r; a handle attached to tne aforesaid hollow outer cylinder; a first latching mechanism preventing the movement of the aforesaid hoi .low ' inner cylinder with respect to the outer cylinder wherein said mechanism is released by the movement of the aforesaid sleeve; a.n opening spring for biasing tne said hollow inner cylinder relative to the said hollow outer cylinder in a direction opposite to the biasing afforded by the aforesaid cylinder spring; a second latching mechanism for holding tne aforesaid opening spring in compression: release of said second latching mechanism allowing said opening spring to bias the aforesaid inner cylinder relative to the aforesaid outer cylinder in a direction whicn forces the said canopy and ribs from the closed position to an open position, release of the aforesaid first latching mechanism by the movement of the aforesaid sleeve subsequently allowing the aforesaid cylinder spring to bias the aforesaid collar such that the umbrella again attains the closed position. fin umbrella having a canopy and a frame of interconnected ri s and a means for the automatic opening and closing of the aforesaid ribs and canopy comprising: a hollow outer cylinder ; a hollow inner cylinder located concentrically within the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder wherein said inner cylinder slidably moves within the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder; a cylinder spring for biasing the aforesaid hollow inner cylinder relative to the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder; a sleeve which slidably moves on the exterior of the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder; a handle attached to the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder; a first latching mechanism preventing the movement of the aforesaid hollow inner cylinder with respect to the outer cylinder wherein said mechanism is released by the movement of the aforesaid sleeve; a closing spring for biasing the said hollow inner cylinder relative to the said hollow outer cylinder in a direction opposite to the biasing afforded by the aforesaid cylinder spring; a second latching mechanism for holding the aforesaid opening spring in compression; release of said second latcning mechanism allowing said closing spring to bias the aforesaid inner cylinder relative to the aforesaid outer cylinder in a direction which forces the said canopy and ribs from the open position to a closed position, release of the aforesaid first latching mechanism by the movement of the aforesaid sleeve subsequently allowing the aforesaid cylinder spring to bias the aforesaid collar such that the umbrella again attains the open position. 7. fin umbrella having a canopy and a frame of interconnected ribs and a means for the automatic opening ana ' closing of the aforesaid ribs and canopy comprising: a hollow outer cylinder provided with a slot or slots extending therethru along a portion of its length; a collar which slides along the exterior surface of the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder; a hollow inner cylinder located concentrically within the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder wherein said inner cylinder slidably moves within the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder and the said hollow iVmer cylinder is attached to the aforesaid collar by means of a pin or pins extending through a slot or slots provided in the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder; a first biasing means which has the capability to bias the aforesaid collar relative to the aforesaid hollow outer cyli der; a sleeve which slidably moves on tne exterior of the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder: a handle attached to the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder; a first latching mechanism preventing the movement of the aforesaid hollow inner cylinder with respect to the outer cylinder wherein said mechanism is released by the movement of the aforesaid sleeve; a second biasing means whicn has the capability to bias the said hollow inner cylinder relative to the said hollow outer cylinder in a direction opposite to the biasing afforded by the aforesaid first biasing means; a second latcning mechanism for holding in cneck the aforesaid second biasing means: release of said second latching mechanism allowing said second biasing means to bias the aforesaid inner cylinder relative to the aforesaid outer cylinder in a direct ion which forces the said canopy and ribs from the closed position to an open position, release of the aforesaid first latching mechanism by the movement of the aforesaid sleeve subsequently allowing tne aforesaid first biasing means to bias the aforesaid collar such that the umbrella again attains the closed position. 8. The umbrella of claim 7 in whicn the aforesaid first biasing means and the aforesaid second biasing means are together comprised of a battery, a threaded nut fixed relative to the aforesaid hollow inner cylinder, an internal screw threadably inserted at one of its ends into the aforesaid the threaded nut, and an electric motor fixed relative to the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder to whose driveshaft the aforesaid internal screw is attached, wherein, further, both the aforesaid first latching mechanism and the aforesaid second ' latching mechanism are together comprised of a switch which in a first position regulates flow of electricity from the aforesaid battery such that shaft of the aforesaid electric motor turns in a first direction which forces the aforesaid canopy and ribs from the closed position to an open position, wherein placement of the said switch in a second position regulates the flow of electricity from the aforesaid battery such the shaft of the aforesaid electric motor turns in a second direction opposite to the said first direction wnich returns the said umbrella to the closed position. 3. The umbrella of claim 7 i n whicn the aforesaid first biasing means and the aforesaid second biasing means are together comprised of a battery, a solenoid fixed relative to the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder, a magnet fixed relative to the aforesaid nollow inner cylinder, ana both the aforesaid first latching mechanism and the aforesaid second latching mechanism are together comprised of a switch which in a first position regulates flow* of electricity from the aforesaid battery such that the electric field created by the said solenoid causes movement of the said hollow inner cylinder in a first direction which forces the aforesaid canooy and ribs from the closed position to an open position, wherein placement of the said switch m a second position regulates the flow of electricity from the aforesaid battery such the electric field created by the said solenoid forces the nollow inner cylinder in a second direction opposite to the said first direction which returns the said umbrella to tne closed posit ion. lø. fin umbrella having a canopy and a frame of interconnected ribs and a means for the automatic opening and closing of the aforesaid ribs and canopy comprising: a hollow outer cylinder; a hollow inner cylinder located concentrically within tne aforesaid outer cylinder wherein the inner cylinder slidably moves within the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder; a sleeve which slidably moves on the exterior of the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder a handle attached to the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder wherein said handle contains an ampule of compressed gas and said ampule is connected by passageways to the interior of said hollow outer cylinder; an extension spring attached at one end to the aforesaid inner cylinder and at its alternate end attached to the aforesaid outer cylinder; a latching mechanism preventing the movement of the inner cylinder with respect to the outer cylinder wherein said mechanism is released by the movement of the aforesaid sleeve; a valve disposed within said handle which either stops or allows flow of gas from tne aforesaid ampule through passageways to the interior of the aforesaid hollow outer cylinde ; means for regulating tne quantity of tne flow of gas from the aforesaid ampule with each allowance by the aforesaid valve of the flow of gas from tne aforesaid ampule; a vent port communicating with said passageways whicn permits communica ion of said passageways with the atmosphere upon movement of the aforesaid sleeve; movement in one ' direct ion of said sleeve simultaneously releasing said latching mechanism and opening said vent port to atmosphere, movement of said sleeve in a direction reverse of the aforesaid direction allowing said latching mechanism to engage while sealing said vent so tnat fluid pressure from said ampule may impinge against said hollow inner cylinder. 11. The umbrella of claim lø in which the said means for regulating tne quantity of the flow of gas from the aforesaid ampule with each allowance of the flow of gas from the aforesaid ampule by the aforesaid valve is comprised of restricting the cross sectional area of the aforesaid passageway at some point to a value less than the cross sectional area of a hole having a diameter between 0.127 millimeters and 1. øi6 millimeters. 12. The umbrella of claim lø in which the said means for regulating the quantity of the flow of gas from the aforesaid ampule with each allowance of the flow of gas from the aforesaid ampule by the aforesaid valve is comprised of: a disc chamber contained within the aforesaid passageways connecting the said ampule and tne interior of the hollow outer cy1inder; a disc fitted within the aforesaid disc chamber; a means for returning the disc to a rest position which allows gas to flow from the aforesaid from the aforesaid ampule to the aforesaid passageways; opening of the aforesaid valve within said handle causing gas to evacuate the aforesaid passageways upstream of the aforesaid valve and simultaneously cause the aforesaid disc to assume a position witnin the disc chamber which inhibits the further flow of gas from tne said ampule, sudseouent closing of the aforesaid valve allowing said means for returning the said disc to a rest position such that the gas in the said passageways can be replenished by flow from the said ampule. 13. fln umbrella having a canopy and a frame of interconnected ribs and a means for the automatic opening and closing of the aforesaid ribs and canopy comprising: a hollow outer cylinder provided with a slot or slots extending therethru along a portion of its length; ' a collar which slides along tne exterior surface of the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder; a hollow inner cylinder located concentrically within the aforesaid outer cylinder wherein the inner cylinder slidably moves within the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder and the said hollow inner cylinder is attached to the aforesaid collar by means of a pin or pins extending thru said slot or slots provided in the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder ; a handle attached to tne aforesaid hollow outer cylinder and hollow inner tube wherein said handle contains an ampule of compressed gas and said ampule is connected by passageways to the aforesaid hollow inner tube; a biasing means for biasing tne aforesaid collar relative to the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder; a latching mechanism preventing tne movement of the inner cylinder with respect to the outer cylinder; a valve disposed within said handle wnicn either stops or allows flow of gas from the aforesaid ampule through passageways to the interior of the hollow outer cylinder, 2 . 14. fin umbrella having a canopy and a frame of interconnected ribs and a means for the automatic opening and closing of the aforesaid ribs and canopy comprising: a hollow outer cylinder provided with a slot or slots extending thεrethru along a portion of its length; a collar which slides along the exterior surface of the aforesaid ho11ow ter cy1ind r; a hollow inner cylinder located concentrically within the aforesaid outer cylinder wherein the inner cylinder slidably moves within the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder and the said hollow inner cylinder is attached to the aforesaid collar by means of a pin or pins extending said slot or slots provided in the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder ; a handle attached to the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder and hollow inner tube wherein said handle contains an ampule of compressed gas and said ampule is connected by passageways to the aforesaid hollow inner tube; a biasing means which has the capability to bias the aforesaid collar relative to the aforesaid hollow outer cylinder; a latching mechanism preventing the movement of the inner cylinder with respect to the outer cylinder; a valve disposed within said handle whicn either stops or allows flow of gas from the aforesaid ampule through passageways to tne interior of the hollow outer cylinder; depression of said valve allowing fluid to impinge upon the interior of the aforesaid hollow inner cylinder thereby forcing the aforesaid canopy and i terconnected ribs to assume an open position maintained by -the engagement of said latching mechanism, release of said latching mechanism allowing sai biasing means to force the said canopy and interconnected ribs into a closed position which is maintained by said biasing means.

Inventors: GRADY CLYDE C II, GRADY CLYDE CALVIN, GRADY, CLYDE, C., II, GRADY, CLYDE, CALVIN
Applicants: GRADY CLYDE C, GRADY CLYDE C II, GRADY, CLYDE, C., II, GRADY, CLYDE, CALVIN
Application year: 1985
Main classification: A45B11
IPC codes: A45B25