Patent Abstract:
A free arm umbrella includes a fixing plate, an upper nest, a lower nest, umbrella ribs and support ribs. The free arm umbrella also includes a control mechanism, a support rod, a first strut rod and a second strut rod. The middle part of the first strut rod is hinged with the middle part of the second strut rod. A rotating lockout mechanism can also be set on the free arm umbrella so that the umbrella cover can be rotated easily. The free arm umbrella has advantages of simple structure, convenience of use, economic practicality, and being applicable to narrow space.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The entirety of each of International Application No. PCT/CN2011/071154, filed Feb. 22, 2011 and Chinese Patent Application No. 201020674383.8, filed Dec. 21, 2010, are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This application is directed to products for providing shade from the sun or protection from the wind, rain, snow, or other elements, particularly as related to umbrellas. In some embodiments, a free arm umbrella (e.g., cantilever, wall-mounted, etc.) is provided, mainly used for hanging or securing on a wall. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Generally, sun-shading products currently on the market are commonly known for being complicated in structure, high in price, and occupying a relatively large amount of space. With living spaces decreasing in size in buildings, homes and apartments in cities and other environments, there is a demand for products that allow people living in such environments to enjoy outdoor leisure in the shade in small places (e.g., a balcony). This application is directed to improved free arm umbrella structures, featuring favorable price, structure, and compactness at least when stowed. 
     SUMMARY 
     Overcoming disadvantages mentioned above, this application is directed to an effort to provide a free arm umbrella for large-scale application, which features simple structure, easy operation, low or affordable price and usability in a narrow, small, or limited space. 
     To meet the ends or objectives described above, in some embodiments, the following technical solutions are adopted for these free arm umbrellas: 
     In some embodiments, the free arm umbrella includes a fixing plate, an upper hub (e.g., nest), a lower hub (e.g., nest), umbrella ribs and support ribs. The umbrella ribs are hingedly coupled with the upper nest and the first and second ends of each of the support ribs are hingedly coupled with the lower nest and one of the umbrella ribs respectively. In some embodiments, the free arm umbrella also includes a control mechanism, a support rod, a first strut rod and a second strut rod. The first and second ends of the first strut rod are hingedly coupled with the lower nest and the upper portion of the fixing plate respectively. One end of the second strut rod is hingedly coupled with the upper nest and the other end is provided with a support block. A middle part of the first strut rod or portion positioned between the first and second ends is hingedly coupled with the middle part of the second strut rod or portion positioned between the two ends of the second strut rod. The first and second ends of the control mechanism support rod are hingedly coupled with the second strut rod and the fixing plate respectively. The control mechanism is fixed on the fixing plate. The support block is moveably fixed on the control mechanism. 
     In some embodiments, the free arm umbrella also includes a rotating lockout mechanism. The fixing plate includes a first fixing plate and a second fixing plate. The rotating lockout mechanism is set or positioned between the first fixing plate and the second fixing plate, and respectively fixed onto the two plates. The support rod, control mechanism and first strut rod are all hingedly coupled with the second fixing plate. 
     In some embodiments, an upper part of the first fixing plate can be flexibly connected to an upper part of the second fixing plate. 
     In some embodiments, the rotating lockout mechanism comprises a knob handle, fastening screw, first latch segment and second latch segment. The first latch segment engages with the second latch segment. The fastening screw runs through the first and second latch segments, and engages with the knob handle. The first latch segment is fixed on the second fixing plate, while the second latch segment on the first fixing plate, the support rod hinged with the second fixing plate, and the control mechanism on the second fixing plate. 
     In some embodiments, the free arm umbrella is also equipped with a first L-shape flat bar and a second L-shape flat bar. The first L-shape flat bar and second L-shape flat bar are fixed respectively with the second fixing plate and the first fixing plate, and at the same time are held, secured and/or supported respectively by the first latch segment and second latch segment. 
     Furthermore, in some embodiments, the fastening screw has an oval head and square neck. It runs or extends through the first L-shape flat bar, the first latch segment, the second latch segment and the second L-shape flat bar, and then engages with threads on the knob handle. The neck of the screw is stuck, positioned and/or fixed in the first L-shape flat bar. 
     In some embodiments, the control mechanism comprises a housing, spring plate, and spanner. The lower part of the spring plate is fixed on the housing. The spanner can be moveably set inside the housing. The lower part of the spanner lies against the spring plate. The housing is fixed on the fixing plate and has a slideway. The supportblock runs or extends through the slideway and is held, supported, and/or secured by the spring plate. 
     In some embodiments, the control mechanism also includes elastic components. The elastic components are set or positioned between the spring plate and the housing, and connected or coupled to the spring plate and the housing respectively. 
     In some embodiments, the free arm umbrella also comprises a control handle, which is set or positioned on the second strut rod, near, adjacent, or in close proximity to the support block. 
     In some embodiments, the free arm umbrella includes three umbrella ribs and three support ribs. 
     The benefits of this these embodiments include but are not limited to: this free arm umbrella applies a scissor-type opening method, and is fixable on a wall or can be hung on a column with the fixing plate. In some embodiments, the rotating lockout mechanism enables the umbrella to swing or rotate, and the control mechanism facilitates the opening of the umbrella. With simple structure, easy operation, low cost and usability in a narrow space, this umbrella is suitable for large scale applications in some embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects and advantages are described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate but not to limit the inventions. In the drawings, like reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout similar embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  is a front schematic view of an example of a free arm umbrella in a closed position. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the example free arm umbrella as shown in  FIG. 1  in an open position. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the example free arm umbrella as shown in  FIG. 1  in an open position. 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of the details of Area A of the example free arm umbrella as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of certain components of the example free arm umbrella as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view diagram of an example fixing plate and rotating lockout mechanism of the free arm umbrella as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 7  is perspective view of another example free arm umbrella. 
         FIG. 8  is a detail view of the example free arm umbrella as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a partial view of the example free arm umbrella as shown in  FIG. 8  with a handle removed. 
         FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of the handle shown in  FIG. 8  and removed in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a partial view of the example free arm umbrella as shown in  FIG. 8  with a pivotable member removed. 
         FIG. 12  is a partial view of the example free arm umbrella as shown in  FIG. 8  with a housing removed. 
         FIG. 13  is rear perspective view of the pivotable member as shown in  FIG. 8  and removed in  FIG. 11 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the present description sets forth specific details of various embodiments, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrative only and should not be construed in any way as limiting. Furthermore, various applications of such embodiments and modifications thereto, which may occur to those who are skilled in the art, are also encompassed by the general concepts described herein. 
     To articulate the technical characteristics of this application, examples of the free arm umbrella and various components herein are detailed below as an illustration of potential embodiments. 
     See  FIGS. 1-6  for details of various embodiments. In some embodiments, the free arm umbrella includes a fixing plate  1 , which is a type of wall mount structure that enables rotation of the free arm umbrella, upper hub (e.g., nest)  2 , lower hub (e.g., nest)  3 , umbrella ribs  5  and support ribs  6 . The umbrella ribs  5  and support ribs  6  are a type of umbrella structural members. A shade providing structure can include the upper hub (e.g., nest)  2 , lower hub (e.g., nest)  3 , umbrella ribs  5  and support ribs  6 . The umbrella ribs  5  are hingedly coupled with upper nest  2 . The first and second ends of each of the support ribs  6  are hingedly coupled with lower nest  3  and umbrella ribs  5  respectively. The free arm umbrella includes a control mechanism  7 , support rod  9 , first strut rod  10  and second strut rod  20 . The first and second ends of the first strut rod  10  are hingedly coupled with the lower nest  3  and fixing plate  1  respectively. One end of the second strut rod  20  is hingedly coupled with the upper nest  2 , and the other end is provided with a support block  21 . A middle part of the first strut rod  10  or middle portion disposed between the two ends of first strut rod  10  is hingedly coupled with a middle part of the second strut rod  20  or middle portion disposed between the two ends of the second strut rod  20 . The first and second ends of the support rod  9  are hingedly coupled with the second strut rod  20  and the fixing plate  1  respectively. The control mechanism  7  is fixed on or coupled to the fixing plate  1 . The support block  21  is moveably fixed on the control mechanism  7 . 
     In some embodiments, the free arm umbrella also includes a rotating lockout mechanism  8 , which is a type of umbrella positioning or rotation device. The fixing plate  1  includes a first fixing plate  11  and a second fixing plate  12 . The rotating lockout mechanism  8  is set, positioned, supported and/or secured between the first fixing plate  11  and the second fixing plate  12 , and respectively fixed onto or coupled to the two fixing plates. The support rod  9  is hingedly coupled with the second fixing plate  12 , the control mechanism  7  is fixed on the second fixing plate  12 , and first strut rod  10  is also hingedly coupled with the second fixing plate  12 . In some embodiments, the upper part of the fixing plate  11  and the upper part of the fixing plate  12  are moveably or rotatably hinged together. See  FIG. 6  for details. In some embodiments, the fixing plate  1  includes a first L-shape flat bar  13  and a second L-shape flat bar  14 . The first L-shape flat bar  13  and the second L-shape flat bar  14  are respectively fixed to the first fixing plate  11  and the second fixing plate  12 . The first L-shape flat bar  13  and the second L-shape flat bar  14  partially overlap each other and are connected by a screw  15 , thus allowing for rotation between the first fixing plate  11  and the second fixing plate  12  in some embodiments if needed. 
     In some embodiments, the rotating lockout mechanism  8  includes a knob handle  81 , fastening or carriage screw  82 , first latch segment  83 , and second latch segment  84 . The first latch segment  83  engages with the second latch segment  84 . The fastening screw  82  runs or extends through the first and second latch segments  83  and  84 , and engages with the threads on the knob handle  81 . The first latch segment  83  is fixed on or coupled to the second fixing plate  12 , while the second latch segment  84  is fixed on or coupled to the first fixing plate  11 . The support rod  9  is hingedly coupled with the second fixing plate  12  and the control mechanism  7  is fixed on or coupled to the second fixing plate  12 . Preferably, the free arm umbrella is also equipped with a first L-shape flat bar  85  and a second L-shape flat bar  86 . The first L-shape flat bar  85  and second L-shape flat bar  86  are fixed or coupled respectively with the second fixing plate  12  and the first fixing plate  11 , and at the same time are held, secured, or supported respectively by the first latch segment  83  and second latch segment  84 . See  FIG. 6  for reference. In some embodiments, the fastening screw  82  has an oval head and square neck. It runs or extends through the first L-shape flat bar  85 , the first latch segment  83 , the second latch segment  84  and the second L-shape flat bar  86 , and engages with the threads of the knob handle  81 . The neck of the screw is received by or inserted in an opening of the first L-shape flat bar  85 . The two L-shape flat bars  85  and  86  are fixed or positioned between the second fixing plate  12  and first fixing plate  11  respectively, thus enabling the first latch segment  83  and second latch segment  84  to loosen and engage through the round headed square necked screw  82 , and allowing for the rotation between the second fixing plate  12  and first fixing plate  11  through the two L-shape flat bars  85  and  86 . 
     In some embodiments, the control mechanism  7  comprises a housing  71 , spring plate  72 , and a spanner  73 . The lower part of the spring plate  72  is fixed on the housing  71 . The spanner  73  can be moveably set inside the housing  71 . The lower part of the spanner  73  is positioned or lies against the spring plate  72 . The housing  71  is fixed on the fixing plate  1  with a slideway  74 . The support block  21  runs through the slideway  74  and is received by or secured by the spring plate  72 . In some embodiments, the control mechanism  7  also includes one or more elastic components or biasing mechanisms  75 . The elastic components  75  are set or positioned between the spring plate  72  and the housing  71 , and respectively connected to the spring plate  72  and housing  71 . See  FIGS. 4 and 5  for reference. In some embodiments, the elastic components  75  refer to springs. The housing  71  is fixed on or secured to the second fixing plate  12 . 
     See  FIG. 3-5  for details to facilitate operation by a user according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the free arm umbrella also comprises a control handle  22 , which is set, coupled to or positioned on the second strut rod  20 , near, adjacent, or in close proximity to the support block  21 . 
     Theoretically, there can be any number of umbrella ribs  5  and support ribs  6 . See  FIG. 2  for reference. In some embodiments, the free arm umbrella includes three umbrella ribs  5  and three support ribs  6 . 
     To achieve specific or better sun-shading effect, the rotating lockout mechanism  8  is added to some embodiments. The fixing plate  1  is fixed on a wall in some embodiments. In certain embodiments, the free arm umbrella is hung on a column with the fixing plate  1 . The rotating lockout mechanism  8  enables the umbrella to swing or rotate to provide shade or protection from the elements in a user desired area. In some embodiments, rotating or swinging the umbrella includes the steps of: turning the knob handle  81  left, loosening the carriage screw  82 , loosening the first latch segment  83  and second latch segment  84 , pushing the control handle  22 , and swinging the umbrella surface from side to side. In some embodiments, fixing, locking or securing the umbrella into position includes turning the knob handle  81  right, tightening the carriage screw  82 , and engaging the first latch segment  83  and second latch segment  84  to fix the umbrella position. 
     In some embodiments, to facilitate user operation, in opening the umbrella with the control mechanism  7 , a user holds the control handle  22  to push the support block  21  on the second strut rod  20  into the slideway  74  of the housing  17  on the control mechanism  7 . If the spring plate  72  holds or secures the support block  21 , the umbrella can remain open. Referring to the arrow direction in  FIG. 3 , pulling the spanner  73  activates spring plate  72 , thus loosening the support block  21 . Holding the control handle  22  to withdraw support block  21  from the spring plate  72 , allows a user to close the umbrella conveniently. 
     In another embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 7-13 , a type of rotation device  108  is provided that is configured to allow a free arm umbrella, as described in any of the embodiments discussed above, to swing or rotate to a user selected position and be maintained in that position. The embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 7-8 , can comprise one or more features of any of the free arm umbrella embodiments described above. For example, the free arm umbrella  100  can include a wall mount structure  101 , a shade providing structure including an upper hub  102  (e.g., nest), lower hub  103  (e.g., nest), and a plurality of umbrella structural members (e.g., umbrella ribs  105 , support ribs  106 , etc.), a support rod  109 , a first strut rod  110 , a second strut rod  120 , a control mechanism  107 , and a support block  121 . Any of the features of the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 7-13  can be combined with any of the embodiments described above. The embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 7-13  can also comprise one or more different features. For example, the free arm umbrella can comprise a rotation device  108  as discussed in more detail below. 
     In some embodiments, the wall mount structure  101  is configured to mount the free arm umbrella  100  to a fixed structure (e.g., wall, upright surface, etc). The wall mount structure  101  can include a first portion  111  (e.g., plate, mount) for securing the free arm umbrella  100  to the fixed structure (not shown). The wall mount structure  101  can include a shaft  130  rotatably coupled to the wall mount structure  101  to enable the shade providing structure to be moved about an upright or vertical axis. In some embodiments, rotation of the shaft  130  rotates the shade providing structure. 
     In some embodiments, the free arm umbrella, as illustrated in  FIGS. 7-13 , can include the rotation device  108  configured to allow a user to move, swing or rotate the free arm umbrella  100  about the upright or vertical axis. The vertical axis can extend in a direction parallel to an axis extending between lower and upper ends  132 ,  131  of the shaft  130  which are pivotally mounted to the wall mount structure  101 . In some embodiments, the shaft  130  (e.g., cylindrical pole) is rotatably fixed to the wall mount structure  101  via one or more mounts (e.g., an upper L-shaped mount  140  and a lower L-shaped mount  142 ) that are secured to the wall mount structure  101 . In other embodiments, different shaped mounts can be used. The shaft  130  can be moveable (e.g., rotatable) relative to the mounts  140 ,  142 . In some embodiments, the shaft  130  can extend through both the upper and lower mounts  140 ,  142  such that the upper end  131  of the shaft  130  extends above an upper surface of mount  140  and is hingedly coupled to one end of the first strut rod  110  opposite the other end of the first strut rod  110  coupled to the lower nest  103 . 
     In such embodiments, a shaft  130  rotatably fixed to a wall mount structure  101  via one or more mounts provides a rotatable support structure for the free arm umbrella  100  having increased strength and robustness over other types of configurations. 
     In some embodiments, one end of support rod  109  can be hingedly coupled to second strut rod  120  opposite the other end of support rod  109  coupled to a lower portion of the shaft  130  either directly or indirectly via a housing  133  of the control mechanism  107  that is attached or secured to the shaft  130 . In some embodiments, one end of the support rod  109  is received within an opening of the housing  133 . The opening is positioned between two opposing sides of the housing  133 . One end of the support rod  109  is hingedly coupled to the housing  133  via a pin or rod  150  configured to extend through the two sides and opening of the housing  133  and the end of the support rod  109 . In some embodiments, second strut rod  120  can be hingedly coupled to upper nest  102  at one end and removably fixable to a lower portion of shaft  130 , either directly or indirectly via the housing  133 , at an opposite end. 
     In certain such embodiments, coupling one end of the support rod  109  to the housing  133  via a pin  150  extending through the two sides and opening of the housing  133  and the end of the support rod  109 , provides a more robust or durable hinged coupling. Forces can be distributed more evenly onto the pin  150  and the housing  133 . 
     In some embodiments, the second strut rod  120  can include two parallel rods spaced apart, extending between the upper hub  102  and the housing  133  when the free arm umbrella is in the open position. The first strut rod  110  can extend between the upper end  131  of the shaft  130  and the lower hub  130  while passing between the two parallel rods of the second strut rod  120  at a middle portion of the second strut rod  120 . The second strut rod  120  can pivotally coupled to the first strut rod  110  at the middle portion where the second strut rod  120  bisects the space between the parallel rods of the first strut rod  110 . Such a configuration allows the free arm umbrella to maintain its structural integrity and be folded up in the closed position as tightly (e.g., as small and compressed footprint) as possible. 
     As discussed above in previous embodiments, the free arm umbrella  100  can be moved into an open or closed position. In some embodiments, a user can hold handle  122  and push one end of second strut rod  120 , opposite the end hingedly coupled to the upper nest  102 , into engagement with the lower portion of shaft  130  or housing  133  (e.g., fixed to shaft  130 ) such that the second strut rod  120  is removably fixable to the shaft  130  or housing  133 . When the second strut rod  120  is in such an engaged position, the free arm umbrella  100  is maintained or fixed in the open position. To close the free arm umbrella  100 , the user can pull the handle  122  to disengage or release the second strut rod  120  from the shaft  130  or housing  133  and move the free arm umbrella  100  into the closed position. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 11-12 , in some embodiments, the second strut rod  120  can be provided with a support block  121  at one end. The support block  121  can include an engagement member  144  (e.g., u-shaped end, etc). The support block  121  is configured to be received within the opening in the housing  133  between two opposing sides of the housing  133 . The engagement member  144  is configured to engage with and disengage from a shaft, pin or rod  146  coupled to and extending through the opening of the housing  133 . When the engagement member  144  is engaged to the rod  146 , the free arm umbrella  100  is maintained in the open position. When the engagement member  144  is disengaged from the rod  146 , the free arm umbrella  100  is moveable to the closed position. In some embodiments, the engagement member  144  is configured to form a snap-fit engagement with the rod  146 . 
     In certain such embodiments, such a snap-fit engagement between the engagement member  144  and rod  146  provides a less complex or more simple design. Such an engagement provides a design requiring less parts or components. The engagement member  144  can be engaged with the rod  146  in this simple, yet secure and effective manner. 
     In some embodiments, the control mechanism  7  includes a locking device  123  attached to the housing  133  and configured to secure or lock the second strut rod  120  in the engaged position (e.g., when the engagement member  144  is engaged to the rod  146 ). To release or disengage the second strut rod  120  from the engaged position, a user can press a bottom portion of locking device  123  and then move or pull the handle  122  to disengage the second strut rod  120  from the housing  133 . 
     In some embodiments, the locking device  123  includes a pivotable member  166  configured to pivot about a support structure  154  attached to the housing  133  between locked and unlocked positions. The pivotable member  166  can include a protrusion  152  located on an upper portion of the pivotable member  166  and configured to be inserted into or received within recesses  148  and  158  (e.g., apertures, windows, channels) of the support block and housing  133  in the locked position to prevent accidental disengagement of the second strut rod  120  from the housing  133 . 
     In some embodiments, the protrusion  152  can be configured to include a self-alignment feature. As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , one end  176  of the protrusion  152  can include two generally parallel surfaces  168  and  170  on opposing sides of the protrusion  152 . At a second end  178 , the protrusion  152  includes a downward sloping surface  172  extending from surface  168  towards the opposing side of the protrusion  152  and a downward sloping surface  174  extending from surface  170 . The surfaces  168  and  170  can abut or generally follow the sides of the recess  158  such that the protrusion  152  can be self-aligned or guided into the recess  158  as the locking device  123  moves to the locked position. When the second strut rod  120  is in the engaged position, the recess  158  of the housing can be aligned with the recess  148  of the support block  121  such that a top surface of the recess  148  is positioned below a top surface of the recess  158 . In such a configuration, as the locking device  123  is moved to the locked position, the surfaces  172  and  174  of the second end  178  are downward sloping such that they can be self-aligned or guided into the recess  148  along the top surface of the recess  148 . 
     In some embodiments, the support structure  154  can include one or more pins  160  extending outwardly away from a central portion of the support structure  154 . The one or more pins  160  are configured to extend through one or more corresponding apertures  164  positioned on the pivotable member  166  such that the pivotable member can pivot about an axis extending longitudinally through the one or more pins  160 . The one or more pins  160  can be configured to act as a fulcrum about which the pivotable member  166  can pivot. 
     In some embodiments, the support structure  154  includes a biasing mechanism (not shown) (e.g., one or more springs or other elastic elements) configured to bias or maintain the pivotable member  164  in the locked position. In some embodiments, one end of the biasing mechanism abuts, contacts, or is centered on a protrusion  162  located on an interior surface of the pivotable member  164 . An opposite end of the biasing mechanism abuts, contacts, or is centered on a protrusion  156  positioned on a surface of the support structure  154 . The biasing mechanism is positioned between the surface of the support structure  154  and interior surface of the pivotable member  164  to maintain the pivotable member  164  in the locked position. The biasing mechanism and protrusions  156 ,  162  can be located below the one or more pins  160 . In this type of configuration pressing or applying a force to a bottom portion of the pivotable member  166  compresses the biasing mechanism and moves a lower portion of the pivotable member  166  towards the housing  133 . As the lower portion moves toward the housing  133 , the upper portion of the pivotable member  164  moves laterally away from the housing  133 . Thus, moving the protrusion  152  out of the recesses  148  and  158  and the locking device into the unlocked position. When a user releases the force applied to the pivotable member  166 , the biasing mechanism biases the locking device  123  back to the locked position. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7-13 , in some embodiments, the rotation device  108  can comprise, but is not limited to a handle  121  and a biasing mechanism  128  (e.g., spring, elastic element). The handle  121  is configured to be moveably secured to the lower end  132  of the shaft  130  via the biasing mechanism  128 , a channel (e.g., recess, aperture, etc.)  126  in the lower end  132  of the shaft  130 , a pin  124  (e.g., screw, nut and bolt, etc.), and corresponding first and second sets of engagement structures  129 ,  127 . In some embodiments, the pin  124  is configured to extend through an aperture  134  of the handle  122  and channel  126 . The pin  124  is coupled to a portion of the biasing mechanism  128  to secure the handle  121  to the lower end  132  of the shaft  130  and biasing mechanism  128 . Such a configuration permits the handle  122  to be moveably secured to the lower end of the shaft  132 . The pin  124  is vertically translatable up and down within the channel  126  which permits the handle  121  to be vertically translatable. 
     In some embodiments, the rotation device  108  is vertically translatable between a first position (e.g., an engaged or locked position) and a second position (e.g., a disengaged or unlocked position). In the first position, the free arm umbrella  100  is fixed or locked in a position selected by a user wherein the first set of engagement structures  129  (e.g., protrusions, teeth, etc.) of the handle  122  mechanically engages to or mate with the corresponding second set of engagement structures  127  (e.g., protrusions, teeth, etc.) attached to a bottom surface of mount  142 . This engagement prevents the free arm umbrella  100  from swinging or rotating about the vertical axis through the shaft  130  to different positions. A user can vertically translate the rotating mechanism  108  to the second position by holding the handle  122  and applying a downward force to the handle  122  indicated by arrow  135 . By applying a downward force, the biasing mechanism  128  is biased or compressed, as the handle  121  translates downwardly. The corresponding engagement structures  129 ,  127  are disengaged as the handle  121  is translated downwardly. Upon disengagement of the corresponding engagement structures  129 ,  127 , the free arm umbrella  100  is configured to be rotatable to a position selected by the user. 
     In some embodiments, the free arm umbrella  100  is configured to be rotatable less than or equal to about ±90, ±135, ±175 degrees from a vertical plane bisecting midpoints of the wall mount structure  101  and shaft  130 . Releasing the handle  121  of the rotation device  108  in the second position, permits the rotation device  108  to return to the first position in which the corresponding engagement structures  129 ,  127  are configured to engage or mate to prevent further rotation of the free arm umbrella  100 . For example, when the handle  121  is released when the rotation device  108  is in the second position, the biasing mechanism  128  biases the rotation device  108  back to the first position in which the engagement structures  129 ,  127  can engage or mate with each other. 
     In some embodiments, the first set of engagement structures  127  can comprise, but is not limited to, a cylindrical or circular pattern of downwardly extending teeth or protrusions, coupled to a bottom surface of mount  142 , spaced apart around the perimeter of the shaft  130  with gaps or spaces  125  positioned between each tooth or protrusion. The corresponding second set of engagement structures  129  of the rotation device  108  can comprise, but is not limited to, a corresponding pattern of teeth or protrusions and gaps extending radially inwardly from an inner surface of handle  122  configured to mate or engage with the gaps and protrusions of the first set of engagement structures  127  to prevent rotation of the free arm umbrella  100 . 
     In certain such embodiments, the rotation device  108  with engagement structures  129 ,  127  provides a robust and easy to use design for allowing a user to rotate and selectively maintain the free arm umbrella  100  in a desired position. The protrusions or teeth of the corresponding engagement structures  129 ,  127  provide a secure and strong mechanical engagement for preventing further rotation of the free arm umbrella  100 . The steps for engaging and disengaging the rotation device  108  and rotating the free arm umbrella  100  are simplified. The rotation device  108  can allow a user to simply pull the handle  121  downwardly in one motion to move the rotation device into the disengaged position and then rotate the handle to move the free arm umbrella  100 . The user can then simply release the handle  121  to return the rotation device  108  back into the engaged position. With such a rotation device  108 , the user does not have to screw or unscrew a bolt several time to move the rotation device  108  between engaged and disengaged positions. Additionally. the user can use one hand to operate the rotation device  108  and rotate the free arm umbrella. 
     In some embodiments, the free arm umbrella of this application features simple structure, easy operation, low cost and usability in narrow places or areas, and is suitable for large scale application. 
     Although specific application of this umbrella has been articulated, more uses are available. Therefore, the explanation, description and appended figures are instructive, instead of restrictive or limiting. Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the inventions have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of these inventions, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combination or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0