Patent Description:
Parasols are used to shield direct or indirect sun radiation in order to make outdoor activities comfortable and pleasant. For a convenient and variable use, the known parasols possess various adjustment possibilities.

In a popular design, they typically comprise a column which is attachable to a standing foot. The remaining parts of the parasol, including the umbrella structure which retains the parasol cloth are typically attached in a moveable way in order to enable the user to perform adjustments. Among these are for example the setting of an inclination angle or the adjustment of the length or positon of an arm which holds said umbrella structure. Another known parasol type allows for the opening and closing of the umbrella structure for the purpose of storing the parasol in a space-saving manner or protecting it from wind when not in use.

In the described type of construction, the column may be connected to the arm by means of a connecting structure. Such connecting structures are known and comprise a plurality of single parts which makes them complex, expensive and difficult to manufacture. Document <CIT> discloses a connecting structure for a moveable connection of a column to an arm according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

Thus, the problem to be solved is to provide a connecting structure, a parasol frame and a parasol of which the connection between the column and the arm of the parasol is simple and cost-efficient.

The problem is solved by the connecting structure for a moveable connection of a column to an arm of a parasol according to claim <NUM>, the parasol frame according to claim <NUM> and the parasol according to claim <NUM>. Embodiments of the connecting structure for a moveable connection are given in dependent claims <NUM> and <NUM>, and embodiments of the parasol frame are given in dependent claims <NUM>-<NUM>.

A first aspect of the invention is a connecting structure for a moveable connection of a column to an arm of a parasol. Said connecting structure comprises a connecting part with a first connection area for realizing a fixed connection to the column and a second connection area which is configured as a guide for realizing a moveable connection to the arm along the longitudinal extension of said arm. The connecting part is a one-piece plastic molding part. Two or more guiding pulleys are fixed to the connecting part or fixed inside the connecting part for guiding the movement of the arm within the connecting part, allowing thereby for an easy movement of the arm within the connecting part.

The column is the part of a parasol which is to be positioned essentially vertically for use of the parasol as intended and which is fixed or fixable on a standing foot. The first connection area of the connecting part is typically realized in such a way that the upper end of the column is to be inserted into the connecting part. It may be fixed in this position by fixing means.

The arm is the part of a parasol which is to be connected with its first end to the umbrella structure holding the parasol cloth. The arm may be held by the column on the second end of the arm which is positioned opposite to its first end, or on a different position. According to the invention, the arm is to be held by the connecting part in a movable or slidable way. In particular, the second connection area of the connecting part surrounds said arm. In other words, the arm is to be arranged and connected inside the connecting part.

The arm is a prolonged element, particularly with an essentially constant cross section. Its length exceeds its width or diameter at least by the factor <NUM>, in particular by at least the factor <NUM>. Said arm can be slid or moved along its longitudinal extension.

The guide-like configuration of the second connection area does not require the arm to be configured in a special or guide-like structure. For example, the arm may comprise a circular or oval cross-section. However, it may comprise guide edges. Typically, the second connection area has an inner shape which corresponds to the cross section of the arm and, thus, allows the arm to slide inside along its longitudinal axis.

According to the invention, the connecting part is a one-piece plastic molding part. This allows for an easy and cost-efficient production while providing a high stability. It possesses better strength, has a simpler and nicer look, and is easier to produce. Additionally, it reduces negative human impact during production, as manufacturing may be realized in an automated way. Additionally, the mounting of the parasol is easier and less prone to failures, as the connecting part does not have to be mounted in a separate step. The connection to the arm can be established by simply inserting the arm into the second connection area. Any additional elements of the connection arm which exceed the cross-section of its slidable part, for example a crank or a handle, can simply be mounted to the second end of the arm after its passage through the connecting part.

In one embodiment of the invention, the connecting structure comprises a locking device for locking the connection of the connecting part to the arm. Said locking device is in particular a rotational locking device which is configured to be manually rotated in order to lock or unlock said connection.

In particular, said locking device is suitable to fix the arm to the connecting part in different positions. This may be realized by form fit and/or by frictional connection in order to stabilize the desired position and to prevent any further movement of the arm within the second connection area. In particular, the locking device comprises a threaded shaft which enables a longitudinal displacement essentially perpendicular to the movement axis of the arm. In this embodiment, the connecting part comprises in its second connection area a correspondingly threaded through hole to receive said shaft.

This embodiment leads to the advantage that the arm and, thus, the parasol structure can be attached to the column in various positions.

The two or more guiding pulleys fixed to the connecting part or fixed inside the connecting part can be fixed to the connecting part or inside the connecting part e.g. with fasteners such as screws or bolts.

This allows for an easy movement of the arm within the connecting part and, thus, permits smooth and comfortable application.

In a further embodiment, the second connection area of the connecting part is configured for a moveable connection to a curved arm.

Thus, a curved arm can be connected to the connecting part and moved in the described way. This is realized by a suitable shape and configuration of the second connection area. The curved arm is to be moved along its curved longitudinal extension. The curved arm may for example be arc-shaped.

This allows for a versatile and visually appealing parasol design.

A second aspect of the invention is a parasol frame. It comprises a connecting structure according to the invention, an essentially vertically alignable column and an arm for holding an umbrella structure. The first connection area of the connecting part is in fixed connection with said column and the second connection area of the connecting part is in moveable connection with said arm along the longitudinal extension of said arm.

The umbrella structure is the structure of a parasol which retains the parasol cloth. It may comprise several pivoted struts which are circularly arranged around a center part which is attachable to said arm.

In one embodiment, said arm is curved. It may be e.g. arc-shaped. In another embodiment, said parasol frame comprises an umbrella structure for retaining a parasol cloth, wherein said umbrella structure is arranged on a first end of the arm.

In yet another embodiment, said umbrella structure is foldable, wherein said parasol frame comprises an operating device for folding and unfolding said umbrella structure. Said operating device may for example be a hand crank. It may alternatively be an input device controlling a drive, e.g. an electric drive, which may also be comprised by the parasol. The operating device is in particular arranged on the second end of the arm. It is operationally and in particular mechanically connected to said umbrella structure.

In still another embodiment, said parasol frame comprises a traction means for transferring a movement to said umbrella structure for folding and unfolding said umbrella structure. Said operating device is a crank which is mechanically connected to a cable reel for moving said traction means.

Typically, the rotation axis of said crank is the axle of said cable reel. Thus, by turning the crank, its movement can be transferred via the cable reel and the traction means to said umbrella structure. The traction means may be realized as an endless rope which circulates between said cable reel and a second deflecting device which is connected to said umbrella structure. In an alternative embodiment, the traction means may be connected to said cable reel with one end and windable on said cable reel, wherein its other and is connected to said umbrella structure in order to transfer its movement. This allows for simple and convenient folding and unfolding of the umbrella structure in different arm positions.

In yet another embodiment, said umbrella structure is suspended on the arm. Thus, a simple and durable mechanical connection with a visually appealing design is provided.

In another embodiment, said arm comprises on its second end a gripping element, in particular a handle, for manually gripping said arm for the purpose of moving said arm and, in particular, for providing a static counterpart for a rotational movement of said operating device.

The second end of said arm is positioned opposite of the first end which is connected to the umbrella structure. It may be suitable for moving said arm within and relative to said connecting part and/or for moving said arm for the purpose of rotating said parasol frame around a vertical axis of the column, if applicable.

If the operating device is realized as a hand crank which is typically to be operated with one hand, its movement is facilitated by the provision of a static counterpart which can be gripped by the user's second hand.

This embodiment allows for an easy and convenient movement of said arm and, thus, of the umbrella structure.

A third aspect of the invention is a parasol which comprises the parasol frame according to the invention and a parasol cloth which is retained by said umbrella structure.

The following subject-matter designated "item" and its embodiments are not covered by the claims according to the present invention:.

One item is a connecting structure of a hanging parasol with curved arm which comprises a column, a curved arm, a connecting part and an umbrella structure. The umbrella structure hangs on the front end of the curved arm and the curved arm is installed inside the connecting part. The curved arm can be fixed on the connecting part through a rotation lock device or it can perform an arc-shaped slide along the curves of the curved arm inside the connecting part. Said connecting part is fixed on the upper end of the column through fastener, said connecting part is a one-piece plastic molding.

The umbrella structure for holding the parasol cloth may also be referred to as umbrella stand. The upper end of the column is to positioned in the upper position during use as intended. It is positioned opposite to the ground attachment, e.g. the standing foot, if applicable.

In one embodiment of this item, the described connecting part comprises several pullies inside, wherein the pullies are fixed on the inside of the connecting part through fastener.

In another embodiment of this item, the described curved arm is configured for rolling in the cavity inside of the connecting part.

Thus, its outer structure is configured for a translational movement inside the suitably designed connecting part.

The invention is further illustrated and characterized by the following figures that show an example from which further embodiments and advantages can be drawn. These figures are meant to illustrate the invention but not to limit its scope.

<FIG> shows a parasol frame comprising an essentially vertically aligned and slightly curved column <NUM> and a curved arm <NUM> which are connected to each other by a connecting structure <NUM> comprising a connecting part <NUM>. The column <NUM> is fixed to a standing foot which is to be placed on the ground. On the first end of the arm <NUM>, the umbrella structure <NUM> is attached in a suspended manner. The arm <NUM> is connected to the connecting part <NUM> near its second end. The umbrella structure <NUM> is configured to retain a parasol cloth. It is designed in a foldable way.

<FIG> shows more details of the connecting structure <NUM>. Besides the connecting part <NUM> which is a one-piece plastic molding part, it comprises a rotational locking device <NUM> which is configured to be manually rotated in order to lock or unlock the connection of the connecting part <NUM> to the arm <NUM>. Therefore, the rotational looking device <NUM> comprises a head section with an enlarged diameter for convenient and easy actuation.

The curved arm <NUM> is movably connected with the second connection area <NUM>. It can perform a sliding movement along its curved longitudinal axis. Therefore, the second connection area <NUM> comprises the same curvature angle as the arm <NUM>.

The connecting part <NUM> further comprises a first connection area <NUM> for realizing a fixed connection to the column <NUM>. Said first connection area <NUM> is configured for an insertion of the column <NUM> and for a fixation by a fastener.

On the second end of the arm <NUM>, an operating device <NUM> for folding and unfolding the umbrella structure <NUM> is arranged. Said operating device <NUM> is realized as a manually operable hand crank. Additionally, a gripping element <NUM> in the shape of a handle is arranged on said second end which provides a static counterpart for a rotational movement of the operating device <NUM>. Said gripping element <NUM> is also suitable for moving said arm <NUM> within the connecting part <NUM> and for rotating the whole parasol around the vertical axis of the column <NUM>, is a rotational attachment of said column <NUM> is provided.

<FIG> shows a sectional drawing of the connecting structure <NUM> of <FIG>. It becomes apparent that a traction means <NUM> is arranged within the curved arm <NUM>. Said traction means <NUM> is realized as an endless rope which is held and moved by cable reel <NUM> on the second end of said arm <NUM>. It is designed to transfer the movement of the operating device <NUM> to the umbrella structure <NUM> which is suspended on the first end of the arm <NUM> in order to fold and unfold said umbrella structure <NUM>.

The connecting part <NUM> is realized as a one-piece plastic molding part comprising two separate connection areas <NUM>, <NUM> for connecting the column <NUM> and the curved arm <NUM> to each other. Three guiding pulleys <NUM> are attached to said connecting part <NUM> by screws on both sides of said arm <NUM>. They serve for ensuring a smooth and easy movement of said curved arm <NUM> within the second connection area <NUM> of the connecting part <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A connecting structure (<NUM>) for a moveable connection of a column (<NUM>) to an arm (<NUM>) of a parasol, comprising a connecting part (<NUM>) with a first connection area (<NUM>) for realizing a fixed connection to the column (<NUM>) and a second connection area (<NUM>) which is configured as a guide for realizing a moveable connection to the arm (<NUM>) along the longitudinal extension of said arm (<NUM>), characterized in that the connecting part (<NUM>) is a one-piece plastic molding part, and in that two or more guiding pulleys (<NUM>) are fixed to the connecting part (<NUM>) or fixed inside the connecting part (<NUM>) for guiding the movement of the arm (<NUM>) within the connecting part (<NUM>), allowing thereby for an easy movement of the arm within the connecting part (<NUM>) .