Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to improvements in the field of multi-use frames, and in-particular, frames which can be projected out of and/or retracted into containers, and more particularly, those having material at least partially attached and perhaps removeably attachable. One of the primary applications for the invention of this disclosure is in the field of umbrellas and parasols, but this invention is equally useful for portable wall-type screens such as those used in tradeshows. It may also have military or satellite communications applications in the form of retractable items such as antennas. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Some types of containerized frame constructions are known. Many of the containerized frame prior art constructions may be found in the umbrella field. Heretofore, each prior disclosure, however, suffers from one or more drawbacks, some of which include: difficulty in closing during high winds; difficulty in closing primarily due to the high potential for finger-pinching; relatively easy frame breakage in high winds due to frame inflexibility; the requirement for a relatively spacious area in which to accomplish the frame opening and closing, which generally proves exceedingly inconvenient and uncomfortable in crowded areas or when entering or exiting a vehicle; the requirement that the container length be significantly greater than the length of the frame main ribs in order that the frame and its projection-retraction mechanism may fit substantially fully within the container when in the stored condition. 
   Prior art in the umbrella field includes U.S. Pat. No. 3,435,836 (1969) to VANZINI and U.S. Pat. No. 3,709,238 (1973) to LEOPOLDI. These prior art embodiments necessarily require a container length significantly in excess of the longest frame main rib length in order that the projection-retraction mechanism, as well as the frame, can fit interior to the container when the frame is in the closed, stored condition. Since every one unit of a frame&#39;s rib length yields two units of length of coverage when the frame is opened, the optimal condition for a containerized frame is one in which container length does not exceed frame main rib length. These prior art inventions, therefore present a major deficiency. For ease of storage of the entire device when not in use, and for ease of portability, it is most advantageous to reduce the size of the container to as great an extent as possible without reducing main rib length. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 18,500 (1857) to CROSBY provides an almost one-hundred percent allocation of the length of the container for storage of the frame main ribs. Moreover, the upper collar and the free end of the lower collar&#39;s stabilizing bar have a relationship permitting their engagement and disengagement. However, the engagement finalizing the opening process and the disengagement initiating the closing process can only be effected by direct contact, generally by use of the fingers. This necessary pulling and pushing action is neither particularly comfortable, nor graceful. Furthermore, the process of returning the umbrella to its stored condition is an awkward, unwieldy one, requiring that the frame be pushed, rather than pulled back into the container. Although this method seems to be eventually effective in allowing the user to re-store the frame and its cover, completion of the storage process seems only attainable after a significant expenditure of effort and energy. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,534,752 (1970) to VANZINI incorporates a rotatable element into its design. However, the rotatable element functions exclusively, meaning only, during the closing process. Within that process, furthermore, its sole effect on the retraction of the cover-holding frame is through the rotation of the whole, entire frame in an attempt to effect an orderly roll up of the frame covering material so as to facilitate the re-entry of the frame and cover back into the container. This act of frame rotation is rendered totally unnecessary and obsolete merely by using material of a denier sufficiently thin that the amount of friction between the diameter of the container opening and the collective amount of material that must pass through the opening is reduced to a negligible level. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 389,806 (1888) to HALE, discloses a cane having an hollow section for storage of a flag or banner and does not suggest any rotatable elements. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 447,696 (1891) to MUEDHENK, disclosing a mechanism for projecting open and retracting closed a banner also discloses no rotatable elements whatsoever. In fact, it does not even provide for a protective container to encompass the projection-retraction rod and, thereby, subjects the rod to easy damage or breakage. 
   OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Some specialty umbrellas do achieve a certain, moderate success in attempts to solve one, perhaps two or even an ambitious three of the many factors that detract from the overall positive experience of umbrella or parasol use. Nevertheless, only the present invention allows for most if not all of the disadvantages surrounding umbrella and parasol use to be overcome. The invention of this disclosure allows for the production of a strong, compactly designed umbrella, parasol or wall-like screen or useful frame which can be telescopically projected out of and retracted into a container which, itself, serves a multiple of functions including shaft-pole for keeping the covering material-holding frame overhead when protection is desired, and storage chamber providing for the overall protection of the frame, the cover and the user when the frame and cover are not in use. This is accomplished by providing a mechanism that allows for a significant decrease, heretofore unknown, in the ratio of container length to frame main rib length when used as part of a projection-retraction means for a containerizable frame with attached cover material. 
   Accordingly, a primary object of this invention is to provide a mechanism that can be used as part of a strong, compact umbrella structure which allows for a frame and its cover to be projected out of and retracted into a container. 
   Another object of this invention is to provide a parasol sunshade having a protective sunscreen means such as a chemical coating which can be protected from damage through containerized storage. 
   A further object of this invention is to provide a mechanism that can be used as part of a strong, compact structure that can define a vertical screen-type wall structure. 
   A still further object of this invention is to provide a mechanism that can be used as part of a strong, compact structure that can define a horizontal screen-type table. 
   An even further object of this invention is to provide a mechanism that can be used as part of a strong, compact structure that can define a sign, flag, or banner. 
   Yet still another object of this invention is to provide a containerized frame which can be relatively inexpensively produced and which can function as a security club or stick. 
   Yet another, still further object of this invention is to provide a frame which may be useful as part of a satellite communications system. 
   Yet still another, further object of this invention is to provide a system which can function as a tent structure. 
   In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the mechanism of this invention comprises an elongated container with an axial slit, a container cap for sealing the primary opening of the container, ribs and a frame cover material. 
   Also disclosed is a solid, elongated actuation shaft having its exterior configuration comprising a high helical spline. This exterior high helical spline configuration is constant until approximately ⅓ of the distance from the lower end of the actuation shaft at which point the helical spline configuration is reduced until it is discontinued. 
   A base is further disclosed for holding stable the end of the actuation shaft not having the discontinued helical configuration. 
   A rotatable rod is concentrically disposed along the axis of the actuation shaft, having an interior coactive with the exterior of the actuation shaft. Its exterior comprises a high helical spline configuration wound in the opposite direction to that of the actuation shaft. On the rotatable rod&#39;s lower end exterior, further, is a lip formed integral to its main body. From the bottom of this lip emanates a continuation of the main body of the rotatable rod. The exterior of this continuation, in contrast to the main body exterior, is totally smooth and cylindrical. This section accommodates the attachment of a lower lip-cap that serves to hold the drive force handle in contact with the rotatable rod. This lower lip-cap has a main body with a greater inner diameter than the outer diameter of the continuation of the main smooth body of the rotatable rod, and a smaller outer diameter than the rotatable rod upper lip. 
   A rotatable collar which is concentrically disposed along the axis of the rotatable rod, is disclosed having on its interior at least one narrow bridge connecting to an interior cylindrical or polygonally shaped ring engageable with the rotatable rod exterior. This interior ring has on its interior a configuration interactive with the high helical configuration on the exterior of the rotatable rod. The base of the rotatable collar is disclosed having an upper and a lower lip defining an area for accommodating a wire for attaching to the rotatable collar at least one frame rib-like element. There is also at least one pair of vertically aligned slots in the base lips to stabilize the at least one frame rib-like element after its attachment. Positioned over the base is an area narrower than the base which can accommodate the attachment of a cover material-holding ring. 
   Further disclosed is a stabilizing pole with at least one axial slit. This stabilizing pole is integrally attached to a lower collar with slots to accommodate the attachment of frame support-rib-like elements. The lower area of the lower collar part of the stabilizing pole comprises a lower lip slightly wider than the lower collar main body and interacts with a container annular rim to prevent the frame structure from exiting the container. 
   A tension-imparting element such as a spring, and a cap for the top of the stabilizing pole to keep the spring from separating away from the stabilizing pole, are also disclosed. 
   A drive force handle having a diameter sufficient to surround the container has a bridge narrow enough to fit slidably within the axial slit in the container. Attached to this bridge which projects into the handle interior, can be found an inner ring whose interior is wide-enough to surround the exterior of the first rotatable rod lower lip-cap. 
   The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description thereof to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     The invention is herein described, somewhat diagrammatically and by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a side, interior view of a Frame fully opened and projected out of an elongated, circular Container. 
       FIG. 2  is the same side view of the containerized cover-holding Frame of  FIG. 1  fully opened and projected out of an elongated, circular Container, but with numbers. 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the containerized cover-holding Frame of  FIG. 1  fully opened and projected out of an elongated, circular Container. 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of an elongated Container with the Frame in the stored position. 
       FIG. 5  demonstrates the initiation of the projection process for one version of a containerized Frame. 
       FIG. 6  shows the base separated from the container and attached to Actuation Shaft. 
       FIG. 7  shows is a side, interior view the Container and the projection/retraction mechanism. 
       FIG. 8  shows the positioning of the Handle as well as Upper and Lower Collars in the fully opened position. 
       FIG. 9  shows the positioning of the projection/retraction mechanism at the point at which a Frame has substantially exited the Container, but prior to fully opening. 
       FIG. 10  shows a close up of a side view of the Upper Collar mounted on the Lower Collar. 
       FIG. 11  is a bottom view of the Lower Collar. 
       FIG. 12  is an exterior view of one form of Handle. 
       FIG. 13  is an interior, cutaway view of one form of Handle. 
       FIG. 14  is a bottom view of one form of Handle. 
       FIG. 15  is a top view of the Upper Collar. 
       FIG. 16  is a bottom view of the Upper Collar. 
       FIG. 17  is a side view of the Upper Collar. 
       FIG. 18  is a top view of the Upper Collar Ring. 
       FIG. 19  demonstrates how the Upper Collar Ring surrounds the Upper Collar exterior wall. 
       FIG. 20  is a side view showing the Upper Collar Ring mounted on the Upper Collar. 
       FIG. 21  is a top view showing the Upper Collar Ring mounted on the Upper Collar. 
       FIG. 22  is a skeleton view of the elements of the mechanism inside the Container. 
       FIG. 23  is a bottom view of Rotatable Rod Lower Lip-Cap. 
       FIG. 24  is a side view of Rotatable Rod Lower Lip-Cap. 
       FIG. 25  is a perspective view of Rotatable Rod Lower Lip-Cap. 
       FIG. 26  shows the Base separated from the Container. 
       FIG. 27  shows a form of Container Stopper. 
       FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a Container. 
       FIG. 29  is a side view of an Actuation Shaft. 
       FIG. 30  is a top view of an Actuation Shaft with Helical Lands and Grooves, and the square represents a square rod twisted in a helical form 
       FIG. 31  is a side view of Rotatable Rod. 
       FIG. 32  is a side, interior view of the relationship between Rotatable Rod, Lower Lip-Cap and Handle. 
       FIG. 33  illustrates a rib format which is flat, unchannelled and strong, having a twist to permit its attachment to the Upper Collar. 
       FIG. 34  illustrates an optional Container Open Frame Lock 
       FIG. 35  discloses one method relating to how a wall screen might function. 
       FIG. 36  illustrates how multiple wall screens may be used in coordination together. 
       FIG. 37  discloses a tent like structure using multiple wall screens. 
   

   REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS 
   
       
         28  Frame 
         32  Container 
         32   a  Container Upper End 
         32   b  Container Lower End 
         34  Container Slit 
         36  Base 
         36   a  Base Slit 
         38  Handle 
         38   a  Handle Bottom End 
         38   b  Handle Lip 
         40  Actuation Shaft 
         40   a  Actuation Shaft Upper End 
         40   b  Actuation Shaft Helix Configuration 
         40   c  Actuation Shaft Discontinued Helix 
         42  Main Ribs 
         42   a  Pivotal Rib-Ends 
         42   b  Free Rib-Ends 
         44  Support Ribs 
         44   a  Pivotal Rib-Ends 
         44   b  Intermediate Rib-Ends 
         46  Lower Collar 
         48  Upper Collar 
         48   a  Upper Collar Bridge 
         48   b  Upper Collar Inner Ring 
         48   c  Upper Collar Wall 
         50  Rotatable Rod 
         50   a  Rotatable Rod Upper End 
         50   b  Rotatable Rod Lower End 
         50   c  Rotatable Rod Lower End Aperture 
         50   d  Rotatable Rod Helix Configuration 
         52  Handle Bridge 
         54  Handle Bridge Inner Ring 
         56  Stabilizing Pole 
         56   a  Stabilizing Pole Cap 
         58  Stabilizing Pole Slit 
         60  Annular Rim 
         62  Cover Material 
         66  Rotatable Rod Lower Lip-Cap 
         68  Rotatable Rod Upper Lip 
         70  Container Interior Land 
         72  Lower Collar Base Detent 
         74  Lower Collar Base Lip 
         76  Upper Collar Cover Ring 
         78  Tension Point 
         80  Tension Element (Spring) 
         82  Extra Slot 
         90   a  Upper Collar Lower Section Upper Lip 
         90   b  Upper Collar Lower Section Lower Lip 
         92  Container Open Frame Lock 
     
  
   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Disclosed herein is an elongated Container  32 , which is preferably circular but which may also be of polygonal shape. Container  32  serves multiple functions including holding shaft for when Frame  28  is in the open position, and storage chamber for retracted Frame  28 , as well as the elements of its projection/retraction mechanism, when Frame  28  is in the closed position. Container  32  is preferably fabricated out of strong, lightweight plastic or a metal such as aluminum. Lining the interior of Container  32  is a thin, straight, axial, inwardly-projecting, Land  70  whose width and depth is approximately 1/30 th  the inner diameter of Container  32 . It should run the full length of Container  32  and can be manufactured integral to Container  32  through an extrusion process which requires an extrusion die. (If any polygonally shaped embodiment of Container  32 , is used, however, Land  70  is rendered unnecessary because the function of this land is to interact with Lower Collar Base Detent  72  to prevent Frame  28  from rotating. By using another shape, even an oval, Lower Collar Base Detent  72  is prevented from rotating by the shape of Container  32 .) 
   Container Slit  34  is located 180 degrees opposite to the position of Land  70  in Container  32 . Container Slit  34  runs the longitudinal length of Container  32 , thereby providing a gap whose width is approximately 1/30 th  the inner diameter of Container  32 . Container Slit  34  is either formed during the manufacture of Container  32 , a process requiring a special extrusion die, or it is cut using precision cutting tools after a solid Container  32  is produced. Both Land  70  and Container Slit  34  should be extremely smooth, and precisely straight. Both lead to an inwardly-projecting Annular Rim  60  on container Upper-End  32   a . Upper End  32   a  defines an opening in Container  32  through which Frame  28  is projected and retracted. Container Lower End  32   b  is closed by an attachable base  36  which has a Base Slit  36   a  in it that corresponds in its positioning with Container Slit  34 . 
   Attachable Base  36  also functions as a stabilizing support structure for Actuation Shaft  40  which is a preferably solid, elongated shaft. Base  36  is attached using a type of glue specifically for joining metallic parts and preferably aluminum parts, or, if manufactured of plastic, is attached by sonic welding. Either a loop or a curved handle may also, optionally, be attached to the exterior facing surface of Base  36  for use in carrying Container  32  or for suspending it from a support structure. 
   Container  32  is of such dimension, both in cross section and length, to telescopically receive within it a plurality of Frame  28  Main Ribs  42 . Main Ribs  42 , preferably numbering eight, are made in the form of a solid rod of material, as opposed to conventional, channeled ribs. Further, they are made of a rust-resistant material such as aluminum or plastic. Main Ribs  42  have Pivotal Rib-Ends  42   a  pivotably mounted on Upper Collar  48 . Free Rib-Ends  42   b  are unmounted on any collar and are adapted to accommodate the attachment to them by a portion of the border edge of Cover Material  62 . Support ribs  44  are equal in number to main ribs  42 . Support Ribs  44  also have their Intermediate Rib-Ends  44   b  adapted to attach to an intermediate point on a corresponding Main Rib  42 . The other, opposite set of Mounted Rib-Ends  44   a , are pivotably mounted to Lower Collar  46 . All pivotably mountable rib-ends which are mounted on either of the two collars are attached in a manner radiating about the circumferences of the collars. The mountable, pivotable rib-ends can be attached to their respective collars either by the conventional method using a wire threaded through eyelets in the tips of the pivotal rib-ends, or via a method in which the ribs are individually attached through some form of pivot-hinges that pivotably hold the ribs in slots in the collars. Each intermediate Rib-End  44   b  can be attached to its corresponding, respective Main Rib  42  in the conventional manner using a pivotal joint. In the containerized, stored condition, all the rib-ends fall along the longitudinal axis of both Container  32  as well as Stabilizing Pole  56 . 
   Stabilizing Pole  56  is preferably circular, but may be of polygonal shape and is formed as an integral and central part of Lower Collar  46 . The center of Cover Material  62  has a small hole whose inner diameter is large enough to surround the outer diameter of the upper wall of Upper Collar  48 . Cover Material  62  is securely anchored to Upper Collar  48  by Upper Collar Cover Ring  76 . Upper Collar  48  is slidably disposed along the axis of Stabilizing Pole  56 . When Frame  28  is in the closed position, Upper Collar Cover Ring  76 , the center of Cover Material  62 , and Upper Collar  48  are all situated approximately at the lower end of Stabilizing Pole  56  which is a part of Lower Collar  46 . 
   The opening process of Frame  28  starts when it is in the closed condition fully retracted and stored within Container  32 . In the closed condition Main Ribs  42  are disposed within and coaxial of Container  32  with pivotable rib-ends  42   a  pivotably mounted on Upper Collar  48  and located below unmounted, Free Rib-Ends  42   b . This condition is opposite to that of conventional, traditional umbrella frames. Support Ribs  44 , also coaxial of Container  32 , have a set of Pivotal Rib-Ends  44   a  mounted to Lower Collar  46  and positioned below their Intermediate Rib-Ends  44   b  which are attached to Main Ribs  42 . This, further reflects a condition opposite to that formed by conventional frames. 
   Slidably disposed along the outside of Container  32  is Handle  38  whose main body shape conforms to the shape of Container  32 . Handle  38  is manufactured using a plastic injection-molding process and is essentially hollow having an inner diameter sufficiently wide to surround the external diameter of Container  32  and in a preferred embodiment has a length approximately as great as that of an average adult human fist. Along its top and bottom exterior rims are Handle Lips  38   b . Protruding inwardly from the interior wall of Handle  32  at Handle Bottom End  38   a  is Handle Bridge  52  which is sufficiently thin in width that it may fit into Container Slit  34  of Container  32 . Handle Bridge  52  almost as long as a radius of Handle  38 . It may not be exactly as long as a radius of Handle  38  because attached to Handle Bridge  52  at the center of Handle  38  is Handle Bridge Inner Ring  54 . 
   Handle Bridge  52  should be made as thin as possible, since its thickness influences the thickness of Container Slit  34 . Handle Bridge  52  slides within Container Slit  34  and, therefore, Container Slit  34  must be wide enough to accommodate the relatively easy slideability of Handle Bridge  52 . Conversely, Container Slit  34  should be as narrow as possible to prevent water and other foreign matter from entering and getting trapped within Container  32 . In determining the width and height of Handle Bridge  52 , an account must be taken regarding the amount of pressure that Handle Bridge  52  needs to be able to withstand so that Handle Bridge  52  does not get torn away from Handle  38 . The tensile strength of the material used in the manufacture of Handle  38 , of which Handle Bridge  52  should be made an integral part, influences the height and width of Handle Bridge  52 . For example, using plastics, the preferred material, nylon, would allow for the manufacture of a narrower bridge than a weaker form of plastic would allow. Testing indicates that manufacturing Handle  38  out of high-strength nylon allows for the height of Handle Bridge  52  to be at least as short as fifteen millimeters. The bottom of Handle Bridge  52  should be flush and even with one end of Handle  38 , designated Handle Bottom End  38   a . In the center of Handle  38 , on the end of Handle Bridge  52 , can be found Handle Bridge Inner Ring  54  manufactured integral to Handle  38 . Handle Bridge  52  should be thick and strong enough to prevent Handle Bridge Inner Ring  54  from breaking-off. The wall thickness of Handle Bridge Inner Ring  54 , should not exceed approximately 20 times the thickness of Handle Bridge  52 . 
   The interior of Handle Bridge Inner Ring  54  interacts with the exterior of the main body of Lower Lip Cap  66 . The main body of Lower Lip Cap  66  consists of an elongated portion whose smooth interior wall attaches below Upper Lip  68  to the exteriorly smooth, non-helical continuation of the main body of Rotatable Rod  50 . Lower Lip Cap  66 , whose exterior is smooth, and preferably cylindrical, serves to hold Handle Bridge Inner Ring  54  in contact with Rotatable Rod  50  during the projection/retraction process of Frame  28 . The interior of Lower Lip Cap  66  is either smooth and joined to the exterior of Rotatable Rod Lower End  50   b  through gluing or a sonic welding process if Lower Lip Cap  66  is fabricated out of plastic, or its interior is comprised of a threading coactive with a corresponding threading on the exterior of Rotatable Rod Lower End  50   b , if Lower Lip Cap  66  is fabricated out of metal. After its attachment thereto, Lower Lip-Cap  66  rotates as an integral part of Rotatable Rod  50 . 
   To initiate the opening process that propels Frame  28  out of Container  32 , Handle  38 , located at Container Lower End  32   b , is grasped, and moved axially in a linear fashion in the direction towards Container Upper End  32   a . As this process starts, a linear force is exerted onto Rotatable Rod Upper Lip  68  by Handle Bridge Inner Ring  54  which is integrally connected by Handle Bridge  52  to Handle  38 . As this linear pressure is applied against Upper Lip  68  by the movement of Handle  38 , the configuration on the interior of Rotatable Rod  50  interacts with the exterior configuration of Actuation Shaft  40 . The result of this interaction is that Rotatable Rod  50  is influenced to translate into rotary motion the pressure for linear movement effected on it by Handle  38 . The exterior of Rotatable Rod  50  is also engineered with a helical configuration with the intent that the interaction between this exterior and the interior of Upper Collar  48  produces rotation in Upper Collar  48 . 
   However, Upper Collar  48  is prevented from rotating. This is accomplished through the relationship between Upper-Collar Bridge  48   a  which is fit inside Stabilizing Pole Slit  58  which is an integral part of Stabilizing Pole  56 , which is an integral part of Lower-Collar  46  which has Base Lip  74  which has Base Detent  72 . Base Detent  72  interacts with container interior Land  70  which fits into Base Detent  72 , and thereby initiates the serially interactive process of rotation prevention; Land  70  thwarts the rotation of Base Detent  72 , which thwarts the rotation of Base Lip  74 , which thwarts the rotation of Lower Collar  46 , which thwarts the rotation of Stabilizing Pole  56 , which thwarts the rotation of Stabilizing Pole Slit  58 , which thwarts the rotation of Upper-Collar Bridge  48   a , which, thereby, expressly prevents Upper Collar  48  from rotating. Thus, as the only response available in reaction to the pressure to rotate which Rotatable Rod  50  effects on it, Upper Collar  48  is compelled to move in a linear fashion along Stabilizing Pole  56  in the direction towards Stabilizing Pole Cap  56   a  (during the projection process). This means that, historically, Upper Collar  48  has been fixedly attached to a rod, one which is herein replaced by Rotatable Rod  50 . The achieved goal via the object of this disclosure is to be able to disengage Upper Collar  48  from what traditionally has been a non-rotating rod in the position of Rotatable Rod  50  during the retraction process. With the Rotation of Rotatable Rod  50 , Upper Collar  48  can move to the tip of Rotatable Rod  50  when projection is desired, and during the retraction process, Rotatable Rod  50  spins, thereby participating in the moving of Upper Collar  48  away from its top near Stabilizing Pole Cap  56   a , which, thereby, permits Rotatable Rod  50  to, essentially, move “upwards” into the interior of the structure of Frame  28 . By so doing, the traditionally fixed position of a non-rotating rod does is not required to occupy empty space which historically was dedicated exclusively for such a rod inside Container  32 . During the retraction process, Handle  38  engages Rotatable Rod Lower Lip-Cap  66 , which due to its attachment to Rotatable Rod  50 , causes Rotatable Rod  50  to move. Because its interior is influenced by Actuation Shaft  40 , Rotatable Rod  50  starts to rotate. Since Rotatable Rod  50 , itself, has a helical configuration on its exterior wound in the opposite direction to that of Actuation Shaft  40 , Upper Collar  48 , which is influenced by the rotation of the exterior of Rotatable Rod  50 , is compelled to move in the same direction as Handle  38 . Since Upper Collar  48  is influenced, itself, to rotate, but is prevented from doing so, Upper Collar  48  is caused to move linearly along the exterior axis of Rotatable Rod  50 . Moreover, both Rotatable Rod  50  and Upper Collar  48  are caused to move axially in the same direction. This is accomplished through a mechanically engineered design imparting opposite rotational directions of the exterior rotation-producing configurations of Rotatable Rod  50  and of Actuation Shaft  40 . Therefore, if the exterior of Rotatable Rod  50  comprises a left-wound helical spline, the exterior of Actuation Shaft  40  comprises a right-wound helical spline. 
   As Upper Collar  48  moves, it also causes Main Ribs  42  mounted around its circumference to move in concert. This, in turn, causes Support Ribs  44  to move as well, due to their attachment by intermediate Rib-Ends  44   b  to Main Ribs  42 . Since Pivotal Rib-Ends  44   a  are attached to Lower Collar  46 , of necessity, Lower Collar  46  also moves axially within Container  32 . Lower Collar  46  moves in concert with Upper Collar  48  until the condition is reached wherein Lower Collar Base Lip  74  abuts Annular Rim  60  at Container Upper End  32   a . At this point, Lower Collar  46  is prevented from moving any further because Annular Rim  60  serves as a barrier preventing Frame  28  from exiting Container  32  and keeping Lower Collar  46  within Container  32 . At this point, Stabilizing Pole  56  is substantially protruding outside of Container  32 , and serves to impart a condition of stability to Frame  28  in its open position. This is a more stabilized condition than if Stabilizing Pole  56  were not employed. 
   Both Rotatable Rod  50  and Actuation Shaft  40  are preferably made of some kind of strong, lubricated plastic. One skilled in the art will recognize that this refers to a plastic having friction-reducing properties, and does not suggest the smearing of the plastic with a lubrication, although in some possible instances this might, potentially be valuable. The exterior rotation-conferring configuration on Actuation Shaft  40  may comprise a circular, screw/corkscrew type configuration, but it preferably comprises a solid spline of polygonal shape, preferably and elongated, square rod which is “twisted”. The exterior helical spline configuration on Actuation Shaft  40  is constant until approximately ⅓ of the distance leading up to Container Upper End  32   a  at which point the helical configuration is discontinued. The section of Actuation Shaft  40  with the discontinued helix configuration, Actuation Shaft Upper End  40   a , is not helical because it should not influence the rotation of any other interactive elements in contact either directly or indirectly with Actuation Shaft  40 . (This discontinued helix configuration section is located closer to Annular Rim  60  than base  36 .) Rotatable Rod  50  is concentrically disposed along the axis of Actuation Shaft  40 . The main body of its exterior configuration comprises a high helix in the form of a square spline. On the interior of Lower End  50   b  is an aperture at the lower end of Rotatable Rod  50  lower conforming in shape to the preferred spline embodiment of Actuation Shaft  40 . Thus, since, in a preferred embodiment, Actuation Shaft  40  is a spline of square shape, the base of the lower end of Rotatable Rod  50  of the Lower End  50   b  is also square. The exterior of Lower End  50   b  beneath Upper Lip  68  is smooth and cylindrical. The interior configuration of Rotatable Rod  50  is cylindrical, but must not inhibit the capacity for Rotatable Rod  50  to rotate as a result of its contact with Actuation Shaft  40 . Since, in a preferred embodiment, Actuation Shaft  40  has its exterior helical spline discontinued, the height of the Interior Aperture  50   b  (which functions as the primary contact point for Rotatable Rod  50  and Actuation Shaft  40 ) should not exceed approximately ½ the measure of one of the pitches along the exterior of Actuation Shaft  40 . To avoid excessive play in the interaction between Actuation Shaft  40  and Rotatable Rod  50 , the inner diameter of the interior cylindrical wall of rotatable rod  50  is designed to be in extremely close proximity to the outer diameter of the blunted/slightly rounded corner edges of square Actuation Shaft  40 . Upper Collar  48  is concentrically disposed along, and has Inner Ring  48   b  engageable with the axis of Rotatable Rod  50 . The configuration of Inner Ring  48   b  conforms in shape to that of the exterior of Rotatable Rod  50 . Thus, in a preferred embodiment, as the exterior of Rotatable Rod  50  is similar to the exterior, helical configuration of Actuation Shaft  40 , Inner Ring  48   b  is of a square shape. (In an embodiment in which Rotatable Rod  50  has a helical configuration that is not discontinued, Inner Ring  48   b  can have an interior which conforms to the exterior configuration of Rotatable Rod  50  and a height greater than ½ the measure of the one of the pitches along the exterior of Rotatable Rod  50 .) 
   There must be a sufficient spacing remaining between the exterior diameter of Inner-Ring  48   b , and the interior of Upper Collar Wall  48   c  to accommodate the easy passage of Stabilizing Pole  56 . The exterior of Upper Collar  48  is preferably circular having an upper section and a lower section. The lower section, in a preferred embodiment, is comprised of an Upper Lip  90   a  and a Lower Lip  90   b  defining a space wide enough to accommodate a conventional umbrella rib-holding wire. This lower section outer diameter is less than that of the main body of Lower Collar  46 . The reason for this is that in the stored position, Support Ribs  44  circumferentially attached to Lower Collar  46  must be able to reach an essentially vertical position to permit the retraction of Frame  28  into Container  32 . If the outer dimension width of Upper Collar  48  is the same or a greater than that of Lower Collar  46 , then Support Ribs  44  circumferentially attached to Lower Collar  46  will not be able to reach an essentially vertical position, and will, thus, thwart the retraction of Frame  28  into Container  32 . The inner diameter measurement of Upper Collar Wall  48   c  should be greater than the outer diameter of Stabilizing Pole  56 . 
   A number of slots wide enough to accommodate the width of Pivotal Ends  42   a  or  44   a  are cut in a corresponding vertical manner into the circumference of both the upper and lower lips of the lower section. The number of slots is one greater than the number of attachable ribs. This Extra Slot  82  functions to provide a nook for the two ends of the rib-holding wire which are twisted together forming one closure end after all the ribs are wire-threaded and placed in the slots around the circumference of Upper Collar  48 . A similar condition exists around Lower Collar  46  to which Main Ribs  42  are attached. 
   The upper section of Upper Collar  48  is approximately 2-3 times the height of the distance between the bottom of the lower lip to the top of the upper lip. Its circular, exterior wall, Upper Collar Wall  48   c , functions to accommodate the attachment of a ring whose inner diameter is wide enough to encompass the “lipless” Upper Collar  48  upper section exterior. Upper Collar Cover Ring  72  functions to secure the hole in frame Cover Material  62  so that during the retraction of frame  28  back into Container  32 , Cover Material  62  will remain in contact with Upper Collar  48  and will not separate away from Upper Collar  48  which, if separation were to occur, would cause a “riding up” or bunching up of Cover Material  62  which would prevent the orderly retraction of Frame  28  and Cover Material  62 . Upper Collar Cover Ring  72  can be attached with a strong glue. The relationship between stationary Actuation Shaft  40 , Rotatable Rod  50  and Upper Collar  48  is that the helical or twisting ratios of the pitches along the exteriors or Actuation Shaft  40  and Rotatable Rod  50  are such that they are approximately 2:1 in relation to each other. Therefore, if the pitch ratio of the helical spline configuration on Actuation Shaft  40  is 20 units of length, then the pitch ratio of the helical spline configuration on Rotatable Rod  50  is 10 units of length. 
   The interior-facing portion of Annular Rim  60  must have a smooth surface to prevent the tearing of Cover Material  62  as Frame  28  is produced out of and retracted into Container  32 . Annular Rim  60  may be riveted, glued or threaded on its interior in order to effect its attachment to the exterior of Container  32 . It may also be produced integral to Container  32  forming an internal stop at Container Upper End  82 . At the point at which Lower Collar Base Lip  74  abuts Annular Rim  60 , Handle  38  has traveled approximately ⅔ the length away from Container Lower End  28 . The ratio of the degree of movement between Upper Collar  48  and Handle  38  until this point being that for every one unit of distance that is moved by Handle  38  along Container  32 , approximately two units of distance are moved by Upper Collar  48  along Rotatable Rod  50 . This formula is applied during the first (in opening process) and last (in closing process) approximately ⅔ the length of Container  32 . 
   As Lower Collar Base Lip  74 , abuts Annular Rim  60 , Upper Collar  48  rests on Rotatable Rod Upper End  50   a . Moreover, Handle  38  and Rotatable Rod Lower Lip/Cap  66  are situated at a point along Container  32  approximately ⅔ the distance away from Container Lower End  28 . It is at this area on Actuation Shaft  40 , that the rotation effecting configuration is discontinued. This discontinuation is accomplished by reducing the helical/spline formation along the exterior of Actuation Shaft  40  to the point where its exterior axis becomes a straight vertical for the last approximate ⅓ of its length. This is done with the express intention of discontinuing the rotational pressure which is exerted on Rotatable Rod  50  during the first (in the opening process) and last (in the closing process ) approximate ⅔ of the movement of Handle  32 . 
   Thus, in the projection process, for example, for the last approximate ⅓ of the distance that Handle  38  moves from Container Lower End  28  towards Container Upper End  82 , the pressure exerted on Rotatable Rod  50  is purely vertical and non-rotational. The absence of rotation in Rotatable Rod  50  is desirable at this point in the projection/retraction process since the goal of the rotation, causing Upper Collar  48  to reach and stay on Rotatable Rod Upper End  50   a , is already achieved. At the point at which Upper Collar  48  rests on Rotatable Rod Upper End  50   a , Frame  28  has substantially exited Container  32 . It still, however, has not blossomed out into the open position. Handle  38  has already traveled approximately ⅔ the distance along the length of the exterior of Container  32 . Upper Collar  48 , at this point, is designed to move in equal units of distance in relation to Handle  38  as they continue to move away from container lower end  28  as part of the opening process. Upper Collar  48  must move a certain amount of distance away from Lower Collar  56  in order to cause frame  28  to open fully. This variable distance determines the approximate length of the straight, discontinued section of the rotation configuration on Actuation Shaft  40  as well as influences the length of Stabilizing Pole  56 . In a preferred embodiment where the length of Actuation Shaft  40  is 21 inches, testing has shown that variable optimal distance to be approximately 7 inches. As Handle  38  moves, it eventually propels Upper Collar  48  past tension point  78  located approximately ¾ of the way up stabilizing pole  56  away from Lower Collar  46 . Frame  28  with attached Cover Material  62  blossoms open and then manifests a limp shape, as opposed to a “tight” form that traditional umbrellas manifest when fully opened and tension is imparted to the frame ribs and cover material. Frame  28  regains the tension necessary to form a tight canopy cover as a result of the resilience of Tension Element  80  which abuts Stabilizing Pole Cap  56   a  and exerts pressure on Upper Collar  48 . The tension of Tension Element  80 , which may be a spring, is sufficient to apply a slight downwards pressure on cover material  62  via the connection of cover material  62  to Upper Collar  48 . The pressure must not be so great as to cause Upper Collar  48  to move downwards past Tension Point  78  thereby forcing Frame  28  to close, however. The appropriate tension by Tension Element  80  is what permits the frame cover to displaying a tight, and relatively unwrinkled appearance and to resist closure by wind. 
   Frame  28  is closed by means of a process that starts with an initial movement of Handle  38  towards Container Lower End  28 . In so doing, Upper Collar  48  is caused to travel downwards past Tension Point  78 . Handle  38  acts upon Upper Collar  48  as a result of their indirect connection via Rotatable-Rod  50 . As Upper Collar  48  travels back towards Annular Rim  60 , it passes Tension Point  78  and releases the tension imparted by Tension Element  80  to Cover Material  62  and Frame  28 . This movement causes unmounted Free Rib-Ends  42   b  to be propelled towards each other in the direction away from the body of Container  32  thereby causing all the Free Rib-Ends  42   b  to vertically meet together at a central point outside Container  32  along the same linear axis as that of Container  32 . Continued, further motion of Handle  38  in the direction towards container Lower End  28  accounts for the initiation of the process of bringing Frame  28  and Cover Material  62  back into Container  32 . After Handle  38  has moved about ⅓ the distance away from Annular Rim  60  towards Lower End  28 , the interaction of the exterior configuration on Actuation Shaft  40  and the interior of Rotatable Rod  50  causes Rotatable Rod  50  to rotate. Frame  28 , therefore, is retracted through the reversal of the process which propelled it out of Container  32  and into the open position. 
   Upper End  82  has attached to it container Cover Cap  88  which can be made out of rubber or manufactured out of plastic through an injection molding process which also can produce a living hinge. It can function as a conventional tip of a crutch or cane, or can be shaped in metal. In any embodiment it may display an advertising logo. 
   ALTERNATE EMBODIMENT 
   In an alternate embodiment, Actuation Shaft  40  and Rotatable Rod  50  have exterior high-helical configurations  40   b  and  50   d  of are comprised of either lands or grooves or combination thereof. It is also possible, as well, for the interiors of Rotatable Rod  50  and Upper Collar  48  to have at least one or more inwardly protruding guide nubs or humps that can interact, respectively, in a corresponding manner with any high helix lands or grooves employed on Actuation Shaft  40  or Rotatable Rod  50 . These nubs, if employed, would be located on the interiors of Rotatable Rod  50  on lower end  50   b , and the rib-holding base of Upper Collar  48 . In this alternate embodiment, one helical or splinal configuration can function adequately, however, since the more helical the configurations of the exteriors of Actuation Shaft  40  and Rotatable Rod  50 , the more easy the rotation of Rotatable Rod  50  can be effected, 2-6 separately started fast or high helixes provide for less resistance to rotation when Handle  38  is manually operated. 
   Container  32  has at least one slight detent cut in the side of Container Slit  34  to accommodate the introduction of Handle Bridge  52  in order to serve to lock Handle  38  in a the fixed position. 
   While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. It is apparent that changes and modifications can be made and equivalents substituted without departing from the invention. Other variations are possible. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Technology Category: 1