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(11) | EP 2 668 866 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Tiltable sunshade |
| (57) A sunshade (12) includes a pole (111) rotatably receiving a screw rod (295) that
is can be rotated by operating a handle (213) to cause movement of a follower (277)
in the pole (111) between a folded position, an unfolded position, and a tilted position.
A runner (297) is mounted around the pole (111) and fixed to the follower (277) to
move therewith. A pivotable member (383) is pivotably connected to a fixing member
(363) fixed on an upper end (113) of the pole (111). Ribs (451) are pivotably mounted
to a hub (439) fixed on the pivotable member (383). Stretchers (313) are pivotably
mounted between the ribs (451) and the runner (297). The hub (439) and the ribs (451)
are tilted when the pivotable member (383) is pivoted due to movement of the follower
(277) from the unfolded position to the tilted position.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a sunshade and, more particularly, to a sunshade that can be tilted according to the position of the sun.
[0002] A type of outdoor sunshade includes a pole located on the ground and a plurality of ribs each having an end pivotably connected to a top end of the pole. A runner is slideably mounted to the pole. A plurality of stretchers is pivotably connected between the runner and the ribs. A canopy is provided on the ribs. A handle is fixed on a shaft rotatably mounted to the pole. An end of a cable is fixed to a portion of the shaft inside the pole, with the other end of the cable extending out of the pole and fixed to the runner. Rotation of the handle causes the canopy to move from a folded state to an unfolded state. Further rotation of the handle causes the canopy to tilt. Thus, a user can adjust the tilting angle of the canopy according to the position of the sun. However, the exposed portion of the cable is liable to break by external force or excessive pulling force. Furthermore, when the sunshade is subjected to strong wind, the force acting on the canopy is imparted to the handle, leading to loosening of the cable and bounce of the tilted canopy. As a result, the user standing below the canopy may be injured.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention solves this need and other problems in the field of safe use of sunshades by providing a sunshade including a pole having upper and lower ends spaced from each other along a longitudinal axis of the pole. The pole further includes an outer periphery and an inner periphery spaced from the outer periphery in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pole. The inner periphery of the pole defines a longitudinal hole. A first hole extends from the outer periphery through the inner periphery. The lower end of the pole is adapted to be rotatably coupled to a tube on a base. A first transmission member is rotatably mounted in the first hole. The first transmission member includes a toothed portion located in the longitudinal hole of the pole. A handle is located outside of the pole and fixed to the first transmission member. The handle and the first transmission member are jointly rotatable about a rotating axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pole. A support is fixed in the longitudinal hole of the pole and located above the first transmission member along the longitudinal axis of the pole. A second transmission member is received in the longitudinal hole of the pole and includes a shaft rotatably supported by the support. The second transmission member further includes a toothed portion meshed with the toothed portion of the first transmission member. The second transmission member rotates about the longitudinal axis of the pole when the first transmission member rotates about the rotating axis.
[0005] A screw rod includes a lower end fixed to the second transmission and an upper end. The lower end of the screw rod are located between the upper end of the screw rod and the support along the longitudinal axis of the pole. The screw rod and the second transmission member are jointly rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the pole. A follower is received in the longitudinal hole of the pole and threadedly engaged with the screw rod. Rotation of the screw rod about the longitudinal axis of the pole causes movement of the follower along the longitudinal axis of the pole between a folded position, an unfolded position, and a tilted position. A first spacing between the follower in the folded position and the second transmission member along the longitudinal axis of the pole is smaller than a second spacing between the follower in the unfolded position and the second transmission member along the longitudinal axis of the pole. The second spacing is smaller than a third spacing between the follower in the tilted position and the second transmission member along the longitudinal axis of the pole.
[0006] A runner is mounted around the pole and slideable relative to the pole. The runner is fixed to and jointly movable with the follower. Each of a plurality of stretchers has a first end pivotably connected to the runner and a second end spaced from the first end along a longitudinal axis of the stretcher. The plurality of stretchers is jointly movable with the runner and the follower. A fixing member is fixed to the upper end of the pole and includes a sliding groove and a pin hole. A pivotable member is pivotably connected to the fixing member and includes a track and a pivot hole. A pin extends through the pivot hole of the pivotable member and the pin hole of the fixing member. The pivotable member is pivotable relative to the fixing member about a pivot axis defined by the pin between a first position and a second position. A longitudinal axis of the pivotable member in the first position is coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the pole. The longitudinal axis of the pivotable member in the second position is at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the pole.
[0007] An actuation rod is slideably extended through the sliding groove of the fixing member and slideably received in the track of the pivotable member. A link includes a first connection end connected to the actuation rod and a second connection end. A connection member includes a first end pivotably connected to the second connection end of the link and a second end. A positioning pin extends through the connection member in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pole. The positioning pin has two ends located outside of the connection member. A spring is mounted around the connection member and includes a first end abutting the fixing member and a second end abutting the two ends of the positioning pin. A hub is mounted to the pivotable member. The hub and the pivotable member are jointly pivotable between the first and second positions. Each of a plurality of ribs includes a connecting end pivotably connected to the hub. The second end of each of the plurality of stretchers is pivotably connected to one of the plurality of ribs. A canopy is adapted to be mounted to the plurality of ribs.
[0008] When the follower is in the folded position, the follower is spaced from the second end of the connection member along the longitudinal axis of the pole. The pivotable member is in the first position. Each of the plurality of stretchers and the plurality of ribs are located adjacent to the pole. The canopy is adapted to be in a collapsed state.
[0009] When the follower is in the unfolded position, the pivotable member is in the first position. The canopy is adapted to be unfolded by the plurality of stretchers and the plurality of ribs.
[0010] When the follower moves from the unfolded position to the tilted position, the follower pushes the connection member to move along the longitudinal axis of the pole, causing compression of the spring by the positioning pin. The connection member actuates the link to move the actuation rod along the sliding groove of the fixing member. The actuation rod presses against a wall of the first track of the pivotable member to pivot the pivotable member from the first position to the second position. The hub, the plurality of ribs, and the plurality of stretchers pivot together with the pivotable member. Thus, the hub and the plurality of ribs are tilted relative to the pole.
[0011] When the follower moves from the tilted position to the unfolded position, the spring presses against the positioning pin to cause connection member and the link to move jointly along the longitudinal axis of the pole. The actuation rod presses against the wall of the track of the pivotable member to pivot the pivotable member from the second position to the first position. The hub and the plurality of ribs are not tilted relative to the pole when the pivotable member is in the first position.
[0012] The pivotable member is pivotable between the first and second positions in a pivotal movement plane perpendicular to the pivot axis defined by the pin and including the longitudinal axis of the pivotable member. A plug is fixed in the first end of each of the plurality of stretchers and includes a screw hole. A pivotal seat is mounted to each plug and includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, with a mounting hole extending from the first surface through the second surface. A pivotal hole extends perpendicularly to and intersects with the mounting hole. Each pivotal seat is pivotably connected to the runner by a pivotal pin extending through the mounting hole. Each of a plurality of screws includes a head securely received in the mounting hole of one of the pivotal seats and spaced from the pivotal pin received in the pivotal seat. Each of the plurality of screws further includes a shank loosely engaged in the screw hole of one of the plugs. Each plug and a corresponding one of the plurality of stretchers are pivotable about a corresponding one of the plurality of screws. When the follower moves from the unfolded position to the tilted position, each of the stretchers whose longitudinal axes are not located in the pivotal movement plane pivots about a pivot axis defined by the pivotal pin mounted to a corresponding one of the pivotal seats and pivots about the corresponding one of screws while the pivotable member pivots from the first position to the second position in the pivotal movement plane.
[0013] Preferably, the sliding groove of the fixing member includes a first section parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pole and a second section at an obtuse angle to the first section. The track of the pivotable member includes a first track section and a second track section. When the pivotable member is in the first position, the first track section of the track of the pivotable member is aligned with the first section of the sliding groove of the fixing member, and the actuation rod is received in the first track section of the track of the pivotable member and the first section of the sliding groove of the fixing member. When the pivotable member pivots from the first position to the second position, the actuation rod moves into the second track section of the track of the pivotable member and the second section of the sliding groove of the fixing member. When the pivotable member pivots from the second position to the first position, the actuation rod moves from the second track section into the first track section of the track of the pivotable member and moves from the second section into the first section of the sliding groove of the fixing member.
[0014] Preferably, a connecting member is mounted between the screw rod and the second transmission member. The connecting member includes a first end and a second end. A first receptacle is defined in an end face of the first end of the connecting member. A second receptacle is defined in an end face of the second end of the connecting member. The lower end of the screw rod is fixed in the second receptacle. The shaft is fixed in the first receptacle. The second transmission member, the connecting member, and the screw rod can not move along the longitudinal axis of the pole.
[0015] Preferably, the pole further including a slot extending from the outer periphery through the inner periphery of the pole. The follower includes first and second faces spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis of the pole. A screw hole extends from the first face through the second face of the follower. The screw rod is extended through and threadedly engaged with the screw hole of the follower. The follower further includes an outer periphery extending between the first and second faces. An engagement hole is defined in the outer periphery of the follower but spaced from the screw hole. The engagement hole of the follower is aligned with the slot of the pole. The runner includes a lower end. A sleeve is mounted around the pole and slideable along the longitudinal axis of the pole. The sleeve includes first and second ends spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis of the pole. The sleeve further includes inner and outer peripheries extending between the first and second ends of the sleeve. The inner periphery of the sleeve defines a longitudinal hole receiving the pole. The second end of the sleeve includes an engagement groove defined in the outer periphery of the sleeve. The engagement groove has a bottom wall spaced from the inner periphery of the sleeve. A slot extends from the bottom wall of the engagement groove through the inner periphery of the sleeve. The lower end of the runner is fixed to in the first end of the sleeve. The slot of the sleeve is aligned with the slot of the pole. An engagement member includes a body received in the engagement groove of the sleeve. The engagement member further includes an insertion portion extending from the body. The insertion portion of the engagement member extends through the slot of the sleeve and the slot of the pole. The insertion portion is engaged with the engagement hole of the follower, allowing joint movement of the runner, the sleeve, the engagement member, and the follower between the folded position, unfolded position, and tilted position.
[0016] The present invention will become clearer in light of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of this invention described in connection with the drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The illustrative embodiments may best be described by reference to the accompanying drawings where:
FIG. 1 shows a side elevational view of a sunshade according to the present invention, with the sunshade in a folded state.
FIG. 2 shows a partial, exploded, perspective view of the sunshade of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 shows another partial, exploded perspective view of the sunshade of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view taken along section line 4-4 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view taken along section line 6-6 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 shows a side elevational view of the sunshade in an unfolded state.
FIG. 8 shows a cross sectional view taken along section line 8-8 of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the sunshade of FIG. 1, with the sunshade in a tilted state.
FIG. 9A shows an enlarged view of a circled portion of FIG. 9.
FIG. 10 shows a cross sectional view taken along section line 10-10 of FIG. 9.
[0018] All figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic teachings of the present invention only; the extensions of the figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiments will be explained or will be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, and similar requirements will likewise be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood.
[0019] Where used in the various figures of the drawings, the same numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms "first", "second", "lower", "upper", "outer", "inner", "end", "portion", "section", "longitudinal", "radial", "annular", "spacing", and similar terms are used herein, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawings as it would appear to a person viewing the drawings and are utilized only to facilitate describing the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] A sunshade according to the present invention is shown in the drawings and generally designated 12. Sunshade 12 includes a pole 111 having upper and lower ends 113 and 115 spaced along a longitudinal axis of pole 111. Pole 111 further includes inner and outer peripheries 114 and 112 extending between upper and lower ends 113 and 115, with inner and outer peripheries 114 and 112 spaced from each other in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of pole 111, and with the inner periphery 114 defining a longitudinal hole 117. A slot 119 extends from outer periphery 112 through inner periphery 114 in the radial direction and includes first and second ends 131 and 133, with first end 131 of slot 119 located between upper end 113 of pole 111 and second end 133 of slot 119 along the longitudinal axis of pole 111. First and second holes 137 and 139 extend from outer periphery 112 through inner periphery 114 and are aligned with each other, with each of first and second holes 137 and 139 located between second end 133 of slot 119 and lower end 115 of pole 111. Pole 111 further includes a plurality of through-holes 135 extending from outer periphery 112 through inner periphery 114, with through-holes 135 spaced from each other in a circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis of pole 111. Lower end 115 of pole 111 is pivotably mounted to a tube 469 on a base 467, allowing pole 111 to rotate about a pivot axis defined by tube 469.
[0021] According to the form shown, pole 111 further includes a first transmission member 151 mounted in first hole 137. First transmission member 151 includes a toothed portion 155 with a flange 153 on a side thereof. An axle 157 extends away from the side of toothed portion 155, with an axle hole 159 extending from an end face of axle 157 through the other side of toothed portion 155 and having non-circular cross sections. Toothed portion 155 is received in longitudinal hole 117 of pole 111, with flange 153 abutting outer periphery 112 of pole 111, and with axle 157 located outside of pole 111. A seat 171 is fixed by screws to outer periphery 112 of pole 111 and includes a pivot hole 173 aligned with second hole 139 of pole 111 and axle hole 159 of first transmission member 151.
[0022] According to the form shown, a shaft 195 has non-circular cross sections and includes a head 197 on an end thereof and threaded portion 199 in the other end thereof, with threaded portion 199 having a groove 211. Shaft 195 is extended through axle hole 159 of first transmission member 151, with head 197 abutting the end face of axle 157 of first transmission member 151 (FIG. 4). Threaded portion 199 of shaft 195 extends through pivot hole 173 of seat 171, with a washer 175 and a nut 179 mounted around threaded portion 199 located outside of seat 171. Thus, shaft 195 and first transmission member 151 are jointly rotatable about a rotating axis defined by a longitudinal axis of shaft 195 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of pole 111. A ratchet wheel 177 is mounted around the section of threaded portion 199 and sandwiched between washer 175 and nut 179. A pin 191 is extended through nut 179 and groove 211 in shaft 195 (FIG. 4), preventing loosening of nut 179 during rotation of shaft 195. Thus, shaft 195 can not be disengaged from pole 111 in the radial direction. Furthermore, a catch 193 is fixed on seat 171 and releasably engaged with the ratchet wheel 177.
[0023] According to the form shown, a handle 213 is mounted to shaft 195. Handle 213 includes a coupling hole 215 in the form shown as a through-hole having a coupling section 216 and a recessed section 217 having a diameter larger than that of coupling section 216. Coupling section 216 has cross sections the same as the cross sections of shaft 195. Shaft 195 is extended through coupling section 216, with head 197 received in recessed section 217. Thus, handle 213, shaft 195, and first transmission member 151 are jointly rotatable.
[0024] According to the form shown, a housing comprised of two housing halves 219 is mounted around pole 111 and surrounds first and second holes 137 and 139. Specifically, each housing half 219 includes upper and lower holes 231 and 233 and a pivotal portion 234 located between upper and lower holes 231 and 233. Housing halves 219 are mounted around pole 111, with pole 111 extending through upper holes 231 and lower holes 233, with first transmission member 151, seat 171, washer 175, ratchet wheel 177, nut 179, and pin 191 received in the housing (FIG. 4), with handle 213 located outside of the housing, with shaft 195 extending out of the housing via pivotal portions 234 for engagement with handle 213.
[0025] According to the form shown, a support 235 is fixed in longitudinal hole 117 of pole 111 and includes upper and lower faces spaced along the longitudinal axis of pole 111. A shaft hole 237 extends from the upper face through the lower face of support 235. Support 235 includes a plurality of fixing holes 239 aligned with through-holes 135 in pole 111. Screws are extended through through-holes 135 of pole 111 into fixing holes 239 of support 235, fixing support 235 in pole 111 in a location between second end 133 of slot 119 of pole 111 and first transmission member 151 (FIG. 4).
[0026] According to the form shown, a second transmission member 251 is rotatably supported by support 235. Second transmission member 251 includes a toothed portion 253 meshed with toothed portion 155 of first transmission member 151 and a shaft 255 rotatably extending through shaft hole 237, with a distal end of shaft 255 located outside of support 235. Thus, when first transmission member 151 rotates, second transmission member 251 rotates about the longitudinal axis of pole 111.
[0027] According to the form shown, a connecting member 257 is fixed to second transmission member 251. Connecting member 257 includes a first end 259 and a second end 273 spaced from first end 259 along the longitudinal axis of pole 111, with a first receptacle 271 defined in an end face of first end 259, with a second receptacle 275 defined in an end face of second end 273. The distal end of shaft 255 of second transmission member 251 is received in first receptacle 271. A first pin 274 is extended in a radial direction through first end 259 of connecting member 257 and the distal end of shaft 255. Thus, first end 259 of connecting member 257 is fixed to shaft 255, allowing joint rotation of connecting member 257 and second transmission member 251. Support 235 is located between second transmission member 251 and connecting member 257, preventing movement of second transmission member 251 and connecting member 257 along the longitudinal axis of pole 111.
[0028] According to the form shown, a screw rod 295 has a lower end 296 engaged in second receptacle 275 of connecting member 257, with a second pin 276 extending in a radial direction through second end 273 of connecting member 257 and lower end 296 of screw rod 295, allowing joint rotation of screw rod 295 and connecting member 257. Screw rod 295 further includes an upper end 298, with lower end 296 of screw rod 295 located between upper end 298 and support 235 along the longitudinal axis of pole 111.
[0029] According to the form shown, a follower 277 is threadedly engaged with screw rod 295. Follower 277 includes first and second faces 278 and 280 spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis of pole 111 and an outer periphery 279 extending between first and second faces 278 and 280. A screw hole 291 extends from first face 278 through second face 280. An engagement hole 293 is defined in outer periphery 279 but spaced from screw hole 291. Screw rod 295 extends through and threadedly engages screw hole 291 of follower 277. Rotation of screw rod 295 causes movement of follower 27 along the longitudinal axis of pole 111 between a folded position (FIG. 5), an unfolded position (FIG. 8), and a tilted position (FIG. 10). A first spacing between follower 277 in the folded position and second transmission member 251 along the longitudinal axis of pole 111 is smaller than a second spacing between follower 277 in the unfolded position and second transmission member 251 along the longitudinal axis of pole 111. The second spacing between follower 277 in the unfolded position and second transmission member 251 is smaller than a third spacing between follower 277 in the tilted position and second transmission member 251 along the longitudinal axis of pole 111.
[0030] According to the form shown, a sleeve 347 is mounted on pole 111 and slideable relative to pole 111 along the longitudinal axis of pole 111. Sleeve 347 includes a first end 349 and a second end 351. An outer diameter of second end 351 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of pole 111 is smaller than that of first end 349. Sleeve 347 further includes inner and outer peripheries 348 and 352 extending between first and second ends 349 and 351, with inner periphery 348 spaced from outer periphery 352 in the radial direction, with inner periphery 348 defining a longitudinal hole 350. Second end 351 of sleeve 347 includes an engagement groove 355 defined in outer periphery 352, with engagement groove 355 having a bottom wall spaced from inner periphery 348. A slot 357 extends from the bottom wall of engagement groove 355 through inner periphery 348. Second end 351 of sleeve 347 further includes two annularly spaced retaining portions 353 formed on outer periphery 352, with each retaining portion 353 located between engagement groove 355 and first end 349 of sleeve 347 along the longitudinal axis of pole 111. Longitudinal hole 350 of sleeve 347 receives pole 111, with slot 357 of sleeve 347 aligned with slot 119 of pole 111.
[0031] According to the form shown, an engagement member 300 is mounted in engagement groove 355. Engagement member 300 includes a body 304 received in engagement groove 355 and an insertion portion 302 extending from body 304. Insertion portion 302 extends through slot 357 of sleeve 347 and slot 119 of pole 111 and engages with engagement hole 293 of follower 277. Thus, sleeve 347 and follower 277 are jointly movable between the folded position, unfolded position, and tilted position. Engagement member 300 prevents rotation of follower 277 relative to pole 111, such that rotation of screw rod 295 merely causes movement of follower 277 along the longitudinal axis of pole 111. A fixing sleeve 359 is mounted to around second end 351 of sleeve 347 and includes two retaining holes 361. Each retaining portion 353 of sleeve 347 is engaged in one of retaining holes 361 (FIG. 5), preventing engagement member 300 from disengaging from engagement hole 293 of follower 277.
[0032] According to the form shown, a runner 297 mounted around pole 111 and slideable relative to pole 111 along the longitudinal axis of pole 111. Runner 297 includes a lower end 307 and a plurality of pivotal pins 311 spaced in a circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis of pole 111. Lower end 307 of runner 297 is engaged in first end 349 of sleeve 347. Thus, runner 297, sleeve 347, fixing sleeve 359, engagement member 300, and follower 277 move jointly between the folded position, the unfolded position, and the tilted position.
[0033] According to the form shown, a pivotal seat 327 is pivotably connected to each pivotal pin 311. Each pivotal seat 327 includes a first surface 329 and a second surface 331 opposite to first surface 329, with a mounting hole 332 extending from first surface 329 through second surface 331. Mounting hole 332 includes a larger hole section 333 in first surface 329 and a smaller hole section 335 in second surface 331, with larger hole section 333 having non-circular cross sections. Each pivotal seat 327 further includes a pivotal hole 337 extending perpendicularly to and intersecting with larger hole section 333. Each pivotal pin 311 is received in pivotal hole 337 of one of pivotal seats 327, allowing pivotal seat 327 to pivot about a pivot axis defined by pivotal pin 311.
[0034] According to the form shown, a screw 477 is mounted in mounting hole 332 of each pivotal seat 327 and includes a head 479 having non-circular cross sections the same as those of larger hole section 333 and a shank 481 having an outer thread. Head 479 of each screw 477 is received in larger hole section 333 of one of pivotal seats 327, preventing screw 477 from rotating relative to pivotal seat 327. Shank 481 extends through smaller hole section 335 and extends out of pivotal seat 327. After installation, each screw 477 is spaced from a corresponding pivotal pin 311 along the longitudinal axis of pole 111.
[0035] According to the form shown, a plug 319 is threadedly engaged with shank 481 of each screw 477 extending beyond pivotal seat 327. Each plug 319 includes a coupling portion 323, with a flange 321 formed on a side of coupling portion 323, with a screw hole 325 defined in the side of coupling portion 323 and surrounded by flange 321. Shank 481 of each screw 477 is loosely engaged in screw hole 325 of one of plugs 319, allowing each plug 319 to pivot about a pivot axis defined by screw 477 while preventing plug 319 from disengaging from screw 477.
[0036] According to the form shown, a stretcher 313 is connected to each plug 319. Each stretcher 313 includes a first end 315 securely receiving coupling portion 323 of one of plugs 319, allowing each stretcher 313 and the corresponding pivotal seat 327 to pivot about the pivot axis defined by a corresponding pivotal pin 311. Furthermore, each plug 319 and the corresponding stretcher 313 are jointly pivotable about the pivot axis defined by the corresponding screw 477. Furthermore, each stretcher 313 is jointly movable together with runner 297 and follower 277 between the folded position, the unfolded position, and the tilted position. Each stretcher 313 further has a second end 317.
[0037] According to the form shown, a fixing member 363 is mounted to upper end 113 of pole 111 and includes a receiving section 365 having circular cross sections and a pivotal section 367, with pivotal section 367 having substantially U-shaped cross sections and having two sidewalls 388, with a shoulder 369 formed between an intersection of receiving section 365 and pivotal section 367. Fixing member 363 includes a compartment 371 extending from receiving section 365 through pivotal section 367, with compartment 371 located between two sidewalls 368 of pivotal section 367. Each sidewall 368 includes a sliding groove 375 in communication with compartment 371. Sliding groove 375 of each sidewall 368 includes a first section 377 parallel to the longitudinal axis of pole 111 and a second section 379 at an obtuse angle (about 150° in the form shown, see FIG. 6) to first section 377. Each sidewall 368 further includes a pin hole 381 located between sliding groove 375 and receiving section 365. A plurality of abutment protrusions 373 is defined in compartment 371 in receiving section 365. Receiving section 365 of fixing member 363 is fixed in longitudinal hole 117 at upper end 113 of pole 111.
[0038] According to the form shown, a pivotable member 383 is pivotably mounted to pivotal section 367 of fixing member 363 spaced from pivotal section 367 along a longitudinal axis of pivotable member 383. Pivotable member 383 includes an engaging portion 385 and a pivotal portion 387. Pivotal portion 387 includes a lower end having a lower end face 389 and an abutment face 391 at an obtuse angle (about 159° in the form shown, see FIG. 6) to lower end face 389. Pivotal portion 387 further includes two lateral walls 388 spaced from each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of pivotable member 383. A receiving space 393 is defined in lower end face 389 and located between lateral walls 388 of pivotal portion 387. Each lateral wall 388 includes a track 395 extending into receiving space 393 in the radial direction, with track 395 having a first track section 397 and a second track section 399 at an obtuse angle (about 135° in the form shown, see FIG. 6) to first track section 397. Each lateral wall 388 further includes a pivot hole 394 located between track 395 and lower end face 389. Pivotal section 367 of fixing member 363 is received in receiving space 393 of pivotable member 383, with sidewalls 368 of fixing member 363 located between lateral walls 388 of pivotable member 383, with pivot holes 394 of pivotable member 383 aligned with pin holes 381 of fixing member 363, with lower end face 389 of pivotable member 383 spaced from shoulder 369 of fixing member 363 along the longitudinal axis of pole 111.
[0039] According to the form shown, a pin 401 is extended through pivot holes 394 of pivotable member 383 and pin holes 381 of fixing member 363, allowing pivotable member 383 to pivot about a pivot axis defined by pin 401 between a first position (FIGS. 1, 6, 7, and 8) and a second position (FIGS. 9 and 10) in a pivotal movement plane, with the pivotal movement plane being perpendicular to the pivot axis defined by pin 401 and including the longitudinal axis of pivotable member 383. When pivotable member 383 is in the first position (see FIG. 6), first track sections 397 of tracks 395 of pivotable member 383 are aligned with first sections 377 of sliding grooves 375 of fixing member 363. Furthermore, the longitudinal axis of pivotable member 383 is coaxial to the longitudinal axis of pole 111. Abutment face 391 of pivotable member 383 provides a room for the pivotal movement of pivotable member 383 from the first position to the second position. While pivotable member 383 is moving from the first position to the second position, lower end face 389 of pivotable member 383 does not interfere with shoulder 369 of fixing member 363. On the other hand, when pivotable member 383 is in the second position, abutment face 391 of pivotable member 383 is substantially parallel to shoulder 369 of fixing member 363 (FIG. 10). In the form shown, an extension tube 433 includes a lower end 437 fixed to engaging portion 385 of pivotable member 383 and an upper end 435.
[0040] According to the form shown, an actuation rod 403 is slideably received in tracks 395 of pivotable member 383 and sliding grooves 375 of fixing member 363. When pivotable member 383 is in the first position, actuation rod 403 is in first track sections 397 of tracks 395 of pivotable member 383 and first sections 377 of sliding grooves 375 of fixing member 363 (FIG. 6).
[0041] According to the form shown, a link 471 includes a first connection end 472 connected to actuation rod 403 and a second connection end 473. First connection end 472 is received in compartment 371 of fixing member 363. Second connection end 473 of link 471 is located in longitudinal hole 117 of pole 111. A connection member 405 includes a first end 407 pivotably connected to second connection end 473 of link 471 and a second end 409 below first end 407. Connection member 405 includes aligned first positioning holes 411 defined in first end 407 and aligned second positioning holes 413 between second end 409 and first positioning holes 411. A pin 419 is extended through first positioning holes 411 of first end 407 of connection member 405 and second connection end 473 of link 471. Thus, link 471 is pivotably connected to connection member 405. A positioning pin 415 is extended through second positioning holes 413 of connecting member 405 in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of pole 111, with two ends of positioning pin 415 located outside of connecting member 405.
[0042] According to the form shown, an abutment member 417 is annular and rests on exposed ends of positioning pin 415. A cap 427 includes a tubular portion 431 engaged in second end 409 of connection member 405. A flange 429 is formed on a lower side of tubular portion 431 and abuts an end face of second end 409 of connecting member 405. A spring 421 is mounted around connecting member 405 and includes a first end 423 abutting lower ends of abutment protrusions 373 of fixing member 363. Spring 421 further includes a second end 425 abutting abutment member 417. Spring 421 biases connection member 405 to retain pivotable member 383 in the first position (FIG. 6).
[0043] According to the form shown, a hub 439 is fixed on upper end 435 of extension tube 433. Pivotable member 383, extension tube 433 and hub 439 are jointly moveable between the first and second positions about the pivot axis defined by pin 401. A plurality of ribs 451 is provided, with each rib 451 including a connecting end 453 pivotably connected to hub 439 (FIG. 6), with second end 317 of each stretcher 313 pivotably connected to one of ribs 451. A canopy 475 is mounted to ribs 451.
[0044] Now that the basic construction of sunshade 12 of the present invention has been explained, the operation and some of the advantages of sunshade 12 can be set forth and appreciated. In particular, for the sake of explanation, it will be assumed that follower 277 of sunshade 12 is located in the folded position (FIG. 5) and spaced from cap 427 along the longitudinal axis of pole 111. Engagement member 300 is adjacent to second end 133 of slot 119. Runner 297 is adjacent to housing halves 219 (FIG. 1). The longitudinal axis of pivotable member 383 is coaxial to the longitudinal axis of pole 111, such that extension tube 433 is coaxial to and aligned with pole 111. Each of rib 451 and stretchers 313 is in the folded state and located adjacent to pole 111 so that canopy 475 is in a collapsed state. Spring 421 biases pivotable member 383 to the first position (FIG. 6).
[0045] When it is desired to open sunshade 12, handle 213 is rotated in a direction to rotate shaft 195 and first transmission member 151, causing rotation of second transmission member 251 via transmission by toothed portions 155 and 253, which, in turn, causing rotation of connecting member 257 and screw rod 295. Follower 277 moves from the folded position (FIG. 5) to the unfolded position (FIG. 8). Specifically, engagement member 300 pushes sleeve 347 to move runner 297 towards hub 439, moving stretchers 313 and ribs 451 to extend canopy 475. When follower 277 reaches the unfolded position (FIG. 8), first face 278 of follower 277 abuts flange 429 of cap 427, and runner 297 is in a location adjacent to fixing member 363 and below pin 401. Canopy 475 is extended by ribs 451 and stretchers 313. Sunshade 12 is, thus, opened.
[0046] In a case that handle 213 is further rotated in the same direction while sunshade 12 is in the open state, follower 277 moves from the unfolded position to the tilted position (FIG. 10). Specifically, follower 277 pushes cap 427, connection member 405, pin 419, positioning pin 415, and abutment member 417 to move along the longitudinal axis of pole 111 and compresses spring 421. First connection end 472 of link 471 pushes actuation rod 403 to move from first sections 377 of sliding grooves 375 of fixing member 363 into second sections 379. Actuation rod 403 presses against wall faces of tracks 395 of pivotable member 383 to pivot pivotable member 383 in the pivotal movement plane from the first position to the second position, leading to pivotal movement of extension tube 433, hub 439, and ribs 451 to a position in which extension tube 433 is at an obtuse angle to pole 111. Each stretcher 313 and the corresponding plug 319 move together with ribs 451 and, thus, pivot about the pivot axis defined by the corresponding pivotal pin 311. As a result, pivotable member 383 carries hub 439, extension tube 433, and ribs 451 to the second position (FIGS. 9 and 10). When pivotable member 383 reaches the second position, abutment face 391 is substantially parallel to shoulder 369 of fixing member 363, and runner 297 is still located below pin 401 along the longitudinal axis of pole 111. Canopy 475 is, thus, tilted. Pole 111 can be rotated relative to base 467 according to the position of the sun, providing desired shielding effect.
[0047] For stretchers 313 whose longitudinal axis are not located in the pivotal movement plane, each of these stretcher 313 not only pivots in the pivotal movement plane together with the corresponding rib 451 but also pivots about its longitudinal axis, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 9A. Namely, each of these stretcher 313 pivots about the corresponding pivotal pin 311 and pivots about the corresponding screw 477. However, a stretcher 313 whose longitudinal axis is located in the pivotal movement plane will only pivot in the pivotal movement plane together with the corresponding rib 451 without pivotal movement about the corresponding screw 477. FIG. 10 shows movement of two stretchers 313 whose longitudinal axes are located in the pivotal movement plane. If pivotable member 383 is moved to the position shown in FIG. 10 in which the longitudinal axis of pivotable member 383 is at about 21° to the longitudinal axis of pole 111, the angle between the longitudinal axis of the left stretcher 313 in FIG. 10 and the longitudinal axis of pole 111 is about 46°, see angle A2 in FIG. 10. Furthermore, the angle between the longitudinal axis of the right stretcher 313 in FIG. 10 and the longitudinal axis of pole 111 is about 77°, see angle A1 in FIG. 10. Note that each of the stretchers 313 in FIG. 10 does not pivot about the corresponding screw 477.
[0048] With sunshade 12 in the tilted state shown in FIG. 10, if handle 213 is rotated in a reverse direction, follower 277 moves from the tilted position to the unfolded position along the longitudinal axis of pole 111, spring 421 presses against abutment member 417, causing positioning pin 415, connection member 405, pin 419, link 471, and actuation rod 403 to move jointly along the longitudinal axis of pole 111 in a direction releasing spring 421. Actuation rod 403 presses against the wall faces of second track sections 399 of tracks 395 of pivotable member 383, causing pivotal movement of pivotable member 383 from the second position to the first position (FIG. 8). Further rotation of handle 213 in the reverse direction causes movement of follower 277 from the unfolded position to the folded position. Runner 297 and stretchers 313 move to their original positions shown in FIG. 1. Sunshade 12 is, thus, folded.
[0049] Since runner 297 is moved along the longitudinal axis of pole 111 by using screw rod 295, less force is required to unfold canopy 475. Furthermore, the angular displacement of pivotable member 383 about the pivot axis defined by pin 401 can be precisely controlled by using screw rod 295 that also provides reinforced structural strength for sunshade 12. Further, operation for tilting canopy 475 is force-saving by using screw rod 295 to actuate follower 277.
[0050] Furthermore, when pivotable member 383 is in the first position, first sections 377 of sliding grooves 375 of fixing member 363 and first track sections 397 of tracks 395 of pivotable member 383 are parallel to the longitudinal axis of pole 111 to reliably retain pivotable member 383 in the first position. Thus, pivotable member 383 would not pivot from the first position to the second position even if canopy 475 in the unfolded state is subjected to strong wind. Furthermore, since each stretcher 313 can pivot about the corresponding screw 477 while tilting canopy 475, pivotable member 383 can smoothly pivot from the first position to the second position.
[0051] Now that the basic teachings of the present invention have been explained, many extensions and variations will be obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art. For example, sunshade 12 does not have to include extension tube 433. In this case, hub 439 can be engaged with engaging portion 385, and hub 439 and ribs 451 can still pivot together with pivotable member 383 between the first and second positions. Furthermore, sunshade 12 does not have to include plug 319, pivotal seats 327, and screws 477. In this case, first end 315 of each stretcher 313 is pivotably connected to one of pivotal pins 311, with a gap formed between each stretcher 313 and the corresponding pivotal pin 311 to allow smooth pivotal movement of stretcher 313 upon actuation of the corresponding rib 451 during movement of sunshade 12 from the upright state to the tilted state. Furthermore, abutment protrusions 373 can be in the form of a single protrusion or other form for attachment of spring 421. Further, fixing member 363 can include only one sliding groove 375 and only one pin hole 381. Likewise, pivotable member 383 can include only one track 395 and only one pivot hole 394.
[0052] Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or general characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated, the embodiments described herein are to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is to be indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.
a pole (111) including upper and lower ends (113, 115) spaced from each other along a longitudinal axis of the pole (111), with the pole (111) further including an outer periphery (112) and an inner periphery (114) spaced from the outer periphery (112) in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pole (111), with the inner periphery (114) of the pole (111) defining a longitudinal hole (117), with a first hole (137) extending from the outer periphery (112) through the inner periphery (114), with the lower end (115) of the pole (111) adapted to be rotatably coupled to a tube (469) on a base (467);
a first transmission member (151) rotatably mounted in the first hole (137), with the first transmission member (151) including a toothed portion (155) located in the longitudinal hole (117) of the pole (111);
a handle (213) located outside of the pole (111) and fixed to the first transmission member (151), with the handle (213) and the first transmission member (151) being jointly rotatable about a rotating axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pole (111);
a support (235) fixed in the longitudinal hole (117) of the pole (111) and located above the first transmission member (151) along the longitudinal axis of the pole (111);
a second transmission member (251) received in the longitudinal hole (117) of the pole (111), with the second transmission member (251) including a shaft (255) rotatably supported by the support (235), with the second transmission member (251) further including a toothed portion (253) meshed with the toothed portion (155) of the first transmission member (151), with the second transmission member (251) rotating about the longitudinal axis of the pole (111) when the first transmission member (151) rotates about the rotating axis;
a screw rod (295) including a lower end (296) fixed to the second transmission (251) and an upper end (298), with the lower end (296) of the screw rod (295) located between the upper end (298) of the screw rod (295) and the support (235) along the longitudinal axis of the pole (111), with the screw rod (295) and the second transmission member (251) being jointly rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the pole (111);
a follower (277) received in the longitudinal hole (117) of the pole (111) and threadedly engaged with the screw rod (295), with rotation of the screw rod (295) about the longitudinal axis of the pole (111) causing movement of the follower (277) along the longitudinal axis of the pole (111) between a folded position, an unfolded position, and a tilted position, with a first spacing between the follower (277) in the folded position and the second transmission member (251) along the longitudinal axis of the pole (111) being smaller than a second spacing between the follower (277) in the unfolded position and the second transmission member (251) along the longitudinal axis of the pole (111), with the second spacing being smaller than a third spacing between the follower (277) in the tilted position and the second transmission member (251) along the longitudinal axis of the pole (111);
a runner (297) mounted around the pole (111) and slideable relative to the pole (111), with the runner (297) fixed to and jointly movable with the follower (277);
a plurality of stretchers (313) each having a first end (315) pivotably connected to the runner (297) and a second end (317) spaced from the first end (315) along a longitudinal axis of the stretcher (313), with the plurality of stretchers (313) being jointly movable with the runner (297) and the follower (277);
a fixing member (363) fixed to the upper end (113) of the pole (111), with the fixing member (363) including a sliding groove (375) and a pin hole (381);
a pivotable member (383) pivotably connected to the fixing member (363), with the pivotable member (383) including a track (395) and a pivot hole (394);
a pin (401) extending through the pivot hole (394) of the pivotable member (383) and the pin hole (381) of the fixing member (363), with the pivotable member (383) pivotable relative to the fixing member (363) about a pivot axis defined by the pin (401) between a first position and a second position, with a longitudinal axis of the pivotable member (383) in the first position being coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the pole (111), with the longitudinal axis of the pivotable member (383) in the second position being at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the pole (111);
an actuation rod (403) slideably extending through the sliding groove (375) of the fixing member (363) and slideably received in the track (395) of the pivotable member (383);
a link (471) including a first connection end (472) connected to the actuation rod (403) and a second connection end (473);
a connection member (405) including a first end (407) pivotably connected to the second connection end (473) of the link (471) and a second end (409);
a positioning pin (415) extending through the connection member (405) in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pole (111), with the positioning pin (415) having two ends located outside of the connection member (405);
a spring (421) mounted around the connection member (405) and including a first end (423) abutting the fixing member (363) and a second end (425) abutting the two ends of the positioning pin (415);
a hub (439) mounted to the pivotable member (383), with the hub (439) and the pivotable member (383) being jointly pivotable between the first and second positions; and
a plurality of ribs (451) each including a connecting end (453) pivotably connected to the hub (439), with the second end (317) of each of the plurality of stretchers (313) pivotably connected to one of the plurality of ribs (451), with a canopy (475) adapted to be mounted to the plurality of ribs (451),
wherein when the follower (277) is in the folded position, the follower (277) is spaced from the second end (409) of the connection member (405) along the longitudinal axis of the pole (111), the pivotable member (383) is in the first position, each of the plurality of stretchers (313) and the plurality of ribs (451) are located adjacent to the pole (111), with the canopy (475) adapted to be in a collapsed state,
wherein when the follower (277) is in the unfolded position, the pivotable member (383) is in the first position, the canopy (475) is adapted to be unfolded by the plurality of stretchers (313) and the plurality of ribs (451),
wherein when the follower (277) moves from the unfolded position to the tilted position, the follower (277) pushes the connection member (405) to move along the longitudinal axis of the pole (111), causing compression of the spring (421) by the positioning pin (415), the connection member (405) actuates the link (471) to move the actuation rod (403) along the sliding groove (375) of the fixing member (363), the actuation rod (403) presses against a wall of the first track (395) of the pivotable member (383) to pivot the pivotable member (383) from the first position to the second position, the hub (439), the plurality of ribs (451), and the plurality of stretchers (313) pivot together with the pivotable member (383), the hub (439) and the plurality of ribs (451) are tilted relative to the pole (111),
wherein when the follower (277) moves from the tilted position to the unfolded position, the spring (421) presses against the positioning pin (415) to cause connection member (405) and the link (471) to move jointly along the longitudinal axis of the pole (111), the actuation rod (403) presses against the wall of the track (395) of the pivotable member (383) to pivot the pivotable member (383) from the second position to the first position, the hub (439) and the plurality of ribs (451) are not tilted relative to the pole (111) when the pivotable member (383) is in the first position.
a plug (319) fixed in the first end (315) of each of the plurality of stretchers (313), with each of the plugs (319) including a screw hole (325);
a pivotal seat (327) mounted to each of the plugs (319), with each of the pivotal seats (327) including a first surface (329) and a second surface (331) opposite to the first surface (329), with a mounting hole (332) extending from the first surface (329) through the second surface (331), with a pivotal hole (337) extending perpendicularly to and intersecting with the mounting hole (332), with each of the pivotal seats (327) pivotably connected to the runner (297) by a pivotal pin (311) extending through the mounting hole (332); and
a plurality of screws (477) each including a head (479) securely received in the mounting hole (332) of one of the pivotal seats (327) and spaced from the pivotal pin (311) received in the pivotal seat (327), with each of the plurality of screws (477) further including a shank (481) loosely engaged in the screw hole (325) of one of the plugs (319), with each of the plugs (319) and a corresponding one of the plurality of stretchers (313) being pivotable about a corresponding one of the plurality of screws (477),
wherein when the follower (277) moves from the unfolded position to the tilted position, each of the stretchers (313) whose longitudinal axes are not located in the pivotal movement plane pivots about a pivot axis defined by the pivotal pin (311) mounted to a corresponding one of the pivotal seats (327) and pivots about the corresponding one of screws (477) while the pivotable member (383) pivots from the first position to the second position in the pivotal movement plane.
wherein when the pivotable member (383) is in the first position, the first track section (397) of the track (395) of the pivotable member (383) is aligned with the first section (377) of the sliding groove (375) of the fixing member (363), the actuation rod (403) is received in the first track section (397) of the track (395) of the pivotable member (383) and the first section (377) of the sliding groove (375) of the fixing member (363),
wherein when the pivotable member (383) pivots from the first position to the second position, the actuation rod (403) moves into the second track section (399) of the track (395) of the pivotable member (383) and the second section (379) of the sliding groove (375) of the fixing member (363),
wherein when the pivotable member (383) pivots from the second position to the first position, the actuation rod (403) moves from the second track section (399) into the first track section (397) of the track (395) of the pivotable member (383) and moves from the second section (379) into the first section (377) of the sliding groove (375) of the fixing member (363).
a sleeve (347) mounted around the pole (111) and slideable along the longitudinal axis of the pole (111), with the sleeve (347) including first and second ends (349, 351) spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis of the pole (111), with the sleeve (347) further including inner and outer peripheries (348, 352) extending between the first and second ends (349, 351) of the sleeve (347), with the inner periphery (348) of the sleeve (347) defining a longitudinal hole (350) receiving the pole (111), with the second end (351) of the sleeve (347) including an engagement groove (355) defined in the outer periphery (352) of the sleeve (347), with the engagement groove (355) having a bottom wall spaced from the inner periphery (348) of the sleeve (347), with a slot (357) extending from the bottom wall of the engagement groove (355) through the inner periphery (348) of the sleeve (347), with the lower end (307) of the runner (297) fixed to in the first end (349) of the sleeve (347), with the slot (357) of the sleeve (347) aligned with the slot (119) of the pole (111); and
an engagement member (300) including a body (304) received in the engagement groove (355) of the sleeve (347), with the engagement member (300) further including an insertion portion (302) extending from the body (304), with the insertion portion (302) of the engagement member (300) extending through the slot (357) of the sleeve (347) and the slot (119) of the pole (111), with the insertion portion (302) engaged with the engagement hole (293) of the follower (277), allowing joint movement of the runner (297), the sleeve (347), the engagement member (300), and the follower (277) between the folded position, unfolded position, and tilted position.