CONNECTING BRACKET FOR AN UMBRELLA ASSEMBLY

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/728,606, filed Dec. 5, 2024, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates generally to umbrellas. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to structures for joining an umbrella strut to an umbrella rib.

Description of the Related Art

Umbrellas are commonly used to provide shade over a given area. Umbrellas typically include a foldable shade structure for allowing a user to move the umbrella between an open and a closed position. The folding shade structure generally includes a runner moveable along a pole, struts extending from the runner, ribs extending from an upper hub and coupled to the struts, and a canopy overlaying the ribs. The runner can be moved to an elevated position to open the struts and stretch the canopy or moved to a lower position to close the struts and collapse the canopy. The struts are sometimes joined to the ribs by rivets or other simple connectors and other times by more complex rib-to-strut connectors. More complex rib-to-strut connecters are bulky, difficult to assemble, structurally weak, and prone to mechanical failure. Accordingly, umbrellas could benefit from more robust and user-friendly features to improve operational convenience, ease of assembly, structural strength, and durability.

SUMMARY

In some aspects, the present disclosure provides an umbrella assembly including a rib and a connecting bracket. The rib includes an inner end configured to be pivotably coupled with an upper hub, an outer end opposite to the inner end, and an elongate body extending between the inner end and the outer end. The elongate body has a bottom surface and a lateral support extending at least partially along the elongate body. The connecting bracket includes a body portion configured to be coupled to the bottom surface of the rib and an overhanging support extending from the body portion and configured to be disposed over the lateral support.

In some aspects, the umbrella assembly further includes a strut including an inner end configured to be pivotably coupled with a lower hub, an outer end opposite to the inner end, an elongate body extending between the inner end and the outer end, and a first joint component disposed at the outer end of the elongate body. The connecting bracket further includes a second joint component extending from the body portion in a direction away from the bottom surface, the second joint component configured to be pivotably coupled to the first joint component.

In some aspects, the body portion of the connecting bracket is coupled to the bottom surface of the rib by a fastener.

In some aspects, the lateral support includes a rail extends along substantially an entire length of the elongate body of the rib from the inner end to the outer end of the rib.

In some aspects, the lateral support includes a first lateral support extending along a first side of the elongate body of the rib and further including a second lateral support extending along a second side of the elongate body of the rib opposite to the first side, and wherein the overhanging support is configured to be disposed over the first lateral support on the first side and the second lateral support on the second side of the elongate body of the rib.

In some aspects, the lateral support is formed as a recessed channel in the elongate body of the rib.

In some aspects, the elongate body of the rib includes an I-shaped cross-section, the lateral support including a lateral protrusion extending from a side of the I-shaped cross-section of the elongate body of the rib.

In some aspects, the lateral support is disposed along a bottom half of the elongate body of the rib.

In some aspects, the first joint component includes a forked end, wherein the second joint component is configured to be interposed between fork projections of the forked end.

In some aspects, the overhanging support and the body portion form a substantially C-shaped channel configured to receive the lateral support and the bottom surface of the rib.

In some aspects, the overhanging support is slideable along the lateral support to a connection position and is self-supporting in an assembly configuration.

In other aspects, the present disclosure provides a method of forming an umbrella assembly. The method includes pivotably coupling an inner end of a rib to an upper hub, the rib having an outer end opposite to the inner end, an elongate body extending between the inner end and the outer end, the elongate body having a bottom surface, a central portion, and a lateral support extending at least partially along the elongate body; pivotably coupling an inner end of a strut to a lower hub, the strut having an outer end opposite to the inner end, and an elongate body extending between the inner end and the outer end; coupling a connecting bracket with the bottom surface of the rib; positioning the connecting bracket at a connection position where the outer end of the strut is to be coupled with a central portion of the rib, the connecting bracket being self-supported during positioning; and coupling the strut to the connecting bracket.

In some aspects, the method further includes securing the connecting bracket to the central portion of the rib to provide secondary connection to the central portion of the rib in addition to the self-supporting connection of the connecting bracket

In some aspects, securing the connecting bracket to the central portion of the rib includes coupling the connecting bracket to the bottom surface of the rib with a fastener.

In some aspects, coupling the strut to the connecting bracket includes pivotably coupling a first joint component disposed at the outer end of the strut to a second joint component disposed on the connecting bracket.

In some aspects, the rib includes an I-shaped cross-section

In some aspects, coupling the connecting bracket with the bottom surface of the rib includes advancing the connecting bracket over the elongate body of the rib such that the lateral support and the bottom surface of the rib are received in a substantially C-shaped channel of the connecting bracket.

In other aspects, the present disclosure provides an umbrella assembly including an upper hub, a lower hub, a plurality of ribs, a plurality of struts, and a plurality of connecting brackets. Each rib of the plurality of ribs includes an inner end pivotably coupled with the upper hub, an outer end opposite to the inner end, an elongate body extending between the inner end and the outer end, the elongate body having a bottom surface, and a rail extending at least partially along the elongate body and away from a central plane, the central plane being oriented transverse to a first pivot axis extending through the inner end. Each strut of the plurality of struts includes an inner end pivotably coupled with the lower hub, an outer end opposite to the inner end, an elongate body extending between the inner end and the outer end, and a first joint component disposed at the outer end of the elongate body. Each connecting bracket is configured to join one of the plurality of ribs to one of the plurality of struts. Each connecting bracket includes a body portion configured to be coupled to the bottom surface of the rib, an overhanging support extending from the body portion and configured to be disposed over the rail, and a second joint component extending from the body portion along the central plane in a direction away from the bottom surface. The overhanging support, when disposed over the rail, is self-supporting of at least a weight of the connecting bracket. The second joint component configured to be pivotably coupled to the first joint.

In some aspects, the overhanging support and the body portion form a substantially C-shaped channel configured to receive the rail and the bottom surface of the rib.

In some aspects, the body portion of the connecting bracket is coupled to the bottom surface of the rib by a fastener.

In some aspects, the rail is a first rail disposed on a first side and further including a second rail disposed on a second side of the elongate body of the rib opposite the first side, and wherein the overhanging support is configured to be disposed over the first rail on the first side and over the second rail on the second side opposing the first rail on the first side of the elongate body of the rib.

In some aspects, the rail is disposed along a bottom half of the elongate body of the rib.

In other aspects, present disclosure provides an umbrella assembly including an upper hub, a lower hub, a plurality of ribs, a plurality of struts, and a plurality of connecting brackets. Each rib of the plurality of ribs includes an inner end pivotably coupled with the upper hub, an outer end opposite to the inner end, and an elongate body extending between the inner end and the outer end, the elongate body having a bottom surface and an I-shaped cross-section. Each strut of the plurality of struts includes an inner end pivotably coupled with the lower hub, an outer end opposite to the inner end, an elongate body extending between the inner end and the outer end, and a first joint component disposed at the outer end of the elongate body. Each connecting bracket is configured to join one of the plurality of ribs to one of the plurality of struts. Each connecting bracket includes a body portion configured to be coupled to the bottom surface of the rib, an overhanging support extending from the body portion and configured to be disposed over a lateral protrusion of the I-shaped cross-section of the rib, and a second joint component extending from the body portion. The overhanging support, when disposed over the lateral protrusion, is self-supporting of at least a weight of the connecting bracket. The second joint component is configured to be pivotably coupled to the first joint component.

In some aspects, the overhanging support and the body portion form a substantially C-shaped channel configured to receive the lateral protrusion and the bottom surface of the rib.

In some aspects, the body portion of the connecting bracket is coupled to the bottom surface of the rib by a fastener.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an elevation view of an umbrella assembly.

FIG. 2 depicts a partial side view of the umbrella assembly of FIG. 1 showing a connection assembly.

FIG. 3 depicts an enlarged side view of the connection assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of the connection assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 depicts an exploded view of the connection assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the connection assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7A depicts a top perspective view of a connecting bracket of the connection assembly depicted in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7B depicts a bottom perspective view of the connecting bracket of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C depicts a front view of the connecting bracket of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7D depicts a side view of the connecting bracket of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7E depicts a bottom view of the connecting bracket of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7F depicts a top view of the connecting bracket of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A depicts a side view of a first joint component of the connection assembly depicted in FIG. 3.

FIG. 8B depicts a bottom view of the first joint component of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A depicts a side view of a rib of the umbrella assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9B depicts a transverse cross-sectional view of the rib of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A depicts a side view of a rib according to an alternative embodiment.

FIG. 10B depicts a transverse cross-sectional view of the rib of FIG. 10A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the present description sets forth specific details of various embodiments, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrative only and should not be construed in any way as limiting. Furthermore, various applications of such embodiments and modifications thereto, which may occur to those who are skilled in the art, are also encompassed by the general concepts described herein. Each and every feature described herein, and each and every combination of two or more of such features, is included within the scope of the present invention provided that the features included in such a combination are not mutually inconsistent.

FIGS. 1-9B depict various aspects, features, and embodiments of an umbrella assembly 100. FIG. 1 depicts an elevation view of the umbrella assembly 100. The umbrella assembly 100 can include one or more of a support pole 102, a lower hub 106, an upper hub 104, a frame structure, and a canopy 108 disposed over the frame structure. The frame structure can include a plurality of ribs 110, a plurality of struts 140, and a connection assembly 160 providing advantageous connection features between a rib of the plurality of ribs 110 and a strut of the plurality of struts 140. The connection assembly 160 can be combined with other rib and strut configurations and combinations as discussed further below.

The umbrella assembly 100 can be moved between an open configuration (as shown in FIG. 1) and a closed configuration (not shown). In some embodiments, the lower hub 106 can be moveable along the support pole 102 between a raised position (as shown in FIG. 1) and a lowered position (not shown) to move the umbrella assembly 100 between the open and closed configurations respectively. The canopy 108 can be disposed over the umbrella ribs 110. When in the open configuration, the canopy 108 is outstretched to provide shade and/or shelter from the elements to users of the umbrella assembly 100. The canopy 108 can comprise an at least partially flexible material, such as fabric and/or a plastic film. The canopy 108 can offer shade protection from sunlight, as well as at least partial shelter from the elements, e.g., rain, bird droppings, tree sap, etc. The canopy 108 can also comprise materials having weather and sun resistant characteristics to provide extended durability and usage in outdoor settings.

The support pole 102 can comprise a generally elongate rigid member to which the other components of umbrella assembly 100 can be coupled. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the support pole 102 can be substantially straight or linear along its length. In other embodiments, the support pole 102 can comprise straight portions in combination with curved portions. In yet other embodiments, the support pole 102 can be curved substantially along the entire length of the support pole 102. FIGS. 1-2 illustrate the support pole 102 in a substantially vertical orientation. In other embodiments, the support pole 102 can be arranged in an angled, diagonal, or horizontal orientation depending on the requirements of the particular application. For example, an angled support pole 102 could be mounted to a vertical surface, such as a side of a building. The support pole 102 can be coupled with the upper hub 104 and not directly with the lower hub 106, e.g., extending radially outward in place of one of the ribs 110 or by suspending the upper hub 104 from above. These arrangements can be suitable for a cantilever style umbrella where it is desired to leave the area under the canopy 108 free from a central support pole. The support pole 102 can form a generally cylindrical shape with a circular cross section. In other embodiments, the support pole 102 can be in the shape of a rectangular prism, triangular prism, or any other suitable shape. The support pole 102 can be an assembly of one or more segments or components. One end of the support pole 102 can be configured for attachment to a pedestal or base that rests on the ground, a patio deck, a lawn, or other surface. In other embodiments, one end of the support pole 102 can be directly attached or mounted to a patio, to a bracket on a horizontally extending building surface or vertically extending building surface (e.g., as in the case of a cantilever style support), or the like.

FIG. 2 depicts a partial side view of a portion of the umbrella assembly 100 of FIG. 1. The canopy 108, some of the ribs 110, and some of the struts 140 are excluded from FIG. 2 for clarity. As shown in FIG. 2, each of the plurality of ribs 110 can include an outer end 114, an inner end 112, and an elongate body 116 extending between the inner end 112 and the outer end 114. The inner end 112 of each rib 110 can be pivotably coupled to the upper hub 104. Each rib 110 can pivot about a first pivot axis extending through its inner end 112. The first pivot axis can be substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rib 110. As shown in FIG. 2, each of the plurality of struts 140 can include an outer end 144, an inner end 142, and an elongate body 146 extending between the inner end 142 and the outer end 144. The inner end 142 of each strut 140 can be pivotably coupled to the lower hub 106. The outer end 144 of each strut 140 can be pivotably coupled to one of the ribs 110 via the connection assembly 160. Illustrated region 3 of FIG. 2 contains the connection assembly 160 and adjacent portions of the rib 110 and the strut 140. As shown within region 3, the connection assembly 160 can couple the outer end 144 of each strut 140 to a central portion 122 of one of the ribs 110. As will be discussed in more detail below, the connection assembly 160 can include a connecting bracket 170 and a first joint component 150.

FIG. 3 depicts an enlarged side view of region 3 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of the connection assembly 160, the rib 110, and the strut 140 of FIG. 3 according to cross-section section line 4-4 illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 depicts an exploded view of the connection assembly 160, the rib 110, and the strut 140 of FIG. 3. As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the elongate body 116 of the rib 110 can include a top surface 118, a bottom surface 120, and a lateral support 130. When assembled with a canopy 108, the plurality of ribs 110 can function to support and outstretch the canopy 108. The canopy 108 can be disposed over and/or coupled to the top surface 118 of the elongate body 116 of the rib 110. The bottom surface 120 can be disposed substantially opposite to the top surface 118. The lateral support 130 can function to support a connecting bracket 170 and a rib 110 coupled to the connecting bracket 170. The lateral support 130 can be disposed on at least one lateral side of the elongate body 116 of each of the plurality of ribs 110. In some embodiments, the lateral support 130 can include a first lateral support 132 disposed on a first side 126 of the elongate body 116 of the rib 110 and a second lateral support 134 disposed on a second side 128 of the elongate body 116 of the rib 110. The first side 126 can be opposite to the second side 128. The lateral support 130 can extend at least partially along the elongate body 116 of the rib 110. As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the lateral support 130 can extend along substantially an entire length of the elongate body 116 of the rib 110 from the inner end 112 to the outer end 114 of the rib 110. In other embodiments, the lateral support 130 may only extend along a portion of the length of the elongate body 116 of the rib 110. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, the lateral support 130 can be disposed along a bottom half of the elongate body 116 of the rib 110 (e.g., below a midline L1 of the rib 110). As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the lateral support 130 can extend laterally along substantially the same plane as the bottom surface 120 of the rib 110.

The lateral support 130 can be any structure capable of supporting a substantially vertical load of the connecting bracket 170 and/or the strut 140. In some embodiments, the elongate body 116 of the rib 110 can be formed as an extrusion including the lateral support 130. The lateral support 130 can extend from or be disposed on one or more sides of the elongate body 116 of the rib 110. In some embodiments, the lateral support 130 can be formed as a lateral protrusion 138, a rail, or other similar structure (see FIG. 9B). Accordingly, the first lateral support 132 and the second lateral support 134 can respectively be formed as a first lateral protrusion and a second lateral protrusion, or a first rail and a second rail. In other embodiments, the lateral support 130 can include a recessed channel 230 formed into one or more sides of the elongate body 116 of the rib 110 (see FIG. 10B, discussed below).

FIGS. 9A and 9B respectively depict a side view and a transverse cross-sectional view of the rib 110 depicted in FIGS. 2-5. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9B, the elongate body 116 of the rib 110 can include an I-shaped cross-section. The I-shaped crossed section can be characterized by a narrower middle portion disposed between wider top and bottom portions. The I-shaped cross-section can be oriented such that the wider top portion includes the top surface 118 of the elongate body 116 of the rib 110 and the wider bottom portion includes the bottom surface 120 of the elongate body 116 of the rib 110. A central plane P1 can extend through the elongate body 116 of the rib 110. The central plane P1 can be oriented transverse to the first pivot axis about which the rib 110 pivots at its inner end 112. In some embodiments, the lateral support 130 can extend away from the central plane P1 on one or more sides of the rib 110. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9B, the wider top and bottom portions can include lateral protrusions 138 extending from opposing lateral sides of the elongate body 116 of the rib 110 (i.e., away from the central plane P1). As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9B, the lateral support 130 can include the lateral protrusions 138 forming the bottom portion of the I-shaped cross section. In some embodiments, the lateral protrusions 138 forming the bottom portion of the I-shaped cross section can be first and second lateral supports 132, 134. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9B, the rib 110 can have a hollow interior. In other embodiments, the rib 110 can have a solid interior. As shown in FIG. 9A, the inner end 112 of the rib 110 can include a rib bore 197 therethrough for receiving a pivot rod 192 coupled to the upper hub 104. The first pivot axis can extend through the rib bore 197 at the inner end 112 of the rib 110. As shown in FIGS. 2-5 and 9A-9B, the rib 110 can have substantially planar top, bottom, and side surfaces. In other embodiments, the top, bottom, and side surfaces can be curved, non-planar, or any other shape of surface. The rib 110 can be substantially rigid. The rib 110 can be made from any suitable material, including, but not limited to metals, plastics, polymers, woods, composites, etc. In other embodiments, the rib 110 can have a T-shaped cross-section, L-shaped-cross section, C-shaped cross-section, or other suitable cross-section. For example, in some embodiments, the rib 110 can include only two lateral protrusions 138 extending from opposing sides of the bottom portion of the rib 110 such that the rib 110 has a T-shaped cross-section. For example, in some embodiments, the rib 110 can include only two lateral protrusions 138 extending from opposing sides of the bottom portion of the rib 110 such that the rib 110 has a T-shaped cross-section. As another example, the rib 110 can include only one lateral protrusion 138 extending from a side of the bottom portion of the rib 110 such that the rib 110 has a L-shaped cross-section.

With reference to FIGS. 2-5, each strut 140 can extend from the lower hub 106 to a central portion 122 of a rib 110. When the lower hub 106 assembly is moved from a lowered position to a raised position, the plurality of struts 140 can cause the plurality of ribs 110 to pivot outwards and away from the support pole 102, thereby causing the umbrella assembly 100 to transition to the open configuration. Each strut 140 can include a first joint component 150. FIGS. 8A and 8B respectively depict a side view and a bottom view of the first joint component 150 of FIGS. 2-5. The first joint component 150 can be disposed at the outer end 144 of the strut 140. The first joint component 150 can be a coupling point for connecting the strut 140 to the connecting bracket 170. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8A-8B, the first joint component 150 can include a forked end 152. The forked end 152 can include a plurality (e.g., a pair) of fork projections 154. The first joint component 150 can include a first pivot bore 194 therethrough for receiving a pivot rod 192. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8A, the first pivot bore 194 can extend through the plurality of fork projections 154 of the forked end 152. In some embodiments, the first joint component 150 can be formed as a separate component from the strut 140. As shown in FIG. 5, the first joint component 150 can be formed as an end cap 198 coupled to the outer end 144 of the strut 140. The end cap 198 can be shaped to be inserted into the outer end 144 of the strut 140. In other embodiments, the first joint component 150 can be shaped to receive the outer end 144 of the strut 140. If the first joint component 150 is formed as a separate component from the strut 140, the first joint component 150 can be coupled to the outer end 144 of the strut 140 by any suitable fastening means, such as, but not limited to, mechanical fasteners (e.g., rivets, screws, nuts and bolts, etc.), adhesives, welding, snap-fit connections, mechanical friction, thermal bonding, etc. As shown in FIG. 8B, the first joint component 150 can include a fastening bore 199 shaped to receive a fastener 190 for fastening the first joint component 150 to the outer end 144 of the strut 140. As shown in FIG. 5, the first joint component 150 can be coupled the strut 140 by a rivet 190 extending through a bottom surface of the strut 140. In yet other embodiments, the first joint component 150 and the strut 140 can be formed as a single integral component that does not require assembly. The first joint component 150 can be made from metals, plastics, polymers, wood, composites, or any other suitable materials.

As mentioned above, the connection assembly 160 can include a connecting bracket 170 and a first joint component 150. In some embodiments, the connection assembly 160 can also include a pivot rod 192, and one or more fasteners 190. As shown in FIGS. 2-5, the connecting bracket 170 can function to couple and/or join each of the plurality of struts 140 to a respective one of the plurality ribs 110. FIGS. 7A-7F depicts various views of the connecting bracket 170 of the connection assembly 160 of FIGS. 2-5. FIG. 7A depicts a top perspective view of the connecting bracket 170. FIG. 7B depicts a bottom perspective view of the connecting bracket 170. FIG. 7C depicts a front view of the connecting bracket 170. FIG. 7D depicts a side view of the connecting bracket 170. FIG. 7E depicts a bottom view of the connecting bracket 170. FIG. 7F depicts a top view of the connecting bracket 170. As shown in FIGS. 2-7F, the connecting bracket 170 can include a body portion 172, an overhanging support 174, and a second joint component 176. The body portion 172 can be a central structure from which the overhanging support 174 and the second joint component 176 extend. The body portion 172 can be shaped to conform to and/or abut the bottom surface 120 of the elongate body 116 of the rib 110. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-7F, the body portion 172 can have a substantially planar contact surface 178 to conform to the substantially planar bottom surface 120 of the elongate body 116 of the rib 110. In other embodiments, the body portion 172 can have a substantially curved or non-planar contact surface 178 to conform to a corresponding curved or non-planar bottom surface 120 of the rib 110. In some embodiments, the body portion 172 may not contact the bottom surface 120 of the rib 110 but rather may be disposed below the bottom surface 120 of the rib 110 in a spaced relationship. In some embodiments, the body portion 172 can include one or more connector bores 196 shaped to receive a fastener 190. The overhanging support 174 can extend from the body portion 172. With reference to FIG. 4, the overhanging support 174 can extend laterally outwards and upwards from the body portion 172. The overhanging support 174 can extend from opposing lateral sides of the body portion 172. As shown in FIG. 4, the overhanging support 174 can include two opposing concave structures. The overhanging support 174 can extend along at least a portion of the length of the body portion 172. As shown in FIG. 3, the body portion 172 can extend beyond the overhanging support 174 at opposing ends of the connecting bracket 170. In other embodiments, the length of the overhanging support 174 may be equal to or greater than the length of the body portion 172. As shown in FIG. 4, the overhanging support 174 can be shaped to extend around and be disposed over the lateral support 130 of the elongate body 116 of the rib 110. The concave structures of the overhanging support 174 can be shaped to receive the lateral support 130 of the rib 110. As shown in FIG. 4, the overhanging support 174 and the body portion 172 can form a substantially C-shaped channel 180. The C-shaped channel 180 can be shaped to receive the lateral support 130 and the bottom surface 120 of the rib 110. When the connecting bracket 170 is coupled to a rib 110, contact between the overhanging support 174 and the lateral support 130 can enable the connecting bracket 170 to be self-supporting of at least the weight of the connecting bracket 170 on the rib 110. When the connecting bracket 170 is coupled to the rib 110, the overhanging support 174 can resist forces on the connecting bracket 170 that are in a direction away from the bottom surface 120 of the rib 110 (e.g., weight of the connecting bracket 170 due to gravitational pull and/or the downward pull of the strut 140 when the umbrella assembly 100 is moved from the open to closed configuration). The second joint component 176 can extend from the body portion 172. With reference to FIG. 4, the second joint component 176 can extend downwards from the body portion 172 (e.g., away from the bottom surface 120 of the rib 110). As shown in FIG. 4, the second joint component 176 can extend substantially along the central plane P1 of the rib 110. The second joint component 176 can include a planar projection. The second joint component 176 can be a coupling point for connecting the strut 140 to the connecting bracket 170. In this respect, the second joint component 176 can include a second pivot bore 195 therethrough for receiving a pivot rod 192. FIGS. 2-7F depict the connecting bracket 170 as a single integral component. In other embodiments, the connecting bracket 170 can be formed as two or more separate components that are coupled together. The connecting bracket 170 can be made from metals, plastics, polymers, wood, composites, or any other suitable materials.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, when the connecting bracket 170 is coupled to the rib 110, the body portion 172 can abut the bottom surface 120, and the overhanging support 174 can be disposed over the lateral support 130. The interaction between the overhanging support 174 and the lateral support 130 can provide a first structure to secure the connecting bracket 170 to the rib 110. During assembly of the umbrella assembly 100, the overhanging support 174 and the lateral support 130 (an example of the first structure for securing the connecting bracket 170 to the rib 110) can enable the connecting bracket 170 to be self-supporting on the rib 110 (e.g., secured without external support or user input). Accordingly, the overhanging support 174 and the lateral support 130 can enable the connecting bracket 170 to remain secured to the rib 110 while other assembly steps are performed. In some embodiments, the connecting bracket 170 can be slideable along the lateral support 130 to a connection position 124 on the rib 110. In some embodiments, the connecting bracket 170 can be snap-fit onto the lateral support 130 of the rib 110. The connecting bracket 170 can be snap-fit onto the lateral support 130 and thereafter be slideable along the rib 110 to any suitable position, e.g., for connecting the connecting bracket 170 to the rib 110.

In some embodiments, the connecting bracket 170 can be coupled to the rib 110 by a second securement device. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, the connecting bracket 170 can be secured to the rib 110 by one or more fasteners 190. The second securement device can secure the connecting bracket 170 to a specific position along the length of the rib 110. For example, once the connecting bracket 170 is positioned at the connection position 124, the second securement device can secure the connecting bracket 170 in place to prevent further axial movement of the connecting bracket 170 during assembly or operation of the umbrella assembly 100. In some embodiments, the body portion 172 of the connecting bracket 170 can be coupled to the bottom surface 120 of the rib 110 by a fastener 190. In other embodiments, the one or more fasteners 190 can be used to alternatively or additionally couple the overhanging support 174 to the lateral support 130 or lateral side of the rib 110. As shown in FIG. 5, the body portion 172 of the connecting bracket 170 can be coupled to the bottom surface 120 of the rib 110 by two fasteners 190 (e.g., rivets). As shown in FIG. 5, the two fasteners 190 can be disposed at opposing ends of the connecting bracket 170 such that the second joint component 176 is disposed between the two fasteners 190. In other embodiments, the one or more fasteners 190 can be positioned at any other position on the connecting bracket 170. Additionally, in other embodiments, the connecting bracket 170 can be coupled to the rib 110 by one, two, three, or any other number of fasteners 190. The one or more fasteners 190 can be any type of fastener including, but not limited to, rivets, screws, nuts and bolts, or other suitable fastener. In other embodiments, the second device for securing the connecting bracket 170 to the rib 110 can be any suitable fastening means, including, but not limited to adhesives, welding, snap-fit connections, mechanical friction, and/or thermal bonding.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the connection assembly 160 of FIGS. 2-5. The first joint component 150 of the strut 140 can be pivotably coupled to the second joint component 176 of the connecting bracket 170. The planar projection of the second joint component 176 can be interposed between the plurality of forked projections 154 of the first joint component 150. The second pivot bore 195 of the second joint component 176 can be aligned with the first pivot bore 194 of the first joint component 150. The first joint component 150 can be coupled to the second joint component 176 by a pivot rod 192 extending through the aligned bores 194, 195 of the first joint component 150 and second joint component 176. The first joint component 150 and the second joint component 176 can form a knuckle joint when pivotably coupled together. The first joint component 150 can pivot relative to the second joint component 176 about second pivot axis A2. The second pivot axis A2 can be substantially parallel to the first pivot axis A1 at the inner end 112 of the rib 110. The pivot rod 192 can be any structure capable of provably securing the first joint component 150 to the second joint component 176, including, but not limited to, an axle, a bolt, a pin, or similar device. It is to be understood that in other embodiments, the structure of the first joint component 150 can be switched with the structure of the second joint component 176. For example, instead of the configuration depicted in FIG. 5, the first joint component 150 on the strut 140 can include a single planar projection, and the second joint component 176 on the connecting bracket 170 can include a forked end 152 with a plurality of fork projections 154. Both the second joint component 176 and the first joint component 150 can include forked projections. Additionally, it is to be understood that the first joint component 150 and the second joint components 176 can have any other suitable structure known in the art for enabling a strut 140 to pivot with respect to a rib 110.

FIG. 10A depicts a side view of a rib 210 according to an alternative embodiment. FIG. 10B depicts a transverse cross-section view of the rib 210 of FIG. 10A. As shown in FIG. 10B, instead of the I-shaped cross-section of FIG. 9B, the rib 210 can include a substantially rectangular shaped cross section with one or more, e.g., a plurality such as a pair of recessed channels 230 extending along the elongate body 216 of the rib 210. As shown in FIG. 10B, the recessed channels 230 can be formed or disposed proximal to the bottom surface 220 of the rib 210, e.g., in a bottom half of the rib 210. In other embodiments, the recessed channels 230 can be disposed at the midline L1 of the elongate body 216 or on the top half of the elongate body 216. According to the embodiment of FIGS. 10A-10B, the recessed channels 230 can be a lateral support 130. The recessed channel 230 on a first side 226 of the elongate body 216 of the rib 210 can be a first lateral support 132, and the recessed channel 230 on a second side 228 of the elongate body 216 of the rib 210 can be a second lateral support 134. The recessed channels 230 can be shaped to receive the overhanging support 174 of the connecting bracket 170. The rib 210 can include an inner end 212 and an outer end 214. The rib 210 can include a rib bore 297 at the inner end 212. Aside from the different cross-sectional shape, the rib 210 of FIGS. 10A-10B can be identical to the rib 110 of FIGS. 9A-9B.

In some embodiments, one or more struts 140 can have the same cross-sectional shape as the rib 110. For example, one or more struts 140 can have the same cross-section as the rib 110 of FIGS. 9A-9B or the rib 210 of FIGS. 10A-10B. In some embodiments, one or more struts 140 can have a different cross-sectional shape from the rib 110 or rib 210. For example, one or more struts 140 can have a substantially rectangular, circular, or any other shaped cross-section. Each strut 140 can be substantially rigid. Each strut 140 can be made from any suitable material, including, but not limited to, metals, plastics, polymers, woods, and composites.

In some embodiments, the umbrella assembly 100 can additionally include one or more end caps 198 (see FIG. 2). The one or more end caps 198 can be coupled to the inner end 112 of the rib 110, the outer end 114 of the rib 110, the inner end 142 of the strut 140, and/or the outer end 144 of the strut 140. In some embodiments, the one or more end caps 198 can be plugs shaped to be inserted into and extend from an end of a rib 110 and/or strut 140. In some embodiments, the one or more end caps 198 can be covers shaped to receive an end of a rib 110 and/or strut 140. The one or more end caps 198 can be coupled to a rib 110 and/or strut 140 by any suitable fastening means, including, but not limited to, mechanical fasteners (e.g., rivets, screws, nuts and bolts, etc.), adhesives, welding, snap-fit connections, mechanical friction, thermal bonding, etc. The shape of an end cap 198 coupled to an outer end 114 of a rib 110 can be different or the same as the shape of an end cap 198 coupled to an inner end 112 of a rib 110. The shape of an end cap 198 coupled to an outer end 144 of a strut 140 can be different or the same as the shape of an end cap 198 coupled to an inner end 142 of a strut 140. As discussed above, the first joint component 150 coupled to the outer end 144 of each strut 140 can be an end cap 198. In some embodiments, the one or more end caps 198 can be formed as separate components that are coupled to the rib 110 and/or strut 140. In other embodiments, the one or more end caps 198 can be integrally formed with the rib 110 and/or strut 140. In yet other embodiments, the umbrella assembly 100 may not include any end caps 198. The one or more end caps 198 can be made from any suitable material, including, but not limited to, metals, plastics, polymers, woods, composites, etc.

The connecting bracket 170 can facilitate assembly of the umbrella assembly 100. Specifically, the connecting bracket 170 can reduce the time, number of people, and/or amount of equipment needed to assemble the umbrella assembly 100. As outlined below, the umbrella assembly 100 can be formed by performing several assembly steps. A method of forming an umbrella assembly 100 can include one or more of the steps of pivotably coupling an inner end 112 of a rib 110 to an upper hub 104, pivotably coupling an inner end 142 of a strut 140 to a lower hub 106, coupling a connecting bracket 170 to the rib 110, and coupling the strut 140 to the connecting bracket 170. The step of coupling the connecting bracket 170 to the rib 110 can include advancing the connecting bracket 170 over the elongate body 116 of the rib 110 such that the lateral support 130 and the bottom surface 120 of the rib 110 are received in a substantially C-shaped channel 180 of the connecting bracket 170. The step of coupling the connecting bracket 170 to the rib 110 can also include positioning the connecting bracket 170 at a connection position 124 on the rib 110 where the outer end 144 of the strut 140 is to be coupled with a central portion 122 of the rib 110. The step of coupling the connecting bracket 170 to the rib 110 can also include securing the connecting bracket 170 to the central portion 122 of the rib 110 to provide secondary connection to the central portion 122 of the rib 110 in addition to the self-supporting connection of the connecting bracket 170. The step of securing the connecting bracket 170 to the central portion 122 of the rib 110 can include coupling the connecting bracket 170 to the bottom surface 120 of the rib 110 with a fastener 190. The step of coupling the strut 140 to the connecting bracket 170 can include pivotably coupling a first joint component 150 disposed at the outer end 144 of the strut 140 to a second joint component 176 disposed on the connecting bracket 170. As discussed above, the first joint component 150 can be an end cap 198. Additionally, as discussed above, the rib 110 can have an I-shaped cross-section.

While certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the systems and methods described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present inventions is defined only by reference to the appended claims.

Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.

The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.