Fiber re-inforced plastic frame of self-opening umbrella

Abstract

A frame of self-opening umbrella is provided wherein both ribs and spreaders are formed of lightweight fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) tube. Also there is no provision of pin and legs of second pivotal member between each link formed of stainless steel and each spreader. Each link has an upper hook end coupled to the pivotal hole in both the pivotal member and the spreader. Accordingly, the folded umbrella has a reduced space. The umbrella consists of simple constituent components and has an aesthetic appearance.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A self-opening umbrella having a frame supported by a center post, the frame comprising: 
 a lower ring slidably mounted on a lower portion of the post;    an upper ring slidably mounted on an upper portion of the post;    a hub disposed on a top of the post;    a spring mounted on the post and biased between the lower ring and the upper ring;    a plurality of ribs, each being formed of fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) tube, and including an inner end thereof pivotally extended from the hub and a first pivotal member sleeved thereon;    a plurality of spreaders, each being formed of FRP tube and including an outer connecting element mounted at an outer end thereof pivotably coupled to the first pivotal member of the rib and an inner connecting element mounted at an inner end thereof pivotably coupled to the upper ring;    a plurality of second pivotal member, each having a through bore therein and sleeved on the spreader; and    a plurality of links formed of stainless steel, each including a lower hook end coupled to the lower ring and an upper hook end coupled to the second pivotal member;    wherein a first pivotal hole is provided on each of the spreader and a second pivotal hole is provided on each of the second pivotal member, when each of the spreader is passed through each of the second pivotal member and inserted into the inner connecting element and assembled together, the first pivotal hole of spreader and the second pivotal hole of the second pivotal member are aligned together to thereby enable the upper hook end of each link to be pivotally coupled to the first and second pivotal holes therein.    
     
     
         2 . The umbrella of  claim 1 , wherein each second pivotal member is formed of metal tube.  
     
     
         3 . The umbrella of  claim 1 , wherein the second pivotal member and the associated inner connecting element are integrally formed.  
     
     
         4 . The umbrella of  claim 1 , wherein an outer end of the inner connecting element contacts an inner end of the second pivotal member.  
     
     
         5 . The umbrella of  claim 1 , wherein each of the inner connecting element and the pivotal member are formed by plastic injection molding.