Frame for objects that open out, such as umbrellas

Abstract

The structure, for the radial deployment of branches ( 7 ) about a mast ( 1 ) bearing a slide ( 6, 8 ) mobile between a position of deployment and a position of folding of the branches ( 7 ), is noteworthy in that each branch ( 7 ) is mounted pivotally, at a predetermined intermediary pivot point ( 9 ), on one end of a retaining arm ( 4 ), working in extension upon the passage to the position of deployment, in order to hold the intermediate point ( 9 ) at a given distance from an apex ( 5 ) of the mast to which is connected an apical end of the arm ( 4 ), retention being exerted against the action of the slide ( 6, 8 ) moving away from the apex ( 5 ) an end, hinge mounted, controlling deployment of the branch ( 7 ).

1 . Structure for the radial deployment of branches ( 7 ) about a mast ( 1 ) bearing a slide ( 6 ,  8 ) mobile between a position of deployment and a position of folding of the branches ( 7 ), characterised by the fact that each branch ( 7 ) is mounted pivotally, at a predetermined intermediary pivot point ( 9 ), on one end of a retaining arm ( 4 ), working in extension upon the passage to the position of deployment, in order to hold the intermediate point ( 9 ) at a given distance from an apex ( 5 ) of the mast to which is connected an apical end of the arm ( 4 ), retention being exerted against the action of the slide ( 6 ,  8 ) moving away from the apex ( 5 ) an end, hinge mounted, controlling deployment of the branch ( 7 ).  
     
     
         2 . Structure according to  claim 1 , comprising first covering means ( 15 ), borne by the arms ( 4 ), and second covering means ( 11 ) borne by a section of each branch ( 7 ) radially external in relation to the intermediate pivot point ( 9 ) and folded back, about a free end of the external section, to be connected to means of radial retention in the area ( 14 ) of a section of branch radially internal in relation to the pivot point ( 9 ).  
     
     
         3 . Structure according to  claim 2 , in which the first covering means ( 15 ) and the second covering means ( 11 ) are removable, the second covering means ( 11 ) comprising hems ( 12 ) for receiving the free ends of the external sections of the branches ( 7 ) and the means of radial retention being arranged to ensure that the second covering means ( 11 ) are kept under tension.  
     
     
         4 . Structure according to one of claims  2  and  3 , in which the first covering means ( 15 ) comprise a central orifice, for the passage of an end section of the mast ( 1 ) arranged to receive a capping end piece ( 3 ), and a peripheral zone of the first covering means ( 15 ) is arranged to co-operate with means for keeping the first covering means ( 15 ) under tension.  
     
     
         5 . Structure according to one of  claims 1  to  4 , in which there is provided, on the periphery of the second covering means ( 11 ), a hem ( 18 ) for receiving a flexible tie ( 19 ), in a loop of adjustable length, as a safeguard against the branches ( 7 ) going beyond the deployed position.  
     
     
         6 . Structure according to one of  claims 1  to  5 , to limit a useful volume beyond the apex ( 5 ) of the mast ( 1 ), in which the slide ( 6 ,  8 ) has a sliding length greater than the length of the arms ( 4 ), in order to enable the branches ( 7 ), at the time of deployment, to fold back towards the arms ( 4 ).  
     
     
         7 . Structure according to one of  claims 1  to  6 , of the grapnel type, comprising a pin ( 25 ) for restricting the travel of the slide ( 6 ,  8 ) through cooperation with two respective holes in the mast ( 1 ) and in the slide ( 6 ,  8 ), one of the holes being an axial groove with a length corresponding to a travel distance of the slide ( 6 ,  8 ) permitting passage between the folded back position and a position with a predetermined deployment.  
     
     
         8 . Structure according to one of  claims 1  to  7 , in which the mast ( 1 ) comprises two sections connected by a folding hinge ( 23 ) located in a travel range of the slide ( 6 ,  8 ), so as to make it possible, in the folded back position, to fold the mast ( 1 ) and, in deployed position, to keep the two sections of the mast ( 1 ) aligned by locking the joint of the mast ( 1 ) by the slide ( 6 ,  8 ).  
     
     
         9 . Structure according to one of  claims 1  to  8 , for, in particular, a foldable umbrella, in which each branch ( 7 ) comprises two mutually hinged segments ( 9 ′), with the radially outer segment extending towards the mast ( 1 ) beyond the mutual joint ( 9 ′), to provide the intermediate point ( 9 ) of pivoting on the arm ( 4 ).  
     
     
         10 . Structure according to one of  claims 1  to  9 , comprising an axial spring ( 22 ) biasing the slide ( 6 ,  8 ) away from the apex ( 5 ) of the mast ( 1 ), by bearing on a zone of the apex ( 5 ).  
     
     
         11 . Structure according to  claim 10 , in which the mast ( 1 ) comprises an axial housing for the coil spring ( 22 ).  
     
     
         12 . Structure according to one of  claims 1  to  11 , comprising a means for operating the slide ( 6 ,  8 ), extending substantially radially in relation to the mast ( 1 ), to move the slide ( 6 ,  8 ) towards a base part of the mast ( 1 ).  
     
     
         13 . Structure according to one of  claims 1  to  12 , in which the slide ( 6 ,  8 ) is a tube surrounding the mast ( 1 ).