Folding Rotating Umbrella

Abstract

A toy folding umbrella rotatably attached a vehicle base. In one embodiment, the toy folding umbrella has a frame, a central tube, and a cover. Furthermore, the frame comprises a runner slidably attached to the central tube, and at least three ribs with one end of each rib pivotally attached at or near the top of the central tube. Moreover, the folding umbrella rotates from a first configuration to a second configuration when the runner slides on the central tube.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to and is based on U.S. Patent Application No. 61/477,713, filed Apr. 21, 2011, entitled "Folding Rotatable Umbrella," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates generally to folding umbrellas for use in various toys. More specifically, the invention is directed to a folding umbrella which is configured to selectively transition between an opened configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the umbrella may be rotated about the vertical axis between the opened configuration and closed configurations.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Umbrellas and canopies have long been incorporated as accessories in toys. Toy dolls carrying an umbrella or toy carriages utilizing a canopy to protect the carriage and its contents are well known in the art. A few examples of the use of umbrellas and canopies in toys may be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,365,819 to Bart, and U.S. Pat. No. 1,186,005 to Kessler. However, the prior art teaches the use of symmetrically shaped umbrellas and canopies incorporated into toys, which may not adequately protect and/or cover an asymmetrically shaped toy. Furthermore, the prior art generally teaches a fixed umbrella or canopy, which lacks the added play features of extension and retraction. Finally, the prior art fails to teach an umbrella capable of unfolding in one orientation, and rotating to a second orientation to better accommodate the shape of the toy and its contents.

[0004] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a folding umbrella capable of being transitioned between a closed configuration and an opened configuration, such that the umbrella is capable or rotating about the vertical axis at or about the opened configuration, to better align with the toy and its contents. It is further desirable to provide a folding umbrella configured to avoid contacting the toy and/or contents of the toy, when transitioning the umbrella from the closed configuration to the opened configuration.

SUMMARY

[0005] In one embodiment of the invention, a folding umbrella is provided comprising a frame, a central tube, and a cover. The frame comprises a runner upward and downward slidably attached to the central tube, and at least three ribs with one end of each rib pivotally attached at or near the top of the central tube. The frame further comprises at least three stretchers each pivotally attached to the runner at one end of each stretcher, with each stretcher further attached to about the near midpoint of one, and only one, of the at least three ribs at the opposing end of each of the three stretchers. The umbrella further comprises a cover spanning the frame and attached to the distal ends of the at least three ribs, the cover configured to expand (defining an opened configuration) and collapse (defining a closed configuration) when sliding the runner on the central tube. In the present embodiment, the frame and cover are rectangular in shape to better accommodate a rectangular toy. Although three ribs and three corresponding stretchers have been provided, additional ribs and stretchers may be utilized as necessary.

[0006] In another embodiment, the umbrella is configured in an alternative asymmetrical shape to better accommodate an asymmetrically shaped toy and/or the contents of a toy. In a further embodiment, the asymmetrical umbrella may be transitioned from a closed configuration to an opened configuration with the umbrella in a first orientation, thus avoiding contact with the toy, and vertically rotating the umbrella to a second orientation, to better align with the toy.

[0007] In an embodiment of the invention, the umbrella further comprises a trigger for actuating transition of the umbrella from the closed configuration to the opened configuration. In one embodiment, the trigger incorporates a resilient member biased towards the opened configuration to realize transition of the umbrella from the closed configuration to the opened configuration. In another embodiment, the trigger incorporates a resilient member biased towards the closed configuration to realize transition of the umbrella from the opened configuration to the closed configuration.

[0008] In one embodiment, a portion of the surface of the central tube of the umbrella may be helical to rotate the umbrella frame in the vertical axis. In another embodiment, the umbrella may comprise a torsion spring positioned between the central tube and runner, and configured to rotate the umbrella frame about the central tube in the vertical axis.

[0009] In one embodiment, the umbrella may further comprise at least one latch configured on the central tube to maintain the umbrella in the opened configuration and/or closed configuration.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, the umbrella further comprises a base for housing the umbrella in the closed configuration. In yet another embodiment, the base and/or umbrella may be attached to a vehicle, such as a carriage.

[0011] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood more readily after consideration of the Detailed Description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 provides a side perspective view of a toy vehicle with a folding rotating umbrella in an opened configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 provides a side perspective view of the toy vehicle of FIG. 1 with the cover removed.

[0014] FIG. 3 provides a bottom perspective view of the folding rotating umbrella of the toy vehicle of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 4 provides a side perspective view of the folding rotating umbrella of FIG. 1 in an opened configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 5 provides a side perspective view of the folding rotating umbrella of FIG. 1 transitioning between an opened configuration and a closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 6 provides a side perspective view of the folding rotating umbrella of FIG. 1 in a closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 7 provides a side perspective view of the toy vehicle of FIG. 1 illustrating the folding rotating umbrella being retracted into a base of the toy vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 8 provides a side perspective view of the toy vehicle of FIG. 1 with toy figures in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 9 provides a cross-sectional view of the folding rotating umbrella of FIG. 1 in a closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 10 provides a cross-sectional view of a portion of the folding rotating umbrella of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 11 provides a side perspective view of another portion of the folding rotating umbrella of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 12 provides a side perspective view of some components of the folding rotating umbrella of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 13 provides a side perspective view of other components of the folding rotating umbrella of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 14 provides a bottom perspective view of additional components of the folding rotating umbrella of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 15 provides a side perspective view of another portion of the folding rotating umbrella of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] FIGS. 1 and 2 provide side perspective views of a folding rotating umbrella 10 in an opened configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The umbrella 10 features a central tube 14, and a frame 12 (see FIG. 2) comprising a runner 18 upward and downwardly slidably attached to the central tube 14. The frame 12 also comprises at least three ribs 16 with one end of each rib 16 pivotally attached near or at the top of the central tube 14. The frame 12 also comprises at least three stretchers 20 each pivotally attached to the runner 18 at one end of each stretcher 20, with each stretcher 20 further attached about the near midpoint of each rib 16 at the opposing end of each stretcher 20. It should be noted that the number of stretchers 20 should correlate with the number of ribs 16. Although three ribs 16 and three stretchers 20 have been provided, additional ribs 16 and stretchers 20 may be utilized as necessary. The umbrella 10 further comprises a cover 22 spanning the frame 12 and attached to each of the distal ends of the at least three ribs 16, providing a canopy. The cover 22, in conjunction with the frame 12, is configured to expand and collapse when sliding the runner 18 on the central tube 14, leading to the opened configuration and closed configuration of the umbrella. In the present embodiment, the frame 12 and cover 22 are rectangular in shape to better align with a rectangular toy, shown herein as a carriage 26.

[0028] In operation, the frame 12 is configured to horizontally expand the at least three ribs 16 by positioning the runner 18 proximal to the ribs 16, thus defining an opened configuration. Conversely, positioning the runner 18 a distance away from the ribs 16, collapses the at least three ribs 16, defining a closed configuration. The at least three stretchers 20 each act as a fulcrum lever between the at least three ribs 16 and runner 18. Vertically sliding the runner 18 on the central tube 14, forces the at least three stretchers 20 to expand and contract the at least three ribs 16 and attached cover 22. A resilient member 30 is configured about the runner 18 and central tube 14 and biased to position the runner 18 proximal to the ribs 16, prompting the umbrella 10 towards the opened configuration. Alternatively, the runner 18 may be manually configured vertically on the center tube 16 to achieve the opened configuration and closed configuration. In a further embodiment, at least one latch (not shown) may be incorporated on the central tube 16 to retain the umbrella 10 in the opened configuration and/or closed configuration.

[0029] The frame 12 is further configured to rotate approximately ninety degrees about the central tube 14 in the vertical axis, when the umbrella 10 is in or near the opened configuration. In one embodiment, the central tube 14 comprises a partially helical surface at about the top of the central tube 14 to rotate the frame 12 approximately ninety degrees. As the umbrella frame 12 and cover 22 are rectangular in shape, the umbrella 10 may be transitioned from the closed configuration to the opened configuration with the length of the umbrella perpendicular to the length of the carriage 26. When the umbrella 10 is in or near the opened configuration, the frame 12 and cover 22 are prompted to rotate approximately ninety degrees about the central tube 14 in the vertical axis, aligning the length of the umbrella parallel with the length of the carriage 26. The delayed rotation of the umbrella 10 allows the umbrella 10 to be unfolded into a first orientation, avoiding contact with the carriage 26 and/or carriage contents, and subsequently rotated to a second orientation to fully encompass the carriage 22.

[0030] FIG. 1 further provides a base 24 attached to the carriage 26 for supporting the umbrella 10 and storing the umbrella 10 in the closed configuration. The base 24 comprises a stand 28, upon which the central tube 14 is attached. The stand 28 is configured to subside into the base 24, with the umbrella 10 in the closed configuration. The stand 28 may incorporate the resilient member 30 to raise the stand 28, when transitioning the umbrella 10 from within the base 24 in the closed configuration, to outside the base 24 and the opened configuration. In an alternative embodiment, a bias member 40 (see FIG. 9) may be utilized for raising the stand 28 beyond the base 24. In further embodiments, the resilient member 30 and/or bias member 40 may incorporate a slow release mechanism 36 (see FIG. 9) to limit the rate of ascent and/or descent of the stand 28 and/or umbrella 10.

[0031] FIG. 2 further provides an umbrella 10 without the cover 22, to better illustrate components of the frame 12. As detailed above, the umbrella 10 comprises a central tube 14, and a frame 12 comprising a runner 18 vertically slidably attached to the central tube 14, at least three ribs 16, and at least three stretchers 20. To accommodate the rectangular shape of the umbrella cover 22, various lengths for each of the at least three ribs 16 may be utilized.

[0032] FIG. 3 provides a bottom perspective view of a folding rotating umbrella 10 in an opened configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The varied lengths of each of the at least three ribs 16 and rectangular shape of the umbrella cover 22 are clearly differentiated in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 further illustrates the attachment of the cover 22 to the at least three ribs 16, such that the distal ends of each of the three ribs 16 are attached to the periphery of the cover 22.

[0033] FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 provide side perspective views of a folding rotating umbrella 10 in an opened configuration, a transitioning configuration, and a closed configuration, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A front portion of the cover 22 has been folded back in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 to better illustrate transformation of the frame 12 between the opened configuration and closed configuration. In FIG. 4, the runner 18, central tube 16, and resilient member 30 are situated in the opened configuration, where the runner 18 is prompted proximal to the at least three ribs 16 by the resilient member 30. The runner 18 in FIG. 4 is oriented such that the length of the umbrella is parallel to the length of the carriage 26 (not shown). FIG. 5 illustrates an umbrella 10 transitioning between an opened configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the runner 18 is distal to the at least three ribs 16 (in comparison with FIG. 4), thus resisting the resilient member 30 and collapsing the frame 12. As described above, the umbrella 10 and its frame 12 rotate as they move from the opened configuration to the closed configuration. Accordingly, the orientation of the frame 12 in FIG. 5 is situated such that the length or longitudinal axis of the umbrella 10 is perpendicular to the length or longitudinal axis of the carriage 26 (not shown) once it rotates about a vertical axis.

[0034] In FIG. 6, the umbrella 10 in a closed configuration with the length of the umbrella perpendicular to the length of the carriage 26. FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 illustrate the variance in proximity, between the runner 18 and the stand 28, as the umbrella transitions from the opened configuration to the closed configuration. The clear gap visible between the runner 18 and stand 28 in FIG. 4 is void in FIG. 6, indicating the full transformation of the frame from the opened configuration to the closed configuration.

[0035] FIG. 7 provides a side perspective view of a folding rotating umbrella 10 in a closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The base 24 is shown attached to the carriage 26, with the umbrella frame 12, central tube 14, and stand 28 (all not shown) entombed in the base 24. FIG. 7 further provides a trigger 32 mounted on the carriage 26 floor and configured to release the umbrella 10 and stand 28 in the base 24, via a latch (not shown) in communication with the stand 28 and trigger 32, allowing a resilient member 30 and/or bias member 40 (see FIG. 9) to prompt or bias the umbrella 10 and/or stand 28.

[0036] FIG. 8 provides a side perspective view of a folding rotating umbrella 10 in an opened configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The umbrella 10 is mounted to the base 24 which is situated in the carriage 26. The carriage 26 is rectangular in shape and contains four dolls 34, which are placed at opposing ends of the rectangular carriage 26. The umbrella 10 is shaped to cover the periphery of the rectangular carriage 26. As stated earlier, the umbrella 10 is transitioned from a closed configuration (with the length of the umbrella 10 perpendicular to the length of the carriage 26) to an opened configuration (with the length of the umbrella 10 being parallel to the length of the carriage 26). This orientation allows the umbrella 10 to unfold without contacting the dolls 34. When the umbrella 10 is in or near the opened configuration, the frame 12 changes orientation by rotating approximately ninety degrees about the central tube 14 in the vertical axis, aligning the length of the umbrella parallel with the length of the carriage 26 and providing adequate cover for the carriage 26 and dolls 34.

[0037] FIG. 9 provides a cross-sectional view of a folding rotating umbrella 10 in a closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The cross-sectional view of the umbrella 10 details the central tube 14, at least three ribs 16, runner 18, and the at least three stretchers. FIG. 9 further illustrates a slow-release mechanism 36 which may be incorporated to limit the rate of ascent and/or descent for the umbrella 10 and/or stand 28. Also illustrated in FIG. 9 is a torsion spring 38 positioned between the central tube 14 and runner 18, and configured to rotate the umbrella frame 12 about the central tube 14 in the vertical axis. Finally, FIG. 9 also provides a bias member 40, which may be utilized for raising the stand 28. The bias member 40 is configured in the vertical axis and fitted to a pilot rod 54 (see FIG. 12), which is attached to the stand 28 and coupled through the central tube 14 to provide stability to the bias member 40. In the present embodiment the bias member 40 may be biased to raise the stand 28 outside the base 24, allowing the umbrella 10 to transition from the closed configuration to the opened configuration.

[0038] FIG. 10 provides a cross-sectional view of a portion of a folding rotating umbrella in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The stand 28 and several inner components of the stand 28 are displayed, with a detailed view of the slow release mechanism 36. FIG. 10 also provides a pinion gear 42 rotatably attached to the stand 28 for rotating the frame 12 (not shown) in the vertical axis. The outer periphery of the pinion gear 42 is partially lined with teeth, which mate to teeth found on an outer periphery of a spur gear 44 (see FIG. 11) formed on or coupled to the central tube 14. As seen in FIG. 11, the uppermost end of the central tube 14 contains a spur gear 44 partially lined with teeth, and configured to mate to the pinion gear 42. Rotation of the pinion gear 42 rotates the spur gear 44, which in turn rotates the corresponding frame about the vertical axis.

[0039] FIG. 12 provides a side perspective view of a portion of a folding rotating umbrella in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 provides a detailed view of the bias member 40 housed in the stand 28 for prompting or biasing the umbrella 10 and/or stand 28. The bias member 40 is fitted to a pilot rod 54, which is attached to the stand 28 and coupled through the central tube 14 to provide stability to the bias member 40 as it compresses and depresses in the vertical axis (see FIG. 10). The bias member 40 is further attached to an actuating lever 56 that is slidably attached to the pilot rod 54. The actuating lever 56 is configured to upwardly slide upon the pilot rod 54, prompted or biased by the bias member 40, to rotate the pinion gear 42, thereabout rotating the central tube 14 and attached frame 12 (not shown). In the present embodiment the bias member 40 is biased to configure the umbrella 10 from the closed configuration to the opened configuration.

[0040] FIG. 13 provides a side perspective view of a portion of a folding rotating umbrella in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Details of the central tube 14 have been provided in FIG. 13, including the torsion spring 38 and resilient member 30. Further depicted are coupling points 46 of ribs to the central tube. Each coupling point 46 is configured to allow for pivoting of the rib 16 (not shown) at the central tube 14 in the horizontal axis. The runner (see FIG. 14) has been omitted to better depict the central tube 14.

[0041] FIG. 14 provides a side perspective view of a portion of a folding rotating umbrella in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is an isolated bottom perspective view of the runner 18, detailing multiple runners to stretcher coupling points 48. The coupling points 48 are configured to allow for pivoting of the stretcher 20 (not shown) at the runner 18 in the horizontal axis. FIG. 14 further depict two tabs 50 located on the inner circumference of the runner 18. The tabs 50 are intended to restrict movement of the runner 18, when matted to the central tube 14, in the vertical axis, while allowing the runner 18 to slidably engage the central tube 14 in the horizontal axis.

[0042] FIG. 15 provides a side perspective view of a portion of a folding rotating umbrella in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 provides a side perspective view of a rib 16 disengaged from the central tube 14 (not shown). The proximal end 58 of the rib 16 may be pivotally attached to a coupling point 46 (see FIG. 13) with the distal end 60 of the rib 16 attached to the cover 22 (not shown). FIG. 15 also provides a stretcher 20 attached to about the mid point 52 of the rib 16.

[0043] The frame 12, central tube 14, base 24, and stand 28 may be fabricated from any suitable material, or combination of materials, such as plastic, foamed plastic, wood, cardboard, pressed paper, metal, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. The cover 22 may be fabricated from any suitable material, or combinations of materials, such as plastic, foamed plastic, pressed paper, supple natural or synthetic materials including, but not limited to, cotton, elastomers, polyester, plastic, rubber, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. Suitable plastics may include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or the like. Suitable foamed plastics may include expanded or extruded polystyrene, expanded or extruded polypropylene, EVA foam, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0044] The resilient member 30 and bias member 40 are defined herein as a bias member which compresses (and recovers) in an at least a generally linear direction, including, but not limited to, a spring, a resilient plastic, or a rubber. The resilient member 30 and bias member 40 may be fabricated from any suitable material, or combinations of materials, such as supple natural or synthetic materials including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, elastomers, polyester, rubber, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0045] Alternative means to describe the present invention include the following. In one embodiment, a folding umbrella, comprises a central tube; a frame rotatably attached to the central tube, comprising: at least three ribs pivotally attached to the central tube; at least three stretchers each pivotally attached to each and only one of the at least three ribs; and a runner slidably attached to the central tube and attached to the at least three stretchers; and a cover attached to the frame, wherein the frame rotates from a first configuration to a second configuration when sliding the runner on the central tube.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment, the umbrella above, wherein the cover is asymmetrical in shape.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment, the umbrella above, wherein the runner is proximal to the at least three ribs in the first configuration.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment, the umbrella above, wherein the runner is distal to the at least three ribs in the second configuration.

[0049] In an alternative embodiment, the umbrella above, wherein the first configuration of the umbrella is perpendicular to the second configuration of the umbrella in the vertical axis.

[0050] In an alternative embodiment, the umbrella above, wherein a portion of the central tube is helical.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment, the umbrella above, further comprising a torsion spring in communication with the central tube and runner, configured to rotate the frame about the central tube in vertical axis.

[0052] In an alternative embodiment, the umbrella above, further comprising a resilient member in communication with the central tube and runner, configured to prompt the runner proximate to the at least three ribs.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment, the umbrella above, further comprising a latch attached to the central tube and configured to maintain the umbrella in the first configuration and/or second configuration.

[0054] In an alternative embodiment, the umbrella above, further comprising a stand attached to the central tube for supporting the umbrella.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment, the umbrella above, further comprising a base attached to the stand for housing the umbrella and/or stand.

[0056] In an alternative embodiment, the umbrella above, further comprising a vehicle attached to the umbrella.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment, the umbrella above, further comprising a trigger for transforming the umbrella between a first configuration and second configuration.

[0058] It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where any description recites "a" or "a first" element or the equivalent thereof, such disclosure should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

[0059] While the invention has been described in detail and with references to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. For example, the majority of the elements can be formed of molded plastic. However, in alternative embodiments, the elements can be formed of a material other than plastic provided that the material has sufficient strength for the component's intended function.

Claims

1. A toy folding umbrella, comprising: a central tube; a frame rotatably attached to the central tube, comprising: at least three ribs pivotally attached to the central tube; at least three stretchers, each of the stretchers being pivotally attached to one of the at least three ribs; and a runner slidably attached to the central tube and attached to the at least three stretchers; and a cover attached to the frame, wherein the frame rotates from a first configuration to a second configuration when the runner slides on the central tube.

2. The toy folding umbrella of claim 1, wherein each of the ribs includes an end that is coupled to the central tube, and the runner is proximal to the ends of the ribs in the first configuration.

3. The toy folding umbrella of claim 1, wherein each of the ribs includes an end that is coupled to the central tube, and the runner is distal to the ends of the ribs in the second configuration.

4. The toy folding umbrella of claim 1, wherein the first configuration of the umbrella is perpendicular to the second configuration of the umbrella relative to a vertical axis.

5. The toy folding umbrella of claim 1, wherein a portion of the central tube is helical.

6. The toy folding umbrella of claim 1, further comprising: a torsion spring in communication with the central tube and runner, the torsion spring being configured to rotate the frame about the central tube about a vertical axis.

7. The toy folding umbrella of claim 1, further comprising: a resilient member in communication with the central tube and runner, the resilient member being configured to bias the runner proximate to the at least three ribs.

8. The toy folding umbrella of claim 1, further comprising: a latch attached to the central tube and configured to maintain the umbrella in at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration.

9. The toy folding umbrella of claim 1, further comprising: a stand attached to the central tube and a base attached to the stand, the stand for supporting the umbrella, and the base for housing at least one of the umbrella or the stand.

10. The toy folding umbrella of claim 1, further comprising: a vehicle attached to the umbrella.

11. The toy folding umbrella of claim 1, further comprising: a trigger for transforming the umbrella between a first configuration and second configuration.

12. A toy vehicle with a folding umbrella, comprising: a base; a central tube coupled to the base, the central tube configured to be at least partially housed within the base; a frame rotatably attached to the central tube, comprising: at least three ribs pivotally attached to the central tube; at least three stretchers, each of the stretchers being pivotally attached to one of the at least three ribs; and a runner slidably attached to the central tube and attached to the at least three stretchers; and a cover attached to the frame, wherein the frame rotates from a first configuration to a second configuration when the runner slides on the central tube.

13. The toy vehicle of claim 12, wherein each of the ribs includes an end that is coupled to the central tube, and the runner is proximal to the ends of the ribs in the first configuration.

14. The toy vehicle of claim 12, wherein each of the ribs includes an end that is coupled to the central tube, and the runner is distal to the ends of the ribs in the second configuration.

15. The toy vehicle of claim 12, wherein the first configuration of the umbrella is perpendicular to the second configuration of the umbrella in a vertical axis.

16. The toy vehicle of claim 12, wherein a portion of the central tube is helical.

17. The toy vehicle of claim 12, further comprising: a torsion spring in communication with the central tube and runner, the torsion spring being configured to rotate the frame about the central tube about the vertical axis.

18. The toy vehicle of claim 12, further comprising: a vehicle body, the vehicle body including the base and being configured to support a toy figure, the frame being retractable into the base of the vehicle body.

19. A toy, comprising: a vehicle having a base and a stand coupled to the base; a central tube coupled to the stand and configured to be at least partially housed within the base; a frame rotatably attached to the central tube, comprising: at least three ribs pivotally attached to the central tube; at least three stretchers, each of the stretchers being pivotally attached to one of the at least three ribs; a runner slidably attached to the central tube and attached to the at least three stretchers; a torsion spring configured to rotate the frame about the central tube about the vertical axis; and a resilient member in communication with the central tube and runner, configured to prompt the runner proximate to the at least three ribs; and a cover attached to the frame, wherein the frame rotates from a first configuration to a second configuration when the runner slides on the central tube.

20. The toy of claim 19, wherein the frame is retractable into the vehicle.

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