Abstract: A simplified flat top umbrella includes: a central shaft (1) having an upper notch (11) formed on an upper portion of the shaft (1) and a lower runner (12) slidably held on the shaft (1), a top rib (2) pivotally secured to the upper notch (11), an outer rib (3) fixed to the top rib (2), a stretcher rib (4) pivotally connected between the lower runner (12) and the top rib (2), and a pulling rib (5) secured between the stretcher rib (4) and an outer portion (32) of the outer rib (3); whereby upon extending of the ribs having an umbrella cloth retained thereon for opening the umbrella, the top rib (2) and the outer rib (3) will be lifted to form a generally horizontal canopy and the outer portion (32) of the outer rib (3) will be pulled inwardly by the pulling rib (5) and the stretcher rib (4) to form a skirt portion generally perpendicular to the horizontal canopy, thereby providing a light compact flat top umbrella for a convenient carrying and operation.

Abstract: An umbrella comprises a foldable frame and a web provided having a substantially circular central portion and a substantially annular skirt portion continuous with the central portion. The frame comprises a rigid support shaft, a plurality of ribs pivotably attached to the support shaft at one end thereof, a runner element slidably attached to the shaft, and a plurality of stretcher arms each pivotably fastened at one end to the runner element and at an opposite end to a respective one of the ribs. In addition, the frame includes a plurality of skirt support members each pivotably attached to a free end of a respective one of the ribs, and a plurality of pulling members each pivotably attached at one end to a respective one of the stretcher arms and at an opposite end to a respective one of the skirt support members. The skirt portion of the cover or web is fastened to the skirt support members.