Abstract: An umbrella which may be folded into a form of a flat box includes a fixed capstan and a slide capstan which form a flat rectangle. The short edges of the rectangle may be rounded, if desired, the capstans then having an elongated shape. The fixed and slide capstans are provided with notches or grooves on their short edges, which radiate outwardly for the insertion of the ends of the struts. Additional notches or grooves extending generally between the opposing long edges of the capstans are provided for the insertion of additional ends of the struts. The capstans further include annular channels on their peripheries which intersect the notches. A wire is disposed in each annular channel and each wire penetrates through apertures formed in the ends of the struts to retain the struts and to permit them to rotate within the notches or grooves when opening and closing the umbrella.