Abstract: The disclosure herein provides modular cover systems for protecting furniture and other objects. In an embodiment, a furniture protection system comprises a first cover portion comprising a front surface and a back surface interconnected by a top surface, the first cover portion configured to substantially cover a front, back, and top surface of a first furniture component; and a second cover portion comprising a front surface and a back surface interconnected by a top surface, the second cover portion configured to substantially cover a front, back, and top surface of a second furniture component, wherein a first edge of the first cover portion comprises a first releasable fastener for connecting the first cover portion to the second cover portion, and wherein a second edge of the second cover portion comprises a second releasable fastener configured to engage the first releasable.

Abstract: A tilt device for a patio umbrella has a collar that is provided for slidable movement around the exterior surface of a first pole section of the patio umbrella, and a vertical spring positioned inside the first pole section and having an upper end provided in a fixed position. The tilt device further includes a coupling leg coupled to the collar and positioned inside the first pole section, with the coupling leg having a top edge that abuts the lower end of the vertical spring. The tilt device also has a guide track positioned inside a second pole section of the patio umbrella, with a bottom edge of the coupling leg positioned inside the guide track for reciprocating movement therein.

Abstract: A patio umbrella has a pole, a plurality of primary ribs extending from the pole, a hub slidably supported on the pole, and a plurality of secondary ribs, each secondary rib having a first end pivotally coupled to the hub and a second end pivotally coupled to one of the primary ribs. The patio umbrella has a ledge positioned on the pole, and a spring slidably supported on the pole between the hub and the ledge. The patio umbrella can also have at least one stretcher having a first end pivotally coupled to one of the secondary ribs, and a second end pivotally coupled to the ledge.