Abstract: A frame for an umbrella has a shaft in two parts 4, 5 connected by a joint 1. Stretchers 6 extend from a runner 2 on the lower shaft part 5 to attachment points on the ribs. A sleeve 10 is located loosely on the upper shaft part so that it can slide over the joint and lock it in the straight configuration. To provide easy access to the sleeve in order to be able to lift it off the joint and allow the shaft to tilt, the runner 2 has an operating rod 30 which allows a user to lift the sleeve without putting his fingers through the stretchers 6.

Abstract: A frame for an umbrella has a shaft (4,5), ribs (7) extending radially from the top of the shaft, and stretchers (6) extending from a runner (2) on the shaft to attachment points on the ribs. The shaft comprises first and second parts (4,5) connected by a pivot or bending portion, e.g. a joint (1), located at a position between the top of the shaft and the runner (2) to allow the axis of the upper part of the shaft to be set in a position inclined to the axis of the part of the shaft below the pivot. This provides a stable tilting arrangement. Advantageously, the joint (1) can be a snap-in ball joint which is easy to assemble and manipulate.