Abstract: A strutless umbrella frame for supporting a canopy, the strutless umbrella frame comprising a central post, a plurality of ribs each pivotally mounted to the central post about a pivot axis, an actuator arranged for operating the umbrella frame between the closed and open position; and a connection arranged for hingendly connecting each of the plurality of ribs to the actuator. The actuator comprises at least one air spring and first regulator and a second fluid regulator. The actuator is configured for opening the umbrella, in response to a predetermined opening force applied initially by the pivoting movement of at least one of ribs, and for closing the umbrella in response to a predetermined closing force applied initially by the pivoting movement of the at least one of the ribs.

Abstract: A strutless umbrella frame for supporting a canopy, the strutless umbrella f comprising a central post, a plurality of ribs each pivotally mounted to the central post about a pivot axis, an actuator arranged for operating the umbrella frame between the closed and open position; and a connection arranged for hingendly connecting each of the plurality of ribs to the actuator. The actuator comprises at least one air spring and first regulator and a second fluid regulator. The actuator is configured for opening the umbrella, in response to a predetermined opening force applied initially by the pivoting movement of at least one of ribs, and for closing the umbrella in response to a predetermined closing force applied initially by the pivoting movement of the at least one of the ribs.