Abstract: A customization kit for a hand-held umbrella and methods fostering customization of such an umbrella are provided. In one disclosed embodiment, the method allows arranging in a baseline umbrella configuration one or more removable components for the umbrella. The removable component may be a component which is unblocked relative to a view of an external observer when the umbrella is in a closed condition. The method further allows configuring a customizing kit including an assortment of customizing components at least some of which are in a pre-finished condition, removing the removable component, and performing a customizing action in connection with the removable component resulting in a transformed umbrella look perceivable by the external observer when the umbrella is in the closed condition. In another embodiment, the customizing action may be accomplished with a replacement component manufactured by way of additive manufacturing.

Abstract: Improved gripping structures for a hand-held umbrella are provided. In one example structure, a first grip is fixedly attached to an end of a shaft of the umbrella, such as the end located distally away from a canopy of the umbrella. A second grip is coupled to the shaft. The second grip may be slidably repositionable along the shaft. The second grip may include an interlocking device to lock the second grip at a desired location along the shaft. The second grip may further include a runner interface. An accessory mount may be disposed at the first grip to couple an accessory, such as a camera, at the end of the shaft distally away from the canopy of the umbrella.