Abstract: An open spaced apart patio sun umbrella which, when the top thereof is raised, undergoes a reshaping into an inverted v-shape closed condition and makes, to the extent it is raised, the location of an unlatching mechanism within convenient reach of a user making unobserved unlatching contact therewith through the bottom opening of the v-shape, even though the unlatching mechanism is masked from view.

Abstract: An umbrella which opens into a noteworthy enlarged expanse due to outer fabric-supporting struts being urged through sliding movement along inner fabric-supporting struts, so that the two fabrics cooperate to provide the enlarged expanse to the umbrella.

Abstract: Folding umbrellas which close into a compact condition, for convenience in storage and portability are, of course, well known. To such umbrella, having the characterizing closing mode in which lower rib portions fold bodily against upper rib portions, there are provided, in one embodiment, cooperating closure panels which move towards each other from opposite sides against the bodily folded ribs and are joined to each other, by snaps, zipper, or the like, so as to effectively serve as an integral cover for the umbrella and, in another embodiment, a sock-like tube which is pulled over the folded-closed umbrella thereby serving as a closure for same.

Abstract: A folding umbrella of the type in which a lower section closes upon an upper section, as both these sections close upon the umbrella rod, and wherein this closing movement is automatically achieved, i.e. is the result of articulating or pivotal movement of the umbrella ribs, rather than being movement that must be manually imparted.