Abstract: An umbrella having a simplified construction which dispenses with the stretcher members of conventional umbrellas and has one end hinged to the central portion of each rib. Said umbrella includes a runner (4) axially slidable along the umbrella pole (1) between a folded position in which the ribs (3, 3') can be folded against the pole, and an unfurled position in which the runner engages the ribs and holds them in the extended position. For this purpose, the runner comprises an upper frusto-conical portion (46) engageable with the ends (35) of the reinforcing portions (31) of the ribs.