Abstract: A system includes a topper support having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the topper support is configured for operative coupling to an upper end of an umbrella. The second end is positioned above the upper end of the umbrella when the first end is coupled to the upper end of the umbrella. The second end of the topper support is configured for operative coupling to an accessory topper. A system includes an umbrella, an accessory topper, and a topper support. The topper support is configured for operatively coupling the accessory topper to the umbrella. A system includes an umbrella, an accessory topper, and an adapter. The adapter is configured for operatively coupling the accessory topper to the umbrella. A system includes an umbrella having an accessory topper as a permanent component of the umbrella.

Abstract: An umbrella having a quick release finial and a quick release cam cleat assembly is provided. The quick release finial includes a ball plunger assembly and a lever arm for applying force to release the ball plunger. The quick release cam cleat assembly includes a pivotable cam cleat and a pivotable gravity lock rocker arm.

Abstract: An umbrella hub is provided that includes an inner portion, an outer periphery, a lower portion and an upper portion. A plurality of vertical grooves is disposed in the outer periphery and is configured to receive umbrella ribs or struts. A plurality of grooves extends transverse to the vertical grooves. A retention member is disposed in each of the transverse grooves. A first configuration of the hub permits deflection of the retention member such that a transverse pin coupled with the umbrella ribs or struts can be inserted into the transverse groove in which the retention member is disposed. A second configuration of the hub prevents deflection of the retention member such that inadvertent withdrawal of the pin from the transverse groove in which the retention member is disposed is prevented.

Abstract: A modular umbrella includes a fixed hub device mounted on a top end of a post and a runner device slideably mounted to the post. The fixed hub device is detachably coupled with four, six, or eight rib seats for coupling with a corresponding number of ribs. A corresponding number of stretchers is detachably mounted between the ribs and the rib seats. Thus, the modular umbrella can be assembled to include four, six, or eight ribs and can be arranged to support a square or rectangular canopy.

Abstract: An umbrella hub is provided that includes an inner portion, an outer periphery, a lower portion and an upper portion. A plurality of vertical grooves is disposed in the outer periphery and is configured to receive umbrella ribs or struts. A plurality of grooves extends transverse to the plurality of vertical grooves. A retention member is disposed in each of the transverse grooves. A first configuration of the hub permits deflection of the retention member such that a transverse pin coupled with the umbrella ribs or struts can be inserted into the transverse groove in which the retention member is disposed. A second configuration of the hub prevents deflection of the retention member such that inadvertent withdrawal of the pin from the transverse groove in which the retention member is disposed is prevented.

Abstract: An umbrella hub is provided that includes an inner portion, an outer periphery, a lower portion and an upper portion. A plurality of vertical grooves is disposed in the outer periphery and is configured to receive umbrella ribs or struts. A plurality of grooves extends transverse to the vertical grooves. A retention member is disposed in each of the transverse grooves. A first configuration of the hub permits deflection of the retention member such that a transverse pin coupled with the umbrella ribs or struts can be inserted into the transverse groove in which the retention member is disposed. A second configuration of the hub prevents deflection of the retention member such that inadvertent withdrawal of the pin from the transverse groove in which the retention member is disposed is prevented.

Abstract: An umbrella assembly is provided that comprises an umbrella hub comprising an upper portion, a lower portion and a passage configured to be disposed about an umbrella pole. The upper portion includes a top surface that extends between the passage and an outer periphery of the hub. The lower portion includes a bottom surface that extends between the passage and the outer periphery of the hub. The umbrella hub also includes a first engagement position and a second engagement position. The first engagement position is configured to permit insertion of end portions of umbrella structural members into the hub. The first engagement position is provided by first relative movement of the upper and lower portions of the hub along an axis extending through the passage. The second engagement position is configured to retain end portions of umbrella structural members within the hub.

Abstract: An accessory is provided that includes power supply module, a first functional module, and a second functional module. The power supply module can be configured to be suspended beneath an overhead support, such as a hub of an umbrella. The first functional module is configured to affix to the power supply module and to be powered by the power supply module to provide a user directed function. The second functional module is configured to be detachably coupled to either the power supply module or the first functional module to receive power from the power supply module directly or through the first functional module.

Abstract: An improved umbrella top notch and runner are provided for an umbrella including a shaft, plural ribs, and plural stretchers, in addition to the top notch and the runner. The top notch, structurally the same as the runner, includes a main body and plural building blocks. Each building block has a threaded hole through which a screw rod can pass to fasten the building block to the periphery of the main body. Each building block has a projecting pin on one lateral side and a recess on the opposite lateral side. When the building blocks are fastened to the periphery of the main body, the front end of the projecting pin on one lateral side of each building block is fittingly received in the recess of the adjacent building block. Each building block can be detached from the main body to facilitate replacement of the ribs and stretchers.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a shaft, a sliding assembly, a canopy support rod, a connector rod, and a canopy. The sliding assembly is sleeved over the shaft in a slidable manner, the sliding assembly includes an upper sliding part, a lower sliding part, and a centre sliding part, the upper sliding part is connected to the lower sliding part, and the centre sliding part is located therebetween. A first end of the connector rod is connected to the centre sliding part in a hinged manner, and a second end of the connector rod is connected, in a hinged manner, to a sliding connection assembly disposed on the canopy support rod; the canopy is disposed on the canopy support rod. When the umbrella is closed, a wet surface of the canopy is folded inwards to the shaft, and the canopy support rod is turned outwards to be folded to the shaft.

Abstract: Umbrella assemblies described herein are advantageously configured with simple yet robust arrangements for securing an umbrella in an open configuration, for example, with a runner in an elevated position. In some embodiments, the umbrella assemblies are self-opening and/or include locking devices. The locking devices can engage support structures positioned on an umbrella pole.

Abstract: A system is provided for protective elements including, but not limited to, a patio umbrella with complete double canopy, medially expanding frame, a system for deploying its integrated canopeum of insect netting, and a two segment mitigation vessel. The frame's rounded outer edges provide enhanced safety. When retracted around the umbrella's stick, the frame and canopy assume the form of a three dimensional envelope tapered vertically from its midsection, concentrated at top and bottom. Dedicated mechanisms are also provided for deploying an insect interdicting canopeum. Furthermore, a mitigation vessel provides protective storage for frame, canopy, and canopeum elements. With an internal liner of wicking material and multiple surface apertures; the system encourages controlled release of evaporated moisture from stowed elements.

Abstract: A foldaway umbrella (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) moveable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, said umbrella comprising: k) a central spine (12, 112, 212, 312, 312, 412, 512); l) an upper crown (24, 124, 224, 324, 424, 524) moveable with respect to the central spine; m) a lower crown (38, 138, 238, 338, 438, 538) fixed with respect to the central spine; n) a collapsible canopy framework (16, 116, 216, 316, 416, 516) connected to the upper crown and the lower crown; and o) a main canopy (18, 118, 218, 318, 418, 518) covering the collapsible canopy framework said main canopy (18, 118, 218, 318, 418, 518) covering the collapsible canopy framework said main canopy having an inside face closest to the collapsible canopy framework and an outside face crown from a position remote of the lower crown to a position close to the lower crown results in the collapsible canopy framework, and thus the main canopy, to move from the open configuration to the closed configuration wherein the main canopy i

Abstract: A rotatable sunshade includes a pole rotatably coupled to a connection tube fixed to a base. A runner is slideably mounted around the pole to fold, unfold, or tilt a canopy. A control tube is slideably mounted around the pole. When the canopy is tilted and the control tube is in an engagement position, at least one tooth of the control tube engages with at least one tooth of a positioning ring fixed to the connection tube, and the pole is not rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the pole relative to the connection tube. When the canopy is tilted and the control tube is in a disengagement position, the at least one tooth of the control tube disengages from the at least one tooth of the positioning ring, and the pole is rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the connection tube.

Abstract: Umbrella assemblies described herein are advantageously configured to with simple yet robust arrangements for securing an umbrella in an open configuration, e.g., with a runner in an elevated position.

Abstract: An improved umbrella configured to reduce the likelihood that water on top of the umbrella will drain onto the area around the user when the umbrella is closed. The improved umbrella has a handle supporting a canopy section comprising of an upper canopy, a lower canopy and a collapsible frame attached to and disposed between the upper and lower canopies. An operating mechanism allows the user to move the umbrella between its open and closed positions. When being closed, the operating mechanism inverts the frame so the peripheral edge of the upper canopy is directed upward and the center area thereof is pulled down into an interior cavity at the top end of the handle so water will drain inward to the cavity instead of outward. The upper canopy is pulled into the cavity and the frame, with the lower canopy wrapped around it, is collapsed against the handle.

Abstract: An umbrella hub is provided that comprises an inner portion, an outer periphery, a lower portion and an upper portion. A plurality of vertical grooves is disposed in the outer periphery and is configured to receive umbrella ribs or struts. A plurality of grooves extends transverse to the vertical grooves. A retention member is disposed in each of the transverse grooves. A first configuration of the hub permits deflection of the retention member such that a transverse pin coupled with the umbrella ribs or struts can be inserted into the transverse groove in which the retention member is disposed. A second configuration of the hub prevents deflection of the retention member such that inadvertent withdrawal of the pin from the transverse groove in which the retention member is disposed is prevented.

Abstract: An umbrella hub is provided that is operative to engage an umbrella cord for maintaining an umbrella in an open position. The hub can comprise a cord retention mechanism. For example, the hub can comprise upper and lower hub portions that form a hub body and a cord retention mechanism comprising an aperture extending through the hub body, a recess disposed within the upper or lower hub portion, and a pair of engagement members disposed in the recess. The cord lock mechanism can be configured to allow the cord to pass freely in a first direction while preventing movement of the cord therethrough in a second direction that is opposite the first direction or to pass freely in both the first and second directions.

Abstract: A shade structure is provided, such as an umbrella, particularly a large free-standing umbrella, which can have a variable geometry. In some embodiments, the umbrella can comprise multiple sets of ribs supporting a canopy structure and having a mechanism associated with each set of ribs for influencing the angle or elevation of the rib sets.

Abstract: A tent is safely unfolded or folded when used and requires less time to unfold or fold and can be pitched automatically as well as manually to solve the problems of the prior art. In the tent, a worm gear and worm wheels are combined and tent connecting rods are attached to the worm wheels, respectively, so that when the worm wheels are moved, the tent connecting rods are moved to fold or unfold the tent. The worm wheel can be manually moved within the tent or the worm wheel can be automatically operated by providing a motor controlled through a remove controller so that the tent connecting rods can be unfolded or folded. In the tent, a central cavity part of a worm wheel body may be used as an air vent, and used as a passage for a smoke outlet from a heater in the winter.

Abstract: A runner fastening device is provided for holding a runner of an umbrella at an upper position relative to a central shaft unit, and includes a spring catch having a retaining region and an actuated region, a retained member moved with the runner and having a retained slot which extends to terminate at an abutment wall to abut against the retaining region at the upper position, and a sleeve member movably surrounding the retained member. By mating engagement between cammed and camming surfaces of the retained member and the sleeve member, when the sleeve member is moved downwardly, the actuated region is pressed against a biasing action to retreat inwardly to sweep the retaining region away from the abutment wall to thereby permit downward movement of the runner.

Abstract: A safety umbrella includes a top notch member fixed on an upper end of a central shaft and having a resilient tongue which extends downwardly to form a hook end with an actuated shoulder surface. A runner has a slot for retaining the hook end therein at an upper position. An operating sleeve surrounds and is axially movable relative to the runner and has an actuating friction block which is matingly engaged with the actuated shoulder surface at the upper position such that, when the operating sleeve is moved downwardly, the actuated shoulder surface is pressed to withdraw the hook end inwardly so as to disengage the hook end from the slot.

Abstract: A safety buckle of umbrella is mounted in receiving compartments formed in a runner. The safety buckle is generally a U-shaped having two limbs each forming a hook latch. Two pivot pins are respectively mounted to opposite side surfaces of the buckle and torsion springs are respectively fit to the pivot pins to provide the hook latches with spring biasing force for engagement. The pivot pins of the safety buckle are respectively received in pivot holes defined in inside surfaces of the receiving compartments. To open the umbrella, the runner is moved upward along a center post. A user presses down the safety buckle when the runner gets close to positioning pins formed on the center post to allow the hook latches to respectively engage the positioning pins thereby securely fixing the runner in position on the center post.

Abstract: A tent top assembly is mounted on top of a tent for connecting with a plurality of tent poles. The tent top assembly includes an upper module and a lower module. The upper module includes an upper seat, an upper press member and an upper lid which are separately formed and connected with each other. The lower module includes a lower seat, a lower press member and a lower lid which are separately formed and connected with each other. The upper seat and the lower seat each have a plurality of engaging grooves which are spaced and arranged in a radial form for connection of connecting heads of the tent poles. There is no need for rivets or other fasteners when assembling the present invention, saving the cost and the time of assembly. The tent top assembly can be assembled and disassembled quickly and easily.

Abstract: A flexible sunshade includes an elastic element having a lower end mounted to an upper end of a pole. A hub is fixed to an upper end of the elastic element. A canopy is mounted to a plurality of ribs each having an end pivotably connected to the hub. A runner is slideably mounted to the pole. A first end of each of a plurality of stretchers is pivotably connected to the runner. A second end of each stretcher is pivotably connected to one of the ribs. When the canopy, the ribs, or the hub is subjected to a force at a non-parallel angle to a longitudinal axis of the pole, the elastic element flexes to cause the hub to flex in a direction of the force, absorbing at least a portion of the force acting on the flexible sunshade.

Abstract: A cushioning device for umbrella includes a first gear, a plate spring, a bolt, and a second gear collectively arranged in a hollow chamber defined between a side cover and a casing. The umbrella has a central post to which an axially-extending toothed rack is mounted. The side cover and the casing of the cushioning device are mounted to the runner of the umbrella to have the second gear mating the rack of the central post. The first gear and the second gear of the cushioning device mate each other. The first gear has a surface to which the plate spring and the bolt are mounted. Rotating the bolt to different extents of tightness makes the plate spring apply different depression forces to the first gear, which changes the frictional resistance between the first gear and the casing.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a shaft with a top member connected to a top end thereof and a runner is movably mounted to the shaft. Multiple stretchers are pivotably connected between the top member and the runner. The shaft includes an inner tube and an outer tube in which the inner tube is retractably received. The runner is movably mounted to the outer tube and a stopper extends outward from an outside of the outer tube. The runner is movable over the stopper and supported by the stopper when the umbrella is opened. The shaft does not need to make a slot so as to have better strength and the inner diameter of the runner and the outer diameter of the stopper is matched so that the runner does shake.

Abstract: An operation system for umbrellas includes a multiple-section shaft with a top cap connected to a top thereof and the top cap has a first extension which includes a flexible part formed thereto. A protrusion extends from a distal end of the flexible part. A runner is movably mounted to the shaft and the first extension. The runner has a second extension which has a positioning hole so as to receive the protrusion to stop the runner from moving downward. A hollow sleeve is movably mounted to the second extension and drives the runner to move along the shaft. The sleeve has a compressing member to compress the protrusion inward to disengage the protrusion from the positioning hole when folding the umbrella.

Abstract: An umbrella hub is provided which can comprise a central portion, a body, and an engagement section. The central portion can be configured to receive to an umbrella pole. The body can extend between the central portion and an outer periphery of the hub with the engagement section being located adjacent to the outer periphery thereof. The engagement section can be configured to receive and constrained the movement of an end portion of an umbrella structural member.

Abstract: An umbrella assembly and various embodiments of hub assemblies which provide an umbrellas assembly which is easy to install or remove, is extremely rigid, and is capable of withstanding high wind gusts and other high external forces. A first hub assembly includes a mounting bracket having extended regions for mounting to a hub. A second hub assembly includes securing rings for securely binding mounting brackets to a hub. A third hub assembly includes a mortise-tenon mounting bracket. A fourth hub assembly includes securing rings for securely binding mortise-tenon mounting brackets to a hub. A rib center joint connector having stops is presented. A rotatable fabric connector having a plurality of curved surfaces on the head of the fabric connector is present.

Abstract: A connector is provided for connecting a first portion of a shade structure to a second portion of the structure. The connector can have a first end that can be mechanically coupled with the first portion and a second end that can be mechanically coupled with the second portion of the structure. The second end can have a reinforced portion and an engagement member that extends from the reinforced portion to be movable into and out of the reinforced portion. The engagement member can move between first and second positions to engage or disengage with the second portion of the shade structure.

Abstract: The present inventions relate generally to connectors for interconnecting members of shade structures (e.g. umbrellas and pavilions), such as support ribs and hubs. The connectors can be incorporated or attached to support ribs of shade structures to enable the support ribs to extend from the hubs at various angles to accommodate different shaped canopies. The connectors include an adjustable portion that enables the support ribs to extend to desired points on the periphery of the canopy at an angle that deviates from the angle of the hub channels, which are disposed around the periphery of the hubs.

Abstract: An umbrella is provided that comprises a pole, ribs, an uppermost hub, a hub below the uppermost hub, and at least one handle. The hub below the uppermost hub comprises a first hub component and a second hub component each comprising alternating recesses and projections extending substantially radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pole and being configured to receive ribs of the umbrella. The handle can be operably connectable with the uppermost hub and the second hub component, and downward movement of the handle causes downward movement of the uppermost hub and the upward movement of ends of a first plurality of ribs. Further, upward movement of the second hub component causes upward movement of ends of the second plurality of ribs relative to the ends of the first plurality of ribs to modify a profile of the canopy.

Abstract: An umbrella hub is provided which can comprise a central portion, a body, and a retention mechanism. The central portion can be configured to receive to an umbrella pole. The body extends between the central portion and an outer periphery of the hub and can comprise an engagement section adjacent to the outer periphery. The engagement section can be configured to receive an end portion of an umbrella structural member. The retention mechanism can be disposed within the engagement section and can comprise an elongate channel having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion can be located between the second portion and the outer periphery of the body and have a width less than the width of the second portion.

Abstract: An umbrella hub is provided that is operative to engage an umbrella cord for maintaining an umbrella in an open position. The hub can comprise a hub body, a channel, a passage section, and an engagement section. The hub body can comprise a series of projections extending outwardly from the hub body. The channel can be formed in one of the projections of the hub body. The channel can be configured to allow the cord to pass therethrough. Further, the passage section can be configured to allow the cord to pass freely therethrough. Finally, the engagement section can be configured to engage the cord to prevent upward movement of the cord relative to the hub body.

Abstract: An umbrella comprising an umbrella shaft (1) and an umbrella frame situated on the umbrella shaft (1), the frame comprising a spider that is formed by umbrella ribs and supports a canopy, and spreader struts that are pivoted on the umbrella ribs and on a slider (2) that is supported so as to be longitudinally displaceable on the umbrella shaft (1) between a closed position and an open position of the umbrella frame. The slider (2) has at least two locking elements (3), each provided for engagement in a lock seat (4) associated with the umbrella shaft in the particular end position of the slider (2), and a handle (5) that is axially displaceable between two end positions is provided on the slider (2). The handle is forcibly entrained from one end position to the other when the slider is actuated, and the locking element (3) that is engaged is shifted to an unlocked state and the other locking element (3) is shifted to a locked state that allows engagement in the other lock seat (4).

Abstract: This invention is concerned with shade structures, such as umbrellas, particularly large free-standing umbrellas, which have variable geometry. In preferred embodiments, the invention provides umbrellas that comprise multiple sets of ribs supporting a canopy structure and having a mechanism associated with each set of ribs for influencing the angle or elevation of the rib sets.

Abstract: A connector is provided to connect a structural rib of a structure to another rib or portion of the structure, such as an umbrella. The connector comprises first and second ends, and can include a reinforcing rib and/or a closure member. The second end comprises at least one recess extending from a side of the connector. The recess can comprise an open end configured to be coupled to a mounting member of an umbrella hub or rib and a closed end configured to rest on or retain the mounting member. The reinforcing rib can extend between the first and second ends of the connector to enhance its strength. The closure member, if present, can be biased to allow or restrict access to the open end of the recess to retain the mounting member in the closed ends thereof.

Abstract: The present inventions relate generally to connectors for interconnecting members of shade structures (e.g. umbrellas and pavilions), such as support ribs and hubs. The connectors can be incorporated or attached to support ribs of shade structures to enable the support ribs to extend from the hubs at various angles to accommodate different shaped canopies. The connectors include an adjustable portion that enables the support ribs to extend to desired points on the periphery of the canopy at an angle that deviates from the angle of the hub channels, which are disposed around the periphery of the hubs.

Abstract: A runner assembly for use with a central shaft of an umbrella frame includes a tubular retaining block which is movable relative to a tubular runner in a transverse direction relative to an axis of the central shaft, and a tubular thrust member movable along the axis. An inner sleeve surface of the thrust member is configured such that, when the thrust member is pressed from a releasing position to an actuating position, the retaining block is moved from a first position to a second position to permit a retaining member disposed thereon to engage an engaging surface of the central shaft so as to keep the umbrella frame in an open state.

Abstract: An umbrella comprises: a central shaft having an upper hub formed on a top portion of the central shaft; an one-piece frame having a plurality of rib assemblies integrally formed with an upper ferrule and a lower ferrule, with the upper ferrule secured to the upper hub and with the lower ferrule formed with a lower runner slidably held on the central shaft; and an umbrella cloth or cover secured on the frame; thereby forming an umbrella which can be easily constructed for use; and can also be easily detached, when damaged, for reclaiming the parts or elements in construction of the umbrella for environmental protection purpose.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a runner slidably engaged onto a central shaft for coupling to a whale bone device, a tubular member slidably engaged onto the central shaft and having an upper portion secured to the runner, a handle attached to the tubular member, and a controlling device for controlling the handle to move along the central shaft in order to fold the whale bone device either to the compact folding position or to the open working position and for allowing the umbrella to be effectively actuated or operated by the users. An anchor member is engaged into the central shaft and has a catch for anchoring the tubular member and the runner to the central shaft at different locations.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a runner slidably engaged onto a central shaft for coupling to a whale bone device, a tubular member slidably engaged onto the central shaft and having an upper portion secured to the runner, a handle attached to the tubular member, and a controlling device for controlling the handle to move along the central shaft in order to fold the whale bone device either to the compact folding position or to the open working position and for allowing the umbrella to be effectively actuated or operated by the users. An anchor member is engaged into the central shaft and has a catch for anchoring the tubular member and the runner to the central shaft at different locations.

Abstract: A mechanism for opening and collapsing an umbrella includes a runner which has two lockers pivotably connected thereto and an operation collar is movably mounted to the shaft of the umbrella so as to operate the two lockers. Each of the lockers is a curved member and pivotably connected to the runner by a pivot. Two ends of the each locker are pivotable relative to the pivot in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the runner. The user simply moves the operation collar to pivot the lockers to open and collapse the umbrella.

Abstract: An umbrella or parasol having a plurality of LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes) or other lightweight, energy conservative, light sources mounted proximate the distal ends of stretcher struts spreading and tensioning a ribbed umbrella canopy is described for both brightly illuminating the carrier and lighting an area surrounding the carrier on dark, rainy nights.

Abstract: First longitudinal grooves are formed in the lateral sides of wing parts of a cap and a slider. First through holes are formed to intersect the first longitudinal grooves in the cap and the slider. Second through holes are formed in positions closer to the centers of the cap and the slider than the first through holes. In the cap, two ribs pointing in the lateral directions are individually supported to be pivotable at the first longitudinal grooves by supporting members in the first through holes, and other ribs are pivotally supported in a collective manner by a circular supporting wire passing through the second through holes. In the slider, two stretchers pointing in the lateral directions are individually supported to be pivotable at the first longitudinal grooves by supporting members in the first through holes, and other stretchers are pivotally supported in a collective manner by a circular supporting wire passing through the second through holes.

Abstract: A ventilated umbrella includes a foldable frame, upper canopy and lower canopy. An upper and lower stopping rings with certain interval there between are disposed under the upper notched ring of the main shaft while a notched ring for string is slidable between the two stopping rings and a compression spring is between the notched ring for string and the lower stopping ring. A plurality of radial vertical slots with larger inner slots and smaller outer slots are disposed evenly on the notched ring for string so that one end of a plurality of strings is set into the vertical slot and restrained by a ring while the other end is connected to upper circumference of the lower canopy. And the connection point is located under a horizontal line formed by joints between the main ribs and the stretchers. Thereby a plurality of strings is easy to attach on the notched ring for string.

Abstract: A reversible umbrella is provided. This device includes a supportive pole having an upper portion and a lower portion and a canopy assembly slidably mounted thereon. The canopy assembly further includes first, second, and third sliding collars mounted on the supportive pole; a canopy attached to a plurality of canopy support rods, wherein each of the plurality of canopy support rods is hingeably attached at one end to the third sliding collar; a first plurality of connector rods, wherein one end of each connector rod is hingeably attached to one of the canopy support rods and wherein the other end of the connector rod is hingeably attached to the second sliding collar; and a second plurality of connector rods, wherein one end of each connector rod is hingeably attached to one of the first plurality of connector rods and wherein the other end is hingeably attached to the first sliding collar.

Abstract: An umbrella having opposed moving hubs, one upper and one lower, to which is attached a series of spaced spars to the upper hub and a series of spaced ribs to the lower hub. The ribs are also connected one rib to one spar. An acme-threaded rod passes through an acme nut mounted on each hub, one left hand threaded and one right hand threaded, such that the rod, when connected to a drive shaft and gear motor, and actuated causes the hubs to move toward each other to close the umbrella and away from each other to open the umbrella. The umbrella is covered over by a canopy attached thereto.

Abstract: An umbrella frame provides a stable and enduring support for an umbrella canopy while also allowing canopies of varying shapes and sizes to be mounted thereto. The umbrella frame includes a hub assembly, namely, a main hub member mounted about a central pole member of the umbrella frame which offers improved means for attaching brackets thereto which are structured to pivotally receive a plurality of strut members therein, which strut members are, in turn, pivotally secured to a plurality of rib members interconnected with an upper, secondary hub. The main hub member of the present invention preferably includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a channel having at least one ledge formed therebetween, with a band formed from a flattened strip of metal secured within the channel about the hub member.