Abstract: Cooling units are provided. The cooling units include a base having a housing with control components and a cooling tower attached to the base having an inner flow path and an exterior surface. An air distribution system is attached to the cooling tower and includes an air distribution chamber defined between first and second enclosures, a cool air dispenser configured in the first enclosure, a warm air dispenser configured in the first enclosure at a location different from the cool air dispenser, and a cover disposed on an exterior surface of the second enclosure. The control components are configured to convey air through the base, the cooling tower, and the air distribution system to dispense air through the cool air dispenser and the warm air dispenser and a plurality of ducts connect the cooling tower to at least one of the cool air dispenser and the warm air dispenser.

Abstract: The detachable sunshade umbrella rib includes a first umbrella rib and a second umbrella rib. The first umbrella rib is connected with the second umbrella rib by a sleeve connecting mechanism. The sleeve connecting mechanism includes a clamping hole, a sheath, and an elastic piece. The sheath is disposed on one end of the first umbrella rib. The clamping hole is on the first umbrella rib and is located on one side of the sheath. The elastic piece is disposed on the second umbrella rib; the second umbrella rib is sleeved into the first umbrella rib. The second umbrella rib is fixed with the first umbrella rib through the sheath, the elastic piece, and the clamping hole.

Abstract: An umbrella has a plurality of ribs attached to a runner by main struts. The umbrella has an anti-inversion mechanism formed of a plurality of anti-inversion struts. Each anti-inversion strut is pivotally coupled to one respective main strut and is pivotally connected to a floating joint member that is freely movable along a length of one respective rib. The anti-inversion mechanism also includes a stop that is fixedly attached to the rib and restricts the degree of travel of the floating joint member along the rib and is positioned to prevent the respective rib from inverting in response to an applied force.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at an umbrella including a canopy having a set of canopy portions; and a frame portion comprising a shaft portion; a sliding collar assembly coupled to the shaft portion and sliding along the shaft portion; and a set of ribs, each of the independent ribs attached to one of the set of canopy portions and to the sliding collar assembly, where each of the set of ribs move independently of each other when a high wind force is experienced by one of the canopy portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sun protection device comprising a base body and a support structure for a clampable surface structure, the structure having a plurality of support elements, and a device for the utilization of solar energy, characterized in that the support elements (1; 10) divide the surface structure (7; 17) in covering regions (7.1, 7.2; 17.1, 17.2) and in that at least one support element (1; 10) is designed as a solar panel.

Abstract: A shade is provided in the form of an umbrella which may be operated in the vicinity of other objects or in the middle of a table even if the canopy of the umbrella is large and the ribs of the umbrella are long. The height of the folded umbrella is relatively low. The mechanism of the umbrella is simple and may be manufactured at a comparably low cost. The operation of the umbrella is not complicated and is easily opened and closed. The shade has an upper hub fixed to a guide tube, which is telescopically disposed in and reciprocally movable relative to a uppermost end portion of the support tube. The guide tube and a slider, sleeve or runner are interconnected by flexible traction means in the form of a flexible traction member.

Abstract: An umbrella has a canopy, a main shaft and a plurality of ribs pivotally attached to the main shaft, each rib being of adjustable length and including a pair of outer rib elements, wherein the outer rib elements are flexible and normally adopt a straight configuration aligned with the main shaft in a closed position of the umbrella, and in an open position of the umbrella, flex so that outer ends of the outer rib elements extend generally circumferentially with respect to the canopy. The umbrella can have ribs that would normally be of one piece, in which case accommodation is made for an effective change in the radius of the ribs as the outer rib elements flex. The umbrella may be a folding umbrella with two part ribs. The outer ribs can have a non-uniform cross-section and may taper.

Abstract: A reversible umbrella has a pole, a first handle affixed to a first end of the pole, a second handle affixed to a second end of the pole, and a plurality of ribs extending outwardly of the pole. A canopy is affixed to the ribs. The canopy has a first side facing one direction and a second side facing an opposite direction. The ribs are movable from a first position, wherein the first side of the canopy is in a generally concave configuration with respect to the first handle, to a second position, wherein the first side of the canopy is in a generally convex position with respect to the first handle. The opposing sides of the canopy preferably have different appearances or textures, such that the user can select between two designs to be exposed on the exterior of the umbrella.

Abstract: An upper nest and a lower nest of an umbrella framework each comprise a nest body and a plurality of pins around the nest body. Each pin is integrally connected with the nest body via a connecting section. Each middle disk comprises a pin, which is disposed on an outer wall of a sleeve and integrally connected with the sleeve. Each long bone has an upper end thereof coupled with a pin of the upper nest, and the sleeve of each middle disk is fitted over a middle part of the long bone. Each short bone has an upper end thereof coupled with the pin of the middle disk, and a lower end thereof coupled with a pin of the lower nest. Thereby, an improved member structure for an umbrella framework is formed.

Abstract: An umbrella structure includes a shaft, a top notch fixed at the top end of the shaft, a runner mounted around and slidable along the shaft, plural ribs, plural stretchers, a canopy, and plural torsion springs. Each rib has an upper end pivotally connected to the top notch. Each stretcher has an upper end pivotally connected to an intermediate portion of one of the ribs and a lower end pivotally connected to the runner. The canopy can be opened or closed by sliding the runner upward or downward along the shaft. One torsion spring is provided where each rib is pivotally connected to the corresponding stretcher. When the runner is slid downward to close the canopy, each torsion spring is compressed and stores energy. When the runner is slid upward to open the canopy, each torsion spring releases the stored energy to reduce the effort required for opening the canopy.

Abstract: An umbrella is formed of an elongated shaft having a first end and an opposite second end and a runner slidably disposed about the elongated shaft. The umbrella includes a rib assembly including a plurality of ribs that are attached to the runner by a plurality of struts that move between open and closed positions. In accordance with the present invention, the elongated shaft has a cross-sectional shape defined by a plurality of curved sections and a plurality of planar sections interspersed between the plurality of curved sections for providing increased torsional strength to the elongated shaft. At least one of the ribs can have a cross-sectional shape defined by a plurality of curved sections and a plurality of planar sections interspersed between the plurality of curved sections for providing increased torsional strength to the at least one rib.

Abstract: A portable and foldable shelter has a canopy frame with an arm hub adjacent to a top end of a canopy pole, and a sliding collar on the pole. The canopy frame also includes a plurality of arms with each arm having an outer arm segment attached to an inner arm segment via an arm hinge joint. The arm hinge joint may include a slider movable into a locking position where the inner and outer arm segments are rigidly fixed in a straight locked-out. A flexible cover is attached to or supported on canopy frame. The portable shelter is lightweight, highly compact when folded, easy to use, and easy carry.

Abstract: A windproof umbrella frame is presented comprising a main rib (1) supporting a canopy, a support rib (2), and a connecting rod (3) connecting the main rib (1) and the support rib (2). A center plate (5) is arranged at the middle-section of the main rib (1). A support rib joint (6) is fixedly arranged at one end of the support rib (2). One end of the connecting rod (3) is hinged to the center plate (5) along the main rib (1) and the other end is integrally formed with the support rib joint (6). The support rib joint (6) and the connecting rod (3) are connected by a flexible soft plastic segment (31). The soft plastic segment (31) has a tab (34) arranged along the outside thereof so as to extend radially outward therefrom. The windproof umbrella frame of the present invention is easy and convenient to assemble, robust, and less costly.

Abstract: A folding umbrella and particularly one having multiple folds, includes a support frame incorporating a hybrid rib typically located intermediate a main rib and a rear or outermost rib. The hybrid rib is formed of multiple sections composed of first and second materials which respectively provide the desired structural strength to reduce inversions of the umbrella to an acceptable minimum and provide the hybrid rib with the desired resiliency and flexibility to return the hybrid rib to its original, unstressed shape and thereby prevent permanent damage to the hybrid rib as well as adjoining frame elements of the umbrella. The thicknesses of the multiple sections and the relative sizes of the sections also significantly contribute to the capability of the hybrid rib to achieve the desired objectives of a compact, small, folding umbrella of reduced weight, and the ability to prevent permanent damage to the frame due to inversion.

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 includes a runner slidably mounted on a central shaft to spread and collapse rib-and-stretcher units to which a canopy is mounted. Each rib-and-stretcher unit includes a support rib, a stretcher, and an extension rib. When the runner is moved from an upper position to an uppermost position, each extension rib is driven to slide outwardly relative to a corresponding support rib via a pivot connection between a corresponding stretcher and the extension rib, and a main portion of the canopy is moved together with the extension ribs to outwardly draw a central portion of the canopy, which movably surrounds the central shaft, to partially cover each support rib.

Abstract: An umbrella includes an internal shaft fit into an interior chamber of a central post. A cap is fixed to a top end of the internal shaft. An intermediate collar is movably fit to the central post and a runner located below the collar is fixed to the central post. Each of ribs has an inner end connected to the cap. Each of stretchers has two ends connected to the intermediate collar and the respective rib. Each of the driving bars has ends connected to the runner and the respective rib at a location between the connection of the rib to the cap and the connection of the rib to the respective stretcher. A connector is movably fit over the central post below the runner and is connected by a pull bar to the intermediate collar. The connector includes a fixing member engageable and fixable to the central post.

Abstract: An umbrella includes an internal shaft fit into an interior chamber of a central post. A cap is fixed to a top end of the internal shaft. An intermediate collar is movably fit to the central post and a runner located below the collar is fixed to the central post. Each of ribs has an inner end connected to the cap. Each of stretchers has two ends connected to the intermediate collar and the respective rib. Each of the driving bars has ends connected to the runner and the respective rib at a location between the connection of the rib to the cap and the connection of the rib to the respective stretcher. A connector is movably fit over the central post below the runner and is connected by a pull bar to the intermediate collar. The connector includes a fixing member engageable and fixable to the central post.

Abstract: An umbrella employs an apparatus and method for movably attaching a canopy to an underlying support frame. In the event of strong winds, the canopy can lift up off its support frame to let the air pass underneath, rather than turning the canopy into a large sail and toppling the umbrella over. After the wind passes, the canopy is drawn back down onto the ribs.

Abstract: An umbrella that is constructed with a portion that takes the appearance of the crown of a hat and another portion which takes the appearance of the brim of a hat.

Abstract: A sunshade includes a shaft supporting a set of umbrella ribs mounted for movement on the shaft between opened and closed positions. The sunshade further includes a cloth coupled to the umbrella ribs for movement therewith relative to the shaft to provide a protective cover in the opened position of the set of umbrella ribs.

Abstract: A folding umbrella, particularly one having multiple folds, has a support frame incorporating a hybrid rib typically located intermediate a main rib and a rear or outermost rib. The hybrid rib is formed of multiple sections composed of first and second materials which respectively provide the desired structural strength to reduce inversions of the umbrella to an acceptable minimum and provide the hybrid rib with the desired resiliency and flexibility to return the hybrid rib to its original, unstressed shape and thereby prevent permanent damage to the hybrid rib as well as adjoining frame elements of the umbrella. The thicknesses of the multiple sections and the relative sizes of the sections also significantly contribute to the capability of the hybrid rib to achieve the desired objectives of a compact, small, folding umbrella of reduced weight, and the ability to prevent permanent damage to the frame due to inversion.

Abstract: The umbrella is constructed with a frame that allows one rib to be manually lifted in order to open the umbrella and allows a manually applied force to be placed on the cover between two adjacent ribs in order to close the umbrella. Mechanical cranks and the like are eliminated. In one embodiment, the upper yoke is movable relative to a fixed lower yoke and the tension in the cover maintains the upper movable yoke in the open condition of the umbrella.

Abstract: A toy folding umbrella rotatably attached a vehicle base. In one embodiment, the toy folding umbrella has a frame, a central tube, and a cover. Furthermore, the frame comprises a runner slidably attached to the central tube, and at least three ribs with one end of each rib pivotally attached at or near the top of the central tube. Moreover, the folding umbrella rotates from a first configuration to a second configuration when the runner slides on the central tube.

Abstract: The umbrella is constructed with a frame that allows one rib to be manually lifted in order to open the umbrella and allows a manually applied force to be placed on the cover between two adjacent ribs in order to close the umbrella. Mechanical cranks and the like are eliminated. In one embodiment, rods are added to the struts to weight and maintain the lower movable yoke in the open condition of the umbrella. In another embodiment, the tension in the cover maintains the upper movable yoke in the open condition of the umbrella.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a shank, a plurality of main ribs connected pivotally to the shank, a plurality of auxiliary ribs connected pivotally to the shank, a plurality of elastic members connected to the main ribs and the auxiliary ribs, a slide unit connected slidably to the shank, a plurality of spreaders connected pivotally to the main ribs and the slide unit, a first canopy connected to the main ribs and having a top edge cooperating with the main ribs to define a plurality of openings, and a second canopy connected to the auxiliary ribs and covering removably the openings.

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: The present invention relates to an umbrella rib assembly and to a foldable umbrella. The umbrella rib assembly comprises: a plurality of main ribs, a plurality of first auxiliary ribs, and a plurality of second auxiliary ribs. Each of the main ribs includes an inner member, one end of which is coupled to a main rib fixing member such that the inner member is circumferentially rotatable; an intermediate member, one end of which is rotatably coupled, via a pin, to an upper portion from the other end of the inner member; and an outer member, one end of which is rotatably coupled, via a pin, to the other end of the intermediate member, wherein said inner member, said intermediate member, and said outer member are assembled so to be foldable.

Abstract: A foldable vehicle shading umbrella provides shading for top portion of vehicle. It includes a central hub holding a group of tubular elements extended form the central hub to hold the folding arms respectively, and the group of the folding arms radially extended from the central hub, and an awning shelter supported by the folding arms for sheltering top portion of the vehicle includes windows. Each of the folding arms includes two cylindrical rods and one pair of hinges. The two cylindrical rods are coupled with each other by using the one pair of hinges.

Abstract: An umbrella has a canopy, a main shaft and a plurality of ribs pivotally attached to the main shaft, each rib being of adjustable length and including a pair of outer rib elements, wherein the outer rib elements are flexible and normally adopt a straight configuration aligned with the main shaft in a closed position of the umbrella, and in an open position of the umbrella, flex so that outer ends of the outer rib elements extend generally circumferentially with respect to the canopy. The umbrella can have ribs that would normally be of one piece, in which case accommodation is made for an effective change in the radius of the ribs as the outer rib elements flex. The umbrella may be a folding umbrella with two part ribs. The outer ribs can have a non-uniform cross-section and may taper.

Abstract: A structure for forming an open-air enclosed space is described. The structure includes an umbrella, having a plurality of ribs supporting a cover and a tightly woven netting arranged to hang down from the perimeter of the umbrella when the umbrella is in an open position, to form the open-air enclosed space. At least some of the ribs are further provided with rib extensions arranged to protrude beyond the perimeter of the cover and to support the netting in order to create an extended footprint of the open-air enclosed space. An add-on assembly for umbrellas for forming an insect-protected open-air enclosed space is also described.

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 folding umbrella and particularly one having multiple folds, is comprised of a support frame incorporating a hybrid rib typically located intermediate a main rib and a rear or outermost rib. The hybrid rib is formed of multiple sections composed of first and second materials which respectively provide the desired structural strength to reduce inversions of the umbrella to an acceptable minimum and provide the hybrid rib with the desired resiliency and flexibility to return the hybrid rib to its original, unstressed shape and thereby prevent permanent damage to the hybrid rib as well as adjoining frame elements of the umbrella. The thicknesses of the multiple sections and the relative sizes of the sections also significantly contribute to the capability of the hybrid rib to achieve the desired objectives of a compact, small, folding umbrella of reduced weight, and the ability to prevent permanent damage to the frame due to inversion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a canopy device, in particular an umbrella or parasol, comprising: a rod; a canopy of flexible material connected to the rod close to an end thereof; operating means displaceable along the rod for closing or opening the canopy; and means for tensioning the canopy, which canopy tensioning means comprise a set of first tensioning members and a set of second tensioning members, wherein the first tensioning members are each pivotally connected with one first outer end to the rod and extend therefrom along the canopy to a position close to the periphery thereof, and wherein the second tensioning members are each pivotally connected with a first outer end to the operating means and are connected with a second outer end to a corresponding first tensioning member, wherein the connection between the first and second tensioning members is arranged closer to the periphery of the canopy than to the rod, and is preferably situated substantially close to the periphery of the canopy.

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: A windproof umbrella includes a shank (10); a runner (12) on the shank (10); ribs (20); a canopy (101); stretchers (30); U-shaped first joints (51) each secured onto the rib (20); U-shaped second joints (61) each slidably put on the rib (20); U-shaped third joints (71) each secured onto the stretcher (30); auxiliary rods (40); and sets of first, second, and third pivotal members (52, 62, and 72). The first pivotal member (52) is formed at the other end of the stretcher (30) and is pivotably connected to the first joint (51). The second pivotal member (62) is formed at one end of the auxiliary rod (40) and is pivotably connected to the second joint (61). The third pivotal member (72) is formed at the other end of the auxiliary rod (40) and is pivotably connected to the third joint (71). In response to strong wind, the second joint (61) slides to change an angle between the rib (20) and the stretcher at the first joint (51).

Abstract: A foldable umbrella with seamless single-piece canopy member includes a frame, a seamless single-piece canopy member, and a plurality of connecting pieces. The frame has a shaft, a runner, a plurality of stretchers, and a plurality of ribs. The runner is slidably disposed on the shaft. One end of each of the ribs is radially connected to the distal end of the shaft. A first rod of the rib has at least one fixing hole. One end of each of the stretchers is together connected to the runner, and the other end of each of the stretchers is connected to the first rods respectively. The seamless single-piece canopy member is integrally formed without seams, disposed on the ribs, and connected thereto via the connecting pieces through the inside of the seamless single-piece canopy member and the fixing hole of the first rod; therefore it can protect against the penetration of rain reliably.

Abstract: An umbrella (1) in which the canopy is supported, tensioned and retained on a frame without any external points. The ends of conventional ribs (6,7) are provided with force spreading components (8) which are located within pockets (9) at the periphery of the umbrella canopy (3). As the umbrella is erected, the force spreading components open to provide a surface which pushes outwardly against a bearing surface formed between a pocket and the canopy, which “spread” outwards. The spreading of the components (8) is initiated by the radially outward movement of slidable tubes (7) upon inner rods (6) attached at their inner ends to the shaft (2) of the umbrella. Inner rods (6) and outer tubes (7) together form the ribs or spokes of the umbrella which are supported and raised/lowered by primary struts (11) connected between the ribs and a primary shaft slider (12).

Abstract: An umbrella in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a canopy that is extendable into an extra wide configuration to cover two users. In accordance with one embodiment the umbrella opens to a first open position to provide coverage for one person and expands to a second open position to provide coverage for a second person.

Abstract: A hands free umbrella device comprised of a housing attached to the body of a user, including a surface for attachment; at least four ribs attached to said surface within said housing, such that when said ribs are deployed from said housing they extend over the user to form a frame work for a canopy-like overhead protective surface acting as an umbrella; a water-resistant material is attached to said ribs covering and connecting each of said ribs to form said canopy; a means for deploying said ribs, such that when the ribs are deployed said canopy is positioned above the users head covering an area around the entire diameter of the users standing body; and a means for collapsing said ribs, such that when the ribs are collapsed they fit within said housing; wherein the user has the use of both their hands while the device protects the user from precipitation and preserving visual access; and a related method for using the hands free umbrella device.

Abstract: A canopy for a stationary covering device in accordance with the present invention comprises a cover that has a vertex point. The vertex point can be characterized by a fixed uppermost point or tip, at the highest culminating point of the canopy from which the cover projects. According to the invention, the cover includes unequal extensions from the vertex point. As such, the vertex point comprises an asymmetrically positioned vertex point. More specifically, the canopy of the invention is rotatable around a fixed longitudinal axis that is elevated from the ground. In this way, the canopy provides an adjustable coverage zone for a pre-determined stationary area beneath it when it is either rotated or tilted, and located at a suitable elevated level relative to the ground, from a first canopy position to a second canopy position.

Abstract: A sunshade includes a shaft supporting a set of umbrella ribs mounted for movement on the shaft between opened and closed positions. The sunshade further includes a cloth coupled to the umbrella ribs for movement therewith relative to the shaft to provide a protective cover in the opened position of the set of umbrella ribs.

Abstract: The umbrella of the preferred embodiments includes a shaft, a canopy, and a spoke system, coupled to the shaft and to the canopy, which supports the canopy and provides a mechanism to open and close the canopy. The spoke system of the preferred embodiments includes a canopy spoke, coupled to the shaft and to the canopy, having a geometry that defines a canopy coupling element; a support spoke, coupled to the shaft and to the canopy spoke, having a geometry that defines a support coupling element; and a first release mechanism that includes the canopy coupling element and the support coupling element. The umbrella 10 is preferably designed to prevent the passage of precipitation or sun and, more specifically, designed to be an umbrella that can be easily assembled, disassembled, repaired, and recycled. The umbrella 10, however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment and for any suitable reason.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a shaft, a notch, a runner, a plurality of ribs, a plurality of stretchers, a plurality of tips and an umbrella cloth. The notch is fixed with the shaft, the runner slides on the shaft, the ribs are connected with the notch pivotally, the stretchers are pivotally connected between the runner and the ribs, the tips are fixed to the ribs, two ribs are inserted into each tip, and there is a clearance between the two ribs inserted into the same tip, umbrella cloth is fixed with ribs, ribs are covered with umbrella cloth, and umbrella cloth has a plurality of folded parts passing through the clearances respectively. Accordingly, the umbrella cloth of the invention is different from a conventional umbrella cloth which is made by sewing together many small panels of waterproof cloth with each other, so that the umbrella cloth has higher waterproof ability.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a connecting device designed for connecting umbrella ribs and specifically refers to one installed on each pivoted part existing among all lengthwise ribs and transverse ribs and it contains a hollow tubular sleeve sheathed on the lengthwise rib and a socket sleeve mounted on the top of the transverse rib. The hollow tubular sleeve has two symmetrical elongated wings where the pinholes existed respectively. The socket sleeve is the same as the hollow tubular sleeve having two symmetrical elongated wings where pinholes are on the same line with the central bore located on the top of the socket sleeve. There are slots formed between the socket sleeve and its two symmetrical elongated wings for receiving two symmetrical elongated wings of the hollow tubular sleeve.

Abstract: An automatic opening umbrella having a canopy, and a support shaft and an opening mechanism offset or eccentric from the center of the canopy, is described. The opening mechanism includes a framework including varying length rib, link and brace sets on each side of a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the umbrella, the sets being mirror images, with equal numbers of ribs, links and braces. The longest links at distal ends are pivotally connected to a respective longest rib and the longest braces are pivotally connected at distal ends to respective longest links at a mutual connection with the longest link connections to the longest ribs. The shorter links are pivotally connected at distal ends to shorter ribs along the rib lengths. The shorter braces are pivotally connected at distal ends to respective links along the lengths of the links.

Abstract: An umbrella has a first support member, a plurality of ribs supported by the first support member, and a canopy supported by the plurality of ribs. At least one of the plurality of ribs has, in cross section, a bottom wall, first and second upstanding side walls extending upward from the bottom wall, and a web extending between the first and second side walls at a location intermediate the bottom wall and the upper side wall ends. The web and upper portions of the first and second side walls form a channel. A first hole extends through the web, and a second hole extends through the bottom wall generally in coaxial alignment with the first hole. In a disclosed embodiment, a light bulb is disposed within either or both of the first and second holes, and an insulated electrical conductor runs along the length of the rib within the channel to connect the light bulb to a source of electrical power.

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: The present invention relates to an umbrella system, substantially comprising an umbrella with elements that include a hollow shaft, a cover, as well as a frame consisting of ribs and stretchers mounted on the exterior of the hollow shaft. When retracted, the cover is stowed inside the shaft. When deployed, the umbrella's cover is supported by ribs and stretchers as well as by the shaft. Ribs and stretchers slide along the hollow shaft's exterior as the invention's cover is deployed and retracted. This configuration of deployment elements is not seen in the prior art of umbrella construction. It allows use of accouterments that expand the invention's use and convenience. The umbrella may be constructed using materials having low coefficients of electrical conductivity such fiberglass, plastics, or composites, thereby reducing shock risks.

Abstract: An outdoor umbrella includes a foldable umbrella awning, an umbrella frame, a lighting system mounted on the umbrella frame, and a solar power supply arrangement which converts solar energy into electrical energy and provides the converted electrical energy to the lighting system for lighting up the lighting system. The solar power supply arrangement includes a solar collecting device supported by the main supporting stem, wherein the solar collecting device has a collecting surface arranged to expose to sunlight for extensively collecting solar energy.