Abstract: This invention relates to a system for the power-assisted opening of parasols, umbrellas and the like comprising a shaft of which one of the ends is provided with a cap on which ribs are articulated in star-like manner, wherein at least one compressed air jack is articulated by its cylinder on a ring fixed to the shaft, while the free end of its piston rod is pivotally mounted with respect to a tab of the rib lying in the same vertical plane as the jack. In folded position, the point of pivoting of the end of the piston rod with respect to the tab lies between the shaft and a line joining the axis of articulation of said jack on the ring and the point of articulation of the rib in question on the cap with a view to constituting a toggle joint maintaining the parasol closed.

Abstract: A collapsible shelter of the umbrella-tent type including a foldable frame and a cover of sheet material affixed to the frame. The tent frame comprises a plurality of support members and novel means of pivotally connecting the mutually respective ends of the support members to a central hub. The central hub is mounted on erecting guide means, which preferably has the form of an erecting rod or cord. A second hub is mounted on the guide means below the central hub, and a plurality of rib members are pivotally connected at mutually respective ends to the second hub, using novel connecting means similar to that used with the support members.