Abstract: A light windproof umbrella is provided with a center post including a top ferrule, an upper grommet, an intermediate sliding ring, and a sliding runner under the sliding ring; ribs each having one end pivotably secured to the grommet and the other end being open; main joints each formed at a portion of the rib proximate to the other end of the rib; auxiliary joints each formed at a portion of the rib between the main joint and the grommet; stretchers each having one end pivotably secured to the sliding ring and the other end moveably secured to the rib; struts each having one end pivotably secured to the sliding runner and the other end pivotably secured to the auxiliary joint; a lower canopy; and an upper canopy in a partial covering relationship to the lower canopy.

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: 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: A windproof umbrella includes a center post (10) including an upper grommet (11), an intermediate fixed ring (12), and a lower sliding runner (13); ribs (20) each having one end (21) pivotably secured to the grommet (11) and the open other end (22); main joints (51) each formed at a portion of the rib (20); stretchers (30) each having one end (31) pivotably secured to the ring (12) and the other end (32) moveably secured to the main joint (51); auxiliary joints (61) each formed at a portion of the stretcher (30); and struts (40) each having one end (41) pivotably secured to the runner (13) and the other end (42) moveably secured to the auxiliary joint (61); a lower canopy (70) secured in covering relation on the ribs (20); and an upper canopy (80) having a peripheral edge positioned over a portion of the lower canopy (70).

Abstract: A beach umbrella with improved sturdiness, durability and ability to keep the shading size maximized, but weight of the structure to the minimum is disclosed. The umbrella may include a poll member, an upper ring member at substantially the top of the poll member, a slider member which is movable along the poll member, a interior rod frame stretching member to pivot with respect to the upper ring member, a support rod frame member to pivot with respect to the slider member and a transfer rod frame member to pivot with respect to the support rod frame member.

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: 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: 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: The invention relates to an improved rib structure for using in a three-folded umbrella. The character of the present invention includes a solid first rib, a solid second rib, and a solid third rib. Accompanying with a branch rib and an elastic rib, the assembled umbrella can have a small closed volume by use of every rib closed to a shaft of the umbrella. Hence, the present umbrella can be used more conveniently and effectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rib structure of a two-layer cover umbrella, which mainly includes an elastic rib having an inner folded end. A connector of a related primary rib of the umbrella is provided with an aperture, for that the inner folded end of the elastic rib is penetrated into the aperture and connected with a lateral rod of the connector. The elastic rib will be then extended outward alone the upper surface of the primary rib smoothly for connecting the upper cover and providing a utilized umbrella with two covers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foldable umbrella frame having six ribs, wherein the first rib, the second rib, the third rib, and the fourth rib are formed to be solid rods with outer flat portion. The ribs are pivoted to form a frame. Branch ribs have inner hooks to connect with outer flat portion of respective rib that provides a small volume of the umbrella in closed state for facilitating carrying by users.

Abstract: A skeleton for an umbrella includes multiple sets of rib members, each of which includes a main rib, a first link connected to the main rib, and a stretcher connected at an outer end to the first link. Two opposite sets of the rib members are further provided with a second link connected to a near outer end of the main rib, an elastic first ear-forming rib connected at an inner end to the second link, and a pull cord connected at an inner end to a near outer end of the stretcher and at an outer end to an outer end of the first ear-forming rib. The ear-forming ribs are pulled by the pull cords into curved and tense state to look like two ears at two sides of an animal's head when the umbrella is stretched, and flatly bear against the skeleton when the umbrella is collapsed.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a shaft with a runner movably mounted thereto and a first cap and a second cap are respectively connected to a top end of the shaft. The first cap is located closer than the second cap to the second end of the shaft. A plurality of first ribs pivotably connected to the second end cap and a main panel is mounted to the first ribs. The main panel has a hole with a center at the shaft. Each first rib has a join connected thereto and each joint having a first passage through which the first rib extends and a second passage through which one of second ribs extends. Each second rib has a first end thereof pivotably connected to the first cap and a section of the second end of each of the second ribs is overlapped on the main panel. A sub-panel is attached to the second ribs and covers the hole in the main panel. A plurality of stretchers are pivotably connected between the runner and the joints.

Abstract: A connector for a rib and a spreader of a parasol includes a metal connector body and an inner block made of plastic. The connector body has an upper clamp portion for each rib to fit therein, and two studs extending down from the connector body and defining an inner opening for the inner block to fit therein. The inner block has two side walls defining an inner opening as a turning passageway for each spreader to fit and connected pivotally, and a stop respectively in two sides of the passageway for stopping each spreader in case of collapsing the parasol. Then the side walls can prevent the connector body from contacting the shank to scrape the paint coated on the shank and prevent said shank from rusting. Further the stops can maintain the contained angle between each rib and each spreader not excessively small to permit the parasol easily expanded.

Abstract: A folded umbrella frame has a plurality of units each comprising a second pivot mechanism, a first pivot mechanism fixed to the lower rib, a first pivot connecting member pivotably coupling to the first pivot mechanism, a second pivot connecting member receiving the upper rib and pivotably coupling to the second pivot mechanism and a steel rod hooking the second pivot connecting member and the first pivot mechanism together. The spreader passes through the channels of the second pivot mechanism to receive in the first bore of the first pivot connecting member. The invention effects a smooth folding by employing no rivet and a reduced size after folded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stick type umbrella with reinforced frame including a shaft, which connects with a frame having several sets, such as six sets or eight sets, of main ribs and stretchers. The frame is to provide with two different rib-set structures alternately on the frame. One set is to provide a cord between a middle position of the stretcher and an outer position of the main rib, and the other set is to provide a movable joint at the outer end of the stretcher positioned on the relative main rib between two fixed rings. As the cord pulls the main rib tight and the movable joint functions on the main rib to release wind pressure, the stick type umbrella with the present invention can be quite useful and is capable of avoiding breakage.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a tubular runner slidably sleeved on a stem between upper and lower positions. A tubular upper end portion of the stem defines a plurality of angularly displaced slots such that anchored segments of an anchored wire are exposed therefrom for pivotally mounting anchoring ends of a plurality of ribs. The ribs have distal ends disposed at an underside of a canopy for supporting the canopy in spread-out and collapsed positions when the runner is moved to the upper and lower positions, respectively. The ribs can be brought into close proximity of the stem after retraction for facilitating storage and carrying.

Abstract: A wind-stable umbrella includes structurally enhanced connectors for connecting ribs to an upper hub and pull cords extended between a middle hub and near-outer ends of the ribs. Each of the connectors includes a forward extended lug portion that is connected to the upper hub, and two shoulder portions extended from two lateral sides of an upper outer end of the lug portion. The shoulder portions increase a structural strength of the lug portions and press against an outer surface of the upper hub when the umbrella is stretched, so that the ribs are more stably connected to the upper hub via the connectors. The pull cords pull outer portions of the ribs inward when the umbrella is stretched, preventing the ribs from turning outward under a strong wind. The wind-stable umbrella therefore has solid overall structure to avoid twist and deformation due to the strong wind.

Abstract: The present invention proposes an improved pull rod structure of a self-opening umbrella, wherein joints are disposed in stretchers. The joints are made of plastic material. The present invention is characterized in that each of the joints has a soft pull rod integrally formed therewith. The other end of each of the soft pull rods is installed in a lower nest. The joints are exploited to facilitate the assembly of a self-opening umbrella.

Abstract: A catch-free umbrella includes: a central shaft, a rib assembly pivotally secured to the shaft and an umbrella cloth secured on the rib assembly; with the rib assembly having a plurality of top ribs pivotally secured between an upper notch formed on the shaft and a plurality of stretcher ribs pivotally inclinedly secured to a runner slidably held on the shaft; and the top ribs radially arcuately bent to form a lotus-shape arrangement when opening the umbrella to form an upward force fraction acting on the runner for lifting the runner and the rib assembly without gravitational descending; whereby upon closing of the umbrella by initially lowering the runner, the top ribs of lotus-shape arrangement will serve as closing springs for closing the umbrella automatically.

Abstract: A foldable umbrella includes a post; a stationary hub secured to an upper end of the post; a canopy centrally secured to the stationary hub; a sleeve slidably mounted on the post; a plurality of radially oriented ribs secured to the canopy in equiangularly spaced relation, each rib having a radially inner end and a radially outward end; a plurality of foldable strut assemblies, each strut assembly connected between the sleeve and a respective one of the ribs, each strut assembly including a first strut having one end pivotally connected at a first pivot point to the sleeve and a second end pivotally connected to a respective one of the ribs at a second pivot point spaced radially outwardly from the radially inner end of the rib, a second strut having one end pivotally connected at a third pivot point to the stationary hub and a second end pivotally connected at a fourth pivot point to an intermediate point of the first strut, and a third strut having one end pivotally connected at a fifth pivot point to an in

Abstract: The present invention relates to a strengthened structure of a wind-proof umbrella, which includes a frame being consisted of elastic main ribs and stretched ribs being connected with related joint on the main rib. An extended rod is formed under the joint to contact the stretched rib, when the umbrella is opened, for providing a downward force to offset an upward force on the main rib and obtaining strengthened wind-proof effect to prevent the main rib from being outward folded or broken.

Abstract: A foldable umbrella includes a post; a stationary hub secured to an upper end of the post; a canopy centrally secured to the stationary hub; a sleeve slidably mounted on the post; a plurality of radially oriented ribs secured to the canopy in equiangularly spaced relation, each rib having a radially inner end and a radially outward end; a plurality of foldable strut assemblies, each strut assembly connected between the sleeve and a respective one of the ribs, each strut assembly including a first strut having one end pivotally connected at a first pivot point to the sleeve and a second end pivotally connected to a respective one of the ribs at a second pivot point spaced radially outwardly from the radially inner end of the rib, a second strut having one end pivotally connected at a third pivot point to the stationary hub and a second end pivotally connected at a fourth pivot point to an intermediate point of the first strut, and a third strut having one end pivotally connected at a fifth pivot point to an in

Abstract: A sunshade frame has an upper support member secured to a top end of a shank; the ribs of the frame are each pivoted to a corresponding one of longitudinal trenches of the upper support member from an inner end. The frame has a lower support member movably connected to the shank, and spreader rods pivoted to the lower support member from inner ends; the spreader rods are each pivoted to a corresponding one of the ribs by means of a pivotal pin from an outer end with an elastic member disposed in between to prevent the connection from getting loose in case the pivotal pin is too long for the width of same. The upper, and the lower support members have an upper, and a lower confining rim respectively to prevent the ribs and the spreader rods from pivoting beyond same to a wrong position.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a plurality of ribs pivoted to a ferrule on a stem, and a plurality of stretchers pivoted to a runner which is slidably sleeved on the stem. Each interconnecting member includes a first portion mounted on the respective rib, and a second portion mounted on the respective stretcher and connected to and retainingly slidable relative to the first portion along the length of the rib so as to provide a buffering action to the rib once the latter is subjected to an upwardly blowing force of wind.

Abstract: An auxiliary elastic support mechanism for a large umbrella with automatic open feature is provided. The umbrella is supported by a plurality of ribs and a plurality of spreaders. The mechanism comprises a plurality of rib joint members each put on the rib having a pivot joint and a first spring anchoring lug; a plurality of spreader joint members, each having an outer end secured to one of the rib joint members, an inner end for receiving the spreader therein, and a second spring anchoring lug; and a plurality of auxiliary springs each having an outer hook engaged with the first spring anchoring lug and an inner hook engaged with the second spring anchoring lug.

Abstract: An umbrella operating system allows for the simple opening, closing and locking of an umbrella while allowing the frame to freely rotate about the pole, wherein the pole is held in a stationary position. The umbrella includes a pair of hub members mounted about a pole member wherein the lower hub member is slidable up and down the pole. A pulley system with locking cam member may be employed to allow the umbrella to safely and easily open to any desired level. A locking stabilizer arm may be used to secure the main hub member in the fully open position and a stabilizer base provides strong support to the pole member to help it withstand severe weather conditions. The umbrella is rotatable about the pole axis regardless of the degree to which it is opened.

Abstract: An improved automatic opening wind resistant umbrella structure made of fiberglass reinforced plastics (FRP) mainly uses an innovative connection mechanism to associate secondary umbrella stretchers with umbrella ribs and has advantages of simplified construction and reinforced combination strength. The automatic opening wind resistant FRP umbrella structure according to the invention provides excellent convenience in use.

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 pair of hub members mounted about a pole member wherein each hub member has a plurality of slots formed in its outer perimeter. Ribs and struts are pivotally secured to the hub members using hub connectors which are removably secured to the hub slots so as to allow the size and shape of the attached canopy to be readily varied. The struts are also pivotally secured to the ribs by a collar member which helps prevent damage to the overlying canopy. The umbrella frame is rotatable about its axis in both the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A foldable umbrella includes a post; a stationary hub secured to an upper end of the post; a canopy centrally secured to the stationary hub; a sleeve slidably mounted on the post; a plurality of radially oriented ribs secured to the canopy in equiangularly spaced relation, each rib having a radially inner end and a radially outward end; a plurality of foldable strut assemblies, each strut assembly connected between the sleeve and a respective one of the ribs, each strut assembly including a first strut having one end pivotally connected at a first pivot point to the sleeve and a second end pivotally connected to a respective one of the ribs at a second pivot point spaced radially outwardly from the radially inner end of the rib, a second strut having one end pivotally connected at a third pivot point to the stationary hub and a second end pivotally connected at a fourth pivot point to an intermediate point of the first strut, and a third strut having one end pivotally connected at a fifth pivot point to an in

Abstract: A foldable umbrella includes a post; a stationary hub secured to an upper end of the post; a canopy centrally secured to the stationary hub; a sleeve slidably mounted on the post; a plurality of radially oriented ribs secured to the canopy in equiangularly spaced relation, each rib having a radially inner end and a radially outward end; a plurality of foldable strut assemblies, each strut assembly connected between the sleeve and a respective one of the ribs, each strut assembly including a first strut having one end pivotally connected at a first pivot point to the sleeve and a second end pivotally connected to a respective one of the ribs at a second pivot point spaced radially outwardly from the radially inner end of the rib, a second strut having one end pivotally connected at a third pivot point to the stationary hub and a second end pivotally connected at a fourth pivot point to an intermediate point of the first strut, and a third strut having one end pivotally connected at a fifth pivot point to an in

Abstract: The present invention relates to umbrellas having various canopy shapes which shapes can be altered during use. A multiple position rib formed of a telescoping rib girder in combination with a hub slide assembly with multiple hubs allow the umbrella to be opened to two or more functional positions. An embodiment is an umbrella that can be used as a car shade having two open canopy configurations. In a first open position, all multiple position ribs are in an extended position so that the umbrella serves as a conventional rain umbrella. In a second open position, at least one of the multiple position ribs is folded to allow the umbrella to fit inside a vehicle windshield thereby serving as a sun shade. The multiple position rib can be formed of a rigid inner support assembly and a flexible outer cantilevered assembly.

Abstract: A rib assembly for umbrella includes: at least a top rib pivotally secured to an upper notch fixed on a top portion of a central shaft, a stretcher rib pivotally connected with the top rib and pivotally secured to a runner slidably held on the shaft an intermediate connecting rib pivotally connected to the top rib through an intermediate connecting rib, and a tail rib pivotally connected to the intermediate rib; with the top rib formed as a slim elongate rod having an outermost end of the top rib formed as a flat thinning end portion pivotally connected with a pair of narrowing lugs centripetally pressed from two side walls of the U-shaped groove of the stretcher rib; and having an outer portion of the top rib formed as a flat thinning portion for pivotally connecting an inner end of the intermediate connecting rib, thereby forming a slim rib assembly for minimizing a folding volume of the rib assembly when closing the umbrella adapted for making a slim mini pocketable folding umbrella.

Abstract: A pivotal-coupling device is provided for a collapsible umbrella frame structure, which allows the pivotal coupling between the main shaft and the framing rib to be achieved without having to use supersonic wave bonder, thus making the assembly work more easy to carry out and the manufacturing cost reduced. It also allows the assembly work to be carried out manually without having to use machine tools or welding means. The pivotal-coupling device includes a first linking member affixed to the main shaft; a second linking member affixed to the framing rib, and a pivotal pin for providing a pivotal coupling of the first linking member to the second linking member, allowing the main shaft to be pivotally coupled to the framing rib. Compared to the prior art, this pivotal-coupling device is considerably simpler in structure that allows it to be formed easily through machining and further allows the assembly work to be easily carry out by hand without having to use machine tools or welding means.

Abstract: An automatically spreading and collapsing umbrella includes a plurality of rib assemblies pivoted to a ferrule on a handle, and a plurality of stretcher assemblies. Each stretcher assembly is pivoted to a runner slidably sleeved on the handle to stretch or retract a respective rib assembly when the runner is moved. An anchored member has two ends journalled on a main rib of one of the rib assemblies, and a middle portion having an anchored site which is formed as a bent strip that is vaulted upwardly. A collapsing tension spring is retained between a connecting rod of one of the stretcher assemblies and the anchored site so as to define a collapsing line along an extending length of the spring. Stretching of the rib assemblies can extend the spring to store an elastic potential energy to facilitate collapsing of the rib assemblies.

Abstract: An automatic umbrella includes: a top rib and a stretcher rib each having a cross section of U shape or the like shape and made of light material including aluminum alloy, an outer rib gradually tapered outwardly and an auxiliary stretcher rib each having a cross section of circular shape or the like shape and made of composite or plastic materials having good resilience and mechanical strength to be respectively connected with the top rib and the stretcher rib, a flattened tensioning spring jacketed on the shaft and retained between a middle runner arid a lower runner having a cross section of the spring ring formed as rectangular shape for forming a slim umbrella shaft, and a top cap member firmly fixed on a top of the shaft, thereby providing an automatic umbrella having light weight, better resilience and strength, slim structure, and firmly fastened top cap.

Abstract: A multiple-fold windproof umbrella includes: a central shaft having a rib assembly pivotally secured to the central shaft, a lower cloth secured to the rib assembly, an upper cloth secured to the central shaft and juxtapositionally retained above the lower cloth, and a plurality of control valves each formed between the upper cloth and the lower cloth secured on the rib assembly and openable for escaping a strong wind blowing into the umbrella cloths; and for automatically restoring the upper cloth downwardly for closing the opening between the upper and lower cloths of the umbrella after the escape of wind.

Abstract: A windproof umbrella structure includes mainly a connector being provided at a pivoted position of the main rib and the stretcher to engage with a second rib. The invented assembled frame is covered by an upper cover and a lower cover and obtains a better umbrella strength. When the upward wind occurs, the airflow can pass through the gap between the two covers for avoiding the damage of the ribs.

Abstract: A simplified flat top umbrella includes: a central shaft (1) having an upper notch (11) formed on an upper portion of the shaft (1) and a lower runner (12) slidably held on the shaft (1), a top rib (2) pivotally secured to the upper notch (11), an outer rib (3) fixed to the top rib (2), a stretcher rib (4) pivotally connected between the lower runner (12) and the top rib (2), and a pulling rib (5) secured between the stretcher rib (4) and an outer portion (32) of the outer rib (3); whereby upon extending of the ribs having an umbrella cloth retained thereon for opening the umbrella, the top rib (2) and the outer rib (3) will be lifted to form a generally horizontal canopy and the outer portion (32) of the outer rib (3) will be pulled inwardly by the pulling rib (5) and the stretcher rib (4) to form a skirt portion generally perpendicular to the horizontal canopy, thereby providing a light compact flat top umbrella for a convenient carrying and operation.

Abstract: An umbrella comprising a central shaft having an upper end and a lower end with the lower end including a handle incorporates a plurality of pivotable members each having a first end pivotally coupled to an upper end of the shaft and being circumferentially spaced about the shaft and oriented generally parallel thereto when the umbrella is in a collapsed condition. A plurality of flexible members are operatively associated with corresponding ones of the pivotable members. The flexible members are each expandable into a generally hoop-shaped configuration adjacent another end of the pivotable members when the pivotable members are pivoted from a collapsed condition to an operative position. The open umbrella appears as a canopy stretched over a plurality of circumferentially spaced ribs with each rib terminating in a hoop-shaped member.

Abstract: A multiple-fold windproof umbrella includes: a central shaft having a rib assembly pivotally secured to the central shaft, a lower cloth having an anti-sagging band fastened on an upper periphery of the lower cloth and secured to the rib assembly, an upper cloth secured to the central shaft and juxtapositionally retained above the lower cloth, and a plurality of control valves each formed between the upper cloth and the lower cloth secured on the rib assembly, with the valves opened for escaping a strong wind blowing into the umbrella cloths; and automatically restoring the upper cloth downwardly for closing the opening between the upper and lower cloths of the umbrella after the escape of wind; with the anti-sagging band provided on the lower cloth automatically tensioning the upper periphery of the lower cloth for preventing the sagging of the lower cloth and for enhancing a smooth folding and unfolding of the umbrella.

Abstract: A windproof umbrella includes: an upper cloth secured on an upper rib pivotally connected to a central shaft of the umbrella, a lower cloth secured on a lower rib pivotally connected to the central shaft and having a central opening circumferentially formed in a top portion of the lower cloth around the central shaft, each upper cloth provided with a control valve thereon for resiliently normally closing an aperture between the upper cloth and the lower cloth; and upon blowing of strong wind on the lower and upper cloths, the control valve will be opened to release the wind for preventing inversion of the umbrella.

Abstract: A windproof umbrella includes: an upper cloth secured on an upper rib pivotally connected to a central shaft of the umbrella, a lower cloth secured on a lower rib pivotally connected to the central shaft and having a central opening circumferentially formed in a top portion of the lower cloth around the central shaft, each upper cloth provided with a control valve thereon for resiliently normally closing an aperture between the upper cloth and the lower cloth; and upon blowing of strong wind on the lower and upper cloths, the control valve will be opened to release the wind for preventing inversion of the umbrella.

Abstract: An umbrella rib assembly includes: a top rib having a cross section of U shape and made of light material including aluminum alloy, an outer rib having a cross section of circular shape and made of composite or plastic materials having good resilience and mechanical strength to be connected at an outer end of the top rib, and a stretcher rib pivotally connected with the top rib, thereby providing an umbrella having light weight but having suitable resilience and strength.

Abstract: A linkage device for an umbrella includes a pivot and a joint. A frame having an opening defined therein is integrally formed on a periphery of the pivot. A deformable leaf is provided to the joint and has a configuration to mate with a recess defined in the joint. Furthermore, a pivot rod is provided to the joint and functions as a pivot when the stretchers and the ribs are expand or folded. Therefore, when a portion of the frame is received within the joint, the deformable leaf is able to securely enclose the portion of the frame within the joint.

Abstract: A structure which is easy to be assemble and can firmly combine a rib with a stretcher of an umbrella is disclosed. The structure comprises a fastening and a link. The fastening has a body defining a passage for receiving a rib of the umbrella and a locating piece integrally extending from an outer periphery of the body. The locating piece defines a slot perpendicular to and in communication with the passage. The link has a block. The block defines a front end and a rear end, a first plate integrally extending outwardly from a bottom of the front end, a second plate integrally extending outwardly and upwardly from a top face thereof at the front end, and a pipe integrally extending from the rear end thereof for receiving a stretcher of the umbrella. The block further defines two concave side walls extending between the front end and the rear end thereof to conform with the outer periphery of the body.

Abstract: An umbrella frame comprises a plurality of main ribs attached to a slidable moving plate assembly by a plurality of support ribs. A plurality of stabilizing ribs are secured to the support ribs. The stabilizing ribs are further secured to a stationary plate assembly in a manner which permits the main ribs to open by gravity thus resulting in an umbrella frame whose relaxed state is open. An upper plate assembly is secured to the umbrella frame pole by an energy absorbing and dissipating means to stabilize the umbrella in windy conditions.

Abstract: A portable shade umbrella comprises a weighted base having a supporting pole secured in it, with the supporting pole having a curved upper section with a downwardly depending stud attached to the outer end of the curved section for supporting a rib assembly and a canopy, each of which includes central apertures penetrated by the stud and secured to the stud with a nut, which stretches the flexible canopy into a traditional umbrella shape. The length of the supporting pole is adjustable. The canopy includes a plurality of insertion pockets about its perimeter for receiving and retaining the outer ends of the curved ribs.

Abstract: An improved umbrella framework having a powerful strutting action is provided. The umbrella framework includes a strut frame member situated at the underside of a first umbrella frame member. The outer end of the strut frame member is connected to the outer end of a second umbrella frame member. The center of the strut frame member is connected to a support strut and the inner end is connected to a center guide. The center guide is installed onto the umbrella pole between a positioning ring and an upper guide. A sliding guide is disposed on the umbrella pole below the positioning ring. The sliding guide is operated to open the umbrella, whereupon the support strut effectively actuates the movement of the commonly connected strut frame member, the second umbrella frame member and the tail umbrella frame member.

Abstract: An improved four-section umbrella framework is provided. The framework includes an attachable flexible frame member having a small slot in the main frame member of the umbrella framework. A connector is positioned inside the main frame member such that the latch ring of the connector protrudes through the small slot on the main frame member and provides for the simple attachment of a hook formed at the end of a flexible frame member to form a secure and practical hook joint.