Patent ID: 6810893
Filing Date: 2004-11-02
Classification: A45B

Abstract:
An umbrella mechanism comprisinga central post having an upper end and a lower end; a plurality of ribs surrounding the post that are hingedly connected to the upper end of the post, the ribs being displaceable between a collapsed condition wherein the ribs are disposed adjacent the post and an open condition wherein the ribs extend radially from the post; a sliding hub that is slideably retained on the post; a plurality of struts surrounding the post and having post ends that are hingedly connected to the hub and rib ends that are hingedly connected to the ribs; urging means that is disposed at the upper end of the central post; and at least one flexible tensioning element characterized in that the tensioning element extends between an upper end of the urging means and a distal end of one of the ribs where the tensioning element is attached to the rib, the urging means exerting a pulling force on the tensioning element for lifting the ribs into the open condition thereof.