Patent ID: 8104492
Filing Date: 2012-01-31
Classification: A45B

Abstract:
1. An umbrella comprising: a main pole having a lower end for support by a support surface and extending generally upward to an upper end; a sliding member associated with the main pole and selectably moveable thereon between lower and upper locations along the main pole; locking means for releasably securing the sliding member to the main pole at a selected location along the main pole; an umbrella canopy having a central region; an arm associated with the central region and extending radially therefrom to an outer end operatively associated with the sliding member; a brace having a first end pivotably attached to an upper portion of the pole above the sliding member and a second end pivotably attached to the arm; a winding mechanism having a winder hub around which a line can be wound, the winder hub being mounted to the sliding member and movable therewith; a line having a first end that winds around the winder hub, an intermediate portion extending from the winder hub along the arm to the umbrella canopy, and a second end that engages the umbrella canopy; wherein rotation of the winder hub tensions or relaxes the line depending upon the direction of rotation of the winder hub, and wherein operation of the winding mechanism to apply tension to the line opens and closes the umbrella canopy in response to movement of the line; and wherein the angle of the umbrella canopy with respect to the main pole can be controlled by moving the sliding member along the main pole.