Patent ID: 8356613
Filing Date: 2013-01-22
Classification: A45B,F16G,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An umbrella hub comprising: a hub body comprising a first hub portion and a second hub portion coupled to the first hub portion, the hub body having a series of projections extending outwardly from a central portion thereof, the hub body having a plurality of connection cavities, the connection cavities extending radially outward from a base to an opening disposed at an outer periphery of the hub body, the connection cavities being configured to accept a plurality of umbrella structural members; a passage extending along the first and second hub portions of the hub body, the passage disposed immediately adjacent to at least a portion of a connection cavity, the connection cavity adapted to accept an umbrella structural member, the passage being configured to allow a cord to pass therethrough; an engagement device configured for engaging or disengaging the cord, the engagement device being aligned with the passage of the hub body such that the cord can be disposed through the passage, the engagement device allowing the cord to pass freely in a first direction through the passage while preventing movement of the cord in a second direction opposite the first direction; a recess enclosed within the hub body, the recess being configured to at least partially receive the engagement device therein and to allow the engagement device to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position; and whereby the cord is moveable laterally into the connection cavity from a first configuration wherein the cord is disposed through the passage and engaged by the engagement device to a second configuration wherein the cord is disposed in the connection cavity in a position adjacent to the passage, the cord being disengaged from the engagement device in the second configuration.