Abstract:
An umbrella or sunshade is provided that includes a support pole assembly and a tilt assembly. The support pole assembly includes a first support pole and a second support pole. The second support pole has a proximal end and a distal end and is curved therebetween. The second support pole is coupled with and extends generally transverse to the first support pole. The tilt assembly includes a transmission and a drive shaft. The drive shaft is housed in the second support pole. The drive shaft has a first end coupled with the transmission and a second end adjacent to the distal end of the second support pole. The transmission is configured to convert rotation of a crank handle into rotation of the drive shaft to pivot a canopy coupled with the distal end of the second support pole relative to the first support pole.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 (a) to Chinese Utility Model No. 200420020402.X, filed Feb. 24, 2004. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to the field of umbrella/parasol devices and more particularly to an umbrella/parasol with an adjustable tilt feature. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Umbrellas or parasols are devices which are typically utilized in an outdoor setting, such as in an outdoor patio, balcony, garden, cafe, and the like to provide shade and protection against the elements. Umbrellas or parasols generally include a canopy assembly which is frequently generally circular and which includes a plurality of support ribs. The support ribs can be deployed and supported in position to uphold a fabric canopy which provides shade and protection from the elements. The canopy assembly is generally supported above users of the umbrella or parasol, generally either by support structures which extend underneath the canopy assembly, or by support structures which extend upward along an outer periphery of the canopy assembly and further extend toward the center of the canopy assembly to support the same in a suspended manner. 
     One consideration in the use and design of umbrellas or parasols is that the incident sunlight and environmental elements which the users may wish to be shielded against, for example rain which may be wind-driven, is subject to change. As another example, the incident angle of sunlight changes throughout the course of a day as the sun traverses across its daily path. Similarly, the direction of wind during inclement weather may change, such that the rainfall direction, while generally downwards, may shift direction of horizontal components of its fall. Thus, in many applications, it is a desirable feature that an umbrella or parasol assembly be provided with some sort of adjustment or variable positioning to accommodate such shifts in the relative angle of protection provided. 
     For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,882 to Harbaugh discloses an umbrella with side support for tilting an opening or a generally vertically extending support structure which is interconnected via movable interconnecting braces to a canopy assembly, such that the canopy assembly can be tilted outward and inward with respect to the vertical support at a variety of tilt angles from a generally vertically erect orientation. However, the Harbaugh device is capable of tilting in only a single direction away from a vertically erect orientation, and this direction is generally away from the vertical support. This presents disadvantageous limitations to use of the Harbaugh umbrella as the Harbaugh umbrella is not capable of tilting towards the vertical support to provide protection to a user should the incident angle of sunlight or other environmental elements indicate such a positioning of the canopy assembly. Even if the Harbaugh reference were somehow modified to provide such an adjustment capability, a sheltered or shielded zone provided by the canopy assembly would coincide with the vertical support, thereby blocking or obstructing that area underneath the Harbaugh umbrella, for example, for placement of chairs, tables, or the users themselves. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,878,509 and 5,029,596 to Tung disclose a stepless tilting device for umbrellas of the general type wherein the canopy assembly is supported underneath by a generally vertically-extending support member, however, with the support member provided with a mechanism for stepless tilting of the umbrella from a generally vertically erect orientation. However, similar to the Harbaugh device, the Tung devices provide tilting in only a single direction from the vertical erect orientation and further suffer the drawback of this general type of umbrella or parasol that the generally vertically extending support member positioned underneath the canopy assembly partially blocks the shielded or sheltered region provided underneath the canopy assembly, thereby limiting the placement of tables, chairs, and users. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,152,156 and 6,478,037 also to Tung disclose another variation of a sunshade with tiltable canopy, wherein a canopy assembly is suspended from above by an arcuate tube which is hingedly connected to a generally vertically extending support pole. Thus, via adjustment of the hinged interconnection between the arcuate tube and the vertical support pole, the canopy assembly of the Tung &#39;156 and &#39;037 devices can be tilted inwards and outwards from a generally vertically extending orientation, however, again suffer similar disadvantages to the Harbaugh device as they appear to only offer a tilt in a single direction away from the generally vertical support pole. Also, if somehow modified to provide tilt towards the pole, these Tung devices would again suffer from blockage of the shielded or sheltered region underneath the canopy assembly by the presence of the vertical support pole. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,662,815 also to Tung discloses a canopy support frame for a sunshade which is similar in many respects to the &#39;156 and &#39;037 devices, however, with the further addition of a toothed joint which is configured to be held together in tension as the canopy assembly is erected by a cable member, such that throughout various tilt angles of the arcuate tube with respect to the vertical support, the canopy assembly is maintained in a substantially vertically erect orientation in spite of variations in the relative angle between the arcuate tube and the vertical support and also in applications wherein the vertical support is not oriented in a vertical orientation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Thus, it will be appreciated that there is an unsatisfied need for an umbrella or parasol assembly which provides greater flexibility in tilting adjustment and more particularly avoids interference of the shielded or sheltered region provided underneath the canopy throughout the range of tilt adjustment with, for example, support structure of the umbrella assembly itself to provide greater access and utility to users, for example, for placement of furniture. It would be a further advantage to provide such an umbrella or parasol assembly configured for improved ease of use, for example, by avoiding the need for tools, excessive force, or two handed operation to provide the desired tilting adjustment. It would also be advantageous that such an umbrella or parasol assembly having tilt capability be of robust and relatively simple construction and with reduced exposure of operating or moving parts to the environment to reduce exposure to dirt, dust, grit, water, or other contaminants. 
     In one embodiment, an umbrella assembly is provided. The umbrella assembly includes a support pole assembly, a canopy assembly, and a tilt assembly. The support pole assembly includes a first, generally vertically extending support pole and a second support pole. The second support pole has a proximal end and a distal end and is curved therebetween. The second support pole is coupled with and extends generally transverse to the first support pole. The canopy assembly is coupled with the second support pole adjacent the distal end. The tilt assembly includes a transmission and a drive shaft. The transmission is configured to be driven by a crank handle. The drive shaft is housed in the second support pole. The drive shaft has a first end coupled with the transmission and a second end adjacent to the distal end of the second support pole. The transmission is configured to convert rotation of the crank handle into rotation of the drive shaft to pivot the canopy assembly relative to the first support pole. 
     In another embodiment, a sunshade is provided that includes a support pole assembly, a canopy assembly, a linkage, and a crank member. The support pole assembly includes a supporting pole having a lower end and an upper end, a holding sleeve pivotally connected to the upper end of the supporting pole, and a suspending tube slidably extended through the holding sleeve. The suspending tube includes a first end and a second end. The canopy assembly is coupled with the second end of the suspending tube for suspending a canopy. The canopy assembly also includes an upper central member having a plurality of ribs attached thereto for supporting a canopy, and a lower central member having a plurality of struts attached thereto for supporting the ribs. The linkage extends between the first end and the second end of and within the supporting tube. The crank member coupled with the support pole assembly. In this embodiment, the linkage is configured to be rotated when the crank member is rotated, whereby the canopy assembly is tilted relative to the support pole. 
     In another embodiment, an umbrella assembly is provided that includes a support pole assembly, a canopy assembly, and a tilt assembly. The support pole assembly includes a first, generally vertically extending support pole and a second support pole. The second support pole has a proximal end and a distal end and defines a first length therebetween. The second support pole is coupled with and extends generally transverse to the first support pole. The canopy assembly is coupled with the second support pole adjacent the distal end thereof. The tilt assembly includes a transmission configured to be driven by a crank handle and a drive shaft. The drive shaft has a first end and a second end and defines a second length therebetween. The first end of the drive shaft assembly is coupled with the transmission. The first length is not substantially less than the second length. Rotation of the drive shaft assembly pivots the canopy assembly relative to the first support pole. 
     In another embodiment, an umbrella assembly includes an extendable canopy assembly, a generally vertically extending support structure, and a generally horizontally extending interconnecting structure. The generally horizontal structure interconnects the canopy assembly and the vertically extending support structure so as to suspend the canopy assembly and such that the canopy assembly can be oriented both inwards and outwards with respect to the vertically extending structure as well as tilted side to side. 
     In another embodiment is a tilt system for an umbrella assembly, the tilt system comprising a transmission assembly having an input and an output, a crank handle connectable to the input of the transmission assembly, a drive shaft assembly configured to be operated within an arcuate support pole, the drive shaft assembly defining a drive shaft axis and being connected at a first end to the output of the transmission assembly, and a tilt mechanism connected to a second end of the drive shaft assembly such that user actuation of the crank handle induces the tilt assembly to pivot about an axis generally parallel with the drive shaft axis to a tilt orientation. 
     Various additional features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of one embodiment of an umbrella assembly with tilt adjustment in a first inward/outward tilt orientation; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear view of one embodiment of an umbrella assembly with tilt adjustment in a first tilt orientation; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view of one embodiment of an umbrella assembly with tilt adjustment in a second tilt orientation; 
         FIG. 4  is a side section view of a portion of one embodiment of a tilt system for an umbrella; 
         FIG. 5  is a side section view of another portion of one embodiment of a tilt system for an umbrella; 
         FIG. 6  is an end section view along indicated lines A-A of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a side section view of another portion of another embodiment of a tilt system for an umbrella; 
         FIG. 8  is an end section view along indicated lines B-B of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 ; and 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of one embodiment of an umbrella assembly with tilt adjustment in a second inward/outward tilt orientation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. The figures also illustrate embodiments of the invention with respect to an indicated 3-dimensional Cartesian space. It will be appreciated that description of the various embodiments with respect to this Cartesian space is for the reader&#39;s ease of understanding the relative orientations and interactions of components of the various embodiments, and should not be interpreted as limiting on the implementation or use of the described and claimed embodiments. For example, where reference is made to a vertical orientation, e.g., generally along the indicated Z axis, this is for the reader&#39;s clarity of understanding with reference to the indicated components and does not limit the indicated components to use or construction in a vertical orientation. 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of one embodiment of an umbrella assembly with tilt adjustment  100  which is adapted to providing flexible shade and protection from the elements, particularly in outdoor settings, such as in patios, outside balconies, gardens, cafes, sports facilities, and the like. In this embodiment, the umbrella assembly  100  includes a vertical support  102  which in certain embodiments comprises a single elongate member and in yet other embodiments, comprises multiple vertical support members indicated as members  102   a  and  102   b  which may be joined by a telescope joint  104 . Thus, depending upon the requirements of a particular application, various embodiments of the vertical support  102  can be embodied in a telescoping, height adjustable manner and in other embodiments provided as a single unitary piece configured for the requirements of a given application. The vertical support  102  may be further provided with attachment or fitment structures at a lower end thereof, for example, for placement in the ground or paving structures, as well as attachment or interconnection to a base member. 
     The umbrella assembly  100  also comprises in this embodiment a canopy assembly  106  which includes a plurality of canopy webs  110  which are interconnected to an erector base  114  via a corresponding plurality of support struts  112  which are hingedly or pivotably interconnected with the canopy webs  110  and the erector base  114 . This allows the canopy assembly  106  to transition between an open or erect configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 1  and a folded or stowed configuration wherein the canopy assembly is lowered, for example, for stowage or movement of the umbrella assembly  100 . The canopy assembly  106  would typically be covered with and support a canopy  108  of suitable material, e.g. fabric or plastic, providing the shade and weather protection functions of the umbrella assembly. The canopy  108  is shown in ghost lines for ease of viewing the underlying structure. 
     In this embodiment, the canopy assembly  106  is interconnected with the vertical support  102  via an interposed interconnecting member  116 . The interconnecting member  116  is a relatively rigid elongate member and in certain embodiments is arched or arcuate in configuration. The interconnecting member  116  extends generally horizontally from the vertical support  102  across the top or upper surface of the canopy assembly  106  and attaches to and supports the canopy assembly  106  in a suspending manner. As previously noted, this general arrangement of support and attachment to the canopy assembly  106  provides the advantage that the region or sheltered area underneath the canopy assembly  106  is not obstructed by underlying support structure as in other types of umbrella or parasol assemblies. 
     In this particular embodiment, the interconnecting member  116  is connected to the vertical support  102  via an interposed coupler  120 . The coupler  120  of this embodiment is slidingly engaged with the interconnecting member  116  such that when the coupler  120  is loosened, the interconnecting member  116  can slide axially within the coupler  120 , e.g., generally in the YZ plane to vary and adjust the extension of the interconnecting member  116  from the upper end of the vertical support  102 . In this embodiment, the coupler  120  is provided with fasteners, clamps, tighteners, or the like to secure the interconnecting member  116  in a desired axial location. The coupler  120  is also configured in this embodiment for hinged connection to the upper end or top end of the vertical support  102  such that the interconnecting member  116  and attached canopy assembly  106  can be pivoted or tilted generally about the X axis or in the YZ plane, for example, between a first inward/outward tilt orientation, as shown in  FIG. 1 , to a second inward/outward tilt orientation, such as shown in  FIG. 9 . In this embodiment, the coupler  120  is also provided with a fastener, clamp, or the like to fix the interconnecting member  116  to a desired inward outward tilt orientation with respect to the vertical support  102 . 
     In this embodiment, the umbrella assembly  100  further comprises an erector mechanism  122  which is configured generally as a crank member configured for hand operation by the user. In one embodiment, the crank member is coupled with a tension cable, cord, rope, chain, or the like and with the erector base  114 . In one embodiment, the tension cable, cord, rope, chain, or the like extends at least partially through or within the vertical support or the interconnecting member  116 . For example, the interconnecting member can be configured such that a passage  125  through which the tension cable, cord, rope, chain, or the like may extend is provided. The passage  125  may be defined adjacent to or alongside other components, such as a drive shaft assembly, discussed below. In one embodiment, the passage  125  includes a first short passage  125   a  extending distally of the proximal end of the interconnecting member  116  and a second short passage  125   b  extending proximally of the distal end of the interconnecting member  116 . The passage  125  can be formed a plurality of segments, some of which are about the same size as the tension cable, cord, rope, chain, or the like. In one embodiment, the drive shaft assembly and the tension cable, cord, rope, chain, or the like extend alongside each other in a common lumen of the interconnecting member  116 . 
     Actuation of the erector mechanism  122  applies tension force to the cord, rope, chain, cable, or the like so as to draw the erector base  114  upwards, thereby extending or erecting the support struts  112  and interconnected canopy webs  110 . Similarly, reverse actuation of the erector mechanism  122  allows the canopy assembly  106  to collapse or fold as tension is released from the erector base  114 . The umbrella assembly  100  can be arranged so that when the canopy assembly  106  is closed, the umbrella assembly  100  is relatively compact. For example, the interconnecting member  116  can be retracted proximally in the coupler  120  until the proximal end of the interconnecting member  116  is adjacent a lower end of the vertical support  102  and a distal end of the interconnecting member  116  is adjacent to an upper end of the vertical support  102 . In this position, the canopy assembly  106 , the vertical support  102 , and the interconnecting member  106  would all be position very closely together. Some additional conventional features useful in opening and closing an umbrella assembly are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,156, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In one embodiment, the erector mechanism  122  is incorporated with a brace member  123  which offers a triangulated bracing between the vertical support  102  and the interconnecting member  116 . It will be appreciated that in certain embodiments, the brace member  123  is of fixed length and in slidable engagement with the vertical support  102 . In other embodiments, the brace member  123  is of telescoping or adjustable length to accommodate the embodiments of the umbrella assembly  100  wherein hinging and relative axial movement of the interconnecting member  116  is provided with the coupler  120 . 
     In this embodiment, the umbrella assembly  100  also comprises a tilt drive  124  and a tilt assembly  126  which together provide a tilt system  132  for the umbrella assembly  100 . More particularly, the tilt drive  124  in this embodiment is arranged at a first end of the interconnecting member  116  that is opposite a second end of the interconnecting member  116  which is adjacent the canopy assembly  106 . The tilt drive  124  is configured for user actuation without requirement for special tools or application of excessive actuation force. The tilt assembly  126  is arranged at a distal end of the interconnecting member  116  or adjacent the canopy assembly  106 . Together, the tilt system  132  provides the capability to the umbrella assembly  100  that user actuation of the tilt drive  124  induces the tilt assembly  126  and corresponding canopy assembly  106  to tilt or adjust, for example, between a first tilt orientation  130   a,  which is displaced an angle α from a vertical orientation, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , and a second tilt orientation  130   b,  which is displaced in angle β from a vertical orientation toward the left, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
     The tilt system  132  is further configured such that the relative tilt orientation  130  of the canopy assembly  106  can be readily adjusted by the user via application of force to the tilt drive  124 . Preferably, when the actuating force is removed, the tilt system  132  of the umbrella assembly  100  resists restoring forces which may impinge upon the canopy assembly  106 , such as via wind loading, rainfall, gravitational forces. As such, the umbrella assembly  100  resists variation in a set tilt orientation  130  absent further user actuation of the tilt drive  124 . Thus, the umbrella assembly  100  provides the capability to a user to readily adjust the tilt drive  124  and once the desired tilt orientation  130  is achieved, the user can simply step away from the umbrella assembly  100  and the canopy assembly  106  will be maintained in substantially the set tilt orientation  130 . Preferably the user is not required to further secure the canopy assembly  106  in place, such as via application of clamping or tightening forces or utilization of fasteners, detents, latches, and the like. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates in greater detail embodiments of the tilt drive  124  of the tilt system  132 . In this embodiment, the tilt drive  124  includes a user adjustment member  134  which can be configured as a hand operable crank via which a user can apply operational force to the tilt drive  124 . The user adjustment member  134  is engaged with a transmission  136  such that user force provided to the user adjustment member  134  is converted into actuating force to induce the tilt assembly  126  to vary the tilt orientation  130  of the canopy assembly  106 . In one embodiment, the transmission  136  includes a gear wheel  140 , e.g. comprising a U-shaped spiral thread engaged with corresponding threads of the user adjustment member  134 , such that together the user adjustment member  134  and gear wheel  140  define a worm gear assembly. In yet other embodiments, the transmission  136  provides hypoid gear arrangements, belt and pulley arrangements, sprocket and chain arrangements, or the like, such that the user provided force at the user adjustment member  134  is converted to the required operating force to induce the tilt assembly  126  to pivot. 
     In one embodiment, an outer cover  144  is provided and is interconnected to the first end of the interconnecting member  116 . In this embodiment, the gear wheel  140  is connected to the outer cover  144  via a bearing  142  and the transmission  136  also is mounted within the outer cover  144 . The user adjustment member  134  engages with the transmission  136 , such that together the outer cover  144  substantially encloses and protects one or more of the operating moving parts of the tilt drive  124 . Such protection is against contamination with dirt, debris, dust, and the like which may degrade or shorten the life of the tilt drive  124 , as well as against possible injury to a user who could become entrapped within moving parts of the tilt drive  124 . Thus, the enclosure provided by the outer cover  144  increases durability, longevity, and safety for the tilt drive  124 . Further, the outer cover  144  can be configured in an aesthetically pleasing form such that the possibly aesthetically less pleasant operating components of the tilt drive  124  are shielded from user view. 
     In this embodiment, the gear wheel  140  is also engaged with an output shaft  146 . The output shaft  146  provides an output from the tilt drive  124  wherein the user adjustment member  134  provides a corresponding input. Thus, in this embodiment, the user adjustment member  134  operates substantially about an input axis that lies generally along or parallel to the X axis and converts this input force via the transmission  136  into a corresponding rotation arranged generally 90 degrees relative to the input axis of the user adjustment member  134 , e.g., substantially within the YZ plane. The output shaft  146  is engaged via shaft rings  150  with a proximate drive shaft member  152   a.  The drive shaft member  152   a  is a generally rigid straight elongate member which is interconnected with the output shaft  146  such that rotation of the output shaft  146  is correspondingly conveyed to the drive shaft member  152   a.  In this particular embodiment, the proximate drive shaft member  152   a  is a first drive shaft member that is coupled via a first joint  154   a  to a second drive shaft member  152   b.  The second drive shaft member  152   b  is further coupled via a second joint  154   b  to a third drive shaft member  152   c.    
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in certain embodiments, the interconnecting member  116  is arched or arcuate or otherwise extends along a non-linear path between the tilt drive  124  and the tilt assembly  126 . Thus, in certain embodiments, a plurality of drive shaft members  152  interconnected via interposed joints  154  provides an articulated flexible drive shaft assembly such that the rotational output of the transmission  136  can be conveyed along this curved or non-linear path to the tilt assembly  126 . The number of drive shaft members  152  and corresponding joints  154  is determined, in certain embodiments, both by the physical dimensions of the particular embodiment of umbrella assembly  100  (e.g. the length of the interconnecting member  116 ). The number and characteristics of drive shaft members  152  and corresponding joints  154  is determined in some embodiments by the required forces needed to implement the described tilt capability of the umbrella assembly  100  described above. 
     The degree of curvature, if present, of the interconnecting member  116  can influence an appropriate length dimension for each individual drive shaft member  152 . It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the interconnecting member  116  is substantially straight such that a single drive shaft member  152  can provide the needed transmission of force. In other variations, only a portion of the interconnecting member  116  is curved or arcuate, such that different lengths of drive shaft members  154  are appropriate for particular applications. It will be further understood that depending upon the physical dimensions and inertial loading of an umbrella assembly  100 , an arched or arcuate interconnecting member  116  can be accommodated by a drive shaft assembly  156  which is of a single unitary construction, however, comprises inherent flexibility. For example, relatively small lightweight umbrella assemblies  100  can accommodate carbon fiber, fiberglass, and/or plastic drive shaft assemblies  156  where the force transmission required is relatively low. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates one embodiment of a tilt assembly  126  for a tilt system  132 . In this embodiment, a distal end of the interconnecting member  116  is attached to a housing  172  adjacent the attachment of the tilt assembly  126  to the canopy assembly  106 . In this embodiment, a last drive shaft member  152  is terminated with a corresponding connecting head  160  and secured via a fastener  162 , such as a screw, clinch, weld, adhesive joint, rivet, or the like. The last drive shaft member  152  is further coupled to a shaft  166  which is also provided with a corresponding fastening head  160  which is connected to the shaft  166  by a further fastener  162 . The last drive shaft member  152  and shaft  166  are further coupled by an interposed coupling ring  164  such that rotational movement of the last drive shaft member  152  is transferred to the shaft  166 , but a limited degree of flexibility or articulation is provided via the connecting heads  160  and coupling ring  164  so as to provide a limited universal joint-type movement. The shaft  160  is retained within the housing  172  via a retainer  170  such that the shaft  166  is free to rotate within the housing  172  but restrained against axial movement with respect thereto. The shaft  166  is further supported by a bearing  174  and terminated with a drive member  176  which is held by a further retainer  180  which may further comprise bearing functionality. The drive member  176  is affixed to the shaft  166  such that rotation of the last drive shaft member  152 , such as arising from the interconnection to the tilt drive  124 , is conveyed to the drive member  176 . 
     The drive member  176  can be engaged with inner surfaces of an upper hinge  182  which is engaged with the housing  172  in such a manner as to be free to rotate with respect to the housing  172 . In one embodiment, the rotation is generally about the Y axis, but is restrained against axial translation with respect thereto. In one embodiment, axial restraint is provided by a cooperating flange or abutment portion of the upper hinge  182  which can engage a respective flange or abutment portion of the housing  172 . Further axial restraint can be provided by one or more retention members  190 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates one embodiment of the internal arrangement of the tilt assembly  126  in an end section view. In this embodiment, the drive member  176  is nested within and engages with inner surfaces of the upper hinge  182 . The drive member  176  is further of smaller dimensions and offset with respect to a centerline of the upper hinge  182 , such that a drive shaft axis  194  about which the drive member  176  can be induced to rotate is substantially parallel with and offset from a tilt axis  196  defining an axis of rotation of the upper hinge  182 . The housing  172  is fixed to the distal end of the interconnecting member  116  in one embodiment. The upper hinge  182  is free to rotate with respect to the housing  172  with respect to the interconnecting member  116  in one embodiment. Thus, as the drive member  176  is induced to rotate about the drive shaft axis  194 , the rotation of the drive member  176  induces the upper hinge  182  into a corresponding rotation. In certain embodiments, the allowable rotation of the upper hinge  182  in a side-to-side manner (about the Y-axis shown in  FIG. 6 ) is partially restricted via a slot (which may be arcuate) formed in an extension of the housing  172  through which the retention member  190  passes and is engaged to the upper hinge  182 . The freedom of movement of the upper hinge  182  in a rotational aspect about the Y axis can in this manner be limited by the dimensions of the arcuate slot  192 . In further embodiments, a set tilt orientation  130  may be maintained via securement of the retention member  190 . Thus, the retention member  190  may be partially loosened to allow the tilt orientation  130  to be varied. Once a desired tilt orientation  130  is obtained, the retention member  190  can be retightened to further inhibit variation of the desired tilt orientation  130 . 
     In various embodiments, the dirve member  176  engages with the inner surfaces of the upper hinge  182  in a geared manner. In yet other embodiments, one or more of outer surfaces of the drive member  176  and inner surfaces of the upper hinge  182  are provided with a resilient relatively high friction coefficient material, such as a synthetic rubber. Thus, depending upon the requirements of a particular application, embodiments of engagement between the drive member  176  and upper hinge  182  may be in a strictly mechanical implementation such that relative slippage between the drive member  176  and upper hinge  182  cannot occur without distortion or damage to one or both members. In other embodiments, the relative slippage between the drive member  176  and upper hinge  182  is inhibited yet accommodated upon application of sufficient force, for example, to inhibit damage to the umbrella assembly  100  upon accidental application of excessive force due, for example, to extreme wind loading or impact of an object upon the umbrella assembly  100 . 
     In some embodiments, a lower hinge  186  is included that is engaged via a pivot  184  with the upper hinge  182 . A lower or distal end of the lower hinge  186  is configured for attachment to the canopy assembly  106  and the pivoting engagement between the upper and lower hinges  182 ,  186  provides further adjustment possibilities for the tilt orientation  130  in an inward or outward direction with respect to the vertical support  102 , e.g., a folding capability such that the canopy assembly  106  can be collapsed or closed and folded into adjacency with the interconnecting member  116  for storage or movement of the umbrella assembly  100 . In one embodiments, the pivot  184  can include a tightening or fixing capability, such that upon attainment of a desired tilt orientation substantially about the X axis, the pivot  184  may be tightened to retain the umbrella assembly  100  in the desired configuration, and in yet other embodiments, the upper hinge  182  may be fixedly attached to the lower hinge  186 , e.g., without the pivot  184 . 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate another embodiment of a tilt assembly  126  which is similar in certain respects to the previously described embodiments of tilt assembly  126  as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , and detailed description of similar structures and components will not be repeated for brevity and ease of understanding. In this embodiment, the drive member  176  is affixed to the shaft  166  and retained by a retainer  180 . The shaft  166  and drive member  176  are also positioned within a shaft cover  197  and are further engaged with one or more planetary wheels  198 . In this particular embodiment, three planetary wheels  198  are fitted and interposed between the drive member  176  and inner surfaces of the upper hinge  182  so as to together define a planetary gear train  199 . In one arrangement, a small passage similar to the passage  125   b  is provided for a cord or similar structure to pass through or alongside the planetary gear train  199 . For example, a passage could be provided through the drive member  176 , aligned with the axis  194 . 
     One advantageous feature of the tilt system  132  including the tilt assemblies  126 , such as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , as well as in  7  and  8 , are that the tilt systems  132  provide a mechanical reduction feature between the movement of the user adjustment member  134  and the corresponding rotational movement of the upper hinge  182  of the tilt assembly  126 . This provides the advantage of mechanical advantage to a user such that relatively low user actuation forces are mechanically multiplied to provide corresponding greater actuation force at the tilt assembly  126  to allow a user to manipulate and orient a relatively large and high inertia canopy assembly  106  which may be further subject to wind and rain loading without excessive force required. A further advantage provided by the mechanical reduction of the tilt system  132  is that once the desired orientation  130  is obtained, the mechanical reduction of the tilt system  132  inhibits variation from this set tilt orientation  130  absent restoring user actuation force provided to the user adjustment member  134 . Thus, the tilt system  132  provides a self-retaining capability to allow a user to manipulate the tilt orientation  130  of the canopy assembly  106  with a one handed operation and does not require the use of further clamping or fixing devices, for example, in a two handed operating mode which provides further ease of use and convenience to a user of the umbrella assembly  100 . 
     Further advantages of the tilt system  132  as disclosed herein are that the mechanical operating portions of the tilt system  132  are substantially enclosed within the outer cover  144 , the interconnecting member  116 , and housing  172 . Thus, these moving operative components of the tilt system  132  are shielded against exposure to dust, dirt, water, and other contaminants, and also such that lubricants and/or protective coatings are shielded from environmental influences which might induce their removal leading to reduced ease of use and longevity of the tilt system  132 . The encasement of the moving operative components of the tilt system  132  also provides safety advantages as the moving components are shrouded, preventing contact with users or their clothing which reduces the likelihood, for example, of pinching injuries which might otherwise occur during use of the umbrella assembly  100 . Other advantages are that the potentially less aesthetic operating components of the tilt system  132  are shielded from view providing a more desirable visual appearance to the users and purchasers of the umbrella assembly  100 . Yet other advantages are that the interconnecting member  116  may be provided solely as an interconnecting fixedly attached structural member between the coupler  120  and the tilt assembly  126  and is not directly involved in pivoting or jointed movement to provide greater overall structural strength and stability to the umbrella assembly  100 . This also provides the capability of reduced manufacturing costs offering greater profit margins to the manufacturer and/or reduced cost to the end consumer. The various components of the umbrella assembly  100  further comprise relatively high strength and corrosion resistant materials, such as aluminum, plastics, stainless steel, etc., such that the umbrella assembly  100  is weather resistant throughout extended exposure to the elements. 
     Although the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention has shown, described, and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the detail of the apparatus as illustrated, as well as the uses thereof, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.