Patent Publication Number: US-7708022-B2

Title: Umbrella assembly with tilt adjustment

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/710,774, filed Aug. 24, 2005, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to Utility Model No. 200520102776.0, filed Jun. 8, 2005 in the Peoples Republic of China. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The invention relates to the field of shade structures, particularly umbrella and parasol devices and more particularly to an umbrella or 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 that is frequently generally circular and which comprises fabric-like material mounted over a plurality of support ribs. The support ribs can be collapsed into a storage position for the canopy and can be deployed and supported in position to hold up and extend the fabric canopy and thereby 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 that extend from the ground to underneath the canopy assembly, or by support structures that extend to above the canopy assembly and support it from above. Such suspended umbrellas have the advantage of providing space below the canopy where people can sit without the obstruction of a pole extending from below the canopy to the ground. 
   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, wind can come from any direction and can cause rain to fall from a variety of directions other than generally vertically. 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 direction of sun, wind and weather generally. 
   For example, Patent Application Publication No. US 2004/0069333 A1 listing Ma as inventor discloses an umbrella in which a shade canopy is suspended from a side arm that is mounted to a side post. The side arm, and thereby the canopy, can be rotated between specific positions by means of a drive bar that can be manipulated to both rotate the side arm and latch it in one of the positions. Thus, while this design provides some ability to tilt the canopy by rotation of its suspending side arm, that rotation can only be achieved between fixed latch positions and is therefore of limited convenience. 
   U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,152,156 and 6,478,037 to Tung disclose another variation of a sunshade with tiltable canopy, wherein a canopy assembly is suspended from above by an arcuate tube that is hingedly connected to a generally vertically extending support pole. Thus, by 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, this construction appears to only offer a tilt in a single direction away from the generally vertical support pole. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention provides an umbrella in which a canopy can be suspended from a hub or head assembly coupled to a pole and in which the canopy can be rotated about the axis of the pole by selectively decoupling the hub or head from the pole. 
   One embodiment of this invention provides an umbrella that comprises a support pole, at least a portion of which extends upwardly in use, a suspending pole, a canopy, and a mechanism for enabling tilting of the canopy. The suspending pole is mounted transversely to the support pole and has first and second ends and a longitudinal axis. The canopy is suspended in use from the second end of the suspending pole. The tilt enabling mechanism or tilting mechanism enables tilting of the canopy about the longitudinal axis of the supporting pole. The tilting mechanism comprises an actuator, such as a lever or crank, adjacent the first end of the suspending pole and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises a locking device operably coupled with the actuator and located adjacent the second end of the suspending pole. Operation of the actuator releases the locking device permitting the canopy to tilt about the longitudinal axis. 
   Another embodiment of this invention provides an umbrella that comprises a support pole, a suspending pole, mounted transversely to the support pole, a hub, a canopy, and means for coupling and decoupling the hub from the suspending pole. At least a portion of the support pole extends upwardly in use. The suspending pole has first and second ends and a longitudinal axis that defines an arc. The hub is attached to second end of suspending pole. The canopy is suspended in use from the hub. The coupling and decoupling means permits the canopy to be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the supporting pole. 
   Preferably the umbrella comprises a head or hub assembly between the second end of the suspending pole and the canopy and from which the canopy is suspended, in use, the head assembly being coupled to the second end of the suspending pole by means of the locking mechanism to normally prevent rotation of the head assembly with respect to the suspending pole, such rotation being permitted upon release of the locking device to decouple the head assembly from the second end of the suspending pole. 
   The longitudinal axis of the suspending pole in the umbrella of the invention is preferably curved i.e. defines an arc. 
   Preferably the umbrella comprises a tension member extending between the actuator and the locking device, the tension member applying a force to the locking device to release the locking device upon operation of the actuator. The tension member can be a wire or the like. The tension member is preferably coupled to the shaft having a mount post, the shaft being coupled with the actuator such that actuation thereof rotates the mount post, whereby a force is applied to the tension member. 
   Preferably the locking mechanism further comprises a first gear coupled with the head assembly and a second gear coupled with the suspending pole adjacent the second end thereof, wherein actuation of the actuator permits relative movement between the first and second gears such that the locking device is disengaged. In a preferred embodiment actuation of the actuator moves the second gear way from the first gear to disengage the locking device. The gears can be biased into engagement by a spring member or the like when the actuator is in its rest or inactive position. 
   In a preferred embodiment, actuation of the actuator moves the second gear along the longitudinal axis of the suspending pole. This movement can preferably be along an axle connected to the suspending pole adjacent the second end thereof about which the canopy can be tilted when the locking device is disengaged. 
   The mechanism preferably extend at least partially through the axle, and can comprise a rope, wire or the like coupled at one end with the canopy and at an opposite end with a crank mechanism. 
   One embodiment of the invention provides an umbrella comprising a support pole, at least a portion of which extends upwardly in use; a suspending pole, mounted transversely to the support pole and having first and second ends and a longitudinal axis that defines an arc; a hub or head attached to second end of suspending pole; a canopy suspended in use from the hub; and means for coupling and decoupling the hub from the suspending pole to permit rotating the canopy about the longitudinal axis of the supporting pole. Preferably, the coupling and decoupling means is at least in part located adjacent the second end of the suspending pole. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling and decoupling means comprises a pair of gears located adjacent the second end of the suspending pole, one of said gears being coupled with the suspending pole and the other of said gears being coupled with the hub, the coupling and decoupling means being actuatable by a lever or crank located adjacent the first end of the suspending pole. 
   Preferably, the coupling and decoupling means comprises a first connector in the suspending pole and having a first mating surface and a second connector in the hub and having a second mating surface, the first connector having a portion being movable with respect to the second connector so that the first mating surface can be engaged or disengaged with the second mating surface to lock or release, respectively, the hub with respect to the suspending pole, so that the hub can be rotated with respect to the suspending pole. To provide locking or engagement of the coupling means during normal use means for biasing the first connector into locking engagement with the second connector can be provided. 
   Preferably, first second connectors has an internal passageway, said umbrella further comprising a pin extending from the first connector into the passageway in the second connector and about which the second connector and the hub can rotate. 
   In another embodiment the umbrella further comprising means adjacent the first end of the suspending pole for operating the means for coupling and decoupling the hub from the suspending pole. 
   Preferably the operating means comprises, a crank shaft; an elongate member connected to the crank shaft and the first connector; and a crank handle for applying tension to the elongate member to effectuate disengagement of said mating surfaces. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Some preferred embodiments of the invention will now be more particularly described by reference to the accompanying drawings in which; 
       FIG. 1  is a plan view of an umbrella according to one embodiment of the invention with a canopy thereof shown in an open configuration and in a first, substantially horizontal orientation; 
       FIG. 2  is a plan view of the umbrella of  FIG. 1  with the canopy thereof shown in an open configuration and in a second, tilted orientation; 
       FIG. 3  is a partial cross-section view illustrating detail  3 - 3  of the umbrella of  FIG. 1 , showing a portion of a locking mechanism in a locked, a coupled, or an engaged configuration; 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-section view of an upper portion of the umbrella of  FIG. 1  taken along section plane  4 - 4 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-section view of an upper portion of the umbrella of  FIG. 1  taken along section plane  5 - 5 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a partial cross-section view illustrating detail  3 - 3  of the umbrella of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a cross section view of a lower portion of the umbrella of  FIG. 1  taken along section plane  7 - 7 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-section view of a portion of a canopy deployment mechanism taken along section plane  8 - 8 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-section view of a portion of a tilting mechanism, taken along section plane  9 - 9 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a partial cross-section view similar to  FIG. 6  illustrating one technique for operation of an actuator operably coupled with the locking mechanism; and 
       FIG. 11  is a partial cross-section view similar to  FIG. 3  illustrating the locking mechanism in an unlocked, a decoupled, or released configuration. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of the invention, in which an umbrella  10  that can be positioned in a variety of useful positions or orientation to provide shelter. To achieve this, as discussed further below, the umbrella  10  includes a plurality of mechanisms to move a sheltering member, e.g., a canopy, a canopy assembly, or a canopy fabric, between a plurality of useful positions or orientation. In some embodiments discussed below, a locking mechanism is disengaged to permit the canopy to move between a plurality of positions. 
   The umbrella  10  includes a support pole assembly  14  and a canopy assembly  18 . As discussed further below, the umbrella  10  is configured to position the canopy assembly  18 , for example, by disengaging a locking mechanism. The canopy assembly  18  includes a canopy frame  22  and a canopy fabric  26 . The canopy frame  22  can take any suitable form and preferably is able to be opened and closed, such that the canopy fabric  26  can be expanded to provide shelter or closed to take up a minimum space. 
   In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy assembly  18  comprises a rib assembly  30  that includes a plurality of ribs  34 . The ribs  34  extend from a central shaft  38 . The canopy fabric  26  can be a natural or synthetic material and can be extended over the ribs  34 . As discussed further below, in some embodiments, the umbrella  10  includes a mechanism for opening and closing the canopy assembly  18 . 
   The support pole assembly  14  is configured to position the canopy assembly  18  as needed. In one embodiment, the support pole assembly  14  includes a support pole  54  that extends between a lower end  58  and an upper end  62 . The support pole assembly  14  preferably also includes a suspending pole  74  that extends between the first end  78  and the second end  82 . The first end  78  is a lower end of the suspending pole  74  and the second end  82  is an upper end of the suspending pole  74 . The canopy assembly  18  can be coupled with the second end  82  of suspending pole  74  in any suitable manner. Preferably, as discussed further below, the suspending pole  74  is coupled with the support pole  54  in a manner that permits the canopy fabric  26  to be tilted about a longitudinal axis  86  of the suspending pole  74 . The suspending pole  74  can take any suitable form. For example, the suspending pole  74  can be shaped to meet particular design needs. In some embodiments, it is desirable for the suspending pole  74  to be at least partially curved. Preferably, the longitudinal axis  86  of the suspending pole  74  defines an arc along a majority of its length, more preferably along substantially its entire length. In some arrangements, a portion of the longitudinal axis  86  defines an arc and in another portion thereof, is substantially straight. This arrangement is illustrated in  FIG. 3  wherein the portion of the longitudinal axis  86  adjacent the second end  82  of the suspending pole  74  is substantially straight. In this application, a structure directly or indirectly coupled with the canopy fabric  26  tilts about the longitudinal axis  86  if the axis of rotation of the structure is co-linear with the axis  86  or at a tangent to the axis  86 . 
   In some embodiments, the suspending pole  74  also can be extended and retracted relative to the supporting pole  54 . 
   In one arrangement, a hub or head assembly  88  is positioned between the canopy assembly  18  and the suspending pole  74 . The head assembly  88  preferably includes an upper portion  90  and a lower portion  92 . The upper portion  90  is preferably located adjacent the second end  82  of the suspending pole  74 . In one embodiment, the upper portion  90  of the head assembly  88  has an L-shape or elbow configuration, such that a portion thereof extends along the longitudinal axis  86  of the suspending pole  74  (or a tangent of the axis  86 ) and another portion extends substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis  86  (or tangent). The portion of the upper portion  90  that extends along the longitudinal axis  86  preferably is rotatably coupled with the suspending pole  74 , as discussed further below. The lower portion  92  of the head assembly  88  is coupled with the canopy assembly  18  in a suitable manner. In one arrangement, the upper and lower portions  90 ,  92  of the head assembly  88  are pivotably coupled. Pivotable coupling of the lower portion  92  to the upper portion  90  can be provided by a pin-type connection  94 . The pin-type connection  94  can include a shaft that extends through a portion of the lower portion  92  and through a portion of the upper portion  90 . The pin-type connection  94  can also include recesses formed in at least one of the upper and lower portions  90 ,  92  that enables the head assembly  88  to rotate to a compact storage configuration. 
   In one embodiment, the support pole assembly  14  also includes a strut  98 . The strut  98  extends between a lower end  102  that is coupled with the support pole  54  and upper end  106  that is coupled with the suspending pole  74 . Preferably, the lower end  102  of the strut  98  is pivotably coupled with the support pole  54  at a location between the upper end  62  and the lower end  58  thereof. The strut  98  preferably is pivotably coupled with the support pole  54  by a collar  114 . In one arrangement, the collar  114  is mounted on the support pole  54  at a fixed elevation. In another embodiment, the collar  114  is configured to be clamped on to the support pole  54  or to be unclamped therefrom. When unclamped from the support pole  54 , the collar  114  is enabled to move along the support pole  54  between a range of elevations. The ability of the collar  114  to move between different elevations is one way to enable the suspending pole  74  to be extended and retracted, as discussed further below. It should be appreciated that other means may be used to connect the strut  98  to the support pole  54  other than the collar  114 , such as bolts and a flange or the like. 
   In one embodiment, the upper end  106  of the strut  98  is pivotably connected directly or indirectly to the suspending pole  74 . Preferably, the upper end  106  of the strut is connected with a housing  130  located, as shown in  FIG. 6 , at or adjacent the first end  78  of the suspending pole  74 .  FIG. 6  shows that in one embodiment, a pivot shaft  134  is mounted in a fitting  138 . The pivot shaft  134  is coupled with the upper end  106  of strut  98 . The fitting  138  can be coupled with the housing  130  in any suitable manner, e.g., by welding. The pivotable coupling of the upper and lower ends  106 ,  102  of the strut  98  enables the strut to rotate out while the suspending pole  74  is being extended or retracted relative to the support pole  54 , as discussed further below. 
     FIGS. 1 and 2  show that in some embodiments a holding sleeve  150  is positioned between the support pole  54  and the suspending pole  74  so that the suspending pole  74  is mounted transversely to the support pole  54 . The holding sleeve  150  preferably coupled with the suspending pole  74  and support pole  54  and is configured such that the suspending pole  74  can be extended and retracted relative to the support pole  54 . By sliding the suspending pole  74  through the sleeve  150 , the canopy assembly  18  can be moved away from or towards the support pole  54 . In one embodiment, the sleeve  150  is pivotably mounted to the support pole  54 , for example, using a pin connection  154 . In one embodiment, an inner surface of the holding sleeve  150  that faces the suspending pole  74 , comprises a low friction surface that facilitates the extension and retraction of the suspending pole  74 . The low friction surface can take any suitable form, e.g., as a smooth surface, a low friction plastic surface, a bashing or a bearing if space permits. 
   The umbrella  10  can be coupled with a support structure in any suitable manner. In one embodiment, a base  162  is provided into which the lower end  58  of the support pole  54  can be inserted or otherwise mounted. The base  162  can take any suitable form, for example, being portable such that the umbrella  10  can be moved from one place to another. In some applications, the base  162  is a permanently fixed support portion, e.g., when coupled with a permanent structure, such as a concrete patio. A patio may include a recess sized to receiver or otherwise couple with the base  162  or with the lower end  58  of the support pole  54  so that the umbrella  10  can be supported. 
   As discussed above, various embodiments of the umbrella  10  preferably are configured such that at least a portion of the canopy assembly  18  can be moved to a selected position or configuration. In one embodiment, this capability is provided by mechanism that enables tilting of at least a portion of the canopy assembly  18  about the longitudinal axis  86  of the suspending pole  74 .  FIGS. 3 and 6  illustrate that the tilting mechanism is partly located adjacent the first end  78  of the suspending pole  74  and partly located adjacent the second end  82  of the suspending pole  74  in some embodiments. The titling mechanism  200  can take a variety of forms, but preferably is manually actuatable, as discussed below. 
   In one form, the tilting mechanism  200  includes a locking mechanism  204 , one embodiment of which is shown in more detail in  FIG. 3 . In one arrangement, the locking mechanism  204  is located adjacent the second end  82  of the suspending pole  74 . The tilting mechanism  200  preferably also includes an actuator  208 , one embodiment of which is shown in more detail in  FIG. 6 . Preferably, the locking mechanism  204  is operably coupled with the actuator  208 , for example, such that actuation of the actuator  208  releases, disengages, or unlocks the locking mechanism  204 . As discussed further below, when the locking mechanism  204  is released, disengaged, or unlocked or at least a portion of the canopy assembly  18  is allowed or enabled to tilt about the longitudinal axis  86  of the suspending pole  74 . 
   The tilting mechanism  200  can be used on any umbrella. The tilting mechanism  200  is useful for patio umbrellas, as discussed above, so as to permit the canopy assembly  18  to be moved as the sheltering needs change, e.g., as the sun moves across the sky. In one arrangement discussed further below, the canopy assembly  18  is repositioned manually, e.g., by hand, while the locking mechanism  204  is in a released, disengaged, or unlocked position or configuration. As discussed above, the actuator  208  is sometimes positioned at an opposite end of the suspending pole  74  from the locking mechanism  204 . In this arrangement, it maybe advantageous to position the actuator such that the actuator is at least partially located between the first end  78  of the suspending pole and the canopy assembly  18  at least when the actuator  208  is in an unactuated position. This arrangement enables the largest distribution of users to comfortably actuate the actuator  208  with one hand and to grasp the canopy assembly  18  with the other hand to reposition canopy assembly  18  as discussed herein. However, in another embodiment, the actuator  208  can be configured such that it can be conveniently actuated with at least a portion thereof being located further from the second end  82  of the suspending pole  74  then is the first end  78  of the suspending pole. 
   As discussed above, the head assembly  88  is preferably rotatably mounted to the suspending pole  74 . In one arrangement, shown in  FIG. 3 , an axle  212  is connected to the suspending pole  74 . The axle  212  can be connected to the suspending pole  74  adjacent the second end  82 . The axle  212  enables at least a portion of canopy assembly  18  to be tilted when the locking mechanism  204  is disengaged, as discussed further below. The axle  212  can take any suitable form. For example, in one arrangement, the axle  212  has a first portion  216  received within the suspending pole  74  and the second portion  220  that extends beyond the end of the suspending pole  74  when the umbrella  10  is assembled. The axle  212  preferably also includes a passageway  224  formed therein. Preferably, the passageway  224  is formed substantially in the center of the axle  212  ie. along a longitudinal axis. In one arrangement, the outer perimeter of the axle  212  has a different shape in the first portion  216  than in the second portion  220 . For example, in the first portion  216 , the outer shape of the axle  212  can have a polygonal outer perimeter, e.g., a hexagon or a septagon, and the second portion  220  can have a circular outer perimeter enabling rotation about the axle  212  of a structure thereon. 
   In one arrangement, the axle  212  is coupled with the suspending pole  74  by way of a collar  232  that can be positioned therebetween. The collar  232  can take any suitable form, but preferably includes an outer perimeter that substantially matches the inner perimeter of the suspending pole  74 , and an inner perimeter that substantially matches the outer perimeter of the first portion  216  of the axle  212 . For example, the collar  232  can have a circular outer perimeter and a hexagon or a septagonal inner perimeter or passageway. In one arrangement, the collar  232  is coupled with the axle  212  by one or a plurality of fastening members, such as screws  213 . In one embodiment, the suspending pole  74  is coupled with the collar  232  by one or a plurality of fastening members, such as screws  233 . Preferably, the collar member  232  includes a recess  234  into which at least a portion of the locking mechanism  204  can be received. The recess  234  is defined in one embodiment by a portion of the collar  232  that extends to the physical end of the suspending pole  74  and includes an outwardly extending flange portion  239 . The flange portion  239  extends outwardly from the longitudinal axis  86  of the suspending pole  74  to provide a flush outer surface between the flange portion member  239  and the outer surface of the suspending pole  74 . In one embodiment, a passage  238  is formed in the collar member  232 . The passage  238  facilitates disengagement of the locking mechanism  204 , as will be discussed below. 
   Preferably, the head assembly  88  is pivotably coupled to the axle  212 , as discussed above. In one arrangement, a friction reducing member  270  is positioned between the axle  212  and the upper portion  90  of the head assembly  88 . The friction reducing member  270  can take any suitable form, such as a bushing, a bearing (e.g., a roller or ball bearing), or any other suitable arrangement. In one configuration, a bearing mount collar  274  is positioned between the friction reducing member  270  in an inner surface of the portion of the upper portion  90  of the head assembly  88  that extends along the longitudinal axis  86  of the suspending pole  74 . In one arrangement, a plurality of friction reducing members  270  are provided. In one embodiment, two bearings are provided between the axle  212  and the bearing mount collar  274 . In one embodiment, the friction reducing member  270  is incorporated into the bearing mount collar  274 , e.g., as a low friction surface thereof. 
   With reference to  FIGS. 3 ,  5  and  11 , additional features of the locking mechanism  204  will be discussed. The locking mechanism  204  preferably comprises a first locking member  290  coupled with the upper portion  90  of the head assembly  88  and a second locking member  294  at least partially positioned within the suspending pole  74 . Preferably, the first and second locking members  290 ,  294  are configured such that relative movement therebetween causes the locking mechanism  204  to become engaged or disengaged. In one arrangement, the first and second locking members  290 ,  294  comprise first and second gears. In other arrangement, the first and second locking members  290 ,  294 , comprise a plurality of gear teeth formed on separate structures. In one arrangement, the first locking member  290  comprises a plurality of gear teeth formed on a portion of the bearing mount collar  274 . In another arrangement, the first locking member  290  comprises a plurality of gear teeth formed on an inner surface of an annular structure that is mounted within the head assembly  88 , wherein the annular structure can be a separate, discrete piece from the bearing mount collar  274 . 
   Preferably, the second locking member  294  is configured to be moved into and out of engagement with the first locking member  290 . In one arrangement, the second locking member  294  is at least partially received within the recess  234  formed in the collar  232 . In one arrangement, the second locking member  294  can be moved within the recess  234  such that the locking mechanism  204  can be engaged and disengaged. In one arrangement, a resilient member  298  is positioned between the second locking member  294  and a surface inside the recess  234 . The resilient member  298  is a collar spring in one embodiment. 
   Movement of the second locking member  294  relative to the first locking member  290 , can be provided by actuation of the actuator  208 , as discussed further below. Where the first and second locking members  290 ,  294  are gears, the gears can be resiliently urged into engagement by the resilient or spring member  298  when the actuator  208  is in an unactuated position. As discussed further below, when the actuator  208  is in an unactuated position, in one arrangement, the second gear extends distal of the second end  82  of the suspending pole  74  and into engagement with the first gear. 
   In some arrangements, the tilting mechanism  200  includes a tension member  312  that extends between the actuator  208  and the locking mechanism  204 . The tension member  312 , alone or in combination with other components, operably couples the actuator  208  with the locking mechanism  204 . In one arrangement, a first end  316  of the tension member is coupled with the actuator  208  adjacent the first end  78  of the suspending pole  74 . In one embodiment, a second end  320  of the tension member  312  is coupled with an elongate member  324  that extends through the passage  238  and into engagement with the second locking member  294 . The second end  320  of the tension member  312  can be coupled with the elongate member  324  in a suitable member, e.g., by a pair of interlocking hooks, or by providing a J hook on one end of the elongate member  324  and securely wrapping a portion of the tension member around the J hook. 
     FIG. 6  illustrates additional details of one embodiment of the actuator  208 . In one embodiment, the actuator  208  includes an elongated member  340  that is configured to be grasped by user and to be actuated as discussed below. In one embodiment, the elongated member  340  is a lever or crank handle. In one arrangement, the elongated member  340  includes two L-shaped portions that extend along a portion of the first end  78  of the suspending pole  74  when the actuator  208  is not actuated and a connection portion that extends between the two L-shaped members at a location beneath the suspending pole  74 . In one arrangement, the elongated member  340  is coupled with a shaft  344  having a mount post  348  to which the tension member  312  is coupled. In one embodiment, the shaft  344  includes a cam portion  366 , adjacent to which the mount post  348  can be located. The shaft  344  is coupled with the elongated member  340  such that actuation of the elongated member  340  rotates the mount post  348 . Rotation of the mount post  348  causes a force to be applied to the tension member  312  which is transmitted by the tension member to the second end  320  thereof. The force transmitted by the tension member  312  is applied to an elongate member  324 , and thereby to the second locking member  294 . Accordingly, operation of the actuator  208 , e.g., by rotating the elongate member  340  to transmit a force through the tension member  312 , causes the second locking member  294  to move out of engagement with the first locking member  290 , releasing the locking mechanism  204 . The locking mechanism is shown in a released or uncoupled configuration in  FIG. 11 . In this arrangement, the head assembly  88  and the canopy assembly  18  coupled thereto are free to rotate about the longitudinal axis  86  of the suspending pole  74 . 
   In one embodiment, the tension member  312  can be coupled with the shaft  344  by a pin-type arrangement  360  as shown in  FIG. 6 . Movement of the first locking member  294  can be limited in some arrangements. For example, in one embodiment, the structure is located within the housing  130  that blocks the mounted post cam portion  366  or the mount post  348  at a selected angle of rotation. Accordingly, as the elongate member  340  is rotated, the cam portion  366  comes into contact with an abatement  364 . When contact is made between these components, the rotation of the elongate member  340  is stopped and the movement of the second locking member  294  is stopped. 
   In one arrangement, a resilient member  380  is coupled with the shaft  344  and resiliently urges the shaft  344  and the elongated member  340  into an unactuated position, which is shown in  FIG. 6 . A resilient member  380  can be a coil spring in one embodiment. The resilient member  380  can couple with a shaft in a suitable manner. In one embodiment, a recess into which the main portion of the resilient member  380  can be inserted is formed in the shaft  344 . The resilient member  380  can be coupled with a housing to enable a force to be applied to a shaft  344  in any suitable manner. In one arrangement, a resilient member engagement portion  388  extends outwardly from an inner surface of the housing  140  to engage another end portion of the resilient member  380 . 
   In one arrangement, the umbrella  10  also includes a canopy deployment mechanism  400 . The canopy deployment mechanism  400  is at least partially located within the suspending pole  74 . In one arrangement, the canopy deployment mechanism  400  includes a crank member or a crank handle  404 , that is rotatably coupled with the housing  130 . The canopy deployment mechanism also may include a spool (not shown) about which a tension member  408  (e.g., a wire, cord or rope) can be wound. 
   The tension member  408  extends through the inner portion of the suspending pole  74  to the second end  82  thereof. In one arrangement, the tension member  408  extends through the axle  212  and into the upper portion  90  of the head assembly  88 . In one arrangement, the tension number  408  also extends over a member which is configured to provide low friction contact with the tension member  408 . The tension member  408  extends into a lower portion  92  of head assembly  88  and into engagement with a portion of the canopy assembly  18  such that when the tension member  408  is pulled or released by motion of the handle  404 , the canopy assembly  18  is opened or closed. In one arrangement, the crank handle  404  and a spool form the portion of a crank mechanism. 
   In one arrangement, the canopy deployment mechanism also includes a member  412  mounted within the housing  130 . In one arrangement, the member  412  is mounted between two recesses formed in the housing  130 . The member  412  can be a roller that rolls when the tension member  408  moves along its outer surface. The member  412  can comprise a smooth, friction reducing surface. This arrangement reduces the force needed to be applied to the canopy deployment mechanism  400  to open and close the canopy assembly  18 .