Patent Publication Number: US-11391056-B1

Title: Playyard with stickless exteriorly operated umbrella canopy

Description:
This application is a continuation, and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120, of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/948,672 filed Apr. 9, 2018, which application is a continuation, and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120, of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/863,461 filed Jan. 5, 2018, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/443,705 filed Jan. 7, 2017, all of which applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties into this application. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to umbrellas, and more particularly relates to umbrellas that are opened and closed by means other than means disposed under the umbrella canopy. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     One definition of an umbrella is “a device consisting of a circular canopy of cloth on a folding metal frame supported by a central rod, used as protection against rain or sometimes sun.” Another definition of an umbrella is “a light, small, portable, usually circular cover for protection from rain or sun, consisting of a fabric held on a collapsible frame of thin ribs radiating from the top of a carrying stick or handle.” A parasol is “a lightweight umbrella used, especially by women, as a sunshade.” Golf umbrellas are often sufficiently large to cover a foursome. Pocket umbrellas are small and foldable. An umbrella “crown” is the top or highest part of an umbrella. 
     A playyard is a structure that may have an endless wall, a floor and a frame. The playyard may be foldable, including the frame, such that the playyard is portable. The playyard may be packed into a car along with camping gear or taken to the local park for a picnic. A golf umbrella may be of sufficient size to fit over a playyard, but the stick of the golf umbrella is an unfortunate structure that would depend into the playyard and interfere with an otherwise safe environment. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A feature of the present invention is a stickless umbrella canopy. 
     Another feature of the present invention is an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy. 
     Another feature of the present invention is a stickless exteriorly operated umbrella canopy. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of an umbrella canopy having an open flexed shape and a closed relaxed shape and of the umbrella canopy having an exterior and interior. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of a first hub having an outer portion on the exterior or crown of the umbrella canopy and an inner portion on the interior of the umbrella canopy. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of a second hub in the interior of the umbrella canopy, where the second hub is drawable to and away from the first hub, and where the second hub is engageable to and disengageable from the first hub. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of a set of at least three long ribs radially extending from the first hub, where each of the long ribs includes a proximal end, a distal end and an intermediate section therebetween, where each of the proximal ends of the long ribs is pivotally engaged to the first hub, where the long ribs include a flexed state when the umbrella canopy is in the open flexed shape and a relaxed state when the umbrella canopy is in the closed relaxed shape. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of a set of at least three short ribs radially extending from the second hub, where each of the short ribs includes a proximal end and a distal end, where each of the proximal ends of the short ribs is pivotally engaged to the second hub, and where each of the distal ends of the short ribs is pivotally engaged to the intermediate section of one of said long ribs. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of a flexible cover engaged to the long ribs and extending generally from the first hub to generally the distal ends of the long ribs, where the flexible cover includes generally a concave taut state when the long ribs are in the flexed state and a folded loose state when the long ribs are in the relaxed state. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of a line having a proximal end and a distal end, where the distal end of the line is engaged to the second hub, where the line extends through the first hub, where the proximal end of the line is disposed outside the interior of the umbrella canopy such that the proximal end of the line can be pulled to i) draw the second hub in the direction of the first hub such that the short ribs push against the long ribs and place the long ribs into the flexed state and ii) further draw the second hub in the direction of the first hub until the second hub engages the first hub to lock the long ribs in the flexed state and the flexible cover in the concave taut state. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of the first hub including a button accessible from the exterior of the umbrella canopy, where the button is depressible to disengage the second hub from the first hub, whereupon the long ribs unflex and push the short ribs and second hub away from the first hub and such that the flexible cover collapses from the concave taut shape to the folded loose state. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of the flexible cover including a set of cover sections, where each of the sections includes first and second edges defined by adjacent long ribs, where each of the sections includes a distal edge running between the distal ends of the adjacent long ribs, and where the distal edges of the sections define a plane when the flexible cover is in the concave taut shape. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of the flexible cover including an inner peripheral edge, where the inner peripheral edge defines a plane when the flexible cover is in the concave taut shape. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of a set of flaps, where each of the flaps is engaged to the inner peripheral edge of the flexible cover between two distal ends of two respective adjacent long ribs and extends beyond the inner peripheral edge of the flexible cover to define an outer periphery, and where each of the flaps is in a relaxed and nontaut state both when the flexible cover is in the concave taut state and when the flexible cover is in the folded loose state. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of the second hub including a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion is adjacent to the first hub when the first and second hubs are engaged, where the second portion is opposite of the first portion, where the second portion is coaxial with the line when the flexible cover is in the concave taut state, where the second portion is an under face of the second hub, and where the under face is free of a stick. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of one of the first and second hubs including an integral shaft that is coaxial with the first and second hubs, where the line runs through the integral shaft. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of the covering including netting. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of the covering including a portion that is water resistant. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of the covering including a portion that is reflective to minimize capture of heat from the sun. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of one of the first and second hubs including a male member and of the other of the first and second hubs including a female member that engages the male member to lock the first and second hubs to each other. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of one of the first and second hubs including an extension with an annular oblique face adjacent to an annular channel and of the other of the first and second hubs including a female member that engages said extension. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of one of the first and second hubs including a pair of opposed transversely sliding members that are normally biased toward each other and of the other of the first and second hubs including a male member that engages the opposed transversely sliding members. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of the button including a pair of first oblique faces, of the first hub including a pair of opposed transversely sliding members that are normally biased toward each other, where each of the opposed transversely sliding members includes a second oblique face, and of the second hub including a male member that engages the opposed transversely sliding members such that, when the button is depressed, the first oblique faces of the button engage, respectively, the second oblique faces of the opposed transversely extending members to urge the opposed transversely extending members apart to permit the long ribs to unflex and thereby draw the male member out of the first hub such that the flexible cover relaxes to the folded loose state. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of one of the first and second hubs including an extension with an annular oblique face adjacent to an annular channel, of one of the first and second hubs including a pair of opposed transversely sliding members that are normally biased toward each other such that, when the extension of one of the first and second hubs is pushed into the other of the first and second hubs, the annular oblique face of the extension urges apart the opposed transversely sliding members until the extension travels a given distance, whereupon the normal bias snaps the opposed transversely sliding members into the annular channel of the extension to engage the first and second hubs to each other. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of the line being a flexible line. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of each of the long ribs bending under less force than each of the short ribs. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of each of the short ribs having a greater diameter than each of the long ribs. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of a first hub, of a set of at least three long ribs radially extending from the first hub, where the long ribs include a flexed state when umbrella canopy is in the open flexed shape and a relaxed state when the umbrella canopy is in the closed relaxed shape, and of a flexible cover engaged to the long ribs and extending generally from the first hub to generally the distal ends of the long ribs, where the flexible cover includes generally a concave taut state when the umbrella canopy is in the open flexed shape and a folded loose state when the umbrella canopy is in the closed relaxed shape, where the flexible cover includes a peripheral edge, and where the peripheral edge defines a plane when the flexible cover is in the concave taut state. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of a first hub including an outer portion on the exterior or crown of the umbrella canopy and an inner portion on the interior of the umbrella canopy, of a second hub in the interior of the umbrella canopy, where the second hub is drawable to and away from the first hub, where the second hub is engageable to and disengageable from the first hub, where the umbrella canopy includes the open flexed shape when the first and second hubs are engaged to each other, and where the umbrella canopy includes the closed relaxed shape when the first and second hubs are disengaged from each other, and of a release on the outer portion of the first hub to disengage the first and second hubs from each other to permit the umbrella canopy to collapse from the open flexed shape to the closed relaxed shape. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of the second hub including a face opposite of where the second hub engages the first hub, where the face is an under face when the umbrella is in an upright position, and where the under face is stickless. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an exteriorly operated umbrella canopy, of the release being a depressible button. 
     An advantage of the present invention is a safe umbrella canopy. One feature contributing to this advantage is that the open and close mechanism is controlled from outside of the umbrella canopy. When the canopy is disposed over a playyard having a child therein, there is no umbrella handle or stick depending into the playyard that a child could 1) grab and thereby tilt the umbrella canopy or 2) grab and thereby operate the open and close mechanism on the umbrella handle or stick. In other words, the umbrella canopy is neither openable nor closeable from the inside of the umbrella. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is a bug free seal between the umbrella canopy and the surface with which the umbrella canopy interacts. One feature contributing to this advantage is the pair of inner and outer peripheral portions of the umbrella canopy. The inner peripheral portion is a peripheral edge that is taut and defines a plane. The outer peripheral portion is a set of flaps that, for example, depend downwardly from the taut peripheral edge and cover an upper edge of the playyard wall. The inner and outer peripheral portions work in combination to keep bugs and birds out of the playyard covered by the umbrella canopy. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that it is simple and easy to operate. A feature contributing to this advantage is the flexible line that is drawn outwardly of the crown so as to open the umbrella canopy. Another feature contributing to this advantage is the button on the crown that permits the umbrella canopy to close. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that the umbrella canopy may include unconventional and unique features not found in conventional umbrellas. For example, a zipper may be included to permit access to the inside of the canopy through a zippered opening without going under the peripheral edge of the umbrella canopy. In other words, the umbrella canopy need not be lifted to gain access to the inside of the umbrella canopy. Another example is that netting may be included so as to provide a means for air circulation into the umbrella canopy without permitting bugs to access the interior of the umbrella canopy. Another example is that elastic connectors may be engaged to the peripheral edge of the umbrella canopy to engage the umbrella canopy to the top of the endless wall of the playyard. 
     Another advantage is that the present invention is easy and inexpensive to manufacture. One feature contributing to this advantage is that the umbrella canopy is stickless. In other words, the umbrella canopy has no full length stick depending from the crown of the umbrella and no handle on the distal end of the stick, thereby saving on cost of materials. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of the present umbrella canopy in the closed relaxed shape where the flexible cover of the umbrella canopy is in a folded loose state. 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the umbrella canopy of  FIG. 1A  in an intermediate or transition state from the closed relaxed shape to an open flexed shape. 
         FIG. 1C  is a perspective view of the umbrella canopy of  FIG. 1A  in an operating open flexed shape with the flexible cover in a concave taut state. 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the interior of the umbrella canopy of  FIG. 1C  where the umbrella canopy is in the operating open flexed shape and where the crown of the umbrella canopy is resting on the ground and the interior of the umbrella canopy is turned upright, shows the first and second hubs engaged, shows the long ribs flexed, and shows the short ribs holding the long ribs in the flexed state. 
         FIG. 2B  is a detail partial view of the interior of the umbrella canopy of  FIG. 1B  where the umbrella canopy is in a transition state, shows the first and second hubs disengaged from each other, and further shows the long ribs unflexing and pushing upon the short ribs that in turn push the second hub away from the first hub. 
         FIG. 3A  is a detail partial view of the underside of the first hub and a portion of the second hub of the umbrella canopy of  FIG. 1B  where the umbrella canopy is in a transition state, shows the first and second hubs disengaged, shows the long ribs radiating away from the first hub, and shows the flexible line partially in phantom. 
         FIG. 3B  is a front perspective view of the umbrella canopy of  FIG. 1C  on a playyard, where a front of the umbrella canopy includes netting. 
         FIG. 4A  is a detail perspective view of a quick connect elastic connector depending from the umbrella canopy for engaging the playyard of  FIG. 3B . 
         FIG. 4B  is a rear perspective view of the umbrella canopy and playyard of  FIG. 3B , where a rear of the umbrella canopy includes double layered sheeting. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective detail view of the first and second hubs of the umbrella canopy of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 6A  is a section diagrammatic assembled view of the first hub of  FIG. 5  free of the second hub of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 6B  is a section diagrammatic assembled view of the first hub of  FIG. 5  engaging a portion of the second hub of  FIG. 5 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     The present umbrella canopy  10  generally includes a flexible cover  12 , a first hub  14 , a second hub  16 , a set of resilient long ribs  18 , a set of relatively rigid short ribs  20 , and a flexible line  22  engaged to the second hub  16  and extending through the first hub  14 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C , the present umbrella canopy is indicated by reference number  10 . 
     In  FIG. 1A , the umbrella canopy  10  is in a closed relaxed shape where the flexible cover  12  is in a folded loose state. The resilient long ribs  18  are unflexed. The short ribs  20  are straight and at rest. The flexible line  22  is at rest and is slack. The first and second hubs  14 ,  16  are disengaged from each other and spaced apart from each other. Each of the long ribs  18  includes respective proximal and distal ends  24 ,  26  and the distal ends  26  confront each other and are spaced apart from each other. The proximal ends  24  are pivotally engaged to the first hub  14  and the distal ends  26  terminate generally at a first inner periphery edge  28  of the flexible cover  12 . Inner periphery edge  28  runs from one distal end  26  of a first long rib  18  to an adjacent distal end  26  of an adjacent second long rib  18 . Each of the short ribs  20  includes respective proximal and distal ends  30 ,  32 . Each of the proximal ends  30  is pivotally engaged to the second hub  16  and each of the distal ends  32  is pivotally engaged to an intermediate section of one long rib  18 . The distal ends  32  of the short ribs  20  confront each other, as the long ribs  18  are disposed almost in a parallel state, and are spaced apart from each other. The flexible cover  12  includes a set of flaps  34  depending from the inner peripheral edge  28 . In folded loose state of  FIG. 1A , the flaps  34  are folded and loose. Flexible line  22  includes a proximal end  36  and a distal end  38 . The distal end  38  is engaged to the second hub  16 . 
     In  FIG. 1B , the proximal end  36  of the flexible line  22  is being pulled to draw the second hub  16  toward the first hub  14 . As the second hub  16  is pulled toward the first hub  14 , the short ribs  20  push against the intermediate sections of the long ribs  18 . As the short ribs  20  push against the intermediate sections of the long ribs  18 , the long ribs  18  begin to pivot upwardly on their proximal ends  24  at the first hub  14 . As the long ribs  18  begin to pivot, the long ribs  18  fold out the flexible cover  12 . Depending upon the weight of the flexible cover  12  and depending upon how far the flexible cover  12  has folded out, the long ribs  18  may or may not begin to bend and flex away from their straight state. 
     In  FIG. 1C , the flexible line  22  has been fully pulled to pull the second hub  16  up to the first hub  14  and to lock the first and second hubs  14 ,  16  to each other. The flexible line  22  may be released, whereupon the first and second hubs  14 ,  16  remain locked to each other. As the second hub  16  approaches the first hub  14 , the flexible cover  12  begins to stretch and, in response, the long ribs  18  begin to bend and flex and be placed under pressure. As the long ribs  18  begin to bend and flex, the second hub  16  continues to be drawn up and the distal ends of the short ribs  20  push even more against the intermediate sections of the long ribs  18 , which places more pressure upon the long ribs  18 , with an increased amount of bending and flexing of the long ribs  18  and with an increased amount of stretching of the flexible cover  12 . When the second hub  16  has been fully drawn up so as to lock with the first hub  14 , the flexible cover  12  is taut and the inner peripheral edge  28  is taut and defines a plane such that the umbrella canopy  10  is in an open flexed shape. In the open flexed shape of  FIG. 1C , each of a set of triangular cover sections  40  of the flexible cover  12  are taut. A triangular cover section  40  is defined as the portion of the flexible cover  12  disposed between two adjacent long ribs  18  and further bounded by the inner peripheral edge  28 . Each of the flaps  34  is engaged to the inner peripheral edge  28  and is loose and relaxed in the open flexed shape of the umbrella canopy  10  of  FIG. 1C  even though the adjacent triangular cover section  40  is taut. Further in the open flexed shape of the umbrella canopy  10  of  FIG. 1C , the distal ends of the long ribs  18  are spaced apart from each other and the distal ends of the short ribs  20  are spaced apart from each other. While the long ribs  18  are flexed, the short ribs  20  maintain a relatively straight state. Each of the long ribs  18  takes a bowed or curved or concave form or state. 
     Cover  12  is flexible. Cover  12  includes a set of three triangular cover sections  40  that include netting  42 , shown in  FIG. 3B , such as mosquito netting that keeps out mosquitos and other insects but permits in air and light. Cover  12  includes a set of three triangular cover sections  40  that include a double layer of sheeting  44 , as shown in  FIG. 4B . The outer layer is a water resistant layer and may be a silver color or a reflective color or nature to minimize capture of heat from the sun. The inner layer is an ultraviolet (UV) protective layer. One triangular cover section  40  may not consist entirely of netting  42  or entirely of sheeting  44 . As shown in  FIG. 1C , for example, a triangular crown cover portion  46  of sheeting  44  may be disposed near the crown of the umbrella canopy  10  and, in the same triangular cover section  40 , a strip  48  of sheeting  44  may be disposed directly above the inner peripheral edge  28  and, in the same triangular cover section  40 , a generally quadrilateral section of netting  42  may be disposed between the triangular crown cover portion  46  and the sheeting strip  48 . As shown in  FIG. 2A , a triangular cover section  40  may be disposed entirely of the double layer sheeting  44 . Flaps  34  are made up of the double layer sheeting  44 . 
     At the crown of the umbrella canopy  10 , flexible cover  12  is pinched between two portions of the first hub  14 , where such two portions may be formed generally in the shape of a disk. At the crown of the umbrella canopy  10 , prior to being pinched between the two disk like portions of the first hub  14 , a circular opening may be formed in the crown or central portion of the flexible cover  12 . The endless edge forming this circular opening may be reinforced. 
     From the crown of the flexible cover  12 , the flexible cover  12  radiates outwardly. Six triangular cover sections  40  diverge outwardly of the crown of the flexible cover  12 . Each of the triangular cover sections  40  includes a generally pointed or blunt proximal end at the crown, and a distal end at the inner peripheral edge  28 . The sides of the triangular cover sections  40  are stitched together, so as to form a seam  49 , such that one side of a triangular cover section  40  is stitched to a side of an adjacent triangular cover section  40 . 
     The flexible cover  12  includes a pocket  50  at the junction between the seam  49  and the inner peripheral edge  28  such that the pocket  50  is disposed at the distal end of the seam  49 . The distal end of the long rib  18  is engaged in the pocket  50 . 
     At the seam  49  between two adjacent triangular cover sections  40 , flexible cover  12  includes on the inside of the flexible cover  12  a flexible loop  52  of a cord or strap that one long rib  18  passes through. The flexible loop  52  of cord is adjacent to and spaced from the junction between the short rib  20  and the long rib  18 . The flexible loop  52  of cord is between the distal end of the long rib  18  and the junction between the short rib  20  and the long rib  18 . 
     Flexible cover  12  includes a zipper  54 . Zipper  54  is found in a triangular cover section  40  that includes only the double layer sheeting  44 . If desired, the zipper  54  may be found in netting  42  and in a triangular cover section  40  that includes netting  42  and the double layer sheeting  44 . As shown in  FIG. 4B , the upper or proximal end of the zipper  54  is spaced from the crown of the umbrella canopy  10  and is disposed about one-fifth of the distance from the crown of the umbrella canopy  10  to the distal edge of flap  34 . The distal edge of the zipper  54  is disposed on the distal end of the flap  34  of the triangular cover section  40  having the proximal end of the zipper  54 . The zipper  54  may be opened up from the distal end or down from the proximal end or both. When the zipper  54  is open fully or partially, a caregiver may place a child into the playyard  56  or lift a child out of the playyard  56 . 
     The flexible cover  12  includes a quick connect mechanism  58  disposed generally at the distal end of each of the seams  49 . The quick connect mechanism  58  can engage any part of the playyard  56  that is available, preferably a part of the frame of the playyard  56 . The quick connect mechanism  58  includes a first elastic strap loop  60  and a second elastic strap loop  62 . A ring  64  is slideably engaged on loop  60 . A slotted peg  66  is slideably engaged on loop  62 . The length of the peg  66  is greater than the diameter of the ring  66 . Each of the loops  60 ,  62  is anchored on the inner peripheral edge  28 . Loop  60  is anchored on one side of the distal end of the long rib  18 . Loop  62  is anchored on the other side of the distal end of the same long rib  18 . There is one quick connect mechanism  58  adjacent to the distal end of each of the long ribs  18 . 
     The quick connect mechanism  58  holds the umbrella canopy  10  to and on top of the endless wall of the playyard  56  at six attachment points. Playyard  56  is a hexagonal shape, having six straight wall sections. The inner peripheral edge  28  of the umbrella canopy  10  is a hexagonal shape, where each of the distal ends of each of the triangular cover sections  40  defines one side of a hexagon. 
     Flaps  34  extend downwardly below a top edge of the endless wall of the playyard  56  so as to maximize a sealing of the junction between the inner peripheral edge  28  of the umbrella canopy  10  and the top edge of the endless wall of the playyard  56 . Flaps  34  close off spaces and openings between the top edge of the endless wall of the playyard  56  and the inner peripheral edge  28  of the flexible cover  12 . 
     Long rib  18  is an elongate resilient plastic shaft. The proximal end  24  of the long rib  18  includes a cap  68  in which the shaft is set. A body of the cap  68  is elongate and cylindrical. The length of the body of the cap  68  minimizes fractures in the proximal end  24  of the long rib  18 . An integral plate or disk extension  70  of the cap  68  is pivotally engaged to the first hub  14 . Each of the long ribs  18  radiate from a periphery of the first hub  14 . Each of the long ribs  18  includes a first intermediate section where the short rib  20  is connected to the long rib  18 . Each of the long ribs  18  includes a second intermediate section where the long rib  18  passes through the loop  52 . The second intermediate section is between the first intermediate section and the distal end  26  of the long rib  18 . Each of the long ribs  18  includes the distal end  26 , where the distal end  26  is captured in the pocket  50  of the flexible cover  12 . The long rib  18  may take a straight form, such as in  FIG. 1A , a partially bowed or partially flexed form such as in  FIG. 1B , and a bowed or flexed form such as in  FIG. 1C . In the bowed or flexed form of  FIG. 1C , under pressure from the short ribs  20 , the long ribs  18  push outwardly upon an inside face of the flexible cover  12 . 
     Short rib  20  is shorter in length than long rib  18 . Short rib  20  has a greater diameter than long rib  18  such that short rib  20  is thicker than long rib  18 . In  FIG. 1A , where the umbrella canopy  10  is in a closed relaxed shape, the short rib  20  takes a straight form and is under no tension. In  FIG. 1B , where the umbrella canopy  10  is in a transition state and the flexible cover  12  is beginning to unfold, the short rib  20  is in a straight form and under slight tension. In  FIG. 1C , where the umbrella canopy  10  is in an open flexed shape, the short rib  20  is generally straight and is under tension. At its proximal end  30 , short rib  20  includes a cap  72  with an elongate cylindrical body. The length of the body of the cap  72  minimizes fractures in the proximal end  30  of the short rib  20 . Cap  72  further includes an integral plate or disk extension  74  that is pivotally engaged to a periphery of the second hub  16 . At its distal end  32 , short rib  20  includes a cap  76  with an elongate cylindrical body. The length of the body of the cap  76  minimizes fractures in the distal end  32  of the short rib  20 . Cap  76  further includes an integral plate or disk extension  78  that is pivotally engaged to and between ears  80  of a tube  82 . Tube  82  is rigidly affixed to the first intermediate section of long rib  18 . Tube  82  is elongate and applies pressure from the short rib  20  over a length of the long rib  18  instead of merely a point of the long rib  18  so as to minimize fracturing the long rib  18  at the point of connection. 
     The first and second hubs  14 ,  16  are shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B . First hub  14  includes respective upper and lower housing portions  84 ,  86  to form a housing. A button or release  88  is engaged in upper housing portion  84 . Locking opposed transversely sliding members  90  are engaged between and in the upper and lower housing portions  84 ,  86  and are normally biased toward each other by coil springs  92 . Sliding members  90  slide in their own respective channels  94 . Channels  94  oppose each other diametrically. Coil springs  92  engage pegs  96  on the rear of the sliding members  90 . Coil spring  92  is on peg  96  and sandwiched between sliding member  90  and end inner wall  98  of second housing portion  86  and an aligned end inner wall  100  of the first housing portion  84 . End walls  98 ,  100  form a receptor for the outer end of the coil spring  92 . Sliding member  90  further includes a bottom  102  that includes flat sections for sliding on the bottom of the channel  94  and a flat sidewall  104  in the shape of an L for sliding against the sidewalls of the channel  94 , which channel  94  is defined in part by end walls  98 ,  100  and sidewall  106 . Sidewall  106  is on the upper housing portion  84 . Sidewall  106  runs at a right angle to end wall  108 , which extends inwardly of end wall  100 . End wall  108  serves as a stop for a rear surface  110  of sliding member  90 . Sliding member  90  further includes oblique face  112  that is oblique relative to the axis of the flexible line  22  and the axis of the first and second hubs  14 ,  16 . Oblique face  112  extends between sidewalls  104  and is disposed inwardly of rear surface or rear wall  110  of the sliding member  90 . Each of the sliding members  90  includes a curved catch  114  opposite of peg  96 . Curved catches  114  of the respective sliding members  90  confront each other. 
     Lower housing member  86  includes a set of pin holes  116  employed to receive pins that engage upper housing member  84  to tie upper and lower housing members  84 ,  86  together and to sandwich sliding members  90  and the coil springs  92  therebetween. The flexible cover  12  includes an opening at the crown for the first hub  14 . An endless circular edge forming this opening is pinched between the upper and lower housing members  84 ,  86  such that upper housing member  84  is an exterior housing member and lower housing member  86  is an interior housing member relative to the flexible cover  12 . 
     The button  88  includes a pair of diametrically opposed downwardly extending barbs  118  that engage a pair of diametrically opposed slots  120  formed in a floor  122  of the upper housing  84 . Barbs  118  permit the button  88  to be depressed and prevent the button  88  from being urged out of the upper housing  84 . Floor  122  acts as a stop for an annular peripheral lip  123  of button  88 . Buttons  88  further include pushers or extensions  122 . Each of the pushers  122  includes an oblique surface  124 . Surface  124  is oblique relative to the axis of flexible line  22  and relative to the axis of the first and second hubs  14 ,  16 . Pusher  122  pushes sliding member  90  outwardly when the button  88  is depressed to release the second hub  16  from the first hub  14 , with the flexed long ribs  18  drawing the second hub  16  out of the first hub  14  when the catches  114  release the second hub  16 . Button  88  further includes a central through opening  126  for the flexible line  22 . 
     Each of the upper and lower housing portions  84 ,  86  form a partial portion of the long rib receptor  128 . The partial portion of the receptor  128  formed by the upper housing portion  84  is closed or has an upper boundary. The partial portion formed by the lower housing portion  86  is open to permit the disk like or plate projection  70  of the cap  68  of the long rib  18  a great amount of swing, such as between the closed relaxed shape of  FIG. 1A  and the open flexed shape of  FIG. 1C . The disk like or plate projections  70  are engaged to the first hub  14  by an annular metal ring set in an annular depression  130  formed in the lower housing portion  86 . The annular metal ring is held in place by being pinched between the upper and lower housing portions  84 ,  86 . The disk like or plate projection  70  has a through opening to receive the annular metal ring and to pivot thereabout to permit the long rib  18  to pivot. 
     Lower housing portion  86  includes an annular oblique guide surface  132  for guiding the second hub  16  into the first hub  14 . Annular oblique guide surface  132  is coaxial with first and second hubs  14 ,  16 . 
     Upper housing portion  84  is formed of a body of plastic and such body of plastic forms an axial through opening  134  for guiding the flexible line  22 . Opening  134  leads upwardly to an annular oblique guide surface  136 . When flexible line  22  is drawn into the umbrella canopy  10  by the button  88  being depressed and the flexible line  22  being drawn out relatively quickly by the unflexing of the long ribs  18 , annular oblique guide surface  136  minimizes any resistance on the part of the upper housing portion  84  to the flexible line  22  passing therethrough. 
     Second hub  16  includes a disk like portion  138  and a tubular shaft or male member  140 . Disk like portion  138  and tubular shaft  140  are integral and one-piece. Disk like portion  138  includes a set of radially disposed short rib receptor slots  142  for the plate like or disk like portions  74  of the caps  72  of the proximal ends  30  of the short ribs  20 . The plate like or disk like portions  74  have pivot openings centrally formed therein for receiving an annular metal ring set in a peripheral channel  144  of the disk like portion  138  such that short ribs  20  are pivotable relative to the second hub  16 . Disk like portion  138  includes an axial opening  146  for the flexible line  22 . Disk like portion  138  is at a proximal end of the second hub  16 . Disk  138  or disk like portion  138  is free of a handle or stick depending therefrom. 
     Shaft portion  140  extends axially and integrally from the upper surface of disk like portion  138 . Shaft portion  140  is tubular so as to form an axial through opening  148  through which flexible line  22  extends. Shaft portion  140  includes a head  150  at a distal end of the second hub  16 . Head  150  includes an annular oblique surface  152  for pushing away or pushing outwardly the sliding members  90 . Shaft portion  140  further includes an annular channel  154  disposed immediately adjacent to the head  150  and annular oblique surface  152 . Annular channel  154  receives the curved catches  114  of the sliding members  90  such that the head  150 , shaft  140  and second hub  16  as a whole is locked between the sliding members  90  and to the first hub  14 . 
     Flexible line  22  is one-piece. Flexible line  22  may be a cord or chain or wire. If desired, flexible line  22  may be replaced by a rigid straight rod. Flexible line  22  is fixed, such as by pins to the underside of the disk like portion  138  of the second hub  16 . Flexible line  22  extends upwardly through opening  146  of the disk like portion  138 , further upwardly through opening  148  of shaft  140 , further upwardly through annular guide surface  132  when the first and second hubs  14 ,  16  are not engaged, further upwardly through opening  134  in the center of upper housing portion  84 , through annular guide surface  136 , and through opening  126  of button  88 . The distal end of flexible line  22  is engaged to the undersurface of disk like portion  138 . The proximal end of flexible line  22  may be disposed adjacent to the upper surface of button  88  when the umbrella canopy  10  is in the closed relaxed shape of  FIG. 1A . The proximal end of flexible line  22  may be spaced apart from the upper surface of button  88  when the umbrella canopy  10  is in the open flexed shape of  FIG. 1C . To prevent the flexible line  22  from being withdrawn into the first hub  14  to an inaccessible location, the flexible line  22  may have a knot having a greater width or greater diameter than the button opening  126 . If desired, a sphere or ball like knob may be fixed on or near the proximal end of line  22 , where the sphere or ball like knob has a greater width or greater diameter than the button opening  126 . 
     In operation, to close the umbrella canopy  10  from the open flexed shape of  FIG. 1C  to the closed relaxed shape of  FIG. 1A , the button  88  is depressed. As the button  88  is depressed, the oblique surfaces  124  of the pushers  122  that are integral with button  88  push against oblique surfaces  112  of the sliding members  90 , whereupon the catches  114  slide out of the annular channel  154  of the shaft portion  140  of the second hub  16 , whereupon the release of tension provided by the unflexing long ribs  18  pushes the short ribs  20  downwardly, which draws the head  150  of the second hub  16  out of the first hub  14 , whereupon the long ribs  18  and flexible cover  12  fall under the influence of gravity to the closed relaxed shape of  FIG. 1A . 
     To open the umbrella canopy  10 , the proximal end of the flexible line  22  is pulled, whereupon the second hub  16  is drawn upwardly, whereupon the short ribs  20  push upwardly upon the first intermediate section of the long ribs  18 , which push up the flexible cover  12 . As the second hub  16  is drawn upwardly, the annular oblique surface  152  is drawn up against the undersides of the curved catches  114 , thereby pushing apart the sliding members  90  until the shaft portion  140  is drawn still further upwardly, whereupon the curved catches  114  snap into the annular channel  154  under pressure from the expanding coil springs  92 . At such a point the flexible cover  12  is taut, with the exception of the relaxed flaps  34 , and in the open flexed shape. 
     It should be noted that the present umbrella canopy  10  includes six triangular cover sections  40 . However, the umbrella canopy of the present invention may be formed from three to eight or more triangular cover sections  40 . 
     It should be noted that the inside surface of flap  34  and/or an inside section along peripheral edge  28  may include macroscopic hook portions or macroscopic loop portions, such as Velcro® portions, that may engage fabric portions of the playyard  56  or of a carpet. 
     As indicated, the double layered breathable sheeting  44  has a water resistant outer layer and an inner layer that is UV protective. The water resistant outer layer preferably includes a hydrostatic head measurement of at least about 1000 mm (a rating that resists light showers). “Hydrostatic Head” (HH) is a way of measuring how water resistant a piece of fabric is. Preferably the water resistant outer layer has a hydrostatic head rating of between about 1000 mm and about 2000 mm. If desired, flexible cover  12  may be impervious to water and moisture. If desired, flexible cover  12  may be formed of a waterproof/breathable fabric that resists liquid water passing through, but allows water vapor to pass through such that the flexible cover  12  has the capability to block out rain and snow while allowing vapor such as sweat to evaporate. 
     The second or inner or under layer of the double layered sheeting  44  is a UV (ultraviolet) protective or sun protective layer that may include one or more of the following features: 1) a preferred weave structure and denier (related to thread count per inch), 2) a pre-treatment with UV-inhibiting ingredients during manufacture, 3) a preferred inherent fiber structure, 4) a preferred density of weave, 5) preferred dye components, such as darker colors and indigo dyes, 6) preferred high percentages or blends of heavy-weight natural fibers such as cotton, linen and hemp, 7) relatively high percentages of lightweight synthetics such as polyester, nylon, spandex and polypropylene, and 8) natural or synthetic indigo-dyed denim, twill weaves and canvas. The inner layer of the double layered sheeting  44  can be selected according to 1) the weave of the fabric, 2) the less open or more dense the fabric, 3) color, 4) weight, and 5) stretch. The inner layer of the sheeting  44  may include a polyester or other fabric that contains a UV absorber such as a benzene ring that absorbs UV light. The inner layer of the sheeting  44  may include UV absorbers such as nanoparticles of titanium dioxide embedded into a nylon fabric. The inner layer of the double layered sheeting  44  may include 1) cotton viscose fabrics, 2) black or dark blue denim, 3) wool, 4) satin-finished silk of any weight, 5) tightly woven Bamboo/Lycra fabric, 6) polyacrylonitrile, 7) 100% polyester, 8) shiny polyester blends, 9) tightly woven fabrics, 10) unbleached cotton, and/or  11 ) a bamboo/cotton blend. The inner layer of the double layered sheeting  44  preferably includes an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of between about 15 and about 24 (where about 93.3 to about 95.9 percent of UV radiation is blocked), more preferably includes an Ultraviolet Protection Factor of about 25 to about 39 (where about 96.0 to about 97.4 percent of UV radiation is blocked), and still more preferably includes an Ultraviolet Protection Factor of about 40 to about 50 (where about 97.5 to about 98 percent of UV radiation is blocked). The Ultraviolet Protection Factor may be measured by one or more of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) Test Method  183 , which may be used in conjunction with ASTM D 6544 and ASTM D 6603. 
     As to playyard  56 , the following are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties into this application, 1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/080,502 filed Mar. 24, 2016 and entitled Playyard, and 2) U.S. Pat. No. 9,144,325 issued Sep. 29, 2015 and entitled Foldable Playyard. 
     The umbrella canopy  10  includes a set of flaps  34 . Each of the flaps  34  is engaged to the inner peripheral edge  28  continually to and between two distal ends  26  of two respective adjacent long ribs  18 . Each of the flaps  34  extends beyond the inner peripheral edge  28  to define an outer periphery. Each of the flaps  34  is in a relaxed and nontaut state both when the flexible cover  12  is in the concave taut state and when the flexible cover  12  is in the folded loose state. The set of flaps  34  extends completely about the flexible cover  12 . Each of the flaps  34  includes first and second adjacent flaps  34 . Each of the flaps  34  includes a right end and a left end. The right end of each of the flaps  34  is adjacent to a left end of the first adjacent flap  34 . The left end of each of the flaps  34  is adjacent to a right end of the second adjacent flap  34 . Each of the flaps  34  extends horizontally in a direction that is oblique to a horizontal direction of each of the first and second adjacent flaps  34 . 
     Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or general characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated, the embodiments described herein are to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is to be indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.