Patent Publication Number: US-8534304-B1

Title: Tiltable sunshade

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a sunshade and, more particularly, to a sunshade that can be tilted according to the position of the sun. 
     A type of outdoor sunshade includes a pole located on the ground and a plurality of ribs each having an end pivotably connected to a top end of the pole. A runner is slideably mounted to the pole. A plurality of stretchers is pivotably connected between the runner and the ribs. A canopy is provided on the ribs. A handle is fixed on a shaft rotatably mounted to the pole. An end of a cable is fixed to a portion of the shaft inside the pole, with the other end of the cable extending out of the pole and fixed to the runner. Rotation of the handle causes the canopy to move from a folded state to an unfolded state. Further rotation of the handle causes the canopy to tilt. Thus, a user can adjust the tilting angle of the canopy according to the position of the sun. However, the exposed portion of the cable is liable to break by an external force or an excessive pulling force. Furthermore, when the sunshade is under a strong wind load, the force acting on the canopy is imparted to the handle, leading to loosening of the cable and bounce of the tilted canopy. As a result, the user standing below the canopy may be injured. 
     Thus, a need exists for a tiltable sunshade providing reliable, safe operation. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention solves this need and other problems in the field of safe use of sunshades by providing a sunshade including a pole having upper and lower ends spaced from each other along a longitudinal axis of the pole. The pole further includes an outer periphery and an inner periphery spaced from the outer periphery in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pole. The inner periphery of the pole defines a longitudinal hole. A first hole extends from the outer periphery through the inner periphery. The lower end of the pole is adapted to be rotatably coupled to a tube on a base. 
     A first transmission member is rotatably mounted in the first hole and includes a toothed portion located in the longitudinal hole of the pole. A handle is located outside of the pole and fixed to the first transmission member. The handle and the first transmission member are jointly rotatable about a rotating axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pole. A support is fixed in the longitudinal hole of the pole and located above the first transmission member along the longitudinal axis of the pole. 
     A second transmission member is received in the longitudinal hole of the pole and includes a shaft rotatably supported by the support. The second transmission member further includes a toothed portion meshed with the toothed portion of the first transmission member. The second transmission member rotates about the longitudinal axis of the pole when the first transmission member rotates about the rotating axis. 
     A screw rod includes a lower end fixed to the second transmission member and an upper end. The screw rod includes a small pitch portion at the upper end thereof and a large pitch portion extending from a lower end of the small pitch portion to the lower end of the screw rod. The large pitch portion has a pitch larger than a pitch of the small pitch portion. The screw rod and the second transmission member are jointly rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the pole. 
     A follower is received in the longitudinal hole of the pole and threadedly engaged with the screw rod. Rotation of the screw rod about the longitudinal axis of the pole causes movement of the follower along the longitudinal axis of the pole between a folded position, an unfolded position, and a tilted position. A first spacing between the follower in the folded position and the second transmission member along the longitudinal axis of the pole is smaller than a second spacing between the follower in the unfolded position and the second transmission member along the longitudinal axis of the pole. The second spacing is smaller than a third spacing between the follower in the tilted position and the second transmission member along the longitudinal axis of the pole. 
     A runner is mounted around the pole and slideable relative to the pole. A plurality of stretchers is provided, with each stretcher having a first end pivotably connected to the runner and a second end spaced from the first end along a longitudinal axis of the stretcher. The stretchers are jointly movable with the runner and the follower. 
     A fixing member is fixed to the upper end of the pole and includes a sliding groove and a pin hole. A pivotable member is pivotably connected to the fixing member and includes a track and a pivot hole. 
     A pin extends through the pivot hole of the pivotable member and the pin hole of the fixing member. The pivotable member is pivotable relative to the fixing member about a pivot axis defined by the pin between a first position and a second position. A longitudinal axis of the pivotable member in the first position is coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the pole. The longitudinal axis of the pivotable member in the second position is at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the pole. 
     An actuation rod is slideably extending through the sliding groove of the fixing member and slideably received in the track of the pivotable member. A link includes a first connection end connected to the actuation rod and a second connection end. A connection member includes a first end pivotably connected to the second connection end of the link and a second end. 
     A positioning pin extends through the connection member in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pole and has two ends located outside of the connection member. A spring is mounted around the connection member and includes a first end abutting the fixing member and a second end abutting the two ends of the positioning pin. 
     A hub is mounted to the pivotable member. The hub and the pivotable member are jointly pivotable between the first and second positions. A plurality of ribs is provided, with each rib including a connecting end pivotably connected to the hub, and with the second end of each of the plurality of stretchers pivotably connected to one of the plurality of ribs. A canopy is adapted to be mounted to the plurality of ribs. 
     The follower moves along the large pitch portion at a first speed when the follower moves between the folded position and the unfolded position. 
     When the follower is in the folded position, the follower is spaced from the second end of the connection member along the longitudinal axis of the pole and located adjacent to the lower end of the screw rod. The pivotable member is in the first position. Each of the plurality of stretchers and the plurality of ribs are located adjacent to the pole. The canopy is in a collapsed state. 
     When the follower is in the unfolded position, the follower is around an intersection between the large pitch portion and the small pitch portion, and the pivotable member is in the first position. The canopy is unfolded by the plurality of stretchers and the plurality of ribs. 
     When the follower moves from the unfolded position to the tilted position, the follower is driven by the small pitch portion of the screw rod to push the connection member to move along the longitudinal axis of the pole at a second speed smaller than the first speed, causing compression of the spring by the positioning pin. The connection member actuates the link to move the actuation rod along the sliding groove of the fixing member. The actuation rod presses against a wall of the track of the pivotable member to pivot the pivotable member from the first position to the second position. The hub, the plurality of ribs, and the plurality of stretchers pivot together with the pivotable member. Thus, the hub and the plurality of ribs are tilted relative to the pole. 
     When the follower moves from the tilted position to the unfolded position, the spring presses against the positioning pin to cause the connection member and the link to move jointly along the longitudinal axis of the pole. The actuation rod presses against the wall of the track of the pivotable member to pivot the pivotable member from the second position to the first position. The hub and the plurality of ribs are not tilted relative to the pole when the pivotable member is in the first position. 
     The present invention will become clearer in light of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of this invention described in connection with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The illustrative embodiments may best be described by reference to the accompanying drawings where: 
         FIG. 1  shows a side elevational view of a tiltable sunshade according to the present invention, with the sunshade in a folded state. 
         FIG. 2  shows a partial, exploded, perspective view of the tiltable sunshade of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows another partial, exploded perspective view of the tiltable sunshade of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  shows a cross sectional view taken along section line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  shows a cross sectional view taken along section line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5A  shows a cross sectional view taken along section line  5 A- 5 A of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  shows a cross sectional view taken along section line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  shows a left side view of the tiltable sunshade of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  shows a view similar to  FIG. 5 , with a sliding sleeve and a runner moved. 
         FIG. 9  shows a view similar to  FIG. 7 , with the sliding sleeve and the runner moved. 
         FIG. 10  shows a side elevational view of the tiltable sunshade in an unfolded state. 
         FIG. 11  shows a cross sectional view taken along section line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of the tiltable sunshade of  FIG. 1 , with the sunshade in a tilted state. 
         FIG. 12A  shows an enlarged view of a circled portion of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 13  shows a cross sectional view taken along section line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12 . 
     
    
    
     All figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic teachings of the present invention only; the extensions of the figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiments will be explained or will be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, and similar requirements will likewise be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood. 
     Where used in the various figures of the drawings, the same numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms “first”, “second”, “lower”, “upper”, “outer”, “inner”, “end”, “portion”, “section”, “longitudinal”, “radial”, “annular”, “spacing”, and similar terms are used herein, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawings as it would appear to a person viewing the drawings and are utilized only to facilitate describing the invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A tiltable sunshade according to the present invention is shown in the drawings and generally designated  12 . Tiltable sunshade  12  includes a pole  111  having upper and lower ends  113  and  115  spaced along a longitudinal axis of pole  111 . Pole  111  further includes inner and outer peripheries  114  and  112  extending between upper and lower ends  113  and  115 , with inner and outer peripheries  114  and  112  spaced from each other in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of pole  111 , and with inner periphery  114  defining a longitudinal hole  117 . A slot  119  extends from outer periphery  112  through inner periphery  114  in the radial direction and includes first and second ends  131  and  133 , with first end  131  of slot  119  located between upper end  113  of pole  111  and second end  133  of slot  119  along the longitudinal axis of pole  111 . First and second holes  137  and  139  extend from outer periphery  112  through inner periphery  114  and are aligned with each other, with each of first and second holes  137  and  139  located between second end  133  of slot  119  and lower end  115  of pole  111 . Pole  111  further includes a plurality of through-holes  135  extending from outer periphery  112  through inner periphery  114 , with through-holes  135  spaced from each other in a circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis of pole  111 . Lower end  115  of pole  111  is pivotably mounted to a tube  469  on a base  467 , allowing pole  111  to rotate about a pivot axis defined by tube  469 . 
     According to the form shown, pole  111  further includes a first transmission member  151  mounted in first hole  137 . First transmission member  151  includes a toothed portion  155  with a flange  153  on a side thereof. An axle  157  extends away from the side of toothed portion  155 , with an axle hole  159  extending from an end face of axle  157  through the other side of toothed portion  155  and having non-circular cross sections. Toothed portion  155  is received in longitudinal hole  117  of pole  111 , with flange  153  abutting outer periphery  112  of pole  111 , and with axle  157  located outside of pole  111 . A seat  171  is fixed by screws to outer periphery  112  of pole  111  and includes a pivot hole  173  aligned with second hole  139  of pole  111  and axle hole  159  of first transmission member  151 . 
     According to the form shown, a shaft  195  has non-circular cross sections and includes a head  197  on an end thereof and a threaded portion  199  in the other end thereof, with threaded portion  199  having a groove  211 . Shaft  195  is extended through axle hole  159  of first transmission member  151 , with head  197  abutting the end face of axle  157  of first transmission member  151  ( FIG. 4 ). Threaded portion  199  of shaft  195  extends through pivot hole  173  of seat  171 , with a washer  175  and a nut  179  mounted around a section of threaded portion  199  located outside of seat  171 . Thus, shaft  195  and first transmission member  151  are jointly rotatable about a rotating axis defined by a longitudinal axis of shaft  195  perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of pole  111 . A ratchet wheel  177  is mounted around the section of threaded portion  199  and sandwiched between washer  175  and nut  179 . A pin  191  is extended through nut  179  and groove  211  in shaft  195  ( FIG. 4 ), preventing loosening of nut  179  during rotation of shaft  195 . Thus, shaft  195  can not be disengaged from pole  111  in the radial direction. Furthermore, a catch  193  is fixed on seat  171  and releasably engaged with ratchet wheel  177 . 
     According to the form shown, a handle  213  is mounted to shaft  195 . Handle  213  includes a coupling hole  215  in the form shown as a through-hole having a coupling section  216  and a recessed section  217  having a diameter larger than that of coupling section  216 . Coupling section  216  has cross sections the same as the cross sections of shaft  195 . Shaft  195  is extended through coupling section  216 , with head  197  received in recessed section  217 . Thus, handle  213 , shaft  195 , and first transmission member  151  are jointly rotatable. 
     According to the form shown, a housing comprised of two housing halves  219  is mounted around pole  111  and surrounds first and second holes  137  and  139 . Specifically, each housing half  219  includes upper and lower holes  231  and  233  and a pivotal portion  234  located between upper and lower holes  231  and  233 . Housing halves  219  are mounted around pole  111 , with pole  111  extending through upper holes  231  and lower holes  233 . First transmission member  151 , seat  171 , washer  175 , ratchet wheel  177 , nut  179 , and pin  191  are received in the housing ( FIG. 4 ), with handle  213  located outside of the housing, and with shaft  195  extending out of the housing via pivotal portions  234  for engagement with handle  213 . 
     According to the form shown, a support  235  is fixed in longitudinal hole  117  of pole  111  and includes upper and lower faces spaced along the longitudinal axis of pole  111 . A shaft hole  237  extends from the upper face through the lower face of support  235 . Support  235  includes a plurality of fixing holes  239  aligned with through-holes  135  in pole  111 . Screws are extended through through-holes  135  of pole  111  into fixing holes  239  of support  235 , fixing support  235  in pole  111  in a location between second end  133  of slot  119  of pole  111  and first transmission member  151  ( FIG. 4 ). 
     According to the form shown, a second transmission member  251  is rotatably supported by support  235 . Second transmission member  251  includes a toothed portion  253  meshed with toothed portion  155  of first transmission member  151  and a shaft  255  rotatably extending through shaft hole  237 , with a distal end of shaft  255  located outside of support  235 . Thus, when first transmission member  151  rotates, second transmission member  251  rotates about the longitudinal axis of pole  111 . 
     According to the form shown, a connecting member  257  is fixed to second transmission member  251 . Connecting member  257  includes a first end  259  and a second end  273  spaced from first end  259  along the longitudinal axis of pole  111 , with a first receptacle  271  defined in an end face of first end  259 , with a second receptacle  275  defined in an end face of second end  273 . The distal end of shaft  255  of second transmission member  251  is received in first receptacle  271 . A first pin  274  is extended in a radial direction through first end  259  of connecting member  257  and the distal end of shaft  255 . Thus, first end  259  of connecting member  257  is fixed to shaft  255 , allowing joint rotation of connecting member  257  and second transmission member  251 . Support  235  is located between second transmission member  251  and connecting member  257 , preventing movement of second transmission member  251  and connecting member  257  along the longitudinal axis of pole  111 . 
     According to the form shown, a screw rod  511  has a lower end  515  engaged in second receptacle  275  of connecting member  257 , with a second pin  276  extending in a radial direction through second end  273  of connecting member  257  and lower end  515  of screw rod  511 , allowing joint rotation of screw rod  511  and connecting member  257 . Screw rod  511  further includes an upper end  513 , with lower end  515  of screw rod  511  located between upper end  513  and support  235  along the longitudinal axis of pole  111 . Screw rod  511  further includes a small pitch portion  517  at upper end  513  and a large pitch portion  519  extending from a lower end of small pitch portion  517  to lower end  515 . Large pitch portion  519  has a pitch in a range between 7 mm and 12 mm. Small pitch portion  517  has a pitch in a range between 2 mm and 4 mm. 
     According to the form shown, a follower  277  is threadedly engaged with screw rod  511 . Follower  277  includes first and second faces  278  and  280  spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis of pole  111  and an outer periphery  279  extending between first and second faces  278  and  280 . A hole  294  extends from first face  278  through second face  280 . Two pegs  294 A are formed on an inner periphery of hole  294 . An engagement hole  293  is defined in outer periphery  279  but spaced from hole  294 . Screw rod  511  extends through hole  294  of follower  277 , with pegs  294 A engaged in a valley of one of small pitch portion  517  and large pitch portion  519 . Rotation of screw rod  511  causes movement of follower  27  along the longitudinal axis of pole  111  between a folded position ( FIG. 5 ), an unfolded position ( FIG. 10 ), and a tilted position ( FIG. 12 ). A first spacing between follower  277  in the folded position and second transmission member  251  along the longitudinal axis of pole  111  is smaller than a second spacing between follower  277  in the unfolded position and second transmission member  251  along the longitudinal axis of pole  111 . The second spacing between follower  277  in the unfolded position and second transmission member  251  is smaller than a third spacing between follower  277  in the tilted position and second transmission member  251  along the longitudinal axis of pole  111 . 
     A length of large pitch portion  519  along the longitudinal axis of pole  111  is slightly larger than travel of follower  277  from the folded position to the unfolded position. A length of small pitch portion  517  along the longitudinal axis of pole  111  is slightly larger than travel of follower  277  from the unfolded position to the tilted position. 
     According to the form shown, a receiving tube  531  is mounted around pole  111  and slideable relative to pole  111  along the longitudinal axis of pole  111 . Receiving tube  531  includes a top end  532  and a bottom end  534 . Receiving tube  531  further includes inner and outer peripheries  533  and  535  extending between top and bottom ends  532  and  534 , with inner periphery  533  spaced from outer periphery  535  in the radial direction, and with inner periphery  533  defining a longitudinal hole  537 . A flange  536  is formed on outer periphery  535  and located on top end  532 . First and second protruded portions  539  and  541  are formed on outer periphery  535  and located at bottom end  534 . An engagement groove  543  is defined in first protruded portion  539  and has a bottom wall spaced from inner periphery  533 . A slot  544  extends from the bottom wall of engagement groove  543  through inner periphery  533  of receiving tube  531 . A retaining portion  545  is formed on second protruded portion  541 . Longitudinal hole  537  of receiving tube  531  receives pole  111 , with slot  544  of receiving tube  531  aligned with slot  119  of pole  111 . 
     According to the form shown, an engagement member  300  is mounted in engagement groove  543  of receiving tube  531 . Engagement member  300  includes a body  304  received in engagement groove  543  and an insertion portion  302  extending from body  304 . Insertion portion  302  extends through slot  544  of receiving tube  531  and slot  119  of pole  111  and engages with engagement hole  293  of follower  277 . Thus, receiving tube  531  and follower  277  are jointly movable between the folded position, the unfolded position, and the tilted position. Engagement member  300  prevents rotation of follower  277  relative to pole  111 , such that rotation of screw rod  511  merely causes movement of follower  277  along the longitudinal axis of pole  111 . A fixing sleeve  359  is mounted around bottom end  534  of receiving tube  531  and includes two sliding grooves  362  in an inner periphery thereof, with a retaining hole  361  extending from a bottom wall of one of sliding grooves  362  through an outer periphery of fixing sleeve  359 . Retaining portion  545  of receiving tube  531  is engaged in retaining hole  361  ( FIG. 5 ). First and second protruded portions  539  and  541  are received in sliding grooves  362  ( FIG. 5A ), preventing engagement member  300  from disengaging from engagement hole  293  of follower  277 . 
     According to the form shown, a sliding sleeve  547  includes an abutment end  549  and a positioning end  551  spaced from abutment end  549  along the longitudinal axis of pole  111 . Sliding sleeve  547  further includes an inner periphery  553  extending between abutment end  549  and positioning end  551  and defining a sliding hole  557 . Two inner protruded portions  555  are formed on inner periphery  553  and located at positioning end  551 . Receiving tube  531  is slideably received in sliding hole  557  of sliding sleeve  547 . Positioning end  551  of sliding sleeve  547  abuts an upper end of fixing sleeve  359 . Each inner protruded portion  555  is located between flange  536  of receiving tube  531  and fixing sleeve  359 . Thus, each inner protruded portion  555  is movable between flange  536  of receiving tube  531  and fixing sleeve  359  when sliding sleeve  547  moves in the longitudinal axis of pole  111 . 
     According to the form shown, a runner  297  is mounted around pole  111  and slideable relative to pole  111  along the longitudinal axis of pole  111 . Runner  297  includes a lower end  307  and a plurality of pivotal pins  311  spaced in a circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis of pole  111 . Lower end  307  of runner  297  is securely received in a top end of sliding sleeve  547 . Lower end  307  of runner  297  abuts top end  532  of receiving tube  531  in the folded position. Thus, runner  297 , receiving tube  531 , fixing sleeve  359 , engagement member  300 , and follower  277  move jointly between the folded position, the unfolded position, and the tilted position by operating handle  213 . When sliding sleeve  547  moves between flange  536  of receiving tube  531  and fixing sleeve  359 , runner  297  moves jointly with sliding sleeve  547 . 
     According to the form shown, a pivotal seat  327  is pivotably connected to each pivotal pin  311 . Each pivotal seat  327  includes a first surface  329  and a second surface  331  opposite to first surface  329 , with a mounting hole  332  extending from first surface  329  through second surface  331 . Mounting hole  332  includes a larger hole section  333  in first surface  329  and a smaller hole section  335  in second surface  331 , with larger hole section  333  having non-circular cross sections. Each pivotal seat  327  further includes a pivotal hole  337  extending perpendicularly to and intersecting with larger hole section  333 . Each pivotal pin  311  is received in pivotal hole  337  of one of pivotal seats  327 , allowing pivotal seat  327  to pivot about a pivot axis defined by pivotal pin  311 . 
     According to the form shown, a screw  477  is mounted in mounting hole  332  of each pivotal seat  327  and includes a head  479  having non-circular cross sections the same as those of larger hole section  333  and includes a shank  481  having an outer thread. Head  479  of each screw  477  is received in larger hole section  333  of one of pivotal seats  327 , preventing screw  477  from rotating relative to pivotal seat  327 . Shank  481  extends through smaller hole section  335  and extends out of pivotal seat  327 . After installation, each screw  477  is spaced from a corresponding pivotal pin  311  along the longitudinal axis of pole  111  ( FIG. 5 ). 
     According to the form shown, a plug  319  is threadedly engaged with shank  481  of each screw  477  extending beyond pivotal seat  327 . Each plug  319  includes a coupling portion  323 , with a flange  321  formed on a side of coupling portion  323 , and with a screw hole  325  defined in the side of coupling portion  323  and surrounded by flange  321 . Shank  481  of each screw  477  is loosely engaged in screw hole  325  of one of plugs  319 , allowing each plug  319  to pivot about a pivot axis defined by screw  477  while preventing plug  319  from disengaging from screw  477 . 
     According to the form shown, a stretcher  313  is connected to each plug  319 . Each stretcher  313  includes a first end  315  securely receiving coupling portion  323  of one of plugs  319 , allowing each stretcher  313  and the corresponding pivotal seat  327  to pivot about the pivot axis defined by a corresponding pivotal pin  311 . Furthermore, each plug  319  and the corresponding stretcher  313  are jointly pivotable about the pivot axis defined by the corresponding screw  477 . Furthermore, each stretcher  313  is jointly movable together with runner  297  and follower  277  between the folded position, the unfolded position, and the tilted position. Each stretcher  313  further has a second end  317 . 
     According to the form shown, a fixing member  363  is mounted to upper end  113  of pole  111  and includes a receiving section  365  having circular cross sections and a pivotal section  367 , with pivotal section  367  having substantially U-shaped cross sections and having two sidewalls  368 . A shoulder  369  is formed on an intersection of receiving section  365  and pivotal section  367 . Fixing member  363  includes a compartment  371  extending from receiving section  365  through pivotal section  367 , with compartment  371  located between two sidewalls  368  of pivotal section  367 . Each sidewall  368  includes a sliding groove  375  in communication with compartment  371 . Sliding groove  375  of each sidewall  368  includes a first section  377  parallel to the longitudinal axis of pole  111  and a second section  379  at an obtuse angle (about 150° in the form shown, see  FIG. 6 ) to first section  377 . Each sidewall  368  further includes a pin hole  381  located between sliding groove  375  and receiving section  365 . A plurality of abutment protrusions  373  is defined in compartment  371  in receiving section  365 . Receiving section  365  of fixing member  363  is fixed in longitudinal hole  117  at upper end  113  of pole  111 . 
     According to the form shown, a pivotable member  383  is pivotably mounted to pivotal section  367  of fixing member  363 . Pivotable member  383  includes an engaging portion  385  and a pivotal portion  387 . Pivotal portion  387  includes a lower end having a lower end face  389  and an abutment face  391  at an obtuse angle (about 159° in the form shown, see  FIG. 6 ) to lower end face  389 . Pivotal portion  387  further includes two lateral walls  388  spaced from each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of pivotable member  383 . A receiving space  393  is defined in lower end face  389  and located between lateral walls  388  of pivotal portion  387 . Each lateral wall  388  includes a track  395  extending into receiving space  393  in the radial direction, with track  395  having a first track section  397  and a second track section  399  at an obtuse angle (about 135° in the form shown, see  FIG. 6 ) to first track section  397 . Each lateral wall  388  further includes a pivot hole  394  located between track  395  and lower end face  389 . Pivotal section  367  of fixing member  363  is received in receiving space  393  of pivotable member  383 , with sidewalls  368  of fixing member  363  located between lateral walls  388  of pivotable member  383 . Pivot holes  394  of pivotable member  383  are aligned with pin holes  381  of fixing member  363 , with lower end face  389  of pivotable member  383  spaced from shoulder  369  of fixing member  363  along the longitudinal axis of pole  111 . 
     According to the form shown, a pin  401  is extended through pivot holes  394  of pivotable member  383  and pin holes  381  of fixing member  363 , allowing pivotable member  383  to pivot about a pivot axis defined by pin  401  between a first position ( FIGS. 1 ,  6 ,  10 , and  11 ) and a second position ( FIGS. 12 and 13 ) in a pivotal movement plane, with the pivotal movement plane being perpendicular to the pivot axis defined by pin  401  and including the longitudinal axis of pivotable member  383 . When pivotable member  383  is in the first position (see  FIG. 6 ), first track sections  397  of tracks  395  of pivotable member  383  are aligned with first sections  377  of sliding grooves  375  of fixing member  363 . Furthermore, the longitudinal axis of pivotable member  383  is coaxial to the longitudinal axis of pole  111 . Abutment face  391  of pivotable member  383  provides room for the pivotal movement of pivotable member  383  from the first position to the second position. While pivotable member  383  is moving from the first position to the second position, lower end face  389  of pivotable member  383  does not interfere with shoulder  369  of fixing member  363 . On the other hand, when pivotable member  383  is in the second position, abutment face  391  of pivotable member  383  is substantially parallel to shoulder  369  of fixing member  363  ( FIG. 13 ). In the form shown, an extension tube  433  includes a lower end  437  fixed to engaging portion  385  of pivotable member  383  and an upper end  435 . 
     According to the form shown, an actuation rod  403  is slideably received in tracks  395  of pivotable member  383  and sliding grooves  375  of fixing member  363 . When pivotable member  383  is in the first position, actuation rod  403  is in first track sections  397  of tracks  395  of pivotable member  383  and first sections  377  of sliding grooves  375  of fixing member  363  ( FIG. 6 ). 
     According to the form shown, a link  471  includes a first connection end  472  connected to actuation rod  403  and a second connection end  473 . First connection end  472  is received in compartment  371  of fixing member  363 . Second connection end  473  of link  471  is located in longitudinal hole  117  of pole  111 . A connection member  405  includes a first end  407  pivotably connected to second connection end  473  of link  471  and a second end  409  below first end  407 . Connection member  405  includes aligned first positioning holes  411  defined in first end  407  and aligned second positioning holes  413  between second end  409  and first positioning holes  411 . A pin  419  is extended through first positioning holes  411  of first end  407  of connection member  405  and second connection end  473  of link  471 . Thus, link  471  is pivotably connected to connection member  405 . Upper end  513  of screw rod  511  is received in connection member  405 . A positioning pin  415  is extended through second positioning holes  413  of connection member  405  in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of pole  111 , with two ends of positioning pin  415  located outside of connection member  405 . 
     According to the form shown, an abutment member  417  is annular and rests on exposed ends of positioning pin  415 . A cap  427  includes a tubular portion  431  engaged in second end  409  of connection member  405 . A flange  429  is formed on a lower side of tubular portion  431  and abuts an end face of second end  409  of connection member  405 . A spring  421  is mounted around connection member  405  and includes a first end  423  abutting lower ends of abutment protrusions  373  of fixing member  363 . Spring  421  further includes a second end  425  abutting abutment member  417 . Spring  421  biases connection member  405  to retain pivotable member  383  in the first position ( FIG. 6 ). 
     According to the form shown, a hub  439  is fixed on upper end  435  of extension tube  433 . Pivotable member  383 , extension tube  433  and hub  439  are jointly moveable between the first and second positions about the pivot axis defined by pin  401 . A plurality of ribs  451  is provided, with each rib  451  including a connecting end  453  pivotably connected to hub  439  ( FIG. 6 ), with second end  317  of each stretcher  313  pivotably connected to one of ribs  451 . A canopy  475  is mounted to ribs  451 . 
     Now that the basic construction of tiltable sunshade  12  of the present invention has been explained, the operation and some of the advantages of tiltable sunshade  12  can be set forth and appreciated. In particular, for the sake of explanation, it will be assumed that follower  277  of tiltable sunshade  12  is located in the folded position ( FIG. 5 ). Positioning end  551  of sliding sleeve  547  abuts the upper end of fixing sleeve  359 , preventing runner  297  from moving away from hub  439 . Follower  277  is spaced from cap  427  along the longitudinal axis of pole  111  and around large pitch portion  519  of screw rod  511 . Engagement member  300  is adjacent to second end  133  of slot  119 . Runner  297  is adjacent to housing halves  219  ( FIG. 1 ). The longitudinal axis of pivotable member  383  is coaxial to the longitudinal axis of pole  111 , such that extension tube  433  is coaxial to and aligned with pole  111 . Each of ribs  451  and stretchers  313  is in the folded state and located adjacent to pole  111  so that canopy  475  is in a collapsed state. The distal ends of some ribs  451  are located in a rotating path of handle  213  ( FIG. 7 ). Spring  421  biases pivotable member  383  to the first position ( FIG. 6 ). 
     Note that when follower  277  is in the folded position, inner protruded portion  555  of the receiving tube  531  is spaced from flange  536  of receiving tube  531 . If sliding sleeve  54  moves along the longitudinal axis of pole  111  towards hub  439  and pushes runner  297  while follower  277  is in the folded position, flange  536  of receiving tube  531  is in a movement path of inner protruded portions  555  of receiving tube  531 , preventing sliding sleeve  547  from being disengaged from receiving tube  531 . 
     Before unfolding tiltable sunshade  12 , one of ribs  451  is pulled or sliding sleeve  547  is moved towards hub  439  along the longitudinal axis of pole  111 , such that runner  297  is moved through a small distance towards hub  439  without moving receiving tube  531 , follower  277 , and engagement member  300  ( FIG. 8 ). Thus, each rib  451  is located outside of the rotating path of handle  213  ( FIG. 9 ), allowing smooth rotation of handle  213  for opening tiltable sunshade  12 . 
     When it is desired to open tiltable sunshade  12  in the state shown in  FIG. 9 , handle  213  is rotated in a direction to rotate shaft  195  and first transmission member  151 , causing rotation of second transmission member  251  via transmission by toothed portions  155  and  253 , which, in turn, causes rotation of connecting member  257  and screw rod  511 . Follower  277  moves from the folded position ( FIG. 8 ) to the unfolded position ( FIG. 11 ). Specifically, engagement member  300  pushes receiving tube  531  to move runner  297  towards hub  439 , moving stretchers  313  and ribs  451  to extend canopy  475 . Since follower  277  is around the large pitch portion  519  of screw rod  511 , rotation of screw rod  511  causes follower  277  to move rapidly from the folded position to the unfolded position at a first speed, with pegs  294 A moving in the valley of large pitch portion  519 . When follower  277  reaches the unfolded position ( FIG. 11 ), first face  278  of follower  277  abuts flange  429  of cap  427 , follower  277  is in a location around an intersection between large pitch portion  519  and smaller pitch portion  517 , and runner  297  is in a location adjacent to fixing member  363  and below pin  401 . Canopy  475  is extended by ribs  451  and stretchers  313 . Tiltable sunshade  12  is, thus, opened. 
     In a case that handle  213  is further rotated in the same direction while tiltable sunshade  12  is in the open state, follower  277  moves from the unfolded position to the tilted position ( FIG. 12 ). Specifically, follower  277  is slowly moved by small pitch portion  517  of the rotating screw rod  511  at a second speed while pegs  294 A move in the valley of small pitch portion  517 , with the second speed being smaller than the first speed. Follower  277  pushes cap  427 , connection member  405 , pin  419 , positioning pin  415 , and abutment member  417  to move along the longitudinal axis of pole  111  and compresses spring  421 . First connection end  472  of link  471  pushes actuation rod  403  to move from first sections  377  of sliding grooves  375  of fixing member  363  into second sections  379 . Actuation rod  403  presses against wall faces of tracks  395  of pivotable member  383  to pivot pivotable member  383  in the pivotal movement plane from the first position to the second position, leading to pivotal movement of extension tube  433 , hub  439 , and ribs  451  to a position in which extension tube  433  is at an obtuse angle to pole  111 . Each stretcher  313  and the corresponding plug  319  move together with ribs  451  and, thus, pivot about the pivot axis defined by the corresponding pivotal pin  311 . As a result, pivotable member  383  carries hub  439 , extension tube  433 , and ribs  451  to the second position ( FIGS. 12 and 13 ). When pivotable member  383  reaches the second position, abutment face  391  is substantially parallel to shoulder  369  of fixing member  363 , and runner  297  is still located below pin  401  along the longitudinal axis of pole  111 . Canopy  475  is, thus, tilted. Pole  111  can be rotated relative to base  467  according to the position of the sun, providing a desired shielding effect. 
     For stretchers  313  whose longitudinal axes are not located in the pivotal movement plane, each of these stretcher  313  not only pivots in the pivotal movement plane together with the corresponding rib  451  but also pivots about its longitudinal axis, as indicated by the arrows in  FIG. 12A . Namely, each of these stretcher  313  pivots about the corresponding pivotal pin  311  and pivots about the corresponding screw  477 . However, a stretcher  313  whose longitudinal axis is located in the pivotal movement plane will only pivot in the pivotal movement plane together with the corresponding rib  451  without pivotal movement about the corresponding screw  477 .  FIG. 13  shows movement of two stretchers  313  whose longitudinal axes are located in the pivotal movement plane. If pivotable member  383  is moved to the position shown in  FIG. 13  in which the longitudinal axis of pivotable member  383  is at about 21° to the longitudinal axis of pole  111 , the angle A 2  between the longitudinal axis of the left stretcher  313  in  FIG. 13  and the longitudinal axis of pole  111  is about 46°. Furthermore, the angle A 1  between the longitudinal axis of the right stretcher  313  in  FIG. 13  and the longitudinal axis of pole  111  is about 77°. Note that each of the stretchers  313  in  FIG. 13  does not pivot about the corresponding screw  477 . 
     With tiltable sunshade  12  in the tilted state shown in  FIG. 13  and if handle  213  is rotated in a reverse direction, follower  277  is driven by small pitch portion  517  of screw rod  511  to move slowly from the tilted position to the unfolded position along the longitudinal axis of pole  111 , and spring  421  presses against abutment member  417 , causing positioning pin  415 , connection member  405 , pin  419 , link  471 , and actuation rod  403  to move jointly along the longitudinal axis of pole  111  in a direction releasing spring  421 . Actuation rod  403  presses against the wall faces of second track sections  399  of tracks  395  of pivotable member  383 , causing pivotal movement of pivotable member  383  from the second position to the first position ( FIG. 11 ). Further rotation of handle  213  in the reverse direction causes movement of follower  277  from the unfolded position to the folded position. Runner  297  and stretchers  313  move to their original positions shown in  FIG. 1 . Tillable sunshade  12  is, thus, folded. 
     Since runner  297  is moved along the longitudinal axis of pole  111  by using screw rod  511 , less force is required to unfold canopy  475 . Further, operation for tilting canopy  475  is force-saving by using screw rod  511  to actuate follower  277  while providing reinforced structural strength. Further, large pitch portion  519  of screw rod  511  rapidly moves follower  277  between the folded position and the unfolded position, rapidly folding or unfolding canopy  475 . 
     Furthermore, sliding sleeve  547  can push runner  297  towards hub  439  without moving receiving tube  531 , engagement member  300 , and follower  277 , moving the distal end of each rib  451  out of the rotating path of handle  213 . Thus, handle  213  can be smoothly rotated to unfold canopy  475  without interference by the distal end of any rib  451 . 
     Furthermore, canopy  475  in the tilted state can be adjusted according to the position of the sun, providing enhanced sun-shielding effect. Furthermore, the angular displacement of pivotable member  383  about the pivot axis defined by pin  401  can be more precisely controlled by small pitch portion  517  of screw rod  511  that moves follower  277  slowly, precisely controlling the tilted state of canopy  475 . Further, when pivotable member  383  is in the first position, first sections  377  of sliding grooves  375  of fixing member  363  and first track sections  397  of tracks  395  of pivotable member  383  are parallel to the longitudinal axis of pole  111  to reliably retain pivotable member  383  in the first position. Thus, pivotable member  383  would not pivot from the first position to the second position even if canopy  475  in the unfolded state is under a strong wind load. Furthermore, since each stretcher  313  can pivot about the corresponding screw  477  while tilting canopy  475 , pivotable member  383  can smoothly pivot from the first position to the second position. 
     Now that the basic teachings of the present invention have been explained, many extensions and variations will be obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art. For example, tiltable sunshade  12  does not have to include extension tube  433 . In this case, hub  439  can be engaged with engaging portion  385 , and hub  439  and ribs  451  can still pivot together with pivotable member  383  between the first and second positions. Furthermore, tiltable sunshade  12  does not have to include plug  319 , pivotal seats  327 , and screws  477 . In this case, first end  315  of each stretcher  313  is pivotably connected to one of pivotal pins  311 , with a gap formed between each stretcher  313  and the corresponding pivotal pin  311  to allow smooth pivotal movement of stretcher  313  upon actuation of the corresponding rib  451  during movement of tiltable sunshade  12  from the upright state to the tilted state. Furthermore, abutment protrusions  373  can be in the form of a single protrusion or another form for attachment of spring  421 . Further, fixing member  363  can include only one sliding groove  375  and only one pin hole  381 . Likewise, pivotable member  383  can include only one track  395  and only one pivot hole  394 . Follower  277  can include only one peg  294 A. 
     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 equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.