Patent Description:
Many umbrellas are opened and closed by pushing a runner up and down along a pole. The size and weight of the umbrella can make the opening and closing of the umbrella challenging. The shade member, ribs, and struts blocking access to the runner can make it difficult to apply the necessary force to the runner to open and close the umbrella.

It can be challenging to apply sufficient force to open and close an umbrella due to obstacles caused by the umbrella itself, such as the shade member, ribs, and struts. Also, larger umbrellas can have a size and corresponding weight that make opening the umbrella by unassisted human force difficult. In view of the foregoing, improved umbrella assemblies incorporating lift assist or gas lift, e.g., gas spring, assemblies are needed. Such assemblies can be configured with fixed upper portions and displaceable lower portions that can store energy to help the umbrella transition from a closed configuration to an open configuration. Preferably these lift assist assemblies are retained within an umbrella pole assembly and can be actuated to store energy by movement of a lower hub without requiring an intermediate hub structure between an upper and a lower hub of a shade assembly. A known umbrella with a lift assist assembly is known from <CIT>.

An umbrella according to the invention is defined by claim <NUM>. In one embodiment, an umbrella is provided that includes a hollow pole, a shade assembly coupled with an upper portion of the hollow pole, an upper fixture disposed on the hollow pole, and a lift assist assembly disposed within the hollow pole. The shade assembly includes an upper hub, a lower hub, and a shade structure coupling the upper hub to the lower hub. The shade structure supports a shade member. The lower hub is moveable along the hollow pole. The upper fixture has a pulley and at least one ledge configured to interact with at least one hook pivotally coupled to the lower hub. The lift assist assembly includes a gas spring and a cord. The gas spring includes a hollow tube having an inner diameter, a piston having an outer diameter sized to fit within at least a portion of the hollow tube, a seal positioned between the inner diameter of the hollow tube and the outer diameter of the piston, and a lower fixture coupled to a lower end of the piston. The lower fixture including at least two spacers. The cord has a first end coupled with the hollow pole and a second end coupled with the lower hub. When closing the umbrella, the at least one hook disengages from the at least one ledge and the lower hub is moved downward and the cord applies a load to compress the gas spring by moving the piston into the hollow tube. Wherein when opening the umbrella, the gas spring applies a load to the cord, to cause an upward load to be applied to the lower hub.

In some embodiments, the lower fixture comprises a core member and four spacers extending outward from the core member to outer edges. The outer edges of the spacers are configured to engage an inner wall of the hollow pole.

In some embodiments, the lower fixture comprises a pulley supported on a core member, the cord is disposed around the pulley.

In another embodiment, an umbrella is provided that includes a hollow pole, a shade assembly, a lift assist assembly, and a cord. The shade assembly is coupled with an upper portion of the hollow pole. The shade assembly includes an upper hub, a lower hub, a shade structure coupling the upper hub to the lower hub. The shade structure supports a shade member, e.g., when fully assembled. The lower hub is moveable along the hollow pole. The lift assist assembly is disposed within the hollow pole. The lift assist assembly includes a gas spring that comprises a hollow tube having an open interior and a piston disposed within the open interior of the hollow tube. The cord has a first end coupled with the hollow pole and a second end coupled with the lower hub. When closing the umbrella, the cord moves the piston into the hollow tube compressing a gas within the hollow tube and when opening the umbrella, the gas spring applies a load to the cord, to cause the lower hub to be moved upward.

In some embodiments, the umbrella further includes a hook pivotably mounted in the lower hub. The hook configured to rest on a ledge of the pole assembly when the umbrella is open and to pivot away from the ledge to allow the umbrella to be closed. The pivoting of the hook being actuated by downward movement of a lower portion of a hub assembly including the lower hub relative to the lower hub. The hub assembly can include the lower hub and a handle coupled with the lower hub.

In some embodiments, the lower portion of the hub assembly further comprises a handle extending downward relative to an upper portion of the lower hub. The handle is moveable downward when the hook is resting on the ledge to pivot the hook away from the ledge to allow the lower hub to be lowered to allow the umbrella to be closed.

In some embodiments, the cord is disposed over a pulley coupled with the pole assembly and is tension by downward movement of the piston of the gas spring.

In some embodiments, the umbrella further includes a lower fixture coupled to a lower end of the piston, the lower fixture comprising at least one spacer, at least two spacers, at least three spacers, at least four spacers, and in some cases five or more spacers.

In some embodiments, the lower fixture further comprises a pulley and the cord is disposed around the pulley.

According to the invention, an umbrella is provided that includes a hollow pole, a shade assembly, and a lift assist assembly. The shade assembly is coupled with an upper portion of the hollow pole. The shade assembly including an upper hub, a lower hub, a shade structure coupling the upper hub to the lower hub. The shade structure supports a shade member, e.g., when fully assembled. The lower hub is moveable along the hollow pole. The lift assist assembly disposed within the hollow pole. The lift assist assembling including a gas spring and a cord that has a first end disposed within the hollow pole and a second end coupled with the lower hub. When closing the umbrella, the cord applies a load to compress the gas spring and when opening, the gas spring applies a load to the lower hub by way of the cord.

In some embodiments, the umbrella further includes a hook pivotably mounted in the lower hub. The hook configured to rest on a ledge of the hollow pole when the umbrella is open and to pivot away from the ledge to allow the umbrella to be closed. The pivoting of the hook being actuated by downward movement of a handle relative to an upper portion of the lower hub.

In some embodiments, the handle extends downward from a lower portion of the lower hub. The handle is moveable downward relative to an upper portion of the lower hub when the hook is resting on the ledge to pivot the hook away from the ledge to allow the lower hub to be lowered to allow the umbrella to be closed.

In some embodiments, the hook has a curved lower portion that is actuated by movement of a roller disposed in the handle.

In some embodiments, the cord is disposed over a pulley coupled with the hollow pole and is tension by downward movement of the lower end of the gas spring and/or downward movement of the lower hub.

In some embodiments, downward movement of the lower hub raises a lower end of the gas spring to compress the gas spring.

In some embodiments, the umbrella further includes an upper fixture disposed on the hollow pole. The upper fixture comprising a pulley and at least one ledge for a corresponding hook of the lower hub to interact with.

In some embodiments, the gas spring further includes a lower fixture comprising a central hub and a plurality of spacers, each spacer extending from the central hub to a free end.

In some embodiments, the lower fixture comprises a pulley, the cord being disposed around the pulley.

In some embodiments, the umbrella further includes a strap to retain the umbrella in a closed state.

In some embodiments, the gas spring further comprises a hollow tube and a piston sized to fit within the hollow tube.

In some embodiments, the gas spring further comprises a seal positioned between an inner diameter of the hollow tube and the outer diameter of the piston.

In some embodiments, the umbrella further includes an upper fixture disposed on the hollow pole. The upper fixture comprising a radial projection disposed on a lower portion. The lower hub comprising a radial recess disposed on an inner periphery of an upper portion. The radial projection configured to be disposed in the radial recess to limit rotation of the lower hub about the hollow pole.

In some embodiments, the upper fixture comprises a plurality of radial projections disposed on a lower portion. The lower hub comprising a plurality of radial recess disposed on an inner periphery of an upper portion. The radial projections configured to be disposed in the radial recesses to limit rotation of the lower hub about the hollow pole.

In some embodiments, the umbrella further includes a cord guide member disposed about a hollow tube of a gas spring of the lift assist assembly. The cord guide member comprising a plurality of projections configured to slide along the inner surface of the hollow pole.

In another embodiment, an umbrella is provided that includes a hollow pole, and a shade assembly. The shade assembly is coupled with an upper portion of the hollow pole. The shade assembly includes an upper hub, a lower hub, a shade structure coupling the upper hub to the lower hub. The shade structure supports a shade member, e.g., when fully assembled. The lower hub is moveable along the hollow pole. A hook is pivotably mounted in the lower hub of a hub assembly including a handle. The hook configured to rest on a ledge of the pole assembly when the umbrella is open and to pivot away from the ledge to allow the umbrella to be closed. The pivoting of the hook is actuated by downward movement of the handle. The handle is moveable downward when the hook is resting on the ledge to pivot the hook away from the ledge to allow the lower hub to be lowered to allow the umbrella to be closed.

In variation of the foregoing embodiment, the hook includes an outwardly curved lower portion that can be actuated by an internal portion of the handle, such as a projection, roller, or other actuator.

In further variations, the umbrella includes a lift assist assembly and a cord. The lift assist assembly is disposed within the hollow pole. The lift assist assembly includes a gas spring that comprises a hollow tube having an open interior and a piston disposed within the open interior of the hollow tube. The cord has a first end coupled with the hollow pole and a second end coupled with the lower hub. When closing the umbrella, the cord moves the piston into the hollow tube, e.g., upward into the hollow tube, compressing a gas within the hollow tube and when opening the umbrella the gas spring applies a load to the cord, e.g., by the lower end of the piston moving downward relative to the hollow tube, to cause the lower hub to be moved upward.

The upper end of the hollow tube of the gas lifter can be fixed within the hollow pole. The upper end of the hollow tube can be fixed at a position at or adjacent to the ledge for securing the hook.

Features of the invention can be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying schematic drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only. The drawings include the following figures:.

This application is directed to new umbrella assemblies that assist a user in actuating the umbrella, e.g., by providing an upward or downward directed force to reduce the amount of force needed in one or both of opening and closing the umbrella. In one embodiment, a gas spring is provided. The gas spring can be configured to provide an assist in the lifting of a lower hub of the umbrella, sometimes referred to herein as a lifter assist. Such assist is particularly useful in the opening of large umbrellas. These assemblies can be embodied in or operate with novel hub configurations and designs. A lift assembly with a hollow tube, a piston disposed at least partially within the hollow tube, a seal, and a cord facilitate movement of the lower hub when opening the umbrella as discussed in greater detail below. The gas spring can alternatively be used to assist in the closing of or in maintaining an umbrella closed.

<FIG> and <FIG> show an umbrella <NUM> including a hollow pole assembly <NUM> (also sometimes referred to herein as a hollow pole) and a shade assembly <NUM> having an upper hub <NUM>, a lower hub <NUM>, and a shade structure <NUM>. The shade structure <NUM> can connect the lower hub <NUM> and the upper hub <NUM>. The shade structure <NUM> can include ribs <NUM>, struts <NUM>. The shade assembly can include the shade structure <NUM> and a shade member <NUM>. The ribs <NUM> are coupled at one end to the upper hub <NUM>. The ribs <NUM> are coupled at a location along their length to one end of the corresponding struts <NUM>. The end of the struts <NUM> that are not coupled to the ribs <NUM> are coupled to the lower hub <NUM>. The umbrella <NUM> can be opened and closed by moving the lower hub <NUM> along the hollow pole assembly <NUM>. The lower hub <NUM> can be moved in the upward direction to open the umbrella <NUM> and moved in the downward direction to close the umbrella <NUM>. The umbrella <NUM> can include a strap <NUM> in one example to assist in keeping the umbrella <NUM> closed. A lower end of the hollow pole assembly <NUM> can be inserted into a weighted base or a fixture secured to or embedded in a ground surface.

<FIG> and <FIG> show an embodiment of the lower hub <NUM>, an upper fixture <NUM>, and a handle <NUM>. The lower hub <NUM> can be disposed on the outside of the hollow pole assembly <NUM>. The hollow pole assembly <NUM> can be disposed through an opening in the lower hub <NUM> that is sized to allow sliding over the outer surface of the pole. The upper fixture <NUM> can be disposed on the outside of the hollow pole assembly <NUM> and above the lower hub <NUM>. The handle <NUM> can be disposed on the outside of the hollow pole assembly <NUM> and below the lower hub <NUM>. The handle <NUM> can have an upper portion positioned in a recess <NUM> of the lower hub <NUM>. When the handle <NUM> is pulled down, the handle can create a separation between the upper portion of the handle <NUM> and an internal aspect of the recess <NUM> of the lower hub <NUM>.

The lower hub <NUM> can be secured to the hollow pole assembly <NUM> via the upper fixture <NUM>. The lower hub <NUM> can include at least one hook <NUM>. Movement of the handle <NUM> relative to the lower hub <NUM> of a lower hub assembly <NUM> of which the handle <NUM> and the lower hub <NUM> are a part can actuate the hook <NUM> or another form of locking mechanism to allow for collapsing the umbrella <NUM>. The upper fixture <NUM> can include at least one ledge <NUM>. The lower hub <NUM> can include a plurality of hooks <NUM>. The upper fixture <NUM> can include a plurality of ledges <NUM>. The number of hooks <NUM> can correspond to the number of ledges <NUM>. The hook <NUM> can be pivotally connected to the lower hub <NUM> via a pin <NUM>. When the umbrella <NUM> is opened, the hook <NUM> can rest on the corresponding ledge <NUM> to help retain the umbrella <NUM> in an open state. When the umbrella <NUM> is to be closed, the hook <NUM> can be disengaged or pivoted away from the ledge <NUM> to allow the lower hub <NUM> to move downward along the hollow pole assembly <NUM> and the umbrella <NUM>. The downward movement of the lower hub <NUM> allows the umbrella <NUM> to close. The pulling of the handle <NUM> can cause the hook <NUM> to disengage or pivot away from the ledge <NUM>, as discussed further below.

<FIG> and <FIG> also show a cord <NUM>, discussed in more detail below. The cord <NUM> can assist in the opening and closing of the umbrella <NUM>. A first end <NUM> of the cord <NUM> can be coupled with the hollow pole assembly <NUM> directly or indirectly, e.g., by way of an inner fixture <NUM>. <FIG> shows that the inner fixture <NUM> can be mounted in an inside area of the hollow pole assembly <NUM>. <FIG> shows that inner fixture <NUM> can have a number of protrusions that extend radially outward to free ends that can be in disposed adjacent to or in contact with interior walls of the hollow pole assembly <NUM>. As discussed further below, one of the protrusions of the inner fixture <NUM> can include an opening <NUM> for securing the first end of the cord <NUM>. A second end <NUM> of the cord <NUM> can be coupled with the lower hub <NUM>, as described in more detail herein. When closing the umbrella <NUM>, the lower hub <NUM> can be moved downward along the hollow pole assembly <NUM>. As the lower hub <NUM> moves downward a span or length of the cord <NUM> can pass over a pulley <NUM> coupled with another protrusion of the inner fixture <NUM>. The movement of the span or length of the cord <NUM> over the pulley <NUM> can apply a load to compress a gas lifter <NUM> as discussed in further detail below. The gas lifter <NUM> is sometimes referred to herein as a gas spring.

<FIG> shows an exploded view of the lower hub <NUM> and the upper fixture <NUM>. The upper fixture <NUM> can be sized to fit at least partially within the lower hub <NUM>. The outer perimeter <NUM> of the upper fixture <NUM> can be sized to fit within the opening <NUM> of the lower hub <NUM>. In some embodiments, the upper fixture <NUM> can have at least one radial projection <NUM>. Any number of radial projections <NUM> can be used. For example, one, two, three, four or more radial projections <NUM> can be provided. The lower hub <NUM> can have at least one radial recess <NUM>. The number of radial recesses <NUM> can correspond to the number of radial projections <NUM>. The radial projections <NUM> can be positioned and/or aligned with the radial recesses <NUM> when positioning the upper fixture <NUM> within the opening <NUM> of the lower hub <NUM>. The radial projection(s) <NUM> can be sized to fit within the radial recess(es) <NUM>. The circumferential extent of the radial projection(s) <NUM> can be less than the circumferential extent of the radial recess(es) <NUM>. The upper fixture <NUM> can remain fixed in its position on the hollow pole assembly <NUM> while the lower hub <NUM> moves along the hollow pole assembly <NUM> to open and close the umbrella <NUM>. Also, the upper fixture <NUM> can have one or a plurality of radial recesses 578A and the lower hub <NUM> can have one or a plurality of radial projection 574A. The radial projection(s) 574A can be received within the radial recess(es) 578A. The radial projection(s) <NUM> and radial recess(es) <NUM> and/or the radial projection(s) 574A and the radial recess(es) 578A to reduce, restrict or eliminate rotational movement of the lower hub <NUM> relative to the hollow pole assembly <NUM>.

The upper fixture <NUM> can include at least one ledge <NUM>, as discussed herein. The upper fixture <NUM> can have one, two, three or more ledges <NUM>. The at least one ledge <NUM> can interact with the at least one hook <NUM> of the lower hub <NUM>, as described herein. There can be a corresponding number of ledges <NUM> and hooks <NUM>. The ledge <NUM> can be disposed on opposite sides of the upper fixture <NUM>, e.g., can be disposed on a common diameter of the upper fixture <NUM>.

The upper fixture <NUM> can have a slot <NUM>. The slot <NUM> can allow the cord <NUM> to exit the interior space of the hollow pole assembly <NUM> to be coupled to the lower hub <NUM> as described herein. The slot <NUM> can be sized to allow a portion of the pulley <NUM> to extend at least partially into and through a wall of the upper fixture <NUM>. In one embodiment an assembly including the pulley <NUM> can be partially or completely mounted to the upper fixture <NUM>.

The lower hub <NUM> can have at least one strut recess <NUM>. The struts (e.g., struts <NUM>) can be coupled to the lower hub <NUM> by being positioned within the corresponding strut recesses <NUM>. Pins or other pivot members (not shown) can be used to secure the struts <NUM> in place. The number of struts <NUM> can be equal to the number of strut recesses <NUM> in various embodiments of the umbrella <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a top view of the lower hub <NUM>. As described above, the lower hub <NUM> can include hooks <NUM>. In some embodiments, the lower hub <NUM> can have two hooks <NUM>. The hooks <NUM> can be positioned opposite each other, e.g., symmetrically about a common diameter extending across the lower hub <NUM>. In some embodiments, the hooks <NUM> (e.g., two, three, four, or more hooks <NUM>) can be spaced equally around the opening <NUM> of the lower hub <NUM>. In some embodiments, the hooks <NUM> can be spaced at unequal distances around the opening <NUM>. The lower hub <NUM> can have radial recesses <NUM> for maintaining alignment with the upper fixture <NUM> as described in more detail above. The lower hub can have strut recesses <NUM> as described in more detail above.

<FIG> shows a bottom view of the upper fixture <NUM>. As described above, the upper fixture <NUM> can include radial projections <NUM>. The radial projections <NUM> can protrude outward from a bottom surface of the upper fixture <NUM>. The radial projection <NUM> can extend between a smaller diameter of the bottom surface and an outer perimeter <NUM> of the upper fixture <NUM>. In some cases, the outer perimeter <NUM> has a larger diameter than the outer diameter of the bottom surface of the upper fixture <NUM>. The radial projections <NUM> can be configured to interact with the radial recesses <NUM> as described above. The upper fixture <NUM> can have a slot <NUM>. The slot <NUM> can allow the cord <NUM> to exit the interior space of the hollow pole assembly <NUM> to be coupled to the lower hub <NUM> as described herein. With reference, to <FIG>, the cord <NUM> can be disposed over pulley <NUM>. The cord <NUM> can then exit through the slot <NUM> to couple to the lower hub <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross-section of the lower hub <NUM> and the handle <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is in a position to disengage the hooks <NUM> from the ledges <NUM> of the upper fixture <NUM>. The handle <NUM> can be pulled down along the hollow pole assembly <NUM>. When the handle <NUM> is pulled down, the handle can create a separation between the upper portion of the handle <NUM> and an internal or lower aspect of the recess <NUM> of the lower hub <NUM>. The movement of the handle <NUM> can disengage a prong <NUM> of the hooks <NUM> from the ledges <NUM>. The hooks <NUM> can pivot away from the corresponding ledges <NUM> allowing the lower hub <NUM> to move downward along the hollow pole assembly <NUM>. The hooks <NUM> can have a curved lower portion <NUM> that can be moved inward toward the hollow pole assembly <NUM> within a gap or space <NUM> when the handle <NUM> is pulled down. The curved lower portion <NUM> can move radially inward within the gap or space <NUM> to allow the hook <NUM> to pivot away from the corresponding ledge <NUM>, which in turn can allow the lower hub <NUM> to move downward along the hollow pole assembly <NUM>. An upper structure of the handle <NUM>, such as a roller or projections, can rest on or just above the curved portion of the hook <NUM> such that as the handle <NUM> moves down the upper structure applies a load to the curved portion. When closing the umbrella <NUM>, the upper portion of the hook <NUM> can move further away from the hollow pole assembly <NUM>, while the curved lower portion <NUM> can move closer to the hollow pole assembly <NUM> by radially inward load applied by the roller or projection of the upper structure. The distance the upper portion of the hook <NUM> can move away from the hollow pole assembly <NUM> can be limited by an interior wall <NUM> of the lower hub <NUM>. The limited movement can allow for a more controlled locking and unlocking process.

<NUM>-<NUM> show a lift assembly <NUM>. The lift assembly <NUM> can be disposed within the hollow pole assembly <NUM>. The lift assembly <NUM> can include a gas lifter <NUM>. The gas lifter <NUM> is sometimes referred to herein as a gas spring. As discussed further below, the gas lifter <NUM> is a device that stores potential energy in a compressed gas and then releases that energy to apply a load as needed. In some embodiments, the gas lifter <NUM> can include the hollow tube <NUM> having an open interior. The gas lifter <NUM> can include a piston <NUM>. The outer diameter of the piston <NUM> can be sized to fit within the inner diameter of the hollow tube <NUM>. The gas lifter <NUM> can include a seal <NUM>. The seal <NUM> can be positioned between the inner diameter of the hollow tube <NUM> and outer diameter of the piston <NUM>, as shown in FIG.

As shown in <FIG>, the hollow tube <NUM> can be coupled to inner fixture <NUM>. The inner fixture <NUM> can be coupled to the hollow pole assembly <NUM>. In some embodiments, the inner fixture <NUM> can be coupled to the upper fixture <NUM>. The inner fixture <NUM> can have protrusions <NUM>. Two or more of the protrusions <NUM> can be coupled to the hollow pole assembly <NUM> or the upper fixture <NUM>. The inner fixture <NUM> can have two, three, four or more protrusions <NUM> to fix the inner fixture <NUM> with the hollow pole assembly <NUM>. The protrusions <NUM> can have an extender <NUM>. The extender <NUM> can have a narrower diameter or cross-section than the protrusion <NUM>. The extender <NUM> can assist in coupling the inner fixture <NUM> to the hollow pole assembly <NUM> or the upper fixture <NUM>. The extender <NUM> can include a rivet, a screw or a bolt to secure the upper fixture <NUM> to the hollow pole assembly <NUM>. <FIG> shows that the hollow tube <NUM> can be fixed to the hollow pole assembly <NUM> by the inner fixture <NUM> and the extender <NUM>. The movement of the gas lifter <NUM> is by way of the piston <NUM> from below the position of the upper portion of the hollow tube <NUM> which is secured to the hollow pole assembly <NUM> by the extender <NUM>. The lower end of the piston <NUM> moves downward as stored energy is released, as discussed further below. This allows the piston <NUM> to move over a distance that can be any distanced from the location of the lower end of the hollow tube <NUM> to the lower end of the hollow pole assembly <NUM>. Also, the free end of the piston <NUM> is not directly connected to a hub. Thus, the movement of the free end is not limited by an amount of movement of a hub, but rather can be adjusted as needed. In examples disclosed herein, this allows the umbrella <NUM> to be designed with just two hubs, e.g., the upper hub <NUM> and the lower hub <NUM>. Also, the free end of the piston <NUM> of the gas lifter <NUM> can be disposed outside of the expanse of the umbrella <NUM> that is between the upper hub <NUM> and the lower hub <NUM>, e.g., below the lower hub <NUM>. By providing for umbrella assist operation using the gas lifter <NUM> without locating the free end of the piston <NUM> between or within the hubs, the umbrella <NUM> can be constructed without any intermediate struts coupled with intermediate hubs. This approach simplifies the design by eliminating unnecessary pivotable connections between shorter struts.

The cord <NUM> can be positioned over the pulley <NUM> and extend down the length of the hollow tube <NUM>. The cord <NUM> can extend through an opening of a first projection <NUM> of a cord guide member <NUM>. The cord guide member <NUM> can be disposed around the hollow tube <NUM>. The projections <NUM> of the cord guide member <NUM> can be positioned around the cord guide member <NUM> separated at equal or unequal distances. The cord guide member <NUM> can have at least two projections <NUM>. The cord <NUM> can continue to extend down along the length of piston <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <NUM>. The cord <NUM> can extend into and out a lower fixture <NUM>, as discussed in more detail below. The cord <NUM> can then extend back up the length of piston <NUM>, through a second opening of a second projection <NUM> of the cord guide member <NUM>, up the length of the hollow tube <NUM> and be coupled at an opening <NUM> of the inner fixture <NUM>.

The member <NUM> serves a spacing function the umbrella <NUM> in some examples. The member <NUM> comprise a centering member such that it is disposed centrally in the interior space of the hollow pole assembly <NUM>. The projections <NUM> can extend substantially equal amounts from a central hub <NUM> of the member <NUM>. The projection <NUM> can have an arcuate outer periphery to contact an inner diameter of the hollow pole assembly <NUM>. In one embodiment, an outer surface of the projection <NUM> has a radius that is smaller than the radius of the hollow pole assembly <NUM> such that the contact between the member <NUM> and the inner surface of the hollow pole assembly <NUM> can be tangential or along a short arc of the inner surface of the hollow pole assembly <NUM>. The member <NUM> is coupled with a bottom end of the hollow tube <NUM> and can be used to position the hollow tube <NUM> generally centrally within the hollow pole assembly <NUM>, e.g., by placing each of two, three, four, or more projection <NUM> in contact with the inner surface of the hollow pole assembly <NUM>. As discussed above, the cord guide member <NUM> may also have one or more openings to allow the cord <NUM> to pass through. In other embodiments, the cord <NUM> is allowed to pass between the member <NUM> (serving to center the hollow tube <NUM>) and the inner surface of the hollow pole assembly <NUM> but not through any portion of the member <NUM>.

When closing the umbrella <NUM>, the cord <NUM> can apply a load to compress the gas lifter <NUM>. In some embodiments, the piston <NUM> can be moved at least partially into or deeper into the hollow tube <NUM> to compress air or another gas within the hollow tube <NUM>. When opening the umbrella <NUM>, the gas lifter <NUM> can apply a load to the cord <NUM> to cause the lower hub <NUM> to be moved upward and open the umbrella <NUM>.

When the umbrella <NUM> is open, the length of the cord <NUM> between the first end <NUM> and the lower fixture <NUM> and the length of the cord <NUM> between the second end <NUM> and the lower fixture <NUM> can be similar, e.g., substantially equal. When the umbrella <NUM> is closed, the length of the cord <NUM> between the first end <NUM> and the lower fixture <NUM> can be greater than the length of the cord <NUM> between the first end <NUM> and the lower fixture <NUM> when the umbrella is opened. When the umbrella <NUM> is closed, the length of the cord <NUM> between the second end <NUM> and the lower fixture <NUM> can be greater than the length of the cord <NUM> between the second end <NUM> and the lower fixture <NUM> when the umbrella is opened. When the umbrella <NUM> is closed, the length of the cord <NUM> between the first end <NUM> and the lower fixture <NUM> can be greater than the length of the cord <NUM> between the second end <NUM> and the lower fixture <NUM>. The length of the cord <NUM> between the first end <NUM> and the lower fixture <NUM> can increase as the lower hub <NUM> is moved downward along the hollow pole assembly <NUM>. The length of the cord <NUM> between the first end <NUM> and the lower fixture <NUM> can decrease as the lower hub <NUM> is moved upward along the hollow pole assembly <NUM>. The length of the cord <NUM> between the second end <NUM> and the lower fixture <NUM> can increase as the lower hub <NUM> is moved downward along the hollow pole assembly <NUM>. The length of the cord <NUM> between the second end <NUM> and the lower fixture <NUM> can decrease as the lower hub <NUM> is moved upward along the hollow pole assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross section view of an example of the lower fixture <NUM>. The lower fixture <NUM> can be coupled to the piston <NUM>. The piston <NUM> can be sized to fit within an opening <NUM> of a core member or central hub <NUM> in the lower fixture <NUM>. In some embodiments, the piston <NUM> can be coupled to lower fixture <NUM> by a pin, a rivet, a screw, a bolt, or other shaft member <NUM>. Any suitable means can be used to couple the piston <NUM> to the lower fixture <NUM>. The cord <NUM> can extend within the lower fixture <NUM> and be disposed around a pulley <NUM>. The pulley <NUM> can be supported on the core member <NUM> by an axle <NUM>. The axle <NUM> can comprise a smooth, round central portion of a rivet, screw, bolt or other member mounted across the lower fixture <NUM>. The cord <NUM> can enter a first cord opening <NUM> of the lower fixture <NUM>. The cord can then extend around the pulley <NUM> and exit a second cord opening <NUM> of the lower fixture <NUM>. A span of the cord <NUM> over the pulley <NUM> can be disposed above a lower end of the lower fixture <NUM> to protect the cord <NUM> from contact as it moves over the pulley <NUM>.

<FIG> shows another view of the lower fixture <NUM>. As shown and described herein, the lower fixture <NUM> can include cord openings <NUM> for the cord <NUM> to enter through before being disposed over a pulley <NUM>. The lower fixture <NUM> can be coupled to the piston <NUM> as described herein.

<FIG> shows an example embodiment of the lower fixture <NUM> having spacers <NUM> and cord openings <NUM>. Any number of spacers <NUM> can be used. For example, one, two, three, four or more spacers <NUM>. The spacers <NUM> can extend the entire length of the lower fixture <NUM>. In some embodiments, the spacers <NUM> can extend a portion of the length of the lower fixture <NUM>. The spacers <NUM> can be spaced equally around the opening <NUM> and the core member <NUM>. In some embodiments, the spacers <NUM> can be spaced at unequal distances around the opening <NUM>. The spacers <NUM> can extend outward from the core member <NUM>. The spacers <NUM> can have outer edges <NUM>. The spacers <NUM> can have a plate-like configuration, e.g., being elongate in a vertical direction and having rectangular side surfaces with relatively thin circumferential thickness. The outer edges <NUM> of the spacers <NUM> can assist in maintaining the alignment of the lift assembly <NUM> when moving within the hollow pole assembly <NUM> by engaging the inner wall of the hollow pole assembly <NUM>. The thin contact between the spacers <NUM> and the inner walls of the hollow pole assembly <NUM> provide for minimal sliding friction.

The cord openings <NUM> can be sized to allow the cord <NUM> to fit within the cord openings <NUM>. The cord openings <NUM> can be positioned on opposite sides of the lower fixture <NUM>. In some embodiments, each cord opening <NUM> can be positioned between two spacers <NUM>. The cord openings can extend down at least a portion of the length of the lower fixture <NUM>. As described herein, the cord <NUM> can enter a first cord opening <NUM> and then be disposed around a pulley <NUM> and then exit a second cord opening <NUM>.

<FIG> show a design of an umbrella hub <NUM>. <FIG> shows a perspective view of a design of an umbrella hub <NUM> with a lower hub <NUM>, a handle <NUM>, and hooks <NUM>. The lower hub <NUM> can be located above the handle <NUM>. An upper portion of the handle <NUM> can be positioned in a recess <NUM> of the lower hub <NUM>. The hooks <NUM> can extend above the upper surface of the lower hub <NUM>. The lower hub <NUM> can include strut recesses <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a top view of the umbrella hub <NUM>. The lower hub <NUM> is shown as having four strut recesses <NUM>. The strut recesses <NUM> can be evenly spaced around the circumference of the lower hub <NUM>. The hooks <NUM> can be positioned across from each other within an inner diameter of the lower hub <NUM>. <FIG> shows a bottom view of the umbrella hub <NUM>. As shown, the upper portion of the handle <NUM> can taper inward towards the base of the handle <NUM>.

<FIG> show side views of the umbrella hub <NUM> in a first configuration. As described herein, the handle <NUM> is positioned within the recess <NUM> of the lower hub <NUM>. The hooks <NUM> can align with two of the strut recesses <NUM>. <FIG> shows that the hooks <NUM> can be substantially parallel to a longitudinal access extending through the center of the umbrella hub <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An umbrella (<NUM>) comprising:
a hollow pole (<NUM>);
a shade assembly (<NUM>) coupled with an upper portion of the hollow pole (<NUM>),
the shade assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
an upper hub (<NUM>), a lower hub (<NUM>), a shade structure (<NUM>) coupling the upper hub (<NUM>) to the lower hub (<NUM>), the shade structure (<NUM>) supporting a shade member (<NUM>), wherein the lower hub (<NUM>) is moveable along the hollow pole (<NUM>);
a lift assist assembly (<NUM>) disposed within the hollow pole (<NUM>), the lift assist assembly (<NUM>) comprising a gas spring (<NUM>) and a cord (<NUM>) having a first end disposed within the hollow pole (<NUM>) and a second end coupled with the lower hub (<NUM>); wherein when closing the umbrella (<NUM>), the cord (<NUM>) applies a load to compress the gas spring (<NUM>) and when opening the gas spring (<NUM>) applies a load to the lower hub (<NUM>) by way of the cord (<NUM>).