Patent ID: 8387637

Claim:
An umbrella or parasol system comprising: a grip; a first shaft having a first end and a second end located opposite the first end, the first shaft being connected to the grip at the first end of the first shaft via a first articulated connector and having a first opening spring permanently connected to the second end of the first shaft; a first runner slidably connected to the first shaft and having an upper surface that engages with the first opening spring and being operatively connected to the first articulated connector via a third articulated connector; and a second shaft having a first end and a second end located opposite the first end, the second shaft being connected to the grip at the first end of second shaft via a second articulated connector and having a second opening spring permanently connected to second end of the second shaft; a second runner slidably connected to the second shaft and having an upper surface that engages with the second opening spring and being operatively connected to the second articulated connector via a fourth articulated connector; wherein the first shaft and the second shaft are aligned substantially parallel to one another in both an open and a closed position and remain aligned substantially parallel to one another during transition between the open position and the closed position.