A dynamic hinge mechanism that connects frame elements of a foldable apparatus such as for example a children's play-yard or other folding containment or structure, including an elastic element that applies a biasing force to assist in erecting the apparatus from a folded configuration to an expanded configuration.

Disclosed herein are retractable umbrella frame devices comprising a base body structure at least partially surrounding a central axis structure. The central axis structure can be connected to a skeletal frame structure comprising a plurality of arms having a first end connected to the central axis structure and a second free end. The plurality of arms can be moveably connected to the central axis structure, such that the arms can be retracted into or extended from the base body structure. In some embodiments, the base body structure comprises open portions along its length. In some embodiments, the retractable umbrella frame devices further comprise one or more secondary support structures at least partially surrounding the base body structure. In some embodiments, the retractable umbrella frame devices can further comprise guide structures connected to the one or more secondary support structures and the arms of the skeletal frame structure.

Disclosed herein are retractable umbrella frame devices comprising a base body structure at least partially surrounding a central axis structure. The central axis structure can be connected to a skeletal frame structure comprising a plurality of arms having a first end connected to the central axis structure and a second free end. The plurality of arms can be moveably connected to the central axis structure, such that the arms can be retracted into or extended from the base body structure. In some embodiments, the base body structure comprises open portions along its length. In some embodiments, the retractable umbrella frame devices further comprise one or more secondary support structures at least partially surrounding the base body structure. In some embodiments, the retractable umbrella frame devices can further comprise guide structures connected to the one or more secondary support structures and the arms of the skeletal frame structure.

A canopy support structure includes a support pole having a track, a three-dimensional array of hub pairs, and a plurality of articulating arms connecting the hub pairs. The track extends in a longitudinal direction along the support pole. The hubs of each hub pair are movable toward/away from each other during extension/retraction of the canopy support structure. A primary hub pair includes a first hub and a second hub, with each of the first hub and the second hub coupled to the support pole. At least one of the first hub and the second hub is slidably engaged with the track and movable along the support pole. The articulating arms include sets of scissor-connected primary articulating arms. Each of the hub pairs is pivotally connected to at least one other of the hub pairs by a respective set of the scissor-connected primary articulating arms.

An umbrella has a canopy, a main shaft and a plurality of ribs pivotally attached to the main shaft, each rib being of adjustable length and including a pair of outer rib elements, wherein the outer rib elements are flexible and normally adopt a straight configuration aligned with the main shaft in a closed position of the umbrella, and in an open position of the umbrella, flex so that outer ends of the outer rib elements extend generally circumferentially with respect to the canopy. The umbrella can have ribs that would normally be of one piece, in which case accommodation is made for an effective change in the radius of the ribs as the outer rib elements flex. The umbrella may be a folding umbrella with two part ribs. The outer ribs can have a non-uniform cross-section and may taper.

An umbrella has a canopy, a main shaft and a plurality of ribs pivotally attached to the main shaft, each rib being of adjustable length and including a pair of outer rib elements, wherein the outer rib elements are flexible and normally adopt a straight configuration aligned with the main shaft in a closed position of the umbrella, and in an open position of the umbrella, flex so that outer ends of the outer rib elements extend generally circumferentially with respect to the canopy. The umbrella can have ribs that would normally be of one piece, in which case accommodation is made for an effective change in the radius of the ribs as the outer rib elements flex. The umbrella may be a folding umbrella with two part ribs. The outer ribs can have a non-uniform cross-section and may taper.

A foldable articulated arm including at least a first rod and a second rod connected together, each of which is configured for connection to the stem of a parasol, at least a third rod, connected to the second rod, and a fourth rod connected to the third rod; a first flexible element which connects the first rod with the third rod and a second flexible element which connects the fourth rod with the second rod; the first, second, third and fourth rods and the first and second flexible elements are a single piece; in particular, the second flexible element includes a first portion slidably constrained to the second rod and a second portion slidably constrained to the third rod.

The disclosure is directed at an umbrella including a canopy having a set of canopy portions; and a frame portion comprising a shaft portion; a sliding collar assembly coupled to the shaft portion and sliding along the shaft portion; and a set of ribs, each of the independent ribs attached to one of the set of canopy portions and to the sliding collar assembly, where each of the set of ribs move independently of each other when a high wind force is experienced by one of the canopy portions.

This application provides an umbrella including an umbrella frame, supporting members, rotating shafts, fixing members, and umbrella surfaces. The umbrella surfaces are installed at the umbrella frame through connections of the supporting members and the fixing members so as to form a layered structure with a beautiful appearance and good breathability and ventilation. Each of the supporting members has installation arms which can be directly installed at the umbrella rib through the rotating shaft. Each of the supporting members has a first supporting surface and a second supporting surface cooperating with the umbrella rib to achieve limitation, which can limit a rotation range of the supporting members and reduce members such as a bracket, a spring and so on. The structure is simpler, and the assembly is very convenient.

An intelligent shading object, comprises a plurality of shading elements, a shading element deployment mechanism, a support structure, and a base unit. A shading element deployment mechanism deploys a plurality of shading elements independently of each other. A support structure is coupled to the shading element deployment mechanism. A base unit is coupled to the support structure to provide stability to the support structure, the shading element deployment mechanism, and the plurality of shading elements.