A free-standing accessory stand that includes a ground support portion and an enclosure is provided. The enclosure is disposed about a central axis of the accessory stand. The upper surface faces away from the ground support. The accessory stand includes a retractable accessory support that has an outer surface projecting away from the enclosure in a first configuration. A mounting space is provided along the outer surface of the retractable accessory support above the upper surface of the enclosure. The outer surface is retracted in a second configuration.

A free-standing accessory stand that includes a ground support portion and an enclosure is provided. The enclosure is disposed about a central axis of the accessory stand. The upper surface faces away from the ground support. The accessory stand includes a retractable accessory support that has an outer surface projecting away from the enclosure in a first configuration. A mounting space is provided along the outer surface of the retractable accessory support above the upper surface of the enclosure. The outer surface is retracted in a second configuration.

In one or more arrangements, an umbrella system includes a support pole connected to a rotating tube positioned around a center tube that extends between the support pole and a upper hub that is connected to an umbrella frame. The rotating tube has one or more helical grooves therein that are engaged by a lower hub which is connected to the umbrella frame. As the rotating tube is rotated, the lower hub is driven along the length of the rotating tube, thereby opening and closing the umbrella frame. In one or more arrangements, the system includes a rotational lock assembly configured to prevent rotation of the rotating tube when locked and permit rotation of the rotating tube when unlocked. In one or more arrangements, the system includes a counterbalance assembly that provides a counterbalance force positioned within a upper hub of the umbrella frame.

In one or more arrangements, an umbrella system includes a support pole connected to a rotating tube positioned around a center tube that extends between the support pole and a upper hub that is connected to an umbrella frame. The rotating tube has one or more helical grooves therein that are engaged by a lower hub which is connected to the umbrella frame. As the rotating tube is rotated, the lower hub is driven along the length of the rotating tube, thereby opening and closing the umbrella frame. In one or more arrangements, the system includes a rotational lock assembly configured to prevent rotation of the rotating tube when locked and permit rotation of the rotating tube when unlocked. In one or more arrangements, the system includes a counterbalance assembly that provides a counterbalance force positioned within a upper hub of the umbrella frame.

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.

An assembly for an umbrella, wherein the umbrella comprises (i) a first pole and a canopy coupleable to the first pole and (ii) a second pole to which the assembly is coupleable, wherein the assembly includes a collar securable about the second pole; an arm coupled to the collar, wherein the arm is rotatable relative to the collar between at least a closed position and an open position; at least one tab depending from the arm; at least a first opening associated with the collar; wherein in the closed position the at least one tab is positioned in the at least first opening and wherein in the open position the at least one tab is not positioned in the at least first opening. The invention is also directed to an umbrella including the aforementioned assembly.

An assembly for an umbrella, wherein the umbrella comprises (i) a first pole and a canopy coupleable to the first pole and (ii) a second pole to which the assembly is coupleable, wherein the assembly includes a collar securable about the second pole; an arm coupled to the collar, wherein the arm is rotatable relative to the collar between at least a closed position and an open position; at least one tab depending from the arm; at least a first opening associated with the collar; wherein in the closed position the at least one tab is positioned in the at least first opening and wherein in the open position the at least one tab is not positioned in the at least first opening. The invention is also directed to an umbrella including the aforementioned assembly.

A sunshade and corresponding canopy inclination adjustment mechanism are provided. The sunshade includes a canopy support structure and the inclination adjustment mechanism. The support structure includes a pair of support rods having a length axially extending between a base and a top end, a pair of coupling assemblies respectively connected to the top end of one of the support rods, and a canopy frame including a frame member having opposed end portions pivotally connected to a corresponding one of the coupling assemblies, the canopy being supported at least partially by the canopy frame. The inclination adjustment mechanism is adapted to adjust the angle of the canopy and includes an actuator, attached to the support structure, and including a rod engagement member operatively connected to the frame member, whereby operation of the actuator engages the frame member in pivoting via the rod engagement member, thereby pivoting the canopy frame.

A sunshade and corresponding canopy inclination adjustment mechanism are provided. The sunshade includes a canopy support structure and the inclination adjustment mechanism. The support structure includes a pair of support rods having a length axially extending between a base and a top end, a pair of coupling assemblies respectively connected to the top end of one of the support rods, and a canopy frame including a frame member having opposed end portions pivotally connected to a corresponding one of the coupling assemblies, the canopy being supported at least partially by the canopy frame. The inclination adjustment mechanism is adapted to adjust the angle of the canopy and includes an actuator, attached to the support structure, and including a rod engagement member operatively connected to the frame member, whereby operation of the actuator engages the frame member in pivoting via the rod engagement member, thereby pivoting the canopy frame.