An umbrella hub is provided that comprises an inner portion, an outer periphery, a lower portion and an upper portion. A plurality of vertical grooves is disposed in the outer periphery and is configured to receive umbrella ribs or struts. A plurality of grooves extends transverse to the vertical grooves. A retention member is disposed in each of the transverse grooves. A first configuration of the hub permits deflection of the retention member such that a transverse pin coupled with the umbrella ribs or struts can be inserted into the transverse groove in which the retention member is disposed. A second configuration of the hub prevents deflection of the retention member such that inadvertent withdrawal of the pin from the transverse groove in which the retention member is disposed is prevented.

An umbrella hub is provided that comprises an inner portion, an outer periphery, a lower portion and an upper portion. A plurality of vertical grooves is disposed in the outer periphery and is configured to receive umbrella ribs or struts. A plurality of grooves extends transverse to the vertical grooves. A retention member is disposed in each of the transverse grooves. A first configuration of the hub permits deflection of the retention member such that a transverse pin coupled with the umbrella ribs or struts can be inserted into the transverse groove in which the retention member is disposed. A second configuration of the hub prevents deflection of the retention member such that inadvertent withdrawal of the pin from the transverse groove in which the retention member is disposed is prevented.

A mount for a shade structure, in particular a collapsible pavilion. The mount has a base and a cover. The base has a space formed therein configured to receive a ground support of a shade structure. The cover has a top surface and a bottom surface to be secured to the base. A groove is formed in the mount and is configured to pivotably receive a rib. The groove is disposed between opposed walls of the mount. A pin retention recess is disposed on each side of the opposed walls in one of the cover and the base. A plurality of projections are provided that each have a first end fixed to one of the cover and the base in which the pin retention recess is not formed and a second end disposed away from the fixed end. One of the projections is configured to enclose a portion of the retention recess when the cover and the base are secured together.

Disclosed is a magnetic closing device used with outdoor/patio umbrellas. The magnetic closing device is used for automatically closing the umbrella in windy conditions. The magnetic closing device includes two primary components: a magnetic component, or pole clamp collar; and a metallic component, or runner clamp collar. The runner clamp collar is attached to the runner hub of the umbrella, and the pole clamp collar is attachable to the intermediate pole section of the umbrella. The pole clamp collar, incorporates a plurality of magnets, which attract the runner clamp collar. The magnetic closing device keeps the umbrella in an open position as long as the magnetic connection between the magnetic component and the metallic component is maintained. The disruption of the magnetic connection results in closure of the umbrella, thereby protecting the umbrella from damage or complete destruction.

Disclosed is a magnetic closing device used with outdoor/patio umbrellas. The magnetic closing device is used for automatically closing the umbrella in windy conditions. The magnetic closing device includes two primary components: a magnetic component, or pole clamp collar; and a metallic component, or runner clamp collar. The runner clamp collar is attached to the runner hub of the umbrella, and the pole clamp collar is attachable to the intermediate pole section of the umbrella. The pole clamp collar, incorporates a plurality of magnets, which attract the runner clamp collar. The magnetic closing device keeps the umbrella in an open position as long as the magnetic connection between the magnetic component and the metallic component is maintained. The disruption of the magnetic connection results in closure of the umbrella, thereby protecting the umbrella from damage or complete destruction.

An umbrella includes a shaft, a rib assembly comprising a plurality of ribs that are pivotally coupled to the shaft, and a plurality of struts that are pivotally coupled to the plurality of ribs and the shaft. The umbrella also includes an anti-inversion assembly to counter inversion of the canopy and rib assembly. The anti-inversion assembly includes a biasing mechanism that is coupled to the shaft and is configured to store energy when a force is applied thereto. The anti-inversion assembly further includes a plurality of elongated bendable members. Each elongated bendable member is coupled at a first end to the biasing mechanism and at a second end to one rib or to a tip of one rib. The elongated bendable member is held taut by the biasing mechanism when the umbrella is in an open position, a closed position and intermediate positions between the open and closed positions.

An umbrella includes a shaft, a rib assembly comprising a plurality of ribs that are pivotally coupled to the shaft, and a plurality of struts that are pivotally coupled to the plurality of ribs and the shaft. The umbrella also includes an anti-inversion assembly to counter inversion of the canopy and rib assembly. The anti-inversion assembly includes a biasing mechanism that is coupled to the shaft and is configured to store energy when a force is applied thereto. The anti-inversion assembly further includes a plurality of elongated bendable members. Each elongated bendable member is coupled at a first end to the biasing mechanism and at a second end to one rib or to a tip of one rib. The elongated bendable member is held taut by the biasing mechanism when the umbrella is in an open position, a closed position and intermediate positions between the open and closed positions.

Disclosed herein are a parasol fan assembly and systems for moving air to cool individuals near a parasol. A parasol fan assembly includes a parasol fan structure comprising at least one attachable fan device. The attachable fan device attaches to a portion of the parasol fan structure, such as a strut, and the device includes rotatable fan blades that are driven by an electric motor. The presently disclosed attachable fan device include an electrical actuator mechanism which ensures that when the operation of the device ceases the fan blades become stationary and parallel to the strut and thus do not interfere with folding the parasol fan assembly. In some embodiments, the parasol fan assembly further comprises a safety mechanism comprising a Hall sensor, the mechanism prevents accidental operation of the attachable fan device.

Disclosed herein are a parasol fan assembly and systems for moving air to cool individuals near a parasol. A parasol fan assembly includes a parasol fan structure comprising at least one attachable fan device. The attachable fan device attaches to a portion of the parasol fan structure, such as a strut, and the device includes rotatable fan blades that are driven by an electric motor. The presently disclosed attachable fan device include an electrical actuator mechanism which ensures that when the operation of the device ceases the fan blades become stationary and parallel to the strut and thus do not interfere with folding the parasol fan assembly. In some embodiments, the parasol fan assembly further comprises a safety mechanism comprising a Hall sensor, the mechanism prevents accidental operation of the attachable fan device.

Disclosed is an umbrella with dual arms to tighten a fabric or sheet material cover for a clean look and ability to brand. With the dual arms, or spokes, the framework can be created that is solid while operating in the manner of a traditional umbrella.