Cantilever Umbrella

Abstract

A cantilever umbrella comprises a supporting device, a reel device securely mounted on the supporting device, and a canopy device interlocked with the reel device operable to open or collapse a canopy of the canopy device. A runner device is slidably mounted on the supporting device and is interlocked with the canopy device. The runner device is movable in a height direction between a first position above the reel device and a second position below the reel device. When the runner device moves toward the first position above the reel device along the height direction, the canopy device moves away from the supporting device. When the runner device moves toward the second position, the canopy device moves toward the supporting device. The runner device includes a passageway providing a space for avoiding the reel device during movement of the runner device passing through the reel device.

Claims

1. A cantilever umbrella comprising: a supporting device; a reel device securely mounted on the supporting device; a canopy device interlocked with the reel device, wherein the reel device is operable to open or collapse a canopy of the canopy device; a runner device slidably mounted on the supporting device and interlocked with the canopy device, wherein the runner device includes a passageway, wherein the runner device is movable in a height direction between a first position above the reel device and a second position below the reel device, wherein when the runner device moves toward the first position above the reel device along the height direction, the canopy device moves away from the supporting device, wherein when the runner device moves toward the second position below the reel device, the canopy device moves toward the supporting device, and wherein the passageway provides a space for avoiding the reel device during movement of the runner device passing through the reel device.

2. The cantilever umbrella as claimed in claim 1, wherein the runner device further includes: a body including a first side and a second side spaced from the first side in a direction perpendicular to the height direction; a first portion disposed on the first side of the body and including a first inner side, wherein the supporting device includes a post extending in the height direction and received between the first side and the second side and between the first portion and the first side; and a second portion disposed on the second side of the body and including a second inner side, wherein the post is received between the second side and the second portion, and wherein the passageway is defined between the first inner side and the second inner side.

3. The cantilever umbrella as claimed in claim 2, wherein the runner device further includes four rollers, wherein the post further includes a first side and two second sides, wherein the first side of the post is interconnected between the two second sides of the post, wherein each of the two second sides of the post includes a track extending along the height direction, wherein the reel device is disposed on the first side of the post, wherein two of the four rollers are rotatably disposed between the first portion and the first side of the body, are spaced from each other along the height direction, and are rotatably coupled with one of the two tracks, wherein another two of the four rollers are rotatably disposed between the second portion and the second side of the body are spaced from each other along the height direction, and are rotatably coupled with another of the two tracks, such that the post is prevented from disengaging from the runner device in a direction parallel to a rotating axis of any one of the four rollers.

4. The cantilever umbrella as claimed in claim 2, wherein the runner device further includes four rollers, wherein the body further includes two first roller pivotal connection portions located on the first side of the body and two second roller pivotal connection portions located on the second side of the body, wherein the post further includes a first side and two second sides, wherein the first side of the post is interconnected between the two second sides of the post, wherein each of the two second sides of the post includes a track extending along the height direction and having an opening, wherein the two first roller pivotal connection portions are slidably received in one of the openings and one of the two tracks, wherein the two second roller pivotal connection portions are slidably received in another of the openings and another of the two tracks, wherein two of the four rollers are rotatably mounted to the two first roller pivotal connection portions and are spaced from each other along the height direction, wherein another two of the four rollers are rotatably mounted to the two second roller pivotal connection portions and are spaced from each other along the height direction, wherein each of the four rollers is received in an associated one of the two tracks and is spaced from an associated opening, and wherein the reel device is disposed on the two second sides of the post, such that the post is prevented from disengaging from the runner device in a direction parallel to a rotating axis of any one of the four rollers.

5. The cantilever umbrella as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a cable, wherein the reel device further includes a shaft and a handle coupled with the shaft to rotate therewith, wherein an end of the cable is coupled with the shaft, wherein another end of the cable is coupled with the canopy device, wherein rotation of the shaft causes coiling or releasing of the cable to thereby collapse or open the canopy, wherein the handle is located outside of the runner device in an axial direction of the shaft, wherein the first portion, the second portion, and the handle are on a same side in the axial direction of the shaft, wherein the body is opposite to the handle in the axial direction of the shaft, and wherein when the runner device is substantially as high as the reel device in the height direction, rotation of the handle does not interfere with the runner device.

6. The cantilever umbrella as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a supporting arm including an inner end and an outer end, wherein the runner device further includes a pivotal portion, wherein the canopy device further includes an upper hub and a lower hub movable relative to the upper hub, wherein the canopy device further includes a plurality of ribs pivotably connected to the upper hub, wherein the canopy is disposed on outer sides of the plurality of rubs, wherein the canopy device further includes a plurality of stretchers pivotably connected to the lower hub, wherein an end of each of the plurality of stretchers distant to the lower hub is pivotably connected to a respective one of the plurality of ribs, wherein when the lower hub moves away from the upper hub, each of the plurality of ribs pivots to collapse the canopy, wherein when the lower hub moves toward the upper hub, each of the plurality of ribs pivots to open the canopy, wherein the inner end of the supporting arm is pivotably connected to the pivotal portion of the runner device, and wherein the outer end of the supporting arm is coupled with the canopy device; a cantilever arm, wherein the supporting device includes a post having an upper end pivotably connected to an end of the cantilever arm, and wherein another end of the cantilever arm is pivotably connected to the supporting arm; and a connecting rod pivotably connected between the supporting arm and the lower hub, wherein an angle of the canopy device is changed when the runner device moves along the height direction.

7. The cantilever umbrella as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting device includes a post, and wherein the reel device is securely mounted on the post at a height of about 100-130 cm from the ground.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a runner device of a cantilever umbrella of a first embodiment according to the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view illustrating the runner device and a reel device of the cantilever umbrella of the first embodiment according to the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the runner device and the reel device disposed on a post.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cantilever umbrella of the first embodiment according to the present invention in a collapsed state.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken along section line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken along section line 7-7 of FIG. 5.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 6 with a pin disengaged from a positioning hole of the post to permit sliding movement of the runner device.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cantilever umbrella with the runner device moved to a position substantially as high as the reel device.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cantilever umbrella in an open state.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the cantilever umbrella in an open state and with a canopy in a tilted state.

[0035] FIG. 12 is an exploded, perspective view illustrating a runner device of another example according to the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the runner device of FIG. 12 after assembly.

[0037] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view taken along section line 14-14 of FIG. 13.

[0038] All figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic teachings of the present invention only; the extensions of the figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form the embodiments will be explained or will be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, and similar requirements will likewise be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood.

[0039] Where used in the various figures of the drawings, the same numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms first, second, lower, upper, inner, outer, side, end, portion, axial, lateral, upward, outward, spacing, clockwise, counterclockwise, width, height, and similar terms are used herein, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawings as it would appear to a person viewing the drawings and are utilized only to facilitate describing the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] The present invention relates to a cantilever umbrella and, more particularly, to an outdoor large umbrella suitable for disposition on the ground while shielding people from rainwater and sunlight. With reference to FIGS. 1-7, a cantilever umbrella 10 of a first embodiment according to the present invention comprises a supporting device 20 and a runner device 35 movably mounted on the supporting device 20. The supporting device 20 includes a post 22 having an upper end 24 and a lower end 26. The post 22 further includes two first side 28 spaced from each other and two second sides 34 spaced from each other. Each of the two second sides 34 extends between the two first sides 28. Each of the two first sides 28 includes a through-hole 36 extending in a direction perpendicular to the first side 28. Each of the two second sides 34 includes two tracks 30 in the form of two grooves parallel to each other and extending along a height direction of the post 22. Namely, each of the two tracks 30 extends from the upper end 24 through the lower end 26. One of the two second sides 34 includes a plurality of positioning grooves 32 located between the two tracks 30 and spaced from each other along the height direction of the post 22. The two through-holes 36 are adjacent to the lower end 26 along the height direction. The lower end 26 of the post 22 is coupled with a base 29 which supports the post 22 to stand on the ground. The post 22 may be but not limited to stand upright on the ground.

[0041] The runner device 35 includes a body 37, a first portion 48, and a second portion 52. The body 37 includes a first side 38 and a second side 40 spaced from the first side 38 in a direction perpendicular to the height direction. The body 37 further includes a lateral wall 43 extending between the first side 38 and the second side 40. The body 37 further includes a pivotal connection portion 39, two first roller pivotal connecting portions 34A, two second roller pivotal connecting portions 40A, a supporting portion 46, and a receiving hole 44. The receiving hole 44 provides a space for a person's hand to pass through, whereas the second side 40 can be held by a hand. The two first roller pivotal connection portions 34A, the two second roller pivotal connecting portions 40A, and the supporting portion 46 protrude from the lateral wall 43. The receiving hole 44 extends through the lateral wall 43. The two first roller pivotal connection portions 34A are located on the first side 38. The two second roller pivotal connecting portions 40A and the receiving hole 44 are located on the second side 40. The two first roller pivotal connection portions 34A are spaced from each other along the height direction. The two second roller pivotal connecting portions 40A are spaced from each other along the height direction. The two first roller pivotal connection portions 34A are located between the pivotal connection portion 39 and the two second roller pivotal connecting portions 40A in a lateral direction perpendicular to the height direction. The two second roller pivotal connecting portions 40A are located between the end wall 42 and the two first roller pivotal connection portions 34A in the lateral direction. The supporting portion 46 is located between one of the two second roller pivotal connecting portions 40A and the receiving hole 44 along the height direction.

[0042] The post 22 is received between the first side 38 and the second side 40 of the body 37 of the runner device 35. The lateral wall 43 of the body 37 is spaced from the first side 28 of the post 22. Both the upper end 24 and the lower end 26 of the post 22 are located outside of the body 37 of the runner device 35. Furthermore, the two first roller pivotal connection portion 34A are located on an outer side of one of the two second sides 34 of the post 22 (namely, outside of the associated two tracks 30). The two second roller pivotal connection portion 40A are located on an outer side of the other second side 34 (namely, outside of the associated two tracks 30).

[0043] The first portion 48 of the body 37 of the runner device 35 includes a first inner side 50 and is disposed on the first side 38 of the body 37. Thus, the two first sides 28 and one of the two second sides 34 of the post 22 are located between the first side 38 of the body 37 and the first portion 48. Furthermore, the first inner side 50 of the first portion 48 is located on an outer side of one of the two first sides 28 associated with the lateral wall 43.

[0044] The second portion 52 of the body 37 of the runner device 35 includes a second inner side 54 and is disposed on the second side 40 of the body 37. Thus, the two first sides 28 of the post 22 and another of the two second sides 34 are located between the first side 38 of the body 37 and the second portion 52. Furthermore, the second inner side 54 of the second portion 52 and the first inner side 50 are on the same side and are spaced from each other to define a passageway 55 therebetween (see FIGS. 2, 3, and 5).

[0045] The runner device 35 further includes four rollers 119 disposed between the body 37 and the first portion 48 or between the body 37 and the second portion 52. In this embodiment, two of the four rollers 119 are rotatably coupled with the two first roller pivotal connection portions 34A and rotatably coupled with two associated tracks 30. The other two rollers 119 are rotatably coupled with the two second roller pivotal connection portions 40A and rotatably coupled with the other two tracks 30. With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the post 22 is located between the four rollers 119. The four rollers 119 support the body 37, the first portion 48, and the second portion 52 to slide along the height direction of the post 22. Furthermore, the four rollers 119 prevent the post 22 from disengaging from the runner device 35 in a direction parallel to a rotating axis of any one of the rollers 119.

[0046] The runner device 35 further includes an interlocking member 56 having a first end 58 and a second end 60. A pin 64 is pivotably mounted to the first end 58 of the interlocking member 56. The second end 60 of the interlocking member 56 is pivotably mounted between the second side 40 of the body 37 and the second portion 52. The supporting portion 46 abuts an outer periphery of the pin 64 and provides support to urge a distal end of the pin 64 to face the post 22. A biasing spring 62 is disposed between the end wall 42 of the body 37 and the interlocking member 56 to bias the interlocking member 56 toward the post 22. Furthermore, a portion of the interlocking member 56 is outside of the receiving hole 44.

[0047] With reference to FIG. 6, when the pin 64 is aligned with one of the plurality of positioning holes 32 of the post 22, the biasing spring 62 biases the distal end of the pin 64 to engage with the aligned positioning hole 32. Thus, the runner device 35 is positioned and will not move along the height direction of the post 22.

[0048] The pivotal portion 39 of the runner device 35 is pivotably connected with an inner end 84 of a supporting arm 82. The supporting arm 82 includes an outer end 86 spaced from the inner end 84. A connecting member 88 is securely disposed between the inner end 84 and the outer end 86. The connecting member 88 further includes a first connecting end 90 and a second connecting end 92 opposite to the first connecting end 90. The first connecting end 90 and the second connecting end 92 are located on two sides of the supporting arm 82. The upper end 24 of the post 22 is pivotably connected to an end of a cantilever arm 94. The other end of the cantilever arm 94 is pivotably connected to the first connecting end 90 of the connecting member 88. Thus, when the runner device 35 moves upward along the height direction of the post 22, the angle between the post 22 and the supporting arm 82 and the angle between the post 22 and the cantilever arm 93 are changed.

[0049] The cantilever umbrella 10 further includes a reel device 66 securely disposed on the post 22. The reel device 66 includes a shaft 76 rotatably received in the two through-holes 36 of the post 22. With reference to FIG. 7, an end of the shaft 76 is rotatably coupled with a ratchet wheel 78. The ratchet wheel 78 is on an outer side of one of the two first sides 28 of the post 22 and is covered by a cover 70 securely mounted to the one of the two first sides 28. The cover 70 protrudes beyond the one of the two first sides 28 of the post 22. The cover 70 includes a space 72 receiving the ratchet wheel 78 and an installation portion 74 located in the space 72. A catch 80 is pivotably mounted to the installation portion 74 and includes a distal end meshed with the ratchet wheel 78. When the ratchet wheel 78 rotates in a first direction, the catch 80 is pushed away to permit continuous rotation. When the ratchet wheel 78 rotates in a second direction reverse to the first direction, the catch 80 stops rotation of the ratchet wheel 78. In the case that the ratchet wheel 78 is prevented from rotating, when the shaft 76 is subjected to an external force greater than the frictional force between the ratchet wheel 78 and the shaft 76, the shaft 76 can still rotate without causing rotation of the ratchet wheel 78.

[0050] The reel device 66 further includes a handle 81 coupled to the shaft 76 to rotate therewith. The handle 81 is on an outer side of the cover 70. It is noted that the height of the reel device 66 from the base 29 is about 100-130 cm from the ground, which is suitable for operation of the reel device 66 by a person having an average height.

[0051] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, the cover 70 and the passageway 55 of the runner device 35 are on the same side. The passageway 55 provides a space for avoiding the reel device 66. Thus, the runner device 35 is permitted to move along the height direction of the post 22 to a position above or below the reel device 66. Namely, the runner device 35 can move across the reel device 66. Furthermore, the handle 81 is located on an outer side of the first portion 48 and the second portion 52 of the runner device 35 in an axial direction of the shaft 76. Therefore, even when the runner device 35 is positioned at the same height as the reel device 66 along the height direction, the handle 81 of the reel device 66 can still rotate without any hindrance.

[0052] The cantilever umbrella 10 further includes a canopy device 96 interlocked with the reel device 66 and the runner device 35. The interlocking between the canopy device 96 and the reel device 66 may be independent from the interlocking between canopy device 96 and the runner device 35. The canopy device 96 includes a positioning rod 98 having a top end on which an upper hub 111 is mounted. An upper end of each of a plurality of ribs 113 is pivotably connected to the upper hub 111. A canopy 114 is disposed on outer sides of the ribs 113. Each of the plurality of ribs 113 is pivotably connected to an end of a respective one of a plurality of stretchers 117. The other end of each of the plurality of stretchers 117 is pivotably connected to a lower hub 115. A cable 131 is disposed between the lower hub 115 and the shaft 76 of the reel device 66. A connecting rod 120 has two ends respectively and pivotably connected to the lower hub 115 and the second connecting end 92 of the connecting member 88. The upper hub 111 is pivotably connected to the outer end 86 of the supporting arm 82. Thus, the canopy device 96 is stably supported by the supporting arm 82 and the connecting rod 120.

[0053] Now that the basic construction of cantilever umbrella 10 of the present invention has been explained, the operation and some of the advantages of the cantilever umbrella 10 can be set forth and appreciated. In particular, for the sake of explanation, it will be assumed that the cantilever umbrella 10 is in a collapsed state, as shown in FIG. 4. In this state, the runner device 35 is located below the reel device 66 along the height direction of the post 22. The supporting arm 82 and the cantilever arm 94 are near the post 22. The lower hub 115 and the upper hub 111 have a maximum spacing therebetween. Each of the plurality of ribs 113 and each of the plurality of stretchers 117 are near the positioning rod 98. The canopy 114 is, thus, collapsed. In this state, the reel device 66 is at a height of 100-130 cm from the ground (the height shown in the figure is about 110 cm). The central axis of the lowest roller 119 is about 80 cm from the ground.

[0054] When it is desired to open the cantilever umbrella 10, the interlocking member 56 is pressed to disengage the pin 64 from the associated positioning hole 32 (see FIG. 8). Then, the runner device 35 is moved toward the upper end 24 of the post 22 along the height direction. The runner device 35 will pass through the reel device 66 during its movement. The passageway 55 provides a space for avoiding the cover 70 of the reel device 66. Furthermore, since the handle 81 is located outside of the first portion 48 and the second portion 52 of the runner device 35 in the axial direction of the shaft 76, the handle 81 will not interfere with the runner device 35 when the runner device 35 pass through the reel device 66. Then, the runner device 35 moves from a position below the reel device 66 to another position above the reel device 66, whereas the reel device 66 remains unmoved (at a height of 100-130 cm from the ground).

[0055] With reference to FIGS. 4, 9, and 10, when the runner device 35 moves upward toward the upper end 24 of the post 22, the inner end 84 of the supporting arm 82 moves together with the runner device 35, such that the angle between the supporting arm 82 and the post 22 increases gradually. The supporting arm 82 actuates the cantilever arm 94 to pivot, such that the angle between the cantilever arm 94 and the post 22 also increases gradually. Thus, the outer end 86 of the supporting arm 82 moves away from the post 22, such that the canopy device 96 also moves away from the post 22. When the spacing between the canopy device 96 and the post 22 will not causes interference between the canopy 114 in a stretched open state and the post 22, movement of the runner device 35 toward the upper end 24 of the post 22 is stopped. The pin 64 of the runner device 35 is coupled with an adjacent positioning hole 32 to position the runner device 35 on the post 22 (the runner device 35 is located above the reel device 64 in this state). Thus, the spacing between the canopy device 96 and the post 22 is fixed.

[0056] It is noted that in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 9-11, since a connecting rod 120 is pivotably connected between the lower hub 115 of the canopy device 96 and the connecting member 88, when the runner device 35 moves toward the upper end 24 of the post 22, the handle 81 of the reel device 66 can be operated to coil the cable 131 (which is not limited a response to the movement of the runner device 35), such that the lower hub 115 moves toward the upper hub 111 during upward movement of the runner device 35 toward the upper end 24. This enables the positioning rod 98 to remain substantially perpendicular to the ground during the upward movement of the runner device 35. Furthermore, when the lower hub 115 moves toward the upper hub 111, each of the plurality of stretchers 117 actuates an associated rib 113 to pivot outward, thereby stretching open the canopy 114, as shown in FIG. 9. With reference to FIG. 10, when the lower hub 115 abuts a bottom of the positioning rod 98, each of the plurality of ribs 113 fully stretches open the canopy 114. The lowest roller 119 of the runner device 35 is about 180 cm from the ground. The connecting rod 120 enables the positioning rod 98 to be substantially perpendicular to the ground, and the canopy device 96 is not tilted.

[0057] Furthermore, after the cable 131 is coiled by the reel device 66, the catch 80 avoids rotation of the ratchet wheel 78 in the reverse direction, and the frictional force between the ratchet wheel 78 and the shaft 76 is sufficient to avoid the cable 131 from becoming loosened under the action of the weight of the plurality of stretchers 117 and the lower hub 115. Thus, the reel device 66 maintains the canopy 114 in the fully stretched open state.

[0058] When the canopy 114 is fully stretched open and the positioning rod 98 is substantially perpendicular to the ground, the runner device 35 can be moved further to tilt the canopy 114. With reference to FIG. 11, the runner device 35 is moved in a direction away from the upper end 24 of the post 22, such that the canopy 114 pivots and tilts in a counterclockwise direction. The lowest roller 119 in FIG. 11 is at a height of about 120 cm from the ground. It can be appreciated that when the runner device 35 in FIG. 10 moves in the direction toward the upper end 24 of the post 22, the connecting rod 120 will actuate the canopy 114 to pivot and tilt in a clockwise direction.

[0059] With the canopy 114 in a fully stretched open state, when the handle 81 is rotated in a reverse direction, the ratchet wheel 78 is stopped by the catch 80 and, thus, cannot rotate. Thus, with the ratchet wheel 78 remains unmoved, the shaft 76 may rotate independently when the frictional force between the shaft 76 and the ratchet wheel 78 is overcome, thereby releasing the cable 131. Therefore, the lower hub 115 moves away from the upper hub 111. Each of the plurality of stretchers 117 is interlocked by an associated rib 113 to pivot toward the positioning rod 98, thereby collapsing the canopy 114.

[0060] Aside from the forms shown in FIGS. 1-11 illustrating the first embodiment according to the present invention, the runner device 35 and the post 22 may have other forms. FIGS. 12-14 illustrates a second embodiment according to the present invention. The technical features of the cantilever arm 94, the supporting arm 82, and the canopy device 96 of the second embodiment may be identical to those of the first embodiment and, thus, will not be described to avoid redundancy.

[0061] With reference to FIGS. 12-14 illustrating another example of the post 22 and the runner device 35. The post 22 includes two first side 28 spaced from each other and two second sides 34 spaced from each other. Each of the two second sides 34 extends between the two first sides 28. Each of the two second sides 34 includes a track 30 in the form of a groove extending along a height direction of the post 22 and having an opening 30A. A width of each opening 30A in the axial direction of the shaft 76 is smaller than a width of each track 30 in the axial direction of the shaft 76. Each track 30 has a bottom wall forming a third side 30B. One of the third sides 30B includes a plurality of positioning grooves 32 spaced from each other along the height direction of the post 22.

[0062] The runner device 35 of the second embodiment is featured by that the two first roller pivotal connection portions 34A and the two second roller pivotal connection portions 40A of the body 37 extend into the two tracks 30 via the two openings 30A, respectively. The two first roller pivotal connection portions 34A and the two second roller pivotal connection portions 40A can slide in the two tracks 30 along the height direction of the post 22. Each roller 119 is rotatably received in an associated track 30 and is rotatably coupled with an associated one of the two first roller pivotal connection portions 34A and the two second roller pivotal connection portions 40A (see FIGS. 13 and 14). Thus, the four rollers 119 can support the runner device 35 to slide along the height direction of the post 22. The pin 64 extends through the opening 30A of an associated one of the tracks 30 and is coupled with one of the plurality of positioning holes 32 aligned with the pin 64, such that the runner device 35 can be positioned on the post 22 at a desired height.

[0063] Accordingly, the passageway 55 of the runner device 35 of the cantilever umbrella 10 according to the present invention provides a space for avoiding the reel device 66, such that the runner device 35 passing through the reel device 66 will not interfere with the reel device 66. Furthermore, the reel device 66 can be installed at a height (about 100-130 cm) suitable for operation by a person having an average height.

[0064] The handle 81 of the reel device 66 is located outside of the reel device 66 in the axial direction of the shaft 76. When the height of the runner device 35 along the height direction of the post 22 is substantially the same as that of the reel device 66 (see FIG. 3), the handle 81 of the reel device 66 can still be rotated to enable convenient operation of the cantilever umbrella 10 according to the present invention.

[0065] Now that the basic teachings of the present invention have been explained, many extensions and variations will be obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art. For example, the cantilever umbrella 10 according to the present invention does not have to include the connecting rid 120. In this case, the outer end 86 of the supporting arm 82 is coupled with the upper end of the upper hub 111, such that the positioning rod 98 of the canopy device 96 remains substantially perpendicular to the ground when the runner device 35 moves along the height direction of the post 22.

[0066] Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or general characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated, the embodiments described herein are to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is to be indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.