Patent attributes
The umbrella of the preferred embodiments includes a shaft, a canopy, and a spoke system, coupled to the shaft and to the canopy, which supports the canopy and provides a mechanism to open and close the canopy. The spoke system of the preferred embodiments includes a canopy spoke, coupled to the shaft and to the canopy, having a geometry that defines a canopy coupling element; a support spoke, coupled to the shaft and to the canopy spoke, having a geometry that defines a support coupling element; and a first release mechanism that includes the canopy coupling element and the support coupling element. The umbrella 10 is preferably designed to prevent the passage of precipitation or sun and, more specifically, designed to be an umbrella that can be easily assembled, disassembled, repaired, and recycled. The umbrella 10, however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment and for any suitable reason.