Tilting Assemblies for Crankless Cantilevered Umbrellas

Abstract

A cantilevered umbrella comprising a mast, a cantilevered arm, a canopy, and a tilting assembly. The cantilevered arm defines a longitudinal axis and is rotationally fixed in relation to the mast. The canopy is supported by the cantilevered arm and is moveable between collapsed and expanded positions. The tilting assembly is operatively connected to the canopy to tilt the canopy along a tilt axis that extends in generally parallel relation to the longitudinal axis of the cantilevered arm.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cantilevered umbrella comprising:
 a cantilevered arm defining a longitudinal axis;   a canopy supported by the cantilevered arm; and   a gear assembly operatively connected to the canopy to tilt the canopy along a tilt axis that extends in generally parallel relation to the longitudinal axis of the cantilevered arm, the gear assembly including:
 a first gear member; and 
 a second gear member in mechanical engagement with the first gear member such that, upon actuation of the gear assembly, rotation of the first gear member causes corresponding rotation of the second gear member. 
   
     
     
         2 . The cantilevered umbrella according to  claim 1 , wherein the first gear member defines a worm and the second gear member defines a plurality of teeth in engagement with the worm. 
     
     
         3 . The cantilevered umbrella according to  claim 1 , wherein the first gear member defines a first axis of rotation and the second gear member defines a second axis of rotation different from the first axis of rotation. 
     
     
         4 . The cantilevered umbrella according to  claim 3 , wherein the first axis of rotation subtends an acute angle with a reference axis that intersects the first axis of rotation and extends in parallel relation to the second axis of rotation. 
     
     
         5 . The cantilevered umbrella according to  claim 4 , wherein the acute angle lies substantially within a range of approximately 30° to approximately 60°. 
     
     
         6 . The cantilevered umbrella according to  claim 5 , wherein the acute angle is approximately 45°. 
     
     
         7 . The cantilevered umbrella according to any preceding claim, further including a drive member extending axially through the cantilevered arm. 
     
     
         8 . The cantilevered umbrella according to  claim 7 , wherein the drive member is in mechanical cooperation with the gear assembly such that axial movement of the drive member causes actuation of the gear assembly. 
     
     
         9 . The cantilevered umbrella according to  claim 7 , wherein the drive member is positioned about the first gear member such that axial movement of the drive member causes rotation of the first gear member. 
     
     
         10 . The cantilevered umbrella according to any preceding claim, further including a knuckle assembly positioned adjacent to an end of the cantilevered arm and operatively connected to the canopy. 
     
     
         11 . The cantilevered umbrella according to  claim 10 , wherein the knuckle assembly includes:
 a stationary housing; and   a movable housing that is rotatable in relation to the stationary housing.   
     
     
         12 . The cantilevered umbrella according to  claim 11 , wherein the movable housing is in mechanical cooperation with the gear assembly such that actuation of the gear assembly causes rotation of the movable housing to thereby tilt the canopy. 
     
     
         13 . The cantilevered umbrella according to  claim 12 , wherein the second gear member includes an output shaft connected to the movable housing such that actuation of the gear assembly causes rotation of the output shaft to thereby rotate the movable housing. 
     
     
         14 . The cantilevered umbrella according to any preceding claim, further including a mast, the cantilevered arm being rotationally fixed in relation to the mast. 
     
     
         15 . The cantilevered umbrella according to any preceding claim, wherein the canopy is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position.