A parasol having a rib blocking mechanism for creating shade and the use thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a parasol (101) for creating shade comprising a canopy (102) including ribs (105), a slider (103) including a crown (108) and a frame (104) including a pole (109). The ribs are arranged to be rotationally coupled to the crown at the respective first rib ends (106) in use. The parasol further comprises a rib blocking mechanism (119) arranged in use to engage the first rib ends when the rib blocking mechanism is in the locking position (403). Furthermore, the invention provides the use of a parasol (101) having a rib blocking mechanism (119).

Description

[0001] A parasol having a rib blocking mechanism for creating shade and the use thereof

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to a parasol for creating shade and the use thereof.

[0004] Background art

[0005] Parasols or umbrellas having a reverse opening mechanism are known in the art. Particularly in umbrellas, a reverse opening mechanism is used to prevent the user getting wet when closing the canopy.

[0006] KR20010110403 describes an umbrella having a reverse opening mechanism. The umbrella comprises a canopy, which in turn comprises ribs extending between a first rib end and a second rib end, along a respective rib extension direction. Furthermore, the umbrella comprises a slider including a crown, and a frame including a pole, extending between a first pole end and a second pole end, along a pole extension direction. The ribs are rotationally coupled to the crown at the respective first rib ends, each rib pivoting around a respective rib axis. The slider moves back and forth along the pole between a first slider position and a second slider position along the pole extension direction, and the first slider position is closer to the first pole end than the second slider position, and the second slider position is closer to the second pole end than the first slider position. The canopy moves back and forth between a folded position and an unfolded position, wherein the ribs rotate about their respective rib axis, by moving the slider back and forth between the first slider position and the second slider position, respectively. The canopy is in the folded position when the slider is in the first slider position, and in the unfolded position when the slider is in the second slider position. The ribs are substantially oriented along the pole extension direction when the canopy is in the folded position, and substantially perpendicular to the pole extension direction when the canopy is in the unfolded position. The second rib ends are closer to the second pole end than the first rib ends when the canopy is in the folded position, and the first rib ends are closer to the second pole end than the second rib ends when the canopy is in the unfolded position. The pole comprises a storage space for storing the canopy and a canopy opening in the second pole end providing access to the storage space. The edge of the canopy opening forms the connection between the storage space and the second pole end. The slider is arranged so as to be translatable along the pole extension direction in the storage space. The ribs move through the canopy opening when the slider moves back and forth between the first slider position and the second slider position, being located for the most part in the storage space when the slider is in the first slider position. The slider is fixed with a spring in the storage space.

[0007] A problem of the known art is that when an upward wind comes under the canopy of the parasol or the umbrella, the parasol or the umbrella may fold shut into the storage space. This applies in particular when the wind coming under the canopy of the parasol or the umbrella exerts a greater force onto the ribs than the spring in the storage space.

[0008] Description of the invention

[0009] It is an aim of the present invention to overcome the problem described above. This aim is achieved by means of a parasol for creating shade, as described in claim 1 .

[0010] The parasol is preferably a parasol without secondary ribs or stretchers, meaning a postless or strutless parasol, comprising a canopy, a slider and a frame. The canopy comprises ribs and preferably also a shade cloth, each rib extending between a respective first rib end and a respective second rib end, along a respective rib extension direction. The slider comprises a crown. The frame comprises a pole, preferably a cylindrical pole, extending between a first pole end and a second pole end along a pole extension direction. The ribs are arranged to be rotationally coupled to the crown at the respective first rib ends in use, each rib pivoting around a respective rib axis. The slider is arranged in use to move back and forth along the pole between a first slider position and a second slider position along the pole extension direction, wherein the first slider position is closer to the first pole end than the second slider position, and the second slider position is closer to the second pole end than the first slider position. The canopy is arranged in use to move back and forth between a folded position and an unfolded position, wherein the ribs rotate about their respective rib axis, by moving the slider back and forth between the first slider position and the second slider position, respectively. The canopy is arranged in use to be in the folded position when the slider is in the first slider position and to be in the unfolded position when the slider is in the second slider position. The parasol comprises a rib blocking mechanism having a locking position and an unlocking position, wherein the rib blocking mechanism is arranged in use to engage the first rib ends when the rib blocking mechanism is in the locking position. Through this configuration, pivoting of the ribs is prevented when the rib blocking mechanism is in the locking position, thereby preventing the canopy of the parasol from folding up unintentionally. As a result, the canopy is less likely to move to the folded position unintentionally under the influence of wind or any other external force. An additional advantage is that in the case of gusts of wind or other external forces, less force is exerted on an optional slider locking mechanism with which a parasol may be equipped to prevent the slider from moving up and down. As a result, optional slider locking mechanisms will be less subject to strong forces and thus will wear less quickly. Since the optional slider locking mechanisms will be less subject to strong forces, they can be manufactured from lighter materials or even omitted altogether. An additional advantage of omitting an optional slider locking mechanism is that the parasol will require less maintenance.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the rib blocking mechanism is arranged in use to cooperate with the first rib ends to constrain the pivoting of the respective ribs, when the rib blocking mechanism is in the locking position. As a result, the canopy cannot move as quickly to the folded position under the influence of wind or any other external force. An additional advantage is that in the case of gusts of wind or other external forces, less force is exerted on an optional slider locking mechanism with which a parasol may be equipped to prevent the slider from moving up and down. As a result, optional slider locking mechanisms will be less subject to strong forces and thus will wear less quickly. Since the optional slider locking mechanisms will be less subject to strong forces, they can be manufactured from lighter materials or even omitted altogether. An additional advantage of omitting an optional slider locking mechanism is that the parasol will require less maintenance.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the slider comprises the rib blocking mechanism. As a result, the mechanism can be limited to an already moving part of the parasol and fewer moving parts need to be added in the pole.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the pole comprises the rib blocking mechanism. As a result, the slider, which is a moving part of the parasol, can be kept simple and lightweight.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the rib blocking mechanism comprises a blocking element, wherein the blocking element has a first blocking element position and a second blocking element position. The blocking element is in a first blocking element position when the rib blocking mechanism is in the unlocking position, and in a second blocking element position when the rib blocking mechanism is in the locking position. The blocking element is arranged in use to move back and forth between the first blocking element position and the second blocking element position, according to a translational motion and / or a rotational motion.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the blocking element is arranged in use to have a different shape in the first blocking element position than in the second blocking element position. In an embodiment of the present invention, the blocking element is arranged in use to be positioned against the first rib ends when the canopy is unfolded and the rib blocking mechanism is in the locking position.

[0016] In a further embodiment, or in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the blocking element is arranged in use to be positioned between the first rib ends, preferably medially between the first rib ends, when the canopy is unfolded and the rib blocking mechanism is in the locking position. As a result, the blocking element can be arranged centrally in the slider or in the pole, so that the blocking element does not obstruct the movement of the slider along the pole. An additional advantage of the central arrangement is that the blocking element is close to all first rib ends, which simplifies the design of the rib blocking mechanism. Since the blocking element is arranged in use to be located medially between the first rib ends, the assembly of the ribs, when arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the blocking element, in particular when the parasol has an even number of rotational symmetries, will exert a small resultant force on the blocking element. This has the advantage that it prevents the blocking element from being loaded more on one side, so that the service life of the blocking element is extended.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the rib blocking mechanism is arranged in use to move toward the locking position when the canopy moves from the folded position to the unfolded position. This can for instance be achieved using a spring, a counterweight, or a motor-driven actuator. This has the advantage that when opening the parasol, the user has fewer actions to carry out for locking the rib blocking mechanism, simplifying the use of the parasol with the rib blocking mechanism.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, the rib blocking mechanism is arranged in use to move toward the locking position when the canopy is in the unfolded position and the rib blocking mechanism is in the unlocking position. This can for instance be achieved using a spring, a counterweight, or a motor-driven actuator. This has the advantage that when opening the parasol, the user has fewer actions to carry out for locking the rib blocking mechanism, simplifying the use of the parasol with the rib blocking mechanism.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present invention, the rib blocking mechanism comprises a rib blocking mechanism control, arranged in use to move the rib blocking mechanism back and forth between the locking position and the unlocking position. This has the advantage that a user can operate the rib blocking mechanism via a control, making the rib blocking mechanism more user-friendly and / or safer in use.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first rib ends have a shape configured in use to constrain the pivoting of the respective rib when the rib blocking mechanism is in the locking position. This allows a rib blocking mechanism to be designed that is simpler than if the shape of the first rib ends were not specifically arranged to constrain the pivoting of the respective ribs.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first rib ends have a shape configured in use to come up against the blocking element while pivoting, thus constraining the pivoting of the respective rib, when the blocking element is in the second blocking element position. As a result, the pivoting of the rib can be achieved in a simple mechanical way, enabling a simple design of the blocking element and the rib blocking mechanism.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention, the pole comprises a slider brake, arranged in use to constrain the movement of the slider. As a result, there are two measures preventing the folding of the parasol, in particular the moving of the canopy toward the folded position, allowing the forces acting on both mechanisms to be distributed over two mechanisms, allowing both mechanisms to be manufactured using lighter materials.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, the parasol is a so-called inversely-closing parasol. Here, every second rib end is arranged in use to move up and down pivotally in a rib plane defined by the second rib end and the pole extension direction. The ribs are arranged in use to be oriented substantially along the pole extension direction, preferably along the pole extension direction, when the canopy is in the folded position, and to be oriented substantially perpendicular to the pole extension direction, preferably perpendicular to the pole extension direction, when the canopy is in the unfolded position. The second rib ends are arranged in use to be closer to the second pole end than the first rib ends when the canopy is in the folded position and the first rib ends are arranged in use to be closer to the second pole end than the second rib ends when the canopy is in the unfolded position.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the inversely- closing parasol includes an internal storage space. A storage space is provided inside the pole for storing the canopy and the pole comprises a canopy opening in the second pole end providing access to the storage space. The edge of the canopy opening forms the connection between the storage space and the second pole end. The slider extends between a first slider end and a second slider end along a slider extension direction, said direction being arranged in use to be oriented along the pole extension direction. The first slider end is arranged in use to be closer to the first pole end than the second slider end. Furthermore, the slider is configured in use to be arranged in the storage space so as to be translatable along the pole extension direction, wherein the ribs are arranged in use to move through the canopy opening when the slider moves back and forth between the first slider position and the second slider position. The ribs are arranged in use to be located for the most part inside the storage space when the slider is in the first slider position and to be located outside the storage space when the slider is in the second slider position.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the blocking element of the inversely-closing parasol and internal storage space comprises a plunger. The crown comprises a plunger opening, through which the plunger is arranged in use to move back and forth when the blocking element moves between the first blocking element position and the second blocking element position.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the plunger comprises a first plunger end, a second plunger end and a plunger lateral side. The plunger extends between the first plunger end and the second plunger end in a plunger extension direction and the plunger lateral side connects the first plunger end and the second plunger end to each other. The plunger is preferably cylindrical, columnar or prismoidal. The plunger extension direction is arranged in use to be oriented along the pole extension direction, and the first and second plunger end are geometrically similar in shape to the cross section in a plane perpendicular to the pole extension direction of the plunger opening in the crown. As a result, the plunger fits into the crown without leaving much space between the plunger and the crown, preventing sand and moisture from easily ending up between the plunger and the crown. The rib blocking mechanism will experience less unintentional blocking, have a longer service life and require less maintenance. Also, unpleasant noise, such as for example squeaking, scraping or creaking, is avoided when using the rib blocking mechanism.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the rib blocking mechanism is arranged in use to push the second plunger end against the first rib ends when the blocking element moves from the first blocking element position to the second blocking element position, and the first rib ends have a shape configured in use to convert a pressure of the second plunger end against the first rib ends to a downward pivoting movement of the ribs. During a downward pivoting movement of the ribs, the second rib ends move downward. In this configuration, the blocking element, in particular the plunger, pushes the ribs from the folded position toward the unfolded position, when the blocking element moves from the first blocking element position to the second blocking element position. This has the advantage that when opening the parasol, the ribs are pushed toward the unfolded position, even when, for instance, wind is impeding the movement of the ribs toward the unfolded position.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the plunger comprises a conical protrusion, connected to the second plunger end. The conical protrusion is arranged in use to push against the first rib ends when the blocking element moves from the first blocking element position to the second blocking element position. The first rib ends have a shape configured in use to convert a pressure of the conical protrusion against the first rib ends into a downward pivoting movement of the ribs. This has the advantage that the transmission of forces from the rib blocking mechanism onto the first rib ends takes place more efficiently.

[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first rib ends of the inversely-closing parasol, the internal storage space and the plunger with its plunger lateral side, have a shape configured in use to come up against the plunger lateral side while pivoting when the blocking element is in the second blocking element position, thus constraining the upward pivoting of the ribs. During upward pivoting of the ribs, the second rib ends move upward. Through this configuration, an upward force, for example a force exerted on the ribs by the wind, is converted into a lateral force on the plunger lateral side, allowing the rib blocking mechanism to be realized without any measures for preventing an up and down movement of the plunger under the influence of the force on the ribs.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the first ribs have a rib upper side and a rib lower side. The rib upper side is the distal side of the rib with respect to the first pole end when the canopy is in the unfolded position, and the rib lower side is the proximal side of the rib with respect to the first pole end when the canopy is in the unfolded position. The first rib ends have a shape in which the distance from the respective rib upper side to the respective rib axis is greater than the distance from the rib lower side to the respective rib axis. As a result, the lateral force acting on the plunger lateral side and the first rib ends is distributed over a larger surface area, allowing the plunger and the ribs to be made from a more pressure-sensitive material.

[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the slider of the inversely- closing parasol and internal storage space comprises a handle and the pole comprises a handle opening, which provides access to the storage space and extends in the pole extension direction between a first handle opening end and a second handle opening end. The handle is arranged in use to extend out of the storage space through the handle opening and allow a user to move the slider back and forth using the handle between the first slider position and the second slider position. This has the advantage that a user can easily operate the parasol by hand and needs no further tools for moving the canopy between the folded and unfolded position, and thus opening or closing it.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the parasol comprises a slider brake with a first handle brake block, arranged in use to be located near the second handle opening end and limit the movement of the slider so that no contact is made between the second handle opening end and the handle when the slider is in the second slider position. As a result, the handle and the second handle opening end come under less load, so that they do not deform and require less maintenance. Furthermore, they can thus be manufactured from lighter materials.

[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the handle of the inversely-closing parasol, internal storage space and handle comprises a rib blocking mechanism control. This has the advantage that the parasol can be opened and closed by a user using the same hand as the hand moving the rib blocking mechanism from the locking position to the unlocking position. This enables one-handed operation of the parasol.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the handle has a hand side arranged in use to be grasped by a user using a hand, and a mechanism side. The handle comprises a handle brake block pawl at the mechanism side. The handle brake block pawl is a protrusion of the handle, arranged in use to be located between the mechanism side of the handle and the pole. The handle is arranged in use to be rotationally coupled with the rib blocking mechanism at the mechanism side and to move back and forth rotationally between a first handle position and a second handle position. In the first handle position, the hand side of the handle is arranged in use to be closer to the second pole end than the mechanism side. The handle is arranged in use to move the rib blocking mechanism toward the unlocking position and to move the blocking element, in particular the plunger, toward the first blocking element position, when the handle moves from the first handle position to the second handle position. Furthermore, the handle is arranged in use to tension the spring when the handle moves from the first handle position to the second handle position. This results in a rotational lever, allowing a user operating the rib blocking mechanism control to move the rib blocking mechanism to the unlocking position efficiently using a single hand.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the first handle brake block of a parasol having a first handle brake block comprises a handle brake block lip. The handle brake block lip is arranged in use to cooperate with the handle brake block pawl to maintain the slider in the second slider position when the slider is in the second slider position and the handle is in the first handle position. As a result, a user is not required to maintain the slider in the second slider position until the parasol has opened further, especially when combined with a rib blocking mechanism that moves toward the locking position when the canopy is in the unfolded position.

[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the slider of the inversely- closing parasol and internal storage space comprises a spacer, arranged in use to medially center the slider in the storage space relative to the centerline of the pole along the pole extension direction. This prevents the slider from getting stuck in the storage space by leaning against the storage space wall. Furthermore, the slider does not rub against the storage space wall. As a result, the storage space remains cleaner and will not break as quickly. The spacer may for example be made from an elastic material having a low coefficient of friction with respect to the material of the storage space, such as for example a polyamide, a polyethylene, a polytetrafluoroethylene, a polyacetal or a polyether ether ketone, so that the spacer slides well along the storage space wall in case they do make contact. This simplifies the use of the parasol, as it takes less force to open and close the parasol. Furthermore, less or even no lubricant is needed, allowing the storage space to remain cleaner. The spacer may preferably include a number of projections, preferably at least 3, arranged in use to reduce the contact surface between the spacer and the wall of the storage space when compared to a spacer with no spacer projections. As a result, any friction between the spacer and the storage space wall is reduced, simplifying the use of the parasol, as it takes less force to open and close the parasol. Furthermore, less or even no lubricant is needed, allowing the storage space to remain cleaner. Also, any debris which may have ended up in the storage space will not get stuck between the spacer and the storage space wall as easily, simplifying maintenance, extending service life and reducing unpleasant noise, such as squeaking, scraping or creaking, when moving the slider back and forth.

[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first slider end of the inversely-closing parasol and internal storage space comprises a first drainage hole, arranged in use to allow the evacuation of water and dust from the slider. As a result, dirt cannot accumulate as easily in the slider and unintentionally block the rib blocking mechanism as part of the slider, if present. This simplifies maintenance of the parasol and extends the service life of the parasol.

[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second slider end of the inversely-closing parasol and internal storage space comprises a second drainage hole, arranged in use to allow the evacuation of water and dust from above the slider. As a result, dirt cannot accumulate as easily above the slider, simplifying maintenance of the parasol and extending the service life of the parasol.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the pole of the inversely- closing parasol and internal storage space is wider at the second pole end than at the first pole end. As a result, the storage space can be limited in width, while opening and closing the canopy when moving the slider back and forth between the first slider position and the second slider position can take place more gradually. During opening and closing, the forces exerted on the slider, the edge of the canopy opening and the ribs as a result of the movement evolve gradually, ensuring that less mechanical stresses occur and extending the service life of the parasol.

[0040] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the pole is cylindrical and the second pole end flares out, for example in the shape of a trumpet bell. During opening and closing of the parasol, the ribs rest on the edge of the canopy opening for a shorter time, reducing its maintenance requirements and extending its service life.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the ribs of the inversely- closing parasol and internal storage space are arranged to rest on the edge of the canopy opening when the canopy is in the unfolded position. This reduces the force exerted on the slider, causing less force to be exerted on an optional slider brake. This allows the slider to be manufactured from a lighter material and to have a longer service life.

[0042] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the parasol comprises a shade cloth clamp, preferably one for each rib, wherein the shade cloth clamp is arranged in use to be connected to the respective rib near the respective first rib end at the rib lower side, in particular the proximal side of the respective rib with respect to the first pole end when the canopy is in the unfolded position. The shade cloth clamp is arranged in use to attach the shade cloth to the rib, preferably by clamping the shade cloth between the shade cloth clamp and the respective rib. Furthermore, the shade cloth clamp is arranged in use to be located between the respective rib and the edge of the canopy opening. The rib then rests on the edge of the canopy opening by way of the shade cloth clamp. The shade cloth clamp is preferably made from a different, less hard and more elastic material than the ribs and the edge of the canopy opening. This allows the forces exerted on the ribs and the edge of the canopy opening where the ribs rest on the canopy opening to be absorbed, for example when the ribs and the pole are made from aluminum and the shade cloth clamp is made from an elastic plastic material or from rubber. Moreover, the less hard material ensures that fewer or no scratches are made on the ribs or the edge of the canopy opening, thus reducing the maintenance required by the parasol and extending its service life.

[0043] An embodiment of the present invention describes the use of a parasol according to the present invention.

[0044] Brief description of the drawings

[0045] The invention will hereafter be elucidated in further detail by referring to the appended figures.

[0046] Figure 1 a is a cross section of a first embodiment of the present invention, in particular an inversely-closing parasol and internal storage space; the cross section shows the parasol with the canopy in its folded position.

[0047] Figure 1 b is a close-up of the slider with crown from figure 1 a.

[0048] Figure 2a is a cross section of the first embodiment of the present invention wherein the slider moves between the first slider position and the second slider position and is closer to the first slider position than to the second slider position.

[0049] Figure 2b is a close-up of the slider with crown from figure 2a.

[0050] Figure 3a is a cross section of the first embodiment of the present invention wherein the slider moves between the first slider position and the second slider position and is closer to the second slider position than to the first slider position. Figure 3b is a close-up of the slider with crown from figure 3a.

[0051] Figure 4a is a cross section of the first embodiment of the present invention with the canopy in the unfolded position.

[0052] Figure 4b is a close-up of the slider with crown from figure 4a.

[0053] Figure 5 is a close-up of the second pole end of the first embodiment of the present invention with the canopy in its unfolded position.

[0054] Figure 6 is a view of the first embodiment of the present invention wherein the slider moves between the first slider position and the second slider position and is closer to the first slider position than to the second slider position.

[0055] Figure 7 is a cross section of a slider suitable for use in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 8 is a parallel bottom view of the second pole end of the first embodiment of the present invention with the canopy in its unfolded position.

[0057] Figure 9 is a view of a second embodiment of the present invention, in particular a postless parasol with a traditional closure; the view shows the parasol with the canopy in its folded position.

[0058] Figure 10 is a view of the second embodiment of the present invention with the canopy in the unfolded position.

[0059] Figure 11 a shows a cross-sectional side view of the slider of a parasol according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention with the canopy in its folded position.

[0060] Figure 11 b is a cross-sectional rear view of the slider from figure 11 a.

[0061] Figure 12a shows a cross-sectional side view of the slider of a parasol according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention wherein the slider moves from the first slider position to the second slider position and is closer to the second slider position than to the first slider position.

[0062] Figure 12b is a cross-sectional rear view of the slider from figure 12a. Figure 13a shows a cross-sectional side view of the slider of a parasol according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention with the canopy moving from the folded position toward the unfolded position.

[0063] Figure 13b is a cross-sectional rear view of the slider from figure 13a.

[0064] Figure 14a shows a cross-sectional side view of the slider of a parasol according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention with the canopy in the unfolded position.

[0065] Figure 14b is a cross-sectional rear view of the slider from figure 14a.

[0066] Figure 15a shows a cross-sectional side view of the slider of a parasol according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention with the canopy in the unfolded position and the handle in the second handle position.

[0067] Figure 15b is a cross-sectional rear view of the slider from figure 15a.

[0068] Modes for carrying out the invention

[0069] The present invention will hereafter be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto and is defined only by the claims. The drawings shown here are merely schematic depictions and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the dimensions of certain parts may be exaggerated, meaning that the parts in question are not drawn to scale, being for illustrative purposes only. The dimensions and relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to the actual implementations of the invention.

[0070] Furthermore, terms such as “first”, “second”, “third” and the like are used in the description and in the claims for distinguishing between similar elements, and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. The terms in question are interchangeable under the appropriate circumstances and the embodiments of the invention can operate in other sequences than described or illustrated here.

[0071] Moreover, terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “over”, “under” and the like are used in the description and the claims for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for indicating relative positions. The terms so used are interchangeable under the appropriate circumstances, and the embodiments of the invention can operate in other orientations than those described or illustrated herein.

[0072] The term “comprising” and derivative terms, as used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed respectively thereafter; the term does not exclude other elements or steps. It should be interpreted as specifying the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, without, however, precluding the presence or addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of an expression such as “a device comprising means A and B” is not limited to devices consisting solely of components A and B. What is meant, on the contrary, is that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

[0073] Figures 1 a to 8 show a first embodiment of the present invention, in particular an inversely-closing parasol and internal storage space. Below, the first embodiment of the present invention will be discussed with reference to those figures, followed by a brief discussion for each figure of the different configurations or elements of the first embodiment of the present invention that are the focus of the figure in question.

[0074] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the parasol 101 comprises a canopy 102, a slider 103 and a frame 104. The canopy 102 comprises ribs 105, each rib 105 extending between a respective first rib end 106 and a respective second rib end 107, along a respective rib extension direction b. The slider 103 comprises a crown 108. The frame 104 comprises a pole 109, wherein the pole 109 extends between a first pole end 110 and a second pole end 11 1 , along a pole extension direction p. The pole 109 is cylindrical. In alternative embodiments, the pole 109 has a cross section that is different from a circular cross section in a plane perpendicular to the pole extension direction p, and the pole 109 is for example beam-, prism- or prismoid-shaped. In the first embodiment of the present invention, a storage space 1 12 is provided inside the pole 109 for storing the canopy 102. The second pole end 1 1 1 comprises a circular canopy opening 501 providing access to the storage space 1 12. The edge of the canopy opening 502 forms the connection between the storage space 1 12 and the second pole end 1 11. The pole 109 comprises a handle opening 503, which extends in the pole extension direction p between a first handle opening end 601 and a second handle opening end 504 and provides access to the storage space 1 12. In alternative embodiments, the canopy opening 501 is not circular, but for example rectangular or hexagonal. In alternative embodiments, the pole 109 has no internal storage space 1 12.

[0075] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the pole 109 is wider at the second pole end 1 1 1 than at the first pole end 1 10, and the diameter of the canopy opening 501 is greater than the diameter of the pole 109 at the first pole end 110. In particular, the second pole end 11 1 flares out in the shape of a trumpet bell. In alternative embodiments, the pole 109 does not widen at the second pole end 1 1 1 , but the pole 109 has the same width at the second pole end 1 1 1 and at the first pole end 1 10. In alternative embodiments, the second pole end 1 11 does not flare out gradually, but the pole 109 widens in discrete steps.

[0076] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the crown 108 comprises a plunger opening 1 13 that is perpendicular to the pole extension direction p.

[0077] The slider 103 extends between a first slider end 1 14 and a second slider end 1 15 along a slider extension direction s. The slider extension direction s is oriented along the pole extension direction p and the first slider end 1 14 is closer to the first pole end 1 10 than the second slider end 1 15. The crown 108 is attached to the second slider end 115. The slider 103 comprises a handle 1 16. The slider 103 is arranged so as to be translatable along the pole extension direction p in the storage space 1 12 and is arranged in use to move back and forth between a first slider position 1 17 and a second slider position 401 along the pole 109 along the pole extension direction p, wherein the first slider position 117 is closer to the first pole end 110 than the second slider position 401 and the second slider position 401 is closer to the second pole end 1 1 1 than the first slider position 117. The handle 1 16 extends outward from the storage space 1 12 through the handle opening 503 and allows a user to move the slider 103 back and forth between the first slider position 1 17 and the second slider position 401 by means of the handle 1 16. The slider 103 further comprises a spacer 701 that centers the slider 103 medially in the storage space 1 12 relative to the centerline of the pole 109 along the pole extension direction p. The spacer 701 has at least 3 spacer projections 702, reducing the contact surface between the spacer 701 and the wall of the storage space 1 12 when compared to a spacer 701 with no spacer projections 702. The spacer 701 is made of a material having a low coefficient of friction with respect to the material of the storage space 1 12. The first slider end 1 14 comprises a first drainage hole 703, arranged in use to allow the evacuation of water and dust from the slider 103. The second slider end 115 comprises a second drainage hole 704, arranged in use to allow the evacuation of water and dust from above the slider 103. In alternative embodiments, the slider 103 is not arranged in the storage space 1 12 but rather along the pole 109. In that case, the handle 116 does not extend outward from the storage space 112 through the handle opening 503, but may still be arranged to allow a user in use to move the slider 103 back and forth between the first slider position 1 17 and the second slider position 401 by means of the handle 1 16. In alternative embodiments, the slider 103 has no handle 116 and the slider 103 is grasped directly by the user when the slider 103 is moved back and forth between the first slider position 117 and the second slider position 401 . In alternative embodiments, the slider 103 is moved between the first slider position 1 17 and the second slider position 401 by means of a motor, a wheel-and-axle and / or any other mechanism. In alternative embodiments, the slider 103 comprises no mechanical spacer 701 , the slider 103 is centered in the pole 109 in a different way, such as for example using a straight guide.

[0078] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the ribs 105 are rotationally coupled to the crown 108 at the respective first rib ends 106 and pivot about a respective rib axis r, wherein every second rib end 107 can move up and down pivotally in a rib plane v defined by the second rib end 107 and the pole extension direction p. The ribs 105 move through the canopy opening 501 when the slider 103 moves back and forth between the first slider position 1 17 and the second slider position 401 , are located for the most part in the storage space 1 12, preferably in the storage space 1 12, when the slider 103 is in the first slider position 1 17, are located outside of the storage space 1 12 when the slider 103 is in the second slider position 401 , and rest on the edge of the canopy opening 502 when the slider 103 is in the second slider position 401 . The ribs 105 are coupled to a shade cloth 801 , supporting the shade cloth 801 and also tensioning the shade cloth 801.

[0079] The canopy 102 moves back and forth between a folded position 1 18 and an unfolded position 402, wherein the ribs 105 rotate about their respective rib axis r, by moving the slider 103 back and forth between respectively the first slider position 1 17 and the second slider position 401 . Furthermore, the canopy 102 is in the folded position 1 18 when the slider 103 is in the first slider position 117 and in the unfolded position 402 when the slider 103 is in the second slider position 401 . The ribs 105 are substantially oriented along the pole extension direction p, preferably along the pole extension direction p, when the canopy 102 is in the folded position 118, and substantially perpendicular to the pole extension direction p, preferably perpendicular to the pole extension direction p, when the canopy 102 is in the unfolded position 402. As the parasol 101 in the first embodiment of the present invention has an inverse closure, the second rib ends 107 are closer to the second pole end 1 1 1 than the first rib ends 106 when the canopy 102 is in the folded position 1 18, and the first rib ends 106 are closer to the second pole end 1 11 than the second rib ends 107 when the canopy 102 is in the unfolded position 402. The ribs 105 are substantially straight, preferably straight, but may bend under their own weight or under the weight of the shade cloth 801 due to gravity. Alternative embodiments refer to a parasol 101 with a traditional closure instead of an inverse closure. In alternative embodiments, the ribs 105 are curved.

[0080] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the parasol 101 , in particular the slider 103, further comprises a rib blocking mechanism 1 19, having a locking position 403 and an unlocking position 120. The rib blocking mechanism 1 19 engages the first rib ends 106 when the rib blocking mechanism 119 is in the locking position 403. In particular, the rib blocking mechanism 119 cooperates with the first rib ends 106 to constrain the pivoting of the respective ribs 105 when the rib blocking mechanism 119 is in the locking position 403. The rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the unlocking position 120 when the slider 103 moves back and forth between the first slider position 1 17 and the second slider position 401 . Furthermore, the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 moves toward the locking position 403 when the canopy moves from the folded position 1 18 to the unfolded position 402. In alternative embodiments, the pole 109 comprises the rib blocking mechanism 1 19. In alternative embodiments, the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is arranged in use to also be in the locking position 403 when the slider 103 moves back and forth between the first slider position 117 and the second slider position 401 . In alternative embodiments, the rib blocking mechanism 119 is arranged in use to move toward the locking position 403 when the canopy 102 is in the unfolded position 402 and the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the unlocking position 120. In alternative embodiments, the user is required to move the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 toward the locking position 403 when the canopy 102 is in the unfolded position 402 and the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the unlocking position In the first embodiment of the present invention, the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 comprises a blocking element 121 , having a first blocking element position 122 and a second blocking element position 404, wherein the blocking element 121 is in the first blocking element position 122 when the rib blocking mechanism 119 is in the unlocking position 120 and wherein the blocking element 121 is in the second blocking element position 404 when the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the locking position 403. The blocking element 121 is located against, in particular between, the first rib ends 106, when the canopy 102 is unfolded and the rib blocking mechanism 119 is in the locking position 403. The blocking element 121 is arranged in use to move back and forth between the first blocking element position 122 and the second blocking element position 404, according to a translational motion. In alternative embodiments, the blocking element 121 is located against, but not between the first rib ends 106 when the canopy 102 is unfolded and the rib blocking mechanism 119 is in the locking position 403, for example above or below the first rib ends 106. In alternative embodiments, the translational motion of the blocking element 121 may be complemented with, or replaced by, a rotational motion. In other alternative embodiments, the blocking element 121 is arranged in use to have a different shape in the first blocking element position 122 than in the second blocking element position 404, complementary to or instead of the movement between the first blocking element position 122 and the second blocking element position 404.

[0081] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the blocking element 121 comprises a cylindrical plunger 123, which comprises a first plunger end 705, a second plunger end 706 and a plunger lateral side 707, wherein the plunger 123 extends between the first plunger end 705 and the second plunger end 706 in a plunger extension direction z, and the plunger lateral side 707 connects the first plunger end 705 and the second plunger end 706 to each other. The plunger extension direction z is oriented along the pole extension direction p, and the first and second plunger end 706 are geometrically similar in shape to the cross section in a plane perpendicular to the pole extension direction p of the plunger opening 1 13 in the crown 108. The plunger 123 substantially fills the plunger opening 1 13. The plunger 123 is arranged in use to move back and forth through the plunger opening 113 between the first blocking element position 122 and the second blocking element position 404 along the pole extension direction p. The plunger 123 is located along the pole extension direction p adjacent to the first rib ends 106 when the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the unlocking position 120. When the blocking element 121 of the first blocking element position 122 moves toward the second blocking element position 404, the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 pushes the second plunger end 706 against the first rib ends 106. In alternative embodiments, the blocking element 121 is no plunger 123 and moves differently. In alternative embodiments, the plunger 123 is prism- or prismoid-shaped. In alternative embodiments, the first plunger end 705 and the second plunger end 706 are arranged in use to be oriented perpendicular to the plunger extension direction z and the first plunger end 705 and the second plunger end 706 are geometrically similar in shape.

[0082] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 further comprises a spring 124 that is more relaxed when the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the locking position 403 than when the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the unlocking position, 120 and is more tensioned when the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the unlocking position 120 than when the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the locking position 403. The spring 124 is arranged in use to tension and relax along the pole extension direction p. In alternative embodiments, the spring 124 is arranged in use to tension and relax in a different direction than the pole extension direction p. In alternative embodiments, the spring 124 is arranged in use to be more tensioned when the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the locking position 403. In alternative embodiments, the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 comprises no spring 124. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 also comprises a rib blocking mechanism control 125, arranged in use to move the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 back and forth between the locking position 403 and the unlocking position 120. The slider 103, in particular the handle 116, comprises the rib blocking mechanism control 125. In alternative embodiments, the rib blocking mechanism control 125 is located in the pole 109.

[0083] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the rib blocking mechanism control 125 comprises a lever 126 having a hand side 127 and a mechanism side 708. The mechanism side 708 is connected to the plunger 123. The lever 126 moves the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 toward the unlocking position 120 and moves the blocking element 121 , in particular the plunger 123, toward the first blocking element position 122, when the hand side 127 makes a movement toward the handle 1 16, and moves the rib blocking mechanism 119 toward the locking position 403, and the blocking element, in particular the plunger 123, toward the second blocking element position 404, when the hand side 127 makes a movement away from the handle 1 16. Furthermore, the lever 126 tensions the spring 124 when the hand side 127 makes a movement toward the handle 1 16 and the lever 126 relaxes the spring 124 when the hand side 127 makes a movement away from the handle 1 16. In alternative embodiments, the operation is similar to that of a bicycle brake with cables. In alternative embodiments, there is no mechanical coupling between the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 and the rib blocking mechanism control 125, but an electrical or electronic coupling is made, such as for example through a wireless connection or a wired connection. In that case, the rib blocking mechanism control 125 may consist of a button or any other switch known from the art.

[0084] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the first rib ends 106 have a shape causing the first rib ends 106 to come up against the blocking element 121 while pivoting, in particular against the plunger lateral side 707, when the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the locking position 403, and constraining the upward pivoting of the respective rib 105. In particular, the first rib ends 106 have a shape in which the distance from the respective rib upper side 505, in particular the distal side of the rib 105 relative to the first pole end 1 10 when the canopy 102 is in the unfolded position 402, to the respective rib axis r is greater than the distance from the rib lower side 506, in particular the proximal side of the rib 105 with respect to the first pole end 110 when the canopy 102 is in the unfolded position 402, to the respective rib axis r. Moreover, the corner between the first rib ends 106 and the respective rib lower side 506 is rounded. Additionally, the first rib ends 106 have a shape causing a pressure of the second plunger end 706 against the first rib ends 106 to be converted to a downward pivoting movement of the ribs 105. In alternative embodiments, the movement of the ribs 105 is constrained regardless of the specific shape of the first rib ends 106. In alternative embodiments, the first rib ends 106 while pivoting do not come up against the plunger lateral side 707, but are blocked by one of the plunger ends. In alternative embodiments, the downward and / or upward pivoting of the ribs 105 is constrained by the shape of the first rib ends 106.

[0085] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the parasol 101 comprises a slider brake 507 that constrains the movement of the slider 103. In particular, the parasol 101 comprises a first handle brake block 508, which is located near the second handle opening end 504 and constrains the movement of the slider 103 so that no contact is made between the second handle opening end 504 and the handle 1 16 when the slider 103 is in the second slider position 401 , and a second handle brake block 602, which is located near the first handle opening end 601 and constrains the movement of the slider 103 so that no contact is made between the first handle opening end 601 and the handle 1 16 when the slider 103 is in the first slider position 117. In alternative embodiments, no slider brake 507 is provided. In alternative embodiments, only the first handle brake block is present. In alternative embodiments, the slider brake 507 is not provided by brake blocks, but by a system, with or without a spring mechanism, to close automatically, such as for example a pin that fits into a hole, or a lock with a bolt that fits into a striker plate, or any other engagement mechanism known from the art. In alternative embodiments, a spring or a spring-damper combination is used as a slider brake.

[0086] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the parasol 101 further comprises a shade cloth clamp 802 for each rib 105, wherein each shade cloth clamp 802 is connected to the respective rib 105 near the first rib end 106 at the rib lower side 506, in particular the proximal side of the rib 105 with respect to the first pole end 1 10 when the canopy 102 is in the unfolded position 402. The shade cloth clamp 802 attaches the shade cloth 801 to the rib 105 by clamping the shade cloth 801 between the shade cloth clamp 802 and the respective rib 105. The shade cloth clamps are located between their respective ribs 105 and the edge of the canopy opening 502, when the canopy 102 is in the unfolded position 402. In alternative embodiments, the parasol 101 comprises no shade cloth clamp 802 for each rib 105 and / or no shade cloth clamp 802 at all. In alternative embodiments, the shade cloth clamps are not located between their respective ribs 105 and the edge of the canopy opening 502, when the canopy 102 is in the unfolded position 402. In alternative embodiments, the shade cloth clamp 802 is connected to the respective rib 105 at the rib upper side 505.

[0087] Figures 1 a and 1 b show a cross section of the first embodiment of the present invention with the canopy 102 in the folded position 1 18. Figure 1 a shows the parasol 101 in full, figure 1 b shows a close-up of the slider 103 with its crown 108. Figure 1 a shows the canopy 102, which for clarity is shown without a shade cloth and which is in the folded position 118. The ribs 105 are substantially oriented along the pole extension direction p, preferably along the pole extension direction p, and the second rib ends 107 are closer to the second pole end 1 11 than the first rib ends 106. The ribs 105 are located inside the storage space 1 12. The slider 103 is in the first slider position 1 17, the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the unlocking position 120 and the blocking element 121 is in the first blocking element position 122. Figure 1 b shows that the plunger 123 is located adjacent to the first rib ends 106 along the pole extension direction p. The hand side 127 is relatively close to the handle 1 16 and the spring 124 is relatively tensioned.

[0088] Figures 2a and 2b show a cross section of the first embodiment of the present invention wherein the slider 103 moves between the first slider position and the second slider position and is closer to the first slider position than to the second slider position. Figure 2a shows the parasol 101 in full, figure 2b shows a close-up of the slider 103 with its crown 108. Figure 2a shows the canopy 102, which for clarity is shown without a shade cloth and which moves between the folded position and the unfolded position. The ribs 105 are substantially oriented along the pole extension direction p, preferably along the pole extension direction p, and move through the canopy opening. The slider 103 is closer to the first slider position than to the second slider position, the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the unlocking position 120 and the blocking element 121 in the first blocking element position 122. Figure 2b shows that the plunger 123 is located adjacent to the first rib ends 106 along the pole extension direction p. The hand side 127 is relatively close to the handle 1 16 and the spring 124 is relatively tensioned.

[0089] Figures 3a and 3b show a cross section of the first embodiment of the present invention wherein the slider 103 moves between the first slider position and the second slider position and is closer to the second slider position than to the first slider position. Figure 3a shows the parasol 101 in full, figure 3b shows a close-up of the slider 103 with its crown 108. Figure 3a shows the canopy 102, which for clarity is shown without a shade cloth and which moves between the folded position and the unfolded position. The ribs 105 move through the canopy opening and rotate downward under the influence of gravity and under the influence of the pressure of the second plunger end against the first rib ends, or upward under the downward force of the slider 103. The slider 103 is closer to the second slider position than to the first slider position, the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 moves between the unlocking position and the locking position and the blocking element 121 moves between the first blocking element position and the second blocking element position. Figure 3b shows that the plunger 123 is located against the first rib ends 106. The hand side 127 is relatively close to the handle 1 16 and the spring 124 is relatively tensioned.

[0090] Figures 4a and 4b show a cross section of the first embodiment of the present invention with the canopy 102 in the unfolded position 402. Figure 4a shows the parasol 101 in full, figure 4b shows a close-up of the slider 103 with its crown 108. Figure 4a shows the canopy 102, which for clarity is shown without a shade cloth and which is in the unfolded position 402. The ribs 105 are oriented substantially perpendicular to the pole extension direction p, preferably perpendicular to the pole extension direction p, and the first rib ends 106 are closer to the second pole end 1 11 than the second rib ends 107. The ribs 105 are located outside of the storage space 1 12 and rest on the edge of the canopy opening. The slider 103 is in the second slider position 401 , the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the locking position 403 and the blocking element 121 is in the second blocking element position 404. Figure 4b shows that the plunger 123 is located between the first rib ends 106. The hand side 127 is located relatively far from the handle 1 16 and the spring 124 is relatively relaxed.

[0091] Figure 5 is a close-up of the second pole end 1 1 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention with the canopy in its unfolded position. The figure shows the handle 1 16 extending outward from the storage space through the handle opening 503 and allowing a user to move the slider back and forth between the first slider position and the second slider position 401 by means of the handle 116. The slider is in the second slider position 401 and the first handle brake block 508, located near the second handle opening end 504, constrains the movement of the slider so that no contact is made between the second handle opening end 504 and the handle 116. The figure also shows that plunger 123 substantially fills the plunger opening 1 13.

[0092] Figure 6 is a view of the first embodiment of the present invention wherein the slider 103 moves between the first slider position and the second slider position and is closer to the first slider position than to the second slider position. The figure shows the first handle opening end 601 and the second handle opening end 504 and the respective second handle brake block 602 and first handle brake block 508.

[0093] Figure 7 is a cross section of a slider 103 suitable for use in the first embodiment of the present invention. The figure shows the spacers 701 and the spacer projections 702, the first drainage hole 703 and the second drainage hole 704, and the plunger 123 with the first plunger end 705, the second plunger end 706 and the plunger lateral side 707. The mechanism side 708 of the lever 126 of the rib blocking mechanism control 125 is also shown.

[0094] Figure 8 is a parallel bottom view of the second pole end 1 1 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention with the canopy in its unfolded position. The figure shows the canopy in its unfolded position. Also shown are the shade cloth 801 and a shade cloth clamp 802 connected to the respective rib 105 near the respective first rib end 106 at the proximal side of the respective rib 105 with respect to the first pole end.

[0095] Figures 9 and 10 show a second embodiment of the present invention, in particular a postless parasol 101 with a traditional closure. Below, the second embodiment of the present invention will be discussed with reference to those figures, followed by a brief discussion for each figure of the different configurations or elements of the second embodiment of the present invention that are the focus of the figure in question.

[0096] In the second embodiment of the present invention, the parasol 101 comprises a canopy 102, a slider 103 and a frame 104. The canopy 102 comprises ribs 105, each rib 105 extending between a respective first rib end 106 and a respective second rib end 107, along a respective rib extension direction b. The slider 103 comprises a crown 108. The frame 104 comprises a pole 109, wherein the pole 109 extends between a first pole end 110 and a second pole end 11 1 , along a pole extension direction p. The pole 109 is cylindrical. In alternative embodiments, the pole 109 has a cross section that is different from a circular cross section in a plane perpendicular to the pole extension direction p, and the pole 109 is for example beam-, prism- or prismoid-shaped.

[0097] In the second embodiment of the present invention, the slider 103 extends between a first slider end 1 14 and a second slider end 115 along a slider extension direction s. The slider extension direction s is arranged in use to be oriented along the pole extension direction p and the first slider end 114 is arranged in use to be closer to the first pole end 1 10 than the second slider end 1 15. The crown 108 is arranged in use to be attached to the second slider end 115. The slider 103 is arranged in use to be translatable along the pole extension direction p along the pole 109 and to move back and forth between a first slider position 117 and a second slider position 401 along the pole 109 along the pole extension direction p, wherein the first slider position 1 17 is closer to the first pole end 1 10 than the second slider position 401 and the second slider position 401 is closer to the second pole end 1 1 1 than the first slider position 1 17. The slider 103 is moved between the first slider position 1 17 and the second slider position 401 by means of a wheel-and-axle 901. In alternative embodiments, the slider 103 has a handle to allow a user to move the slider 103 between the first slider position 1 17 and the second slider position 401. In alternative embodiments, the ribs 105 are arranged in use to serve as a handle 1 16 to allow the user to move the slider 103 between the first slider position 1 17 and the second slider position 401 .

[0098] In the second embodiment of the present invention, the ribs 105 are arranged in use to be rotationally coupled at the respective first rib ends 106 with the crown 108 and to pivot about a respective rib axis r, wherein every second rib end 107 is arranged in use to move up and down pivotally in a rib plane v defined by the second rib end 107 and the pole extension direction p. The ribs 105 are arranged in use to be coupled to a shade cloth, support the shade cloth and preferably also tension the shade cloth.

[0099] The canopy 102 is arranged in use to move back and forth between a folded position 1 18 and an unfolded position 402, wherein the ribs 105 rotate about their respective rib axis r, by moving the slider 103 back and forth between respectively the first slider position 1 17 and the second slider position 401. Furthermore, the canopy 102 is arranged in use to be in the folded position 1 18 when the slider 103 is in the first slider position 117 and to be in the unfolded position 402 when the slider 103 is in the second slider position 401. The ribs 105 are arranged in use to be substantially oriented along the pole extension direction p, preferably along the pole extension direction p, when the canopy 102 is in the folded position 1 18, and to be oriented substantially perpendicular to the pole extension direction p, preferably perpendicular to the pole extension direction p, when the canopy 102 is in the unfolded position 402. The ribs 105 are substantially straight, preferably straight, but may bend under their own weight or under the weight of the shade cloth due to gravity. In alternative embodiments, the ribs 105 are curved.

[0100] In the second embodiment of the present invention, the parasol 101 , in particular the pole 109, further comprises a rib blocking mechanism 1 19, having a locking position 403 and an unlocking position 120. The rib blocking mechanism 119 is arranged in use to engage the first rib ends 106 when the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the locking position 403. In particular, the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is arranged in use to cooperate with the first rib ends 106 to constrain the pivoting of the respective ribs 105, when the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the locking position 403. Furthermore, the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is arranged in use to move toward the locking position 403 when the canopy 102 is in the unfolded position 402 and the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the unlocking position 120. In alternative embodiments, the slider 103 comprises the rib blocking mechanism 119. In alternative embodiments, the user is required to move the rib blocking mechanism 119 toward the locking position 403 when the canopy 102 is in the unfolded position 402 and the rib blocking mechanism 119 is in the unlocking position 120.

[0101] In the second embodiment of the present invention, the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 comprises a blocking element 121 , having a first blocking element position 122 and a second blocking element position 404, wherein the blocking element 121 is in a first blocking element position 122 when the rib blocking mechanism 119 is in the unlocking position 120 and wherein the blocking element 121 is in a second blocking element position 404 when the rib blocking mechanism 119 is in the locking position 403. The blocking element 121 is arranged in use to be positioned against, in particular between, the first rib ends 106 when the canopy 102 is unfolded and the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the locking position 403. In alternative embodiments, the blocking element 121 is located against, but not between the first rib ends 106 when the canopy 102 is unfolded and the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the locking position 403, for example above or below the first rib ends 106. The blocking element 121 is arranged in use to have a different shape in the first blocking element position 122 than in the second blocking element position 404. This is because it extends in the second blocking element position 404 when compared to the first blocking element position 122, by being filled with oil by means of an electrically driven pump. In alternative embodiments, the changing shape between the first blocking element position 122 and the second blocking element position 404 can be complemented with, or replaced by, a translational and / or rotational motion of the blocking element 121 between the first blocking element position 122 and the second blocking element position 404. In alternative embodiments, the blocking element 121 changes shape using a different technique known from the art, such as for example by elastic deformation. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 also comprises a rib blocking mechanism control 125, arranged in use to move the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 back and forth between the locking position 403 and the unlocking position 120. The rib blocking mechanism control 125 is located inside the pole 109 and comprises a button 902. The rib blocking mechanism 119 and the rib blocking mechanism control 125 are arranged in use to be electrically coupled through a wired connection.

[0102] The first rib ends 106 have a shape configured in use to let the first rib ends 106 come up against the blocking element 121 while pivoting and to constrain the downward pivoting of the respective rib 105 when the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the locking position 403.

[0103] Figure 9 is a view of the second embodiment of the present invention with the canopy 102 in the folded position 1 18. The figure shows the canopy 102, which for clarity is shown without a shade cloth and which is in the folded position 118. The ribs 105 are substantially oriented along the pole extension direction p, preferably along the pole extension direction p. The slider 103 is in the first slider position 1 17, the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the unlocking position 120 and the blocking element 121 is in the first blocking element position 122. The button and the wheel-and-axle 901 are located inside the pole 109.

[0104] Figure 10 is a view of the second embodiment of the present invention with the canopy 102 in the unfolded position 402. The figure shows the canopy 102, which for clarity is shown without a shade cloth and which is in the unfolded position 402. The ribs 105 are oriented substantially perpendicular to the pole extension direction p, preferably perpendicular to the pole extension direction p. The slider 103 is in the second slider position 401 , the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the locking position 403 and the blocking element 121 is in the second blocking element position 404, filled with oil. The button 902 and the wheel-and-axle 901 are located inside the pole 109. A third embodiment of the present invention comprises a use of a parasol 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is illustrated by the figures 1 a to 4a. The use comprises the following steps when opening the parasol 101 :

[0105] - The canopy 102 is in the folded position 118, the slider 103 is in the first slider position 117 and the blocking element 121 is in the first blocking element position 122.

[0106] - The slider 103 moves from the first slider position 117 toward the second slider position 401. The blocking element 121 starts moving from the first blocking element position 122 toward the second blocking element position 404.

[0107] - When the slider 103 nears the second slider position 401 , the ribs 105 pivot downward under the influence of gravity and under the influence of the pressure of the second plunger end against the first rib ends.

[0108] - When the slider 103 arrives in the second slider position 401 and the canopy 102 is in its unfolded position 402, the blocking element 121 moves toward the second blocking element position 404.

[0109] A fourth embodiment of the present invention comprises a use of a parasol 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is illustrated by the figures 1 a to 4a. The use comprises the following steps when closing the parasol 101 :

[0110] - The canopy 102 is in the unfolded position 402, the slider 103 is in the second slider position 401 and the blocking element 121 is in the second blocking element position 404.

[0111] - The hand side 127 of the lever 126 moves toward the handle 116, causing the blocking element 121 to move toward the first blocking element position 122.

[0112] - The slider 103 moves from the second slider position 401 toward the first slider position 117. - The ribs 105 pivot upward under the influence of the force exerted on the slider 103 during the movement of the second slider position 401 toward the first slider position 1 17.

[0113] - The slider 103 arrives in the first slider position 1 17 and the canopy 102 is in the folded position 1 18.

[0114] Figures 11 a to 15b show a slider of a parasol according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in particular an inversely-closing parasol and internal storage space. The fifth embodiment of the present invention has many features in common with the first embodiment of the present invention and differs mainly in rib blocking mechanism and rib blocking mechanism control. Below, the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be discussed with reference to figures 1 1 a to 15b, followed by a brief discussion of the specific configuration for each figure. For a description of the features of the fifth embodiment of the present invention not explained for these figures, see the description of the first embodiment. In the figures 11 a to 15b some of the common features are indicated with the reference numbers from figures 1 a to 8 for clarity.

[0115] In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the parasol 101 comprises a canopy 102 including ribs 105, a shade cloth 801 and shade cloth clamps 802, a slider 103 and a frame 104 including a pole 109. These elements are, with the exception of the slider, similar to those of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the parasol 101 , in particular the slider 103, which has features in common with the slider of the first embodiment of the present invention, further comprises a rib blocking mechanism 1 19, having a locking position 403 and an unlocking position 120. The rib blocking mechanism 1 19 engages the first rib ends 106 when the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the locking position 403. In particular, the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 cooperates with the first rib ends 106 to constrain the pivoting of the respective ribs 105, when the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the locking position 403. The rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the unlocking position 120, when the slider 103 moves back and forth between the first slider position 1 17 and the second slider position 401. Furthermore, the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 moves toward the locking position 403 when the canopy moves from the folded position 118 to the unfolded position 402.

[0117] The rib blocking mechanism 1 19 comprises a blocking element 121 , having a first blocking element position 122 and a second blocking element position 404, wherein the blocking element 121 is in the first blocking element position 122 when the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the unlocking position 120 and wherein the blocking element 121 is in the second blocking element position 404 when the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the locking position 403. The blocking element 121 is located against, in particular between, the first rib ends 106 when the canopy 102 is unfolded and the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the locking position 403. The blocking element 121 moves back and forth between the first blocking element position 122 and the second blocking element position 404, according to a translational motion.

[0118] The blocking element 121 comprises a cylindrical plunger 123, which comprises a first plunger end 705, a second plunger end 706 and a plunger lateral side 707, wherein the plunger 123 extends between the first plunger end 705 and the second plunger end 706 in a plunger extension direction z, and the plunger lateral side 707 connects the first plunger end 705 and the second plunger end 706 to each other. The plunger extension direction z is oriented along the pole extension direction p, and the first and second plunger end 706 are geometrically similar in shape to the cross section in a plane perpendicular to the pole extension direction p of the plunger opening 113 in the crown 108. The plunger has a conical protrusion 1 101 on the second plunger end 706. The plunger 123 is arranged in use to move back and forth through the plunger opening 113 between the first blocking element position 122 and the second blocking element position 404 along the pole extension direction p. The plunger 123 substantially fills the plunger opening 113, when the plunger 123 moves back and forth through the plunger opening 1 13 and is in the second blocking element position 404. The plunger 123 is located along the pole extension direction p adjacent to the first rib ends 106 when the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the unlocking position 120. When the blocking element 121 of the first blocking element position 122 moves toward the second blocking element position 404, the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 pushes the conical protrusion 1101 on the second plunger end 706 against the first rib ends 106.

[0119] The rib blocking mechanism 1 19 further comprises a spring 124, as in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the slider 103, in particular the rib blocking mechanism 119, also comprises a rib blocking mechanism control 125 arranged in use to move the rib blocking mechanism 119 back and forth between the locking position 403 and the unlocking position 120, in particular to move the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 from the locking position 403 toward the unlocking position 120. The slider 103, in particular the rib blocking mechanism control 125, further comprises a handle 116. The handle 116 extends outward from the storage space 112 through the handle opening 503 and is arranged in use to allow a user to move the slider 103 back and forth between the first slider position 117 and the second slider position 401 by means of the handle 1 16. The handle 1 16 has a hand side 127 arranged in use to be grasped by a user using a hand, and a mechanism side 708. The handle 1 16 at the mechanism side 708 comprises a handle brake block pawl 1 102. The handle brake block pawl 1 102 is a protrusion of the handle 116 located between the mechanism side of the handle 1 16 and the pole 109. The handle 1 16 is rotationally coupled to the rib blocking mechanism 125 at the mechanism side 708 and is arranged in use to move back and forth rotationally between a first handle position 1 103 and a second handle position 1501 . In the first handle position 1103, the hand side 127 of the handle 1 16 is closer to the second pole end 11 1 than the mechanism side 708. The handle 1 16 moves the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 toward the unlocking position 120 and moves the blocking element 121 , in particular the plunger 123, toward the first blocking element position 122, when the handle 1 16 moves from the first handle position 1103 toward the second handle position 1501 . Furthermore, the handle 1 16 tensions the spring 124 when the handle 1 16 moves from the first handle position 1 103 toward the second handle position 1501.

[0121] The rib blocking mechanism 1 19 moves toward the locking position 403 when the canopy 102 is in the unfolded position 402, the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the unlocking position 120 and the handle 1 16 is in the first handle position 1 103.

[0122] The parasol 101 comprises a slider brake 507 that constrains the movement of the slider 103. In particular, the parasol 101 comprises a first handle brake block 508, near the second handle opening end 504, that constrains the movement of the slider 103 so that no contact is made between the second handle opening end 504 and the handle 1 16 when the slider 103 is in the second slider position 401. The parasol 101 further comprises a second handle brake block 602, near the first handle opening end 601 , that constrains the movement of the slider 103 so that no contact is made between the first handle opening end 601 and the handle 1 16 when the slider 103 is in the first slider position 1 17. The first handle brake block 508 comprises a handle brake block lip 1 104. The handle brake block lip 1104 lets the handle brake block pawl 1 102 pass when the handle brake block pawl 1 102 exerts a force on the handle brake block lip 1 104 in a first direction, and blocks the handle brake block pawl 1 102 when the handle brake block pawl 1 102 exerts a force on the handle brake block lip 1 104 in a second direction, opposite to the first direction. The handle brake block lip 1104 cooperates with the handle brake block pawl 1 102 to maintain the slider 103 in the second slider position 401 when the slider 103 is in the second slider position 401 and the handle 1 16 is in the first handle position 1103. When the slider moves from the first slider position 117 toward the second slider position 401 and the handle 1 16 is in the first handle position 1103, the handle brake block pawl 1 102 moves over the handle brake block lip 1 104. The handle brake block lip 1 104 then lets the handle brake block pawl 1 102 pass.

[0123] Figures 11 a and 1 1 b show a cross section of the slider of a parasol according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention with the canopy in its folded position. Figure 1 1 a shows a side view, figure 1 1 b shows a rear view. The canopy 102 is shown without shade cloth for clarity and is in the folded position. The ribs 105 are substantially oriented along the pole extension direction p, preferably along the pole extension direction p, and the second rib ends are closer to the second pole end than the first rib ends 106. The ribs 105 are located inside the storage space 1 12. The slider 103 is in the first slider position, the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the unlocking position 120 and the blocking element 121 is in the first blocking element position 122. The plunger 123 is located adjacent to the first rib ends 106 along the pole extension direction p. The handle 1 16 is in the first handle position 1 103. The spring 124 is relatively tensioned.

[0124] Figures 12a and 12b show a cross section of the slider of a parasol according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention wherein the slider moves from the first slider position to the second slider position and is closer to the second slider position than to the first slider position. Figure 12a shows a side view, figure 12b shows a rear view. The canopy 102, which for clarity is shown without a shade cloth, moves from the folded position toward the unfolded position. The ribs 105 move through the canopy opening and rotate downward under the influence of gravity and under the influence of the pressure of the conical protrusion 1 101 on the second plunger end 706 against the first rib ends 106. The slider 103 is closer to the second slider position than to the first slider position, the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 moves between the unlocking position and the locking position and the blocking element 121 moves between the first blocking element position and the second blocking element position. The plunger 123 is located against the first rib ends 106. The handle 1 16 is in the first handle position 1 103. The spring 124 is relatively tensioned.

[0125] Figures 13a and 13b show a cross section of the slider of a parasol according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention with the canopy moving from the folded position toward the unfolded position. Figure 13a shows a side view, figure 13b shows a rear view. The canopy 102, which for clarity is shown without a shade cloth, moves from the folded position toward the unfolded position. The ribs 105 are located outside of the storage space 1 12 and rotate downward under the influence of gravity and under the influence of the pressure of the conical protrusion 1 101 on the second plunger end 706 against the first rib ends 106. The slider 103 is in the second slider position 401 , the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 moves between the unlocking position and the locking position and the blocking element 121 moves between the first blocking element position and the second blocking element position. The plunger 123 is located against the first rib ends 106. The handle 1 16 is in the first handle position 1 103. The handle brake block pawl 1 102 is located between the second pole end 11 1 and the handle brake block lip 1 104, and the handle brake block lip 1 104 cooperates with the handle brake block pawl 1 102 to maintain the slider 103 in the second slider position 401 . The spring 124 is relatively relaxed.

[0126] Figures 14a and 14b show a cross section of the slider of a parasol according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention with the canopy in the unfolded position. Figure 14a shows a side view, figure 14b shows a rear view. The canopy 102, which for clarity is shown without a shade cloth, is in the unfolded position 402. The ribs 105 are oriented substantially perpendicular to the pole extension direction p, preferably perpendicular to the pole extension direction p, and the first rib ends 106 are closer to the second pole end 11 1 than the second rib ends. The ribs 105 are located outside of the storage space 1 12 and rest on the edge of the canopy opening. The slider 103 is in the second slider position 401 , the rib blocking mechanism 119 is in the locking position 403 and the blocking element 121 is in the second blocking element position 404. The plunger 123 is located between the first rib ends 106. The handle 1 16 is in the first handle position 1103. The handle brake block pawl 1102 is located between the second pole end 1 1 1 and the handle brake block lip 1 104. The spring 124 is relatively relaxed. The rib blocking mechanism 1 19 engages the first rib ends 106 and cooperates with the first rib ends 106 to constrain the pivoting of the respective ribs 105.

[0127] Figures 15a and 15b show a cross section of the slider of a parasol according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention with the canopy in the unfolded position and the handle in the second handle position. Figure 15a shows a side view, figure 15b shows a rear view. The canopy 102, which for clarity is shown without a shade cloth, is in the unfolded position 402. The ribs 105 are oriented substantially perpendicular to the pole extension direction p, preferably perpendicular to the pole extension direction p, and the first rib ends 106 are closer to the second pole end 1 11 than the second rib ends. The ribs 105 are located outside of the storage space 1 12 and rest on the edge of the canopy opening. The slider 103 is in the second slider position 401 , the rib blocking mechanism 1 19 is in the unlocking position 120 and the blocking element 121 is in the first blocking element position 122. The plunger 123 is located along the pole extension direction p adjacent to the first rib ends 106. The handle 1 16 is in the second handle position 1501 . The handle brake block pawl 1 102 is located between the first pole end and the handle brake block lip 1 104. The spring 124 is relatively tensioned.

[0128] A sixth embodiment of the present invention comprises a use of a parasol 101 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. It is illustrated by the figures 1 1 a to 14a. The use comprises the following steps when opening the parasol 101 :

[0129] - The canopy 102 is in the folded position 1 18, the slider 103 is in the first slider position 1 17 and the blocking element 121 is in the first blocking element position 122. The handle 1 16 is in the first handle position 1 103.

[0130] - The slider 103 moves from the first slider position 1 17 toward the second slider position 401. The blocking element 121 starts moving from the first blocking element position 122 toward the second blocking element position 404.

[0131] - When the slider 103 nears the second slider position 401 , the ribs 105 pivot downward under the influence of gravity and under the influence of the pressure of the conical protrusion 1101 on the second plunger end against the first rib ends 106.

[0132] - When the slider 103 arrives in the second slider position 401 , the handle brake block pawl 1 102 is located between the second pole end 1 1 1 and the handle brake block lip 1 104, and the handle brake block lip 1 104 cooperates with the handle brake block pawl 1 102 to maintain the slider 103 in the second slider position 401 . The ribs 105 bend downward under the influence of gravity and under the influence of the pressure of the conical protrusion 1 101 on the second plunger end against the first rib ends.

[0133] - When the canopy 102 is in its unfolded position 402, the blocking element 121 moves toward the second blocking element position 404.

[0134] A seventh embodiment of the present invention comprises a use of a parasol 101 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. It is illustrated by the figures 14a, 15a and 1 1 a. The use comprises the following steps when closing the parasol 101 :

[0135] - The canopy 102 is in the unfolded position 402, the slider 103 is in the second slider position 401 and the blocking element 121 is in the second blocking element position 404. The handle 1 16 is in the first handle position 1 103 and the handle brake block pawl 1 102 is between the second pole end 1 1 1 and the handle brake block lip 1104. - The handle 116 turns from the first handle position 1103 toward the second handle position 1501 , causing the blocking element 121 to move toward the first blocking element position 122 and the handle brake block pawl 1102 to move around the handle brake block lip to end up between the second pole end 111 and the handle brake block lip 1104.

[0136] - The slider 103 moves with the handle 116 in the second handle position 1501 from the second slider position 401 toward the first slider position 117. - The ribs 105 pivot upward under the influence of the force exerted on the slider 103 during the movement of the second slider position 401 toward the first slider position 117.

[0137] - The slider 103 arrives in the first slider position 117 and the canopy 102 is in the folded position 118. - The handle 116 turns from the second handle position 1501 toward the first handle position 1103.

Claims

Claims1 . A parasol (101 ) for creating shade, comprising- a canopy (102), wherein the canopy comprises ribs (105), each rib (105) extending between a respective first rib end (106) and a respective second rib end (107), along a respective rib extension direction (b),- a slider (103), wherein the slider comprises a crown (108),- a frame (104), wherein the frame comprises a pole (109), the pole extending between a first pole end (1 10) and a second pole end (1 1 1 ), along a pole extension direction (p),- wherein the ribs are arranged to be rotationally coupled to the crown at the respective first rib ends (106) in use, each rib pivoting around a respective rib axis (r),- wherein the slider is arranged in use to move back and forth between a first slider position (1 17) and a second slider position (401 ) along the pole along the pole extension direction,- wherein the first slider position is closer to the first pole end than the second slider position, and the second slider position is closer to the second pole end than the first slider position,- wherein the canopy is arranged in use to move back and forth between a folded position (1 18) and an unfolded position (402), wherein the ribs rotate about their respective rib axis, by moving the slider back and forth between the first slider position and the second slider position, respectively,- wherein the canopy is arranged in use to be in the folded position when the slider is in the first slider position,- wherein the canopy is arranged in use to be in the unfolded position when the slider is in the second slider position, characterized in that- the parasol comprises a rib blocking mechanism (1 19),- the rib blocking mechanism has a locking position (403) and anunlocking position (120),- wherein the rib blocking mechanism is arranged in use to engage the first rib ends when the rib blocking mechanism is in the locking position.

2. The parasol according to the previous claim, wherein the rib blocking mechanism is arranged in use to cooperate with the first rib ends to constrain the pivoting of the respective ribs, when the rib blocking mechanism is in the locking position.

3. The parasol according to any of the previous claims, wherein the rib blocking mechanism comprises a blocking element (121 ), wherein the blocking element has a first blocking element position (122) and a second blocking element position (404), wherein the blocking element is in a first blocking element position when the rib blocking mechanism is in the unlocking position and wherein the blocking element is in a second blocking element position when the rib blocking mechanism is in the locking position.

4. The parasol according to the previous claim, wherein the blocking element is arranged in use to be positioned against the first rib ends when the canopy is unfolded and the rib blocking mechanism is in the locking position.

5. The parasol according to any of the claims 3 to 4, wherein the blocking element is arranged in use to be positioned between the first rib ends when the canopy is unfolded and the rib blocking mechanism is in the locking position.

6. The parasol according to any of the previous claims, wherein the rib blocking mechanism is arranged in use to move toward the locking position when the canopy moves from the folded position to the unfolded position.

7. The parasol according to any of the previous claims, wherein the rib blocking mechanism is arranged in use to move toward the locking position when the canopy is in the unfolded position and the ribblocking mechanism is in the unlocking position.

8. The parasol according to any of the previous claims, wherein the rib blocking mechanism comprises a rib blocking mechanism control (125), arranged in use to move the rib blocking mechanism back and forth between the locking position and the unlocking position.

9. The parasol according to any of the previous claims, wherein the first rib ends have a shape configured in use to constrain the pivoting of the respective rib when the rib blocking mechanism is in the locking position.

10. The parasol according to the previous claim, at least when combined with claim 3, wherein the first rib ends have a shape configured in use to come up against the blocking element while pivoting, thus constraining the pivoting of the respective rib, when the blocking element is in the second blocking element position.11 . The parasol according to any of the previous claims, wherein- every second rib end is arranged in use to move up and down pivotally in a rib plane (v) defined by the second rib end and the pole extension direction,- the ribs are arranged in use to be oriented substantially along the pole extension direction when the canopy is in the folded position,- the ribs are arranged in use to be oriented substantially perpendicular to the pole extension direction when the canopy is in the unfolded position,- the second rib ends (107) are arranged in use to be closer to the second pole end than the first rib ends when the canopy is in the folded position,- the first rib ends are arranged in use to be closer to the second pole end than the second rib ends when the canopy is in the unfolded position.

12. The parasol according to the previous claim, wherein- a storage space (1 12) is provided inside the pole for storing thecanopy- the pole comprises a canopy opening (501 ) in the second pole end providing access to the storage space,- the edge of the canopy opening (502) forms the connection between the storage space and the second pole end,- the slider extends between a first slider end (114) and a second slider end (115) along a slider extension direction (s),- the slider extension direction is arranged in use to be oriented along the pole extension direction,- the first slider end is arranged in use to be closer to the first pole end than the second slider end,- the slider is configured in use to be arranged in the storage space so as to be translatable along the pole extension direction,- the ribs are arranged in use to move through the canopy opening when the slider moves back and forth between the first slider position and the second slider position,- the ribs are arranged in use to be located for the most part inside the storage space when the slider is in the first slider position,- the ribs are arranged in use to be located outside the storage space when the slider is in the second slider position.

13. The parasol according to the previous claim wherein- the blocking element comprises a plunger (123),- the crown comprises a plunger opening (113),- the plunger is arranged in use to move back and forth through the plunger opening when the blocking element moves between the first blocking element position and the second blocking element position.

14. The parasol according to the previous claim, wherein the plunger comprises a first plunger end (705), a second plunger end (706) and a plunger lateral side (707), wherein the plunger extends between the first plunger end and the second plunger end in a plungerextension direction (z) and the plunger lateral side connects the first plunger end and the second plunger end to each other, and wherein the rib blocking mechanism is arranged in use to push the second plunger end against the first rib ends when the blocking element moves from the first blocking element position to the second blocking element position and the first rib ends have a shape configured in use to convert a pressure of the second plunger end against the first rib ends to a downward pivoting movement of the ribs.

15. The parasol according to the previous claim, wherein the first rib ends have a shape configured in use to come up against the plunger lateral side while pivoting when the blocking element is in the second blocking element position, thus constraining the upward pivoting of the rib.

16. The parasol according to any of the claims 12 to 14, at least when combined with claim 8, wherein- the slider comprises a handle (1 16),- the pole comprises a handle opening (503),- the handle opening provides access to the storage space,- the handle opening extends in the pole extension direction between a first handle opening end (601 ) and a second handle opening end (504),- the handle is arranged in use to extend out of the storage space through the handle opening and allow a user to move the slider back and forth using the handle between the first slider position and the second slider position.- the handle comprises the rib blocking mechanism control.

17. A use of a parasol according to any of the previous claims.

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