Patio Umbrella Anatomy
While anyone can recognize a patio umbrella when they see one, few really know what each part is or what it should be called. This makes it difficult to delve into different reviews or literature. If you can’t understand just what the reviewer or salesperson is talking about, it’s hard to know whether or not they’re describing something important. Many of these terms are critical for providing key functionality. Here’s a breakdown of just what is what in your patio umbrella, from the base on up.
The Base or Stand
The base isn’t generally directly connected to the umbrella itself, but is still a vital component of patio umbrellas. The base is necessary because it ensures that the umbrella stays in its position without falling over due to its own weight or a stiff breeze. The specific base you need depends on just how big the umbrella is and whether or not its part of a table set.
The Pole
The pole is the central shaft that comes up from the base and holds the canopy. There’s many choices out there, some of them practical and some of them merely aesthetic. Round poles seem to dominate the market, but if you look hard enough, you may be able to find a good square one. The pole is typically made of either wood or aluminum and can have different finishes. Poles can be referred to as either offset or central, depending on the type of patio umbrella you have.
The Crank
Many patio umbrellas use a crank in order to open it. This is quite common especially on aluminum styles. For wooden umbrellas, it’s often to find a rope and pulley in place of the crank, although it has the same function. The crank is found about half way up the standard patio umbrella, although other styles have been known to exist.
The Tilt
The tilt is found at the top of the umbrella right under the hub and runner. It’s role is pretty self explanatory, but the exact way that it accomplishes tilt will vary from umbrella to umbrella. Common styles include auto tilt, collar tilt, and push-button tilt.
The Hub and Runner
This is where the ribs of the umbrella attach to the pole. The hub is basically a moving piece which makes sure that the ribs don’t come unattached as the umbrella is opened or closed. The runner is the device which pushes the hub up when the patio umbrella is opened, and down when it’s closed.
The Ribs
The ribs are what gives the patio umbrella its shape. They hold the cover up to the canopy. Usually, the ribs are made of the same material as the pole. In the case of wooden ribs, the joints are typically made with metal to ensure better longevity. Center ribs hold the canopy to the hub and runner, while outside ribs are what determine the precise size and shape of the umbrella.
The Wind Vents
These are the little openings at the top of the umbrella which let air flow in and out. The reason for this is that hot air rises, and you don’t want hot air to get trapped in the umbrella. Without a wind vent, there’d be no purpose in coming under a patio umbrella to get out of the heat. Additionally, wind vents ensure that strong gusts of wind don’t carry your umbrella away. There are a few distinctly different styles in wind vents, but all of them share these basic purposes.
The Canopy
The canopy refers to the umbrella part of the patio umbrella. It’s a general term that describes the umbrella fabric. It encompasses the wind vents and any rib pockets.
The Finial
The finial is, simply put, the ornamental top of the patio umbrella. This has no real practical purpose, and is generally added for the decoration.
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I really do think that the best feature they came up with is the tilt with all the convenient angles.
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