Umbrella assembly structured for use in high wind conditions

Abstract

An umbrella frame structured for use in a strong wind conditions such as those conditions frequently encountered on a boat traveling at relatively high speeds. An umbrella frame assembly includes a reinforcing assembly connected thereto in a supportive, operative orientation thereby providing a stable support for an umbrella canopy which can remain open even during travel of the boat. The frame assembly can be modified to support canopies of varying shapes and sizes and the frame assembly can be easily removed, for storage purposes, from a supporting base which may be mounted on or connected to a boat.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to an umbrella assembly structured for use in a strong wind environment such as, but not limited to, the conditions frequently encountered on a moving boat or like marine craft. The frame of the umbrella assembly includes a reinforcing assembly disposed and structured to provide increased structural integrity sufficient to resist forces to which the umbrella assembly may be subjected when the marine craft is traveling at relatively high speeds. Adaptive structuring of the frame assembly facilitates the selective positioning thereof in either the substantially conventional open or closed orientations, even when the water craft is moving.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] All types of are boats or other marine craft are of course structured, for travel on bodies of water where there are no trees or other natural structures to provide shade. Given the heat and other harsh effects of the sun, there is a clear and frequent need to provide some shade or other protection to the boat occupants. As such, larger boats whether sailboats, cruisers, yachts, etc. are typically formed to have one or more cabins or other interior areas. Smaller pleasure boats, on the other hand, must often rely on lightweight sometimes foldable shade structures, sometimes referred to as “bimini tops”, which can be difficult to maneuver and/or somewhat flimsy.

[0006] For example, many smaller boats suitable for water skiing and cruising are provided with a main seating area protected by a windshield typically located on a forward portion, of the craft. In addition, these types of boats often include a foldable shade structure having movable poles that are removably connected to opposite sides of the boat, near the windshield's outer edges. The poles normally span the width of the boat and include a fabric canopy or like structure attached thereto to provide shade. While apparently functional for numerous applications, this type of shade structure is not readily adaptable for use on a significant number of boats such as, but not limited to a marine craft known as an “open fisherman”. This is at least partially due the placement of the poles interfering with movement of the boat's occupants while fishing, or other situations requiring a need to travel freely about the periphery of the boat. In order to overcome problems of this type “open fisherman” and similarly designed marine craft typically include a centrally located steering and/or console area with a pair of closely spaced, fixed and rigid upstanding posts. A fixed awning or canopy structure is attached to and spans the distance between the posts' upper ends to provide shade. This type of structure allows for a clear path of travel about the boat's periphery including along the port and starboard sides.

[0007] While these types of fixed shade structures are quite common and accepted, there are obvious and long recognized disadvantages or inconveniences associated therewith. For instance, there are times while fishing in certain environments, such as in shallow waters, when it is desirable to not have any shade structure so as to allow for better maneuverability and/or visibility. Of course, those situations may be temporary or relatively short in duration, particularly if the day is hot and sunny, when it is soon desirable to have some shade readily available. As another example, because many known shade structures, such as the types set forth above, are fixed, there is no practical way to adjust the amount and or position of available shade created by these structures. Therefore, there is little one can do to protect against the sun's rays at various times. Also, it can be difficult to clean the awning and/or canopy on these types of rigid shade structures. These and other inconveniences associated with conventional shade structures used on the “open fisherman” type of boats, frequently lessen the enjoyment one would normally expect while using such craft. With regard to a totally distinct field of art, namely, that relating to umbrellas, it is known to use large, upstanding, outdoor umbrellas at restaurants, bars, hotels, and other places that offer outdoor seating so as to shield people from the sun, as well as from other elements of nature, such as wind, light rain, etc. While these types of outdoor umbrellas are designed to endure many relatively harsh outdoor conditions, they are typically not structured to overcome more extreme conditions including, but not limited to substantially constant and/or strong wind conditions frequently associated with open bodies of water. Also, many umbrellas known in the art do not allow for any adjustment in terms of increasing or decreasing the amount of shade being cast by the canopy of the umbrella.

[0008] It is believed by the inventor herein that there has never been a successful effort to develop a shade structure capable of being used on boats or other marine craft which has the efficiency, operational versatility and convenience offered by umbrellas. Of course, if any such improved shade structure were provided for use on boats, the high wind and other conditions unique to boating would have to be addressed. Such conditions should also include anchoring and support requirements sufficient to withstand the rocking motion and/or other movement of the boat as well as prolonged exposure to the sun's rays. Other features associated with such an improved shade structure should preferably include ease of positioning into and out of an operable and/or stored orientation, whenever desired, whether for certain fishing conditions, cleaning, repair, etc. Further, an improved shade structure especially, but not exclusively, of the type capable of being used on an “open fisherman” type of boat, should be structured to permit free travel about the periphery of the boat. Finally, such an improved shade structure should also be ideally capable of at least some adjustment to provide shade against the sun's rays at various times of the day.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is intended to present a solution to some of the problems in this field of art, and as such, relates to an umbrella frame structured for use under strong wind conditions of the type frequently, but not exclusively, encountered on boats or other marine craft. More in particular, the present invention comprises, in at least one embodiment, a frame assembly including an elongated support pole generally terminating in a bottom end and a top end. The bottom end is structured for attachment to any one of a plurality of different bas structures so as to be supported thereby, wherein the base is capable of being mounted or connected to a marine craft.

[0010] In addition, one or more preferred embodiments of the umbrella assembly of the present invention include the frame assembly having a plurality of ribs movably connected to the support pole by means of a hub assembly, wherein the ribs are disposed and structured to support a canopy thereon. The frame assembly also includes a plurality of struts movably connected to the support pole by virtue of the aforementioned hub assembly and also connected to the plurality of ribs. In somewhat conventional fashion the plurality of ribs and hubs are collectively structured to allow selective orientation of the frame assembly, as well as the shade producing canopy suported thereon, between an open, outwardly extended position and a closed, substantially collapsed position.

[0011] As set forth above, a primary object of the umbrella assembly of the present invention is to be effectively operable under relatively unusual conditions such as, but not limited to, strong wind conditions which may be continuously encountered on a marine craft while the marine craft is traveling, even at relatively high speeds. Accordingly, the umbrella assembly of the present invention further comprises a reinforcing assembly connected to the frame and more specifically structured and disposed in a supporting orientation relative to the plurality of ribs and the plurality of struts. Moreover, the reinforcing assembly includes at least one but more practically a plurality of auxiliary struts. Each of the auxiliary struts are strategically disposed and structured to significantly increase the structural integrity of the frame assembly specifically and the umbrella assembly generally. The umbrella assembly is thereby sufficiently reinforced to withstand the high wind conditions in a boating or marine craft environment, as well as in a variety of other environments which may encounter strong winds or other extreme conditions.

[0012] The dimension and configuration of the umbrella assembly, specifically including the frame assembly, as well as its various structural and operational components, may vary greatly dependent at least in part on the marine craft on which it is mounted. By way of example only, at least one embodiment of the umbrella assembly of the present invention is structurally adaptable for use on an “open fisherman” type of boat, wherein the efficient creation of shade as well as the freedom of movement of the occupants about the boat are significant considerations. However, it is emphasized that the umbrella assembly of the present invention is not intended to be limited for use on an “open fisherman” type of marine craft. To the contrary, with little or no structural modification other than variation in the dimension or configuration, various embodiments of the umbrella assembly of the present invention can be used on any of a variety of marine craft or on land where strong winds and other relatively extreme environmental conditions are encountered.

[0013] Increased versatility of the umbrella assembly of the present invention is further demonstrated by the provision of a canopy having a variety of different sizes and shapes and which may be supported by the frame assembly in a selectively movable and adjustable manner. This latter feature facilitates the creation of an adequate amount of shade for a variety of different boating or other environments as well as the ability to adjust the shaded area on a marine craft depending upon the orientation of the craft itself as well as the position of the sun in the sky. At the same time, the plurality of ribs as well as other operative components of the frame assembly may be cooperatively disposed and structured to orient the canopy, when the frame assembly is in an open position, into a substantially “zero horizon” or outwardly extending, flat orientation. Such a preferred orientation of the canopy will reduce exposure of the canopy and minimize wind resistence when subjected to strong wind conditions. This feature will facilitate use of the umbrella assembly, even when the marine craft on which it is mounted is traveling at speeds of up to 50 m.p.h.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of an umbrella assembly of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 1-A is a perspective view in partial cutaway of a preferred embodiment of the umbrella assembly of the present mounted on a marine craft.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a front view in partial phantom and section of a potion of one embodiment of a frame assembly of the umbrella assembly of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view in exploded form of a hub assembly associated with at least one embodiment of the frame assembly of the present invention.

[0019] FIGS. 4 and 5 are front and side cutaway views respectively, of an assembled hub assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a partial, cutaway and perspective view of correspondingly positioned and interconnect strut and a rib members of the frame assembly of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 6A is a detailed view of a pull pin connector associated with the interconnecting means illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a detailed side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 wherein a portion of the frame assembly includes a reinforcing assembly including auxiliary strut members disposed in an operative, supporting orientation.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a detailed front view of the embodiment of FIG. 7 with the auxiliary strut members disposed in an at least partially disconnected orientation.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a partial bottom view of the frame assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, including the rib and strut members associated the support of a canopy.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a top view in partial phantom of one of a plurality of configurations which the canopy may assume utilizing a different embodiment of the frame assembly of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of yet another embodiment demonstrating one of a plurality of shapes the canopy may assume utilizing another different embodiment of frame assembly of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of yet another embodiment demonstrating one of a plurality of shapes the canopy may assume utilizing yet another embodiment of the frame assembly of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 13 is yet a top plan view of another embodiment demonstrating one of a plurality of shapes the canopy may assume utilizing yet another embodiment of the frame assembly of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION-OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] The present invention is directed to an umbrella assembly generally indicated as 10 and comprising a frame assembly shown in detail in FIGS. 2 through 8 of the accompanying drawings. As will be more fully explained, the frame assembly and the various operative components associated therewith are specifically structured to support an umbrella canopy 20 and facilitate its opening and closing. More specifically, the umbrella assembly 10 includes a elongated support pole 12 which is normally, but not exclusively, operatively disposed in a substantially upright and/or vertical orientation when the frame assembly is an open position as demonstrated in FIGS. 1, 1-A and partially in FIG. 2. The lower end of the support pole 12 is secured to a base generally indicated as 14, 14′ in FIGS. 1 and 1A. The base 14, 14′ may assume any of a variety of different structures and/or configurations capable of supporting the pole 12 and the remainder of the frame assembly in a stable manner, especially when in an operative position as demonstrated.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1A, to be described in greater detail hereinafter, the base 14′ is structured to be mounted on or attached to a marine craft 15 so as to facilitate the mounting, operation and use of the umbrella assembly 10 on the craft 13, even when the craft is traveling at relatively high speeds. Also a preferred embodiment of the base 14, 14′ is structured to removably support the pole 12 thereby allowing the frame assembly to be removed therefrom, such as when the umbrella assembly 10 is intended to be stored or removed for cleaning, repair, etc. As such, the base 14, 14′ may assume any of a variety of different structures, dimensions and configurations, any one of which may be adapted to be mounted on or connected to a predetermined portion of the boat 15, dependent on the intended application of the umbrella assembly 10. Moreover, the specific structural features of the base 14′ will vary dependant upon the intended location of the umbrella assembly 10 on the boat 13 and also on the type of boat or marine craft on which the umbrella assembly 10 is intended to be used.

[0031] While the present invention is not specifically limited to a particular type of boat, one embodiment of the umbrella assembly 10 is especially well suited for use on a type of boat commonly known as an “open-fisherman.” This type of boat is typically provided with a centrally located steering or console area about which the occupants of the boat are free to move so as to perform various activities including, but not limited to fishing. Therefore and by way of example, the location the umbrella assembly 10, as at least partially demonstrated in FIG. 1A, will provide a significant amount of shade to the deck area of the boat 15 and the occupants thereon. Concurrently, the size, configuration and location of the umbrella assembly 10 will not interfere with the freedom of movement of an appropriate number of occupants about the boat 15. As set forth above, the umbrella assembly 10 may be easily and quickly removed from the base 14, 14′ so as to facilitate storage of the umbrella assembly 10, such as when one or more occupants of the boat require total freedom of movement and/or an unobstructed view. Also, it is emphasized that the boat or marine craft 15, at least partially disclosed in FIG. 1A, is intended to be generically representative of various types of marine craft including, but not limited to, the aforementioned “open fisherman” on which the umbrella assembly 10 may be mounted and used. Naturally, the location, size and configuration of the umbrella assembly 10 may vary greatly at least partially dependent on the type, size, etc, of the marine craft.

[0032] As set forth above, the umbrella assembly 10 comprises a frame assembly disclosed in detail in FIGS. 2 through 8. Many of the operative components disclosed in these drawings have been described in detail and are the subject of a presently pending U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 10/008,536 having a filing date of Nov. 13, 2001. Additional structural and operative features of the umbrella assembly 10 of the present invention are also disclosed in another currently pending U.S. patent application, having Ser. No. 29/153,828, filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Jan. 11, 2002. Both of these presently pending patent applications and their contents are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. As such, certain preferred structural and operative components, particularly those shown in FIGS. 2 through 6, are described in detail herein and with reference to at least one of these currently pending patent applications.

[0033] Accordingly, the present invention comprises structural and operative features which facilitate use of the umbrella assembly on an “open fisherman” type of boat, as well as on other marine craft and during conditions unique to the boating environment in which the umbrella assembly may be used. The referred to conditions are meant to include steady and/or strong wind conditions, the rocking and/or other movement of the boat, including the occasional and somewhat erratic or extreme movements of such boats during adverse weather conditions, as well as the travel of the boat at relatively high speeds. More in particular, the additional structural and operative features of the frame assembly incorporated into umbrella assembly 10 allow it to be maintained in its open or expanded position as demonstrated in FIGS. 1, 1-A and 7 through 9, during such conditions, including the travel of the boat at speeds in the range of 50 mph, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

[0034] Accordingly, the umbrella assembly 10 includes a frame assembly specifically structured to facilitate the mounting or positioning of the umbrella assembly 10 on a boat or marine craft 15 such as, but not limited to and “open-fisherman” type of boat. Further the umbrella assembly 10 and its operative frame assembly is specifically structured to allow travel of the boat through water at relatively high speeds while the umbrella assembly 10, and more particularly, the canopy 20 is maintained in an open or expanded position as demonstrated in FIGS. 1, 1-A, 7 and 8. One feature of the umbrella assembly 10 is the orientation of the canopy structure 20 in the open position, wherein the canopy 20 is structured to assume a substantially outwardly extending, flat profile. A flat profile, while providing significant shade to the occupants of a boat, also offers a minimal amount of wind resistance, especially while the boat is traveling at relatively high speeds.

[0035] Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7-9, a most preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of support struts 22 having their inner or proximal ends pivotally secured to the hub assembly and specifically the main hub member 18. The outer ends of each of the support struts 22 are secured to a correspondingly positioned, outwardly extending rib 24. Somewhat similarly, the proximal end of the rib 24 is pivotally secured to a secondary hub or yoke type structure 26 as explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 through 6. As set forth in detail in the currently pending patent applications noted above and included herein by reference, the plurality of struts 22 may vary in number and length. Similarly the number of ribs 24 may also vary in number and dimension dependant upon the overall configuration which the canopy 20 is intended to assume. With reference to FIGS. 10 through 13, a plurality of configurations of the canopy 20 are demonstrated. However the plurality of configurations disclosed are by way of example only, in that a number of different configurations may be assumed by the canopy 20 dependant upon the size, number, dimension, etc. of the plurality of ribs 24 and their associated conventional supporting struts 22.

[0036] With further reference to the hub assembly and as described in detail in the above referenced, presently pending patent applications, the main hub 18 and the secondary hub 26 may be movable such as being rotatable about the pole 12. This allows the plurality of ribs 24, the plurality of struts 22 and the canopy 20 to be selectively or otherwise rotated about the pole 12. Therefore, the “location” of the shade created by the canopy 20 can be changed to cover different areas on the boat or other environment in which the umbrella assembly 10 is located. This adjustability feature may be particularly advantageous when the canopy structure has a configuration of the type disclosed in FIGS. 10 through 13.

[0037] In order to increase the strength and structural integrity of the frame assembly and thereby by provide proper and adequate support to the canopy structure 20, especially during high wind conditions, a reinforcing assembly generally indicated as 29 in FIGS. 7 through 9 is provided. The reinforcing assembly 29 facilitates the maintenance of the canopy 20 in an open condition during the aforementioned high wind conditions, such as when the boat 15 travels at relatively high speeds. More specifically, the reinforcing assembly 29 includes at least one, but more practically, a plurality of auxiliary struts 30 which also may be loosely referred to as “wind struts”. The number of auxiliary struts 30 is preferably equal to the number of correspondingly positioned, interconnected struts 22 and ribs 24. For purposes of clarity, each of the plurality of correspondingly positioned ribs 24 and struts 22 can be considered and referred to herein as a correspondingly positioned pair of ribs and struts 24 and 22 respectively. As such each of the plurality of ribs 24 is supported by a correspondingly positioned strut 22, which is disposed in interconnecting relation between that respective rib 24 and the main hub member 18.

[0038] With specific reference to the reinforcing assembly 29, the plurality of auxiliary ribs 30 are easily and selectively positionable between a supporting, operative orientation as shown in FIG. 7 and a non-supporting orientation as shown in FIG. 8. In addition, each of the auxiliary struts 30 is preferably formed from a high strength, light weight material, such as, but not limited, to aluminum. The length of the auxiliary struts 30 may vary dependent on the intended, overall shape of the canopy 20. As set forth above, the configuration assumed by the canopy 20 when in its expanded or open position may vary greatly as demonstrated in FIGS. 1, 1-A, and 10 through 13. Therefore, dimension, location and number of the conventional support struts 22 may also vary to properly orient the canopy 20 in the aforementioned preferred configuration. Correspondingly, the number, dimension and overall structure of each of the plurality of auxiliary struts 30 may vary accordingly. When in their operative orientation as shown in FIG. 7, each of the auxiliary struts are interconnected to a different one of the correspondingly positioned pair of ribs and struts 22 and 24 respectively. More specifically, when in an operative orientation, the auxiliary struts 30 are interconnected between one of the of support struts 22 and ribs 24.

[0039] Moreover, in order to facilitate quick and easy positioning of the plurality of auxiliary struts 30 in their operative, position shown in FIG. 7, a proximal end 32 of each auxiliary strut 30 is moveably (or removably) connected to the corresponding rib member 24 preferably at a location substantially adjacent the hub member 18. The opposite or distal end 34 of each of the auxiliary struts 30 is preferably removably connected to a correspondingly positioned rib 24 substantially at or adjacent the distal end of the rib 24. As such, each of the auxiliary struts 30 may be quickly and easily pivoted into and out of their supporting orientation of FIG. 7, as indicated by phantom directional arrows 60 of FIG. 8. Yet another embodiment of the present invention comprises the auxiliary struts 30 being removably connected at both their proximal ends 32 and their distal ends 34, such that when positioning the canopy 20 in a closed orientation for storage, detachment and removal of the auxiliary struts 30 from the position shown in FIG. 8 may be easily and accomplished.

[0040] Removable connection of each of the opposite ends of 32 and 34 of each of the plurality of the auxiliary struts 30 can readily be accomplished by a connector assembly somewhat similar to that represented in FIG. 6, and generally indicated as 40. Structural modifications of the connector assembly 40 of the type used to moveably attach or connect both of the ends 32 and 34 to correspondingly position struts 32 and ribs 24 include the use of a “pull-pin” connector member of the type shown in FIG. 6A and generally indicated as 42. The pull-pin connecter 42 would include a loop or like member 44 on which a pulling force could be exerted, wherein the elongated shaft 46 would pass through the aligned apertures as at 48 formed in both in the connector assembly 40 and the opposite ends 32 and 34 of the auxiliary strut 30. Upon removal of the plurality of auxiliary struts 30, they could be collectively stored with or in the general vicinity of the closed umbrella assembly 10 aboard the boat or other water craft 15 on which the umbrella assembly 10 is mounted.

[0041] However, while one embodiment of the present invention comprises the removal of the auxiliary struts 30 it is emphasized that the struts 30 can remain in the orientation of FIG. 8 and allow for the closing of the umbrella assembly 10 with the struts 30 still maintained in their non-supporting orientation. In this latter embodiment, the same or substantially similar connecting assembly 40 and 42 of FIGS. 6 and 6A can be used to pivotally or otherwise movably connect the proximal end 32 to a corresponding strut 22, as described above. With reference to FIG. 9, only a single auxiliary strut 30 is disclosed in its operative, supporting position for purposes of clarity. More specifically, the auxiliary strut 30 includes its proximal end 32 movably and/or removably connected to the correspondingly positioned, conventional support strut 22 and its opposite or proximal end 34 removably and moveably connected to the correspondingly disposed rib 24.

[0042] Therefore, the umbrella assembly 10 includes specific structural modifications which distinguishes it from a conventional umbrella assembly at least in part due to an umbrella frame assembly which allows it to be quickly secured to and removed from a base 14, 14′, wherein the base 14′ can be secured to or generally considered a part of a boat 15 such as, but not limited to, an open-fisherman boat. Further, the operative and structural features of the umbrella assembly 10 allow it to be maintained in its open position during high or strong wind conditions such as wind conditions encountered when the boat 15 is traveling at relatively high speeds. Concurrently, the canopy 20 can remain in the open position during travel of the marine craft 15 thereby providing shade to the occupants in almost any environment in which the boat is used.

[0043] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the embodiment(s) presented herein to illustrate this invention are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. In other words, the scope of the invention should not be limited by the foregoing description, but rather, should be considered as in connection with following claims, and all modifications or other changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of these claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. An umbrella assembly structured for use during strong wind conditions, said umbrella assembly comprising: a) a frame assembly including an elongated support pole, b) said frame assembly comprising a plurality of ribs and a plurality of struts movably connected to said support pole, c) said plurality of ribs and said plurality of struts collectively disposable in an open position and in a closed position, and d) a reinforcing assembly connected to said frame in a supporting orientation relative to at least a correspondingly one of said plurality of ribs and struts.

2. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said reinforcing assembly is selectively positionable into and out of said supporting orientation.

3. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said reinforcing assembly is removably connected to said frame.

4. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said reinforcing assembly is removably connected to said frame.

5. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said reinforcing assembly comprises at least one auxiliary strut having an elongated configuration connected in supporting relation to at least one of said plurality of ribs or one of said plurality of struts when said reinforcing assembly is in said supported orientation.

6. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 5 wherein said auxiliary strut is interconnected between two correspondingly positioned ones of said plurality of ribs and said plurality of struts.

7. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein said auxiliary strut comprises a first end connected to said one correspondingly positioned rib and a second end connected to said one correspondingly positioned strut.

8. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein at least one of said first or second ends is removably connected to a respective one of said correspondingly positioned ribs and struts.

9. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein the other of said first or second ends is movably connected to a respective one said correspondingly positioned ribs and struts.

10. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein said auxiliary strut is removably connected to both of said correspondingly positioned ones of said plurality of ribs and said plurality of struts.

11. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said reinforcing assembly comprises a plurality of auxiliary struts, each auxiliary strut connected in supporting relation to a different at least one of said plurality of ribs or at least one of said plurality of struts to define said supporting orientation.

12. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein each of said plurality of auxiliary struts is interconnected to a different pair of correspondingly positioned ones of said plurality of ribs and struts.

13. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein each of said plurality of auxiliary struts is movably connected to one and removably connected to the other of a respective pair of ribs and struts.

14. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein each of said plurality of auxiliary struts is removably connected to each of a respective pair of said ribs and struts.

15. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein said plurality of auxiliary struts are equal in number to the number of pairs of correspondingly positioned ribs and struts.

16. An umbrella assembly structured for use during strong wind conditions, said umbrella assembly comprising: a) a frame assembly comprising a support pole and a plurality of ribs connected to said support pole and structured to support a canopy thereon, b) said frame assembly further comprising a plurality of struts each movably interconnected between said support pole and a correspondingly disposed rib, c) a reinforcing assembly connected to said frame in supporting relation to at least one pair of correspondingly disposed ribs and struts, and d) said plurality of ribs and struts collectively movable relative to said support pole for orientation of said frame in either an open position or a closed position.

17. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 16 wherein said plurality of said ribs and struts are collectively positioned to dispose said canopy in a substantially outwardly extending, flat orientation when said frame assembly is in said open position.

18. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 16 further comprising a base connected in supporting relation to said support pole and mounted on a marine craft.

19. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 18 wherein said support pole is removably connected to said base.

20. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 16 wherein said reinforcing assembly comprises at least one auxiliary strut interconnected in a supporting orientation between said one pair of supporting ribs and struts, when said frame assembly is in said open position.

21. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 20 wherein said one auxiliary strut is pivotally connected to one and removably connected to the other of said one pair of ribs and struts.

22. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 20 wherein said one auxiliary strut is removably connected to said one pair of ribs and struts.

23. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 16 wherein said reinforcing assembly comprises a plurality of reinforcing struts each connected in a supporting orientation to a different pair of correspondingly disposed ribs and struts at least when said frame assembly is said open position.

24. An umbrella assembly structured for use during strong wind conditions, said umbrella assembly comprising: a) a frame assembly comprising a support pole and a plurality of ribs connected to support pole and structured to support a canopy thereon, b) said frame assembly further comprising a plurality of struts each movably interconnected between said support pole and a correspondingly disposed rib, c) said plurality of ribs and struts collectively movable relative to said support pole for orientation of said frame assembly in either an open position or a closed position, d) a reinforcing assembly comprising a plurality of auxiliary struts each connected in a supporting orientation to a different pair of correspondingly disposed ribs and struts at least when said frame is in said open position, and e) a base structured to be mounted on a marine craft and connected in supporting relation to said support pole.

25. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 24 wherein said plurality of ribs and struts are collectively structured to dispose said canopy in a substantially outwardly extending, flat orientation when said frame assembly is in said open position.

26. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 24 wherein said support pole is removably connected to said base.

27. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 24 wherein each of said auxiliary struts are removably disposed in said supporting orientation.