Umbrella Glossary

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Team Color Umbrellas - this term specifically refers to our ability to customize an umbrella by using combinations of colored fabrics to represent a certain team’s color scheme; we can also do ‘team umbrellas’ with designs for racing teams, high schools and universities, sororities and fraternities … any group that can be easily identified with specific colors

Tilt Mechanism – a tilt mechanism is an option on most patio umbrellas that allows the umbrella to tilt up to 45 degrees to block the sun while it sets in the evening. The tilt option is only available in aluminum-based frames. Most tilt mechanism is activated by a manual push button.

Umbrella Cover – umbrella covers are used to cover the umbrella in its closed position either in its outdoor application or in storage. Umbrella covers are made out of both vinyl and acrylic solution-dyed fabric.

Umbrella Rolling Stand – rolling stands is an umbrella stand that has fixed wheels to the base that allows you to easily re-position your umbrella without have to move both the stand and umbrella separately.

Umbrella Stands – a device used to hold an umbrella upright. The bottom pole of an umbrella is inserted into a round upright sleeve usually with a device to secure the pole in a manner that prevents it from being pulled back out of the sleeve. Most stands use weight to stabilize the umbrella with the actual weight of the stand determined by the size of the umbrella to be secured. The proper weight is achieved through the different materials used to construct the stand such as concrete, cast iron, or steel. Some umbrella stands are hollow to reduce the cost of shipping and then filled with sand upon installation to provide adequate weight. Instead of weight, some stands are bolted directly to a surface for stability while others are either temporarily or permanently mounted below-grade in a surface to provide the proper stability. The design of umbrella stands can range from utilitarian to very decorative pieces with custom finishes. Also called Umbrella Bases, Umbrella Holders

Underground Extension Sleeve – an optional in-ground umbrella stand made from two sleeve sections. One sleeve made to be cemented or buried in the ground and another to fit inside the in-ground sleeve that extends above the ground up to 18” that allows the umbrellas frame to fit inside. Underground extension sleeves are used in both residential and commercial applications for a wide variety of umbrellas.

Valanced Umbrella - this term is often used to describe the style of canopy top of an umbrella that uses the traditional hanging fabric valances around the edge of the canopy; this style of canopy can be used on any type of frame that we stock, but comes standard on our patio umbrellas style

Vented Umbrellas - this term is often used to describe the style of canopy top of an umbrella that has an opening in the fabric top with another separate fabric top called a wind vent covering the opening; the name implies the function of the wind vent as it allows a release of any sudden gusts of wind that may impact the umbrella when it is open; a wind vent is standard on our market umbrella styles but can be added to any patio umbrella or other designs we manufacture

Wedding Umbrellas – wedding umbrellas are gaining popularity by complimenting outdoor wedding parties with umbrellas that have the bride and groom wedding date on the valances of the umbrella, the family seal, and/or bride & groom’s name. White wedding umbrellas are the most popular followed by the multiple bridesmaid chosen color to compliment the party.

Wind Vent - A wind vent is a flap in the fabric of canopy, or top, of a patio umbrella, that allows for wind and heat to escape the top of the umbrella. There are two main reasons why this is important.

1. Stability. The Wind Vent allows for wind and air to be safely “vented” through your umbrella. Without the Wind Vent, what you would have is a very big and expensive kite. Think of your hand umbrella in a strong breeze; turn the umbrella the wrong way, and not only does it turn inside out, but 9 times out of 10, it will fly away. Wind vents in umbrellas allow the air and wind to escape without carrying the whole umbrella along with it. This assist in not allowing your outdoor furniture to get damaged as well.
2. Comfort. Heat rises, and patio umbrellas can trap a lot of heat under the canopy, like a hot air balloon. The Wind Vent allows for hot air to escape out of the top, and let’s cool air rush in underneath to cool the inside of the canopy.  Without a Wind Vent, you’d be standing underneath a hot air oven. Not the best place to be on a hot day, and completely defeats the purpose of having outdoor shade.