The present invention relates to a screen comprising a canvas, a number of arms to which the canvas is attached and a central shaft, in which the arms are hingably connected by one end to this central shaft in a central connecting zone of the screen and in which the screen is convertible between a first position, in which the arms are unfolded and in which the arms extend from the central shaft in different directions at an angle with respect to the central shaft, and a second position, in which the arms are folded up and extend essentially along the central shaft next to one another, and in which the screen is provided with a cover, in which the cover is connected to the screen in the central connecting zone of the screen, so that this cover is substantially situated on one side of the canvas in the first position of the screen and so that the cover substantially surrounds the folded-up arms and the folded-up canvas in the second position of the screen. The present invention relates in particular to such a screen which is configured as a parasol.

These screens are used to protect against the sun, the wind and/or the rain. When they are configured as parasols, they mainly serve to protect against the sun and, if desired, the wind. However, they may also be configured as an umbrella to protect against the rain.

Parasols are mainly used during warm and sunny periods. When the weather is not sunny or less sunny, parasols are usually stored away. This is necessary as a parasol becomes dirty and/or may become damaged under adverse weather conditions such as rain and/or strong winds. Particularly the canvas of the parasol, attached to a number of arms, is susceptible to becoming dirty. In order to make it easier to store a parasol away, parasols are configured to be folded up and folded out (folded in and unfolded). In the unfolded position, they form a protection against the sun and/or the wind and in the folded-up position they take up little space, as a result of which they can easily be stored away in an interior space. The problem in this case is that it is cumbersome to get the parasols out and to put them back inside each time. In order to solve this problem, protective covers for parasols are available which can be placed over a folded-in/folded-up parasol. Thus, it is for example possible to simply fold up the parasol and fit a protective cover instead of always having to stow away the parasol indoors in the evening during the relatively warm months, such as the summer months. This protective cover then protects the canvas against dirt, dust, rain, etc. The next morning, the protective cover has to be removed and the parasol has to be folded out/unfolded. Obviously, this takes up much less time than stowing the parasol away. Fitting the protective covers requires a certain expertise and still takes a considerable time. Thus, the protective cover has to be fitted over the entire canvas. Parasols are often quite high. With most types of parasol, the protective cover has to be fitted around the folded-up parasol over the top thereof. However, in many cases, the top of the folded-up parasol is not accessible, or only with difficulty, to a person who wishes to fit the protective cover. A parasol supported by a parasol stand/base will first have to be removed from its parasol stand/base, so that the top of the parasol can be brought down and the protective cover can be fitted. Subsequently, the parasol with the protective cover fitted then has to be replaced in the parasol stand/base. This is obviously laborious and time-consuming. Such protective covers can also be lost and have to be stored separately when they are not fitted around the parasol.

In order to solve the problem of these separate protective covers, parasols have already been developed in which the screen is provided with a stiff construction, in which this stiff construction is provided to substantially surround the arms and the canvas when the arms of the parasol are folded up. Such a parasol is described in DE 3808398. This surrounding stiff construction is a relatively large and complex construction, which is deemed by many to be of unpleasant appearance.

With parasols which also serve as advertising means, the protective cover not only has a protecting function, but a promotional function as well. Parasols are used for advertising purposes mainly in the hotel, restaurant and catering trade. Via parasols, a particular brand of beer, soft drink, fruit juice, etc., is promoted. In that case, the canvas of the parasol is for example provided with an image of the brand and/or is produced in the typical colour of the product which is to be advertised. When the canvas is unfolded, the brand/the image is visible, but when the canvas is folded up, the brand/the image is no longer visible and the parasol only has limited advertising value. By fitting a protective cover on the folded-up parasol, it is possible to advertise again. This may be achieved, for example, by providing a protective cover on which the brand/the image is shown. In contrast with parasols, umbrellas are used when it rains. After having been used as protection against the rain, they are wet. In particular the canvas of the umbrella which is attached to the arms is wet. Often, it is not possible to dry the umbrella immediately after use, because there is no suitable space for drying and/or it is not desirable for the space, in which the umbrella is placed after use, to become wet. In order to solve this problem, use is made of protective covers. Such a cover is fitted, for example, if the umbrella is to be transported in a car. After it has been transported in the car, the umbrella can then be put out to dry in a more suitable location. Such protective covers also protect the canvas of the umbrella against dirt and against damage. The problem with this is that these protective covers can easily be lost, or they are not available when they are required.

US 5425388 describes an umbrella comprising a shaping structure. By means of this structure, it is possible to cover the canvas and uncover it again. However, this is a complicated structure and the transition from covering to uncovering is not simple.

It is therefore an object of the invention to produce a screen in which the canvas can easily be covered and protected.

This object is achieved by providing a screen having the characterizing features indicated in the first paragraph of this description, in which the cover is provided with one or more shaping elements which are connected to the cover or embedded in the cover, so that the cover has a particular three-dimensional shape in the second position of the screen.

In the second position of the screen, in which the arms are folded in/folded up, the cover then serves as a protective cover. As the cover extends around the arms and the canvas, the canvas is protected from dust, dirt, rain, etc. As a result thereof, the canvas, in the second position of the screen, is less susceptible to soiling and damage. As the cover is attached to the screen in the central connecting zone of the screen, there is no risk of the cover being lost.

The cover is also attached to the screen in the first position of the screen. Therefore, no separate storage space has to be provided if the cover does not serve as protective cover and the screen is in its first position. In addition, since the cover is attached to the screen in the central connecting zone of the screen, the transition from the first to the second position of the screen and back is not cumbersome and takes only little time. Thus, the cover is situated substantially on one side of the canvas in the first position of the screen. When the screen serves as a parasol, the cover will, in the most common embodiments, be situated on top of the canvas when the parasol is in the first position. If it is desired to change to the second position of the screen, at least the part of the cover which is connected to the central connecting zone is thus already situated at the top of the screen and thus the cover no longer has to be fitted over the top, as a result of which the transition to the first and the second position can be quick. The transition from the first position to the second position and vice versa requires little time and is not laborious, as a result of which such a screen is very user-friendly.

The angle between the unfolded arms and the central shaft is preferably between 10° and 80°. Still more preferably, it is between 40° and 70°. The shaping elements are advantageous, both from an aesthetic and a practical point of view. From a practical point of view, they facilitate the transition between the first and the second positions of the screen as they simplify the fitting of the cover over the canvas and the arms. The shaping elements keep the canvas open and thus ensure that the cover is not, or hardly, hampered by the canvas and the arms during the transition from the first position to the second position of the screen and vice versa, when the arms and the canvas are in a substantially folded-up position. From an aesthetic point of view, these shaping elements ensure that, in the second position of the screen, the cover has a three-dimensional shape which is predetermined by the shaping elements. The reason for this is that the shaping elements ensure that the cover is kept in the desired shape, this shape preferably differing from the shape of the folded-up arms and the folded-up canvas. This shape may be chosen such that the appearance of the screen in the second position is attractive. If the screen serves as a parasol or umbrella, such an attractive shape is important. In addition, by using a cover with shaping elements, it is also possible to ensure that the shape of the cover in the first position of the screen, when the cover is substantially situated on one side of the canvas, is different from the shape of the cover in the second position of the screen. Thus, the shape of the cover in the first position of the screen may be more compact, so that the appearance of the cover is not deemed to be unpleasant when the screen is in its first position. The appearance of the existing folded-up parasols or umbrellas, optionally with protective cover, is often seen as not aesthetically pleasing. As a result thereof, the view of pavement terraces of cafes, pubs, restaurants, hotels, etc. containing existing parasols is not always deemed to be pleasant or inviting. By using one or more shaping elements, it is also possible to achieve an attractive appearance of the parasol in its second position. As a result thereof, such pavement terraces also look attractive when it is not sunny, be it day or night, even if the parasols are in their second position. In addition, the shape can be chosen in such a manner that it fulfils a particular commercial function. Thus, the shape may assume the appearance of the product which is being advertised. In the second position of the screen, the cover may, for example, be in the shape of a bottle of a particular brand of soft drink, beer, fruit juice, etc. The cover is then preferably also printed, so that, in the second position of the screen, the cover looks like a magnified bottle of a particular brand of soft drink, beer, fruit juice, etc. Obviously, shapes other than bottles can also be used.

The cover is optionally detachably attached to the screen. Usually, the cover is fixedly attached to the screen. However, if it is desirable for the cover to be easily cleanable separately and/or for different types of covers to be used in order thus to change the appearance of the screen, the cover is provided on the screen in a detachable manner. The cover may also be attached to the shaping elements in a detachable manner, thus making it possible to clean a fabric cover separately.

Since a folded-up parasol is elongate, the cover is preferably elongate in shape in the second position of the screen.

In a preferred embodiment, the one or more shaping elements comprise a coiled spring or one or more hoops.

If the one or more shaping elements comprise a coiled spring or one or more hoops, the cover simply assumes a certain shape. In addition, coiled springs and hoops can be produced in different dimensions/sizes. The coiled spring or hoop may be embedded in the cover or may be situated on the inside or on the outside of the cover. Coiled springs have a certain flexibility, as a result of which the transition between said two positions of the screen can easily be carried out.

If there are several hoops, they preferably extend, in the second position of the screen, essentially parallel to each other in planes at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the arms. These hoops are then, for example, connected to each other by means of string-like elements, such as for example ropes, or by means of the cover, so that the movement of one or more hoops also produces a movement of the other hoops. The term hoops is not limited to circular elements with an opening. Oval elements with an opening or elements having a polygonal shape with an opening, etc. are also covered by this term. In a highly preferred embodiment, the canvas comprises one or more openings at the location of the central connecting zone, in which the one or more openings are substantially covered by the cover in the first position of the screen. Due to the fact that the cover substantially covers said one or more openings in the first position of the screen, there is little risk of the sun shining through these openings or rain falling through these openings when using the screen in its first position. By means of these one or more openings, air and heat can circulate freely between the canvas and the cover. As the wind can move freely through these openings, the risk of the wind damaging the screen or the screen being blown away by the wind when the screen is in its first position is reduced. As a result thereof, the screen is very stable in its first position. If the screen serves as a parasol, it is also important that the rising air, the hot air, can escape through these openings. This prevents the temperature under the parasol from rising. In this way, the cover not only has the function of a protective cover in the second position of the screen, but in this case also has the function of ventilation hood or air vent in the first position of the screen. With such parasols, the ventilation hood thus also serves as a protective cover. The ventilation hood turns into the protective cover when the parasol is folded up and the protective cover turns back into the ventilation hood when the parasol is folded out. In an alternative embodiment, the invention relates to a screen comprising a canvas, a number of arms to which the canvas is attached and a central shaft, in which the arms are hingably connected by one end to this central shaft in a central connecting zone of the screen and in which the screen is convertible between a first position, in which the arms are unfolded and in which the arms extend from the central shaft in different directions at an angle with respect to the central shaft, and a second position, in which the arms are folded up and extend essentially along the central shaft next to one another, and in which the screen is provided with a cover, in which the cover is connected to the screen, in the central connecting zone of the screen, so that this cover is substantially situated on one side of the canvas in the first position of the screen and so that the cover substantially surrounds the folded-up arms and the folded-up canvas in the second position of the screen, and in which the canvas, at the location of the central connecting zone, comprises one or more openings, in which the one or more openings are substantially covered by the cover in the first position of the screen. In this alternative embodiment, the cover has the function of a protective cover in the second position of the screen and the function of a ventilation hood or air vent in the first position of the screen. With such parasols, the ventilation hood therefore also serves as a protective cover. Since, in this case, the ventilation hood is also the protective cover, the canvas can easily be covered and protected.

Furthermore preferably, if the shaping elements comprise a coiled spring, the coiled spring is in a stressed state in the second position of the screen and the coiled spring is connected to or embedded in the cover in such a way that the cover is pulled taut at the location of the coiled spring in the second position of the screen. A coiled spring can be brought to the stressed state by expanding it. During the transition from the first position to the second position of the screen, the cover is, optionally automatically, fitted around the canvas and the arms. This is made very easy by stretching the spring, as a stretched spring will increase in volume, as a result of which the cover, which is connected to the coiled spring or in which the coiled spring is embedded, will increase in volume. This larger volume renders the canvas capable of surrounding the arms and the canvas. Due to the fact that the cover is pulled taut at the location of the coiled spring, the appearance of the cover at the location of the coiled spring will also be smooth. A smooth appearance is regarded as being aesthetic. In addition, a cover which is pulled taut retains its shape, even when the wind blows.

Furthermore also preferably, such a coiled spring extends essentially completely around the arms and the canvas in the second position of the screen. In this way, the coiled spring shapes the cover over essentially its entire length. In a very preferred embodiment, the screen comprises a spring mechanism comprising a spring, in which this spring mechanism is connected to the cover, so that the cover is convertible between two positions by stressing and unstressing the spring, being an unfolded position and an essentially folded-up position, in which the cover is in the essentially folded-up position in the first position of the screen and in which the cover is in the unfolded position in the second position of the screen. By means of the spring, the cover is then easily convertible between its position required for the first position of the screen and its position required for the second position of the screen. This conversion between the two positions of the cover therefore does not have to be carried out completely by hand, as a result of which the transition from the first position to the second position of the screen and vice versa can easily be carried out by one person. This spring is furthermore preferably a clock spring/a flat torsion spring, as a clock spring takes up little space, both in an unstressed state and in a stressed state.

In a specific embodiment, the screen comprises one or more counterweights, these one or more counterweights being connected to the cover, so that the cover is convertible between two positions by means of these one or more counterweights, being an unfolded position and an essentially folded-up position, in which the cover is in the essentially folded-up position in the first position of the screen and in which the cover is in the unfolded position in the second position of the screen. As a result thereof, the cover is easily convertible between its position required for the first position of the screen and its position required for the second position of the screen. This conversion between the two positions of the cover therefore does not have to be carried out completely by hand, as a result of which the transition from the first position to the second position of the screen and vice versa can easily be carried out by one person.

The screen preferably comprises one or more controllable string-like elements, such as for example ropes, in which these one or more string-like elements are attached to the cover and in which the cover is convertible between an unfolded position and an essentially folded-up position by controlling the string-like elements, in which the cover is in the essentially folded-up position in the first position of the screen and in which the cover is in the unfolded position in the second position of the screen. By controlling the string-like elements, it is easy to ensure that the transition of the cover between its two positions is carried out smoothly. The string-like elements are attached to the cover either directly or indirectly. If the cover is provided with a coiled spring or one or more hoops which are embedded in the cover or connected to the cover, the string-like elements may be directly connected to the coiled spring or to one or more of the one or more hoops. Since the coiled spring or the one or more hoops are connected to the cover or embedded in the cover, the string-like elements are then indirectly connected to the cover.

Furthermore very advantageously, the abovementioned spring mechanism comprises said one or more controllable string-like elements and the one or more controllable string-like elements are controllable by the spring. String-like elements can readily be controlled by a spring. However, the string-like elements could also be controlled by means of one or more counterweights.

The one or more string-like elements are preferably at least connected to a part of the cover which is situated furthest from the central connecting zone in the second position of the screen. Due to the fact that they are connected to said part of the cover, the complete cover can easily be brought to its essentially folded-up position and the unfolding of the cover also proceeds smoothly. If the cover is provided with a coiled spring or one or more hoops, which are embedded in the cover or connected to the cover, over a large part of its length, the string-like elements may be connected to the part of the coiled spring which is situated furthest from the central connecting zone in the second position of the screen or the string-like elements may be connected to the hoop which is situated furthest from the central connecting zone in the second position of the screen. Due to the fact that the coiled spring or the one or more hoops are connected to the cover or are embedded in the cover, the string-like elements are indirectly connected to the part of the cover which is situated furthest from the central connecting zone in the second position of the screen.

Preferably, the screen comprises guide means in order to guide the abovementioned one or more string-like elements while they are being controlled. In this way, it is ensured that when the string-like elements are being controlled, the correct movement is transmitted to the cover in order to achieve the transition between the two abovementioned positions of the cover. If the string-like elements are controlled by the spring of said spring mechanism, the guide means serve to pass the movement of the spring during stressing and unstressing of the spring accurately to the stringlike elements, as a result of which the movement of the spring is passed on reliably to the cover. If the shaping elements comprise several hoops, the string-like elements may be connected to the hoop which is situated furthest from the central connecting zone in the second position of the screen. The other hoops are then, for example, provided with said guide means, so that the string-like elements do not become entangled during control thereof. These guide means may then, for example, be ring- shaped elements which are arranged loosely around the string-like elements and through which the string-like elements can move. The spring mechanism preferably comprises a disc which can be rotated by the spring, in which these one or more string-like elements are connected to said rotatable disc so that the string-like elements are controllable by rotating the disc. This disc is furthermore at an essentially perpendicular angle to the central shaft. Still more preferably, the spring is a clock spring, the clock spring is centrally comprised in the disc, the side edge of the disc is configured as a groove and the side edges comprise a pulley for each string-like element in order to guide the one or more string-like elements in said groove while stressing and unstressing the clock spring. By means of the clock spring, the disc can be rotated quickly. By connecting the string-like elements to the disc and by guiding these string-like elements in the groove during stressing and unstressing, the rotation of the disc is transmitted to the string-like elements essentially completely, as a result of which the cover is also readily convertible between its two said positions. When the clock spring is unstressed, the string-like elements will be situated substantially in the groove, so that the cover can be in its folded-up position, and when the clock spring is stressed, the string-like elements will be situated substantially outside the groove, so that the cover can surround the arms and the canvas.

In a preferred embodiment, the screen comprises a stand, the part of the cover which is situated furthest from the central connecting zone of the screen in the second position of the screen is provided with one or more fastening means and the stand comprises one or more attachment means which correspond to the fastening means, so that the cover can be anchored to the stand in the second position of the screen. The position of the cover in the second position of the screen is ensured in this way, as the cover is connected both to the screen in the connecting zone and to the stand of the screen. In the second position of the screen, the cover will thus always surround the arms and the canvas, as long as the cover is anchored to the stand. For example, if the screen is provided with a spring mechanism to unfold and essentially fold up the cover, in which the spring is stressed in the unfolded position of the cover, the cover will not be able to return to its essentially folded-up position, since the spring cannot return to its unstressed state if the cover is anchored to the stand.

Furthermore preferably, said fastening element is configured as a hook and said attachment element is configured as a ring-shaped element into which the hook can hook. A connection between a hook and a ring-shaped element can readily be brought about and can also readily be undone. This is certainly the case if the cover is provided with a coiled spring and/or the cover is convertible between two positions by means of a spring mechanism. This coiled spring and/or the spring mechanism will ensure that the cover moves slightly in the same direction, so that the hook can readily be hooked into the ring-shaped element and can also readily be removed from the ring-shaped element. In a highly preferred embodiment, the screen is a parasol. Furthermore, the central shaft is preferably configured as a parasol pole. The significant advantage of a central parasol pole is that the parasol can be configured in such a way that the parasol pole, in the second position of the parasol, is virtually completely hidden from view by the cover and the appearance of the parasol is thus determined nearly completely by the cover. Of course, the cover is then preferably an aesthetic cover and/or a cover containing an advertising message.

The present invention will now be explained in more detail by means of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of a screen according to the present invention. The sole aim of this description is to give illustrative examples and to indicate further advantages and particulars of this screen, and can thus by no means be interpreted as a limitation of the area of application of the invention or of the patent rights defined in the claims.

Reference numerals are used in this detailed description to refer to the attached drawings, in which

-Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a parasol according to the invention, in which the parasol is in its first position;

-Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the parasol illustrated in Fig. 1, in which the parasol is in its second position;

-Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the parasol illustrated in Figs 1 and 2, in which the parasol is in its second position and in which only the stand, the coiled spring and the cap of the parasol are shown;

-Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the parasol illustrated in Figs 1 and 2, in which the parasol is in its second position and in which the coiled spring which is situated on the inside of the canvas is also illustrated;

-Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the parasol illustrated in Figs 1, 2 and 4, in which the parasol is in transition between its second and first position and the cover still partly extends around the canvas and the arms and in which the coiled spring is visible; -Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the parasol illustrated in Figs 1, 2, 4 and 5, in which the parasol is in transition between its second and first position and the cover no longer extends around the canvas and the arms;

-Fig. 7 shows a bottom view of a spring mechanism of a parasol according to the invention;

-Fig. 8 shows a side view of the spring mechanism illustrated in Fig. 7.

Figs 1 to 8 show a parasol (1) according to the invention or show parasol parts of this parasol (1). This parasol (1) comprises a centrally arranged parasol pole (4) and a number of arms/ribs (3), in which these arms (3) are hingably connected by one end to the top side of the parasol pole (4) in a central upper zone (A) of the parasol (1). This parasol pole (4) is arranged in/is supported by a parasol stand (13). Furthermore, the parasol (1) comprises spokes (17) and a central spoke holder (18), in which said spoke holder (18) is arranged around the central parasol pole (4) and can be moved up and down with respect to said central parasol pole (4). The number of spokes (17) equals the number of arms (3) and each spoke (17) is hingably connected to an arm (3) at the location of the centre of said arm (3). A canvas (2) is attached to the arms (3). The up-and-down movement of the spoke holder (18) also moves the spokes (17) up and down. As the spokes (17) are connected to the arms (3), the movement of the spokes (17) is transmitted to the arms (3) and because the arms (3) are connected at one end to the top side of the parasol pole (4), the arms (3) are folded up and unfolded (folded in and folded out), respectively, with respect to the parasol pole (4) by the downward and upward movement of the spokes (17). The parasol (1) as illustrated in Figs 1, 2, 4-6 is thus a collapsible parasol (1). The parasol (1) is convertible between two positions, being a first position in which the arms (3) are unfolded, in which there is an angle of essentially 60° between the arms (3) and the parasol pole (4) and in which the arms (3), viewed from above, extend radially with respect to the parasol pole (4), and a second position, in which the arms (3) and the canvas (2) are folded up and the arms (3) extend essentially parallel to the parasol pole (4). Since the canvas (2) is attached to the arms (3), the canvas (2) can also be folded in and out. In the first position of the parasol (1), the canvas (2) serves as a protection against the sun and the wind and in the second position of the parasol (1), the canvas (2) does not serve as a protection against the sun and the wind.

Obviously, other embodiments are also possible, in which no use is made of a parasol pole which is arranged centrally with respect to the canvas and the arms, but where use is made of a parasol pole which is situated laterally from the canvas. Such embodiments are referred to as suspended or floating parasols. The parasol pole (4) as illustrated in Figs 1, 5 and 6 is a straight pole, whose length is optionally adjustable. However, there are also embodiments in which the parasol pole consists of at least two parts which are hingable with respect to each other. In this way, the arms and the canvas are tiltable in the first position of the parasol, i.e. when it is not folded in. Here, the tilt of the parasol can be adjusted to the direction of the sun and/or the wind, resulting in better protection. The parasol (1) according to the invention illustrated in Figs 1, 2, 4-6 furthermore comprises a spring mechanism (7) and is provided with a cover (5). In the first position of the parasol (1), the cover (5) is in the central upper zone (A) of the parasol (1), the cover (5) is situated centrally on top the canvas (2) and the cover (5) is folded up. When the cover (5) is in the first position of the parasol (1), the canvas (2) furthermore comprises an opening at the location of the cover (5), said opening being covered by the cover (5) in the first position of the parasol (1). This opening ensures that air and heat can flow freely between the canvas (2) and the cover (5). The cover (5) thus serves as a ventilation hood in the first position of the parasol (1). In the second position of the parasol (1), the cover (5) is situated around the folded- up arms (3) and the folded-up canvas (2) and the cover (5) is unfolded. In the second position of the parasol (1), the canvas (2) is thus not visible as the cover (5) is not transparent. In the second position of the parasol (1), the cover (5) serves as a protective cover. In this way, the canvas (2) does not become dirty or damaged when the parasol (1) is not being used as a protection against the sun and the wind. The cover (5) of the parasol (1) thus serves as a ventilation hood and as a protective cover.

The transition between the unfolded cover (5) and the folded-up cover (5) and vice versa is achieved by means of the spring mechanism (7). The spring mechanism (7) is connected to the upper side of the parasol pole (4) and the parasol (1) comprises a cap (16) which largely encloses the spring mechanism (7) in its central upper zone (A). The cover (5) is connected to the cap (16) by its upper edge. The spring mechanism (7) furthermore comprises a disc (12) with a centrally arranged clock spring (8), in which this disc (12) extends perpendicularly to the parasol pole (4). The disc (12) can be rotated by stressing and unstressing this clock spring (8). Furthermore, the spring mechanism (7) comprises two ropes (9), in which said ropes (9) are attached by one end to the rotatable disc (12) and by their other end to the bottom edge of the cover (5). The ropes (9) may be connected to the bottom edge of the cover (5) either directly or via the underside of the coiled spring (6). Here, the two ropes (9) are connected to the bottom spiral of the coiled spring (6). Since the ropes (9) are connected to the disc (12), they will therefore rotate concomitantly upon rotation of the disc (12). The disc (12) comprises a lateral groove (1 1) and two pulleys (10) in order to guide the ropes (9) during rotation of the disc (12), in which each rope (9) is guided in this groove (1 1) by means of said pulley (10) during stressing and unstressing of the clock spring (8). When the clock spring (8) is unstressed, the ropes (9) are essentially completely inside this groove (1 1). As a result thereof, that part of the rope (9) which is connected to the bottom edge of the cover (5) is also close to the rotatable disc (12) and the canvas (2) is folded up. In the second position of the parasol (1), the clock spring (8) is stressed and a large part of the rope (9) may be situated outside the groove (1 1). The underside of the cover (5) may then be situated further from the disc (12). In this way, the cover (5) may be situated around the canvas (2) and the arms (3) in the second position of the parasol (1) and the cover (5) can thus assume its unfolded position. As a clock spring (8) is being used, the cover (5), in the second position of the parasol (1), when the clock spring (8) is stressed, will tend to fold up again on account of the force exerted by the stressed clock spring (8). In order to prevent the cover (5) from folding up again in the second position of the parasol (1), the cover (5) is provided with two hooks (14) at the bottom and the parasol (1) is provided with two indentations comprising half rings (15), in which case the hooks (14) can be hooked underneath these half rings (15). In this way, the cover (5) is kept in position and the cover (5) cannot fold up on account of the clock spring (8).

The disc (12) with clock spring (8) is protected by the cap (16). This cap (16) is configured in such a way that it not only protects the spring mechanism (7) and ensures attachment of the cover (5), but also looks attractive. Here, the cap (16) is configured as an enlarged bottle crown cap. The reason for this is discussed below. The cover (5) is furthermore provided with a coiled spring (6), said coiled spring (6) being partly embedded in/sewn into the cover (5). This coiled spring (6) extends along essentially the entire length of the cover (5). The coiled spring (6) keeps the cover (5) open and ensures that, in the second position of the parasol (1), the cover (5) has a well-defined three-dimensional shape and also ensures that the transition between the first position and the second position of the parasol (1) can run without the cover (5) being hampered by the folded-up arms (3) and the folded-up canvas (2) (see Fig. 5 and 6). Figs 2 and 4 show that the cover (5) is in the shape of a bottle. The cap (16) of the screen (1) is configured as a crown cork and forms the crown cork of the bottle in the second position of the parasol (1). The shape of the bottle and the print on the cover (5) are typical of a specific brand, so that the parasol (1) looks like a bottle of a particular type of soft drink, fruit juice, beer and the like in its second position. With existing parasols, the print on the canvas in the unfolded position of the parasol provides advertising for a particular brand/drink. However, with existing parasols, the brand is hardly visible in the folded-up position, or not at all. In addition, the folded-up position is often regarded as not being very aesthetic. With the parasol (1) illustrated in Figs 1, 2, 4-6, it is also possible to advertise for a brand in the folded-up position of the parasol (1) and the folded-up position of the parasol (1) can be seen as aesthetically pleasing. In the second position of the parasol (1), the coiled spring (6) is stressed, as a result of which the cover (5) is also pulled taut. In this way, the cover (5) retains its shape, even when the wind blows. The cover (5) also has a degree of flexibility, so that the cover (5) is not damaged when the coiled spring (6) is being stressed.

This parasol (1) is not only very suitable for use as protection against the sun/wind on pavement terraces of, for example, hotels, restaurants, cafes and the like, but also at home. It is very convenient because the parasol (1) does not have to be stowed away indoors and/or a separate protective cover does not have to be fitted if one does not wish to use it as protection against the sun/wind. The reason for this is that, in the second position of the parasol (1), the cover (5) protects the canvas (2) against becoming dirty or damaged.

In addition, the transition between the first position and the second position of the parasol (1) is simple and takes up little time. So even if the parasol (1) has to be folded in and out several times a day, it involves only little effort.

Below, the transition between the two positions will be described.

During the transition from the first position (see Fig. 1) to the second position (see Fig. 2), first the arms (3) and the canvas (2) are folded up together by moving the spoke holder (18) downwards. As a result thereof, the spokes (17) which are connected to the spoke holder (18) and the arms (3) are also moved downwards, resulting in the arms (3) also folding down. After the arms (3) have been folded in and extend downwards next to each other, the cover (5) initially remains essentially in its folded-up position (see Fig. 6), which it also assumed when it rested on the canvas (2) in the first position. The clock spring (8) prevents the cover (5), which is connected via ropes (9) to the disc (12) which can be rotated by the clock spring (8), from falling down. The canvas (2) may move slightly downwards on account of the force of gravity. In order to bring down the cover (5) and thus surround the canvas (2) and the arms (3), a downward force has to be exerted (see Fig. 5), which can be effected by one individual. Obviously, it is also possible for several individuals to exert this force. When the cover (5) is being pulled down, the cover (5) is not hampered by the canvas (2) and the arms (3), because the coiled spring (6) ensures that the cover (5) stays open and prevents the cover (5) from coming into contact with the canvas (2) and the arms (3). After it has been pulled down, the cover (5) is anchored to the parasol stand (13) via the hooks (14) (see Fig. 2). In this way, the cover (5) cannot spring back up by the force exerted by the stressed clock spring (8). In this case, the cover (5) serves as a protective cover. While the cover (5) is being pulled down, the coiled spring (6) is stressed as well. In the case of a standard size parasol (1), the level from which the cover (5) has to be pulled down can be reached. If necessary, the length of the parasol pole (4) may be made adjustable, so that an individual can reach the top of the parasol (1).

Returning the parasol (1) to its first position after it has been taken to its second position, is simple. To this end, the anchoring between the cover (5) and the parasol stand (13) is released by removing the hooks (14) from the half rings (15) of the parasol stand (13). By means of the stressed clock spring (8), the cover (5) is pulled up and is folded up. By ensuring that the cover (5) remains open, the coiled spring (6) ensures that the cover (5) is not hampered by the canvas (2) and the arms (3) when it is being pulled up. Once the cover (5) has been pulled back to its folded-up position, only the arms (3) have to be folded out again by moving the spoke holder (18) upwards until the arms (3) are in their unfolded position. In this case, the cover (5) serves as a ventilation hood.

When the parasol (1) is in its second position (see Figs 2 and 4), the parasol pole (4) is completely surrounded by the cover (5). This is due to the fact that the parasol pole (4) is centrally arranged with respect to the canvas (2) and the arms (3), and the fact that the cover (5) surrounds the arms (3) and the canvas (2) in the second position of the parasol (1). However, other embodiments in which the parasol pole (4) is not arranged centrally are also possible. For example, floating parasols in which the parasol is anchored to a wall or the parasol pole is situated laterally from the canvas. This latter embodiment does have the drawback that the parasol pole is not surrounded by the canvas in the second position of the parasol. If the cover, together with the cap, is intended in the case of floating parasols to represent a bottle in the second position, then a parasol pole and a bottle will be seen in the second position of the parasol. The cover is then for example anchored to the ground or is then anchored to the parasol stand.

The cover (5) is made from fabric which can easily be cleaned and is not susceptible to dirt and dust. Usually, the cover (5) is non-releasably attached to the cap (16), but in exceptional cases, it may be releasable. If the cover (5) is releasably attached to the cap (16), it can be cleaned separately and it is also possible to alternately use different types of covers (5). The appearance of the parasol (1) can then be changed in its second position. For example, if the coiled spring (6) is embedded in/sewn into the cover (5), it is possible to select a different cover (5) with embedded coiled spring (6) and attach it to the cap (16). It is possible to alternate between differently shaped coiled springs (6) and/or between different prints of the cover (5). If the coiled spring (6) is not embedded in the cover (5) and the cover (5) is releasably attached to the coiled spring (6), it is possible to alternate between covers (5) with different prints. Some soft drinks brands produce 'limited editions', for example, in which the shape of the bottle remains unchanged, but the lettering on the 'limited edition' bottle is different. In that case, it is important that covers (5) can be changed in time. For ease of use, the cover (5) may be releasably attached to the coiled spring (6) by means of Velcro/hook and loop fastener or another attachment means. Thus, hook and loop fasteners may be provided in between six to ten locations. From an aesthetic point of view, the coiled spring (6) is preferably surrounded by the cover (5) and the hook and loop fastener is situated on the inside of the cover (5) so that no hook and loop fastener is visible on the outside of the cover (5).