| In the automated world in which we live, very | | | | open. From there, a specially designed ring or |
| little has to be done manually. One can now order | | | | collar at the top is what tilts the umbrella. It can |
| groceries from the comfort of one's home | | | | move into a number of positions and is preferred |
| computer, then have them delivered right to their | | | | by some people for its smooth movements. It's a |
| door. This automation extends also into the realm | | | | nice umbrella for tables because it's easier to |
| of patio furniture, notably in the form of the auto | | | | reach up and twist the collar rather than crank or |
| tilt umbrella. There are three variations to this | | | | manually use a push button to re-angle. On the |
| patio umbrella, each with special features to | | | | other hand, it is a more involved process than the |
| facilitate convenient outdoor entertaining. | | | | auto tilt umbrella. This is because the collar |
| Auto Tilt | | | | requires two separate manual movements as far |
| First, let us begin with the basic form of auto tilt | | | | as opening and tilting. Also, the collar tilt may not |
| umbrella. The basic model is made out of an | | | | be as easy to operate for some as a crank |
| aluminum pole with a crank mechanism attached | | | | motion. In addition, if the umbrella is not securely |
| that opens and closes the umbrella. Once open, if | | | | attached to the base then the entire thing might |
| the crank is turned more, the umbrella will then tilt | | | | fall over when you turn the collar. |
| in usually two to three preset angle positions, or | | | | Shade Dial |
| some which have infinite locked positions. These | | | | Lastly, the most evolved model is the shade-dial. |
| automated versions are easier to open than | | | | This trademarked feature does one better than |
| manual umbrellas, and thus cause less strain to | | | | the auto tilt umbrella because it tilts a full 360 |
| arms and backs. Also, by being able to tilt the | | | | degrees to accommodate. This way, you can |
| umbrella, you can move the shade to where you | | | | enjoy around the clock shade from sunrise to |
| most need it, which is great for smaller spaces | | | | sunset. It resembles the collar tilt in that there is |
| and control. The only thing that can go wrong | | | | the crank with a second mechanism situated |
| with an auto tilt umbrella is that in some cases | | | | above it. But rather than a collar, the second |
| the crank or locking mechanism can fail, but that | | | | mechanism is the dial, which when turned will point |
| is a rare occurrence and usually caused by poor | | | | the umbrella canopy in the sun's direction. It's |
| quality factory manufacturing. | | | | much easier to turn a dial than either crank or |
| Collar Tilt | | | | twist the collar of the other models. However, like |
| Similar to the basic auto tilt umbrella is the | | | | the collar tilt, the shade-dial comprises two manual |
| modified collar tilt feature. The fixture of the | | | | motions, but neither is particularly difficult. |
| automated umbrella has been around almost as | | | | In conclusion, the three types of auto tilt umbrella |
| long as modern patio furniture, but the collar | | | | are similar in look and operation. The differences |
| feature popped up in the 1990s. To operate | | | | lie in their price points and complexity, but all are a |
| these, you still crank the umbrella to open it, but | | | | valuable asset to patio furniture which can make |
| rather than keep cranking, it stops when it's fully | | | | your time outdoors more pleasant. |