Offset patio umbrellas
An offset patio umbrella is a patio umbrella with suspended canopy. It is shaped differently from a typical patio umbrella to provide shade and cover in locations where a typical patio umbrella cannot.
A typical patio umbrella has a straight shaft with a square or circular canopy attached to its peak. A weighted base is located on the bottom end of the shaft. An offset patio umbrella also has a canopy at the top end and a weighted base at the bottom end, but unlike a typical patio umbrella, it has a curved or angled shaft. The peak of an offset patio umbrella is shaped like a reverse parabola with the canopy attached to the end of the bent shaft. Most offset patio umbrellas have canopies suspended from the shafts, while there are also some models with canopies directly attached to the shafts.
Opening the canopy of an offset patio umbrella usually involves turning a crank. The crank is attached to a winch-and-pulley system that pulls the canopy open. On the other hand, a typical patio umbrella has a hinged frame that is pushed up to open the canopy.
The advantages of an offset patio umbrella
An offset patio umbrella is best used in situations where the straight shaft of a typical model can prevent it from giving shade. It is ideal for swimming pools and sandboxes where it can be placed on the side and still give shade in the middle.
An offset patio umbrella is easer to clean and maintain because its suspended canopy can be detached and cleaned away from the shaft. On the other hand, a typical patio umbrella has a canopy permanently attached to the frame so it can only be cleaned while attached to the shaft. Cleaning it can be awkward and difficult, and putting weight on the frame can potentially damage it.
The disadvantages of an offset patio umbrella
An offset patio umbrella does not distribute weight evenly and tends to topple over. Most manufacturers of offset patio umbrellas attempt to remedy this by making their bases heavier than those in typical patio umbrellas. A heavier base actually introduces another problem. An offset patio umbrella with a heavier base is harder to transport so rearranging it and the other patio furniture can become difficult.
An offset patio umbrella also has a canopy that can put constant strain on the frame. Because the frame is constantly pulled down by the suspended canopy, it can deform after a while. A canopy is relatively light, but the constant tension it places on the frame can cause it to bend out of shape over time. If you still want to get an offset patio umbrella, get one with frame that has a five-year warranty to ensure its durability.
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