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BUG Umbrella Gazebo in East Granby, Conn. is the creator of a unique umbrella design with built-in screen sides that can be raised and lowered by turning an integral crank. When lowered, the screen sides are weighted to secure them on breezy days. A conventional umbrella crank is not designed to lift the required weight and only allows for a small amount of cord to wind around the crank axle.

Several issues were previlent for the auxiliary crank on the outdoor table umbrella . First, due to a “tackle” type mechanism in each rib of the frame that amplifies the lifting action of the crank, the force required to lift the screen sides and weights is doubled. Second, an extremely high degree of force is exerted on the rotating crank in an upward direction. Third, space limitations and cost sensitivity must be considered.

In order to remedy these concerns, BUG Umbrella Gazebo uses two iglide® M250 plain bearings from igus® Inc. in the assembly of the crank. The plastic compound of the bearings supports the unequal and high force applied by the cord as it is wound around the crankshaft, lifting the screen sides and weights. The plastic also requires no oil, keeping it neat and clean and last, but not least, the performance of plastic is not hindered by the extreme hot and dry cold and wet temperature changes.

To learn more about BUG Umbrella Gazebo, visit www.bugumbrella.com.