An umbrella frame includes an upper shaft part 2 and a lower shaft part 1, the two parts being connected by a tilting joint to enable the upper part to tilt with respect to the lower, a runner 4 sliding on the lower shaft part 1, for spreading a cover on the umbrella frame into its unfurled configuration when slid upwardly, and an actuator connected to the upper shaft part 2 and passing down the shaft, through or past the runner 4 when in its upper position with the umbrella open, to an operating location on the lower shaft part 1, the actuator being accessible at its lower end to allow an operator to tilt the upper shaft part 2.