US20170086544A1

US20170086544A1 - Beach umbrella stand

Info

Publication number: US20170086544A1
Application number: US15/260,230
Authority: US
Inventors: Leslie F. Martel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-09-24
Filing date: 2016-09-08
Publication date: 2017-03-30

Abstract

In an embodiment, an umbrella stand comprises a central pole having a first and second end. The first end is adapted to receive an umbrella pole. The second end is adapted to retain the central pole in an upright position and comprises a spike as well as a plurality of pivotally mounted ribs extending radially from the central pole and material attached to each of the ribs also extending radially from the central pole. Each rib has one or more along the rib joints, which may be double joints in an embodiment. The stand device further comprises a locking mechanism rigidly holding the stand device in place. The ribs are moveable between a closed storage position wherein the base and central pole are folded together and an open position wherein the ribs extend away from the central pole and the material spreads.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/222,856 filed on Sep. 24, 2015, entitled “Beach Umbrella Stand” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to the field of stands that are capable of holding objects in a particular position. More specifically this invention relates to umbrella and parasol stands.
2. Description of Related Art
An umbrella or parasol is a folding material supported by metal ribs, which is mounted on a wooden, metal or plastic pole. It is designed to protect a person against rain or sunlight. The word “umbrella” typically refers to a device used for protection from rain. The word parasol usually refers to an item designed to protect from the sun. Often the difference is the material used for the material; some parasols are not waterproof. Umbrella canopies may be made of fabric or flexible plastic. A downfall of umbrellas may be damaged in windy conditions. Umbrellas have been referenced since the first century, however they were most likely present even before this time. These ancient designs were similar to what is used today.
Umbrellas are used for a variety of applications. As mentioned, umbrellas can be used to shelter a user from the rain, as well as shelter from the sun. In use, smaller umbrellas are held in a hand of the user, allowing for portability and shelter from the elements while standing or walking. Larger umbrellas may be fixed to a stand specifically designed to hold the umbrella. It is common for such umbrellas to be fixed to the center of an outdoor table, wherein; the table in conjunction with a base provide support for the umbrella. The bases of such umbrellas are made from heavy materials in order to anchor the umbrella to a fixed point on the ground. The umbrella then extends from a base through one or more apertures in the table in order to maintain the upright orientation of the umbrella. Bases are often heavy, large, and not meant to be constantly relocated. Furthermore, with such bases, a flat surface is needed in order for the umbrella to stand upright.
Umbrellas are able to cover a large surface area while remaining lightweight and portable. These features that make the umbrella omnipresent and useful also cause a multitude of problems in bad weather. With such a large surface area, and no means of firmly anchoring the umbrella to the ground, the umbrella can become a projectile in high winds.
For example, while at a beach, people often use beach umbrellas for shade and sun protection. Trying to secure these umbrellas in the sand can be frustrating. Most people dig holes, place the umbrella within the hole, and cover it with the previously dug-out sand in order to secure the umbrella. However, this method may be ineffective. Some beaches may feature rougher ground surfaces, making it difficult to dig holes to secure an umbrella. Further, even if an umbrella is placed in the ground, moderately windy conditions can blow the umbrella over endangering the user as well as nearby beachgoers. People must often take down their umbrellas to prevent it from blowing away and causing injury to others.
Recent skin cancer studies show the necessity for the umbrella to be used by sensitive populations. Those who wish to limit their exposure to the sun are traveling with umbrellas. Finding a suitable place to anchor the umbrella can be difficult depending on the location. As mentioned, bases are often made from heavy materials that are not easily carried. Furthermore, bases require a large surface area that is also difficult to carry and pack for destinations which require the umbrella and stand to be moved long distances. Some bases are molded to be hollow, lessening the weight of the base. Once the user finds a suitable location, the hollow cavity of the base is filled with sand, water, or another heavy medium in order to anchor the base to the ground surface. This process requires more work for the user, therefore a suitable solution is desired.
Based on the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a device that anchors to the ground and securely holds an umbrella in place in both pleasant and adverse conditions. Furthermore, it is useful for the device to be portable and easy to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment, a central pole comprises a first and second end. The first end is adapted to receive an umbrella pole. The second end is adapted to maintain the central pole in an upright position. The second end further comprises a plurality of ribs, pivotally connected to the central pole. A material is connected to each rib and extends radially from the central pole forming a base. In an embodiment, each rib will have one or more joints allowing the ribs to articulate. In an embodiment, the ribs may be double joints protecting the ribs from breaking.
In an embodiment, the second end terminates in a ground-penetrating spike, allowing for the second end to be sunk into the ground and provide additional support for the device.
In a embodiment, the device will have a locking mechanism, ensuring no unwanted movement during use. Further, in an embodiment each joint has a locking mechanism.
In an embodiment, the material is a fabric, allowing for debris to be placed on top, preventing unwanted movement of the device.
In an embodiment, the stand device will have a storage position, wherein the material and central pole are folded together. Further, the device will have an open position, wherein the ribs and material are extended from the central pole.
In an embodiment, an alternate design of the device will comprise a central pole along with a housing slidingly engaged to the central pole, adapted to receive an umbrella pole. In an embodiment, the alternate design will have two sets of three ribs extending radially from the device.
In an embodiment, the housing comprises a locking mechanism, allowing for the device to be locked in a desired position.
The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1A is a front elevation view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a front elevation view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1C is a front elevation view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the device in use, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a front elevation view of a children's version of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a front elevation view of the children's version of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4C is a front elevation view of the children's version of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the children's version of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the children's version of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides users with a lightweight and portable umbrella anchor used for stabilizing beach umbrellas. It ensures beach umbrellas do not blow away even during windy conditions, allowing users to secure their beach umbrellas on sandy beaches, rocky surfaces, and other rough terrain without having to dig holes with shovels. An embodiment includes a children's version with a duck or other animal attached to the umbrella anchor. As designed, it utilizes an upside-down umbrella-like construction, along with a ground spike, to ensure any type of beach umbrella is firmly secured.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to FIGS. 1A-6, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.
Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1C, Beach Umbrella Stand is a unique umbrella-anchoring platform comprised of a device resembling and functioning similarly to an upside-down umbrella. The device can feature a ground-penetrating spike 2 at the bottom, capable of being driven into a ground surface for securement. In an embodiment, the ground-penetrating spike 2 is integrally molded to the central pole 1. The umbrella stand can be slipped onto an umbrella pole using a round bracket and then secured by hand. The stand slides downward and opens into a flat, round, umbrella-like surface flush to the ground surface.
A user can pile sand or stones onto the stand to create a stable environment for the beach umbrella. The stand may use a durable, rip-stop fabric construction to ensure long-lasting use. The device eliminates the need for digging holes in order to secure the umbrella. Further, there may be a children's version of the device available with a duck or other animal integrated into the stand. The stand, once extended, can resemble a duck's webbed feet.
The Beach Umbrella Stand can be constructed using plastic, fabric, and other suitable materials. The stand may be available in numerous sizes capable of fitting all types of beach umbrellas. Exact size, measurements, construction, and design specifications may vary upon manufacturing.
In an embodiment, FIG. 1A illustrates the stand in a closed storage position. The stand has a central pole 1 that extends upwards with respect to the central pole, and multiple ribs 3 that radiate away from the central pole 1. Each rib 3 has connection joints 20 along its length which allow the rib 3 to be bent about the joint 7. The number of joints 7 can be increased depending on the length of the device or application of the umbrella stand. Herein, the multiple ribs, rib joints, connection joints 20, and material may collectively be referred as base components.
In an embodiment, the central pole 1 is integrally molded to a ground-penetrating spike 2 located at the bottom of the stand. The ground-penetrating spike 2 is long enough to anchor the umbrella into the sand or other penetrable surface such as dirt or grass. The spike 2 will serve to ensure that the umbrella and stand does not move in windy conditions.
In an embodiment, the central pole 1 will have an aperture at the top. The aperture will be used to either insert an umbrella into the central pole 1 or contrarily insert the central pole 1 into an umbrella. The means by which the umbrella is positioned inside or around the central pole 1 relies on the diameter of the corresponding umbrellas pole. The central pole 1 will provide the structural support of the umbrella, allowing the umbrella to stand in a fixed position as determined by the user.
In an embodiment of the design, the central pole 1 contains a fastener that will fix the position of the umbrella and deter any rotation or sliding of the umbrella up or down the central pole 1. The fastener may be in the form of a clamp
In an embodiment, the central pole 1 may rotate, articulate, or hinge in order to allow the umbrella to tilt. This feature may be useful to modulate the orientation and shade of the umbrella throughout use.
In an embodiment, the central pole 1 may contain a locking mechanism. The activation of the locking mechanism may lock the position of the base components in place. The locking mechanism may prevent the base 30 from rotation once the locking mechanism is engaged as well as prevent the central pole 1 from tilting in reference to the base components.
In an embodiment, the central pole 1 may be allowed to tilt about a joint connecting the central pole 1 to the base components. This feature may be useful in allowing the umbrella to tilt in order to block the sun or weather as the day progresses.
In an embodiment of the design, one or more ribs 3 are radially positioned around a central pole 1. The ribs 3 are attached to the central pole 1 by a joint allowing the rib 3 to longitudinally articulate 360 degrees. The articulation of the ribs 3 allows for the device to have a closed and open setting as well as allowing the user to modulate the device to best fit numerous applications. Each rib 3 will contain one or more rib joints 7 which are able to articulate, folding the ribs 3 in a manner best seen fit.
In use, the rib joints 7 are ideally positioned such that the ribs 3 are parallel to the ground. However, the ribs 3, and rib joints 7 may be positioned in a manner best seen fit by the user depending on ground conditions, weather conditions, or shading needs.
In an embodiment, the material has an attached strap with a hook-and-loop system that is used to keep the device in an upright storage position. The hook and loop on the attachment strap is engaged as the attachment strip is wrapped around the device, preventing the ribs and material from falling to an in-use position.
In an embodiment, FIG. 1B illustrates the stand in a state between being opened and closed showing the functionality of the device. In use, the device may be stored with ribs 3 oriented parallel to the central pole 1 with the ends of the ribs 3 facing the top of the device. The user will open the device, made possible by the plurality of connection joints 20 pivotally mounted to the central pole 1 to the ribs 3, as well as rib joints 7 located on the ribs 3.
Rib joints 7 positioned on the extent of the ribs 3 allow for the ribs to bend. Bending of the ribs 3 allows for the device to fold into or out of a storage conformation. Further, the base of the device may conform to the underlying ground topography when in use.
In use, the hook-and-loop system of the attached strap is disengaged allowing the ribs and material to modulate into an in-use position.
In an embodiment, FIG. 1C illustrates the stand in an opened state. Extending between each rib is fabric that in conjunction with the plurality of ribs will form a material. An open state will ideally have the ribs parallel to the ground. Once in an open state, spreading of the ribs 3 which are spaced radially around the central pole 1 extends the base 30 between each rib 3. The fabric may be manufactured from a number of materials known in the art. Preferentially the fabric will be durable enough to withstand the elements, sun resistant, and malleable. The user may be able to place sand, rocks, or weights on the fabric in order to help further anchor the umbrella in windy conditions.
In use, once the material as well as the base components are in a desirable position, providing the greatest amount of stability and safety for the device, hinges connecting the central pole to the ribs may be locked in place. A locking mechanism may be placed on the central pole to be engaged by the user. Further, the locking mechanism may lock the position of the ribs and rib joints in place to prohibit the elements from moving.
In an embodiment, the entirety, or components of the beach umbrella stand may be integrally molded from one or more materials known in the art. The integrally molded design may be less expensive to manufacture as well as more stable for use at home, or in a situation where portability is not necessary. An integrally molded or partially integrally molded design may forgo the functional storage usage of the design however the physical design remains.
In an embodiment, the base material 30 extends between each rub. The base 30 is molded, folded around, or in some way attached to each rib allowing the rib and base 30 to extend in unison. Each rib terminates in a tip 15 located the distal end of the device. The tip 15 may prevent the base 30 from disconnecting from the ribs as well as adding safety to the device.
In an embodiment, FIG. 2 illustrates the stand in use. The ground-penetrating spike 2 is inserted into ground creating a primary anchor mechanism. To aid in anchoring the stand, ribs are extended downward utilizing joints connecting the central pole 1 to the ribs 3. Fabric is molded to the ribs forming a base 30 radially oriented around the central pole. In use, the rib joints 7 are matching the contour of the ground beneath; preferentially this would be flat, and parallel to the underlying surface.
In an embodiment, a duck, or other decorative housing 12 will be molded to form an aperture extending through the center. The central pole 1 of the stand can extend through the decorative housing 12.
In a preferred embodiment, the connection joints 20 may articulate the base components from a storage position to a position dependent on user preference. Each connection joint 20 is attached to around the circumference of the central pole 1, and in communication with a rib extending radially from the central pole.
In an embodiment of the design, the central pole 1 contains a cavity with apertures at each end. The apertures and cavity therein may serve to store the base components when not in use. This further decreases the storage space of the device when not in use. In an embodiment, the housing 12 of may be rotated, pushed, pulled, or moved up and down in reference to the central pole 1 in order to extend the base components from the aperture of the central pole 1.
In an embodiment of the design, the decorative housing 12 has an aperture and cavity at the top. The aperture and cavity within may allow for the central pole to extend through as well as the umbrella to rest within. The umbrella may extend over the central pole 1 and through the aperture of the decorative housing 12. This gives additional support to the umbrella as well as additional weight to anchor the stand in place.
In an embodiment, the housing 12 may have a fastening feature in order to clamp down onto the umbrella and prevent it moving or sliding within the housing 12. Further, the housing 12 may contain a button or other means to modulate extending, locking, or positioning features of the device.
In an embodiment, the housing 12 may have the ability to slide up, down, into or out of the central pole in order to accomplish a range of functions. These functions may be, locking the base components in place, locking the umbrella in place into the stands, or extending and retracting the base components into or out from a storage setting.
In an embodiment, each rib joint is a double joint allowing fill articulation of the joint about the axis. In use, the rib double joint protects the device from being damaged in the event of the base components being stepped on. Further, the rib double joint allow for materials to be placed directly on the rib double joints to better anchor the device in windy scenarios.
In an embodiment, FIG. 3 illustrates the stand with a rotationally engaged extension of the base. The decorative housing 12, such as a duck, will be manufactured to have a top and a bottom piece that may rotate within. Rotation of the housing 12 extends the base through an aperture at the bottom of the central pole 1.
In an embodiment, the base may be stored inside an aperture of the central pole. When not in use, the device appears as only the central pole 1. Rotating the top and bottom portions of the decorative housing 12 extends the base within allowing for easy set-up and storage of the device. This embodiment will aid in protecting the fabric of the base 30 from being damaged when stored as well as prevent any component of the base from snagging objects when in transit.
In an embodiment, the rib joints will articulate in order to allow the ribs to fold into and out of the central pole.
In an embodiment, FIGS. 4A-4C illustrates a children's version of the stand in use. In an embodiment, the stand itself is a housing 12 for the stand and an umbrella, such that the umbrella is ejected from a top opening and the stand is activated by the webbed feet coming out of the bottom of the central area of the housing 12. In an embodiment, the housing 12 is shaped into various animals or objects that may be appealing to the user, for example a duck. In a particular embodiment, the ribs of the stand form a web like base 30 that act as the base of the device, where in an opened formation, the ribs look like the feet of the duck that is the housing 12. The user can push a button to eject the umbrella and push a different button to eject the stand. In another embodiment, the housing 12 is made up of multiple sections wherein one section houses the stand portion of the device and another section houses the umbrella portion of the device. In a preferred embodiment, the user can open the base 30 by using a twisting motion to open the base 30 and close the umbrella.
FIG. 4A shows the stand in a storage setting in an embodiment of the design. The ribs extend upwards to the top of the stand, resulting in a conformation that utilizes minimal storage space.
FIG. 4B shows the stand opening from the storage position as the stand is beginning use. Rib joints allow the ribs to bend in order to open the device. In an embodiment, a rib joint separates a proximal and distal rib component, however, a plurality of rib joints may be implemented for different applications and designs.
FIG. 4C shows the stand in an open setting, in use. At this setting, the ribs extend radially from the central pole 1. Ideally, the ribs will be positioned at a 90-degree angle in reference to the central pole 1 to allow maximum stabilization of the device. Joints connecting the central pole 1 as well as the rib joints allow for modulation of the base 30 to best suit the needs of the user.
In an embodiment, the children's design removes the ground-penetrating spike 2, as well as other small, sharp, or hazardous objects in order to enhance the safety of the device.
In reference to FIG. 5, an embodiment of the children's design is shown. Pluralities of ribs protrude radially from the central pole 1 of the stand. In an embodiment, the ribs are spaced to resemble ducks feet, matching the duck housing 12 of the stand. The housing 12 may take any decorative form, while the ribs may protrude in any manner than allows the base 30 to retain its anchoring capabilities.
In an embodiment, two sets of three ribs extend radially from the central pole in order to resemble ducks feet.
In an embodiment, rib joints are double joints allows for full articulation of the ribs that is useful in the event of children playing on the material. Double joints at the ribs protect the device from damage and extend the usable nature of the device.
In reference to FIG. 6, an embodiment of the children's design is shown. A decorative housing 12, such as a duck, has an aperture extending through the middle. This aperture allows for the central pole 1 to extend through the aperture. The housing 12 has one or more components that may rotate. In an embodiment, the rotation of the housing 12 has the ability of extending the base components.
In an embodiment, the decorative housing 12 is designed to receive an umbrella pole, holding the umbrella pole in a fixed position. The decorative housing 12 contains a locking mechanism designed to hold the umbrella pole in place without swiveling, rotating, or becoming disengaged with the decorative housing 12.
In an embodiment, the base components, including the ribs and material, are stored inside the aperture of the central pole 1. As the housing 12 is rotated, the base components are extended through the aperture. Once fully extended, rib joints 7, as stated in previous embodiments, may adjust the base components. Pluralities of rib joints 7 along the ribs 3 allow the ribs and base components to be stored inside the central pole 1. The malleability of the ribs then allows the ribs to extend from the central pole 1 and bend to radiate outwards from the central pole 1.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims.

Claims

I claim:

1. A stand device comprising:

a. a central pole having first and second ends;

b. the first end comprising an aperture; and

c. the second end adapted to retain the central pole in an upright orientation, the second end comprising:

i. a plurality of ribs pivotally mounted to and extending radially from the central pole; and

ii. material attached at each of the plurality of ribs and extending radially from the central pole.

2. The stand device of claim 1, wherein the first end is adapted to receive an umbrella pole.

3. The stand device of claim 1, wherein each rib has one or more joints along the length of each rib.

4. The stand device of claim 3, wherein each joint is a double joint.

5. The stand device of claim 1, wherein the second end terminates in a spike adapted to penetrate ground.

6. The stand device of claim 1, having a locking mechanism rigidly holding the stand device.

7. The stand device of claim 1, wherein each joint has a locking mechanism.

8. The stand device of claim 1, wherein the material is a fabric.

9. The stand device of claim 1, wherein the ribs are movable between a storage position wherein the base and central pole are folded together; and an open position wherein the ribs extend away from the central pole and the material spreads.

10. A stand device comprising:

a. a central pole having first and second ends;

b. the first end comprising an aperture; and

11. The stand device of claim 10, wherein the first end is adapted to receive an umbrella pole.

12. The stand device of claim 10, wherein a housing is insertably mounted to the central pole and is positioned to receive an umbrella pole.

13. The stand device of claim 10, wherein each rib has one or more joints along the length of each rib.

14. The stand device of claim 13, wherein each joint is a double joint.

15. The stand device of claim 10, wherein the second end terminates in a spike adapted to penetrate ground.

16. The stand device of claim 10, having a locking mechanism rigidly holding the stand device.

17. The stand device of claim 10, wherein each joint has a locking mechanism.

18. The stand device of claim 10, wherein the material is a fabric.

19. The children's stand device of claim 10, wherein the plurality of ribs comprise two sets of three ribs pivotally mounted on opposing sides of the central pole.

20. The stand device of claim 10, wherein the ribs are movable between a storage position, wherein the material and central pole are folded together; and an open position wherein the ribs extend away from the central pole and the material spreads.