Patent Application
20250059792
The present invention relates generally to the field of beach umbrella safety devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved beach umbrella equipped with an anchoring device that provides users with an accessible and safe system for securing a beach umbrella in the ground. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in beach umbrella safety devices. Specifically, the device secures or anchors beach umbrellas, sunshades, flags, and other items which are supported by a pole or elongated shaft in a proper depth and position in the ground. Devices for safely anchoring beach umbrellas, flags, shades, and the like are generally desired in the art as they can help in reducing personal injuries and property damage. One particular area of concern is the stability of beach umbrellas, flags, sunshades and the like and their structural capabilities. A problem with most types of pole-supported beach accessories is that they lack a proper anchoring system and usually the pole is just inserted in the ground which can easily be dislodged from the ground by a large gust of wind or other passersby bumping into the beach accessory. These accessories, such as umbrellas, are usually large, made of hard plastic or metal material, and often have sharp edges and other exposed elements that can seriously injure others when falling or if they are sent airborne.
Furthermore, most beach accessories, such as umbrella designs, are heavily reliant on the shaft to keep the accessory or umbrella grounded and secured in its installed location. Beach umbrellas and other accessories often use the weight of the sand or dirt to surround the shaft underground and push inward on it to keep it in position. Typically for the umbrellas to provide shade, they need to be angled or in a slanted position which is not always ideal for wind conditions and can lead to wind collecting underneath the umbrella or otherwise grabbing the accessory. This can cause the umbrella or accessory to fall over or be dislodged from the ground and sent airborne, presenting a major safety hazard.
Another problem is that people who use beach umbrellas and other accessories are of all ages and physical capabilities. Thus, it is important that the umbrella comes with an easy way of assembling the umbrella or accessory and creating a solid foundation to anchor the accessory. Sand bag weights also help provide stability as well as require less focus on planting the accessory or umbrella deeper in the ground which can prove a hassle for older users as well as reducing the space between the surface and the roof of the umbrella, sunshade or other accessory, making egress from under and out of the sunshade, accessory, or umbrella difficult for taller individuals.
Specifically, the present invention relates to a beach umbrella or other accessory anchoring system that may require sand, dirt, gravel, or other soil or loose material to function properly. The use of sand in the sandbag components help secure the umbrella or accessory in an upright position. The device also secures different amounts of sand, gravel, dirt, or other material into the bags. Furthermore, the device includes a carrying bag for easy transportation.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a beach umbrella or other accessory anchoring device that provides users with a wind resilient beach accessory such as an umbrella, sunshade, flag, tent, tarp, or the like for the beach, capable of keeping them secure and upright when in use. There is also a long-felt need in the art for an umbrella or beach accessory anchoring device that allows users to add weight to sandbag components that serve to secure the umbrella or accessory into the surface of the sand or ground. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an umbrella or beach accessory anchoring device that structures itself around biodegradable components that helps prevent the harm of animals and the surrounding wildlife. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a beach umbrella or other accessory anchoring device that reduces the chance of the beach accessory dislodging from the ground or falling over and becoming a safety hazard. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an umbrella or beach accessory anchoring device that includes a convenient, nylon carrying bag for easy transportation when not in use.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a beach accessory anchoring system. The device is an adjustable system for securing beach accessories such as umbrellas, sunshades, tents, tarps, flags, and combinations thereof in an upright position. The invention includes a dual member canopy component made of durable nylon material. The device also has a shaft with a spiraled tail for planting the umbrella or pole-mounted accessory securely in the sand, ground, dirt, gravel, or other loose material. The device comes with 8×8 inch cotton, canvas, polyester, recycled material, compostable, or other suitable material for making bags or sacks and the bags have drawstring elastic cords or other closures, such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps, magnets, zippers, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the bags are 100% biodegradable, made eco-friendly to protect the beach and aquatic environment. The umbrella comes with a small plastic shovel or scoop which can be used to fill the bags or sacks with sand or other material from the beach. The sandbags now act as secure weights to keep the umbrella from being pulled from the ground or falling over by harsh winds. The shaft has a fold-out handle for transporting the disassembled accessory when not in use.
In this manner, the beach accessory safety device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that is capable of securing the beach accessory during windy or stormy weather conditions. The device allows a user to safely anchor, secure, and use a beach umbrella or other accessory without injury. The device allows users to insert the umbrella into the sand, dirt, or gravel wherever desired, and secure the accessory without much physical labor, and to disassemble the accessory easily for transport.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a beach accessory, such as an umbrella, tent, shade, flag, or combination thereof, anchoring device. The device is an adjustable system for securing umbrellas and other pole-mounted accessories in an upright position. The device includes a dual member canopy component made of durable nylon material. The invention has a shaft with a spiraled tail for planting the umbrella or other accessory securely in the sand. The invention comes with 8×8 inch bags with drawstring elastic cords or other closures, such as hook and loop fasteners, magnets, snaps, zippers, or combination thereof. In one embodiment, they are 100% biodegradable, made eco-friendly to protect the beach and aquatic environment in the event the bags are lost or otherwise left behind. The accessory comes with a small plastic shovel or scoop which can be used to fill the bags with sand, gravel, soil, or other material from the beach or location where an individual is using the accessory. The weighted bags act as secure weights to keep the umbrella or other accessory from being pulled from the ground or falling over due to windy conditions. The shaft has a fold-out handle for transporting the disassembled umbrella when not in use.
The present invention is a pole-mounted accessory safety system. The anchoring invention is adjustable and may be used in wet or dry sand or other material such as soil, dirt, gravel, or combinations thereof. The adjustability is accomplished by providing a base component with a spiraled tip for digging or driving into soft ground or other material. The spiraled tail on the shaft component of the pole-mounted accessory allows for the pole supporting the shade, flag, tent, tarp, or the like to be planted into sand or other material located anywhere on the beach or wherever the user prefers.
In one embodiment, the base component comprises a generally cylindrical shaft with a top piece that secures the top components of the accessory together. Specifically, the base component includes a rigid shaft about 4 inches in diameter. The base component may be made from aluminum, metal, plastic, carbon composites, reinforced fiberboard, or combinations thereof. Further, the base component has a metal cross member used for hanging the weighted bags, which are secured via screws perpendicular to the base component. The hanging cross member has two grooved indentations on each side of the pole for hanging the weighted bags to create an equal force around the pole or support and pulling downward. The cross member can also be folded upward for transporting. The member is 8 inches to 10 inches in length depending on the diameter of the base component and the preferences of the user or consumer.
In one embodiment, the base component shaft measures between about 2 inches to about 6 inches with 4 inches in diameter being preferred and between about 40 inches to 60 inches with about 46 inches in height being preferred, or any other suitable size or shape as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or preferences of a user.
In one embodiment, the pole-mounted accessory device has a wind resistant designed umbrella, sunshade, or other accessory for redirecting air away from the umbrella or other pole-mounted accessory. The component has at least two nylon members positioned on top of each other with a small gap between each of the layers. Additional members or layers may be added depending on the design. The top member is roughly 2.5 times the size of the lower nylon member. The wind flows between the two members or layers and divides the wind force into two surface areas to help reduce the amount of upward pull on the surface area of the pole-mounted accessory.
In another embodiment of the umbrella, the nylon members that make up the top surface of the umbrella or other pole-mounted accessory are 224 inches and 96 inches in diameter, or this can be any other suitable size or shape as is known in the art, depending on the preferences of a user and the manufacturer.
In another embodiment, the outer canopy component has an interior and exterior surface for both nylon members. The nylon members that make up the outer canopy are both propped open with rigid spokes, such as metal, plastic, carbon composites, other suitable material or combinations thereof. These spokes are each about 36 inches to 48 inches in length with about 41 inches in length being preferred, or any other suitable size as is known in the art, depending on the preferences of a user. Further, the canopy component maybe retractable or collapsible via a spring-loaded sliding mechanism which is released with the press of a button. This method is used in most handheld weather umbrellas. Otherwise, the canopy component can be folded or otherwise collapsed in order to make it easier to transport.
In one embodiment, the base platform component can be detached from the shaft and filled with sand, gravel, dirt, or other material to allow for a more secure base. The base platform component is cone shaped and its tip is threaded so that the tip can be screwed or driven into the ground using ridges and valleys on the components exterior. This spiraled anchor is between 4 inches and 12 inches in height with about 8 inches in height being preferred. The component would also have a small hole to drain any sand or moisture chambered in the anchor component. This base component can consist of a heavy-duty plastic, metal, or any other suitable material as is known in the art. The base component can also be any color as is known in the art. The base component may also have different threading arrangements where the threads are closer together or farther apart depending on the type of material the base component will be driven or screwed into. In addition, the width of the threads may range from 1 inch to about 6 inches with the wider threads being used with looser material such as sand.
In another embodiment, where the accessory is an umbrella, the canopy component can be opened and closed using a crank reel mechanism located on the shaft of the umbrella. Further, the reel mechanism can be locked into a specific position to prevent the canopy component from collapsing or the reel slipping from its position.
In one embodiment, the shaft component has a weighted bottom to keep the umbrella in an upright position. In this embodiment, the umbrella pole could use sand to fill up the bottom of the pole for an easier anchoring system. The pole could then be drained of all collected sand by removing a small cap covering an air hole located somewhere discreetly on the shaft component.
In another embodiment, the base shaft component includes a handle or carrying strap for easy transport. Further, the device can comprise any other suitable handle means as is known in the art.
In yet another embodiment, the beach umbrella and anchoring device is manufactured from heat-sealable plastic or polymers, such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), metals, such as aluminum, stainless steel, or combinations thereof.
In yet another embodiment, the accessory anchoring device includes a plurality of indicia.
In yet another embodiment, a method of securing the pole-mounted accessory safely in an upright position for use is described. The method includes the steps of providing a pole-mounted accessory safety device having a heavy-duty base shaft component with a spiral tail or threaded element for adjustability. The method also includes positioning bags of optional weight hanging from the base component. Further, the method includes having an intricate design of the canopy to help redirect wind out from underneath the umbrella or accessory to prevent the shaft from dislodging from the ground or otherwise falling over. The method includes the step of positioning the accessory safely and securely into the ground in an efficient fashion. Finally, transporting the device via the carrying handle and bag.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the pole-mounted safety device is adjustable, such that its height and canopy dimensions can be changed to fit the needs of the user. Users insert the spiraled or threaded base platform component into the ground and then secure them in an upright position by twisting the spiraled component or driving the shaft into the ground. Further, the device provides a set of weighted bags to be filled and hung from the top of the device to help add weight to the unit. The canopy component also adds to the device's durability as its aerodynamic design allows for maximum redistribution of wind from underneath the umbrella to different areas to prevent any component from being blown away.
In a still further embodiment of the present invention, a kit is disclosed that includes a pole-mounted item, a plurality of bags for filling with a material to create a weighted bag and at least one base, with the base having a threaded exterior. The kit further includes a hanging rack for connection to the base, and a plurality of bags are connected to the hanging rack. The pole-mounted item may be an umbrella, flag, tent, tarp or other advertising item.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a pole-mounted shade or advertising anchoring device that provides users with a wind resilient accessory for the beach, park, or other outdoor area, capable of keeping the pole-mounted accessory secure and upright when in use. There is also a long-felt need in the art for pole-mounted shade or advertising anchoring device that allows users to add weight to bag components that serve to further secure the pole-mounted device into the sand, ground, or other surface. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for pole-mounted anchoring device that structures itself around biodegradable components that prevents the harm of animals and the surrounding wildlife if the device is lost or otherwise left behind. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a pole-mounted shade or advertising anchoring device that reduces the chance of the pole-mounted device from dislodging from the ground and becoming a safety hazard. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for pole-mounted advertising or shade element anchoring device that includes a convenient nylon carrying bag for easy transportation when not in use.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a safety device for improving pole-mounted items such as beach umbrellas, tents, tarps, flags, advertising items, sunshades and combinations thereof. The device includes multiple components to improve the conditions for keeping a pole-mounted device, such as a beach umbrella, in a proper position. The pole-mounted shade, tent, tarp, advertising item, or umbrella has a durable metal shaft with a spiraled or threaded bottom for firmly securing the device into the ground. The width and thread density can be changed based on the type of material that the bottom will be inserted into. For example, wider threads can be used for looser material such as sand, and a higher thread density, or tighter threads can be used for more compact material such as soil or dirt. The device also comprises a set of biodegradable bags for adding weight to provide extra stability to the device. The bags may be filled with sand gravel, dirt, or other material or alternatively, the bags may be sold in a pre-weighted condition such as 5 lbs., 10 lbs., 20 lbs., or other weighted configurations. The device also comprises a blunt crown piece or top to prevent impaling anybody or anything in case of severe wind conditions. Further, the device can be disassembled and carried via a carrying bag for easy transportation. The present invention also includes a novel method of securing a pole-mounted shade or other advertising item safely in an upright position for use. The method includes the steps of providing a pole-mounted safety anchoring device having a cone-shaped base component with a tailed spiral or threaded anchor designed for stability. The method also comprises a set of weighted bags of varying sizes and or weights connected to the shaft component. Finally, transporting the device via the carrying handle as well as via the carrying bag.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The shaft/pole component 120 can come in various different heights depending on the user's preferences. Specifically, the device 100 is adjustable and has multiple components that can be manipulated into various different sizes to allow for maximum proficiency. Further, the cylindrical shaft component 120 comprises a hollow pipe made of durable metal such as steel, iron, aluminum, bronze, zinc, plastics, composites, fiberglass, or a combination of multiple metals, or any other material known in the art. The shaft component 120 has an interior surface 1200 and an exterior surface 1202 made of any material stated in the art above. The shaft component can also have a potential drainage hole 1204 for any sand, gravel, dirt, or other material stuck in the device 100.
In one embodiment, the knob crown piece 130 has a circular shape to prevent possible ripping of the nylon material when being transported in the carrying bag 151. This blunt top piece to the device 100 would also prove safer in the case the shade, advertising item, or umbrella becomes airborne. The crown piece 130 can be removed to empty out any dirt trapped in the shaft of the device 100. The component works to keep the entirety of the canopy component 140 connected to the shaft component during heavy wind conditions.
In one embodiment, the shaft component 120 measures between 40 inches and 60 inches with about 46 inches in length being preferred and roughly between 1 inches and 6 inches in diameter with between 2 inches and 4 inches in diameter being preferred, or any other suitable size or shape as is known in the art, depending on the preferences of a user. Further, the shaft component 120 is configured in a cylindrical shape, but could also be configured in a rectangular shape, square shape, star shape, triangular shape, or any other suitable shape as is known in the arts. The shaft component 120 weighs approximately 3 lbs. to 5 lbs., to withstand the wind conditions in certain areas. Generally, the device 100 can be any suitable size and/or shape as is known in the art, with larger sizes for shading a bigger area of land, such as for larger families and smaller sizes for shading a smaller area, such as for smaller families, couples, or a single individual.
In one embodiment, the canopy component 140 has an exterior surface 1400 that is made out of a nylon material, canvas, or other suitable materials that can withstand the elements. The canopy component 140 has two or more canopies with different radii. The canopy component 140 has a pair of nylon members 1435, such that the device 100 can have a more aerodynamic design. The larger canopy 14352 has a radius of 112 inches and the smaller canopy 14356 with a radius of between 40 inches and 60 inches with about 48 inches being preferred. The canopy 140 contains rigid spokes 1450, which may be made from metal, plastic, fiberglass, composites, cellulosic material, or any combination thereof to keep the canopy propped open while deployed.
In another embodiment, the canopy component 140 includes a mechanism for closing and opening the canopy. The canopy 140, when in an umbrella or other sunshade configuration, works similar to a regular weather umbrella and inhibits the same components. The art contains a method 147 for closing and opening the umbrella. The device 100 has a runner component 1470 which slides on the axis of the shaft component 120. The runner component 1470 has an exterior surface 14700 and in one embodiment, is constructed from a thick plastic but may also be metal or other suitable materials. This component opens the umbrella when slid vertically upward on the shaft 120 and closes the umbrella when slid downward. The runner 1470 will fall into a locking groove 1480 toward the top of the shaft. A release button 1490 is positioned on the runner component and removes the runner from the groove to allow the sunshade or umbrella to close properly. The release button has an exterior surface 13900 made of thick plastic, metal, or other suitable material.
As shown in
In one embodiment, the bag component 150 measures 8 inches by 8 inches in size, or any other suitable size as is known in the art.
In another embodiment, the device 100 utilizes a set of artificial weights 155. The artificial weights would come in weights of 2 lbs., 5 lbs., 10 lbs., 20 lbs., or any other suitable weight amount. The set of artificial weights 155 would be evenly distributed between the set of four to eight bags. These would help add weight to the device 100 in case of severe wind or other weather conditions. Also, these weights would be made out of biodegradable plastic that would be safe for the environment if left behind or lost.
Further, the weighted bags 150 can come in sets of eight. This method 156 would increase the stability of the device 100. The drawstring system 152 mentioned in connection with
As shown in
The bags come with an individual carrying case 151 made of nylon material. The carrying case 151 may be constructed from a nylon material 15100 or other suitable material. The bag 151 can use an elastic drawstring 1514 that is fed through two eyelets 1512. This carrying case keeps all the components of the bags 150 together. Other closures may be used such as magnets, snaps, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, and various combinations thereof.
As shown in
As shown in
In yet another embodiment, the beach umbrella safety device 100 is manufactured from metal, carbon fiber, aluminum, acrylic, ABS, Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Polystyrene, PVC, Clear Acrylic Sheets, Aluminum Composite (ACM), HDPE, Polycarbonate Mirror, Polypropylene Sheet, Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE), Acetal sheet, PETG, HDPE, plastic, etc., or any other suitable material as is known in the art.
In yet another embodiment, the beach umbrella safety device 100 includes a plurality of indicia 220 as seen in
In use, the beach umbrella safety device 100 is adjustable, such that it can have varying shaft component lengths, canopy dimensions, and number of weighted bags. Users insert sand or other material into the bag component 150 and then secure the bags in an upright position by placing the drawstring system 152 on the hanging rack 125 dangling them in place. Further, the device 100 includes a cone shaped, threaded, sturdy base 160 that can be selected based on the type of material that the device is to be inserted into, that helps prevent the device 100 from tipping over during difficult weather conditions. The base 160 is removable and interchangeable so that different bases can be used. The base can have a length between 6 inches and 12 inches with about 8 inches being preferred. Thus, users can safely sit under the device 100 for enjoyment on special occasions without worry of accidents and/or injuries.
As shown in
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “pole-mounted shade or advertising item”, “beach umbrella safety device”, “sunshade or advertising item anchoring device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the beach umbrella device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the beach umbrella safety device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the pole-mounted shade or advertising item safety device 100 as shown in
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such a term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/519,934, which was filed on Aug. 16, 2023 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63519934 | Aug 2023 | US |
