Folding Table Platform for Use on a Vertical Shaft or Pole

Abstract

A platform assembly that attaches to a shaft. The platform assembly includes a hub that is mounted in a fixed position. Cradle supports extend from the hub. The cradle supports define open troughs having open tops between opposing side surfaces. Support arms are provided that are connected to the cradle supports with pivot connections. The pivot connections enable the support arms to rotate between an open position and a folded position. In the open position, each of the support arms lay flush in the open troughs. In the folded position, each of the support arms are angled away from the open trough. A flexible panel is supported by the support arms. The flexible panel is held taut in a horizontal plane when the support arms are in their open positions. The flexible panel is folded and collapsed when the support arms are moved to their folded positions.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

In general, the present invention relates to table platforms and other such structures that attach to vertical poles and shafts. More particularly, the present invention relates to platform that are attached to vertical poles at hinge joints and rotate into place from a stored position along the length of the vertical pole.

2. Prior Art Description

Large umbrellas, such as beach umbrellas and patio umbrellas are inherently top heavy. As such, the shaft of the umbrella must be anchored into the ground or placed in a stand in order to hold the umbrella upright. On patios, large umbrellas are typically placed in support stands. This avoids the need to dig an anchor hole in the ground. Often the stand for the umbrella is part of, or used in conjunction with, a patio table. The shaft of the umbrella passes through a hole in the center of the table, wherein the table acts as a stand and holds the umbrella in place. The umbrella then provides shade over and around the supporting table. Such prior art table stands are exemplified by U.S. Patent No. 2002/0036008 to Hickam.

Providing a table platform around the shaft of an umbrella provides many conveniences. For example, it provides a shaded place to hold food and drink. It also provides a shaded place to hold electronic devices, such as cell phones, that can overheat if left in direct sunlight. However, although using a table platform is practical on a patio, the use of table stands for an umbrella is very impractical when being used at a beach or a public park. Umbrellas, chairs and other such gear must be carried to a beach or park before it is erected. Often the umbrella and gear must be carried a long distance to the beach or park. Carrying large heavy table stands such distances is both difficult and impractical.

Recognizing the convenience of having a table platform under an umbrella, lightweight table platforms have been developed and marketed, that attach directly to the shaft of an umbrella. Such table platforms tend to be rigid platforms that attach to the shaft of the umbrella with tools. Such prior art platforms are exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 6,837,386 to Kent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,197,394 to Schmidt, U.S. Pat. No. 2,805,109 to Kopmar, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0246091 to Becker. The obvious problem with such prior art platforms is that they are difficult to install and remove. Furthermore, the presence of the platform dramatically increases the bulk of the umbrella, making the umbrella difficult to transport and store. The platform also often prevents the umbrella from being able to fully close.

In the prior art, some folding platforms have been produced that are designed to attach to the pole of an umbrella. Such prior art folding platforms are exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 1,373,665 to Lozon. The problems with such folding platforms are twofold. First, the platforms fold downward in the direction of gravity. As a result, when objects, such as beverages are placed on the platform, the platform is biased into its folded position. This limits the amount of weight that can placed on the platforms before the platforms collapse. The second problem is that the folding platforms rely upon linkage arms to hold the platform open. For strength, the linkage arms are typically made of steel and contain rivet joints. The steel and the rivet joints are expensive components that easily rust or corrode. This is especially true when exposed to the brine mists along an ocean beach. As the linkage arms rust and corrode, these components become difficult to move and lock into place. As a result, the support components are left unlocked. Consequently, the structural support for the platform is compromised and its ability to support any significant weight is undermined.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,706,834 to Taylor shows a folding table that attaches to a pole. The table is made of cloth and is held up by narrow support arms that have a slight angle of inclination. The support arms are made lightweight and bend easily. Much of the strength provided by the support arms come from the slight angle of inclination provided to the support arms. However, if a heavy object, such as a bowl of fruit or a six pack of beer, is placed on the table, the support arms can buckle and cause part of the table to collapse.

The present invention is an improved stand assembly with a folding table support that is stronger, more reliable, easier to utilize, and cheaper to manufacture than prior art designs. The details of the present invention are described and claimed below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a platform assembly that is attached to a vertical shaft, such as that of an umbrella or umbrella stand. The platform assembly includes a hub that is mounted in a fixed position to the vertical shaft. A plurality of cradle supports extend from the hub. Each of the cradle supports has a first end that is affixed to the hub, an open second end, a bottom surface, and two opposing side surfaces that bracket the bottom surface. This cradle support structure defines an open trough having an open top and a first width between the opposing side surfaces.

A plurality of support arms are provided that are connected to the cradle supports with pivot connections. The pivot connections enable each of the support arms to rotate between an open position and a folded position. When in the open position each of the support arms lay flush in the open troughs of the cradle supports. When in the folded position, each of the support arms are angled away from the open trough to a position that is parallel or near parallel to the vertical shaft.

A flexible panel is supported by the support arms. The flexible panel is held taut in a horizontal plane when the support arms are in their open positions. The flexible panel is folded and collapsed when the support arms are moved to their folded positions.

Protrusions are provided on each of the cradle supports. The protrusions extend into the open trough. The protrusions create a gap that is smaller than the width of the support arms. As such, the support arms must be forced past the protrusions by applying a force in excess of some threshold. The protrusions, therefore, lock the support arms into either their open positions or their closed positions until a threshold moving force is applied.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following description of exemplary embodiments thereof, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a table stand assembly in its open configuration;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a table stand assembly in its folded configuration;

FIG. 3 is a fragmented view of a hub and support arm used in the table stand assembly and shown in an open configuration;

FIG. 4 is a fragmented view of the hub and support arm used in the table stand assembly and shown in a folded configuration;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the cradle support shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 shows an alternate embodiment where the table stand assembly is integrated into the structure of an umbrella;

FIG. 7 shows an alternate embodiment, wherein the present invention is embodied as a shelf instead of a table; and

FIG. 8 is a fragmented exploded view of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention table stand assembly can be configured in many ways and can be adapted for use in many applications. For example, the table stand assembly can be configured as part of an umbrella pole. Although the present invention can be used in many such applications, only three exemplary embodiments are illustrated and described. The exemplary embodiments are selected in order to set forth three of the best modes contemplated for the invention. The illustrated embodiments, however, are merely exemplary and should not be considered limitations when interpreting the scope of the appended claims.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the present invention is embodied as a table stand assembly 10. The table stand assembly 10 can be used to support a secondary object, such as a beach umbrella, a flag pole or a fishing pole. The table stand assembly 10 has a center shaft 12. The center shaft 12 is tubular and has a first end 14 and an opposite second end 16. The first end 14 is open to receive the secondary object. The opposite second end 16 is closed and terminates with an auger 20. The auger 20 is tapered and has flights 18 that enable the auger 20 to be easily screwed into sand or other loose soil by simply rotating the shaft 12 with a clockwise rotation.

The table stand assembly 10 utilizes a central hub 22 that is anchored to the shaft 12 in a fixed position. The central hub 22 can be anchored in place using mechanical fasteners and/or adhesive. Likewise, the central hub 22 can be made part of the shaft 12 during the manufacture of the shaft 12.

A plurality of support arms 24 are provided that attach to the hub 22 at pivot connections 26. The pivot connections 26 enable the various support arms 24 to move between a folded configuration (FIG. 2) and an open configuration (FIG. 1). In the folded configuration, the support arms 24 are parallel, or near parallel, to the shaft 12. In the open configuration, the support arms 24 are inclined at an angle relative to the vertical shaft. The angle of inclination A1 is preferably between forty degrees and eighty degrees. Each support arm 24 has first end 25 and an opposite second end 27. The first end 25 connects to the central hub 22 and the second end 27 engages a flexible panel 30.

The flexible panel 30 has a peripheral geometric shape. The peripheral geometric shape is a polygon, wherein a number of straight sides 31 and salient points 32 are symmetrically formed along the periphery of the flexible panel 30. The number of salient points 32 corresponds to the number of support arms 24 extending from the central hub 22. In the shown embodiment, there are four support arms 24. As such, the flexible panel 30 has a rhombus shape with four salient points 32. The support arms 24 engage the flexible panel 30 at or near the salient points 32. The flexible panel 30 and the support arms 24 are sized so that the flexible panel 30 is pulled taut by the spreading support arms 24 as the support arms 24 move into their open configurations.

The shaft 12 passes through the geometric center of the flexible panel 30. To accommodate the shaft 12, a hole 34 is formed in the center of the flexible panel 30. If desired, an optional collar 36 can be fastened to the flexible panel 30 around the hole 34 to help the flexible panel 30 move along the shaft 12 during folding and unfolding. The collar 36 may be free moving on the shaft 12. Alternatively, the collar 36 can be fixed to the shaft 12 to help increase the tautness of the flexible panel 30 when the support arms 24 move to their open configurations.

Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 in conjunction with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, it can be seen that the central hub 22 has cradle supports 38 radially extending therefrom. Each cradle support 38 has a first end 41 that is affixed to the central hub. The cradle support 38 has a bottom surface 43 that is cradled between two opposing side surfaces 45. The bottom surface 43 and the side surfaces 45 extend from the first end 41 to an open second end 47. The cradle support 38 has an open top, therein creating a half-tube construct that defines an open trough 40. Each trough 40 preferably extends between one and five centimeters from the hub 22 and is angled at the same angle of inclination A1 as is desired of the support arms 24, when the support arms 24 are in their open configuration.

Each support arm 24 is pivotably connected to a cradle support 38. A pivot pin 42 extends through the side surfaces 45 of each support arm 24. The pivot pin 42 passes though the structure of the support arm 24 proximate its first end 25. This creates a pivot connection between the cradle supports 38 and the support arms 24. This enables the support arms 24 to rotate between their open configurations and their folded configurations. When the support arms 24 are rotated to their open configurations, the support arms 24 lay flush against the bottom surfaces 43 of the troughs 40, wherein the support arms 24 are mechanically supported by the cradle supports 38 at the angle of inclination A1. Conversely, when the support arms 24 are in their folded configurations, the support arms 24 extend up and away from the troughs 40 in a nearly vertical orientation. See FIG. 4.

A set of protrusions 44 are formed on the side surfaces 45 of the cradle supports 38. The protrusions 44 face into the open trough 40. Referring to FIG. 5 in conjunction with FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, it can be seen that the open trough 40 has a first width W1 between the two opposing side surfaces 45. The first width W1 is slightly greater than the width W2 of the support arms 24. In this manner, a support arm 24 can freely lay in the trough 40 when in its open configuration. The protrusions 44 are positioned high in the trough 40. As such, there is enough area below the protrusions 44 to accommodate a support arm 24, when the support arm 24 is in its open configuration. The presence of the protrusions 44 narrows the trough 40 between the protrusions 44. The width W3 between the protrusions 44 is narrower than the width W2 of the support arm 24. As a consequence, the support arm 24 must be forced passed the protrusions 44 when being moved between its open configuration and its folded configuration. When the support arm 24 is rotated against the protrusions 44 with enough force, the side surfaces 45 of the cradle supports 38 elastically spread to enable passage of the support arm 24. As soon as the support arm 24 passes, the side surfaces 45 and protrusions 44 return to their original positions.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, when the support arms 24 are in their open configurations, the support arms 24 are positioned in the troughs 40 between the bottom surfaces 43 of the cradle supports 38 and the protrusions 44. The presence of the protrusions 44 prevent the support arms 24 from leaving their open configurations until a strong enough folding force is applied. The force required to move the support arm 24 passed the protrusions 44 is greater than the counteracting tension forces exerted by the stretching flexible panel 30. As such, the support arms 24 become locked in their open configurations.

Using manual force, the support arms 24 can be rotated passed the protrusions 44 from the open configuration of FIG. 3 to the folded configuration of FIG. 4. Once the support arms 24 are rotated into the folded configuration, the protrusions 44, act as stops and prevent the support arms 24 from inadvertently moving toward the open configuration. It will therefore be understood that the presence of the protrusions 44 help maintain the support arms 24 in both their open configurations and their folded configurations.

When the support arms 24 are in their open configurations, they stretch the flexible panel 30 taut. The flexible panel 30 is stretched into or near a horizontal plane. As can be best seen in FIG. 1, the flexible panel 30 can have a variety of auxiliary elements 46 sewn into its fabric. Those auxiliary elements 46 include cup holders, cell phone holders, eyeglass holders and the like. The number and type of auxiliary elements 46 is a matter of design choice.

It will be further understood that in order to utilize the invention, the table stand assembly 10 is carried to a location in its stowed configuration. The stand assembly 10 is placed on the ground and the auger 20 is turned into the soil or sand. Once the auger 20 is set, the support arms 24 are rotated from their folded configurations to their open configurations, therein stretching the flexible panel 30 taut. The flexible panel 30 can then be used to support items, such as drinks, phones and sunscreen. The more weight that is added to the flexible panel 30, the more force presses the support arms 24 into their cradle supports 38. Accordingly, the flexible panel 30 can hold large weights without being biased closed.

In the first embodiment of FIG. 1 through FIG. 4, a table stand assembly is shown that is capable of holding an umbrella, flag pole or the like. Referring to FIG. 6, an embodiment is shown where the table stand assembly 50 is constructed as part of a beach umbrella 52. In such an embodiment, it will be understood that a hub 53 can be attached to, or made part of, the pole 54 of the beach umbrella 52. The workings of the table stand assembly 50 remain the same as described for the first embodiment.

In all previous embodiments, the table stand assembly symmetrically supports a flexible panel around the entire circumference of a shaft. However, this need not be the case. Referring to FIG. 7 in conjunction with FIG. 8, an alternate embodiment of a table stand assembly 60 is shown that creates a shelf that extends from a shaft 62 in only one direction.

The table stand assembly 60 has a hub 64 that is either affixed to the shaft 62 or made as part of the shaft 62. Cradle supports 66 extend from the hub 64. The cradle supports 66 are not symmetrically disposed. Rather, the cradle supports 66 extend in only limited directions. In the shown embodiment, two cradle supports 66 are shown. The two cradle supports 66 are oriented at or near a right angle.

Support arms 68 are connected to the cradle supports 66 in the same manner as was described for the first embodiment. The support arms 68 engage and support a flexible panel 70. In the shown embodiment, the flexible panel 70 is triangular shaped and extends primarily in one direction from the shaft 62. When open, the flexible panel 70 can be used as a shelf to hold items such as a phone, food or a beverage.

In FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, an optional support rod 72 is shown. The support rod 72 has a first end 74 and an opposite second end 76. The first end 74 of the support rod 72 is affixed to the hub 64 below the plane of the cradle supports 66. The first end 74 of the support rod 72 is attached to the hub 64 at a hinge connection 78. The second end 76 of the support rod 72 engages the flexible panel 70 at some point between the two support arms 68. Since the support rod 72 originates at a lower point on the hub 64, the support rod 72 is inclined at a steeper angle than are the support arms 68. This enables the support rod 72 to bear more weight than the support arms 68. As such, the capacity of the table stand assembly 60 remains high even though there are only two support arms 68.

It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention that are illustrated and described are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art can make many variations to those embodiments. All such embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A platform assembly for attachment to a vertical shaft, said assembly comprising: a hub affixed to said vertical shaft;a plurality of cradle supports extending from said hub, wherein each of said plurality of cradle supports has a first end that is affixed to said hub, an open second end, a bottom surface, and two opposing side surfaces that bracket said bottom surface,wherein said bottom surface and said opposing side surfaces define an open trough having an open top and a first width between said opposing side surfaces;a plurality of support arms connected to said plurality of cradle supports with pivot connections, wherein said pivot connections enable each of said plurality of support arms to rotate between an open position and a folded position, wherein when in said open position each of said plurality of support arms lay flush in said open trough of said plurality of cradle supports, and wherein when in said folded position, each of said plurality of support arms are angled away from said open trough; anda flexible panel supported by said plurality of support arms.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of support arms has a second width no greater than said first width of said open trough, therein enabling said plurality of support arms to lay within said plurality of cradle supports.

3. The assembly according to claim 2, further including protrusions on each of said plurality of cradle supports that extend into said open trough.

4. The assembly according to claim 3, wherein said protrusions are positioned a third width apart, wherein said third width is smaller than said second width of each of said plurality of support arms.

5. The assembly according to claim 4, wherein each of said plurality of cradle supports elastically yields to enable passage of said plurality of support arms between said protrusions when said plurality of support arms are manually manipulated between said open position and said folded position with a threshold force.

6. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of support arms are pivotably connected to said cradle supports by pivot pins that pass through said plurality of support arms and said side surfaces of said cradle supports.

7. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said cradle supports are symmetrically disposed around said hub.

8. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said bottom surface of each of said plurality of cradle supports has an angle of inclination between forty degrees and eighty degrees with respect to a vertical plane.

9. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of support arms hold said flexible panel taut in a horizontal plane when in said open position.

10. A platform assembly for attachment to a vertical shaft, said assembly comprising: a shaft;a hub disposed along said shaft;a plurality of cradle supports extending from said hub, wherein each of said plurality of cradle supports has a first end that is affixed to said hub, an open second end, a bottom surface, and opposing side surfaces that bracket said bottom surface, wherein said bottom surface and said opposing side surfaces define an open trough of a first width between said opposing side surfaces;a plurality of support arms connected to said plurality of cradle supports with pivot connections, wherein said pivot connections enable each of said plurality of support arms to rotate between an open position and a folded position, wherein when in said open position each of said support arms lay flush in said open trough, and wherein when in said folded position, each of said support arms are angled away from said open trough; anda flexible panel supported by said plurality of support arms.

11. The assembly according to claim 10, wherein each of said plurality of support arms has a second width no greater than said first width of said open trough, therein enabling said plurality of support arms to lay within said plurality of cradle supports.

12. The assembly according to claim 10, further including protrusions on each of said plurality of support arms that extend into said open trough.

13. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein said protrusions are positioned a third width apart, wherein said third width is smaller than said second width of each of said plurality of support arms.

14. The assembly according to claim 13, wherein each of said plurality of cradle supports elastically yields to enable passage of said plurality of support arms between said protrusions when said plurality of support arms are manually manipulated between said open position and said folded position.

15. The assembly according to claim 10, wherein said plurality of support arms are pivotably connected to said cradle supports by pivot pins that pass through said plurality of support arms and said side surfaces of said cradle supports.

16. The assembly according to claim 10, wherein said bottom surface of each of said plurality of cradle supports has an angle of inclination between forty degrees and eighty degrees with respect to said shaft.

17. The assembly according to claim 10, wherein said plurality of support arms hold said flexible panel taut in a horizontal plane when in said open position.

18. The assembly according to claim 10, further including a support rod that extends from said hub to said flexible panel, wherein said support rod is disposed between two of said plurality of support arms.

19. The assembly according to claim 18 wherein said plurality of support arms are affixed to said plurality of cradle supports on said hub at a first elevation along said shaft and said support rod is affixed to said hub at a different second elevation along said shaft.

20. The assembly according to claim 10, wherein said shaft is part of an umbrella.