Patent Grant
11363864
This invention is directed to a versatile support assembly which may be incorporated in a variety of different structures, products, components, etc. and may be usable in both an indoor and an outdoor environment. In at least one embodiment, the inventive support assembly is incorporated into a large outdoor umbrella assembly, and comprises a support pole having an elongated body that includes a plurality of connector structures connecting one or more inserts in overlying relation to an outer surface of the elongated body. Another aspect of the invention is that the inserts may themselves have various decorative features and be removable from the elongated body.
A variety of different structures, products, components, etc. are made and structured for use in either an indoor or an outdoor environment. However, relatively few of such structures are suitable for ongoing use in both indoor and outdoor environments. For example, indoor furniture is usually quite different in design, configuration and materials used from that outdoor furniture. Further, the decorative features of indoor and outdoor furniture and other related products may also vary dependent, at least in part, on where they are intended for use, exposure to weather conditions, and the like.
By way of example, outdoor umbrellas are designed and structured for both practical and decorative applications and can typically be located in a variety of outdoor environments. Umbrellas in this category are usually much larger than a conventional handheld umbrella and are commonly found in different public and private locations such as, but are not limited to, outdoor spaces and decks at restaurants, hotels and other businesses, sidewalk cafés, domestic and commercial swimming pools, as well as a number of other locations that might cater to an outdoor groups of people. These larger outdoor umbrellas are primarily structured to provide protection from the sun, but also from other weather conditions including fog or mist, a light rain, etc. In addition, the popularity of these larger, outdoor umbrellas has led to their being offered in a variety of different sizes, shapes and overall design configurations, which enhance the decorative features thereof, while maintaining the protective characteristics.
While differing in size, configuration, etc., the structural and operative features of many outdoor umbrellas normally include a centrally disposed support pole, wherein a lower end thereof is connected to a supporting base or stand or in the alternative, anchored directly to the ground or other supporting surface. The opposite or upper end of the support pole is structured to movably support the umbrella canopy. In turn, the canopy includes a plurality of activating and supporting components which typically, comprise a movable hub, a plurality of ribs that usually engage an undersurface of the canopy, and a plurality of struts. The struts serve to movably interconnect the plurality of ribs to the hub and can be manipulated to activate the canopy, i.e., opening or closing it, typically by reciprocal movement of the hub along the length of the support pole. As such, the reciprocal movement (i.e., upwardly and downwardly) of the hub along a portion of the length of the support pole will result in the expansion and opening of the canopy, or a collapsing and closing of the canopy, dependent upon the direction of travel of the hub along the length of the support pole. Therefore, due at least in part to the intended size of the umbrella, for its height and canopy coverage, as well as to the possible weather conditions to which an outdoor umbrella may be subjected, the support pole must be structured and/or formed of a material having sufficient strength to bear the weight of the canopy and such operative components of the umbrella, while disposed in or between one of the aforementioned expanded or collapsed orientations.
In addition, outdoor umbrellas of the type referred to herein may also be structured and designed to include various decorative and aesthetic features affecting the overall appearance particularly of, but not limited to the umbrella canopy. In addition, support poles for outdoor umbrellas are known to be made of metal, whether an extruded aluminum or another metallic material, or other type of relatively high strength material including different types of wood. In most cases, the overall aesthetic look offered by an outdoor umbrella will have taken into consideration the appearance of the support pole and how to make the materials used to form it complimentary with the umbrella canopy and other visible structure, so as to enhance the overall decorative features of the umbrella and the canopy associated therewith.
While many individuals consider wood to be aesthetically attractive for use as a support pole, there may be disadvantages to using wood. This includes the expense, as real wood can be expensive and difficult to source, depending on the type of wood, and labor intensive to form and/or apply. In addition, wood also deteriorates in certain conditions, such as by getting wet from rain, as well as from repeated expansion and contraction when exposed to warm and cool temperatures, which can happen in a single day and also across a stretch of several days. Over time then, a support pole made of or with wood may have a reduction in strength and overall structural integrity, as compared to a support pole formed from metal, aluminum, a composite or other high strength material.
Therefore, there is a need for a new and improved support assembly which can be used as a support component in a variety of different products, structures, components, etc. Further, it would be an advantage, if any such support assembly were developed, to also be capable of being incorporated into different products, structures, etc. which in turn, may be used in either an indoor environment or an outdoor environment, or both. In addition, if any such support assembly were developed it would preferably also include variable decorative features such as, but not limited to, providing the appearance of different types of wood or other aesthetically pleasing materials.
Moreover, if any such support assembly were developed, it would ideally also be capable of use as a support pole for outdoor umbrellas, with some ability to allow for changing the aesthetic appearance in a relatively simple manner. Similarly, the ability to replace certain parts of the any such support assembly would also facilitate repair, when needed.
Finally, if any such support assembly were developed, it should further be capable of being manufactured and assembled at a reasonable cost, thereby enhancing its versatility by facilitating its integration into a variety of different structures, components, including various types of outdoor furniture and products, including but not limited to, large outdoor umbrellas, cabanas, shade structures, as well as indoor and outdoor furniture such as tables, chairs, chaises, and the like.
The present invention is intended to provide a versatile solution to these and other needs which remain in this field of art. As such, the present invention is primarily directed to a support assembly, which may include variable decorative features, and which includes sufficient structural and operational versatility that it can be integrated into a variety of different structures. In more specific terms, the support assembly of the present invention can be used as a supporting component in different structures, products, components, devices, etc. which in turn, can be used in either an indoor environment or outdoor environment.
For purposes of clarity and consistency, the support assembly of the present invention will be explained in greater detail hereinafter as being incorporated within a support pole for an outdoor umbrella assembly. However, its utilization as an umbrella support pole is provided and described herein as a non-limiting example. It is emphasized that the support assembly of the present invention can be utilized with a variety of different structures, products, components and devices. and may include structural modifications with regard to size, configuration and materials from which it is formed. Further by way of example, the different structures in which the support assembly of the present invention may be integrated as a supporting component may include furniture intended for an outdoor environment or an indoor environment or both, and may include tables, chairs, support stands, desks, cabinetry, etc. Also, the versatility of the support assembly of the present invention allows it to be used as a supporting component for outdoor umbrellas, cabanas, and different shade structures, etc.
Therefore, by way of example only, the support assembly of the present invention may be structured to define a support pole for an outdoor umbrella assembly, of the type having a canopy to provide shade from the sun and some protection from other elements. As explained in greater detail hereinafter, the outdoor umbrella assembly can include a movable hub which travels along a length of the support pole, to activate the umbrella canopy, along with associated structure, between an outwardly extended, open and expanded orientation and collapsed and closed orientation. Disposition of the umbrella canopy between the open and closed orientations is accomplished by movement of the hub upwardly or downwardly along a portion of the length of the support pole. Again, however, inventive features described herein for the support pole of an umbrella assembly can also be readily applied and used on other types of support structures, such as the stanchions, support columns and/or beams of outdoor cabanas, as well as those various types of furniture.
In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of an outdoor umbrella, the support pole includes an elongated body that may, but does not have to, extend along the entire length of the support pole. The elongated body may be formed from various materials and by various manufacturing techniques, with a goal of having sufficient strength and rigidity to support the umbrella canopy and associated operative components, in different weather conditions. As such, the body may be formed from an extruded aluminum material or from a variety of other materials having sufficient strength to support the remainder of the umbrella assembly, even during less than desirable weather conditions. Also, the shape of the support pole may vary from an elongated cylindrical configuration with a substantially circular exterior surface and cross-section, to a curvilinear exterior surface and cross-section that varies from a precise circle. As such, the elongated body thereof may have a multi-sided exterior surface configuration and cross-section other than just a circular round one.
Therefore, in the embodiments wherein the support assembly structurally and operationally defines the support pole of an umbrella assembly, a plurality of connector structures are secured to the exterior surface thereof. Moreover, the connector structures are disposed on the elongated body so as to be integral therewith or may be fixedly secured thereto, and extend radially outward from the outer surface thereof. The connector structures are also disposed in spaced relation to one another and in collectively surrounding relation to the elongated body. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of connector structures are preferably, but not necessarily, equally spaced from one another and extend along at least a portion of the length of the support pole body.
Further in accordance with the present invention, the elongated body of the support pole includes at least one, but preferably and more practically, a plurality of inserts disposed in overlying at least partially covering relation to the outer surface of the body. In such an operative disposition, the one or more inserts at least partially define an outer facing of the support pole. Moreover, the one or more inserts are disposed on the body so as to be between a pair of the plurality of connectors, and preferably, in close interconnecting relation, so as to offer a support pole having a finished decorative appearance. Therefore, when a plurality of inserts are disposed in an operative disposition, overlying the outer surface of the body, they may be formed of a common material and have a substantially common decorative appearance. The plurality of inserts can be formed in whole or in part from different types of materials such as woods, veneers, metals, plastics, composites, polymers, etc. or combinations thereof, some or all of which may be decorative, aesthetically pleasing and/or include sufficient structural properties to withstand exposure to the sun and a variety of weather conditions. Alternatively, each of a plurality of inserts may have different, individualized decorative appearances, thereby enhancing the versatility of the aesthetics of the support pole.
As set forth above, the plurality of connector structures may be evenly spaced from one another in collectively surrounding relation to the body. Accordingly, each of the plurality of inserts may also have a substantially common transverse dimension, equal to the spacing between adjacent ones of the plurality of connector structures. As a further advantage, the production cost associated with the plurality of inserts may be reduced, at least partially due to the fact that they have an at least partial common dimension and/or configuration. However, dependent on the configuration of the outer surface and the spacing between the connector structures, at least some of the plurality of inserts to be connected to the body may vary in size and/or shape.
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of connector structures will preferably also be cooperatively dimensioned, configured and structured with engaging portions for the plurality of inserts to which they are interconnected. For example, the invention may comprise one embodiment wherein the connector structures include a primary segment extending radially outward from an integral connection with the body of the support pole, to an outwardly disposed distal end. Further, the primary segment of the plurality of connector structures may include a lateral segment integrally connected to the primary segment and extending transversely outward therefrom. As a result, each of the plurality of connector structures may have a substantially T-shape or cross-shape as will be described more fully hereinafter. Also, each lateral segment of each of the connector structures will preferably be cooperatively disposed, dimensioned and configured to movably engage a correspondingly disposed peripheral edge portion of the inserts being engaged. Such cooperative structuring between the lateral segment and the corresponding peripheral edges may be at least partially defined by a movable and/or removable tongue and groove connection.
Further, the plurality of inserts may have their longitudinal peripheral edges structured to include an elongated groove cooperatively structured with the outwardly extending lateral segments of the correspondingly disposed connector structures. Cooperative dimensioning between the grooves of the peripheral edges of the inserts and the lateral segments facilitates a sliding movement of the each insert between and in interconnected relation with adjacent ones of the connector structures. Therefore, the aforementioned movable “tongue and groove” connection allows for the insertion and subsequent removal of each of the plurality of inserts in its operative, overlying relation to the exterior surface of the body. In turn, this results in each of the inserts being able to be easily replaced. Such replacement may be the result of damage to the one or more inserts or a desire to change the decorative appearance of the support pole through removal and replacement of the one or more inserts.
As also indicated more in detail herein, in another preferred embodiment of the invention, the primary segment of each of the plurality of connector structures includes a distal end. As such, the length of the primary segment is such as to dispose the distal end thereof outwardly from the outer surface of the body, as well as outwardly from the one or more inserts when operatively mounted on the body. In such an outwardly extending, at least partially protruding disposition, the distal end of each of the primary segments may be disposed in movable engagement with the hub of the umbrella assembly. Such movable engagement between the distal ends of the connector members and the interior surface of the hub serves to dispose and maintain the hub in an outwardly spaced relation to the outer surface of the one or more installed inserts. Therefore, when the canopy is activated due to the movement (upwardly or downwardly) of the hub along the length of the support pole, the distal ends of the plurality of connector structures will movably engage the inner surface of the hub, such that the hub will be continuously spaced outwardly from the exposed exterior surface of the plurality of inserts. Such outward disposition of the hub relative to the exposed surfaces of the plurality of inserts, upon an activation of the canopy between open and closed orientations, will prevent contact between the hub and the inserts and will thereby eliminate or significantly restrict damage, wear, etc. to the outer surface of the inserts, by movement of the hub along the length of the support pole. These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration.
For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description of the invention, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
As represented in the accompanying Figures, the present invention is directed to a support assembly 12. With specific reference to
For purposes of clarity and consistency the support assembly 12 of the present invention will be described in greater detail hereinafter as being embodied in a support pole, also represented as 12, for an outdoor umbrella generally indicated as 10, of the type represented in
With reference to
It is emphasized that
Accordingly, and in at least one embodiment, the present invention is directed to the support assembly in the form of and defining a support pole 12 for an outdoor umbrella assembly 10 of the type having an umbrella canopy 16, a hub 20 and other associated components, such as but not limited to the type represented in
With reference now to
Referring now to
With reference again to
As set forth above, the plurality of connector structures 36 may be evenly spaced from one another in collectively surrounding relation to the elongated body 30. In cooperation therewith, each of the plurality of inserts 40 may also have a substantially common transverse dimension, substantially equal to the spacing between adjacent ones of the plurality of connector structures 36 in order to realize reduced production costs. More specifically, the cost of producing the plurality of inserts 40 may be reduced, in embodiments where they have at least partially common dimensions and/or configurations. The ability to have at least partially common dimensions and/or configurations is due, at least in part, to the equal spacing between the connector structures 36, as set forth above.
Also, in accordance with the present invention, each of the plurality of connector structures 36 will preferably be cooperatively dimensioned, configured and structured to include engaging portions for interconnection with the plurality of inserts 40. For example, and as best shown in
More specifically, and with reference to the illustrated embodiment of
Moreover, the movable “tongue and groove” connection is structured to removably interconnect each of the one or more inserts 40 in the intended operative position, in overlying relation to an outer surface 32 of the elongated body 30 of the support pole 12. The sliding or movable and removable structuring facilitated by the aforementioned tongue and groove connection is schematically represented by directional arrow 102 in
As indicated, the length of the support pole 12 may extend from a base 14 at its lower end to supporting attachment with an umbrella canopy 16 at its upper end, as discussed in detail with reference to
With reference again to
With reference now to
Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. As just one example, the present invention has been described primarily relative to use on a central support pole for an umbrella assembly, but this invention is also particularly well suited for use with other support structures, such as vertical columns used to form an outdoor cabana, or outdoor furniture, such as chair legs, chair arms, table legs, and the like. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
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| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2004201611 | Nov 2005 | AU |
| 3932247 | Jan 2022 | EP |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20210401133 A1 | Dec 2021 | US |
