The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:
In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in the figures and/or described herein, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.
Referring now to
Preferably, first bracket panel 14 is generally rectangular-shaped, wherein elongate edge 30 of first bracket panel 14 abuts elongate edge 32 of second bracket panel 16, and wherein first bracket panel 14 and second bracket panel 16 are preferably integrally formed from stainless steel. It should be noted, however, that bracket 12 could be made from a plurality of different types of material, such as, for exemplary purposes only, aluminum, galvanized, stainless, plastic, and/or corrosion resistant material. As with first bracket panel 14, second bracket panel 16 is also generally rectangular-shaped; however, second bracket panel 16 is preferably of greater width than first bracket panel 14 and outer edge 34 of second bracket panel 16 is preferably generally convex. The preferred convex shape of outer edge 34 of second bracket panel 16 facilitates the inclusion of arcuate channel 17 in second bracket panel 16 by accommodating the dimensional requirements thereof.
According to the preferred embodiment, slotted channel 15 is preferably defined along the length of first bracket panel 14, proximate outer edge 36 thereof. Although other positions are possible for slotted channel 15, the preferred position is adapted to facilitate installation of bracket 12 via traditional boat seat hinge bolts, wherein, as generally depicted in
Also preferably, securing nut 38 is preferably provided proximate centrally defined mount aperture 39, preferably and generally centered within the C-shape of arcuate channel 17. Securing nut 38 is utilized to secure tubular holder 20 in a pivotable engagement with bracket 12 via second bracket panel 16. A bolt preferably extends outwardly through second tubular member 25, proximate base end thereof, wherein securing nut 38 engages therewith in a manner that prevents unauthorized disassociation of second tubular member 25 from bracket 12, but in a manner that permits pivoting of second tubular member 25 relative to outer surface 37 of second bracket panel 16 of bracket 12.
As noted, first tubular member 23 is preferably slidably positioned within second tubular member 25, as depicted in
Tubular holder 20 also preferably includes third thumb screw 46, wherein a rod R, such as that of umbrella U, shown in
Preferably, tubular holder 20 is formed from PVC pipe. This construction is amenable to salty and/or otherwise potentially harsh and degrading environmental conditions. It should be recognized, however, that any suitable materials could be alternately utilized, such as aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized, plastic, wood, or any other suitably corrosion-resistant material. Also preferably, tubular holder 20 includes plurality of selectable apertures 50, wherein easy and secure adjustment of both the length of tubular holder 20 and the umbrella fastened therein is facilitated.
In the preferred installation on a boat seat S, existing hinge bolts are removed from the seat and bracket 12 is positioned such that first bracket panel 14 abuts the bottom of the seat S. The hinge bolts are then reinstalled, passing through elongate channel 15, thereby securely fastening bracket 12 to the seat S. As noted above, alternately, bracket 12 could be fastened to a seat, such as a lawn tractor seat, or any desirable seat, by drilling of mount holes therein, and by insertion of self-threading screws through elongate channel 15 and into the mount holes for installation.
The base end of an umbrella is preferably installed into tubular holder 20, wherein third thumb screw 46 securely fastens the umbrella rod within tubular holder 20, preventing accidental removal therefrom, such as during a gust of wind. First tubular member 23 is preferably slidably repositioned within second tubular member 25 in order to define the overall length of tubular holder 20, and thus the dimensional space defined below the open umbrella U relative to the seat S. This height adjustment feature allows for a decrease of the dimensional space below the open umbrella U in desirable conditions, such as during a storm, wherein the umbrella U can be lowered in order to better protect the user from driving rain.
It should be noted with particularity that if the base end of the umbrella to be mounted is of a diameter that exceeds the receiving diameter of first tubular member 23, first tubular member 23 may be removed from second tubular member 25, wherein the base end of the umbrella may be installed directly into second tubular member 25, and secured therein with first thumb screw 43. Adjustment of the angle of the umbrella U mounted in the holder relative to the seat S is accomplished via loosening of second thumb screw 44, and slidably moving tubular holder 20 within arcuate channel 17, wherein upon satisfaction of positional arrangement, retightening of second thumb screw 44 securely maintains the selection.
According to an alternate use, bracket 12 can be mounted to a lawn mower or tractor seat, wherein mounting screws can be inserted through elongate channel 15 and fastened into the seat. Further, according to another alternate use, tubular holder 20 can be utilized to hold a fishing rod and/or can be interchangeably utilized to hold either an umbrella or fishing rod or the like. The preferred positional installation for tubular holder and bracket device 10 provides for easy access to a fishing rod held thereby without requiring the user to bend over or otherwise extend in order to remove the rod from the holder.
It should be recognized that although the preferred placement and installation of bracket 12 has been described herein, bracket 12 could be otherwise installed, either on the back or side of a seat, and in a different arrangement relative to the seat than as is described herein. In the preferred installation, however, bracket 12 facilitates a preferred 220-degree rotation. This enlarged rotational path allows for better and more adaptable protection from the sun and rain by rotating forward and backwards as well as “out of the way” storage by folding downward and remaining parallel to the seat. This rotation could be lesser or greater depending on the application.
In an alternate embodiment, other fastening means could be utilized in lieu of, or in addition to thumb screws and wing nuts, such as, for exemplary purposes only, resilient protruding buttons.
In another alternate embodiment, tubular holder 20 could be comprised of more than two tubular members, and/or each tubular member could be longer or shorter than as depicted herein in order to accommodate greater or lesser variations in height adjustment. Moreover, a variety of structures could be utilized in lieu of, or in addition to, the preferred thumb screws in order to facilitate the adjustability and removability of the tubular members relative to one another, such as, for exemplary purposes only, springedly engageable protrusions or locking pins.
It should be recognized that tubular holder 20 could be adapted with any number of apertures defined along the length thereof in order to accommodate greater selectable range of adjustment.
In another alternate embodiment, bracket 12 could be larger or smaller than as depicted in the figures, wherein the dimensional configuration, and even the exterior shape could be altered to accommodate other applications and installations.
In another alternate embodiment, the channels of bracket 12 could be configured for adaptation to installation on a boat seat in a position other than the preferred use of the existing bolt pattern on a hinged boat seat, wherein a series of apertures or other means for receiving attachment devices could be provided.
In another alternate configuration, the preferred wing nut configuration relative to the arcuate channel on bracket 12 could be supplemented and/or replaced with a locking pin configuration, or other suitable means for securing the adjustable positioning thereof.
In still another alternate embodiment, in bracket 12, the dimension from the center of the mount aperture that supports pivotal movement of tubular holder 20 could be changed relative to the arcuate channel, or slotted radius, wherein a larger half-circle could be created. Additionally, the width of each channel could be varied from that as depicted in order to accommodate a variety of bolt or pin sizes, and the channels could be provided with selectable offset regions, wherein movement of a bolt or pin into such a region could provide a limitation of further movement thereof in order to assist in securing the selected position.
While the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. This invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure, the drawings and the claims. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.
To the full extent permitted by law, the present Non-Provisional Patent Application claims priority to and the benefit of United States Provisional patent application entitled “Boat Seat Umbrella/Rod Holder,” filed on Aug. 1, 2006, having assigned Ser. No. 60/821,055.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60821055 | Aug 2006 | US |