UMBRELLA ANCHORING SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

A portable beach umbrella anchoring system and method are disclosed. The umbrella anchoring system includes a support frame system that includes central tube for receiving an umbrella shaft. The support frame system comprises a frame network that includes leg assemblies for penetrating and securing to a ground surface, so that a beach umbrella may firmly stand in sand, grass or soil in an upright or angled configuration with relatively little effort and no need for tools. The umbrella anchoring system includes an integrated folding table top system, which has storage compartments for supporting and storing food, drinks, keys, wallets and other accessories. The umbrella anchoring system also includes a canopy tethering system for securing the upper portion of an umbrella canopy to the ground which, among other things, may be particularly useful in the case of high winds.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to anchoring systems and, more particularly, to beach umbrella anchoring systems.

BACKGROUND

Beach umbrellas are becoming an increasingly popular sight in many outdoor areas. Beach umbrellas are a convenient way to provide a shady place to rest and cool off, and a way to help prevent harmful sun exposure and sun burns. They are especially useful at the beach, sporting events, or other outdoor areas where a person will be exposed to the sun for long periods of time and not have access to shade or other sun blocking methods.

Conventional beach umbrellas can be mounted directly in the ground or directly into the sand. The most common methods employed to secure a beach umbrella is to push the umbrella shaft as far as one can in to the sand, or to dig a hole, place the umbrella shaft into hole and then fill-in the hole. Often, this proves unsatisfactory, as the sand is too difficult to dig or is too loose such that it will not compact and provide adequate support. Even if one is able to dig a hole that is deep enough, or have some method of anchoring the umbrella well enough to stay upright in the wind, the umbrella canopy often folds or buckles or turns inside out as it is not strong enough to withstand stronger winds.

Typically, outings at a beach or venue where an umbrella is employed include meals and/or drinks. They also typically include a variety of activities where it may be necessary to store items such as keys, electronic devices and the like. A beach towel is the usual place to put these items. However, when placed on a beach towel, keys and electronic devices (e.g., phones) can get sandy, wet or lost. Furthermore, food and drinks can likewise get sandy, wet and lost. Drinks may even be spilled.

A variety of products have been developed to aid in securing or stabilizing an umbrella. For these devices to be useful, they must be lightweight and portable so that the user can easily take them to their destination, install them, and remove them without excessive effort. These devices must also be sturdy enough to withstand gusts of wind, people bumping into them, and other environmental factors. Therefore, the anchoring method or mechanism must not only be convenient and easy to use, but it must also form a secure and stable locking position.

Some umbrella base stands have been designed so that the umbrella pole mounts within a cylinder which can be screwed into the sand or dirt. U.S. Design Pat. No. D630,834 to Cohen entitled “Anchor Auger for Beach Umbrella” illustrates an auger or drill method, where a spiral shaped auger device is attached to an umbrella shaft for the purpose of boring a hole into the sand deep enough to secure the umbrella shaft.

There are several disadvantages to these types of methods. For example, it is often difficult for the average person to screw these devices to a depth necessary to properly support the umbrella. Furthermore, if the sand or ground material is too loosely packed, there will not be enough density to support the umbrella. Also, in cases where the angle of the umbrella shaft must be changed to compensate for the movement of the sun, the entire process needs to be repeated.

Other types of umbrella base stands, such as those used in home patios, utilize a heavy or bulky base to support the umbrella. An example of such a stand is shown in U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2005/01899005 to Smith, et al. entitled “Umbrella Base”. The disadvantage of these types of products is that they are difficult to transport to other locations (due to their weight) such as the beach.

Still other umbrella base stands are designed to receive and hold an umbrella shaft, and are then weighted down with sand or some other material to hold the entire apparatus in place. U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2002/0036008 to Hickam, et al. entitled “Umbrella Base Stand and Table” and U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,877 to Riffle, et al. entitled “Beach Umbrella Anchor Bag” show two such techniques.

The disadvantage with these methods is that they still require substantial effort in moving sand or some other material in a quantity sufficient to stabilize the umbrella. In each case, the umbrella support apparatus is not secured into the ground. Accordingly, they rely solely on the weight of the sand or other material. Furthermore, they are not stable in that they can be blown over in modest winds. Also, they do not accommodate methods for angling the umbrella to compensate for the movement of the sun. In addition, these devices limit the user to locations where the ground material can be easily manipulated, thereby ruling out use at most parks or at other venues where there is no sand.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,964,277 to Naber entitled “Tie-Down for a Beach Umbrella” describes yet another method, which includes tethers that are attached to the umbrella shaft or canopy and that are then anchored in the sand. While these type of devices are successful at anchoring the canopy of the umbrella, they typically need to be attached to the canopy (or shaft) each time they are used and do not store with the umbrella when not in use.

Accordingly, there is a need for an umbrella support system that overcomes one or more of the problems described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is designed to address at least one of the aforementioned problems and/or meet at least one of the aforementioned needs.

An umbrella anchoring system and method are disclosed. In one embodiment, the umbrella anchoring system is used to support an umbrella having a shaft and a canopy. The umbrella anchoring system includes a center tube oriented vertically for receiving the shaft of the umbrella. A plurality of ribs are attached to the center tube at a proximal end. The plurality of ribs, when deployed, are oriented in a plane perpendicular to the center tube. A plurality of table leg assemblies correspond with the plurality of ribs. A proximal end of each of the plurality of table leg assemblies is correspondingly connected to a distal end of each of the plurality of ribs. Each of the plurality of table leg assemblies is substantially parallel to the center tube when deployed. Each of the plurality of table leg assemblies includes a moveable ground stake that is driven into the ground to secure the plurality of table leg assemblies in place relative to the ground.

In one configuration, the present invention includes an integrated umbrella support frame system, a table top system and an umbrella canopy tethering system.

In certain embodiments, the umbrella anchoring system: (1) will support or hold erect a beach umbrella on various surfaces and climatic conditions; (2) requires no tools and little effort to erect; (3) does not rely on moving amounts of sand or other material to weight down the apparatus; (4) is easily adjustable to allow for angling the umbrella shaft to compensate for movement of the sun; (5) can be used on a variety of surfaces and is not limited to use on sand; (6) can accept a variety of umbrella shaft sizes; (7) provides a flexible but firm table top surface area with beverage holders and an area for placing food and other items; (8) provides storage compartments for food, drink, ice, keys, electrical devices and other items; (9) is portable and light weight, such that it can be folded, stored and transported easily with the umbrella; and, (10) provides additional support to the upper portion or canopy of the umbrella in the case of higher than normal winds.

In one embodiment, the umbrella anchoring system has a central tube or cylinder with an attached support frame system that folds and unfolds into a table with an accompanying table top system that includes beverage holders and storage compartments.

In one embodiment, the table leg assemblies of the support frame system each include a sliding ground stake within, that extends and is able to penetrate various ground surfaces, such as sand, grass and soil sufficiently, such that the umbrella anchoring system is virtually locked to the ground without the necessity of adding sand or other material to it hold down, which makes it less likely to be tipped over by wind or other forces.

In one embodiment, the canopy tethering system, which is attached to the umbrella canopy, is adjustable. Specifically, the tether ground stake can be deployed when needed and stored in its ground stake receptacle, which may be attached to the canopy when not in use, such that the canopy tethering system does not need to be attached and detached with each use.

Other objects, features, embodiments and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a first exemplary embodiment of an umbrella anchoring system, which shows an umbrella being supported thereby;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, wherein the umbrella is being supported at an angle;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a support frame system used to support an umbrella, where the umbrella shaft is shown in phantom lines;

FIG. 4 is a top front perspective view of a table top system which may be used in conjunction with the support frame system;

FIG. 5 is a bottom front perspective view of a table top system of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation of the support frame system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the support frame system showing an outline of the table top system in phantom lines;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation of the support frame system in an intermediate position (where the legs are partially deployed/partially stowed);

FIG. 9 is a front elevation of the support frame system in a stowed (or transport) configuration;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 7, which illustrates an umbrella shaft in two different positions in phantom lines;

FIG. 11 is a front elevation of the upper left corner of the support frame system shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 12A is cross-sectional view taken along line 12A-12A in FIG. 11;

FIG. 12B is a view similar to FIG. 12A, where the table leg assembly has been removed to illustrate the seats used to hold the table leg assembly in place (in a deployed configuration) more clearly;

FIG. 13 is a front elevation similar to FIG. 11, but with the table leg assembly in a stowed (or transport) configuration that corresponds to FIG. 9;

FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14A-14A in FIG. 13;

FIG. 14B is a view similar to FIG. 12B, where the table leg assembly has been removed to illustrate the seats used to hold the table leg assembly in place (in a stowed configuration) more clearly;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view illustrating an angle cup and tether line for supporting the umbrella shaft at an angle;

FIG. 16 is a front elevation of a second embodiment of a table leg assembly and a locking mechanism;

FIG. 17 is left side elevation of the table leg assembly and locking mechanism shown in FIG. 16, wherein the locking mechanism is in an unlocked position;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is view similar to FIG. 17, wherein the locking mechanism is in a locked position;

FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 18 wherein the locking mechanism is in a locked position;

FIG. 21 is a front elevation of a third embodiment of a table leg assembly;

FIG. 22 is an alternative stake structure, wherein the tip of the stake is cut at an angle instead of being frustoconical as shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a schematic rear elevation of a canopy tethering system attached to an umbrella canopy and umbrella shaft for an umbrella that is set at an angle; and,

FIG. 24 is a schematic assembly view of a canopy tethering system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

With reference to FIG. 23, the present invention is directed to a fully-deployed umbrella anchoring system 100 that, in one embodiment, includes a support frame system 110 for supporting a beach umbrella 120 having a center shaft 122 and a canopy 124, a table top system 130, and a canopy tethering system 140. It should be understood that, in one embodiment, the umbrella anchoring system 100 can be comprised solely of a support frame system 110 without the table top system 130 or the canopy tethering system 140. In one embodiment, the umbrella anchoring system 100 can be comprised solely of the canopy tethering system 140. In one embodiment, the umbrella anchoring system 100 can be comprised of the support frame system 110 with the table top system 130.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary embodiment of an umbrella anchoring system 100 is comprised of a support frame system 110 and a table top system 130. The umbrella anchoring system 100 is used to support an umbrella 120. In FIG. 1, the umbrella center shaft 122 is substantially perpendicular to horizontal (representing the ground, e.g., sand) and the canopy 124 is substantially parallel to horizontal. FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1; however, in FIG. 2 the umbrella 120 is being supported at an angle (i.e., the umbrella center shaft 122 is at an angle relative to horizontal, so as to compensate for the position of or movement of the sun). The manner of changing the angle of the umbrella 120 will be discussed in connection with other figures in this disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the support frame system 110 used to support an umbrella 120, where the umbrella center shaft 122 is shown in phantom lines. The support frame system 110 includes a hollow tube (center tube) 152 for receiving the umbrella center shaft 122. The center tube 152 is attached to a frame network comprised of ribs 154 and stretchers 156 connected to the center tube 152 via a top hub 158 and runner hub 162 that forms the support for the table top system 130.

In one embodiment, the center tube 152 is approximately 14 to 18 inches in length and approximately two inches in diameter to receive an umbrella center shaft 122. The diameter is such that it will accommodate a wide variety of beach umbrella center shafts. The bottom of the center tube has a solid plastic or metal collar (hub stopper) 164 that is stationary and will stop the runner hub 162 from advancing beyond the bottom of the center tube 152.

In one embodiment, there is an opening 166 along the top outside edge of the center tube 152 approximately three inches in length by one and a half inches wide. The purpose of this opening 166 (cutaway) is to permit the umbrella center shaft 122 to be set at an angle to allow for different positions of the umbrella, as depicted by the phantom lines in FIG. 10. It should be understood that the size of the opening 166 will, among other things, dictate the various angles that the umbrella center shaft 122 may be positioned. It is contemplated that there may be several angles at which the umbrella center shaft 122 may be positioned.

With reference again to FIG. 3, the top hub 158 is round and hollow may be made of plastic or aluminum. There are four slots 168 (two are labeled in FIG. 3) flush with the top hub 158 at 90degrees of each other. There are flanges 172 on either side of the slots 168 for attaching one end of each of the four ribs 154. Of course, more or less than four ribs may be provided.

The ribs 154 are attached to the hub flanges 172 with fasteners 174 (three are labeled in FIG. 3) such as a bolt or rivet in a such a manner that they allow the ribs 154 to swivel out and away from the center tube 152 in a hinged manner that allows the ribs 154 to move up and away from the center tube 154 between a 90 degree angle from the center tube as in FIG. 3. The center opening of the top hub 158 is slightly larger than the circumference of the center tube 152, so that it can fit over the center tube 152 and is secured by a rivet, bolt or glue (not shown). In one embodiment, the lower portion of the top hub 158 may include a cut away portion having the same width as the center tube opening 166 to accommodate various angles of the umbrella shaft to set the umbrella at various positions.

In one embodiment, the ribs 154 and stretchers 156 are made of aluminum or other such material that is lightweight and strong. The ribs 154 are attached at the other end (away from the top hub 158) to a universal joint 176, which serves to connect the rib 154 to the table leg assembly 178 and the stretcher 156 in a hinged fashion so that the support frame assembly 110 can be opened and closed (compare FIG. 3 to FIGS. 8 and 9).

In one embodiment, the universal joint 50 is made of plastic, ABS, aluminum or other such materials that are lightweight and strong. It has an opening on one end (not labeled) to receive and attach to the rib 154. All attachments to the universal joint 176 of the various parts of the support frame system 110 can be accomplished by, but not limited to, bolt, rivet or glue.

There are two sets of flanges 182, 184 on the underside of the universal joint 176 for attaching the stretchers 156 and table leg assembly 178, respectively. The universal joint flange 184 for the table leg assembly 178 has an indentation on the inner portion of the flanges 184 so that they lock or hold the table leg assembly 178 in place, when in open position and the table leg assembly 184 is extended at 90 degrees.

The stretchers 156 are attached at the universal joint flange 182 just below the connection between the rib 154 and universal joint 176, forming a hinge between the rib 154 and stretcher 156 through the universal joint 176. The stretchers 156 are in turn attached at the other end to the runner hub 162, which is similar in design to the top hub 158, but it is larger in circumference to allow it to slide freely up and down the center tube 152. The runner hub 162 has additional supports 186 (see FIGS. 6, 8 and 9) under the flanges 188 to receive and support the extra force that is generated through the stretchers 156 when the support frame system 110 is in an open position. With reference to FIGS. 3, 8 and 9, when the runner hub 162 is moved up the center tube 152 to the point that it approaches the top hub 158 as shown in FIG. 9, the ribs 154 and stretchers 156 are pointing up and are parallel with the center tube 152 (and, if attached, the umbrella center shaft 122). This is considered the closed position and facilitates easy storage and transport.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 6, when the runner hub 162 is moved down the center tube 152 to the point that it meets and is stopped by the hub stopper 164, the ribs 154 are held firmly at 90 degrees from the center tube 152 and form the support for the table top system 130. With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the bottom of the runner hub 162 has an opening 192 to allow room for locking flange 194 of the hub stopper 164. As shown in FIG. 10, the purpose of the locking flange 194 is to support the locking knob 196 and attached bolt 198 for the purpose of securing the base of the umbrella center shaft 122 to the center tube 152. Turning the knob 196 clockwise, causes the bolt 198 to penetrate into the shaft of the center tube 152 and apply pressure on the umbrella center shaft 122, thereby preventing it from lifting out.

With reference to FIG. 7 (and also FIGS. 4 and 5), when the support frame system is in an open position, the ribs 154 in conjunction with the universal joints 176, stretch the flexible material of the table top system 130 (the perimeter of which is shown in phantom lines in FIG. 7), such that it becomes taught and capable of supporting various items.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the table top system 130 has a hole 202 in the center to allow the umbrella center shaft 122 to enter the center tube 152 of the support frame system 110. The table top has beverage holders 204 and storage compartments 206 for holding beverages and storing various items. The storage compartments 206 have flaps 208 that can open and close via corresponding pull straps (not shown) that serve to cover the openings of each of the compartments. The interior of the storage compartments 206 can be made of various materials for purposes including, but not limited to, cooling or retaining heat. The tabletop system 130 is removable and may be attached to the frame with snap buttons attached to the universal joint 176 and tabletop system 130.

It should be understood that there several other ways of attaching the table top system 130 to the support frame system 110. For example, at the outermost end of the universal joints 176, a tension flange may be provided at a 90 degree angle for the purpose of stretching the table top taut when in open position. There is a hole on the outer, lower portion of the tension flange to accommodate an attachment point for a clasp, or snap button to secure the removable table top.

Other methods of securing the tabletop system 130 include, but are not limited to Velcro strips sewn in to the tabletop system, with the opposite Velcro material attached to the universal joint 176. The material of the table top is flexible and strong, such that in the closed (stowed/transport) position, it folds in tight to the center tube 152 for easy storage.

Referring to FIGS. 11, 12A, 12B, 13, 14A, and 14B, the table leg assembly 178 is attached to the frame network via the outermost flanges (second set of flanges) 184 of the universal joint 176 through two holes (not labeled) in the table leg assembly 178 with a bolt or rivet 212 forming a hinge allowing the table leg assembly 178 to swivel 90 degrees (compare FIG. 11 to FIG. 13).

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the table leg assembly 178 includes a table leg tube 214 that extends the length of the center tube 152 where it meets the ground surface (see also, FIG. 3). Referring again to FIGS. 16 and 17, the table leg tube 214 is round and hollow, so as to accommodate a moveable ground stake 216 within it. There is a channel 218 that starts near the top of the table leg tube 214 and runs down the length of the table leg tube 214. The channel 218 is wide enough to accommodate the sliding motion of the ground stake handle 222 within it, as well as an approximately 45 degree rotation of the ground stake 216 to facilitate ground penetration. There is a table leg foot cap 224 attached to the bottom of the table leg tube 214 to prevent the table leg tube 214 from penetrating further in to the sand or ground surface.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, there is an angled tube 226 attached on the outside of the table leg foot cap 224 with a hole (not labeled) large enough to receive an additional ground stake 228. In one embodiment, the hole is angled at 45 degrees for the purpose securing an additional ground stake 228 for additional support in the case of a looser than normal ground surface. In one embodiment, there is a circular channel (not shown) on the upper surface of the table leg foot cap 224 to receive the table leg tube where it is glued in place.

Other embodiments of the table leg tube 214 and the table leg foot cap 224 are possible. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates a table leg tube 214, which does not accommodate a moveable ground stake 216 within it. Rather, each table leg foot cap 224 includes an angle tube 226 to receive a ground stake 228 therein (refer to FIG. 21, which shows a similar table leg foot cap 224).

Referring again to FIGS. 16 and 17, within the table leg tube 214 is a sliding ground stake 216 that can be moved manually and independently up and down the length of the channel 218 of the table leg tube 214 to the extent that the channel 218 in the table leg tube 214 permits. Referring to FIG. 16, the bottom end of the ground stake 216 is pointed for easy insertion into the ground surface and is frustoconical in shape. In another embodiment, which is shown in FIG. 22, the bottom end of the ground stake 216 is pointed and beveled for the purpose of boring into harder ground. This embodiment may be used with both or either of the moveable ground stake 216 and the additional ground stake 228.

The top end has a handle 222 to allow the operator to push the ground stake 216 into the ground (along with removing the stake 216 from the ground). The handle 222 will be formed by a bend in the ground stake 216, so that the handle is generally perpendicular to the main shaft of the ground stake 216. In one embodiment, the ground stakes are made of steel or similar material allowing them to be of a smaller diameter than typical plastic tent pegs, which permits them to easily penetrate the ground surface. The ground stakes are pushed into the ground surface by hand or in some cases by some other force (e.g., a hammer). The ground stake handle 222 can be rotated 45 degrees to facilitate insertion into the ground and can be rotated out of the way once desired penetration is reached, so that they are tucked under the table top system 130.

Referring to FIGS. 16-20, there is a locking mechanism 234 to secure the table leg tube 214 to the ground stake 216, so as to firmly anchor the support frame system 110 to the ground. The locking mechanism 234 allows for varying depths of penetration of the ground stake 216 into the ground. The locking mechanism assembly 234 includes a table leg collar 236 that accommodates the ground stake 216 and fits around the table leg tube 214. There is a ground stake collar 238 to secure the ground stake 216 to the locking mechanism 234, as well as secure the ground stake 216 inside the table leg tube 214. A collar block 242 fits loosely inside a collar block channel 244, and between the collar block channel 242 and the outside of the table leg tube 214. A cam lever 246 is attached to the table leg collar 236 at a leg collar opening (not numbered) by means of bolt or rivet (not numbered), where it applies increasing and decreasing pressure against the collar block 242 when pivoted up and down.

The locking mechanism 234 and ground stake 216 can move freely up and down the table leg tube 214 and rotate 45 degrees such that the channel 218 in the table leg tube 214 permits. When the ground stake 216 is pressed down, the pointed end penetrates the ground surface. When the cam lever 246 is pressed down, it applies pressure on the collar block 242 which pulls the ground stake collar 238 closer to the collar block 242, thereby squeezing the wall of the table leg tube 214 between the two. This causes the locking mechanism 234 and ground stake 216 to hold secure in place to the table leg tube 214, thereby locking it in place and firmly securing the entire apparatus to the ground.

When all four ground stakes 216 are secure in the ground surface and the table leg tubes 214 are locked to the ground stakes, the umbrella anchoring system 100 (support frame system 110) is then firmly and securely fastened to the ground. The umbrella center shaft 122 is also firmly attached to the center tube 152. The downward force of the ground stake 216 on the table leg tube 214 applies force downward on the end of the ribs 154 which creates a downward force on the stretchers 156 which is directed to the base of the center tube 152 where the runner hub 162 meets the hub stopper 164. The downward pull on the ribs 154 also applies an outward force at four points on the top hub 158, where the ribs are attached at 90 degree intervals, and which firmly secures and stabilizes the top of the center tube 152. All of these factors combine to create a very secure and solid center tube 152 for receiving and stabilizing the shaft of an umbrella 122. This creates a second anchoring point for the umbrella shaft 122 where the umbrella shaft passes through the center of the top hub 158, through the center tube 152 and through to the ground surface (first anchor point). This increases the stability of the umbrella exponentially over standard methods, as the center tube 152 is made of a strong material and does not rely on the density or weight of the surface material for the support of the umbrella shaft.

The umbrella shaft 122 can be secured on an angle by placing the umbrella shaft 122 through the opening in the center tube 166 (or, alternatively, through an opening in top hub 158 or a combination of the top hub 158 and opening in the center tube 166) at an angle and not down the main shaft of the center tube 152 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 10. The base of the umbrella shaft is secured in the angle cup 252, as shown in FIG. 15. The angle cup 252 is attached to the runner hub 162 by a tether line 254. Specifically, the tether line 254 is attached to a flange 256 on the runner hub 162 and also attached to a flange 258 on the angle cup 252. This prevents the angle cup 258 from moving out and away from the center tube 152, thereby securing the base of the umbrella shaft 122. The angle cup 252 includes a hollow tube 262 to allow connection of an additional ground stake 228 in the case that extra support is needed for the angled umbrella shaft 122. The umbrella shaft 122 is also supported at a second juncture, where it passes through the top hub 158 (in one embodiment), thereby holding the umbrella securely in place at an angle. In one embodiment, the tether line 254 may be adjusted to change the distance between the runner hub 162 and the angle cup 252. For example, one or both of the apertures through which the tether line 254 attaches to the flanges 256, 258 may have a teardrop shape, so that the tether line 254 may be moved therein and then locked into the narrow portion of the teardrop shape to set an appropriate distance between the runner hub 162 and the angle cup 252 based on the desired angle of the umbrella.

A canopy tethering system 140 is shown in FIGS. 23 and 24. The canopy tethering system 140 is designed to fasten the upper portion of the umbrella shaft 122 and umbrella canopy 124 to the sand or ground surface in the case of higher than normal winds. The canopy tethering system 140 includes a strap 264 (which may be adjustable) that attaches to the umbrella center shaft 122, a ground stake receptacle 266 that attaches to the strap 264 and holds the ground stake 268 when not in use, a high tension string 272 that attaches to the ground stake receptacle 266, and a ground stake 268 that attaches to the high tension string 272. The adjustable strap 264 has a loop 274 on one end for the purpose of attaching the canopy tethering system 140 to the umbrella shaft 122 by placing the looped end 274 of the adjustable strap around the umbrella shaft 122 and feeding the canopy tethering system 140 through the loop 274 and pulling, thereby tightening the loop 274 around the umbrella shaft 122. Additional methods for attaching the canopy tethering system 140 to the umbrella shaft 122 are anticipated including, but not limited to, Velcro straps, buckles or locking clasps.

In one embodiment, the adjustable strap 264 is directed through a ring attached to the ground stake receptacle and attached to an adjustable strap buckle which is in turn attached to the adjustable strap, thereby forming a loop. The adjustable strap buckle can be moved forward and back, thereby lengthening and shortening the adjustable strap.

The ground stake receptacle 266 serves to house the ground spike 268 when not in use and forms a secure connection between the adjustable strap 264 and the high tension string 272. The ground spike receptacle 266 has a ring 276 on each end connected by a strap 278 looped around each ring 276. Attached along the length of the strap 278 is connected a bag (ground stake receptacle 266) made of canvas, polyester or other such material that is flexible and strong, big enough to house the ground stake 268 and high tension string 272. The ground stake receptacle 266 is closed on the end where it is attached to the adjustable strap 264 and is open at the end attached to the high tension string 272. In one embodiment, the open end will have a snap button (not shown) attached for the purpose of closing the ground stake receptacle 266, so as to secure the ground stake 268. Two carabiner clips 282 are attached to the ground stake receptacle 266 for the purpose of securing the ground stake receptacle 266 to the canopy ribs 284 of the umbrella 120 between the juncture of the umbrella ribs and stretchers and the outermost edge of the umbrella canopy 124.

To deploy the canopy tethering system 140, the ground stake 268 is taken from the ground stake receptacle 266 and extended to the ground surface, where the ground stake 268 is pushed into the ground surface to a suitable depth, such that it is able to withstand tension from the attached high tension string 272. The high tension string 272 extends from the ground stake 268 and is attached to the ring 276 on the ground stake receptacle 266. The ground spike receptacle 266 is attached to the umbrella canopy ribs 284 and is also secured to the umbrella shaft 122 through its connection to the adjustable strap 264. This serves to anchor the umbrella shaft 122, restricting its movement in the direction that the wind is blowing and serves to anchor the umbrella canopy at the point where the ground spike receptacle 266 is attached, preventing it from buckling in the same direction of the wind. When not deployed, the high tension string 272 is wrapped around the ground stake 268 and placed in the ground stake receptacle 266 for storage.

When deployed, as shown in FIG. 23, the canopy tethering system 140 creates a third anchor point at the upper end of the umbrella at the junction of the adjustable strap loop 274 and the umbrella shaft 122, as well as the junction of the canopy ribs 284 and the Carabiner clips 282, significantly increasing the stability of the umbrella.

It should be understood that any male components (e.g., male connectors) may be substituted for female components (e.g., female connectors).

Several embodiments of the invention have been described. It should be understood that the concepts described in connection with one embodiment of the invention may be combined with the concepts described in connection with another embodiment (or other embodiments) of the invention.

While an effort has been made to describe some alternatives to the preferred embodiment, other alternatives will readily come to mind to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not intended to be limited to the details given herein.

Claims

1. An umbrella anchoring system for supporting an umbrella having a shaft and a canopy comprising: a center tube oriented vertically for receiving the shaft of the umbrella;a plurality of ribs that are attached to the center tube at a proximal end, the plurality of ribs, when deployed, being oriented in a plane perpendicular to the center tube;a plurality of table leg assemblies that correspond with the plurality of ribs, wherein a proximal end of each of the plurality of table leg assemblies is correspondingly connected to a distal end of each of the plurality of ribs, wherein each of the plurality of table leg assemblies is substantially parallel to the center tube when deployed, wherein each of the plurality of table leg assemblies includes a moveable ground stake that is driven into the ground to secure the plurality of table leg assemblies in place relative to the ground.

2. The umbrella anchoring system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of table leg assemblies each include a table leg tube, wherein each moveable ground stake is received within a corresponding table leg tube and moves in a direction substantially parallel to the table leg tube when being driven into the ground.

3. The umbrella anchoring system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of table leg assemblies each further include a locking mechanism to selectively lock the position of each moveable ground stake relative to its corresponding leg tube.

4. The umbrella anchoring system of claim 3, wherein each moveable ground stake includes a handle that extends substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the moveable ground stake moves when being driven into the ground.

5. The umbrella anchoring system of claim 4, wherein each table leg tube includes a channel that permits the handle of each corresponding moveable ground stake to protrude therefrom.

6. The umbrella anchoring system of claim 1, wherein table leg assemblies are pivotally connected to the distal end of the ribs.

7. The umbrella anchoring system of claim 1, further comprising a top hub for pivotally connecting the plurality of ribs to the center tube, a plurality of universal joints for pivotally connecting corresponding table leg assemblies to corresponding ribs, a runner hub moveable along the outside of the center tube having a plurality of stretchers pivotally connected thereto at the proximal end of the stretchers, wherein the distal ends of each of the plurality of stretchers are pivotally connected to corresponding universal joints.

8. The umbrella anchoring system of claim 7, further comprising a hub stopper located at an end of the center tube opposite to the end of the center tube where the top hub is located, wherein the hub stopper limits the downward movement of the runner hub.

9. The umbrella anchoring system of claim 8, wherein the hub stopper includes a locking flange, locking knob and locking bolt, wherein by twisting the locking knob the locking bolt protrudes into the center tube, and wherein the locking bolt is used to secure the umbrella shaft within the center tube.

10. The umbrella anchoring system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ribs, plurality of table leg assemblies and center tube are substantially parallel to one another when in a stowed configuration.

11. The umbrella anchoring system of claim 1, wherein the center tube has an opening therein through which the umbrella shaft may protrude, so as to adjust an angular position of the umbrella canopy.

12. The umbrella anchoring system of claim 11, wherein an end of the umbrella shaft is received within an angle cup which is tethered to the center tube.

13. The umbrella anchoring system of claim 12, wherein the angle cup includes an angle tube for receiving a ground stake therein.

14. The umbrella anchoring system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of table leg assemblies each include a table leg cap with an angle tube therein for receiving a moveable stake.

15. The umbrella anchoring system of claim 2, wherein the table leg assemblies each include a table leg cap with an angle tube therein for receiving an additional ground stake.

16. The umbrella anchoring system of claim 1 further comprising a table top system, which is supported by the plurality of ribs, which has a center hole through which the umbrella shaft passes, and which includes a plurality of beverage holders and storage compartments, wherein the storage compartments include flaps that open and close to respectively allow access to the storage compartments and protect items placed within the storage compartments.

17. The umbrella anchoring system of claim 1 further comprising a canopy tethering system, which is removeably attached to both the umbrella canopy and the umbrella shaft.

18. The umbrella anchoring system of claim 17, wherein the canopy tethering system further includes a ground stake receptacle attached to the umbrella canopy, wherein the ground stake receptacle has a high tension string connected thereto and wherein a ground stake is used to attach the high tension string to ground when the canopy tethering system is deployed.

19. The umbrella anchoring system of claim 18, wherein the canopy tethering system further includes a strap that is connected to the ground stake receptacle at an end opposite to where the high tension string is connected and wherein the strap is connected to the shaft of the umbrella.

20. The umbrella anchoring system of claim 19, wherein the ground stake receptacle is used to store both the ground stake and high tension string when the canopy tethering system is in its non-deployed configuration.