Umbrella Support Device

Abstract

An umbrella support device designed to support a patio umbrella on a decking of a swimming pool. The device includes a cylindrical body which comprises an upper end, a lower end, and bore. The bore extends down from the upper end of the cylindrical body and defines an inner diameter dimensioned to receive a support pole of the patio umbrella. The device further comprises a threaded extension piece secured to and extending down from the lower end of the cylindrical body. The threaded extension piece is configured to threadedly connect to an anchor base within the decking. The device further comprises a hex key tip residing at a distal end of the threaded extension piece. The hex key tip is configured to mate with a hex key recess of an anchor bolt configured to be threadedly received within the anchor base. A method of erecting a patio umbrella is also provided.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This section is intended to introduce various aspects of the art, which may be associated with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. This discussion is believed to assist in providing a framework to facilitate a better understanding of particular aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that this section should be read in this light and not necessarily as admissions of prior art.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the swimming pool industry. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a device used to support poolside umbrellas that take advantage of pre-existing anchors installed around a perimeter of an in-ground pool.

TECHNOLOGY IN THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

It is commonly known in the industry to provide a cover over an in-ground swimming pool during months when the pool is not in use. This is done in part to keep leaves, sticks, and other debris out of the pool. Further, in-ground pools may be covered in cold months to prevent damage to piping caused by freezing, or to prevent algae growth, or to conserve chemicals used for treatment of water in an in-ground swimming pool. More frequently, covering in-ground pools is done as a safety measure to keep children and others from falling into the pool, such as during periods of non-use.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a swimming pool cover 150A. The swimming pool cover 150A has been secured over an in-ground pool 100A. In this view, the swimming pool cover 150A has a rectangular profile to cover the pool 100A.

The in-ground pool 100A is bordered by a deck 110A. In this arrangement, the deck 110A is made of traditional paver stones. The paver stones are placed on top of sand and fill dirt. Of course, the deck 110A may also be fabricated from etched concrete, composite deck boards, or other materials.

Extending from the pool cover 150A and onto the deck 110A is a series of nylon straps 120. The nylon straps 120, in turn, are connected to springs 200. Finally, the springs 200 are connected to respective pool deck anchors 300. The pool deck anchors are sunk into the deck 110A to hold the nylon straps 120.

FIG. 1B is a second perspective view of a swimming pool cover 150B. The swimming pool cover 150B has again been secured over an in-ground pool 100B using known straps 120, springs 200, and anchors 300.

The in-ground pool 100B is bordered by a deck 110B. In this arrangement, the deck 110B is again made of traditional paver stones. The swimming pool cover 150B has a rectangular profile to cover the pool 100B. This is a common and standard arrangement for residential backyard pools and community pools of various sizes.

Swimming pool covers may also be prefabricated to custom geometries to fit non-polygonal pools. Alternatively, some pool covers may be cut-to-size by an owner of a backyard pool or community pool to provide a full and safe covering. Such an example of a cut-to-size pool cover is provided in FIG. 1C.

FIG. 1C is a third perspective view of a swimming pool cover 150C. The swimming pool cover 150C has been secured over an in-ground pool 100C wherein the pool 100C has a non-polygonal shape. The in-ground pool 100C is once again bordered by a deck 110C that is finished with traditional paver stones.

Extending from the pool cover 150C and onto the deck 110C is a series of nylon straps 120. The nylon straps 120, in turn, are connected to springs 200. Finally, the springs 200 are connected to respective pool deck anchors 300. The pool deck anchors are sunk into the deck 110A to hold the nylon straps 120.

FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of a known swimming pool cover 150. The cover 150 may be in accordance with covers 150A, 150B, or 150C. Extending from the cover 150 is the strap 120. Both the cover 150 and the strap 120 are fabricated from nylon for durability and rigidity.

FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of the spring 200 that is used in securing the swimming pool cover 150. At a first end, the spring 200 is connected to the nylon strap 120 using a metal clip 212. At a second end, the spring 200 is connected to a pool cover anchor (shown at 300 of FIG. 3) using a second metal clip 214.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a pool cover anchor 300. The pool cover anchor 300 comprises several components. These components represent an anchor base 310 and an anchor bolt 320.

The anchor base 310 defines a cylindrical body having an upper end 312 and a lower end 314. The anchor base 310 is cemented into or otherwise secured to the swimming pool deck, such as any of decks 110A, 110B, or 110C. Of course, in some swimming pool arrangements a wooden or faux-wooden decking is used in place of traditional paver stones. In alternate embodiments, slab concrete or stamped concrete may be used as decking. The anchor base 310 is preferably sunk into the pool deck so that the upper end 312 is flush with a surface of the pool deck. In this way, the anchor base 310 does not create a tripping hazard.

The anchor base 310 comprises a threaded inner diameter 315. The inner diameter 315 is configured to receive the anchor bolt 320. The anchor bolt 320 has an upper end 322 and a lower end 324. Intermediate the upper 322 and lower 324 ends is a threaded body 326. The threaded body 326 connects to the anchor base 310 once the anchor bolt 320 is in place within the decking, e.g., paver stones of deck 110A.

It is noted from FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C that a swimming pool installation may have as many as 40 or even 50 pool cover anchors 300. During months when the pool, e.g., pool 100A, is in use, the anchor bolts 320 are threaded down into the anchor base 310 so that the upper end 322 of the anchor bolts 320 is flush with the upper end 312 of its respective anchor base 310. Of course, during these times, the pool cover 150 and associated traps 120 are removed and put away for storage.

However, in months where the pool is not in use, the anchor bolts 320 may be rotated to a position intermediate a fully extended and a fully retracted position with respect to the anchor bases 310. In this way, clips 214 of the pool cover, e.g., pool cover 150A, may be secured around the anchor bolts 320. Optionally, the anchor bolts 320 can be tightened down onto the metal clips 214, but this should not be necessary.

Temperatures in late autumn, winter, and early spring may be too cool to allow users to remove the pool cover and swim in the pool. However, there may be days on which outdoor temperatures may be warm enough for the users to sit outside in chairs. Such users may even desire to use a so-called patio umbrella.

Furthermore, during periods when the pool cover is removed from the pool, typically during spring and summer, such users may also desire to use the so-called patio umbrella to provide shading while adjacent to or within the pool.

A need exists for a device that takes advantage of the anchor bases already present within swimming pool decking that may be used to support a patio umbrella. A need further exists for a method of supporting a patio umbrella using such an umbrella support device secured to an anchor base within swimming pool decking.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An umbrella support device is provided herein. The umbrella support device is designed to support a patio umbrella or other substantially vertical support pole on a decking of a swimming pool.

In one embodiment, the umbrella support device first includes a cylindrical body. The cylindrical body has an upper end and a lower end. The umbrella support device also includes a bore. The bore extends down from the upper end of the cylindrical body. The bore defines an inner diameter dimensioned to receive a support pole of the patio umbrella.

The umbrella support device further comprises a threaded extension piece. The threaded extension piece is secured to and extends down from the lower end of the cylindrical body. The threaded extension piece is configured to threadedly connect to an anchor base within the decking.

Preferably, the cylindrical body and the threaded extension piece are fabricated from ceramic or aluminum. This prevents rusting in an outdoor environment.

In one aspect, the umbrella support device further comprises a hex key tip. The hex key tip resides at a distal end of the threaded extension piece. The hex key tip is configured to mate with a hex key recess of an anchor bolt. The anchor bolt, in turn, is configured to be threadedly received within the anchor base.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the present disclosures can be better understood, certain illustrations, charts, and/or flow charts are appended hereto. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only selected embodiments of the present disclosures and are therefore not to be considered limiting of scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments and applications.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a swimming pool cover. The swimming pool cover has been secured over an in-ground pool using known straps, springs, and anchors.

FIG. 1B is a second perspective view of a swimming pool cover. The swimming pool cover has again been secured over an in-ground pool using known straps, springs, and anchors.

FIG. 1C is a third perspective view of a swimming pool cover. The swimming pool cover has again been secured over an in-ground pool using known straps, springs, and anchors.

FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of a known swimming pool cover, with a strap extending from the cover.

FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of a spring that has been connected at one end to a strap for a swimming pool cover. At a second end, the spring is connected to a pool cover anchor using a metal clip.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a pool cover anchor. The pool cover anchor comprises an anchor base and an anchor bolt.

FIG. 4A is a first perspective view of an umbrella support device of the present invention, in one embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a second perspective view of the umbrella support device of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a first enlarged perspective view of the umbrella support device of FIG. 4A, showing a lower end.

FIG. 5B is a second enlarged perspective view of the umbrella support device of FIG. 4A, showing an upper end.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the umbrella support device of FIG. 4A, wherein the security pin has been removed from a body of the umbrella support device.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the security pin of the umbrella support device of FIG. 4A, in one embedment.

FIG. 8A is a side, cross-sectional view of the umbrella support device of FIGS. 4A and 4B.

FIG. 8B is a bottom plan view of the umbrella support device of FIGS. 4A and 4B.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a patio umbrella as may be used with the umbrella support device of FIGS. 4A and 4B.

FIG. 10A presents steps for a method of erecting a patio umbrella.

FIG. 10B presents additional steps for a method of erecting a patio umbrella.

FIGS. 10A and 10B represent a series of steps together for performing the method, in one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Novel features characteristic of embodiments provided in the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 4A is a first perspective view of an umbrella support device 400 of the present invention, in one embodiment. FIG. 4B is a second perspective view of the umbrella support device 400 of FIG. 4A. The umbrella support device 400 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, together.

The umbrella support device 400 first includes a cylindrical body 410. The cylindrical body 410 has a lower end 412 and an upper end 414. Thus, it is evident from the views of FIGS. 4A and 4B that the cylindrical body 410 is in an “upside down” position.

Extending up from the cylindrical body 410 in each of FIGS. 4A and 4B is a threaded extension piece 420. The threaded extension piece 420 is secured to the lower end 412 of the cylindrical body 410. Preferably, the threaded extension piece 420 is integral to the cylindrical body 410 itself.

The threaded extension piece 420 includes threads 425 along a portion of its length. The threads 425 are dimensioned to connect to a threaded inner diameter, such as inner diameter 315 of an anchor base, such as anchor base 310. Also of interest, the threaded extension piece 420 includes a hex key 422. The hex key 422 is dimensioned to mate with an end comprising a recess, such as upper end 322, of the anchor bolt 320. In this way, the cylindrical body 410 may be beneficially used as a tool to remove the anchor bolt 320 from the anchor base 310, or to screw the anchor bolt 320 into the anchor base 310.

It can also be seen that the cylindrical body 410 has received a security pin 700. The security pin 700 engages with a through-opening (shown at 470 in FIG. 6) located intermediate the lower end 412 and the upper end 414 of the cylindrical body 410. The pin 700, which may be referenced as a security pin or an umbrella pin, removably engages with the cylindrical body 410 via threads (shown at 720 in FIG. 7). When a patio umbrella (shown at 900 of FIG. 9) is inserted into a bore (shown at 415 in FIG. 5B) at the upper end 414 of the cylindrical body 410, a user may insert the security pin 700 into the through-opening 470 and threadedly engage the pin 700 until it contacts a support pole (shown at 920 in FIG. 9). This serves to secure the support pole 920, and as such, the patio umbrella 900, to the umbrella support device 400.

FIG. 5A is a first enlarged perspective view of the umbrella support device 400 of FIG. 4A, showing the lower end 412. In this view, the threaded extension piece 420 is more easily seen. As stated previously, the hex key 422 is dimensioned to mate with the hex key recess of the upper end 322 the anchor bolt 320. The hex key 422 may comprise a ¼ inch or ⅜ inch hex key suitable to remove the anchor bolt 320 from the anchor base 310 by inserting the hex key 422 and rotating it.

FIG. 5B is a second enlarged perspective view of the umbrella support device 400 of FIG. 4A, showing the upper end 414. In this view, the bore 415 located at the upper end 414 of the cylindrical body 410 is more easily seen. The bore 415 removably receives the support pole 920 of the patio umbrella 900. Once the support pole 920 is placed within the bore 415, the patio umbrella 900 is supported by the umbrella support device 400, which engages with the anchor base 310 in the decking. Of note, the bore 415 is preferably dimensioned to accommodate various sizes of support poles 920 of patio umbrellas 900.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the umbrella support device 400 of FIG. 4A, wherein the security pin 700 has been removed from the cylindrical body 410 of the umbrella support device 400. Here, the through-opening 470 is more easily seen. The security pin 700 threadedly engages with the through-opening 470 and holds the support pole 920 in place after it has been inserted into the umbrella support device 400 via the bore 415. It is worth noting that the bore 415 of the umbrella support device 400 may be dimensioned to accommodate various sizes of support poles 920. Therefore, the pin 700 serves to engage with the various sizes of support poles 920 and provides adjustability to accommodate various sizes of support poles 920 within the umbrella support device 400.

Also visible in FIG. 6 is a second through-opening 480. This through-opening 480 is located at the lower end 412 of the cylindrical body 410. The through-opening 480 allows water to drain from the cylindrical body 410 when the anchor bolt 320 is not inserted into the bore 315 of the anchor base 310. Optionally, and beneficially, the through-opening 480 is configured to threadedly receive the anchor bolt 320 when the anchor bolt 320 is not inserted into the bore 315 of the anchor base 310.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the security pin 700 of the umbrella support device 400 of FIG. 4A, in one embedment. In this embodiment, the pin 700 comprises a knob 710 and threads 720. The threads 720 allow the pin 700 to engage with the through-opening 470 of the umbrella support device 400 and allow the pin 700 to be tightened and loosed to secure the support pole 920 of the patio umbrella 900. The pin 700 may optionally be removed completely from the umbrella support device 400. The knob 710 allows the user to manipulate the pin 700 such that rotating the knob 710 in one direction advances the pin 700 into the through-opening 470 and rotating the knob in an opposite direction retracts the pin 700 from the through-opening 470. Preferably, the knob 710 is manufactured from a corrosion resistant material such as nylon or plastic.

FIG. 8A is a side, cross-sectional view of the umbrella support device 400 of FIGS. 4A and 4B. Here, the bore 415 of the umbrella support device 400 is shown in phantom. It can further be seen that the bore 415 extends a portion of a length of the cylindrical body 410, creating a base thickness and a wall thickness of the cylindrical body 410. The depth of the bore 415 is dimensioned to accommodate a length of the support pole 920.

FIG. 8B is a bottom plan view of the umbrella support device 400 of FIGS. 4A and 4B. Here, the relative sizes of the hex key 422, the bore 415, and the cylindrical body 410 of the umbrella support device 400 are better appreciated.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a patio umbrella 900 as may be used with the umbrella support device 400 of FIGS. 4A and 4B. In this arrangement, the patio umbrella 900 comprises a canopy 910. The canopy 910 is preferably constructed from a waterproof and flexible material, such as fabric, acrylic, plastic, or vinyl.

Preferably, the canopy 910 may be selectively opened by pushing upward on a frame structure of the canopy 910. Further, the canopy 910 may also be selectively closed by releasing a latch (not shown) and then pulling on the frame structure associated with the canopy 910.

In an alternative arrangement, the canopy 910 may be opened and closed by rotating a handle 915. Further, the canopy 910 may also be held in place with a retaining pin (not shown).

The patio umbrella 900 also includes a support pole 920. The support pole 920 is preferably an elongated tubular pole fabricated from a lightweight metal such as aluminum. The support pole 920 is dimensioned to be slidably received within the bore 415 of the cylindrical body 410. The support pole 920 may further be configured in varying lengths and may comprise a telescoping mechanism (not shown) to further increase or decrease a height of the patio umbrella 900. Additionally, the support pole 920 may comprise a tilt joint (not shown).

Based on the description provided above for the umbrella support device 400 and for the patio umbrella 900, a method of erecting a patio umbrella is provided herein. FIGS. 10A and 10B present a single flow chart showing steps for a method 1000 of erecting a patio umbrella.

In one embodiment, the method 1000 first comprises locating an anchor for a swimming pool cover. This is shown in Box 1010. The anchor comprises an anchor base (such as anchor base 310) secured in a decking (such as pool deck 110). The anchor also comprises an anchor bolt (such as anchor bolt 320) threadedly inserted into the anchor base. Preferably, each of the anchor base and the anchor bolt is fabricated from brass.

The method 1000 also includes providing an umbrella support device. This step is seen at Box 1015. The umbrella support device may be in accordance with the umbrella support device 400 described above, in any of its embodiments. The umbrella support device may include:

• • a cylindrical body having an upper end and a lower end;
  • a bore extending down from the upper end; and
  • a threaded extension piece secured to and extending down from the lower end, wherein the threaded extension piece is configured to threadedly connect to the anchor base.

In the method 1000, the cylindrical body defines an inner diameter (such as bore 415) dimensioned to receive a support pole of the patio umbrella. In one aspect, the cylindrical body and the threaded extension piece are fabricated from ceramic or aluminum.

The method 1000 further comprises removing the anchor bolt from the anchor base. This is seen at Box 1020. In one aspect, the umbrella support device further comprises a hex key tip. The hex key tip resides at a distal end of the threaded extension piece. The hex key tip is configured to mate with a hex key recess of the anchor bolt. In this instance, the step 1020 of removing the anchor bolt from the anchor base comprises using the hex key tip to unscrew the anchor bolt from the anchor base.

The method 1000 may further include screwing the threaded extension piece into the anchor base. This step is indicated at Box 1025. In this way, the cylindrical body is now in a vertical orientation, ready to receive the support pole of the patio umbrella.

In one embodiment, the method 1000 further comprises providing the patio umbrella. This is shown at Box 1030 of FIG. 10A. The patio umbrella may be in accordance with umbrella 900 described above. In this respect, the patio umbrella has a support pole 920, and a canopy 910 supported by the support pole 920.

The method 1000 additionally includes removing a security pin from the cylindrical body of the umbrella support device. This is provided at Box 1035. The security pin may be in accordance with pin 700 described above. In this instance, removing the security pin 700 involves unthreading the pin 700 from a threaded opening 470 in the cylindrical body 410 of the umbrella support device.

The method 1000 additionally includes opening the canopy 910. This step is seen in Box 1040 of FIG. 10B. As noted above, the canopy may be selectively opened by pushing upward on a frame structure of the canopy. Further, the canopy 910 may also be selectively closed by releasing a latch (not shown) and then pulling on the frame structure associated with the canopy 910.

The method 1000 further provides inserting the support pole into the bore of the cylindrical body. This is indicated at Box 1045. This allows the patio umbrella to now be supported in an open and upright position above the decking.

The method 1000 finally includes re-inserting the security pin into the cylindrical body of the umbrella support device. This is shown at Box 1050. This step secures the umbrella above the umbrella anchor device.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings provided herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered and/or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present application.

In the claims which follow, the word “comprising” is used in its inclusive sense and does not exclude other elements being present. The indefinite articles “a” and “an” before a claim feature do not exclude more than one of the features from being present. Each one of the individual features described herein may be used in one or more embodiments and are not, by virtue of only being described herein, to be construed as essential to all embodiments as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An umbrella support device, comprising: a cylindrical body having an upper end and a lower end;a bore extending down from the upper end; anda threaded extension piece secured to and extending down from the lower end, wherein the threaded extension piece is configured to threadedly connect to an anchor base within a decking.

2. The umbrella support device of claim 1, wherein: the anchor base comprises a receiving body, and a threaded inner bore along the receiving body; andthe anchor base is configured to receive an anchor bolt, with the anchor bolt comprising a body having an upper end and a lower end, and threads residing along the outside of the body intermediate the upper and lower ends, wherein the threads are configured to screw into the threaded inner bore of the receiving body once the anchor bolt is in place within the decking.

3. The umbrella support device of claim 2, wherein: the anchor bolt comprises a hex key recess at the upper end; andthe anchor base is secured within the decking.

4. The umbrella support device of claim 3, wherein each of the anchor base and the anchor bolt is fabricated from brass.

5. The umbrella support device of claim 3, further comprising: a hex key tip at a distal end of the threaded extension piece, with the hex key tip being configured to mate with the hex key recess of the anchor bolt.

6. The umbrella support device of claim 5, wherein the cylindrical body and the threaded extension piece are fabricated from ceramic or aluminum.

7. The umbrella support device of claim 5, wherein the cylindrical body defines an inner diameter dimensioned to receive a support pole of a patio umbrella.

8. The umbrella support device of claim 7, further comprising: a first through-opening residing along the cylindrical body; anda security pin configured to be removably inserted into the first through-opening after the cylindrical body has received the support pole.

9. The umbrella support device of claim 8, further comprising: a second through-opening residing along the cylindrical body proximate the lower end of the cylindrical body, wherein the second through-opening is configured to threadedly receive the anchor bolt.

10. A method of erecting a patio umbrella, comprising: locating an anchor for a swimming pool cover, wherein the anchor comprises an anchor base secured in a decking, and an anchor bolt threadedly inserted into the anchor base;providing an umbrella support device, comprising: a cylindrical body having an upper end and a lower end;a bore extending down from the upper end; anda threaded extension piece secured to and extending down from the lower end, wherein the threaded extension piece is configured to threadedly connect to the anchor base;removing the anchor bolt from the anchor base; andscrewing the threaded extension piece into the anchor base such that the cylindrical body is now in a vertical orientation, ready to receive a support pole for the patio umbrella.

11. The method of erecting a patio umbrella of claim 10, further comprising: providing the patio umbrella, with the patio umbrella having the support pole, and a canopy supported by the support pole;opening the canopy; andlowering the support pole into the bore of the cylindrical body such that the patio umbrella is now supported in an upright position above the decking.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein: the anchor base comprises a receiving body, and a threaded inner bore along the receiving body; andthe anchor base is configured to receive the anchor bolt, with the anchor bolt comprising a body having an upper end and a lower end, and threads residing along the outside of the body intermediate the upper and lower ends, wherein the threads are configured to screw into the threaded inner bore of the receiving body once the anchor bolt is in place within the decking.

13. The umbrella support device of claim 12, wherein: the anchor bolt comprises a hex key recess at the upper end; andthe anchor is secured within the decking.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein: the umbrella support device further comprises a hex key tip at a distal end of the threaded extension piece, with the hex key tip being configured to mate with the hex key recess of the anchor bolt; andthe step of removing the anchor bolt from the anchor base comprises using the hex key tip to unscrew the anchor bolt from the anchor base.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the cylindrical body and the threaded extension piece are fabricated from ceramic or aluminum.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the cylindrical body defines an inner diameter dimensioned to slidably receive the support pole of the patio umbrella.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein: the cylindrical body comprises a threaded through-opening;the umbrella support device further comprises a security pin; andthe method further comprises inserting the security pin into an opening along the cylindrical body after the cylindrical body has received the support pole, thereby securing the support pole above the decking.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein inserting the security pin into the opening comprises screwing the security pin into the cylindrical body.

19. The method of claim 10, wherein the anchor base and the anchor bolt are fabricated from brass.

20. The method of claim 10, wherein the decking is adjacent an an-ground swimming pool.