Patents Assigned to Tuuci Engineering & Design, Inc.
  • Patent number: 7600734
    Abstract: An locking assembly structured to removably and automatically secure an umbrella mast or other stanchion to a supporting base including a mounting structure secured to the base in interconnecting relation between the stanchion and the base. The locking assembly is connected to the mounting structure and includes a movable locking member positionable between a locked orientation and a released orientation. The locked and released orientations are respectively and at least partially defined by the locking member disposed into and out of interruptive engagement with a predetermined exterior surface portion of the stanchion on an interior of the mounting structure. Automatic disposition of the locking member between the released and locked orientations is facilitated by an end portion of the locking member configured and structured to both slidingly and interruptively engage the stanchion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: TUUCI Engineering and Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Dougan Clarke
  • Patent number: 7318444
    Abstract: An umbrella frame provides a stable and enduring support for an umbrella canopy while also allowing canopies of varying shapes and sizes to be mounted thereto. The umbrella frame includes a hub assembly, namely, a main hub member mounted about a central pole member of the umbrella frame which offers improved means for attaching brackets thereto which are structured to pivotally receive a plurality of strut members therein, which strut members are, in turn, pivotally secured to a plurality of rib members interconnected with an upper, secondary hub. The main hub member of the present invention preferably includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a channel having at least one ledge formed therebetween, with a band formed from a flattened strip of metal secured within the channel about the hub member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: TUUCI Engineering & Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Dougan H. Clarke
  • Patent number: 7293573
    Abstract: An improved, durable and versatile umbrella frame assembly is provided to more readily endure abusive weather conditions and that may be quickly, easily and inexpensively repaired. In addition, the assembly is also easily modified to accommodate umbrella canopies of different sizes and shapes. In addition, an improved umbrella operating system is provided to permit simple opening, positioning, and locking of an umbrella while allowing the frame to freely rotate about the pole regardless of the degree to which it is opened, while the pole is held in a stationary position. The assembly includes a pair of hub members mounted about a pole member wherein the main hub member is slidable up and down the pole. A pulley system with a locking cam member may be employed to allow the umbrella to safely and easily open to any desired position. A locking stabilizer arm may be used to secure the main hub member in the fully open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Tuuci Engineering & Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Dougan H. Clarke
  • Patent number: 6889699
    Abstract: An improved, durable and versatile umbrella frame assembly is provided to more readily endure abusive weather conditions and that may be quickly, easily and inexpensively repaired. In addition, the assembly is also easily modified to accommodate umbrella canopies of different sizes and shapes. In addition, an improved umbrella operating system is provided to permit simple opening, positioning, and locking of an umbrella while allowing the frame to freely rotate about the pole regardless of the degree to which it is opened, while the pole is held in a stationary position. The assembly includes a pair of hub members mounted about a pole member wherein the main hub member is slidable up and down the pole. A pulley system with a locking cam member may be employed to allow the umbrella to safely and easily open to any desired position. A locking stabilizer arm may be used to secure the main hub member in the fully open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Tuuci Engineering & Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Dougan H. Clarke
  • Patent number: D478416
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Tuuci Engineering & Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Dougan H. Clarke
  • Patent number: D491348
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Tuuci Engineering & Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Dougan H. Clarke
  • Patent number: D491720
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Tuuci Engineering & Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Dougan H. Clarke
  • Patent number: D497478
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: TUUCI Engineering & Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Dougan H. Clarke