Umbrella base stand and table

Abstract

An integrated umbrella base stand and table having a collapsible frame that includes a center tube adapted for receiving the pole of an umbrella. From this central tube extend appendages that are supported by linking arms. The integrated umbrella base stand and table further includes a flexible surface and a base flange that are carried by the appendages of the frame. The surface of the table provides an area on which drinks and food may be placed and the base flange of the device is dimensioned to receive a weight to stabilize the integrated umbrella stand and table.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] We claim the benefit of the priority date of U.S. Provisional Patent application No. 60/236,089, filed Sep. 28, 2000, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of umbrellas and, more particularly, to an umbrella base stand and associated table.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Many people enjoy using umbrellas in coastal areas and beachfront locales for providing shade from the sometimes harmful effects of the sun. Conventional beach umbrellas can be mounted directly in the ground, and in many cases, into the sand. However, in some cases, sand does not provide a sufficient base for supporting an umbrella pole. In order for sand to support the weight of an umbrella of the size typically used at the beach, the umbrella pole must be placed deep within the sand. The user must take time to dig a deep hole so that the umbrella pole can be sufficiently supported by the sand.

[0004] Other umbrella base stands have been designed so that the umbrella pole mounts within a cylinder which can be screwed into the sand or dirt. Seldom is the average person able to screw this device to a depth necessary to properly support the umbrella. Other types of umbrella base stands, such as those used in home patios, utilize a heavy or bulky base to support the umbrella. Therefore, conventional umbrella base stands are either difficult to use, cumbersome to transport, or do not store well.

[0005] Typically, outings involving the use of beach umbrellas also include meals or picnics. In a place such as a beach, these picnics may become messy and unpleasant without a table on which to place food and drinks out of reach from the sand. The tables used for these outings are oftentimes very light weight making them convenient to transport. However, because of this feature, these tables are easily tipped over if bumped into or if the weather is windy.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an umbrella base stand that is portable, and easy to use and store. Furthermore, there is a need for an associated table that is stable and easy to transport.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention is a device having an integrated umbrella base stand and associated table.

[0008] The integrated umbrella base stand and table of the present invention includes a frame having a central hollow tube for receiving an umbrella pole or post. From this central tube extend appendages that are supported by linking arms.

[0009] The appendages and linking arms are hinged to the central tube and are movable both downwards and away from the tube and upwards and towards the tube. The central tube includes a spring-loaded detent which holds the appendages in place in their fully extended position. In order to collapse the umbrella base stand, the detent is released and the appendages are moved upward.

[0010] The integrated umbrella base stand and table further includes a flexible surface and a base flange that are carried by the appendages of the frame. The table surface and base flange of the device are preferably made of fabric, canvas, or other foldable materials. Specifically, the surface of the table provides an area on which drinks and food may be placed and the base flange of the device is dimensioned to receive a suitable weight to stabilize both the umbrella stand and table.

[0011] A major feature of the invention is the frame having a central tube with extending appendages. This frame enables the user to anchor a large beach umbrella with relative ease and little effort.

[0012] Another major feature of the present invention is the base flange of the device. By placing a suitable weight such as sand or earth within the base flange, the frame of the umbrella stand is given further support for the umbrella. Because the added support provided by this weight alleviates the need to place the umbrella pole deep within the sand or ground, the user saves both time and energy. Further, the table is also stabilized by the ballast weight within this base flange and therefore it is less likely to be tipped over if acted on by various forces.

[0013] Still another important feature of the invention is that the integrated umbrella stand and table is collapsible. Each appendage is connected to the central tube by a movable hinge means. By simply releasing the spring-loaded detent of the slidable center ring and moving each appendage upwards, the entire frame is collapsed. Because the umbrella stand is collapsible, it can be easily stored and transported.

[0014] Yet another important feature of the invention is the spring-loaded detent located on the center tube of the umbrella base stand and table. This feature serves as a locking mechanism for the frame of the stand and table. Therefore, the stability of the umbrella base stand and table is further increased.

[0015] Other features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a careful reading of the Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment accompanied by the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the integrated umbrella base stand and table of the present invention in use.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the integrated umbrella base stand and table of the present invention in an open and deployed position without the umbrella.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the frame of the integrated umbrella base stand and table of the present invention in an open and deployed position.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the frame of the integrated umbrella base stand and table of the present invention in a partially collapsed position.

[0020] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the frame of the integrated umbrella base stand and table of the present invention in a fully collapsed position.

[0021] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the integrated umbrella base stand and table of the present invention in a fully collapsed position.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the integrated umbrella base stand and table of the present invention showing the hinge means of the linking arms and the spring-loaded detent.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the integrated umbrella base stand and table of the present invention showing the hinge means of the appendages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a device including an integrated umbrella base stand and table 2 of the present invention in use at a beach-type location. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of umbrella base stand and table 2 in a fully open or deployed position without the umbrella. As shown, umbrella base stand 2 includes a frame 10 having a center tube 4 and plural upper and plural lower appendages 6 and 8. Center tube 4 has a top and a bottom end 16 and 18 and is dimensioned to receive an umbrella pole 5 of an umbrella 7. As further shown, plural upper (shown in FIG. 3) and plural lower appendages 6 and 8 are connected to center tube 4 by a hinge means 12. Preferably, plural upper and plural lower appendages 6 and 8 are connected by hinge means 12 such as a bolt 24 through an elbow piece 26 at top end 16 of center tube 4 and plural lower appendages 8 are also hingedly connected at bottom end 18 of center tube 4. Frame 10 further includes a slidable center ring 48 having plural upper and plural lower linking arms 20 and 22. As shown, plural upper linking arms 20 are hingedly attached to both center ring 48 and plural upper appendages 6. Plural upper linking arms 20 are attached to plural upper appendages 6 with hinges 25. Similarly, plural lower linking arms 22 are hingedly attached to both center ring 48 and plural lower appendages 8. Plural lower linking arms 22 are attached to plural lower appendages 8 with hinges 23. In their fully extended position, plural upper and lower appendages 6 and 8 are provided support by plural upper and lower linking arms 20 and 22.

[0025] As was noted, it is a particular feature of the present invention to provide a convenient way to anchor an umbrella. In the preferred embodiment, umbrella base stand and table 2 further includes a surface 28 and a base flange 30 spaced apart from surface 28. As shown in FIG. 2, surface 28 and base flange 30 are flexible and are carried by plural upper and plural lower appendages 6 and 8. Preferably, surface 28 and base flange 30 are made of fabric, canvas, or other foldable materials. Base flange 30 serves as a container for a weight such as sand, earth, rocks, or any other item that can stabilize umbrella base stand and table 2. Because the added support provided by this weight alleviates the need to place the umbrella pole deep within the sand or ground, the user saves both the time and energy required to dig a deep hole. Depending on how large the umbrella is, more or less weight maybe used. Further, the added weight prevents umbrella base stand and table 2 from readily tipping over if acted on by outside forces.

[0026] Another feature of the present invention is to provide a stable place on which various items such as food, drinks, and books may be placed. As shown in FIG. 1, surface 28 has a flat area 14 that includes a holder 52 dimensioned to receive a drink container of various sizes. This feature helps users to avoid getting sand or other materials on their drinks and food, as well as other personal items, and is particularly useful for outside events.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows frame 10 of umbrella base stand and table 2 of the present invention. As shown, umbrella base stand and table 2 includes frame 10 having plural upper and plural lower appendages and linking arms 6, 8, 20, and 22. In the preferred embodiment, each appendage of plural upper and plural lower appendages 6 and 8 is connected to central tube 4 by hinge means 12. Further, each appendage of plural upper and plural lower appendages 6 and 8 is supported by and hingedly connected to plural upper and plural lower linking arms 20 and 22. Preferably, plural upper appendages 6 are located at top end 16 of center tube 4. Specifically, plural upper appendages 6 are hingedly connected to a fixed upper ring 32 dimensioned to receive center tube 4. Similarly, plural lower appendages 8 are hingedly connected to bottom end 18 by a lower ring 34 dimensioned to receive center tube 4. As shown, plural upper and plural lower linking arms 20 and 22 are hingedly connected to slidable center ring 48. Slidable center ring 48 is dimensioned to receive center tube 4 and is moveable between upper and lower rings 32 and 34.

[0028] FIG. 4 shows frame 10 of umbrella base stand and table 2 in a partially collapsed position. As was stated above, a particular feature of the present invention is that umbrella base stand and table 2 is collapsible, which makes the transport and storage of stand 2 more convenient for user. In a fully open and deployed position, frame 10 of umbrella base stand and table 2 is held in place by a spring-loaded detent 36 located on slidable center ring 48. Specifically, spring-loaded detent (shown in detail in FIG. 6) has a rigid member 38 that locks center ring 48 to an aperture 40 of center tube 4. Once rigid member 38 is removed from aperture 40 by a releasing means 44, center ring 48 is slidable upwards toward upper ring 32 of center tube 4 and both plural upper and plural lower appendages 6 and 8 are movable towards center tube 4.

[0029] In FIGS. 5A and 5B, frame 10 of umbrella base stand and table 2 is shown in a completely collapsed position. Plural upper and plural lower appendages 6 and 8 have been moved completely upwards and are approximately parallel to center tube 4. Similarly, plural upper and plural lower linking arms 20 and 22 are moved in towards center tube 4 and are approximately parallel to center tube 4. As previously discussed, this feature allows user to easily transport and store umbrella base stand and table 2 in a carrying case 54.

[0030] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of umbrella base stand and table 2 in a fully open and deployed position. Specifically, FIG. 6 shows center ring 48 that connects plural upper and plural lower linking arms 20 and 22 by hinge means 12 such as bolt 24 and elbow piece 26. Further, FIG. 6 shows spring-loaded detent 36 in place within aperture 40 of center tube 4. As discussed, it is a particular feature of the present invention to have a locking means to keep frame 10 of umbrella base stand and table 2 in place.

[0031] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of umbrella base stand and table 2 in a fully open and deployed position. Specifically, FIG. 7 shows hinge means 12 of plural lower appendages 8. Similar to center ring 48, lower ring 34 includes hinge means 12 such as bolt 24 through elbow piece 26. Preferably, lower ring 34 is rigidly connected to center tube 4 by a fixing means such as a rivet 50. FIG. 7 further shows the connection of plural lower linking arms 22 to plural lower appendages 8.

[0032] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many substitutions and modifications can be made to the foregoing preferred embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An integrated umbrella base stand and table, comprising:

an umbrella including a pole;

a frame adapted for receiving said pole of said umbrella; and

a table having a surface and a spaced apart base flange supported by said frame.

2. The integrated umbrella base stand and table of claim 1, wherein said frame includes a center tube that is dimensioned to receive said pole of said umbrella.

3. The integrated umbrella base stand and table of claim 2, wherein said frame further includes plural appendages that extend from said center tube.

4. The integrated umbrella base stand and table of claim 2, wherein said frame further includes plural linking arms that extend from said center tube.

5. The integrated umbrella base stand and table of claim 4, wherein said frame further comprises a center ring dimensioned to receive said center tube, and wherein said plural linking arms are hingedly connected to said center ring.

6. The integrated umbrella base stand and table of claim 5, wherein said center tube has an aperture, and wherein said center ring includes a spring-loaded detent that locks said center ring into said aperture.

7. The integrated umbrella base stand and table of claim 1, wherein said base flange of said table is carried by said plural appendages and is dimensioned to receive a weight.

8. A table, comprising:

a center tube;

a frame including plural appendages that are hingedly connected to said center tube;

a surface supported by said plural appendages; and

a base flange carried by said plural appendages and spaced apart from said surface.

9. The table of claim 8, wherein said plural appendages includes plural upper and plural lower appendages.

10. The table of claim 9, wherein said frame further comprises:

a center ring; and

plural upper and plural lower linking arms hingedly connected to said center ring that is dimensioned to receive said center tube.

11. The table of claim 10, wherein said center ring includes a spring-loaded detent that locks said center ring to said center tube.

12. The table of claim 9, wherein said surface is carried by said plural upper appendages.

13. The table of claim 12, wherein said surface includes a holder.

14. The table of claim 9, wherein said base flange is dimensioned to receive a weight.

15. The table of claim 11, wherein said frame has an extended position and a collapsed position, and wherein said center ring is slidable along said center tube so that, when said center ring is slid along said center tube, said frame moves between said extended and said collapsed positions.

16. A table, comprising:

a center tube;

a center ring dimensioned to receive said center tube;

a frame including plural upper and plural lower appendages and plural upper and plural lower linking arms, wherein said plural upper and plural lower appendages are hingedly connected to said center tube and are supported by said plural upper and plural lower linking arms, and wherein said plural upper and plural lower liking arms are hingedly connected to said center ring;

a table surface supported by said plural upper appendages; and

a base flange carried by said plural lower appendages and spaced apart from said surface.

17. The table of claim 16, wherein said plural upper and said plural lower linking arms are attached to said plural upper and said plural lower appendages with hinges.

18. The table of claim 16, wherein said center tube has an aperture, and wherein said center ring includes a spring-loaded detent that locks said center ring into said aperture.

19. The table of claim 16, wherein said frame has an extended position and a collapsed position, and wherein said center ring is slidable along said center tube so that, when said center ring is slid along said center tube, said frame moves between said extended and said collapsed positions.

20. The table of claim 16, wherein said base flange is dimensioned to receive a weight.