Removable Support Apparatus for Attachment to a Beach Umbrella and Method of Manufacturing Same

Abstract

Described herein is a support apparatus for attachment to a pole, such as the pole of a shade umbrella, comprising a collapsible tray, wherein the tray is configured to encircle the pole, with a surface exposed for placement of objects thereon; a sleeve connected to the tray wherein the sleeve is configured for parallel attachment to the pole; and a plurality of arms coupled to the tray, wherein the plurality of arms are configured and located to permit the plurality of arms to move from an extended position away from the pole to a closed position, substantially parallel to the pole. The support apparatus is configured for reversible attachment to the pole and is height-adjustable. The support apparatus is configured and disposed for placement of objects, such as personal electronic devices, sunscreen, beverages, books, and the like on a surface thereof or a compartment therein. The support apparatus is removable and collapsible for easy transport and storage when not in use.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 61/333,455, filed May 5, 2010, incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to a support apparatus for attachment to a pole, such as a pole for a shade, beach, or patio umbrella.

BACKGROUND

Shade umbrellas are very common in recreational settings. For instance, people often bring umbrellas to the beach to shade the sun. Similarly, people often use umbrellas to shade the sun when relaxing on a terrace or patio or near a pool.

Vertical poles are used to support shade umbrellas. Since the vertical pole of a shade umbrella is generally within arms reach of a person under the canopy of the shade umbrella, it would be convenient if the umbrella's vertical pole could be utilized for some secondary purpose. One possible secondary purpose would be the placement or storage of personal objects that are often taken to the beach or pool, especially those items that are not waterproof or that one desires to keep free of sand. Such items extend from personal items such as jewelry that may get lost in the water or sand, to items that can be damaged or contaminated by sand.

Various receptacles have been invented that are intended to attach to an umbrellas pole so as to provide an elevated place to store objects, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,414,133 and D291,635. In both the cited references, the receptacle is rigid, fixed and attached to the pole of an umbrella using a tube clamp that passes around the umbrella pole and a set key that passes through the tube clamp and tightens against the umbrella pole.

Unfortunately, many such references describe devices that are rigid and fixed in shape, and not collapsible nor easily stored. Moreover, many devices that use a tube clamp to engage a vertical pole have disadvantages, mainly their limited availability of use with only specific types of vertical poles, their proneness to slippage along the pole, and their poor holding strength. Also, because they are made of metal parts, prior-art devices are prone to damage from the elements, such as rust, following repeated exposure to water and sand.

SUMMARY

Described herein is a support apparatus for attachment to a pole, such as the pole of a shade umbrella, beach or patio umbrella. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a collapsible tray for placement of objects thereon or therein, configured to encircle the pole of the umbrella. A sleeve is connected to the tray and is configured for parallel attachment to the pole. A plurality of the arms is coupled to the tray and are configured and located to permit the tray to move from an extended position away from the pole to a closed position, when the plurality of arms is substantially parallel to the pole. The support apparatus attaches to the pole, thereby providing a convenient place to store objects, particularly smaller personal objects that are ideally kept close at hand.

The support apparatus is configured for reversible attachment to the pole, so that in addition to being portable, the apparatus is height adjustable. In one embodiment, the support apparatus connects to the pole by wrapping the sleeve of the apparatus around a portion of the pole at the height desired by a user. Because the sleeve is wrapped around the pole, when the sleeve is loose it is movable and can be slid up or down the pole as desired and attached at any point along the length of the pole. To attach the apparatus to the pole, the sleeve is pulled taut and secured around the pole by an attachment means. In one embodiment, removal of the apparatus is accomplished by simply releasing or loosening the attachment means and sliding the loosened apparatus off of the pole.

The support apparatus is configured and disposed for placement of objects thereon or therein, such as personal electronic devices, sunscreen, beverages, books, and the like. In one embodiment, the support apparatus comprises one or more compartments which can be of various shapes, sizes and forms, such as circular openings, and varying-shaped depressions, sections, and/or partitions.

The support apparatus is removable and collapsible for easy transport and storage when not in use. In one embodiment, the support apparatus is collapsed by movement of the plurality of arms from an extended position away from the pole to a closed position essentially parallel to the pole. In another embodiment, the support apparatus may be secured in the closed position while attached to the pole with fastening means, such as a strap, tie, snap or other fastening means. In yet another embodiment, the support apparatus may be first removed from the pole, and secured in the closed position with fastening means, so that the collapsed apparatus may be stored for future use.

The support apparatus is lightweight and entirely collapsible. In one embodiment, the components of the apparatus are made of flexible but resilient materials, such as one or a combination of nylon, rubber, Teflon, mesh, canvas, sailcloth, or other suitable natural or synthetic materials.

The foregoing summary provides an exemplary overview of some aspects of the invention. It is not intended to be extensive, or absolutely require any key/critical elements of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The detailed description is explained with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. It is emphasized that the various features in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary support apparatus attached to a shade umbrella pole according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a side-view of an exemplary support apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a view of the exemplary sleeve of the support apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a view of the plurality of arms of the support apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 5 A, B and C show a view of an open-versus-closed position of the tray while attached to an umbrella pole, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein is a collapsible support apparatus for attachment to the pole of a shade umbrella, such as a beach or patio umbrella. The support apparatus is configured and disposed with a tray for placement of objects thereon or therein, such as when the shade umbrella is in use.

The support apparatus comprises a collapsible tray for placement of objects thereon or therein, wherein the tray is configured to encircle the pole. A sleeve connects to the tray, wherein the sleeve is configured for parallel attachment to the pole. A plurality of arms are coupled to the tray, wherein the plurality of arms are configured and located to permit the plurality of arms to move from an extended position (“open” position) away from the pole to a position substantially parallel to the pole (“closed” position). Movement of the arms outward to an extended position moves the tray to an open position, whereas retraction of the arms substantially parallel to the pole causes the tray to collapse into its closed position.

The entire apparatus, or portions thereof, are formed of rigid yet flexible materials so that it can be completely or partially flexible, and hence foldable and collapsible.

Example support apparatuses are described in further detail in accordance with the accompanying figures.

Example Support Apparatus

An exemplary support apparatus is shown at FIG. 1. In one embodiment, support apparatus 100 attaches to a pole 101 by wrapping sleeve 102 around the pole 101 of a beach umbrella 103 and securing the sleeve 102 by attachment means (shown in more detail in FIG. 3). In its fully-extended “open” position, a plurality of arms 106 are coupled to tray 108 and extend from the sleeve 102 to an edge 110 of a tray 108.

In one embodiment, one or more compartments 112 may be disposed in tray 108 of varying shapes and sizes, commensurate with the types on objects to be placed in therein. Apparatus 100 is height-adjustable in order to allow positioning of tray 108 at a desired level, such as above sand-level and water-level, so that personal objects placed on or in tray 108 are isolated from sand and water.

In another embodiment, FIG. 2 shows a side-view of one embodiment of an exemplary support apparatus with compartments 112, which in this example are openings with a lining, such as a mesh lining, thereby forming a suspended compartment 112 beneath a surface 114 of the tray 108. Such suspended compartments 112 are ideally suited for placement or storage of, for example, a beverage container 216, 218 (FIG. 2) such as a water bottle, can, or other appropriate beverage container.

Exemplary Tray

Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, tray 108 comprises a surface 114 for placement of objects thereon. When tray 108 is attached to pole 101 in an open position and arms 106 are extended away from pole 101, surface 114 of tray 108 is exposed and substantially parallel with the ground; substantially parallel meaning an angle with a range of 0 to about 45 degrees.

In one embodiment, surface 114 of tray 108 is comprised of fabric of sufficient rigidity and strength, such as nylon, canvas, or other natural or synthetic material, as to support the weight of objects placed on or in tray 108. Such material of surface 114 of tray 108 is configured to attach to or encapsulate one or more portions, or all, of a circular frame 116, which may also be a lip of tray 108. Frame 116 may be a cable, wire, rubber, rope, chain, flexible, or even contain rigid or semi-rigid portions forming a circular ring linked to together, so that edge 110 of tray 108 can fold from an open to a closed position around pole 101. Frame 116 is optional, and it is possible for the outer edges 110 of tray 108 to be material without a lip or any rigid or semi rigid material.

In one embodiment, tray 108 radiates outward in a circular fashion from a sleeve as shown in FIG. 1. In another embodiment, tray 108 can be adapted with a smaller radius, or configured with a larger radius; thus the tray is not necessarily restricted in size.

In one embodiment, tray 108 is disposed with one or more compartments of various shapes, sizes and forms, such as circular openings, depressions, and compartments (see e.g., 112 of FIG. 2). Compartments may be open—with objects visible—for easy access of objects, or covered, thereby concealing items stored in the apparatus. In another embodiment, compartments may be outfitted with closing means such as zippers, snaps, buttons, or other suitable closing means. In yet another embodiment, one or more compartments outfitted as enclosed compartments may also be configured with a security mechanism, such as a lock or other security device, for more secure placement of objects.

In one embodiment, compartments 112 can traverse surface 114 of tray such that an opening forms in surface 114 of tray 108, such as a circular opening for holding bottles 216, cans, and other beverage containers 218 and the like, as shown in FIG. 2. In yet another embodiment, compartments may extend from a surface 114 of tray 108, such as the suspended beverage compartments shown in FIG. 2.

In one embodiment, compartments 112 may be made of material that is contiguous with the tray materials or made of separate and distinct materials, such as mesh compartments, or waterproof compartments. As use and storage requirements can vary, it will be appreciated that the arrangement of compartments may be modified to meet various different storage requirements.

Exemplary Sleeve

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown in more detail sleeve 102 of the support apparatus 100. In one embodiment, sleeve 102 is oriented perpendicular to surface 114 tray 108 (when in an opened position) and coextensive with pole 101 of a standard beach umbrella. In another embodiment, sleeve 102 is configured to be essentially tubular with a vertical opening 302 extending along an axial-length wise portion of sleeve 102 thereby creating a pair of opposing edges 318, such that the pair of edges 318 is brought together around pole 101 (FIG. 1), thereby allowing sleeve 102 to wrap around and grasp pole 101. Likewise, pair of edges 318 can be pulled away from each other in order to loosen the sleeve from the pole. In one embodiment, sleeve 102 is made of rubber, but other strong, yet pliable materials, such as moldable plastic or latex may be used.

In another embodiment, sleeve 102 is secured to the pole by attachment means 320. In one embodiment, attachment means 320 comprise a Velcro strap or other means of securing/compressing sleeve 320 tightly around pole 101 by friction, such as an elastic strap, a hook, a snap, a magnetic closure, or other suitable attachment means. In one embodiment, attachment means 320 are one or more complimentary Velcro strips provided along a portion of the opposing edges of the sleeve, so that the edges may be brought together and secured together by the complimentary Velcro strips. In another embodiment, attachment means are magnetic and may be configured in a similar fashion along all or a portion of the opposing edges of the sleeve. In the illustrated embodiment, sleeve 102 is outfitted with attachments means 320, however, sleeve 102 and attachment means 320 may remain separate until which time the attachment means are needed to secure sleeve to the pole.

In another embodiment (not shown), sleeve 102 may be fixedly fastened to pole 101 and/or integrated as a part of umbrella 103. For example, sleeve 102 may be attached via screws or glue or other fastening mechanisms.

Exemplary Arms

Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A and 4B, which shows two exemplary views of arms of the support apparatus according to different embodiments.

In one embodiment, arms 106 radiate from sleeve 102 outward to an edge 110 of tray 108. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, four arms are shown, although it will be appreciated that more or fewer arms may be used in the apparatus, so that the number of arms present can be limited by the amount of space available on the apparatus.

In one embodiment, arms 106 extend from sleeve 102 to an edge 110 of the tray 108 in a downward fashion at an angle away from pole 101, thereby connecting sleeve 102 to an edge 110 of the tray 108, such as shown in FIG. 4A. In another embodiment, arms 106 extends outward from the sleeve in a perpendicular fashion, thereby connecting sleeve 102 to an edge of tray 108, the plurality of arms 106 being coextensive with an inner edge 402 of tray 108, such as shown in FIG. 4B. In yet another embodiment, arms 106 may be configured as telescoping members (not shown) that extend directly from the sleeve. Thus, the arms can be of fixed length or change size (telescoping). As used herein, “edge of tray” may include an inner, outer, or other peripheral portion of tray 108, as may be specified, such as inner edge 402.

In one embodiment, plurality of arms 106 are configured and located to permit arms 106 to move from an extended position away from sleeve 102 (an “open” position), to a position substantially parallel to sleeve 102 (a “closed” position). The open position of the plurality of arms 106 positions surface 114 of tray 108 essentially parallel to the ground; “essentially parallel” meaning that surface 114 of tray 108 (is at an angle within a range of about 0 to 45 degrees). The open position of arms 106 also reveals a surface 114 of tray for placement of objects thereon.

In one embodiment, arms 106 connect to sleeve 102 via hinge means 404 (FIG. 4A), thereby creating hinged arms. In another embodiment, hinged arms 106 radiate from sleeve 102 and are capable of being secured in the extended and open position via a latch means. In one embodiment, latch means (not shown) provide for releasably holding the arms in an extended (open) position. Appropriate latching/unlatching means are well known to those well versed in the art, such as the latching means used in opening and closing of standard beach umbrellas.

In one embodiment, the latch means allow the hinged arms to be manually positioned in either an open (extended) or closed (collapsed) position. In another embodiment, the latch means secure the arms in an extended position through engagement of a protrusion from a recess that, when engaged, prevents movement of the arms.

In one embodiment, arms 106 are made of a strong yet pliable natural or synthetic material, such as rubber, nylon, plastic. In another embodiment, the plurality of arms has an appropriate thickness and length and other appropriate dimensions depending on the radius of the tray.

FIGS. 5, A, B and C show a side-view of the open-versus-closed position of tray 108 and arms 106 according to one embodiment of the invention. In the open position, shown at FIG. 5 A, tray 108 is of a generally circular shape and is oriented parallel to the ground. In one embodiment, the plurality of arms 106 is extended outward from the pole, whether at a fixed length or by telescoping the arms to a position essentially parallel to the ground. To initiate movement into the closed position, shown at FIG. 5 C, the tray and arms are brought inward toward the pole from a position essentially parallel with the ground to a position essentially parallel with the pole 101. In one embodiment, the arms 106 are unhinged as to allow movement. In another embodiment, arms 106 are adjusted in size by manipulation of the telescoping arm members. Movement inward toward the pole is represented by a general “V-shape” as illustrated in FIG. 5B. Thus, in one embodiment, the apparatus collapses into a closed position in a direction opposite that of the beach umbrella to which it is attached.

In another embodiment, support apparatus 100 can be stored when not in use by collapsing the support apparatus and securing the collapsed—closed—apparatus with securing means, such as a strap, tie, hook, bungee, elastic, Velcro, or other suitable means for securing the apparatus in the closed position, such as a cover, whether the apparatus is attached to the umbrella pole or removed from the umbrella pole.

CONCLUSION

It will be understood that a person skilled in the art could make alternate embodiments of the described apparatus using functionally equivalent components that have not been expressly described. For example, the size and shape of the tray can be altered as desired; and likewise the arrangement and assortment of compartments.

Reference herein to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, an “example” or similar formulations, means that a particular feature, structure, operation, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment, is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or formulations herein are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, various particular features, structures, operations, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

It is to be understood that the subject of this application is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the subjoined Claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A support apparatus for attachment to a pole, comprising:

a collapsible tray, wherein the tray is configured to encircle the pole;

a sleeve connected to the tray wherein the sleeve is coextensive with an outer surface of the pole, and disposed, at least partially, between the tray and the outer surface of the pole; and

arms coupled between an edge of the tray and the sleeve, wherein the arms are configured to move to and from an extended position to a closed position;

wherein when the arms are in the extended position, the arms are substantially perpendicular to the pole and the sleeve, and the edge of the tray extends away from pole such that a surface of the tray for receiving objects thereon is substantially parallel with the ground;

wherein when the arms are in the closed position, the arms are substantially parallel with the pole and the sleeve, and the surface of the tray collapses around the pole.

2. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tray comprises at least one compartment.

3. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tray is partially comprised of at least one of a mesh fabric, a nylon fabric, and a canvas fabric.

4. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sleeve comprises attachment means for reversibly attaching the apparatus to the pole.

5. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of arms is partially comprised of rubber.

6. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is height-adjustable.

7. A method of manufacturing a support apparatus for attachment to a pole, comprising:

providing a collapsible tray, wherein the tray is configured to encircle the pole;

providing a sleeve connected to the tray;

configuring the sleeve for parallel attachment to the pole; and

providing a plurality of the arms coupled to the tray, wherein the plurality of arms are configured and located to permit the plurality of arms to move from an extended position away from the pole to a closed position, substantially parallel to the pole.

8. A support apparatus for attachment to an umbrella pole, comprising:

a collapsible tray having a flexible surface for placement of objects thereon or therein, wherein the collapsible tray is configured to encircle the pole;

a sleeve connected to the tray and to the pole;

a plurality of arms coupled to the tray movably coupled to the collapsible tray to move the collapsible tray from an extended position away from the pole to a position substantially parallel to the pole, wherein movement of the arms outward to the extended position moves the flexible surface of the collapsible tray to an open position in which the flexible surface is substantially perpendicular to the pole, and substantially parallel the ground.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the arms pivot in inverse relation to movement of arms of an umbrella from an open position to a collapsed-closed position.