UMBRELLA SUPPORT FOR USE IN A KAYAK

Abstract

An umbrella support that includes a vertical support tube sized to accommodate the handle portion or lower end of an umbrella shaft, said vertical support tube having a lower end, a threaded neck at an upper end, and a medial portion; a clamping assembly slidably disposed on said medial portion of said vertical support tube; a base plate for placement on a kayak and having connection structure for connecting to said lower end of said vertical support tube; a slotted locking cap having interior threads for threadable attachment to said threaded neck and a slot sized to accommodate an umbrella shaft and to capture an umbrella handle in said vertical support tube; wherein an umbrella shaft is secured around its entire circumference by the combination of said threaded neck and said locking cap.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable. The present application is an original and first-filed United States Utility Patent Application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OR PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to poll supports, and more particularly to supports for umbrellas, and still more particularly to an umbrella support adapted for installation and use in a kayak.

2. Background Discussion

Golf umbrella supports for mounting a golf umbrella on a powered or hand-pushed golf cart are well known. Likewise clamping and adjustable umbrella and pole supports for mounting an umbrella or a pole on a chair, bench, or seat are also known. Indeed, numerous umbrella supports with myriad designs are shown in the art.

However, there are no known umbrella supports that will secure an umbrella to the cockpit coaming on the aft end of a kayak cockpit immediately behind the user's seat back and fore of any bulkhead, that will, at the same time, allow free rotation of the umbrella so as to minimize the effect of crosswinds and inadvertent contact with river bank foliage.

Exemplary patents teaching various kinds of umbrella supports include: U.S. Pat. No. 5,396,915 to Bomar; U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,308 to Bryan; U.S. Pat. No. 8,141,839 to Bucher; U.S. Pat. No. 4,871,141 to Chen; U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,819 to Churillo; U.S. Pat. No. 7,201,442 to Decosta, Jr.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,431,364 to Etter; U.S. Pat. No. 8,444,104 to Li; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,435,469 to Ratcliff. These represent but a small subset of the many different approaches to securing an umbrella to an object or anchoring it to ground. Even so, a cursory review of these publications reveals that none achieve the objects and advantages of the present invention.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an umbrella holder that securely and adjustably to the golf cart and which enables the open umbrella to be held therein.

The foregoing patents reflect the current state of the art of which the present inventors are aware. Reference to, and discussion of, these patents is intended to aid in discharging Applicants' acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be relevant to the examination of claims to the present invention. However, it is respectfully submitted that none of the above-indicated patents disclose, teach, suggest, show, or otherwise render obvious, either singly or when considered in combination, the invention described and claimed herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an umbrella support adapted for clamping installation onto the aft portion of kayak cockpit coaming, wherein an umbrella supported within the supported cannot be vertically translated out of the support but is permitted free rotation so as to prevent rotational forces being transmitted to the watercraft through the umbrella as it is contacted either by winds or by braches and foliage on a riverbank. This is an aftermarket complementary article of manufacture, available either at the time the kayak is purchased or later. It is provided with adjustment features that make it adaptable to nearly any kind of “sit inside” kayak with a subdeck cockpit and a cockpit rim or coaming.

It is a principal object and advantage of the present invention to provide an umbrella support, especially well-suited for use with large golf umbrellas, that will secure the umbrella to the cockpit coaming on the aft end of a kayak cockpit immediately behind the user's seat back and fore of any bulkhead.

It is another object of the present invention to provide, in an alternative embodiment, an umbrella holder that will secure an umbrella to the deck of a sit-on-tip kayak immediately behind the user's seat.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an umbrella holder that will allow free rotation of the umbrella when installed on a kayak so as to minimize the effect of crosswinds and inadvertent contact with river bank foliage.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an umbrella holder that will secure an umbrella in a support without having to clamp the umbrella using mechanical apparatus.

The foregoing advantage is achieved by providing an umbrella holder that captures and contains the umbrella shaft but is not actually attached to it.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an umbrella support for a kayak that can be installed and removed in a matter of seconds.

The foregoing summary broadly sets out the more important features of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

Accordingly, before explaining the preferred embodiment of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and the arrangements set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The inventive apparatus described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an upper left rear perspective view showing the inventive umbrella support installed on a kayak;

FIG. 2 is an upper left rear perspective view of the umbrella support of the present invention, showing the umbrella shaft cut off slightly above the umbrella handle;

FIG. 3 is the same view showing the entire umbrella installed in the inventive umbrella support;

FIG. 4A is an upper right front partial perspective view showing the support clamped onto the aft cockpit coaming of a kayak, again showing the umbrella cut off slightly above the umbrella handle;

FIG. 4B is a left rear partial perspective view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional left side view in elevation taken along section lines 5-5 of FIG. 4B;

FIG. 6A is a top plan view showing a kayak having an umbrella installed in an umbrella stand mounted on a kayak and traveling proximate a tree hanging over a riverbank, wherein the edge of the umbrella canopy is coming into contact with the tree branches and foliage; and

FIG. 6B is a top plan view showing how the umbrella rotates while engaging the tree hanging over the riverbank.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6B, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components in the various views, there is illustrated therein a new and improved umbrella support, generally denominated 10 herein. These views collectively show that the inventive apparatus comprises a vertical support tube 12, preferably cylindrical in cross-section, connected at a threaded lower end 14 to a base 16, and having at an upper end 18 a threaded neck 20. The base 16 may be a generally planar plate or disk (thus may be termed a “base plate” herein) and preferably includes threaded central socket 22 into which the cylindrical threaded lower end of vertical support tube 12 may be threadably inserted. The base may be positioned within the cockpit CP of the kayak K on the cockpit bottom CB behind the kayaker's seat back and fore the bulkhead BH.

The umbrella support next includes a medially disposed clamp assembly 24, which comprises a slide tube 25 slidingly disposed on said vertical support tube 12, a bolt 26 extending laterally and radially from the side of the slide tube through a clamping boss 27 and through the proximal end 28 of a clamping arm 30. The clamping arm terminates distally in rim-engaging gripping elements, preferably angled fingers 32, employed to engage the cockpit coaming CC (as fully described below). The base may be sized or selected to have a bulkhead standoff portion 34 that engages a kayak aft bulkhead BH behind the kayak seat S so as to stabilize the vertical support tube at its lower end and to prevent the base 16 from translating aft while in use.

Threadably disposed on the threaded neck 20 of the vertical tube 12 is a slotted locking cap 40 used to capture and rotatably secure an umbrella having a handle UH of a size (diameter) greater than the umbrella shaft US. This is accomplished by first having the locking cap entirely removed from the vertical support. An umbrella handle is then inserted into the vertical support tube 12 such that the upper edge HE of the handle UH does not extend so far above the upper edge 42 of the threaded neck 20 such that locking cap 40 cannot be screwed onto the neck. It is to be understood that the upper edge of the handle, as shown in the figures, may be a rim or flange or other structure extending radially from the umbrella shaft and capable of insertion into the vertical support tube. The locking cap 40 is then placed around the umbrella shaft US using the side slot 44 in the locking cap. Note should be made that the locking cap is cylindrical and includes a threaded interior matched to the threads on the vertical support tube and thus sized to fit the threaded neck 20, and the side slot 44 cut into the side of the locking cap extends less than 180 degrees around the circumference of the locking cap as viewed on end, and therefore the sides of the slot as least partially enclose an umbrella shaft US disposed within the slot, and the top 46 of the locking cap thus at least partially covers the upper edge of the umbrella handle UH. It is sized to accommodate the umbrella shaft US of a conventional golf-type umbrella. Thus, when the locking cap is screwed onto the threaded neck 20 until it is either entirely screwed on or until it very lightly engages the upper edge HE of the umbrella handle UH, (thus not preventing free rotation of the umbrella axially about its shaft) the locking cap top 46 prevents the umbrella being inadvertently pulled from the vertical support tube either due to winds or contact with obstructions.

It will be appreciated that the above-described preferred embodiment of the invention is described as being adapted for use principally with a sit-inside kayak. However, in an alternative embodiment, the same apparatus may easily be adapted for use with a sit-on-top kayak. Modifications entail nothing more complicated than providing means to secure or affix the base plate to the kayak deck immediately behind the seat back. Depending on the kayak configuration, this may be accomplished by screwing the base plate to the deck or by epoxying the base plate to the deck, or using a combination thereof. This may be accomplished by affixing it to the bulkhead ridge behind the seat well, as an example. The female threaded receptacle is relatively small and the plate portion extending beyond the circumference of the female receptacle need only be large enough to provide a suitable gluing surface and/or material for screw holes. The clamping assembly

Installation of the umbrella support takes a matter of seconds to one even casually acquainted with the device. In this first preferred embodiment, the base 16 is placed at the cockpit bottom CB. The clamping assembly 24 is then positioned and adjusted so that angled fingers 32 loosely engage the exterior side ES and under the rim CR of the cockpit coaming CC. The locking wing nut 48 is then tightened so that the clamping assembly firmly secures the support in place. A foam roll FR may be placed between the seat S and the base 16, and a lightweight blocking material may be disposed behind, in front of, and around the vertical support between the bulkhead BH and the seat, in the user's discretion, cooperatively preventing fore and aft migration of the base during use.

In a second preferred embodiment, the base plate is affixed (bolted, screwed, or glued to the kayak deck) slightly aft of the seat back and the clamping assembly is clamped onto the seat back itself or structures connected to the seat back.

FIGS. 6A-6B show a distinct advantage of the inventive support; namely, that as a kayak moves through the water, perhaps near a river bank or lake edge, the edge CE of the umbrella canopy UC may come into contact with trees or other obstructions hanging over the water's edge. When it does so, rather than remaining rigid, and thereby communicating forces from the contact through the umbrella to the watercraft and, at a minimum, slowing the progress of the kayak, and at worst potentially destabilizing the watercraft, the umbrella is permitted to rotate within the vertical support tube. Passing by the water's edge is thus less stressful and less dangerous.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that in its most essential aspect, the inventive umbrella support comprises a vertical support tube sized to accommodate the handle portion or lower end of an umbrella shaft, said vertical support tube having a lower end, a threaded neck at an upper end, and a medial portion; a clamping assembly slidably disposed on said medial portion of said vertical support tube; a base plate for placement on a kayak and having connection structure for connecting to said lower end of said vertical support tube; a slotted locking cap having interior threads for threadable attachment to said threaded neck and a slot sized to accommodate an umbrella shaft and to capture an umbrella handle in said vertical support tube; wherein an umbrella shaft is secured around its entire circumference by the combination of said threaded neck and said locking cap.

The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, and provides the best mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, dimensional relationships, and operation shown and described. Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternative materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes, forms, functions, operational features or the like.

Therefore, the above description and illustrations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An umbrella support, comprising:

a base having tube connecting structure;

a vertical support tube connected at a lower end to said base and having a cylindrical threaded neck at an upper end;

a clamp assembly disposed on said vertical support tube for securing said vertical support tube to a kayak cockpit rim;

a cylindrical slotted locking cap having a side slot open so as to allow placement of the locking cap around an elongate shaft, said side slot extending less than 180 degrees of the circumference of said slotted locking cap; and

an adjustable clamping assembly coupled to said vertical support tube, said clamping assembly configured for attachment to a kayak cockpit coaming or seat back.

2. The umbrella support of claim 1, wherein said base is a plate.

3. The umbrella support of claim 1, wherein said tube connecting structure is a receptacle.

4. The umbrella support of claim 3, wherein said receptacle is a centrally disposed threaded female socket.

5. The umbrella support of claim 1, wherein said vertical support tube is cylindrical and includes a cylindrical threaded lower end threadably insertable into said threaded female socket.

6. The umbrella support of claim 1, wherein said clamp assembly includes a slide tube slidingly disposed on said vertical support tube, a clamping arm extending radially from said slide tube, gripping elements on a terminal end of said clamping arm to capture kayak structure, and adjustment structure to tighten the connection between said clamping elements and the kayak structure.

7. The umbrella support of claim 6, wherein said clamping structure is a bolt disposed through said a proximal end of said clamping arm and a wing nut on the end of said bolt, tightening said wing nut brings said proximal end into closer proximity to said vertical support tube.

8. The umbrella support of claim 7, wherein said gripping elements comprise angled fingers.

9. The umbrella support of claim 1, wherein when an umbrella handle having an upper edge is inserted into said vertical support tube such that said upper edge is disposed below the upper edge of said threaded neck, and when said locking cap is placed around the shaft of said umbrella and then screwed onto said threaded neck, said locking cap captures the umbrella handle within said vertical support tube while allowing the umbrella to rotate when the umbrella canopy is urged to rotate by wind or contact with various obstacles.

10. The umbrella support of claim 1, wherein said clamping assembly is configured to attach to a kayak seat back.

11. A method shading a portion of a moving watercraft, comprising:

providing an umbrella support including base having tube connecting structure; a vertical support tube connected at a lower end to said base and having a cylindrical threaded neck at an upper end; a clamp assembly disposed on said vertical support tube for securing said vertical support tube to a kayak cockpit rim; a cylindrical slotted locking cap having a side slot open so as to allow placement of the locking cap around an elongate shaft, said side slot extending less than 180 degrees of the circumference of said slotted locking cap; and an adjustable clamping assembly coupled to said vertical support tube, said clamping assembly configured for attachment to a kayak cockpit coaming or seat back;

positioning the base behind the seat back of a kayak either on the cockpit bottom of a sit-inside kayak or on the deck of a sit-on-top kayak;

inserting the lower end of the vertical support tube into the tube connecting structure;

placing the gripping elements of the clamping assembly onto rigid kayak structure;

tightening the clamping assembly until the vertical support tube is secure;

providing an umbrella having a shaft with a handle portion or other structure proximate the lower end of the shaft and extending radially from the shaft and sized in such a way that it fits within said vertical support tube;

placing the umbrella handle portion shaft into the vertical support tube;

placing the slotted locking cap around the umbrella shaft above the threaded neck; and

screwing the slotting locking cap onto the threaded neck until it captures the umbrella handle portion in the vertical support tube and prevents its removal while still allowing rotation of the shaft within the vertical support tube.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the tube connecting structure is a female threaded socket and the lower end of the vertical support tube is threaded for threadable insertion into the female threaded socket.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the base is a base plate and the step of positioning the base behind the seat back includes affixing the base plate to the kayak.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the base is a base plate and the step of positioning the base behind the seat back includes placing the base plate on the cockpit bottom.

15. An umbrella support for a watercraft, comprising:

a vertical support tube sized to accommodate the handle portion or lower end of an umbrella shaft, said vertical support tube having a lower end, a threaded neck at an upper end, and a medial portion;

a clamping assembly slidably disposed on said medial portion of said vertical support tube;

a base plate for placement on a kayak and having connection structure for connecting to said lower end of said vertical support tube;

a slotted locking cap having interior threads for threadable attachment to said threaded neck and a slot sized to accommodate an umbrella shaft and to capture an umbrella handle in said vertical support tube;

wherein an umbrella shaft is secured around its entire circumference by the combination of said threaded neck and said locking cap.