ASSEMBLY FOR AN UMBRELLA AND AN UMBRELLA COMPRISING THE ASSEMBLY

Abstract

An assembly for an umbrella, wherein the umbrella comprises (i) a first pole and a canopy coupleable to the first pole and (ii) a second pole to which the assembly is coupleable, wherein the assembly includes a collar securable about the second pole; an arm coupled to the collar, wherein the arm is rotatable relative to the collar between at least a closed position and an open position; at least one tab depending from the arm; at least a first opening associated with the collar; wherein in the closed position the at least one tab is positioned in the at least first opening and wherein in the open position the at least one tab is not positioned in the at least first opening. The invention is also directed to an umbrella including the aforementioned assembly.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an assembly for facilitating the inserting and/or removing an umbrella into and from the sand, and in particular, to an improved design and construction of an assembly therefor and to an umbrella comprising the improved assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the umbrella is a beach umbrella.

Sand augers/sand anchors are known in the art. One such example is described in U.S. Design Pat. No. D630,834, with an exemplary image shown as FIG. 10 herein.

In the above prior art example, handles are provided to assist in inserting and/or removing the sand auger in and from the sand, respectively. After the sand auger is inserted into the sand, an umbrella with a post (not shown) is inserted into the post with the sand auger/anchor for providing shade to the user as is well understood in the art.

However, it has been discovered that improvements to such umbrella constructions are desired, especially to facilitate the insertion and removal of the sand auger/sand anchor (and ultimately the umbrella) into/from the sand. For example, it is known that driving a sand anchor/auger into the sand gets more difficult the deeper that it advances, which can be attributed to at least two (2) factors, e.g. (i) the friction of sand created by the increasing surface area against the sand anchor/auger and (ii) sand pressure increases the deeper the sand anchor/auger advances.

Thus, it is desirable, and it has been found to be achievable, to improve such umbrella constructions to facilitate at least the insertion of the sand anchor/sand auger into the sand by incorporating a new and improved assembly and construction as disclosed herein.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

It is an objective of the present invention to overcome the deficiencies in the prior art.

For example, it is an objective of the present invention to provide an assembly for an umbrella, such as a beach umbrella, that provides for increased ease of insertion and removal of the sand anchor/sand auger into/from the sand.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an umbrella that includes an assembly that provides for increased ease of insertion and removal of the sand anchor/sand auger into/from the sand.

Reference to sand anchor and sand auger may be used interchangeably and are intended to mean the same structure as disclosed herein.

The present invention achieves the aforementioned objectives as well as others as disclosed herein and is thus generally directed to preferred embodiments as disclosed herein.

For example, in a first preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to an assembly for an umbrella, wherein the umbrella comprises (i) a first pole and a canopy coupleable to the first pole and (ii) a second pole to which the assembly is coupleable, wherein the assembly comprises a collar securable about the second pole; an arm coupled to the collar, wherein the arm is rotatable relative to the collar between at least a closed position and an open position; at least one tab depending from the arm; at least a first opening associated with the collar; wherein in the closed position the at least one tab is positioned in the at least first opening and wherein in the open position the at least one tab is not positioned in the at least first opening.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to an umbrella comprising a first pole and a canopy coupled to the first pole; a second pole; and an assembly secured to the second pole, wherein the assembly comprises a collar secured about the second pole; an arm coupled to the collar, wherein the arm is rotatable relative to the collar between at least a closed position and an open position; at least one tab depending from the arm; at least a first opening associated with the collar; wherein in the closed position the at least one tab is positioned in the at least first opening and wherein in the open position the at least one tab is not positioned in the at least first opening.

In a specific preferred embedment, the umbrella is a beach umbrella.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above set forth and other features of the present invention are made more apparent in the ensuing Description of the Preferred Embodiments when read in conjunction with the attached drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly for facilitating the inserting and/or removing of an anchor auger into and from the sand, shown in a closed position, constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1, shown in an open position, also constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1 shown in the open position, and without one of the collars coupled thereto and constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the assembly shown in FIGS. 1-4, in the closed position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the arm of the assembly shown in FIGS. 1-5, constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIGS. 1-5, shown in an open position, and mounted to a pole with an anchor auger at one end of the pole;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an umbrella comprising the assembly of FIGS. 1-5;

FIG. 8A is a close up of the assembly illustrated in FIG. 8, highlighting the arm of the assembly in the open position;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIGS. 1-5, shown in an closed position, and mounted to a pole; and

FIG. 10 is a view of an anchor auger for a beach umbrella as described in the prior art.

Not all features in every figure has a reference number but like reference numbers refer to like parts in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made to the Figures and following text for a disclosure of the construction of an improved assembly for facilitating the inserting and/or removing of a sand anchor/sand auger into and from the ground, and in particular, to an improved design and construction of the assembly therefor and to an umbrella comprising the improved assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the umbrella is a beach umbrella and the ground would therefore be sand.

Generally speaking, the present invention is directed to an assembly for use with an umbrella (i.e. a beach umbrella preferably), and an umbrella (e.g. a beach umbrella) including the preferred assembly therefor. As known in the art, beach umbrellas may comprise two (2) poles or posts (the terms “pole” and “post” are used interchangeably herein and intended to refer to the same structure(s) as indicated herein), one coupled to the sand anchor/auger and a second post/pole connected to the canopy of the umbrella and telescopically coupled thereto (e.g. either the first pole/post is removably insertable into the opening of the second pole/post or the second post/pole is removably insertable into the opening of the first pole/post).

In a preferred embodiment and generally speaking, the present invention is directed to an assembly for facilitating the driving of the bottom pole/post (i.e. with the sand anchor/auger) into the ground (e.g. sand).

Reference is thus first made to FIGS. 1-7 that shows an assembly, generally indicated at 10, constructed in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. As should be understood, assembly 10 is preferably provided as part of a larger assembly, namely an umbrella, generally indicated at 100 and shown in FIG. 8, where the umbrella preferably comprises (i) a first pole 110 and a canopy 120 coupleable to the first pole 110 and (ii) a second 130 pole to which the assembly 10 is coupleable. Second pole 130 preferably comprises a sand anchor 140 (or sand auger 140, used interchangeably and meaning the same thing as the sand anchor) at a distal end 130B of second pole 130. In this way, insertion/removal of the second pole 130 into/from the ground surface (e.g. sand) is achieved by inserting/removing the sand anchor/auger 140 into/from the ground surface.

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, assembly 10 preferably comprises at least a first collar 20 securable about/on the second pole 130 (e.g. FIGS. 7, 8, 8A, 9). Assembly 10 also preferably comprises a second collar member 22 that mates with/on an inner neck/ring 29 on collar 20 so as to allow collar member 22 to spin freely relative to collar 20 and pole 130. Assembly 10 preferably also comprises a third collar 23. Collars 20 and 23 are preferably and respectively securely or coupled to pole 130 by rivet(s), screw(s), bolt(s), press-fitting, friction-fitting, and/or otherwise. Collar 23 can mate with/on an inner neck/ring (not shown) on collar member 22 or collar member 22 can mate with/on an inner neck/ring (not shown) on collar member 23, since either way the objective is achieved, namely, to allow collar member 22 to spin freely relative to collar 20, collar 23, and pole 130.

Constructed in this way, collar member 22 is positioned intermediate the collar 20 and the second collar 23, wherein the collar member 22 is spinnable relative to the first-mentioned collar 20 and the second collar 23 to facilitate rotation of the arm 30 in at least one of a clockwise and counterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axis of the second pole. As should now be understood, having collar member 22 able to freely spin about pole 130 and relative to collars 20, 23 permits and facilitates a user to grab/hold collar member 22 while the user would rotate handle 30 as disclosed below.

Assembly 10 also comprises an arm, generally indicated at 30. As should be understood from the figures, arm 30 is rotatable relative to the collar 20 between at least a closed position (i.e. FIGS. 1, 5) and an open position (FIGS. 2, 3, 4). As should thus be understood, arm 30 can rotate roughly 270 degrees from its closed position to its open position and from its open position to its closed position. Preferably, the first end 30A of arm 30 has openings 31A, 31B (see FIG. 3) dimensioned to receive a pin, joint, bolt, screw or the like (see reference number 29, FIG. 1), which is also inserted through aligned openings in flanges 21A, 21B on collar 20 (see FIG. 2). This provides for the hinged coupling of the arm 30 to the collar 20. Preferably, flanges 21A, 21B are integrally formed/molded on collar 20.

In a preferred embodiment, the second end 30B of the arm 30 is configured to receive a handle 40. Preferably, the handle 40 is spinnable (i.e. as shown by arrows A, B of FIG. 5) on the second end 30B of the assembly 10, which facilitates the rotation of the arm as disclosed below.

Arm 30 preferably has at least one tab 32 depending from the arm 30. Correspondingly, collar 20 has at least one opening 24 associated with the collar 20. Preferably, the opening is formed between two spaced apart flanges 25A, 25B extending from the collar 20. In such a configuration, when the arm 30 is in the closed position, the at least one tab 32 is positioned in the at least first opening 24. It should thus be understood that when the arm 30 is in its open position, the at least one tab 32 is not positioned in the at least first opening 24. Preferably, flanges 25A, 25B are integrally formed/molded on collar 20.

In a particularly advantageous preferred embodiment, the arm 30 includes at least at least a second tab 34 depending from the arm 30. And, as illustrated in the figures, collar 20 has at least a second opening 26 (e.g. FIG. 3) formed by the collar itself. In this way, when the arm 30 is rotated relative to the collar 20 from the open position to the closed position, the at least second tab 34 is aligned with and positionable in the at least second opening 26 associated with (and formed by) the collar 20. Preferably, tabs 32 and 34 are integrally formed/molded on arm 30.

It should be understood that reference to the tabs disclosed above being “first” or “second” is not intended to imply a particular “primary” or “secondary” tab, nor are the references to the openings intended to imply a preferred “primary” or “secondary” opening. That is, it should be understood that the providing of either tab 32, 34 (but preferably both) improves the construction, functionality of the present invention, and reduces the stresses upon the hinge joint located at the first end 30A of the arm and the flanges 21A, 21B of collar 20.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 8, 8A, which illustrate the umbrella 100 constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. For example, FIGS. 8, 8A illustrate that when the arm 30 is in the open position, the first pole 110 is telescopically couplable to the second pole 130. Preferably first pole 110 is insertable into second pole 130 so as not to interfere with assembly 10 mounted onto the outer surface of second pole 130.

Reference is also now made to FIG. 9, which identifies the longitudinal axis (i.e. in the direction of the line P) of the second pole 130. With this axis as a reference, it can be seen and understood that when the arm 30 is in the closed position, rotation of the arm in at least one of a clockwise and counterclockwise direction (see arrows CW, CCW) about the longitudinal axis of the second pole 130 facilitates the insertion or removal of the second pole 130 (e.g. the sand anchor 140/auger 140) into a surface (e.g. sand) in which the second pole 130 is inserted.

As can now also be seen, the present invention is also directed to an umbrella 100 that comprises the assembly 10. That is, the present invention is also directed to an umbrella comprising a first pole and a canopy coupled to the first pole; a second pole; and an assembly secured to the second pole, wherein the assembly comprises a collar secured about the second pole; an arm coupled to the collar, wherein the arm is rotatable relative to the collar between at least a closed position and an open position; at least one tab depending from the arm; at least a first opening associated with the collar; wherein in the closed position the at least one tab is positioned in the at least first opening and wherein in the open position the at least one tab is not positioned in the at least first opening.

As should now be appreciated, the benefits of the present invention over the prior art examples are numerous, including but not limited to providing an improved assembly for inserting and removing an umbrella (e.g. the sand anchor/sand auger) into and from the sand, as well as an umbrella that comprises the assembly disclosed herein. At the very least, the improved assembly 10 facilitates the insertion of the pole (e.g. preferably with a sand anchor/sand auger at the end thereof) into the sand.

It should also be understood that changes and modifications are achievable while still remaining within the scope of the present invention. For example, the shape, curvature and/or length of arm 30 is dictated by both design, aesthetics and leverage considerations. The arm 30 can also be pinned against the collar 20 and/or post 130 when the arm is in its open position and/or not in use. Again, the arm 30 includes at least one, and preferably at least two tabs configured to engage and be received in respective openings on, in and/or associated with collar 20. The handle is also preferably free-spinning to assist in rotation of the arm when driving (or removing) the second pole 130 (e.g. sand anchor/auger 140) into (or from) the ground (e.g. sand). To be clear, when the arm 30 is needed to “rotate” to drive post 130 into the sand, the arm 30 is rotated roughly 270 degrees into the closed position (e.g. from its FIG. 2 to its FIG. 1 positions) where the at least one (but preferably two) tabs 32, 34 engage with the respective openings 24, 26 in, on, and/or associated with the collar 20. The user can hold the free-spinning handle 40 and begin to rotate the bottom post 130 into the ground, as the free-spinning handle 40 is designed to allow the user to rotate the post 130 more easily into the ground. As disclosed above, collar member 22 is also preferably free-spinning relative to collars 20, 23 to facilitate the rotation of the arm 30 while supporting post 130 as it is inserted into and/or removed from the ground.

Beneficially, the engagement between the tabs 32, 34 and the corresponding openings 24, 26 provide increased strength and transfers much of the stress away from the pin/joint (i.e. where the arm 30 is coupled to the collar 20 by an (e.g.) pin 29). In essence, the tabs 32, 34 bookend the collar 20 (and the umbrella post 130) along the longitudinal axis of the arm 30. Once the bottom post 130 is at the desired position in the sand, the arm 30 can be rotated the roughly 270 degrees back into its open position of e.g. FIGS. 2, 8 and the first post 110 with the canopy 120 can be inserted into the post 130 with the arm 30 of assembly 10 still attached on the collar 20 but out of the way.

Preferably, the parts of the assembly 10, e.g. the collars 20, 22 and the arm 30, are preferably made of plastic, while the poles 110, 130, are preferably made of metal, the sand anchor/auger 140 is preferably made of plastic, and the canopy 120 is preferably made of conventional fabric.

As thus should now be understood by those skilled in the art, the present invention overcomes all of the aforementioned deficiencies while also providing the advantages mentioned herein as well as those advantages that should be understood by those skilled in the art.

Other advantages and objectives are deemed to be apparent from the disclosure herein. It should also be appreciated that the present invention can be implemented and utilized in numerous ways. While the present invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes and/or modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An assembly for an umbrella, wherein the umbrella comprises (i) a first pole and a canopy coupleable to the first pole and (ii) a second pole to which the assembly is coupleable, wherein the assembly comprises:

a collar securable about the second pole;

an arm coupled to the collar, wherein the arm is rotatable relative to the collar between at least a closed position and an open position;

at least one tab depending from the arm;

at least a first opening associated with the collar;

wherein in the closed position the at least one tab is positioned in the at least first opening and wherein in the open position the at least one tab is not positioned in the at least first opening.

2. The assembly claimed in claim 1, wherein:

when the arm is in the open position, the first pole is telescopically couplable to the second pole; and

when the arm is in the closed position, rotation of the arm in at least one of a clockwise and counterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axis of the second pole facilitates the insertion of the second pole into a surface in which the second pole is to be inserted.

3. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, comprising:

at least a second tab depending from the arm; and

at least a second opening associated with the collar;

wherein when the arm is rotated relative to the collar from the open position to the closed position, the at least second tab is positionable in the at least second opening.

4. The assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least first opening is formed between two spaced apart flanges extending from the collar.

5. The assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least second opening is the opening formed by the collar itself.

6. The assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least first opening is the opening formed by the collar itself.

7. The assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least second opening is formed between two spaced apart flanges extending from the collar.

8. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the arm is hingedly coupled to the collar.

9. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the arm comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the arm is hingedly coupled to the collar and wherein the assembly further comprises a handle coupled to the second end of the arm.

10. The assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the handle is spinnable on the second end of the arm.

11. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, comprising:

a collar member coupled to the collar, and

a second collar coupled to the collar member,

wherein the collar member is positioned intermediate the collar and the second collar,

wherein the collar member is spinnable relative to the first-mentioned collar and the second collar to facilitate rotation of the arm in at least one of a clockwise and counterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axis of the second pole.

12. An umbrella comprising:

a first pole and a canopy coupled to the first pole;

a second pole; and

an assembly secured to the second pole, wherein the assembly comprises: a collar secured about the second pole; an arm coupled to the collar, wherein the arm is rotatable relative to the collar between at least a closed position and an open position; at least one tab depending from the arm; at least a first opening associated with the collar;

wherein in the closed position the at least one tab is positioned in the at least first opening and wherein in the open position the at least one tab is not positioned in the at least first opening.

13. The umbrella as claimed in claim 12, wherein:

when the arm is in the open position, the first pole is telescopically couplable to the second pole; and

when the arm is in the closed position, rotation of the arm in at least one of a clockwise and counterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axis of the second pole facilitates the insertion of the second pole into a surface in which the second pole is to be inserted.

14. The umbrella as claimed in claim 12, comprising:

at least a second tab depending from the arm; and

at least a second opening associated with the collar;

wherein when the arm is rotated relative to the collar from the open position to the closed position, the at least second tab is positionable in the at least second opening.

15. The umbrella as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least first opening is formed between two spaced apart flanges extending from the collar.

16. The umbrella as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least first opening is the opening formed by the collar itself.

17. The umbrella as claimed in claim 12, wherein the arm comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the arm is hingedly coupled to the collar and wherein the assembly further comprises a handle coupled to the second end of the arm.

18. The umbrella as claimed in claim 12, comprising:

a collar member coupled to the collar, and

a second collar coupled to the collar member,

wherein the collar member is positioned intermediate the collar and the second collar,

wherein the collar member is spinnable relative to the first-mentioned collar and the second collar to facilitate rotation of the arm in at least one of a clockwise and counterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axis of the second pole.