UMBRELLA STAND ADAPTABLE FOR SUPPORT ON A TABLE

Abstract

An umbrella stand includes a base plate positionable on a table. A tube is connected to the base plate and includes an opening formed therein sized to receive a portion of the umbrella pole. A shaft is connectable to the base plate in opposed relation to the tube. A bottom cap is threadedly engageable with the elongate shaft. First and second strap assemblies are coupled to the base plate, with each including a strap and a clamp coupled. The umbrella stand is useable in a first mode wherein the shaft is connected to the base plate, and the bottom cap is connected to the elongate shaft, and the clamps are disengaged from the peripheral edge of the table. The umbrella stand is useable in a second mode, wherein the shaft is disconnected from the base plate, and the clamps are engaged to the peripheral edge of the table.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/217,512, filed Jul. 1, 2021, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to an umbrella stand, and more specifically, to an umbrella stand usable with a table.

2. Description of the Related Art

Outdoor tables are widely used in both public spaces, such as parks, restaurants, campgrounds, campuses, etc., and private spaces, such as in residential yards. Outdoor tables provide the ability to gather at the table for a meal, play a board game, or visit with friends and family.

In certain conditions, it may be desirable to use an umbrella while sitting at the table. The umbrella may cast shade to provide a cooler environment around the table and to protect those gathered at the table from harmful UV rays. Typically, an umbrella is supported by a pole that extends from the umbrella to the ground, where it may be received in a base located on the ground. When used with a table, the umbrella pole will typically extend through a hole that is formed in the table, and may be received in a base located under the table, or may extend completely to the ground, such that the pole is in direct contact with the ground.

Although passing the umbrella pole through a hole in a table may be sufficient for those tables having a hole already formed therein, there are many tables that do not include a hole, and thus, would not be able to accommodate passage of an umbrella pole. Accordingly, when visiting a public area, such as a park or a campground, that may include a table with or without a hole for an umbrella, it may be difficult to plan on using an umbrella at the table.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an adaptable umbrella stand capable of being used on a table having a hole for supporting an umbrella, as well as being used on a table without a hole for supporting an umbrella. Various aspects of the present disclosure address this particular need, as will be discussed in more detail below.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed toward an adaptable umbrella stand configured for supporting an umbrella on a table, regardless of whether the table includes a hole to receive the umbrella pole. If the table does include a center hole, the umbrella stand includes a base plate positionable on an upper surface of the table, and an elongate shaft that may be extended through the hole and connected underneath the table via a bottom cap. Thus, the umbrella stand may be connected to the table via the base plate and the bottom cap being abutted against opposite sides of the table, a portion of which is thereby effectively compressively captured therebetween. If the table does not include a center hole, the base plate may be placed on the upper surface of the table, and a plurality of strap assemblies may be deployed and connected to peripheral edge portions of the table to secure the umbrella stand to the table. In both of the above-described modes of use, the umbrella stand may be capable of supporting the umbrella over the table without any structure extending to and supported by the ground, other than the table itself.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an umbrella stand for use with an umbrella pole and a table having an upper surface and a peripheral edge. The umbrella stand includes a base plate positionable on the upper surface of the table. A tube is connected to the base plate and includes an opening formed therein sized to receive a portion of the umbrella pole. An elongate shaft is detachably connectable to the base plate so as to extend from the base plate in opposed relation to the tube. The elongate shaft is externally threaded. The umbrella stand further includes a bottom cap having an internally threaded opening extending therethrough and being sized to be threadedly engageable with the elongate shaft. A first strap assembly is coupled to the base plate and includes a first strap and a first table edge clamp coupled to the first strap. A second strap assembly is coupled to the base plate in opposed relation to the first strap and includes a second strap and a second table edge clamp coupled to the second strap. The umbrella stand is useable in a first mode wherein the elongate shaft is connected to the base plate, the bottom cap is connected to the elongate shaft, and the first and second strap assemblies are in a retracted stated with the first and second table edge clamps being disengaged from the peripheral edge of the table. The umbrella stand is useable in a second mode separate from the first mode, wherein the elongate shaft is disconnected from the base plate, and the first and second strap assemblies are extended or deployed, with the first and second table edge clamps being engaged to the peripheral edge of the table. It is contemplated that that the base plate may be outfitted with third and fourth strap assembles, likewise disposed in opposed relation to each other and oriented along an axis which is offset approximately ninety degrees from a common axis along which the first and second strap assemblies reside. In an embodiment wherein the base plate is circularly configured, the first through fourth strap assembles may be spaced at intervals of approximately ninety degrees, with the first and second strap assembles being diametrically opposed to each other, and the third and fourth strap assembles likewise being diametrically opposed to each other.

A position of the bottom cap may be selectively adjustable along the elongate shaft via rotation of the bottom cap relative to the elongate shaft.

The umbrella stand may additionally include a first magnet connected to the first table edge clamp and a second magnet connected to the second table edge clamp, the first and second magnets being configured to facilitate selective magnetic coupling of the first and second table edge clamps, respectively, to the tube.

The umbrella stand may further comprise a first spring in operative communication with the first strap to impart a tensioning force on the first strap.

The elongate shaft may be threadably engageable to the base plate. The umbrella stand may additionally include an externally threaded connector mounted on the elongate shaft and configured to engage with an internally threaded opening on the base plate. A separate plate may be connected to the tube and may extend within the opening of the tube. The plate may have an opening formed therein and alignable with the externally threaded connector when the externally threaded connected is engaged with the base plate.

The first table edge clamp may include a first clamping plate and a second clamping plate moveable relative to the first clamping plate. The first table edge clamp may include an inner corner bracket and an outer corner bracket, with the first clamping plate being on the inner corner bracket and the second clamping plate being on the outer corner bracket.

The present disclosure will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of an umbrella stand holding an umbrella and connected to a table formed without an umbrella stand hole;

FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of an umbrella stand holding an umbrella and connected to a table formed with an umbrella stand hole;

FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of the umbrella stand;

FIG. 4 is a lower perspective view of the umbrella stand;

FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of a tube connected to a base plate, which form part of the umbrella stand;

FIG. 6 is an exploded upper perspective view of the umbrella stand;

FIG. 7 is an exploded lower perspective view of the tube and base plate;

FIG. 8 is an upper perspective view of an externally threaded elongate shaft, included in the umbrella stand;

FIG. 9 is a lower perspective view of the externally threaded elongate shaft aligned with the base plate and tube for use on a table in a first, center support mode;

FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view of the umbrella stand depicting a bottom cap connected to the elongate shaft extending from the base plate and tube;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the umbrella stand in the first, center support mode;

FIG. 12 is an upper perspective view of a strap assembly included in the umbrella stand;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the strap assembly;

FIG. 14 is an exploded upper perspective view of the table edge clamp;

FIG. 15 is an upper perspective view of the umbrella stand depicted in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 16 is a partial upper perspective view of the umbrella stand depicted in FIG. 1.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and the detailed description to indicate the same elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of an umbrella stand and is not intended to represent the only forms that may be developed or utilized. The description sets forth the various structure and/or functions in connection with the illustrated embodiments, but it is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent structure and/or functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure. It is further understood that the use of relational terms such as first and second, and the like are used solely to distinguish one entity from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present disclosure only and are not for purposes of limiting the same, there is depicted an umbrella stand 10 adapted for use on a table 12, regardless of whether the table 12 includes a hole for an umbrella pole 14. FIG. 1 shows the umbrella stand 10 connected to a table 12 without a hole for an umbrella pole 14, while FIG. 2 shows the umbrella stand 10 connected to a table 12 with a hole for an umbrella pole 14. The umbrella stand 10 may include a wide base plate 16 (see FIG. 3) for distributing weight of the umbrella stand 10, the pole 14, and the umbrella top on an upper surface of the table 12, which helps to stabilize the umbrella on the table 12, whether the table 12 includes a hole, or not. As shown in FIG. 1, when the table 12 does not include a hole for an umbrella pole 14, several straps 18 incorporated into the umbrella stand 10 may be extended and connected to the table 12 to provide stabilization of the umbrella on the table 12. As shown in FIG. 2, when the table 12 does include a hole for an umbrella pole 14, the straps 18 may not be required. Instead, the umbrella stand 10 may include a shaft 20 (see FIG. 3) that extends through the hole and is secured on the underside of the table 12 with a bottom cap 22 (see FIG. 3). Thus, the bottom cap 22 and wide base plate 16 may provide opposing forces on the table 12 to secure the umbrella stand 10 to the table 12. When visiting a public area having tables for public use, the adaptability of the umbrella stand 10 allows a user to selectively configure the umbrella stand 10 based on the configuration of the tables 12. Accordingly, the flexibility and adaptability of the umbrella stand 10 provide the user with the assurance that the umbrella can be used whether the table 12 includes a hole or not.

The umbrella stand 10 includes a hollow tube 24 extending along a central axis 26 and having an upper, distal end portion and a lower, proximal end portion. The hollow tube 24 may additionally include an outer surface and an inner surface which defines an inner diameter sized to receive an umbrella pole 14. Many umbrella poles 14 have an outer diameter of approximately 1.5 inches, and thus, the inner diameter of the tube 24 may be slightly larger to facilitate insertion and removal of the umbrella pole 14. For instance, the inner diameter of the tube 24 may be approximately 1.75 inches to accommodate a pole 14 having an outer diameter of 1.5 inches. However, it is understood that the size of umbrella poles 14 may vary, such as between 1.125-3.0 inches. Accordingly, the tube 24 may be available in different sizes with different inner diameters, e.g., between 1.25-3.50 inches without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

The upper end portion may terminate at an upper edge and may include external threads extending from the upper edge to define a threaded segment 28 of the tube 24. An intermediate portion of the tube 24 may include one or more openings 30 extending therethrough, between the outer surface and the inner surface, with each opening 30 being internally threaded and adapted to receive a stabilizing screw 32. The screw(s) 32 may be advanceable within a respective opening(s) 30, such that a distal end of the screw 32 may engage with a pole 14 inserted within the tube 24 to provide lateral stabilization to the pole 14 to mitigate swaying of the pole 14 within the tube 24.

Stabilization of umbrella poles 14 received in the tube 24 may be facilitated through the use of one or more tube adapters that may be insertable within the tube 24. Each tube adapter 34 may include an upper ring, and a plurality of fingers extending from the upper ring. The plurality of fingers may circumferentially engage the pole 14 to provide stabilization of the umbrella pole 14 within the tube 24.

The threaded segment 28 may be engageable with a tube cap 36, which includes internal threads complementary to the external threads on the tube 24. The tube cap 36 may be hollow and may be advanced over the umbrella pole 14 for engagement with the tube 24. When engaged with the tube 24, the tube cap 36 may retain any adapters 34 between the tube cap 36 and the tube 24.

The distal end portion of the tube 24 may include an internal plate 37 connected thereto. The internal plate 37 extends across the hollow portion of the tube 24 in a generally diametrical direction. The internal plate 37 may include an opening formed therein, which may be centered on the central axis 26.

The distal end portion of the tube 24 may also be engaged to a base plate 16 configured to extend radially outward from the tube 24 and rest against an upper surface of the table 12 to provide stabilization to the tube 24. In more detail, when the umbrella stand 10 is connected to a table 12 and an umbrella is supported by the umbrella stand 10, wind may act on the umbrella, which may impart a force on the pole 14 and the umbrella stand 10, which may urge the umbrella stand 40 to sway or rock on the table 12. The configuration of the base plate 16 may resist such swaying or rocking and distribute the forces over a larger surface area on the table 12 to protect against damage to the table 12. The base plate 16 may be welded to the tube 24, or connected via other means known in the art, such as threaded engagement, etc.

In the exemplary embodiment, the base plate 16 is circular and is centered on the central axis 26 defined by the tube 24. The base plate 16 includes a generally planar lower surface 38 and a generally planar upper surface 40. An optional decorative plate having a decorative pattern formed therein may be integrated into the base plate 16 and may define a portion of the upper surface 40. The base plate 16 may include an outer edge that defines an outer diameter, which may be in the range of 4-30 inches, although a more preferred range may be between 8-16 inches. As noted above, a larger base plate 16 may be capable of distributing stabilizing forces aver a greater surface area of the table 12. Thus, if there is a desire to minimize the amount of force transferred to any one point on the table 12, a larger base plate 16 may be used. For instance, in the case of glass tables or tables having a thin tabletop, a larger base plate 16 may distribute the force over a larger area to protect against damage to the table 12. Though the base plate 16 is preferably circular, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that it may be provided in alternative shapes (e.g. quadrangular) of varying sizes or areas without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

The center of the base plate 16 may include an internally threaded opening 42 that is aligned with the opening in the internal plate 37 connected to the tube 24. The opening 42 is configured to engage with an externally threaded connector 44, which is mounted on the externally threaded, elongate shaft 20. The externally threaded connector 44 is connected to a mounting plate 46, which extends between the externally threaded connector 44 and an inner surface of the elongate shaft 20. When the externally threaded connector is advanced through into the opening 42 on the base plate 16, continued advancement of the externally threaded connector 44 may result in at least a portion of the externally threaded connector 44 being received in the opening formed in the internal plate 37, which may facilitate alignment of the threaded connector 44 and the attached elongate shaft 20 relative to the base plate 16 and the tube 24.

The umbrella stand 10 additionally includes a bottom cap 22 having a main body 48 including an opening extending therethrough. A flange 50 is connected to the main body 48 and defines an upper clamping surface having an outer diameter that extends beyond that of the main body 48. A plurality of ribs 52 may extend between the flange 50 and the main body 48 to enhance gripping of the bottom cap 22, and also to provide structural support thereto. The opening in the bottom cap 22 extends not only through the main body 48, but also through the flange 50, and thus, the opening extends axially through the entirety of the bottom cap 22. The opening may be internally threaded and adapted to engage with the external threads formed on the elongate shaft 20 to allow for selective positioning of the bottom cap 22 along the length of the shaft 20. In this regard, rotation of the bottom cap 22 relative to the elongate shaft 20 in a first rotational direction may result in axial movement of the bottom cap 22 along the elongate shaft 20 in a first axial direction. Conversely, rotation of the bottom cap 22 relative to the elongate shaft 20 in a second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction, may result in axial movement of the bottom cap 22 along the elongate shaft 20 in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction. The ability to adjust the axial position of the bottom cap 22 along the elongate shaft 20 may allow the bottom cap 22 to accommodate tables 12 that vary in thickness and apply a clamping force thereto for stabilizing the umbrella stand 10 to the table 12, as will be described in more detail below.

The umbrella stand 10 may additionally include at least one pair (and preferably two pairs) of strap assemblies 54 connected to the base plate 16 and configured to be connectable to the table 12 for securing the umbrella stand 10 to the table 12, particularly when the table 12 does not include a hole which may be used to secure the umbrella stand 10. Each strap assembly 54 may include one of the aforementioned selectively extensible and retractable straps 18, each such strap 18 having a distal end portion connected to a table edge clamp 56, and a proximal end portion connected to a spring biased retraction mechanism 58. FIG. 12 is an upper perspective views of the retraction mechanism 58, while FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the retraction mechanism 58.

The retraction mechanism 58 includes a main body 60 having an internal chamber sized to receive most, if not all, of the strap 18 when the strap 18 is wound around a spool or rod 62. The strap 18 may be nylon webbing or other strap materials known in the art. The main body 60 may include a slit or slot formed therein, which allows for passage of the strap 18 therethrough, as the strap 18 extends away from the rod 62.

The rod 62 includes a first end portion connected to a gear 64 and a second end portion connected to a plate 66. In this regard, rotation of the rod 62, as a result of extending or retracting of the strap 18, causes rotation of the gear 64 and the plate 66. In particular, extension of the strap 18 may cause the rod 62, gear 64, and plate 66 to rotate in a first rotational direction around a central retraction axis 68, as defined by the longitudinal extension of the rod 62, while retraction of the strap 18 may cause the rod 62, gear 64, and plate 66 to rotate in a second rotational direction around the central retraction axis 68. The rod 62 may be of sufficient length to extend through the strap 18 when wound-up, and thus, may be longer than the width of the strap 18 (i.e., the distance between the opposed, longitudinal edges of the strap 18).

The plate 66, which is attached to the rod 62, opposite the gear 64, may be connected to a retraction spring 70 configured to impart a biasing force on the plate 66 which urges the plate 66 to rotate in a direction associated with retraction of the strap 18. Thus, the retraction spring 70 may bias the plate 66 in the second rotational direction to urge the strap 18 to retract around the rod 62.

The gear 64, positioned opposite the plate 66, may be a circular gear having a plurality of external gear teeth disposed about the central retraction axis 68. The gear 64 may be configured to interface with a lock 72 having a pawl or finger that is selectively engageable with the gear teeth to prevent rotation of the gear 64, as will be described in more detail below. The pawl may be located on a first end portion of the lock 72, while an opposing second end portion of the lock 72 may interface with a torsion spring 74 which imparts a biasing force on the lock 72. In the exemplary embodiment, the lock 72 may be pivotally connected to the main body 60 to allow for pivotal movement of the lock 72, relative to the main body, about a pivot axis 76 that passes through the lock 72 between the first end portion and the second end portion. From the perspective shown in FIG. 13, the lock 72 may pivot about the pivot axis 76 in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The lock 72 is pivotable in the clockwise direction to assume a locked position, wherein the pawl is engaged with the gear teeth to prevent rotation of the gear 64. Pivoting the lock 72 in the opposing counterclockwise direction may facilitate placing the lock 72 in an unlocked position, wherein the pawl is disengaged from the gear teeth, which allows for rotation of the gear 64. The biasing force imparted on the lock 72 by the torsion spring 74 may bias the lock 72 in the clockwise direction, and thus, toward the locked position.

The lock 72 may be operatively connected to a button 78, or other actuator, which allows for selective manual control of the lock 72. The button 78 may be translatable or moveable relative to the main body 60 to facilitate movement of the lock 72 between the locked position and the unlocked position. In particular, the button 78 may be moved to a first position, wherein the relative position of the button 78 and the lock 72 urges the lock 72 toward the unlocked position. For instance, the button 78 may engage with the lock 72 in a manner which overcomes the biasing force of the torsion spring 74 and forces the lock 72 to assume the unlocked position such that the pawl is disengaged from the gear teeth. The button 78 may also be moved to a second position, wherein the relative position of the button 78 and the lock 72 allows the lock 72 to assume the locked position. For instance, when the button 78 is in the second position, there may be sufficient clearance between the button 78 and the lock 72, such that the biasing force imparted on the lock 72 by the torsion spring 74 is able to move the lock 72 into the locked position. Alternatively, it is also contemplated that the button 78 and lock 72 may be configured such that when the button 78 is in the second position, contact between the button 78 and the lock 72 may urge or facilitate placement of the lock 72 in the locked position.

The button 78 may be coupled to a button cover 80, which may be mounted to the main body 60, and which may include an opening 82 formed therein, which receives the button 78. The opening 82 may be oval shaped and may be sized to allow for translation of the button 78 therein between the first and second positions.

As noted above, the distal end portion of the strap 18 is connected to table edge clamp 56 used to secure the strap 18 to a peripheral edge of the table 12. Referring now specifically to FIG. 22, one embodiment of the table edge clamp 56 includes an inner corner bracket 84 and an outer corner bracket 86 interconnected to each other. The inner corner bracket 84 includes an inner extension plate 88 and an inner clamping plate 90 extending from the inner extension plate 88 at an angle equal to approximately ninety degrees. The inner extension plate 88 may include a pair of slots 92 formed therein, each being sized to receive the shaft portion of a respective socket screw 94 for attaching a pad adjacent an inner surface of the inner extension plate 88. The inner extension plate 88 may further include a threaded hole 96 positioned adjacent an end portion thereof, opposite the inner clamping plate 90, with the threaded hole 96 being configured to facilitate attachment to the outer corner bracket 86, as will be described in more detail below.

The inner clamping plate 90 may include an inner surface having a pad attached thereto, such as via an adhesive or other attaching techniques known in the art. An outer surface extends opposite the inner surface and includes a recess formed therein. The recess may be sized to receive a magnet 98, which may be used to magnetically secure the table edge clamp 56 to the tube 24 during periods of nonuse.

The outer corner bracket 86 includes an outer extension plate 100 and an outer clamping plate 102 extending from the outer extension plate 100 at an angle equal to approximately ninety degrees. The outer clamping plate 102 may include a slot 104 formed therein and extending in a direction that is generally parallel to the outer extension plate 100. The slot 104 may be sized to receive the strap 18 to facilitate connection of the strap 18 to the outer corner bracket 86.

The outer extension plate 100 includes a slot 106 formed therein, with the slot 106 extending generally perpendicularly to the outer clamping plate 102. The slot 106 is sized to receive a screw 108, which may be advanced through the slot 106 and received within the threaded hole 96 formed in the inner extension plate 88 to facilitate connection between the outer corner bracket 86 and the inner corner bracket 84. When the outer corner bracket 86 is connected to the inner corner bracket 84, the outer clamping plate 102 may be generally opposed to the inner clamping plate 90 with the distance therebetween defining a clamping distance.

The table edge clamp 56 may be configured to allow for selective adjustment of the clamping distance to accommodate use of the table edge clamp 56 on tables 12 with varying table thicknesses (e.g., the distance between an upper edge of the table 12 and a lower edge of the table 12 at the periphery of the table 12). The screw 108 may slide within the slot 106 to facilitate adjustment of the clamping distance, by allowing the outer clamping plate 102 to move relative to the inner clamping plate 90 along an axis defined by the slot 106. When the inner and outer corner brackets 84, 86 have been positioned to define a desired clamping distance, the screw 108 may be tightened to fix the relative position of the inner and outer corner brackets 84, 86.

As indicated above, the umbrella stand 10 may include at least one pair (and preferably two pairs) of strap assemblies 54 connected to the base plate 16. Along these lines, it is contemplated that the base plate 16 may be outfitted with a first pair of strap assembles 54 disposed in opposed relation to each other along a first common axis, alone or in combination with a second pair of strap assembles 54 likewise disposed in opposed relation to each other along a second common axis which is offset approximately ninety degrees from the first common axis along which the first pair of strap assembles 54 reside. As the base plate 16 may be circularly configured, the strap assembles 54 (four total included in both pairs) may be spaced at intervals of approximately ninety degrees, with the strap assembles 54 of first pair being diametrically opposed to each other, and the strap assembles 54 of second pair likewise being diametrically opposed to each other.

The above-described features of the umbrella stand 10 allow the umbrella stand 10 to be used in two different modes of use, including a first, central support mode, and a second, peripheral support mode. FIG. 15 shows the umbrella stand 10 in the first, central support mode, with the base plate 16 resting on top of the table 12 and the tube 24 extending upwardly from the base plate 16. Although not clearly depicted in FIG. 15, the table 12 includes a hole, which receives the elongate shaft 20, which extends through the hole and protrudes below a lower surface of the table top. The bottom cap 22 is screwed onto the elongate shaft 20 and is tightened against the table 12, such that the umbrella stand 10 applies a clamping force on the table 12 between the base plate 16 and the flange 50 of the bottom cap 22. The clamping force is sufficient to maintain the position of the umbrella stand 10 and support an umbrella having a pole 14 received in the tube 24. The use of the umbrella stand 10 in the first, central support mode may not require use of the extension straps 18 (though they could still optionally be deployed in the manner described below to supplement the stability of the base plate 16 facilitated by the use of the bottom cap 22). If not used, the table edge clamps 56 may be stored against the tube 24 by magnetically connecting the table edge clamps 56 to the tube 24, as shown in FIG. 11. When the table edge clamps 56 are engaged with the tube 24, the table edge clamps 56 may be positioned away from the surface of the table 12, in an out-of-the-way location. However, it is contemplated that if the umbrella stand 10 is to be used exclusively on the same table 12, which includes a central hole, and consequently, may not require the ability to transition between the first and second modes, a user may remove the strap assemblies 54 from the base plate 16, or decide against attaching the strap assemblies 54 to the base plate 16 at initial assembly of the umbrella stand 10.

FIG. 16 shows the umbrella stand 10 in the second, peripheral support mode. When used in the peripheral support mode, the elongate shaft 20 is disconnected from the base plate 16, and the base plate 16 is centrally positioned on the top of the table 12, with the tube 24 extending upwardly therefrom. The umbrella stand 10 may be secured to the peripheral edge of the table 12 by extending the straps 18 from each of the two or four strap assemblies 54 included on the base plate 16. To extend the straps 18, the button 78 on each retraction mechanism 58 may be moved to its first position to move the internal lock 72 to its unlocked position, which allows a user to pull on the corresponding strap 18 with a force sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the retraction spring 70 to extend the strap 18 from the main body 60. The strap 18 is extended until the table edge clamp 56 is beyond the peripheral edge of the table 12 to allow the table edge clamp 56 to be positioned adjacent the peripheral edge for adjusting the size of the clamping distance to conform to the thickness of the table 12. In particular, the clamping distance may be adjusted to a size which is larger than the thickness of the table 12 to allow the table edge clamp 56 to extend over the peripheral edge of the table 12.

When the table edge clamp 56 is positioned at the periphery of the table 12, the retraction spring 70, acting on the strap 18, via the intervening plate 66 and rod 62, may retract any excess slack in the strap 18 such that the strap 18 extends between the table edge clamp 56 and the main body 60 of the retraction mechanism 58 under tension. If the clamping distance is only slightly larger than the thickness of the table 12, the tension in the strap 18, and the appropriately sized configuration of the table edge clamp 56, may collectively retain the table edge clamp 56 against the periphery of the table 12. However, if the clamping distance is too big, the clamping distance can be reduced to more closely conform to the thickness of the table 12.

Once the table edge clamp 56 is in place, and the strap 18 is sufficiently tensioned, the button 78 may be moved to its second position to lock the strap 18 in place. In this regard, extension or retraction of the strap 18 may be prevented while the button 78 remains in the second position.

This engagement process may be repeated for the strap(s) 18 and clamp(s) 56 of the one remaining strap assembly 54, or three remaining strap assembles 54, included on the umbrella stand 10.

When the umbrella stand 10 is connected to the table 12 in the second, peripheral support mode, the umbrella stand 10 is supported on the table 12 via the base plate 16. To the extent any forces act on the base plate 16 which may urge the base plate 16 to tip, such as via wind acting on the umbrella, the straps 18 may resist tipping of the base plate 16, thus maintaining the tube 24 in a generally upright configuration.

The particulars shown herein are by way of example only for purposes of illustrative discussion, and are not presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, no attempt is made to show any more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the different features of the various embodiments, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how these may be implemented in practice.

Claims

1. An umbrella stand for use with an umbrella pole and a table having an upper surface and a peripheral edge, the umbrella stand comprising:

a base plate positionable on the upper surface of the table;

a tube connected to the base plate and having an opening formed therein sized to receive a portion of the umbrella pole;

an elongate shaft detachably connectable to the base plate so as to extend from the base plate in opposed relation to the tube, the elongate shaft being externally threaded;

a bottom cap having an internally threaded opening extending therethrough and being sized to be threadedly engageable with the elongate shaft;

a first strap assembly coupled to the base plate and including a first strap and a first table edge clamp coupled to the first strap; and

a second strap assembly coupled to the base plate in opposed relation to the first strap assembly and including a second strap and a second table edge clamp coupled to the second strap;

the umbrella stand being useable in a first mode wherein the elongate shaft is connected to the base plate, and the bottom cap is connected to the elongate shaft, and the first and second strap assemblies are positioned with the first and second table edge clamps being disengaged from the peripheral edge of the table;

the umbrella stand being useable in a second mode separate from the first mode, wherein the elongate shaft is disconnected from the base plate, and the first and second strap assemblies are positioned with the first and second table edge clamps being engaged from the peripheral edge of the table.

2. The umbrella stand recited in claim 1, wherein a position of the bottom cap is selectively adjustable along the elongate shaft via rotation of the bottom cap relative to the elongate shaft.

3. The umbrella stand recited in claim 1, further comprising a first magnet connected to the first table edge clamp and a second magnet connected to the second table edge clamp, the first and second magnets being configured to facilitate selective magnetic coupling of the first and second table edge clamps, respectively, to the tube.

4. The umbrella stand recited in claim 1, further comprising a first spring in operative communication with the first strap to impart a tensioning force on the first strap.

5. The umbrella stand recited in claim 1, further comprising:

a third strap assembly coupled to the base plate and including a third strap and a third table edge clamp coupled to the third strap; and

a fourth strap assembly coupled to the base plate in opposed relation to the third strap assembly and including a fourth strap and a fourth table edge clamp coupled to the fourth strap;

wherein the first and second strap assembles reside on a first common axis, and the third and fourth strap assembles reside on a second common axis which is offset approximately ninety degrees from the first common axis.

6. The umbrella stand recited in claim 1, wherein the base plate defines an outer diameter between 4-30 inches.

7. The umbrella stand recited in claim 1, wherein the elongate shaft is threadably engageable to the base plate.

8. The umbrella stand recited in claim 7, further comprising an externally threaded connector mounted on the elongate shaft and configured to engage with an internally threaded opening on the base plate.

9. The umbrella stand recited in claim 8, further comprising a plate connected to the tube and extending within the opening of the tube, the plate having an opening formed therein and alignable with the externally threaded connector when the externally threaded connected is engaged with the base plate.

10. The umbrella stand recited in claim 1, wherein the first table edge clamp includes a first clamping plate and a second clamping plate moveable relative to the first clamping plate.

11. The umbrella stand recited in claim 10, wherein the first table edge clamp includes an inner corner bracket and an outer corner bracket, the first clamping plate being on the inner corner bracket and the second clamping plate being on the outer corner bracket.

12. The umbrella stand recited in claim 10, further comprising a pad connected to the first clamping plate.

13. An umbrella stand for use with an umbrella pole and a table having an upper surface and a peripheral edge, the umbrella stand comprising:

a base plate positionable on the upper surface of the table;

a tube connected to the base plate and having an opening formed therein sized to receive a portion of the umbrella pole;

a first strap assembly coupled to the base plate and including a first strap and a first table edge clamp coupled to the first strap; and

a second strap assembly coupled to the base plate in opposed relation to the first strap assembly and including a second strap and a second table edge clamp coupled to the second strap;

the umbrella stand being useable in a first mode, wherein the first and second strap assemblies are positioned with the first and second table edge clamps being disengaged from the peripheral edge of the table;

the umbrella stand being useable in a second mode separate from the first mode, wherein the first and second strap assemblies are positioned with the first and second table edge clamps being engaged from the peripheral edge of the table.

14. The umbrella stand recited in claim 13, further comprising

a shaft connectable to the base plate so as to extend from the base plate in opposed relation to the tube; and

a bottom flange connectable to the shaft and configured to be moveable along the shaft when connected thereto;

the shaft being connected to the base plate, and the bottom flange being connected to the shaft when the umbrella stand is used in the first mode;

the shaft being disconnected from the base plate when the umbrella stand is used in the second mode.

15. The umbrella stand recited in claim 14, wherein the bottom flange is rotatably connectable to the shaft.

16. The umbrella stand recited in claim 13, further comprising a first magnet connected to the first table edge clamp and a second magnet connected to the second table edge clamp, the first and second magnets being configured to facilitate selective magnetic coupling of the first and second table edge clamps, respectively, to the tube.

17. The umbrella stand recited in claim 13, further comprising a first spring in operative communication with the first strap to impart a tensioning force on the first strap.

18. The umbrella stand recited in claim 13, wherein the first table edge clamp includes a first clamping plate and a second clamping plate moveable relative to the first clamping plate.

19. The umbrella stand recited in claim 18, wherein the first table edge clamp includes an inner corner bracket and an outer corner bracket, the first clamping plate being on the inner corner bracket and the second clamping plate being on the outer corner bracket.

20. The umbrella stand recited in claim 18, further comprising a pad connected to the first clamping plate.