U.S. patent application number 10/779465 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-21 for umbrella assembly structured for use in high wind conditions.
Invention is credited to Clarke, Dougan H..
Application Number | 20040206383 10/779465 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34886578 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040206383 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Clarke, Dougan H. |
October 21, 2004 |
Umbrella assembly structured for use in high wind conditions
Abstract
An umbrella frame structured for use in a strong wind conditions
such as those conditions frequently encountered on a boat traveling
at relatively high speeds. An umbrella frame assembly includes a
reinforcing assembly connected thereto in a supportive, operative
orientation thereby providing a stable support for an umbrella
canopy which can remain open even during travel of the boat. The
frame assembly can be modified to support canopies of varying
shapes and sizes and the frame assembly can be easily removed, for
storage purposes, from a supporting base which may be mounted on or
connected to a boat.
Inventors: |
Clarke, Dougan H.; (Miami,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MALLOY & MALLOY, P.A.
2800 S. W. Third Avenue
Historic Coral Way
Miami
FL
33129
US
|
Family ID: |
34886578 |
Appl. No.: |
10/779465 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60447122 |
Feb 13, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
135/41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 25/02 20130101;
A45B 25/14 20130101; A45B 25/06 20130101; A45B 25/10 20130101; A45B
25/22 20130101; A45B 2019/004 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/041 |
International
Class: |
A45B 025/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An umbrella assembly structured for use during strong wind
conditions, said umbrella assembly comprising: a) a frame assembly
including an elongated support pole, b) said frame assembly
comprising a plurality of ribs and a plurality of struts movably
connected to said support pole, c) said plurality of ribs and said
plurality of struts collectively disposable in an open position and
in a closed position, and d) a reinforcing assembly connected to
said frame in a supporting orientation relative to at least a
correspondingly one of said plurality of ribs and struts.
2. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said
reinforcing assembly is selectively positionable into and out of
said supporting orientation.
3. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said
reinforcing assembly is removably connected to said frame.
4. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said
reinforcing assembly is removably connected to said frame.
5. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said
reinforcing assembly comprises at least one auxiliary strut having
an elongated configuration connected in supporting relation to at
least one of said plurality of ribs or one of said plurality of
struts when said reinforcing assembly is in said supported
orientation.
6. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 5 wherein said
auxiliary strut is interconnected between two correspondingly
positioned ones of said plurality of ribs and said plurality of
struts.
7. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein said
auxiliary strut comprises a first end connected to said one
correspondingly positioned rib and a second end connected to said
one correspondingly positioned strut.
8. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein at least one
of said first or second ends is removably connected to a respective
one of said correspondingly positioned ribs and struts.
9. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein the other of
said first or second ends is movably connected to a respective one
said correspondingly positioned ribs and struts.
10. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein said
auxiliary strut is removably connected to both of said
correspondingly positioned ones of said plurality of ribs and said
plurality of struts.
11. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said
reinforcing assembly comprises a plurality of auxiliary struts,
each auxiliary strut connected in supporting relation to a
different at least one of said plurality of ribs or at least one of
said plurality of struts to define said supporting orientation.
12. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein each of
said plurality of auxiliary struts is interconnected to a different
pair of correspondingly positioned ones of said plurality of ribs
and struts.
13. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein each of
said plurality of auxiliary struts is movably connected to one and
removably connected to the other of a respective pair of ribs and
struts.
14. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein each of
said plurality of auxiliary struts is removably connected to each
of a respective pair of said ribs and struts.
15. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein said
plurality of auxiliary struts are equal in number to the number of
pairs of correspondingly positioned ribs and struts.
16. An umbrella assembly structured for use during strong wind
conditions, said umbrella assembly comprising: a) a frame assembly
comprising a support pole and a plurality of ribs connected to said
support pole and structured to support a canopy thereon, b) said
frame assembly further comprising a plurality of struts each
movably interconnected between said support pole and a
correspondingly disposed rib, c) a reinforcing assembly connected
to said frame in supporting relation to at least one pair of
correspondingly disposed ribs and struts, and d) said plurality of
ribs and struts collectively movable relative to said support pole
for orientation of said frame in either an open position or a
closed position.
17. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 16 wherein said
plurality of said ribs and struts are collectively positioned to
dispose said canopy in a substantially outwardly extending, flat
orientation when said frame assembly is in said open position.
18. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 16 further comprising
a base connected in supporting relation to said support pole and
mounted on a marine craft.
19. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 18 wherein said
support pole is removably connected to said base.
20. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 16 wherein said
reinforcing assembly comprises at least one auxiliary strut
interconnected in a supporting orientation between said one pair of
supporting ribs and struts, when said frame assembly is in said
open position.
21. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 20 wherein said one
auxiliary strut is pivotally connected to one and removably
connected to the other of said one pair of ribs and struts.
22. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 20 wherein said one
auxiliary strut is removably connected to said one pair of ribs and
struts.
23. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 16 wherein said
reinforcing assembly comprises a plurality of reinforcing struts
each connected in a supporting orientation to a different pair of
correspondingly disposed ribs and struts at least when said frame
assembly is said open position.
24. An umbrella assembly structured for use during strong wind
conditions, said umbrella assembly comprising: a) a frame assembly
comprising a support pole and a plurality of ribs connected to
support pole and structured to support a canopy thereon, b) said
frame assembly further comprising a plurality of struts each
movably interconnected between said support pole and a
correspondingly disposed rib, c) said plurality of ribs and struts
collectively movable relative to said support pole for orientation
of said frame assembly in either an open position or a closed
position, d) a reinforcing assembly comprising a plurality of
auxiliary struts each connected in a supporting orientation to a
different pair of correspondingly disposed ribs and struts at least
when said frame is in said open position, and e) a base structured
to be mounted on a marine craft and connected in supporting
relation to said support pole.
25. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 24 wherein said
plurality of ribs and struts are collectively structured to dispose
said canopy in a substantially outwardly extending, flat
orientation when said frame assembly is in said open position.
26. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 24 wherein said
support pole is removably connected to said base.
27. An umbrella assembly as recited in claim 24 wherein each of
said auxiliary struts are removably disposed in said supporting
orientation.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] The present application is based on and a claim to priority
is made under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) to provisional patent
application currently pending in the U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office having Serial No. 60/447,122 and a filing date of Feb. 13,
2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to an umbrella assembly structured
for use in a strong wind environment such as, but not limited to,
the conditions frequently encountered on a moving boat or like
marine craft. The frame of the umbrella assembly includes a
reinforcing assembly disposed and structured to provide increased
structural integrity sufficient to resist forces to which the
umbrella assembly may be subjected when the marine craft is
traveling at relatively high speeds. Adaptive structuring of the
frame assembly facilitates the selective positioning thereof in
either the substantially conventional open or closed orientations,
even when the water craft is moving.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] All types of are boats or other marine craft are of course
structured, for travel on bodies of water where there are no trees
or other natural structures to provide shade. Given the heat and
other harsh effects of the sun, there is a clear and frequent need
to provide some shade or other protection to the boat occupants. As
such, larger boats whether sailboats, cruisers, yachts, etc. are
typically formed to have one or more cabins or other interior
areas. Smaller pleasure boats, on the other hand, must often rely
on lightweight sometimes foldable shade structures, sometimes
referred to as "bimini tops", which can be difficult to maneuver
and/or somewhat flimsy.
[0006] For example, many smaller boats suitable for water skiing
and cruising are provided with a main seating area protected by a
windshield typically located on a forward portion, of the craft. In
addition, these types of boats often include a foldable shade
structure having movable poles that are removably connected to
opposite sides of the boat, near the windshield's outer edges. The
poles normally span the width of the boat and include a fabric
canopy or like structure attached thereto to provide shade. While
apparently functional for numerous applications, this type of shade
structure is not readily adaptable for use on a significant number
of boats such as, but not limited to a marine craft known as an
"open fisherman". This is at least partially due the placement of
the poles interfering with movement of the boat's occupants while
fishing, or other situations requiring a need to travel freely
about the periphery of the boat. In order to overcome problems of
this type "open fisherman" and similarly designed marine craft
typically include a centrally located steering and/or console area
with a pair of closely spaced, fixed and rigid upstanding posts. A
fixed awning or canopy structure is attached to and spans the
distance between the posts' upper ends to provide shade. This type
of structure allows for a clear path of travel about the boat's
periphery including along the port and starboard sides.
[0007] While these types of fixed shade structures are quite common
and accepted, there are obvious and long recognized disadvantages
or inconveniences associated therewith. For instance, there are
times while fishing in certain environments, such as in shallow
waters, when it is desirable to not have any shade structure so as
to allow for better maneuverability and/or visibility. Of course,
those situations may be temporary or relatively short in duration,
particularly if the day is hot and sunny, when it is soon desirable
to have some shade readily available. As another example, because
many known shade structures, such as the types set forth above, are
fixed, there is no practical way to adjust the amount and or
position of available shade created by these structures. Therefore,
there is little one can do to protect against the sun's rays at
various times. Also, it can be difficult to clean the awning and/or
canopy on these types of rigid shade structures. These and other
inconveniences associated with conventional shade structures used
on the "open fisherman" type of boats, frequently lessen the
enjoyment one would normally expect while using such craft. With
regard to a totally distinct field of art, namely, that relating to
umbrellas, it is known to use large, upstanding, outdoor umbrellas
at restaurants, bars, hotels, and other places that offer outdoor
seating so as to shield people from the sun, as well as from other
elements of nature, such as wind, light rain, etc. While these
types of outdoor umbrellas are designed to endure many relatively
harsh outdoor conditions, they are typically not structured to
overcome more extreme conditions including, but not limited to
substantially constant and/or strong wind conditions frequently
associated with open bodies of water. Also, many umbrellas known in
the art do not allow for any adjustment in terms of increasing or
decreasing the amount of shade being cast by the canopy of the
umbrella.
[0008] It is believed by the inventor herein that there has never
been a successful effort to develop a shade structure capable of
being used on boats or other marine craft which has the efficiency,
operational versatility and convenience offered by umbrellas. Of
course, if any such improved shade structure were provided for use
on boats, the high wind and other conditions unique to boating
would have to be addressed. Such conditions should also include
anchoring and support requirements sufficient to withstand the
rocking motion and/or other movement of the boat as well as
prolonged exposure to the sun's rays. Other features associated
with such an improved shade structure should preferably include
ease of positioning into and out of an operable and/or stored
orientation, whenever desired, whether for certain fishing
conditions, cleaning, repair, etc. Further, an improved shade
structure especially, but not exclusively, of the type capable of
being used on an "open fisherman" type of boat, should be
structured to permit free travel about the periphery of the boat.
Finally, such an improved shade structure should also be ideally
capable of at least some adjustment to provide shade against the
sun's rays at various times of the day.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is intended to present a solution to
some of the problems in this field of art, and as such, relates to
an umbrella frame structured for use under strong wind conditions
of the type frequently, but not exclusively, encountered on boats
or other marine craft. More in particular, the present invention
comprises, in at least one embodiment, a frame assembly including
an elongated support pole generally terminating in a bottom end and
a top end. The bottom end is structured for attachment to any one
of a plurality of different bas structures so as to be supported
thereby, wherein the base is capable of being mounted or connected
to a marine craft.
[0010] In addition, one or more preferred embodiments of the
umbrella assembly of the present invention include the frame
assembly having a plurality of ribs movably connected to the
support pole by means of a hub assembly, wherein the ribs are
disposed and structured to support a canopy thereon. The frame
assembly also includes a plurality of struts movably connected to
the support pole by virtue of the aforementioned hub assembly and
also connected to the plurality of ribs. In somewhat conventional
fashion the plurality of ribs and hubs are collectively structured
to allow selective orientation of the frame assembly, as well as
the shade producing canopy suported thereon, between an open,
outwardly extended position and a closed, substantially collapsed
position.
[0011] As set forth above, a primary object of the umbrella
assembly of the present invention is to be effectively operable
under relatively unusual conditions such as, but not limited to,
strong wind conditions which may be continuously encountered on a
marine craft while the marine craft is traveling, even at
relatively high speeds. Accordingly, the umbrella assembly of the
present invention further comprises a reinforcing assembly
connected to the frame and more specifically structured and
disposed in a supporting orientation relative to the plurality of
ribs and the plurality of struts. Moreover, the reinforcing
assembly includes at least one but more practically a plurality of
auxiliary struts. Each of the auxiliary struts are strategically
disposed and structured to significantly increase the structural
integrity of the frame assembly specifically and the umbrella
assembly generally. The umbrella assembly is thereby sufficiently
reinforced to withstand the high wind conditions in a boating or
marine craft environment, as well as in a variety of other
environments which may encounter strong winds or other extreme
conditions.
[0012] The dimension and configuration of the umbrella assembly,
specifically including the frame assembly, as well as its various
structural and operational components, may vary greatly dependent
at least in part on the marine craft on which it is mounted. By way
of example only, at least one embodiment of the umbrella assembly
of the present invention is structurally adaptable for use on an
"open fisherman" type of boat, wherein the efficient creation of
shade as well as the freedom of movement of the occupants about the
boat are significant considerations. However, it is emphasized that
the umbrella assembly of the present invention is not intended to
be limited for use on an "open fisherman" type of marine craft. To
the contrary, with little or no structural modification other than
variation in the dimension or configuration, various embodiments of
the umbrella assembly of the present invention can be used on any
of a variety of marine craft or on land where strong winds and
other relatively extreme environmental conditions are
encountered.
[0013] Increased versatility of the umbrella assembly of the
present invention is further demonstrated by the provision of a
canopy having a variety of different sizes and shapes and which may
be supported by the frame assembly in a selectively movable and
adjustable manner. This latter feature facilitates the creation of
an adequate amount of shade for a variety of different boating or
other environments as well as the ability to adjust the shaded area
on a marine craft depending upon the orientation of the craft
itself as well as the position of the sun in the sky. At the same
time, the plurality of ribs as well as other operative components
of the frame assembly may be cooperatively disposed and structured
to orient the canopy, when the frame assembly is in an open
position, into a substantially "zero horizon" or outwardly
extending, flat orientation. Such a preferred orientation of the
canopy will reduce exposure of the canopy and minimize wind
resistence when subjected to strong wind conditions. This feature
will facilitate use of the umbrella assembly, even when the marine
craft on which it is mounted is traveling at speeds of up to 50
m.p.h.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present
invention, reference should be had to the following detailed
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of
an umbrella assembly of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 1-A is a perspective view in partial cutaway of a
preferred embodiment of the umbrella assembly of the present
mounted on a marine craft.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a front view in partial phantom and section of a
potion of one embodiment of a frame assembly of the umbrella
assembly of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view in exploded form of a hub
assembly associated with at least one embodiment of the frame
assembly of the present invention.
[0019] FIGS. 4 and 5 are front and side cutaway views respectively,
of an assembled hub assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 3.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a partial, cutaway and perspective view of
correspondingly positioned and interconnect strut and a rib members
of the frame assembly of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 6A is a detailed view of a pull pin connector
associated with the interconnecting means illustrated in FIG.
6.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a detailed side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1
wherein a portion of the frame assembly includes a reinforcing
assembly including auxiliary strut members disposed in an
operative, supporting orientation.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a detailed front view of the embodiment of FIG. 7
with the auxiliary strut members disposed in an at least partially
disconnected orientation.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a partial bottom view of the frame assembly
illustrated in FIG. 1, including the rib and strut members
associated the support of a canopy.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a top view in partial phantom of one of a
plurality of configurations which the canopy may assume utilizing a
different embodiment of the frame assembly of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of yet another embodiment
demonstrating one of a plurality of shapes the canopy may assume
utilizing another different embodiment of frame assembly of the
present invention.
[0027] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of yet another embodiment
demonstrating one of a plurality of shapes the canopy may assume
utilizing yet another embodiment of the frame assembly of the
present invention.
[0028] FIG. 13 is yet a top plan view of another embodiment
demonstrating one of a plurality of shapes the canopy may assume
utilizing yet another embodiment of the frame assembly of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION-OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] The present invention is directed to an umbrella assembly
generally indicated as 10 and comprising a frame assembly shown in
detail in FIGS. 2 through 8 of the accompanying drawings. As will
be more fully explained, the frame assembly and the various
operative components associated therewith are specifically
structured to support an umbrella canopy 20 and facilitate its
opening and closing. More specifically, the umbrella assembly 10
includes a elongated support pole 12 which is normally, but not
exclusively, operatively disposed in a substantially upright and/or
vertical orientation when the frame assembly is an open position as
demonstrated in FIGS. 1, 1-A and partially in FIG. 2. The lower end
of the support pole 12 is secured to a base generally indicated as
14, 14' in FIGS. 1 and 1A. The base 14, 14' may assume any of a
variety of different structures and/or configurations capable of
supporting the pole 12 and the remainder of the frame assembly in a
stable manner, especially when in an operative position as
demonstrated.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 1A, to be described in greater detail
hereinafter, the base 14' is structured to be mounted on or
attached to a marine craft 15 so as to facilitate the mounting,
operation and use of the umbrella assembly 10 on the craft 13, even
when the craft is traveling at relatively high speeds. Also a
preferred embodiment of the base 14, 14' is structured to removably
support the pole 12 thereby allowing the frame assembly to be
removed therefrom, such as when the umbrella assembly 10 is
intended to be stored or removed for cleaning, repair, etc. As
such, the base 14, 14' may assume any of a variety of different
structures, dimensions and configurations, any one of which may be
adapted to be mounted on or connected to a predetermined portion of
the boat 15, dependent on the intended application of the umbrella
assembly 10. Moreover, the specific structural features of the base
14' will vary dependant upon the intended location of the umbrella
assembly 10 on the boat 13 and also on the type of boat or marine
craft on which the umbrella assembly 10 is intended to be used.
[0031] While the present invention is not specifically limited to a
particular type of boat, one embodiment of the umbrella assembly 10
is especially well suited for use on a type of boat commonly known
as an "open-fisherman." This type of boat is typically provided
with a centrally located steering or console area about which the
occupants of the boat are free to move so as to perform various
activities including, but not limited to fishing. Therefore and by
way of example, the location the umbrella assembly 10, as at least
partially demonstrated in FIG. 1A, will provide a significant
amount of shade to the deck area of the boat 15 and the occupants
thereon. Concurrently, the size, configuration and location of the
umbrella assembly 10 will not interfere with the freedom of
movement of an appropriate number of occupants about the boat 15.
As set forth above, the umbrella assembly 10 may be easily and
quickly removed from the base 14, 14' so as to facilitate storage
of the umbrella assembly 10, such as when one or more occupants of
the boat require total freedom of movement and/or an unobstructed
view. Also, it is emphasized that the boat or marine craft 15, at
least partially disclosed in FIG. 1A, is intended to be generically
representative of various types of marine craft including, but not
limited to, the aforementioned "open fisherman" on which the
umbrella assembly 10 may be mounted and used. Naturally, the
location, size and configuration of the umbrella assembly 10 may
vary greatly at least partially dependent on the type, size, etc,
of the marine craft.
[0032] As set forth above, the umbrella assembly 10 comprises a
frame assembly disclosed in detail in FIGS. 2 through 8. Many of
the operative components disclosed in these drawings have been
described in detail and are the subject of a presently pending U.S.
patent application, Ser. No. 10/008,536 having a filing date of
Nov. 13, 2001. Additional structural and operative features of the
umbrella assembly 10 of the present invention are also disclosed in
another currently pending U.S. patent application, having Ser. No.
29/153,828, filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Jan.
11, 2002. Both of these presently pending patent applications and
their contents are incorporated herein in their entirety by
reference. As such, certain preferred structural and operative
components, particularly those shown in FIGS. 2 through 6, are
described in detail herein and with reference to at least one of
these currently pending patent applications.
[0033] Accordingly, the present invention comprises structural and
operative features which facilitate use of the umbrella assembly on
an "open fisherman" type of boat, as well as on other marine craft
and during conditions unique to the boating environment in which
the umbrella assembly may be used. The referred to conditions are
meant to include steady and/or strong wind conditions, the rocking
and/or other movement of the boat, including the occasional and
somewhat erratic or extreme movements of such boats during adverse
weather conditions, as well as the travel of the boat at relatively
high speeds. More in particular, the additional structural and
operative features of the frame assembly incorporated into umbrella
assembly 10 allow it to be maintained in its open or expanded
position as demonstrated in FIGS. 1, 1-A and 7 through 9, during
such conditions, including the travel of the boat at speeds in the
range of 50 mph, as will be described in greater detail
hereinafter.
[0034] Accordingly, the umbrella assembly 10 includes a frame
assembly specifically structured to facilitate the mounting or
positioning of the umbrella assembly 10 on a boat or marine craft
15 such as, but not limited to and "open-fisherman" type of boat.
Further the umbrella assembly 10 and its operative frame assembly
is specifically structured to allow travel of the boat through
water at relatively high speeds while the umbrella assembly 10, and
more particularly, the canopy 20 is maintained in an open or
expanded position as demonstrated in FIGS. 1, 1-A, 7 and 8. One
feature of the umbrella assembly 10 is the orientation of the
canopy structure 20 in the open position, wherein the canopy 20 is
structured to assume a substantially outwardly extending, flat
profile. A flat profile, while providing significant shade to the
occupants of a boat, also offers a minimal amount of wind
resistance, especially while the boat is traveling at relatively
high speeds.
[0035] Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7-9, a most preferred
embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of
support struts 22 having their inner or proximal ends pivotally
secured to the hub assembly and specifically the main hub member
18. The outer ends of each of the support struts 22 are secured to
a correspondingly positioned, outwardly extending rib 24. Somewhat
similarly, the proximal end of the rib 24 is pivotally secured to a
secondary hub or yoke type structure 26 as explained in detail with
reference to FIGS. 2 through 6. As set forth in detail in the
currently pending patent applications noted above and included
herein by reference, the plurality of struts 22 may vary in number
and length. Similarly the number of ribs 24 may also vary in number
and dimension dependant upon the overall configuration which the
canopy 20 is intended to assume. With reference to FIGS. 10 through
13, a plurality of configurations of the canopy 20 are
demonstrated. However the plurality of configurations disclosed are
by way of example only, in that a number of different
configurations may be assumed by the canopy 20 dependant upon the
size, number, dimension, etc. of the plurality of ribs 24 and their
associated conventional supporting struts 22.
[0036] With further reference to the hub assembly and as described
in detail in the above referenced, presently pending patent
applications, the main hub 18 and the secondary hub 26 may be
movable such as being rotatable about the pole 12. This allows the
plurality of ribs 24, the plurality of struts 22 and the canopy 20
to be selectively or otherwise rotated about the pole 12.
Therefore, the "location" of the shade created by the canopy 20 can
be changed to cover different areas on the boat or other
environment in which the umbrella assembly 10 is located. This
adjustability feature may be particularly advantageous when the
canopy structure has a configuration of the type disclosed in FIGS.
10 through 13.
[0037] In order to increase the strength and structural integrity
of the frame assembly and thereby by provide proper and adequate
support to the canopy structure 20, especially during high wind
conditions, a reinforcing assembly generally indicated as 29 in
FIGS. 7 through 9 is provided. The reinforcing assembly 29
facilitates the maintenance of the canopy 20 in an open condition
during the aforementioned high wind conditions, such as when the
boat 15 travels at relatively high speeds. More specifically, the
reinforcing assembly 29 includes at least one, but more
practically, a plurality of auxiliary struts 30 which also may be
loosely referred to as "wind struts". The number of auxiliary
struts 30 is preferably equal to the number of correspondingly
positioned, interconnected struts 22 and ribs 24. For purposes of
clarity, each of the plurality of correspondingly positioned ribs
24 and struts 22 can be considered and referred to herein as a
correspondingly positioned pair of ribs and struts 24 and 22
respectively. As such each of the plurality of ribs 24 is supported
by a correspondingly positioned strut 22, which is disposed in
interconnecting relation between that respective rib 24 and the
main hub member 18.
[0038] With specific reference to the reinforcing assembly 29, the
plurality of auxiliary ribs 30 are easily and selectively
positionable between a supporting, operative orientation as shown
in FIG. 7 and a non-supporting orientation as shown in FIG. 8. In
addition, each of the auxiliary struts 30 is preferably formed from
a high strength, light weight material, such as, but not limited,
to aluminum. The length of the auxiliary struts 30 may vary
dependent on the intended, overall shape of the canopy 20. As set
forth above, the configuration assumed by the canopy 20 when in its
expanded or open position may vary greatly as demonstrated in FIGS.
1, 1-A, and 10 through 13. Therefore, dimension, location and
number of the conventional support struts 22 may also vary to
properly orient the canopy 20 in the aforementioned preferred
configuration. Correspondingly, the number, dimension and overall
structure of each of the plurality of auxiliary struts 30 may vary
accordingly. When in their operative orientation as shown in FIG.
7, each of the auxiliary struts are interconnected to a different
one of the correspondingly positioned pair of ribs and struts 22
and 24 respectively. More specifically, when in an operative
orientation, the auxiliary struts 30 are interconnected between one
of the of support struts 22 and ribs 24.
[0039] Moreover, in order to facilitate quick and easy positioning
of the plurality of auxiliary struts 30 in their operative,
position shown in FIG. 7, a proximal end 32 of each auxiliary strut
30 is moveably (or removably) connected to the corresponding rib
member 24 preferably at a location substantially adjacent the hub
member 18. The opposite or distal end 34 of each of the auxiliary
struts 30 is preferably removably connected to a correspondingly
positioned rib 24 substantially at or adjacent the distal end of
the rib 24. As such, each of the auxiliary struts 30 may be quickly
and easily pivoted into and out of their supporting orientation of
FIG. 7, as indicated by phantom directional arrows 60 of FIG. 8.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention comprises the
auxiliary struts 30 being removably connected at both their
proximal ends 32 and their distal ends 34, such that when
positioning the canopy 20 in a closed orientation for storage,
detachment and removal of the auxiliary struts 30 from the position
shown in FIG. 8 may be easily and accomplished.
[0040] Removable connection of each of the opposite ends of 32 and
34 of each of the plurality of the auxiliary struts 30 can readily
be accomplished by a connector assembly somewhat similar to that
represented in FIG. 6, and generally indicated as 40. Structural
modifications of the connector assembly 40 of the type used to
moveably attach or connect both of the ends 32 and 34 to
correspondingly position struts 32 and ribs 24 include the use of a
"pull-pin" connector member of the type shown in FIG. 6A and
generally indicated as 42. The pull-pin connecter 42 would include
a loop or like member 44 on which a pulling force could be exerted,
wherein the elongated shaft 46 would pass through the aligned
apertures as at 48 formed in both in the connector assembly 40 and
the opposite ends 32 and 34 of the auxiliary strut 30. Upon removal
of the plurality of auxiliary struts 30, they could be collectively
stored with or in the general vicinity of the closed umbrella
assembly 10 aboard the boat or other water craft 15 on which the
umbrella assembly 10 is mounted.
[0041] However, while one embodiment of the present invention
comprises the removal of the auxiliary struts 30 it is emphasized
that the struts 30 can remain in the orientation of FIG. 8 and
allow for the closing of the umbrella assembly 10 with the struts
30 still maintained in their non-supporting orientation. In this
latter embodiment, the same or substantially similar connecting
assembly 40 and 42 of FIGS. 6 and 6A can be used to pivotally or
otherwise movably connect the proximal end 32 to a corresponding
strut 22, as described above. With reference to FIG. 9, only a
single auxiliary strut 30 is disclosed in its operative, supporting
position for purposes of clarity. More specifically, the auxiliary
strut 30 includes its proximal end 32 movably and/or removably
connected to the correspondingly positioned, conventional support
strut 22 and its opposite or proximal end 34 removably and moveably
connected to the correspondingly disposed rib 24.
[0042] Therefore, the umbrella assembly 10 includes specific
structural modifications which distinguishes it from a conventional
umbrella assembly at least in part due to an umbrella frame
assembly which allows it to be quickly secured to and removed from
a base 14, 14', wherein the base 14' can be secured to or generally
considered a part of a boat 15 such as, but not limited to, an
open-fisherman boat. Further, the operative and structural features
of the umbrella assembly 10 allow it to be maintained in its open
position during high or strong wind conditions such as wind
conditions encountered when the boat 15 is traveling at relatively
high speeds. Concurrently, the canopy 20 can remain in the open
position during travel of the marine craft 15 thereby providing
shade to the occupants in almost any environment in which the boat
is used.
[0043] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from the spirit or essential
characteristics thereof. Therefore, the embodiment(s) presented
herein to illustrate this invention are to be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive. In other words, the
scope of the invention should not be limited by the foregoing
description, but rather, should be considered as in connection with
following claims, and all modifications or other changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of these claims are
therefore intended to be embraced therein.
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