U.S. patent application number 11/187517 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-22 for umbrella with an integral anchoring structure.
This patent application is currently assigned to Wright Ventures, LLC. Invention is credited to Brooks, Edward J. III.
Application Number | 20050279391 11/187517 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46304879 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050279391 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brooks, Edward J. III |
December 22, 2005 |
Umbrella with an integral anchoring structure
Abstract
An umbrella with an integral anchoring structure is provided.
The umbrella includes a post having a lower end for insertion into
the ground, and an upper end for supporting an umbrella top. The
umbrella includes an integral spiral shaped anchoring structure
formed on the lower end of the post. The anchoring structure is
formed with a width, W, greater than a diameter of the post and a
length, L, which is adapted to stabilize a weight of the umbrella
and secure the umbrella and the post in a variety of earthen
conditions such as sand, lawn, and soil even in a prevailing breeze
or stormier conditions. The umbrella further includes one or more
retractable levers integrally attached along the post.
Inventors: |
Brooks, Edward J. III;
(Minneapolis, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Brooks & Cameron, PLLC
Suite 500
1221 Nicollet Avenue
Minneapolis
MN
55403
US
|
Assignee: |
Wright Ventures, LLC
|
Family ID: |
46304879 |
Appl. No.: |
11/187517 |
Filed: |
July 22, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11187517 |
Jul 22, 2005 |
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10810378 |
Mar 26, 2004 |
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10810378 |
Mar 26, 2004 |
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09862649 |
May 22, 2001 |
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6715503 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
135/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 2023/0012 20130101;
A45B 23/00 20130101; E04H 12/2223 20130101; A45B 3/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/016 |
International
Class: |
A45B 003/00; A45B
005/00 |
Claims
1. An umbrella with an integral anchoring structure, comprising: a
post having a lower end for insertion into the ground, and an upper
end for supporting an umbrella top; an integral spiral shaped
anchoring structure formed on the lower end of the post, the
anchoring structure is formed with a width, W, greater than a
diameter of the post and a length, L, which is adapted to stabilize
a weight of the umbrella and secure the umbrella and the post in a
variety of earthen conditions such as sand, lawn, and soil even in
a prevailing breeze or stormier conditions; and one or more
retractable levers integrally attached along the post.
2-30. (canceled)
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/810,378, filed Mar. 26, 2004, which was a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/862, 649, filed May
22, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,715,503, the specifications of which
are herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of outdoor
umbrellas, and in particular to umbrellas with an integral
anchoring structures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] When people enjoy the outdoors, such as having a picnic in
the countryside or going to the seashore, they often take with them
an outdoor umbrella to provide a retreat and shade from the rays of
the sun. Outdoor umbrellas generally consist of a retractable
umbrella top attached to a post. The post is inserted into the
ground by gripping the post and relying on arm strength to
forcefully insert the post into the earth. Typical ground
conditions for such an outdoor activity may include sand at the
beach, lawn in a backyard, or other soil conditions at other picnic
locations. These ground conditions are sometimes very compact
requiring a great deal of arm strength and effort to obtain
insertion of the post into the ground. In very compact ground
conditions only a shallow insertion can be achieved. Alternatively,
the user may carry with them a shovel or other digging device to
create a hole in the ground and then fill the hole back in once the
umbrella is inserted. A shallow insertion of the post into the
ground creates the risk that the umbrella may tip over under its
own weight or that in breezy conditions, or sudden wind gusts the
umbrella may be ripped out of the ground and strike person, let
alone the inconvenience of having to chase the umbrella down. The
shovel solution only adds to the amount and weight of baggage which
a person must transport with them on their excursion. And, even the
shovel solution may not provide enough compactness around the post
of the umbrella to firmly secure it in the earth enough to
withstand breezy conditions or sudden wind gusts.
[0004] There have been several attempts at developing outdoor
umbrellas which are easier for the user to insert in the earth,
that is which don't rely so greatly on arm strength and effort to
push the post into the ground. There have also been several
attempts at anchoring umbrellas into the ground in a secure manner.
Again, the purpose for anchoring umbrellas, such as beach umbrellas
and lawn umbrellas, securely in the ground is to prevent the
unwanted dislodgement of these umbrellas. One example of such
unwanted dislodgement can occur in windy or stormy conditions.
Under these conditions, air currents can catch hold of the umbrella
tearing the same from the ground. Umbrellas without anchoring
devices can generally be easy ripped from the ground under these
conditions. This results in a great deal of inconvenience to anyone
relying on the umbrella for shade, and may present a safety risk in
crowded places where a blowing umbrella could injure people in its
path. Another example of the unwanted dislodgement of umbrellas
includes the dislodgement of the umbrella under its own weight. For
instance, beach goers typically insert beach umbrellas into the
sand by first applying weight and pressure to the umbrellas post in
an effort to shove the post into the sand. In the case of loose
sand, it may not be difficult to insert the post to a reasonable
depth within the sand. However, in such loose sand, the weight of
the umbrella top, itself, may cause the umbrella to tip over
freeing the umbrella from its insertion in the sand. Alternatively,
in the case of compact sand, it may be significantly more difficult
to insert the post to a reasonable depth within the sand. In this
case as well, the weight of the umbrella top itself can cause the
umbrella to tip over easily freeing the umbrella from its shallow
insertion in the sand. Both cases, present added inconvenience to
the user trying to position the umbrella to obtain shade.
Additionally, even if the umbrella does not tip over under its own
weight, such a shallow insertion into the sand leaves the umbrella
much more vulnerable to being ripped from the ground by wind and
breezes as mentioned above.
[0005] One attempt to resolve the above described problems is
provided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,699 to Perreault et al. The
Perreault patent discloses an anchoring device for an umbrella
post. The anchoring device includes a screw member attached to a
lower end of the umbrella post, which screw member can be
rotationally driven into the ground for the purpose of securing the
umbrella in place. Unfortunately, the device described by Perreault
involves one or more separate attachments to an umbrella. Like
carrying a separate shovel, this solution only adds to the amount
and weight of baggage which a person must transport with them on
their excursion. Typically, a beachgoer is already heavily laden
with items such as beach chairs, umbrella, cooler, towels, and
other beach toys when walking to the beach. Thus, any additional
items to keep up with present an added hassle. Each additional item
makes the outdoors travelers baggage more weighty and cumbersome.
Attaching such separate parts to the umbrella further presents an
added time delay to the beachgoer beginning their relaxation and
enjoyment of the shore or other outdoor activity. In at least one
embodiment of the Perrault patent, the device may even require
additional tools for the fastening of a bolt across the umbrella
post and the external tubular sleeve. Further, the device described
in Perrault relys solely and entirely on a set of handles as the
only means for turning a screw member of the hollow, external
tubular member/sleeve, in which an umbrella post is inserted, to
obtain insertion into the ground. Thus, any downward pressure for
driving the tubular member into the ground while turning the screw
must come entirely from the individual's arms and upper body
strength. For younger individuals or those who are less muscularly
developed the reliance solely and entirely on the set of handle can
still prove too difficult a challenge to muster enough downward
force in those cases where the ground is comprised of compact dirt
or sand.
[0006] In another embodiment of Perrault, the screw member and
handle are two seperately detachable parts. As mentioned above the
screw member may require additional tools to attach requiring more
baggage and consuming more leisure time. Also in this embodiment,
the handles rely solely on a frictional grip to grab the umbrella
post. In many instances this solution may not prove secure enough
to obtain the necessary force to insert the post into the ground.
In other words, the handle portion always possesses the inherent
possibility of slipping along the umbrella post from the force of
any downward pressure applied to the handle set. These factors can
further complicate any effort to insert, position, and stabilize
the umbrella in the ground, again adding to the individuals
inconvenience.
[0007] Another approach is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,246 to
Derkoski. The Derkoski patent appears to provide improvements over
the device described in the above patent to Perrault. In Derkoski,
reference is made to the Perrault and other attempts at anchoring
umbrellas into the ground in a secure manner. The Derkoski patent
describes the prior art attempts as generally effective in securing
an umbrella post into dirt, or into sand on calm days, but that
they provide less than adequate results on windy days.
Specifically, the Derkoski patent describes the prior art, such as
Perrault, as susceptible to being easily ripped out of sand or
loose dirt if an umbrella secured thereby is subjected to windy
conditions. Accordingly, the Derkoski patent goes on to describe an
anchoring device having an auger circumferentially disposed around
the device. The auger preferably includes a radially outward edge
which is upwardly curved to give the auger a generally scoop-shaped
configuration in an effort to firmly hold earthen material.
Nonetheless, the Derkoski device like the Perrault patent suffers
from a number of inherent drawbacks.
[0008] In Derkoski, one embodiment is described as a shaft having a
first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal end, and a given
length, said second longitudinal end being adapted to accommodate a
beach umbrella post. In other words, the anchoring device is
separate from the umbrella. At least one handle is coupled to the
separate shaft. A spiral-shaped member is connected to, and extends
beyond the first longitudinal end of the shaft, and outwardly a
first distance therefrom, to facilitate entry of the anchoring
device into the ground. Further, an auger is disposed
circumferentially around the shaft and has a curved bottem edge to
facilitate entry of the auger into the ground, the auger having an
upwardly curved radial outward edge to form a scooped-shaped
configuration to firmly hold earthen material in a manner which
restricts withdrawal of said auger from the ground. Also, the auger
extends outwardly from the shaft a second distance greater than
said first distance. And, a means is necessary for fastening the
shaft to the umbrella post.
[0009] As mentioned above, this described embodiment suffers from a
number of the same shortcomings described in connection with the
Perrault device. That is, the Derkoski umbrella adds additional
item(s) to the cumbersome baggage which the outdoors goer already
has to transport. Additionally, the device if metal can be quite
weighty. Further, with just handles, the device still relies
entirely on the arm strength of the user to provide the downward
force, turning the spiral-shaped member and the auger into the
ground. However, the addition of the auger to the Derkoski umbrella
requires an additional magnitude of force to lodge the auger into
the ground and creates an additional sharp edged protrusion which
reduces the umbrellas compactness for ease of transport.
[0010] In another embodiment of Derkoski, the anchoring device is
described as having the same components, but with all of the
components being integral with the umbrella. While this embodiment
may avoid the burden of having an additional members to carry, it
still presents a cumbersome situation since the auger extends
rather awkwardly from the umbrella making the overall diameter of
the umbrella unsuited to transporting in a carrying case. This is
further compounded by the fact that the handles in Derkoski are in
no way retractable. In addition, the fact that the handles are not
retractable presents the inconvenience that the handles can easily
poke, snag, or otherwise interfere with a person moving or situated
under and around the umbrella. Also, as before, the only mechanism
for applying downward force and inserting the auger into the ground
must come from arm strength applied to the handles.
[0011] Accordingly, as will be apparent from reading the above
description, a structure for outdoor umbrellas is still needed
which affords improved ability to secure the umbrella into the
earth. A structure for an umbrella is desired which affords
stability and flexible positioning of the umbrella, such as on an
angle, while still being able to withstand stormy and windy
conditions without being unearthed. Likewise, it is desirable that
the improved umbrella structure be such that the umbrella is light
and manageable to transport without requiring separate components
or tools. And finally, it is desirable to develop an improved
outdoor umbrella which incorporates all of the above traits and
provides a means for inserting the umbrella into the ground without
having to rely entirely on the arm strength of an individual and in
which the insertion aid does not remain an obstacle or hindrance
which could poke, snag or otherwise interfere with a person moving
or situated under and around the umbrella.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] A solution to the above described problems associated with
earlier devices and methods for inserting, securing and flexibly
positioning outdoor umbrellas into the ground will be known and
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and
studying the following description. An improved umbrella with
integral anchoring structure is provided. The improved device
provides additional resistance to the umbrella toppling over under
its own weight and from being unearthed in stormy and windy
conditions. The device provides a means for facilitating the
insertion of the anchoring structure into the ground without having
to rely entirely on the arm strength of the individual. As will be
clear from reading this disclosure, the insertion aid does not
remain an obstacle or hindrance which could poke, snag or otherwise
interfere with a person moving or situated under and around the
umbrella when the umbrella is in use or when the umbrella is in
transport. Additionally, the improved umbrella is light and
manageable to transport without requiring separate components or
tools.
[0013] One example of the present invention includes an umbrella
with an integral anchoring structure. The umbrella includes a post
having a lower end for insertion into the ground, and an upper end
for supporting an umbrella top. The umbrella includes an integral
spiral shaped anchoring structure formed on the lower end of the
post. The anchoring structure is formed with a width, W, greater
than a diameter of the post and a length, L, which is adapted to
stabilize a weight of the umbrella and secure the umbrella and the
post in a variety of earthen conditions such as sand, lawn, and
soil even in a prevailing breeze or stormier conditions. The
umbrella further includes one or more retractable levers integrally
attached along the post which can lock and unlock to aid in
inserting the umbrella into the ground and which do not remain an
obstacle or hindrance which could poke, snag or otherwise interfere
with a person moving or situated under and around the umbrella when
the umbrella is in use or when the umbrella is in transport.
[0014] These and other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and
features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the
description which follows, and in part will become apparent to
those skilled in the art by reference to the following description
of the invention and referenced drawings or by practice of the
invention. The aspects, advantages, and features of the invention
are realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities,
procedures, and combinations particularly pointed out in the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an umbrella including an
integral anchoring structure according to the teachings of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of an integral anchoring
structure from FIG. 1 according to the teachings of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates in greater detail a first pair of
retractable levers locked in a first position, as also shown in
FIG. 1, according to the teachings of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates the first pair of retractable levers from
FIG. 3 in both a retractable motion and in a second position
parallel to a post of the umbrella according to the teachings of
the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates in greater detail a second pair of
retractable levers locked in a first position, as also shown in
FIG. 1, according to the teachings of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates the second pair of retractable levers
from FIG. 5 in both a retractable motion and in a second position
parallel to a post of the umbrella according to the teachings of
the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view for one embodiment
of the one or more retractable levers, according to the teachings
of the present invention, such as taken along cut line 7-7 in FIG.
3.
[0022] FIGS. 8A-8E illustrate a number of views showing in greater
detail one embodiment of an actionable hinged portion of the one or
more retractable levers according to the teachings of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 9 illustrates in more detail one embodiment by which
the one or more retractable levers can be releasably secured in a
second position parallel to the post of the umbrella according to
the teachings of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 10 illustrates in more detail another embodiment by
which the one or more retractable levers can be releasably secured
in a second position parallel to the post of the umbrella according
to the teachings of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 11 illustrates in more detail another embodiment by
which the one or more retractable levers can be releasably secured
in a second position parallel to the post of the umbrella according
to the teachings of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of an umbrella including
an anchoring structure according to the teachings of the present
invention when the same is in use.
[0027] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of an umbrella including
an anchoring structure according to the teachings of the present
invention when the umbrella has the one or more retractable levers
retracted in a second position parallel to a length of the post and
the post is broken down for transport or storage, such as in an
umbrella carrying case.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] In the following detailed description of the invention,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part
hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific
embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The
embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be
made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view on an umbrella 100 including an
integral anchoring structure according to the teachings of the
present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the umbrella includes an
umbrella top 102 as the same are known and understood by those of
ordinary skill in the art. For example, in one embodiment, the
umbrella top 102 includes a conventional retractable umbrella top
102. The retractable umbrella top 102 is attached by know means to
a post as the same will be know and understood by one of ordinary
skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. According to the
teachings of the present invention the post can include a single
continuous post, or alternatively can include a sectional post
having any number of sections such that the umbrella 100 can be
broken down into sections for ease of transport. Each of these post
embodiments will be recognized and understood by one of ordinary
skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. For ease of
reference, the remaining disclosure will make reference to an
umbrella 100 having a post which can be sectioned into two parts.
However, the invention is not so limited. FIG. 1 provides an
illustration a two-sectional post embodiment for an umbrella
100.
[0030] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the retractable umbrella
top 102 is supported by and attached to an upper post 104 of the
umbrella 100. As mentioned above, outdoor umbrellas generally
include a sectional post such that the umbrella can be conveniently
broken down into one or more sections for easier transport. Thus,
by way of illustration and not by way of limitation, umbrella 100
includes an upper post portion 104 and a lower post portion 106. In
one embodiment of use as will be recognized by one of ordinary
skill in the art, the upper post portion 104 of a two-sectional
post often is tapered at its lower end 105 so that the upper post
can be inserted into an opening in an upper end 107 of the lower
post portion 106 and thus rigidly clasp together. Such methods for
attaching sectional posts for outdoor umbrellas are known and will
be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this
disclosure. The invention is not so limited.
[0031] According to the teachings of the present invention and as
shown in FIG. 1, the lower post 106 of the umbrella 100 includes
one or more retractable levers, shown generally as 108 and 110,
which are integrally attached to the post. The embodiment shown in
FIG. 1, illustrates that the one or more retractable levers, 108
and 110, are integrally attached to the lower post 106. However,
the invention is not so limited and the one or more retractable
levers, 108 and 110, can anywhere along a length of the upper post
104 or the lower post 106. In FIG. 1, a first pair of retractable
levers 108 are illustrated integrally attached to the lower post
106 near the upper end 107 of the lower post 106. In this
disclosure the first pair of retractable levers 108 can serve as a
pair of retractable arm levers 108. As will be explained in more
detail below, one advantage of the one or more retractable arm
levers 108 is that the arm levers 108 can be locked into a first
position, shown in FIG. 1, perpendicular to the length of the
umbrella post 106 to enable a user to apply downward pressure using
their arms through a rotational, turning movement of the umbrella
post 106 to obtain insertion of the lower post 106 into the ground.
However, once the same is completed, the one or more retractable
arm levers 108 can be unlocked or dislodged from the first position
and retracted into a second position parallel to the length of the
post 106, shown in FIG. 4, so that the one or more retractable arm
levers 108 do not poke, snag, or otherwise interfere with a person
moving or situated under and around the umbrella 100. Similarly,
the one or more retractable arm levers 108 facilitate an ease of
transport of the umbrella 100 once the same are retracted into the
second position.
[0032] According to the teachings of the present invention and as
shown in FIG. 1, a second pair of retractable levers 108 are
illustrated integrally attached to the lower post 106 near the
lower end 111 of the lower post 106. In this disclosure the pair of
retractable levers 108 can serve as a pair of retractable foot
levers, foot pedals, etc 108. As mentioned above, any number of
retractable levers can be included. The invention is not limited to
just a pair of retractable arm levers 108 or to just a pair of
retractable foot levers 110. As will be explained in more detail
below, one advantage of the one or more retractable foot levers 110
is that the foot levers 110 can be locked into a first position,
shown in FIG. 1, perpendicular to the length of the umbrella post
106 to enable a user to apply downward pressure using their feet
through a rotational, turning movement of the lower post 106 to
obtain added downward force or assistance, in complement to the
above described downward arm pressure, in order to facilitate
insertion of the lower post into the ground. However, as before,
one the same is completed, the one or more retractable foot levers
110 can be unlocked or dislodged from the first position and
retracted into a second position parallel to the length of the
umbrella post 106, shown in FIG. 6, so that the one or more
retractable foot levers 110 do not poke, snag, or otherwise
encumber a person moving or situated under and around the umbrella
100. Similarly, the one or more retractable foot levers 110
facilitate an ease of transport of the umbrella 100 once the same
are retracted into the second position.
[0033] According to the teachings of the present invention and as
shown in FIG. 1, the lower end 111 of the lower post 106 includes
and integral anchoring structure 112. In the embodiment, shown in
FIG. 1, the integral anchoring structure 112 includes an integral
spiral shaped anchoring structure 112. In the invention, the
integral spiral shaped anchoring structure aids and serves to
facilitate an insertion of the lower post 106 into the ground and
retention therein upon being so inserted. As one of ordinary skill
in the art will understand upon reading this disclosure, the
integrally formed spiral shaped anchoring structure 112 serves two
purposes. One purpose includes an added ease for inserting the
lower post 106 into the earth in conjunction with the above
described rotational downward force enabled by the one or more
retractable arm and foot levers, 108 and 110 respectively. This
includes insertion of the integral spiral shaped anchoring
structure into compact ground conditions whether the compact ground
includes sand, lawn, soil or other earthen material. A second
purpose includes the fact that the integral anchoring structure 112
is formed with a width, W, greater than a diameter of the post 106
and a length, L, which is adapted to stabilize a weight of the
umbrella and secure the umbrella and the post in a variety of
earthen conditions such as sand, lawn, and soil even in a
prevailing breeze or stormier conditions. As one of ordinary skill
in the art will understand upon reading this disclosure, the above
described upper post section 104, lower post section 106, the
integral anchoring structure 112, and the one or more retractable
handles 108 and 110 can be formed from a material selected from the
group consisting of wood, metal, or rigid plastic. According to the
teachings of the present invention, the ability to fabricate the
above recited components of the invention from the same or similar
materials provides for a streamlined manufacturing process and
reduces manufacturing costs. As one of ordinary skill in the art
will understand upon reading this disclosure, a number of shapes
and structural designs for the upper post section 104, lower post
section 106, the integral anchoring structure 112, and the one or
more retractable handles 108 and 110 are suited to the teachings of
the present invention. Some are presented here for ease of
illustration, but the invention is not so limited. The invention is
to be defined by the aspects, advantages, and features of included
claims and equivalents thereof. Hence, by way of example, the
integral anchoring structure 112 includes variants on the
illustrated integral spiral shaped anchoring structure 112 to
embrace other spiral shaped configurations or auger like structures
as limited only by the description contained herein.
[0034] As mentioned above, the integral components of the present
invention, e.g. including the upper post section 104, lower post
section 106, the integral anchoring structure 112, and the one or
more retractable handles 108 and 110, can be formed from a number
of commercially suited materials. Thus, according to one embodiment
of the invention, the above described integrally connected
components are formed of rigid plastic, such as injection molded
plastic, which can be easily fabricated. However, in other
embodiments, other materials such as wood and metal are conceived
within the scope of the present invention to form the components,
or any combination thereof. As one of ordinary skill in the art
will understand upon reading this disclosure, the integrally
connected structure of the present invention affords an added level
of convenience for the transport of the umbrella 100 of the present
invention since the user does not have to keep track of multiple,
separate pieces or components. Further, as one of ordinary skill in
the art will understand upon reading this disclosure, the integral
anchoring structure 112 is formed with a width, W, greater than a
diameter of the post 106 and a length, L, which is adapted to
stabilize the weight of the umbrella and secure the same in a
variety of earthen conditions such as sand, lawn, and soil, even in
a prevailing breeze or stormier conditions. But also, noteably as
discussed in more detail below, the integral anchoring structure
112 is formed with a width, W, and a length, L, which are
reasonably scaled such that these dimensions facilitate an ease of
transport for the umbrella 100 within an umbrella carrying case. As
such, the width, W, and a length, L, of the integral anchoring
structure 112 do not present the cumbersome, protruded, and bulky
dimensions exhibited in many prior art approaches. The features of
the present invention obviate a need for these cumbersome,
protruded, and bulky dimensions by the features and
instrumentalities of the present inventions advantageous
design.
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of an integral anchoring
structure 112 from FIG. 1 according to the teachings of the present
invention. That is FIG. 2 illustrates, in enlarged detail, one
embodiment of the integral anchoring structure 212 formed on the
lower end of the post 206. FIG. 2 is useful for better illustrating
an embodiment of the width, W, and length, L, dimensions of the
anchoring structure 212 according to the teachings of the present
invention. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention,
the umbrella post 206 has a diameter, d, of approximately 1-2
inches as are generally found with conventional outdoor umbrellas.
In this embodiment, the integral spiral shaped anchoring structure
212 will have a width, W, of approximately two to three times the
diameter of the umbrella posts 204 and 206. That is, the integral
spiral shaped anchoring structure will have a width, W, of
approximately 2-6 inches. As one of ordinary skill in the art will
understand upon reading this disclosure, such a width, W, is well
suited for grasping and holding earthen material while at the same
time not creating such a protrusion on the end of the umbrella so
as to inhibit the transport or the storage of the umbrella post 206
having the integral anchoring structure within an umbrella carrying
case. Instead, the umbrella post 206 having the integral anchoring
structure can be transported and stored with the same amount of
ease as a conventional umbrella.
[0036] According to the teachings of the present invention, the
length, L, of the integral spiral shaped anchoring structure 212
has a vertical length of approximately 3 to 12 inches. As one of
ordinary skill in the art will understand upon reading this
disclosure, such a length, L, is well suited for providing a deep
enough penetration of the anchoring structure 212 and post into the
ground for securely grasping and holding earthen material in a
variety of earthen conditions such as sand, lawn, and soil, even in
a prevailing breeze or stormier conditions, while at the same time
not creating such a protrusion on the end of the umbrella so as to
inhibit the transport or the storage of the umbrella post 206
having the integral anchoring structure within an umbrella carrying
case or elsewhere. As noted above, in one embodiment, the integral
anchoring structure 212 is formed from rigid plastic, e.g injection
molded plastic, such that the umbrella remains light in weight and
does not present a clunky, dangerous, or protrusive structure. The
above is provided as an illustrative example only of one or more
embodiments for the present invention and is not to be taken in a
limiting sense. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand
upon reading this disclosure, that other widths, W, and lengths, L,
are included within the scope of the present invention in order to
achieve the desired results set forth herein and are limited only
by the description of the desired results contained herein.
[0037] One advantage afforded by the above described embodiment,
and which is intended in all embodiments of the invention, is to
have a width, W, and length, L, for the integral spiral shaped
anchoring structure 212 which is not unduly cumbersome or obtrusive
such that the anchoring structure 212 becomes unwieldy for
transport and storage, e.g. storage in an umbrella carrying bag. At
the same time, the above described embodiments for width, W, and
length, L, to the integral anchoring structure 212 will facilitate
an ease of insertion of the anchoring structure 212 and post 206
into the ground. Additionally the above described embodiments for
width, W, and length, L, to the integral anchoring structure 212,
when inserted into the ground, will provide added resistance to the
umbrella toppling over under its own weight, or being retracted
unintendedly from the ground under breezy or stormy conditions,
e.g. wind gust. Further, the integral anchoring structure 212
further provides flexibility in desirably positioning the umbrella
100 for maximal shade, e.g. at an angle, which provides additional
convenience for the user.
[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates in greater detail a first pair of
retractable levers 308 locked in a first position according to the
teachings of the present invention. That is, FIG. 3 illustrates, in
enlarged detail, one embodiment of the one or more arm levers shown
as 108 in FIG. 1. The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 illustrates a pair
of retractable arm levers 308 integrally formed on opposite sides
of the lower post 306 near the upper end 307 of the lower post 306
for applying a rotational, downward force, using the arms, for
inserting the lower post 306 and integral anchoring structure
described above into the ground. In one embodiment of the
invention, the lower end of the post 306 narrows to a point at the
very bottom of the post 306. As shown in FIG. 3, in one embodiment
the pair of retractable arm levers 308 include a pair of arm
handles, or hand posts, grips, etc. 309 which are pivotally
connected at one end respectively to the to the upper end 307 of
the lower post 306. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the pair of
arm handles are pivotally connected to the post 306 by a pin 320.
As shown in FIG. 3 the pin passes through a set of protruded
members 321 on one side of the post 306 (e.g. a "dog ear"), which
in this embodiment is integrally formed to the post, through the
arm handles 309, and then through a complimentary set of protruded
members (not shown) on the other side of the post 306. As one of
ordinary skill in the art will recognize upon reading this
disclosure, the protruded members 321 can be formed of the same
material as the post, e.g. injection molded plastic members 321.
Also, as one of ordinary skill in the art will understand upon
reading this disclosure, the pin 320 can include an aluminum, or
other metal alloy pin 320, or even plastic. The invention is not so
limited. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand upon
reading this disclosure, the manner in which such a described pin
320 can be passed through the set of protruded members 321 on one
side of the post 306, through the arm handles 309, and then through
a complimentary set of protruded members on the other side of the
post 306 and affixed to the protruded members 321 such that the arm
handles 309 are pivotally connected to the post 306. One of
ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate and understand
upon reading this disclosure, that these described components and
their formation provide for a streamlined and cost efficient
fabrication process, and even more so in an embodiment in which the
pair of arm handles are similarly formed of the same material as
the post 306.
[0039] According to the teachings of the present invention, the
pair of arm handles 309 with their pivotal connection to the post
306 are actionable through a range of motion. That is, in this
embodiment, the pair of arm handles can rotate about the pivotal
connection, provided by the pin 320 and the protruded members,
between a first position shown in FIG. 3 and a second position
shown subsequently in FIG. 4. In FIG. 3, the arm levers 308 are
shown with the arm handles 309 locked in a first position,
perpendicular to a length of the lower post 306 to enable a user to
apply downward pressure, using their arms, to the post 306 for
inserting the post 306 into the ground. Further, as will be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this
disclosure and as described in more detail herein, the arm handles
309, locked in the first position, enable a user to apply downward
pressure to the post 306 through a rotational, turning movement of
the arm handles 309 and consequently the post 306 to facilitate and
obtain an easier insertion of the lower post 306 and its
complimentary, integral spiral shaped anchoring structure into the
ground even in compact earthen conditions.
[0040] In one embodiment according to the teachings of the present
invention, at least one of the one or more retractable arm levers
309 pivotally connected to the lower post section further includes
an actionable hinged portion 311, or member, which is pivotally
connected at one end to the at least one retractable arm lever 309
a distance from the pivotal connection of the retractable arm lever
309 to the lower post 306. In one embodiment, as explained in more
detail below, the actionable hinged portion 311 includes a single
continuous rigid member 311. In another embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 3, the actionable hinged portion 311 includes an actionable
hinged portion 311 having two rigid members connected together at a
first end of the two rigid members. In this embodiment, a first one
of the two rigid members is pivotally connected at its second end
to the retractable handle 309 a distance, dh, from the pivotal
connection 320 of the retractable handle 309 to the lower post
section 306 and the two rigid members are connected together at the
first end of each by a pin.
[0041] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3, each of the arm levers
308 includes an actionable hinged portion 311, respectively. In
this embodiment, from the aligned position of the the two rigid
members shown in FIG. 3 the two rigid members can hinge act their
connection in only one direction, as indicated by the arrow, toward
the pivotal connection 320 of the arm handles 309 to the post 306.
The actionable hinged portion 311 includes a two rigid members,
312A and 312B, connected together at a first end 313 of the two
rigid members 312A and 312B. As explained in more detail below in
connection with one embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A-8E, the two rigid
members 312A and 312B can hinge at their connection 313 in only one
direction, from the aligned state of the two rigid members 312A and
312B shown in FIG. 3, inward toward the post 306 and upward toward
the pivotal connection 320 of the arm handles 309 to the post 306.
According to the teachings of the present invention, when the two
rigid members 312A and 312B are aligned, as shown in FIG. 3, the
two rigid members are locked at their connection 313 from hinging
any further, e.g. in a direction outward from the post 306 and
downward away from the pivotal connection of the arm handles 309 to
the post.
[0042] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3 and as discussed in
more detail below, the two rigid members, 312A and 312B, are
connected together at a first end by a hinge 313. One of ordinary
skill in the art will understand upon reading this disclosure, that
the hinge 313 can include a pin 313, as described above, passing
through interleaved portions of the two rigid members, 312A and
312B. More detail of one such embodiment is provided in connection
with FIGS. 5A-8E below. However, one of ordinary skill in the art
will understand upon reading this disclosure, that the actionable
hinged portion 311 is capable of rigidly aligning the two rigid
members, 312A and 312B, when the arm handles 309 are in the first
position, as shown in FIG. 3, such that the arm handles 309 can be
locked. Thus, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that
the actionable hinged portion 311 can include other actionable
hinged portion 311 configurations or structural designs, e.g. a
spring hinge. The invention is not so limited. The invention is to
be defined by the aspects, advantages, and features of included
claims and equivalents thereof. What is important, however, is that
the two rigid members, 312A and 312B in the embodiment of FIG. 3,
or that a single continuous rigid member serving as the actionable
hinged portion 311 in alternative embodiments, can lock when the
arm handles 309 are in the first position.
[0043] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the two rigid members 312A and
312B are hinged together in the middle of the two rigid members
312A and 312B. A first one 312A of the two rigid members 312A and
312B is further pivotally connected at its second end 317A to a
portion on the arm handle 309 a distance, e.g. distance dh, from
the pivotal connection 320 of the arm member 309 to the lower post
306. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand from reading
this disclosure, that the pivotally connection of a first one 312A
of the two rigid members, 312A and 312B, at its second end 317A to
the arm handles can be achieved using a pin 316, as described
above. That is, in one embodiment, the arm handles include a hollow
underbelly, as shown in the cross sectional view embodiment of FIG.
7, such that the second end 317A of the first one 312A of the two
rigid members, 312A and 312B, can fit underneath the arm handles
309 within the hollow underbelly. In this embodiment, the pin 316,
passes through one side of the arm handles 309, through the second
end 317A of the first one 312A of the two rigid members, 312A and
312B, and through the other side of the arm handles 309. The pin
316 can be formed of similar materials as those described for pin
320 above and can be affixed to the two sides of the arm handles
309 as described above for pin 320 to provide rotational movement
of the actionable hinged portion 311 through a range of motion
about pin 316.
[0044] In order to facilitate the same, a second end 317B of a
second one 312B of the two rigid members 312A and 312B in the
embodiment of FIG. 3, or a second end of a single continuous rigid
member serving as the actionable hinged portion 311 in alternative
embodiments, is freely slidable along the lower post 306. In the
embodiment of FIG. 3, when the arm handle 309 is in the first
position, fully perpendicular to the lower post 306, the first and
the second ones, 312A and 312B, of the two rigid members are
aligned, and the second end 317B of the second one 312B one of the
two rigid members 312A and 312B can be forced into an integral
groove 315 in the lower post 306. These integral grooves 315 in the
lower post 306 are shown in FIG. 3 on opposite sides of the post
306 underneath the arm handles 309. One of ordinary skill in the
art will appreciate and understand upon reading this disclosure,
that an end of a single continuous rigid member serving as the
actionable hinged portion 311 will similarly be seated into the
internal groove 315 of the post, according to the teachings of the
present invention. In such an alternative embodiment, the two rigid
members 312A and 312B of the embodiment of FIG. 3, and their
connection 313, are replaced by a single continuous rigid member
serving as the actionable hinged portion 311.
[0045] By way of illustration, and not by way of limitation, the
arm handles have a length of approximately 6 inches. The first one
312A of the two rigid members 312A and 312B is further pivotally
connected at its second end 317A to a portion on the arm handle 309
a distance, dh, of approximately 3 inches from the pivotal
connection 320 of the arm member 309 to the lower post 306. The
integral grooves 315 in the post 306 are located a distance of
approximately 3 inches below the pivotal connection of the arm
member 309 to the post 306. And, the actionable hinged portion,
including the two rigid members 312A and 312B, is approximately 3
inches. As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand upon
reading this disclosure, the second end 317B of the second one 312B
one of the two rigid members 312A and 312B can be seated in the
integral grooves when the arm handles 309 are in the first
position, shown in FIG. 3, and the two rigid members are aligned.
As FIG. 3 illustrates, the configuration of this embodiment forms
essentially an equilateral triangle shape between the actionable
hinged portion 311, the post 306, and the arm handles 309 and the
actionable hinged portion 311 is at a 45 degree angle to the post
306.
[0046] Again, the above lengths and distances are given by way of
example and not by way of limitation. One of ordinary skill in the
art will fully understand that other lengths for the arm handles,
distances of connection of the second end 317A of the first one
312A of the two rigid members, 312A and 312B, to the arm handles
from the pivotal connection 320 of the arm handles 309 to the post
306, and for the distance at which the integral grooves 315 are
located beneath the pivotal connection 320 of the arm handles 309
to the post 306 are included within the scope of the invention.
That is, a resulting configuration between the actionable hinged
portion 311, the post 306, and the arm handles 309 for another
embodiment of the invention can form a relationship which is not an
equilateral triangle in shape and for which the actionable hinged
portion 311 is at an angle greater than or less than 45 degrees in
reference to the post 306. As one of ordinary skill in the art will
understand upon reading this disclosure such adjustments can be
made and still achieve the inventive feature of locking the arm
handles 309 approximately perpendicular to the post 306 when in the
first position while seating the second end 317B of the second one
312B of the two rigid members, or an end of a single continuous
rigid member serving as the actionable hinged portion 311 in
alternative embodiments, into the integral groove 315 in the post
306. One of ordinary skill in the art will further understand upon
reading this disclosure, that the integral grooves 315 can be
replaced by an integral seat, or the like, extending outward from
the post 306 rather than the groove extending inward. The invention
is not so limited.
[0047] From the example embodiment described above and according to
the invention when the arm handles are in the first position
perpendicular to the post, the two rigid members can be locked in
alignment (one embodiment of the actionable hinged portion 311, or
locking means 311, is detailed below in connection with FIG. 8A-8E)
and the second end 317B of the second one 312B of the two rigid
members, 312A and 312B can be positioned or seated in the internal
groove 315 of the post. One of ordinary skill in the art will
further understand upon reading this disclosure that other
equivalent actionable hinged portions, or locking means 311, are
intended within the scope of the present invention. In this
arrangement, a user can apply a downward force and turning,
rotational force to the arm handles which maintains the rigid
alignment of the two rigid members, 312A and 312B, forceably seats
the second end 317B of the second one 312B of the two rigid
members, 312A and 312B, into the integral groove 315, and transfers
the downward force applied to the arm handle 309 along the now
fixedly aligned rigid members 312A and 312B and forcefully from the
second one 312B of the two rigid members 312A and 312B into the
groove 315. This downward and rotational transference of force is
further applied downward along the lower post 306 driving the lower
end of the post and the integral anchoring structure into the
ground.
[0048] As mentioned above, the actionable hinged portion 311 is
designed such that the two rigid members, 312A and 312B can only
rotate from the aligned state in shown in FIG. 3 in one direction
around their connection 313 at their respective first ends.
According to the teachings of the present invention, each one of
the two rigid members, 312A and 312B, can rotate through a range of
motion of 180 degrees toward the other one of the two rigid
members, 312A and 312B while the other one is held in place. Thus
the two rigid members, 312A and 312B, can hinge from the fixedly
and rigidly aligned state, e.g. when the arm handles 309 are in the
first position of FIG. 3, to collectively rotate through a range of
motion of 180 degrees allowing the two rigid members, 312A and
312B, to collapse toward one another until the two rigid members,
312A and 312B come to rest parallel to one another and bring the
arm handles to rest in a second position parallel to a length of
the post 306. As explained next in connection with FIG. 4, this
occurs with the simple application of thumb pressure in the
direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 3, e.g. an upward pressure at
connection 313 in the direction inward toward the post 306 and
upward toward the pivotal connection 320 of the arm handles 309 to
the post 306. The reciprocal motion occurs for bringing the arm
handles 309 from the second position parallel to the length of the
post 306 to the first position perpendicular to the length of the
post.
[0049] The above description illustrates one example of the manner
in which the arm handles 309 can be locked into a first position
perpendicular to a length of the post 306. However, the invention
is not so limited. That is, in another embodiment of the present
invention the actionable hinged portion 311 is replaced by a single
continuous rigid member formed on any of the materials described
above, e.g. rigid injection molded plastic, or equivalents thereof.
In this embodiment, a first end is pivotally connected to the arm
handles 309 as described above and a second end of the single
continuous rigid member is freely slidable along the post 306 and
can be positioned to seat in the integral groove 315 or integral
seat extending outward from the post 306. However, as one of
ordinary skill in the art will understand upon reading this
disclosure, when the single continuous rigid member is unseated
from the integral groove 315 the single continuous rigid member can
freely drop in a pivotal motion around the pin 320 to a position
parallel to the length of the post 306 to allow the arm handles 309
to collapse to a second position parallel to the length of the post
306. This second collapsed position of the arm handles 309 parallel
to the length of the post 306 is shown next in FIG. 4.
[0050] FIG. 4 illustrates the first pair of retractable levers 408
in both a retractable motion and in a second position parallel to
the post 406 of the umbrella according to the teachings of the
present invention. In FIG. 4, the arm handles 409 are shown
rotateably moving through 90 degrees to finally rest in a second,
unengaged position parallel position to the lower post 406. Again,
according to one embodiment described in connection with FIG. 3,
the range of motion of the arm handles 409 is actuated as easily as
applying an upward force, e.g. using a finger or thumb, to the
middle hinge 413 to disengage the hinged alignment, end to end, of
the two rigid members 412A and 412B. As the arm handles 409 are
released and rotated downward about their pivotal connection 420 to
the post 406, the two rigid members can collectively rotate through
a range of motion of 180 degrees about their pivotal connection 413
allowing the two rigid members to collapse toward one another until
the two rigid members, 412A and 412B come to rest parallel to one
another and the arm handles 409 come to rest in a second position
parallel to a length of the post 406. As one of ordinary skill in
the art will understand upon reading this disclosure, the action
described herein allows the freely slidable second end 417B of the
second one 412B of the two rigid members 412A and 412B to
releasably disengage from the integrally formed groove 415 in the
lower post 406 and freely slides upward as the first one 412A of
the two rigid members 412A and 412B collapses inward and pivots
about its pivotal connection 416 with the arm handles 409 and folds
flat against the length of the second one 412B the two rigid
members 412A and 412B. Alternatively, as mentioned above, if the
actionable hinged portion were replaced with the a single
continuous rigid member one end of the single rigid member would be
unseated from the integral groove 415 and allowed to freely slide
and drop downward along the post 406 while the other end of the
single continuous rigid member rotated about its pivotal connection
416 with the arm handles, again allowing the arm handles 409 to
rotate downward until coming to rest parallel to the length of the
post 406 in the second position. FIG. 4 thus illustrate an
inventive aspect of the invention in illustrating the arm handles
409 of the arm levers 408 retracted into a second position parallel
to the lower post 406 so that the one or more retractable arm
levers 408 do not poke, snag, or otherwise encumber a person moving
or situated under and around the umbrella when the umbrella is in
use. Similarly, another advantageous feature afforded by the
present invention is that the one or more retractable arm levers
408 facilitate an ease of transport and storage, such as in an
umbrella carrying case, once the same are retracted into the second
position. Also, as one of ordinary skill in the art will understand
upon reading this disclosure, a reciprocal motion to that described
above will return the arm handles 409 from the second position
parallel to the length of the post to a first position
perpendicular to a length of the post 406 such that the second end
417B of the second one 412B of the two rigid members 412A and 412B
can be reseated into the integral groove 415 for use of the arm
handles 409.
[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates in greater detail a second pair of
retractable levers 510 locked in a first position according to the
teachings of the present invention. That is, FIG. 5 illustrates, in
enlarged detail, one embodiment of the one or more foot levers
shown as 110 in FIG. 1. The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 illustrates
a pair of retractable foot levers 510 integrally formed on opposite
sides of the lower post 506 near the lower end 511 of the lower
post 506, above the integral anchoring structure, for applying a
rotational, downward force, using the feet, for inserting the lower
post 506 and integral anchoring structure described above into the
ground. In one embodiment of the invention, the lower end of the
post 506 narrows to a point at the very bottom of the post 506. As
shown in FIG. 5, in one embodiment the pair of retractable foot
levers 510 include a pair of foot handles, or foot pegs, posts,
grips, etc. 509 which are pivotally connected at one end
respectively to the to the lower end 511 of the lower post 506. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the pair of foot handles are
pivotally connected to the post 506 by a pin 520. As shown in FIG.
5 the pin passes through a set of protruded members 521 on one side
of the post 506 (e.g. a "dog ear"), which in this embodiment is
integrally formed to the post, through the foot handles 509, and
then through a complimentary set of protruded members (not shown)
on the other side of the post 506. As one of ordinary skill in the
art will recognize upon reading this disclosure, the protruded
members 521 can be formed of the same material as the post, e.g.
injection molded plastic members 521. Also, as one of ordinary
skill in the art will understand upon reading this disclosure, the
pin 520 can include an aluminum, or other metal alloy pin 520, or
even plastic. The invention is not so limited. One of ordinary
skill in the art will understand upon reading this disclosure, the
manner in which such a described pin 520 can be passed through the
set of protruded members 521 on one side of the post 506, through
the foot handles 509, and then through a complimentary set of
protruded members on the other side of the post 506 and affixed to
the protruded members 521 such that the foot handles 509 are
pivotally connected to the post 506. One of ordinary skill in the
art will further appreciate and understand upon reading this
disclosure, that these described components and their formation
provide for a streamlined and cost efficient fabrication process,
and even more so in an embodiment in which the pair of foot handles
509 and the pin 520 are similarly formed of the same material as
the post 506.
[0052] According to the teachings of the present invention, the
pair of foot handles 509 with their pivotal connection to the post
506 are actionable through a range of motion. That is, in this
embodiment, the pair of foot handles can rotate about the pivotal
connection, provided by the pin 520 and the protruded members,
between a first position shown in FIG. 5 and a second position
shown subsequently in FIG. 6. In FIG. 5, the foot levers 510 are
shown with the foot handles 509 locked in a first position,
perpendicular to a length of the lower post 506 to enable a user to
apply downward pressure, using their feet, to the post 506 for
inserting the post 506 into the ground. Further, as will be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this
disclosure and as described in more detail herein, the foot handles
509, locked in the first position, enable a user to apply downward
pressure to the post 506 through a rotational, turning movement of
the foot handles 509 and consequently the post 506 to facilitate
and obtain an easier insertion of the lower post 506 and its
complimentary, integral spiral shaped anchoring structure into the
ground even in compact earthen conditions. Thus, as described
herein, the action of the second pair of retractable levers 510 is
similar to that described above in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4
for the first pair of retractable levers.
[0053] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, each of the foot
levers 510 includes an actionable hinged portion 511, respectively.
In one embodiment, as described above, the actionable hinged
portion 511 includes a single continuous rigid member 511 which has
a hinged connection to the foot handles 509. However, in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the actionable hinged portion 511
includes two rigid members which are connected together at one end
by another hinge. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the two rigid
members 512A and 512B can hinge in only one direction, from the
aligned state when the foot handles are perpendicular to the length
of the post 506, toward the pivotal connection 520 of the foot
handles 509 to the post 506. The actionable hinged portion 511
includes a two rigid members, 512A and 512B, connected together at
a first end 513 of the two rigid members 512A and 512B. As
explained in more detail below in connection with one embodiment
shown in FIGS. 8A-8E, the two rigid members 512A and 512B can hinge
at their connection 513 in only one direction, from the aligned
state when the foot handles 509 are perpendicular to the length of
the post 506, inward toward the post 506 and upward toward the
pivotal connection 520 of the foot handles 509 to the post 506 as
shown by the arrow. According to the teachings of the present
invention, when the two rigid members 512A and 512B are aligned, as
shown in FIG. 5, the two rigid members are locked at their
connection 513 from hinging any further, e.g. in a direction
outward from the post 506 and downward away from the pivotal
connection of the foot handles 509 to the post, e.g. opposite the
arrow.
[0054] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5 and as discussed in
more detail below, the two rigid members, 512A and 512B, are
connected together at a first end by a hinge 513. One of ordinary
skill in the art will understand upon reading this disclosure, that
the hinge 513 can include a pin 513, as described above, passing
through interleaved portions of the two rigid members, 512A and
512B. More detail of one such embodiment is provided in connection
with FIGS. 8A-8E below. However, one of ordinary skill in the art
will understand upon reading this disclosure, that the actionable
hinged portion 511 is capable of rigidly aligning the two rigid
members, 512A and 512B, when the foot handles 509 are in the first
position, as shown in FIG. 5, such that the foot handles 509 can be
locked. Thus, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that
the actionable hinged portion 511 can include other actionable
hinged portion 511 configurations or structural designs, e.g. a
spring hinge. The invention is not so limited. The invention is to
be defined by the aspects, advantages, and features of included
claims and equivalents thereof. What is important, however, is that
the two rigid members, 512A and 512B, or the single continuous
rigid member serving as the actionable hinged portion 511 in other
embodiments, can lock when the foot handles 509 are in the first
position.
[0055] Thus, in the embodiment of FIG. 5 the two rigid members 512A
and 512B are hinged together in the middle of the two rigid members
512A and 512B. A first one 512A of the two rigid members 512A and
512B is further pivotally connected at its second end 517A to a
portion on the foot handle 509 a distance, e.g. distance df, from
the pivotal connection 520 of the foot handle 509 to the lower post
506. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand from reading
this disclosure, that the pivotally connection of a first one 512A
of the two rigid members, 512A and 512B, at its second end 517A to
the foot handles can be achieved using a pin 516, as described
above. That is, in one embodiment, the foot handles include a
hollow underbelly, as shown in the cross sectional view embodiment
of FIG. 7, such that the second end 517A of the first one 512A of
the two rigid members, 512A and 512B, can fit underneath the foot
handles 509 within the hollow underbelly. In this embodiment, the
pin 516, passes through one side of the foot handles 509, through
the second end 517A of the first one 512A of the two rigid members,
512A and 512B, and through the other side of the foot handles. The
pin 516 can be formed of similar materials as those described for
pin 520 above and can be affixed to the two sides of the foot
handles 509 as described above for pin 520 to provide rotational
movement of the actionable hinged portion 511 through a range of
motion about pin 516.
[0056] In order to facilitate the same, a second end 517B of a
second one 512B of the two rigid members 512A and 512B is freely
slidable along the lower post 506. However, when the foot handle
509 is in the first position, fully perpendicular to the lower post
506, the first and the second ones, 512A and 512B, of the two rigid
members are aligned, and the second end 517B of the second one 512B
one of the two rigid members 512A and 512B can be forced into an
integral groove 515 in the lower post 506. These integral grooves
515 in the lower post 506 are shown in FIG. 5 on opposite sides of
the post 506 underneath the foot handles 509.
[0057] By way of illustration, and not by way of limitation, the
foot handles have a length of approximately 6 inches. The first one
512A of the two rigid members 512A and 512B is further pivotally
connected at its second end 517A to a portion on the foot handle
509 a distance, df, of approximately 3 inches from the pivotal
connection 520 of the foot member 509 to the lower post 506. The
integral grooves 515 in the post 506 are located a distance of
approximately 3 inches below the pivotal connection of the foot
handle 509 to the post 506. And, the actionable hinged portion,
including the two rigid members 512A and 512B, is approximately 3
inches. As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand upon
reading this disclosure, the second end 517B of the second one 512B
one of the two rigid members 512A and 512B can be seated in the
integral grooves when the foot handles 509 are in the first
position, shown in FIG. 5, and the two rigid members are aligned.
As FIG. 5 illustrates, the configuration of this embodiment forms
essentially an equilateral triangle shape between the actionable
hinged portion 511, the post 506, and the foot handles 509 and the
actionable hinged portion 511 is at a 45 degree angle to the post
506.
[0058] Again, the above lengths and distances are given by way of
example and not by way of limitation. One of ordinary skill in the
art will fully understand that other lengths for the foot handles
509, distances of connection of the second end 517A of the first
one 512A of the two rigid members, 512A and 512B, to the foot
handles 509 from the pivotal connection 520 of the foot handles 509
to the post 506, and for the distance at which the integral grooves
515 are located beneath the pivotal connection 520 of the foot
handles 509 to the post 506 are included within the scope of the
invention. That is, a resulting configuration between the
actionable hinged portion 511, the post 506, and the foot handles
509 for another embodiment of the invention can form a relationship
which is not an equilateral triangle in shape and for which the
actionable hinged portion 511 is at an angle greater than or less
than 45 degrees in reference to the post 506. As one of ordinary
skill in the art will understand upon reading this disclosure such
adjustments can be made and still achieve the inventive feature of
locking the foot handles 509 approximately perpendicular to the
post 506 when in the first position while seating the second end
517B of the second one 512B of the two rigid members into the
integral groove in the post. One of ordinary skill in the art will
further understand upon reading this disclosure, that the integral
grooves 515 can be replaced by an integral seat, or the like,
extending outward from the post 506 rather than the groove
extending inward. The invention is not so limited.
[0059] From the example embodiment described above and according to
the invention when the foot handles 509 are in the first position
perpendicular to the post 506, the two rigid members can be locked
in alignment (one embodiment of the locking means is detailed below
in connection with FIG. 8A-8E) and the second end 517B of the
second one 512B of the two rigid members, 512A and 512B can be
positioned or seated in the internal groove 515 of the post. In
this arrangement, a user can apply a downward force and turning,
rotational force to the foot handles which maintains the rigid
alignment of the two rigid members, 512A and 512B, forceably seats
the second end 517B of the second one 512B of the two rigid
members, 512A and 512B, into the integral groove 515, and transfers
the downward force applied to the foot handle 509 along the now
fixedly aligned rigid members 512A and 512B and forcefully from the
second one 512B of the two rigid members 512A and 512B into the
groove 515. This downward and rotational transference of force is
further applied from the groove 515 downward along the lower post
506 driving the lower end of the post 506 and the integral
anchoring structure into the ground.
[0060] As mentioned above, the actionable hinged portion 511 is
designed such that the two rigid members, 512A and 512B can only
rotate, from the aligned state shown in FIG. 5, in one direction
around their connection 513 at their respective first ends.
According to this embodiment of the present invention, each one of
the two rigid members, 512A and 512B, can rotate through a range of
motion of 180 degrees toward the other one of the two rigid
members, 512A and 512B while the other one is held in place. Thus
the two rigid members, 512A and 512B, can hinge from the fixedly
and rigidly aligned state, e.g. when the foot handles 509 are in
the first position of FIG. 5, to collectively rotate through a
range of motion of 180 degrees allowing the two rigid members, 512A
and 512B, to collapse toward one another until the two rigid
members, 512A and 512B come to rest parallel to one another and
bring the foot handles to rest in a second position parallel to a
length of the post 506. As explained next in connection with FIG.
6, this occurs with the simple application of thumb pressure in the
direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 5, e.g. an upward pressure at
connection 513 in the direction inward toward the post 506 and
upward toward the pivotal connection 520 of the foot handles 509 to
the post 506. The reciprocal motion occurs for bringing the foot
handles 509 from the second position parallel to the length of the
post 506 to the first position perpendicular to the length of the
post 506.
[0061] The above description illustrates one example of the manner
in which the foot handles 509 can be locked into a first position
perpendicular to a length of the post 506. However, the invention
is not so limited. That is, in another embodiment of the present
invention the actionable hinged portion 511 is replaced by a single
continuous rigid member formed on any of the materials described
above, e.g. rigid injection molded plastic, or equivalents thereof.
In this embodiment, a first end is pivotally connected to the foot
handles 509 as described above and a second end of the single
continuous rigid member is freely slidable along the post 506 and
can be position to seat in the integral groove 515 or integral seat
extending outward from the post 506. However, as one of ordinary
skill in the art will understand upon reading this disclosure, when
the single continuous rigid member is unseated from the integral
groove 515 the single continuous rigid member can freely drop in a
pivotal motion around the pin 520 to a position parallel to the
length of the post 506 to allow the foot handles 509 to collapse to
a second position parallel to the length of the post 506. The
collapsed second position of the foot handles 509, parallel to the
length of the post 506, is shown next in FIG. 6.
[0062] FIG. 6 illustrates the second pair of retractable levers 610
in both a retractable motion and in a second position parallel to a
post 606 of the umbrella according to the teachings of the present
invention. In FIG. 6, the foot handles 609 are shown rotateably
moving through 90 degrees to finally rest in a second, unengaged
position parallel position to the lower post 606. Again, according
to one embodiment described in connection with FIG. 5, the range of
motion of the foot handles 609 is actuated as easily as applying an
upward force, e.g. using a finger or thumb, to the middle hinge 613
to disengage the hinged alignment, end to end, of the two rigid
members 612A and 612B. As the foot handles 609 are released and
rotated downward about their pivotal connection 620 to the post
606, the two rigid members can collectively rotate through a range
of motion of 180 degrees about their pivotal connection 613
allowing the two rigid members 612A and 612B to collapse toward one
another until the two rigid members, 612A and 612B come to rest
parallel a flat against one another and the foot handles 609 come
to rest in a second position parallel to a length of the post 606.
As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand upon reading
this disclosure, the action described herein allows the freely
slidable second end 617B of the second one 612B of the two rigid
members 612A and 612B to releasably disengage from the integrally
formed groove 615 in the lower post 606 and freely slide upward as
the first one 612A of the two rigid members 612A and 612B collapses
inward and pivots about its pivotal connection 616 with the foot
handles 609 and finally folds flat against the length of the second
one 612B the two rigid members 612A and 612B. Alternatively, as
mentioned above, if the actionable hinged portion were replaced
with the a single continuous rigid member one end of the single
rigid member would be unseated from the integral groove 615 and
allowed to freely slide and drop downward along the post 606 while
the other end of the single continuous rigid member rotated about
its pivotal connection 616 with the foot handles 609, again
allowing the foot handles 609 to rotate downward until coming to
rest parallel to the length of the post 606 in the second position.
FIG. 6 thus illustrates an inventive aspect of the invention is
illustrating the foot handles 609 of the foot levers 610 retracted
into a second position parallel to the lower post 606 so that the
one or more retractable foot levers 610 do not poke, snag, or
otherwise encumber a person moving or situated under and around the
umbrella when the umbrella is in use. Similarly, another
advantageous feature of the present invention is that the one or
more retractable foot levers 610 facilitate an ease of transport
and storage, such as in an umbrella carrying case, once the same
are retracted into the second position. Also, as one of ordinary
skill in the art will understand upon reading this disclosure, a
reciprocal motion to that described above will return the foot
handles 609 from the second position parallel to the length of the
post to a first position perpendicular to a length of the post 606
such that the second end 617B of the second one 612B of the two
rigid members 612A and 612B can be reseated into the integral
groove 615 for use of the foot handles 609.
[0063] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view for one embodiment
of the one or more retractable levers 708 taken along cut line 7-7
of FIG. 3 according to the teachings of the present invention. As
one of ordinary skill in the art will understand upon reading this
disclosure, the cross sectional view embodiment shown in FIG. 7 can
equally represent a cross sectional view of one embodiment of the
arm levers or foot levers described above. In the embodiment shown
in FIG. 7, the arm handle 709 includes an open or hollow underbelly
725 in order to more conformally seat to the post 706 when the arm
handle 709 is in the second position parallel to the length of the
post 706 (see FIGS. 4 and 6). The hollow underbelly 725 represents
one embodiment which easily facilitates an attachment of the
actionable hinged portion 711 in between opposing sides of the arm
handle 709. In one embodiment, the actionable hinged portion can be
attached using a pin 716 as described above. As one of ordinary
skill in the art will understand upon reading this disclosure, in
this embodiment the hollow underbelly 725 further allows the
actionable hinged portion 711 to seat underneath the hollow
underbelly 725 when the arm handle 709 is in the second position
parallel to the length of the post 706 (see FIGS. 4 and 6). As with
other features of the present invention, this feature provides for
a more compact closure to the arm handles and/or foot handles 709
for freeing up space under and around the umbrella when the
umbrella is in use and facilitates a greater ease in transport of
the umbrella, e.g. in fitting the umbrella into an umbrella
carrying case. As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand
upon reading this disclosure, a number of shapes and structural
designs for the arm handles 709 and the actionable hinged portion
711 are suited to the teachings of the present invention. Some are
presented here for ease of illustration, but the invention is not
so limited. The invention is to be defined by the aspects,
advantages, and features of included claims and equivalents
thereof.
[0064] In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the arm handle 709 is
illustrated with its pivotal connection to the post 706. According
to one embodiment as described above, the pivotal connection
includes a pin 720 passing through one of a set of protruded
members 721 on one side of the post 706 (e.g. a "dog ear"), which
in this embodiment is integrally formed to the post, through the
arm handles 709, and then through a complimentary one of the set of
protruded members 721 on the other side of the post 706. One of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate and understand upon
reading this disclosure, that these features, components, and
aspects of the present invention lend themselves to a streamlined
and cost efficient fabrication process for the same, and even more
so in an embodiment in which the pair of arm handles are similarly
formed of the same material as the post 706 and the set of
protruded members 721.
[0065] The embodiment shown in FIG. 7 further illustrates one
embodiment in which the actionable hinged portion 711 includes two
rigid members 712A and 712B. As already described, a first end 717A
of a first one 712A of the two rigid members is shown pivotally
connected to the arm handle 709 using a pin 716. The embodiment of
FIG. 7 further illustrates one embodiment in which the two rigid
members 712A and 712B are connected at a first end using a similar
pin 713. And, the embodiment of FIG. 7 further illustrates one
embodiment in which a second end 717B of a second one 712B of the
two rigid member 712A and 712B is seated in an integral groove 715
of the post 706. As described above, in alternative embodiments the
actionable hinged portion 711 can include a single continuous rigid
member 711 which pivotally connects 716 to the arm or foot lever
709 at one end and can seat in the integral groove 715 of the 706
at its other end. The invention is not so limited.
[0066] FIGS. 8A-8E illustrate a number of views showing in greater
detail one embodiment of an actionable hinged portion 811 of the
one or more retractable levers according to the teachings of the
present invention. As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 8A-8E, the
actionable hinged portion 811 includes a two rigid members, 812A
and 812B, connected together at a first end 813 of the two rigid
members 812A and 812B. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A-8E, the
actionable hinged portion is such that the two rigid members can
only collectively hinge through a range of motion of 180 degrees
about the hinge 813. Thus, from the aligned position shown in FIG.
8A the two rigid members 812A and 812B can hinge in only one
direction as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 8A. As noted in FIG. 3,
in one embodiment of the invention, the actionable hinged portion
811 can only hinge, from the end-to-end alignment of the two rigid
members 312A and 312B, toward the pivotal connection 320 of the arm
handles 309 to the post 306. That is, when connected to the arm
handles 309, the two rigid members 312A and 312B can hinge at their
connection 313 in only one direction, from the aligned position of
the two rigid member 312A and 312B, inward toward the post 306 and
upward toward the pivotal connection 320 of the arm handles 309 to
the post 306 (see FIG. 3). As one of ordinary skill in the art will
understand upon reading this disclosure, this feature of this
embodiment is advantages for several reasons. First, this
configuration allows the two rigid members 812A and 812B to fixedly
lock in the end-to-end alignment such that when attached to the arm
handles or foot handles and seated against the post, as described
above, the two rigid members will transfer a downward application
of force from the arm handles downward along the two rigid members
812A and 812B and further downward along the post without
collaspsing in the other direction. Second, when the arm handles
are in the second position parallel to the length of the post, the
actionable hinged member 811 is captured underneath the arm and out
of the way so as not to poke, snag, or otherwise interfere with a
person moving or situated under and around the umbrella when the
umbrella is in use and in order to further facilitate ease of
transport of the umbrella.
[0067] FIG. 8A illustrates an embodiment of the actionable hinged
portion 811 when the two rigid members 812A and 812B are fixedly
and rigidly aligned end-to-end. As shown in FIG. 8A, the two rigid
members 812A and 812B are locked at their connection 813 from
hinging any further in a direction away from the direction in which
the arrow is pointing, e.g. in a direction outward from the post
306 and downward away from the pivotal connection of the arm
handles 309 to the post 306 as shown in FIG. 3.
[0068] As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand upon
reading this disclosure, the two rigid members 812A and 812B can be
formed from a material selected from the group consisting of wood,
metal, or rigid plastic, e.g. injection molded plastic. According
to the teachings of the present invention, the ability to fabricate
the above recited components of the invention from the same or
similar materials provides for a streamlined manufacturing process
and reduces manufacturing costs.
[0069] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 8A, the two rigid
members, 812A and 812B, are connected together at a first end by a
hinge 813. In this embodiment, the hinge includes a pin 813,
passing through interleaved portions of the two rigid members, 812A
and 812B. According to the invention and as one of ordinary skill
in the art will understand upon reading this disclosure, the pin
813 can include any number of suitable material such as aluminum,
or other metal alloy, or even plastic. The invention is not so
limited and other equivalent connections or hinges 813, such as a
spring hinge are included within the scope of the present
invention.
[0070] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 8A, a first end of a
first one 812A of the two rigid members 812A and 812B is shown with
a rounded nub 821 as part of the interleaved portions of the two
rigid members 812A and 812B. In this embodiment, the pin 813 passes
through these rounded nub portions 821. As one of ordinary skill in
the art will understand upon reading the disclosure and as will be
more clear in reference to the remaining FIGS. 8B-8E, rounded nub
portions 821 allow the interleaved portions of the two rigid
members 812A and 812B to rotate around one another. As shown in the
embodiment of FIG. 8A, a second one 812B of the two rigid members
812A and 812B includes an indented channel region 823 which, as
will be further understood in reference to the remaining figures,
is adapted to receive and allow a portion of the first one 812A of
the two rigid members 812A and 812B to seat therein in an
interleaved fashion when the two rigid members 812A and 8121B are
in a collapsed position parallel and flat against one another such
as when the arm handles are in the second position parallel to the
length of the post (see FIG. 8C).
[0071] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 8A and as will be
understood from the remaining figures, when the two rigid members
812A and 812B are aligned a portion of each overlaps the other.
That is, as shown in FIG. 8A, a portion 825 of the second one 812B
of the two rigid members 812A and 8121B overlaps the rounded nub
portion 821 of the first one 812A of the two rigid members 812A and
812B and seats in a groove or channel therein so as to form an
interlocking tongue and groove, or meshed "teeth" configuration
(see FIGS. 8D and 8E). As one of ordinary skill in the art will
understand from reading this disclosure, this interlocking tongue
and groove, or meshed "teeth" configuration locks the two rigid
members 812A and 812B firmly against one another such that the two
rigid members 812A and 812B are fixedly aligned together end-to-end
and prevented from hinging any further in a direction opposite the
arrow shown in FIG. 8A once in alignment, end-to-end. A dashed line
is provided to indicate that the first one 812A of the two rigid
members 812A and 812B includes a similar overlap portion above a
rounded nub portion 821 of the second one 812B of the two rigid
members 812A and 812B to form this tongue and groove, or meshed
"teeth" configuration. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 8A, a
first one 812A of the two rigid members 812A and 812B includes a
hole 816 passed through one end. As one of ordinary skill in the
art will understand upon reading this disclosure, the hole 816 is
adapted to receive a pin, similar to pin 813, through this end of
the first one 812A of the two rigid members 812A and 812B so that
this end can be pivotally connected to the arm levers as described
in more detail in connection with FIG. 3 above.
[0072] FIG. 8B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 8A viewed from
the opposite side. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill
in the art upon reading this disclosure, the structure of the
actionable hinged portion 811 when viewed from this side mirrors
that described above.
[0073] FIG. 8C illustrates an embodiment of the actionable hinged
portion 811 when the two rigid members 812A and 812B are fully
collapsed parallel and flat against one another as when the arm
handles are in the second position parallel to the length of the
post. The embodiment shown in FIG. 8C, more clearly illustrates
that each one of the two rigid members 812A and 812B include a
rounded nub portion 821 interleaved together. The collapsed view of
FIG. 8C further illustrates the manner in which interleaved
portions of each one of the two rigid members 812A and 812B can
seat in the alternating channels, e.g. channel 823 of FIG. 8A, of
the other as illustrated by the dashed line 829. FIG. 8C further
illustrates in this collapsed view an indented channel or groove in
the first one 812A of the two rigid members 812A and 812B which is
adapted to receive, mesh and lock with the overlap portion,
"tooth," or "tongue 831 protruding from the pivotally connected end
of the second one 812B of two rigid members 812A and 812B.
[0074] FIG. 8D is a perspective view of the embodiment the two
rigid members 812A and 812B fixedly and rigidly aligned end-to-end.
FIG. 8D illustrates that each one of the two rigid members 812A and
812B include tongue and grooves, or meshed teeth, 831 and 832
respectively. The dashed lines illustrate that in this embodiment
the tongues or teeth do not have a depth equal to the full depth of
the two rigid members 812A and 812B. Instead the tongues or teeth,
831 and 832, overlap the rounded nub portions 821 of the opposite
one of the two rigid members 812A and 812B is this interleaved
embodiment. The perspective view of FIG. 8D further illustrates on
the end of the first one 812A of the two rigid members 812A and
812B that each one of the two rigid members 812A and 812B
alternates through its width between a number of channels 836
adapted to receive and seat portions of the other member, and
portions 837 which are formed to a full depth of the member which
include the rounded nub protrusion having the pin 813 passing
through them on the opposite end from end 817A where the two rigid
members are pivotally connected. One of ordinary skill in the art
will appreciate from reading this disclosure that the channels 836
which receive or seat portions of the other member advantageously
provide for a more compact structure when the two rigid members are
collapsed parallel and flat against one another when the arm
handles are in the second position parallel to the length of the
post.
[0075] FIG. 8E illustrates a perspective view of this embodiment
when the two rigid members 812A and 812B are in the collapsed
position against one another (as in FIG. 8C) when the arm handles
are in the second position parallel to the length of the post. The
perspective view of FIG. 8D is further helpful in appreciating the
tongue and groove, or "teeth" configuration, 831 and 832, of this
embodiment according to the teachings of the present invention.
[0076] FIGS. 8A-8D, provide just one illustration for an actionable
hinged portion 811 embodiment according to the teachings of the
present invention. However, as stated above other embodiments are
similarly included within the scope of the present invention as
will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon
reading this disclosure. Other variants for the same include a
spring hinge or an actionable hinged portion which consist of a
single continuous rigid member, both of which can be pivotally
connected to an arm handle and seat against the post as described
above according to the teachings of the present invention. The
invention is not so limited.
[0077] As stated earlier, one advantageous feature of the present
invention is that the one or more retractable levers can be
retracted and when in a second position parallel to the length of
the post do not snag, poke, or otherwise interfere with a person
moving or situated under and around the umbrella when the umbrella
is in use or when the umbrella is being stored or transported.
According to one embodiment of the invention, a weight of the one
or more retractable levers themselves maintains the one or more
retractable levers in the second position parallel to the length of
the post when the one or more retractable levers are not in use and
prevents the same from flapping around in the breeze or in stormy
conditions such as sudden wind gusts. However, FIG. 9 illustrates
another embodiment of the present invention in which the one or
more retractable levers are further provided with a releaseable
locking means to additionally hold and secure the one or more
retractable levers in the second position parallel to the length of
the post when the one or more retractable levers are not in
use.
[0078] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 the one or more
retractable levers 908 include a frictional device 950, such as a
rubber stop or hook and loop device 950, located beneath the arm of
foot handles 909. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 9, the
frictional device 950 can be affixed to a second one 912A of the
two rigid members 912A and 912B or the post 906 itself in the case
of a rubber stop. Alternatively, in the embodiment of a hook and
loop device, one portion of the hoop and loop device, such as the
hooks, can be affixed to the second one 912A of the two rigid
members 912A and 912B and the other portion, such as the loops, can
be affixed to the post 906, or vice versa. One of ordinary skill in
the art will understand upon reading this disclosure, the manner in
which a frictional device, such as a rubber stop or a hook and loop
device 950, can be affixed to a second one 912B of the two rigid
members 912A and 912B, a single continuous rigid member in the
alternative embodiments described above, the post 906, or both. In
this embodiment according to the teachings of the present
invention, the one or more retractable levers 908 including the one
or more retractable hand or foot handles 909 are able to releasably
secure in the second position parallel to the lower post section.
That is in one embodiment, using a rubber material affixed
underneath the one or more retractable handles 909, the rubber
material 950 frictionally grasps a retractable handle 909 when the
handle 909 is in a second position parallel to a length of the post
906 and frictionally releases the retractable handle 909 when a
small outward pressure is applied to a lower end of the retractable
handle 909 in order to initiate an upward range of motion for the
handle 909 into the first position perpendicular to the length of
the post.
[0079] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 the one or more
retractable levers 1008 include a frictional device 1052, such as a
leaf spring 1052, attached to the one or more hand or foot handles
1009. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the frictional device 1052 is
shown as a leaf spring affixed to a top surface 1052 of a
retractable handle and freely curving 1053 between the pivotally
connected retractable handle 1009 and the post 1006 and continuing
to curve underneath the retractable handle 1009. One of ordinary
skill in the art will understand upon reading this disclosure, the
manner in which such a leaf spring 1052 can be affixed to a the are
or foot handle 1009 in the configuration described above.
Advantageously, the leaf spring 1052 can even be formed of the same
or similar material as the arm and/or foot handles 1009 to provide
for a streamlined manufacturing process and reduce manufacturing
costs. In this embodiment according to the teachings of the present
invention, the one or more retractable levers 1008 including the
one or more retractable hand or foot handles 1009 are able to
releasably secure in the second position parallel to the lower post
section 1006. That is in one embodiment, using a spring leaf 1052,
formed of wood, metal, or injection molded plastic, affixed to the
one or more retractable handles 1009 is able to frictionally grasp
a retractable handle 1009 when the handle 1009 is in a second
position parallel to a length of the post 1006 and frictionally
releases the retractable handle 1009 when a small outward pressure
is applied to a lower end of the retractable handle 1009 in order
to initiate an upward range of motion for the handle 1009 into the
first position perpendicular to the length of the post 1006.
[0080] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the invention is shown
with another embodiment of a locking means 1155, or clasping means
1155, which either slidably surrounds the post 1106 above one or
more retractable levers 1108, or which slidably is attached on
opposite sides of the post 1106 above 1106 above one or more
retractable levers 1108. One of ordinary skill in the art will
understand upon reading this disclosure, the manner in which such a
locking means 1155 can be provided in the configuration described
above. Advantageously, the locking means 1155 can even be formed of
the same or similar material as the arm and/or foot handles 1109 to
provide for a streamlined manufacturing process and reduce
manufacturing costs. In this embodiment according to the teachings
of the present invention, the one or more retractable levers 1008
including the one or more retractable hand or foot handles 1009 are
able to releasably secure in the second position parallel to the
lower post section 1006. That is in one embodiment, using a locking
means 1155, formed of wood, metal, or injection molded plastic,
affixed in the configuration described above, the one or more
retractable handles 1009 are able to releasably secure in the
second position parallel to the lower post section 1006.
[0081] The above embodiments described in connection with FIGS.
9-11 afford the additional advantage that the one or more
retractable levers will not swing or flap out from the second
position parallel to the length of the post when not in use from
forces as sudden strong wind gusts or when the post is oriented in
a position other than parallel to the ground such as when the
umbrella is positioned in use in a tilted or angled position with
the ground or such as when the umbrella is horizontal to the ground
for transport or for sliding into an umbrella carrying case.
[0082] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of an umbrella 1200
including an anchoring structure according to the teachings of the
present invention. FIG. 12 illustrates the umbrella in use after
the post 1206 has been inserted into the ground 1250, such as sand,
lawn, soil, or other earthen material, and the one or more
retractable arm levers, 1208 and 1210, have been retracted to a
second position parallel to a length of the post 1206 so that the
one or more retractable arm and foot levers, 1208 and 1210, do not
poke, snag, or otherwise interfere with a person moving or situated
under and around the umbrella is in use. In FIG. 12, the umbrella
1200 is shown positioned at an angle relative to the ground. This
presentation exemplifies that the features, aspects, and advantages
of the present invention further enables the umbrella 1200 to
easily be securely positioned in the ground at any angle, e.g. for
maximum shade from the sun.
[0083] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of an umbrella 1300
according to the teachings of the present invention. The umbrella
1300 shown in FIG. 13 includes an embodiment of a two-sectional
umbrella as described previously. In FIG. 13, the umbrella 1300 is
shown broken down into its two sections including an upper post
section 1304 attached to and supporting a retracted umbrella top
and a lower post section 1306. In one embodiment, the lower post
section includes one or more retractable levers, 1308 and 1310,
integrally attached along the post 1306, and an integral anchoring
structure 1312 as the same have been described herein. FIG. 13
illustrates the one or more retractable levers, 1308 and 1310, in
the above described second position to facilitate an ease of
transport of the lower post section 1306. As one of ordinary skill
in the art will understand upon reading this disclosure, the
embodiment shown in FIG. 13 further exemplifies that the features,
aspects, and advantages of the present invention further enables
the umbrella of the present invention to be compactly transported
and stored such as in an umbrella carrying case.
[0084] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the
reference to an integral anchoring structure includes in its scope
of definition the one or more retractable levers. In this
embodiment, the umbrella with an integral anchoring structure is
claimed with only the one or more retractable levers integrally
attached along the umbrella post without the integral spiral shaped
anchoring structure, shown as 112 in FIG. 1, included.
CONCLUSION
[0085] In sum, the above described invention includes an umbrella
with an integral anchoring structure. The lower post of the
umbrella includes one or more retractable arm levers and one or
more retractable foot levers integrally attached to the lower post.
The one or more retractable arm levers and one or more retractable
foot levers integrally attached to the lower post enable a user to
apply downward pressure using their arms and feet, through a
rotational/turning movement of the lower post, to obtain added
downward force or assistance in order to facilitate insertion of
the lower post into the ground. The one or more retractable arm
levers and one or more retractable foot levers integrally attached
to the lower post in a retracted position provided added
convenience such that the same do not poke, snag, or otherwise
encumber a person moving or situated under and around the umbrella.
Likewise, the same being in a retracted position facilitate a
greater ease of transport.
[0086] According to the teachings of the present invention, the
lower end of the lower post includes and integrally formed spiral
shaped portion, serving as an integral anchoring structure, in
order to facilitate an insertion of the lower post into the ground
and retention therein upon being so inserted. The integrally formed
spiral shaped anchoring structure serves two purposes. One includes
an added ease for inserting the lower post into the earth in
conjunction with the above described rotational downward force
enabled by the one or more retractable arm and foot levers. A
second advantage is afforded by the fact that the integral
anchoring structure is formed with a width, W, and a length, L,
which is sufficiently adapted to stabilize the weight of the
umbrella from toppling under its own weight and securing the same
in a variety of earthen conditions, e.g. sand, lawn, soil, etc.,
even in a prevailing breeze or stormier conditions.
[0087] According to the teachings of the present invention, the
above described integrally connected members, portions, and
components can be formed of plastic, wood, and metal as well as
other materials. The integrally connected structure of the present
invention affords an added level of convenience for the transport
of such an umbrella since the user does not have to keep track of
multiple pieces or components. Also, according to the teachings of
the present invention, the ability to fabricate the above recited
components of the invention from the same or similar materials
provides for a streamlined manufacturing process and reduces
manufacturing costs.
[0088] These and other embodiments will be known and understood. as
one of ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate upon
reading and understanding the present invention, such embodiments
may require The above description and drawings are only to be
considered illustrative of exemplary embodiments which achieve the
features and advantages of the present invention. Modification and
substitutions to specific process conditions and structures can be
made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered as
being limited by the foregoing description and drawings, but is
only limited by the scope of the appended claims.
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