U.S. patent application number 11/318022 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-28 for patio umbrella and table set frame assembly.
Invention is credited to Michael S. Fischer.
Application Number | 20070145213 11/318022 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38192481 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070145213 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fischer; Michael S. |
June 28, 2007 |
Patio umbrella and table set frame assembly
Abstract
The present invention discloses a hanging patio set frame
assembly for supporting a table and an umbrella which can be
quickly and easily attached to a balcony wall or railing in a
removable manner. A vertical frame is hung from a balcony wall
using swinging clamps and stabilized using telescoping compression
plates. A table top is supported on the frame and provision is made
on the frame for supporting the stick portion of a patio umbrella
to provide shade for the user.
Inventors: |
Fischer; Michael S.; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Matthew F. Jodziewicz, Esq.
3447 Mandeville Canyon Road
Los Angeles
CA
90049
US
|
Family ID: |
38192481 |
Appl. No.: |
11/318022 |
Filed: |
December 27, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/205.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 37/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/205.1 |
International
Class: |
A47B 96/06 20060101
A47B096/06 |
Claims
1. A patio set hanger frame for removably hanging from the top of a
substantially vertically extending wall means comprising: A pair of
spaced part arm members extending generally vertically upward, each
having at its upper end a rotatably attached L-shaped frame member
extending generally perpendicular therefrom, each said arm and
L-shaped member forming an outwardly extending hanger which is
shaped to fit over and engage said vertically extending wall to
hang therefrom; For each of said spaced apart arm members, user
adjustable means associated therewith for selectively preventing
rotation of said L-shaped frame member and for holding said
L-shaped frame member in a fixed relation thereto; An upper and a
lower spaced apart horizontal bar member extending between said
pair of vertical arm members and fixed attached thereto, forming a
generally rectangular frame in a vertical plane; An upper and a
lower compression plate, each generally parallel said upper and
lower horizontal bar members, respectively, and held spaced apart
therefrom; For each of said compression plates, user adjustable
means associated therewith for varying the spacing between said
compression plate and its associated horizontal bar member; A pair
of table supporting brackets, each one of said pair mounted on a
respective one of said pair of vertically extending arm members for
supporting a table thereon; Means mounted on said upper and lower
spaced apart horizontal bar members for retaining a patio umbrella
therein.
2. A hanging table and umbrella patio set hanger frame as in claim
1 wherein said pair of brackets is slidably mounted on said
elongated arm members to allow adjustment of the table height.
3. A hanging table and umbrella patio set hanger frame as in claim
1 wherein said brackets are collapsible toward said elongated arm
members to allow for folding of said table.
4. A hanging table and umbrella patio set hanger frame as in claim
1 wherein said brackets are removable from said elongated arm
members to allow for removable of said table.
5. A hanging table and umbrella patio set hanger frame assembly for
support upon a side wall of a patio comprising: A frame consisting
of at least two spaced part elongated arm members having a
longitudinal axis extending generally vertically upward, each
having at its upper end an L-shaped frame member extending
generally perpendicular therefrom and rotatable about said
longitudinal axis, each said arm and L-shaped frame member forming
an outwardly extending hanger which is shaped to fit over and
engage said vertically extending wall to hang therefrom; Means
associated with each of said spaced apart arm members for
selectively preventing rotation of said L-shaped frame member about
said longitudinal axis and for holding said L-shaped frame member
in a fixed relation thereto; At least one horizontally extending
brace member being fixed to a bottom portion of each of said
elongated arm members to connect said arm members together in a
generally rectangular rigid frame; A compression plate held
generally parallel and spaced apart from said at least one brace
member; Means connecting said compression plate and said brace
member for varying the spacing therebetween to allow said
compression plate to telescope inward and outward from the brace
member to engage said patio side wall; A pair of table supporting
brackets, each one of said pair mounted on a respective one of said
elongated arm members for supporting a table top thereon; Means
mounted on said at least one brace member for retaining the stick
portion of a patio umbrella therein.
6. A hanging table and umbrella patio set hanger frame assembly as
in claim 5 wherein said pair of brackets is slidably mounted on
said elongated arm members to allow adjustment of the table top
height.
7. A hanging table and umbrella patio set hanger frame assembly as
in claim 5 wherein said brackets are collapsible toward said
elongated arm members to allow for folding of said table top.
8. A hanging table and umbrella patio set hanger frame assembly as
in claim 5 wherein said brackets are removable from said elongated
arm members to allow for removable of said table top.
9. A hanging table and umbrella patio set hanger frame assembly for
support upon a side wall of a patio comprising: A frame consisting
of two spaced part elongated arm members each having a longitudinal
axis extending generally vertically upward and having at its upper
end an L-shaped frame member extending generally perpendicular
therefrom and rotatable about said longitudinal axis, each said arm
and L-shaped frame member forming an outwardly extending hanger
which is shaped to fit over and engage said patio side wall to hang
therefrom, each of said spaced apart elongated arm members having a
locking knob threadably mating with the upper end of said elongated
arm member and frictionally compressing said L-shaped frame member
to said arm member for selectively preventing rotation of said
L-shaped frame member about said longitudinal axis and for holding
said L-shaped frame member in a fixed relation thereto; An upper
and a lower horizontally extending brace member extending laterally
between said elongated arm members to connect said arm members
together in a generally rectangular rigid frame, said brace members
each having a bracket for receiving and releasably retaining the
stick portion of a patio umbrella therein; An upper and a lower,
substantially horizontal, leveling and stabilizing plate, each
generally parallel said upper and lower horizontal brace members,
respectively, and held spaced apart therefrom, each of said
leveling and stabilizing plates having a compression knob
threadably mating with its respective extending brace member and
connecting said compression plate and said brace member for varying
the spacing therebetween to allow said compression plate to
telescope inward and outward from its respective brace member to
engage said patio side wall so that said leveling and stabilizing
plates rest against said patio side wall when said L-shaped frame
members are fitted over said patio wall, thereby supporting said
frame in a substantially vertical position; A pair of brackets,
each one of said pair mounted on a respective one of said elongated
arm members for supporting a table thereon.
10. A hanging table and umbrella patio set hanger frame assembly as
in claim 9 wherein said pair of brackets is slidably mounted on
said elongated arm members to allow adjustment of the table
height.
11. A hanging table and umbrella patio set hanger frame assembly as
in claim 9 wherein said brackets are collapsible toward said
elongated arm members to allow for folding of said table.
12. A hanging table and umbrella patio set hanger frame assembly as
in claim 9 wherein said brackets are removable from said elongated
arm members to allow for removable of said table.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention pertains to a hanging table and
umbrella patio set hanger frame assembly for supporting a table and
an umbrella which can be quickly and easily attached to a wall or
railing in a removable manner. In an exemplary embodiment the
support assembly is particularly adapted for use over a railing
type structure. It should be appreciated however, that the assembly
of the present invention may be attached to other structures such
as a boat railing, porch railing, balcony railing, chain link fence
railing, and over the tailgate of a pickup truck. It is also
envisioned that the assembly of the present invention can also be
attached to walls as well as to railings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The portable patio table and umbrella assembly of the
invention differs from known patio table and umbrella assemblies in
that it is designed to be both compact and movable on a patio by
being supported on a patio wall or railing and is characterized by
increased stability and convenience in use. The present assembly
lacks the usual vertical legs for supporting the table and umbrella
directly on a level floor. These vertical legs frequently pose a
problem when the patio set is used on an outdoor deck in that the
bottom ends of the legs fall into the spaces between adjacent floor
boards and render the tray uneven and/or unstable during use as
well as waste otherwise useable patio space. The issue of space
usage on patio decks is of paramount concern for users since it is
usually in limited scope and presents the only private outdoor
venue for many condominium and apartment dwellers.
[0003] In the prior art, various portable trays for similar
purposes are known.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,570,803 to Peterson discloses an accessory
or tray which is suspended from a balcony by a pair of
brackets.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,452,151 to Jarrard discloses a folding table
for the trunk lid of an automobile having adjustable telescoping
vertical legs.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,357,881 to De Long discloses a tray which is
removably attached to the side rails of a hospital bed. The tray
includes an adjustable telescoping brace to accomodate rails of
different rung spacing.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,337,751 to Sampson et al discloses a similar
tray for an outdoor barbecue grill.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,089,276 to Enos discloses a portable
platform having brackets for attachment to the bumper of an
automobile.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Accordingly, the present invention has as non-limiting
objects in its construction and use at least the following:
[0010] A patio set embodying the present invention is capable of
being used with varying sized and shaped balconies in that the unit
does not protrude more than approximately 1.5 inches beyond the
balcony edge, thereby allowing it to be used with both large and
small balconies.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is found in a patio
set embodying the present invention that provides for safety, as
the inventive structure makes it virtually impossible for any patio
set part or piece, such as a nut, bolt, screw, etc to fall off from
the balcony, as all such components are located away from the
balcony edge, thereby providing a safe environment for those below
the balcony.
[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is found in a
patio set embodying the present invention that provides for the
safety of a user of the patio set in that a user of the patio set
may easily and safely attach an umbrella to the patio set by having
the umbrella pole slide into securing brackets without having to
lift the umbrella up and over the balcony edge. This is a safety
concern not met by many existing balcony patio sets, as umbrellas
are both cumbersome to handle and may cause danger for the old or
infirm who attempt to install umbrellas on patio sets especially in
windy weather.
[0013] The present invention is embodied in a portable patio table
and umbrella assembly for attachment to a balcony or patio wall or
railing. The assembly comprises a frame designed to be supported by
hanging upon a wall or railing of a patio. The frame has two spaced
part elongated arm members each of which has a longitudinal axis
that extends generally vertically upward. At the upper end of each
of these arm members is an L-shaped frame member that extends
generally perpendicular from the arm and can be rotated about the
longitudinal axis of the arm member. Together the arm and L-shaped
frame members form an outwardly extending hanger which is shaped to
fit over and hang from the patio side wall or railing. In order to
hold the frame closely against the wall or railing, each of the arm
members has a locking knob that threadably mates with the upper end
of the arm. When tightened, the locking knob frictionally
compresses the L-shaped frame member against the arm member to
prevent rotation of the L-shaped frame member and holds the
L-shaped frame member fixed. This arrangement creates a swinging
clamp capable of accommodating differing thicknesses in the patio
walls or railings to hold the frame securely.
[0014] Upper and a lower horizontally brace members extend
laterally between the arm members to connect the arm members
together in a generally rectangular rigid frame. The brace members
preferably each have a bracket for receiving and releasably
retaining the stick portion of a patio umbrella.
[0015] Upper and lower leveling and stabilizing plates are held
spaced apart from their respective upper and lower horizontal brace
members. Each of these plates has a compression knob threadably
mating with its respective brace member and connects the
compression plate with the brace member for varying the spacing
therebetween. Tightening or loosening the compression knob moves
the compression plate inward or outward from its brace member so
that the leveling and stabilizing plates rest against the patio
side wall or railing when the L-shaped frame members are fitted
over the patio wall or railing, thereby allowing for adjustment to
support the frame in a substantially vertical position.
[0016] A pair of brackets are slidably mounted on each of the
elongated arm members for supporting a table top.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] In the accompanying drawings:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hanging table and umbrella
patio set hanger frame assembly according to the invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view showing the frame assembly
of FIG. 1 attached to a balcony wall enclosing an outdoor deck;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a top plan view showing the top of the frame
assembly;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a view showing an exterior view of the frame
assembly of FIG. 2 attached to a balcony wall enclosing an outdoor
deck; and,
[0022] FIG. 5 is a view similar to that of FIG. 4 illustrating an
exterior view of the frame assembly of FIG. 2 attached to a balcony
railing enclosing an outdoor deck.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Referring now to the drawings, a hanging table and umbrella
patio set hanger frame assembly for support upon a side wall or
railing of a patio deck that embodies the present invention will be
described.
[0024] A patio set hanger frame assembly 10 according to the
invention attaches to a balcony 12 enclosing an outdoor deck 14.
The balcony wall 12 has a horizontal top 16 as depicted in FIGS. 2,
4 and 5.
[0025] The present frame assembly 10 is designed for attachment to
varying types of balcony walls and railings, including those
balconies employing a railing which is wider at its top horizontal
portion than at its vertical portion, thus providing a large
overhang at the top of the balcony railing. A balcony with this
type of railing does not easily accommodate the usual brackets and
hangers that are commonly employed in the known patio set hanger
frame assemblies and, for this reason, the known frame assemblies
have not exhibited good stability and convenience in use.
[0026] In the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in
the drawings with particular reference to FIG. 1, the frame
assembly 10 has two spaced part elongated arm members 18, 20 each
of which has a longitudinal axis that extends generally vertically
upward. At the upper ends 22, 24 of each of these arm members, are
L-shaped frame members 26, 28 that extend generally perpendicular
from its arm and can be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the
arm member. L-shaped members 26, 28 act as swinging clamps, better
described below, that act together their associated arm members to
form an outwardly extending hanger which is shaped to fit over and
hang from the patio side wall or railing.
[0027] L-shaped members 26, 28 are preferably made from a flat
stock material having an extending pin 30, 32 to engage the patio
wall or railing. Likewise, it is preferable that the underside of
L-shaped members 26, 28 have a rubber cushion to prevent marking of
the patio wall or railing due to the forces exerted by frame
assembly 10 as it hangs on the patio wall or railing. While the
length of L-shaped members 26, 28 is not critical due to the
swinging or rotating nature of its engagement with the patio wall
or railing, it is necessary that it be of sufficient length to work
with a large number of such walls or railings having varying
geometries. As such, a length of approximately 11 inches has been
found to work well with most known cases.
[0028] In order to hold the frame assembly 10 closely against the
wall or railing, each of the arm members 18, 20 has a locking knob
38, 40 respectively, that threadably mates with the upper end 22,
24 of each arm. When tightened, the locking knob frictionally
compresses the L-shaped frame member against the arm member to
prevent rotation of the L-shaped frame member and holds the
L-shaped frame member fixed. This arrangement creates a swinging or
rotating clamp capable of accommodating differing thicknesses in
the patio walls or railings to hold the frame securely. In fact,
with this swinging or rotating clamping arrangement, the invention
is capable of hanging from patio railings or walls having an
enlarged shelf topping that projects outwardly from the remainder
of the wall or railing.
[0029] Upper and a lower horizontally brace members 42, 44
respectively, extend laterally between the arm members 18, 20 to
connect the arm members together in a generally rectangular rigid
frame. The brace members preferably each have a bracket 46, 48
respectively, for receiving and releasably retaining the stick
portion of a patio umbrella. One such preferred bracket is to have
two spaced apart projecting tabs and to use a heavy duty strap or a
hook and loop tape, such as Velcro, to hold an umbrella stick
firmly in the interior of the provided channel between the tabs of
the bracket. Other retaining methods are also contemplated as being
with the scope of the invention as well and should not be limited
to this particular preferred arrangement.
[0030] Additional frame stabilizing members 62 laterally extending
between the arms 18, 20 are preferably added for additional
rigidity of the frame assembly 10.
[0031] Upper and lower leveling and stabilizing plates 50, 52
respectively, are held spaced apart from their respective upper and
lower horizontal brace members 42, 44. Each of these plates has a
compression knob 54 threadably mating with its respective brace
member and preferably each plate has at least two spaced apart
compression knobs for better distribution of the forces exerted by
the frame against the patio wall or railing by hanging. Each knob
54 connects its compression plate with its associated brace member
for varying the spacing therebetween. As illustrated in FIG. 3,
tightening or loosening the compression knob moves its compression
plate inward or outward from its brace member so that the leveling
and stabilizing plates rest against the patio side wall or railing
when the L-shaped frame members are fitted over the patio wall or
railing, thereby allowing for adjustment to support the frame in a
substantially vertical position to accommodate varying patio wall
and railing geometries.
[0032] A pair of brackets 56, 58 are slidably mounted on each of
the elongated arm members for supporting generally opposing sides
of a table top 60. Table brackets 56, 58 preferably employ a spring
biased adjustable push pin to allow for their adjustment along the
arm members to select the desired table top height. A single table
top supporting bracket is also within the scope of this invention,
although its use is not preferred as being overly complicated for
manufacturing and pricing purposes.
[0033] Brackets 56, 58 are also preferably hinged to allow for the
table top to be collapsed towards the frame when not in use. This
is a useful feature, as patio space is usually limited and a user
may not wish to be bothered to remove the frame assembly when not
in use and reinstall it when needed. This feature also makes it
possible to package the tray in relatively small boxes for both
shipment and storage.
[0034] Additionally, table top 60 may be removable from brackets
56, 58 by being clipped to brackets 56, 58, or it may be
permanently mounted thereto by bolting. Frame assembly 10 and its
associated hardware may be fabricated from aluminum tubing or flat
stock for weather resistance. If steel or iron is used it is
preferred that such exposed parts be properly coated either by
paint or a weather resistant coating of plastic or rubber to avoid
rust or the destructive effects of leaving the frame assembly
exposed to the weather on a balcony patio. While the use of metal
for fabrication of the frame assembly is preferred, plastic tubing,
such as that commonly used in the plumbing industry, may also be
employed in construction of the frame assembly.
[0035] Likewise, table top 60 is preferably fabricated from weather
resistant materials such as wood, plastic or coated metal and may
be shaped to fit into the patio space provided, for example, both a
rigid or flexible rectangular or semi-circular tray having a flat
or undulating surface are contemplated to be within the scope of
this invention.
[0036] Attachment to the balcony wall or railing is easily and
quickly accomplished as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, by simply
placing the arms with their L-shaped members 26, 28 across the top
of the railing or wall 12 allowing pin members 30, 32 to engage the
rear or outward side of balcony wall or railing 12, while the
elongated, horizontal arm members 18, 20 rest against the interior
vertical portion of wall or railing 12 as shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and
5. The stabilizing plates 50, 52 are then adjusted by turning the
compression knobs 54 to move the stabilizing plates 50, 52 in
either a forward or rearward direction to level and stabilize the
table top 60 in a substantially horizontal plane.
[0037] To disassemble and remove the frame assembly for storage
after use where the table top is clipped to its supporting
brackets, it is only necessary to remove the table top 60 by
unclipping it from the two supporting brackets 56 and 58 and then
folding or collapsing the two brackets inwardly towards arm members
18 and 20. Compression knobs 54 and locking knobs 38 and 40 are
then loosened, so that the frame can be easily lifted off balcony
wall or railing 12. The frame assembly can then be stored away with
the table top 60 placed on top of the collapsed framework.
[0038] While only a certain preferred embodiment of this invention
has been described, it is understood that many variations are
possible without departing from the principles of this invention as
defined by the claims which follow.
* * * * *