U.S. patent application number 11/366714 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-06 for umbrella holder and shovel combination.
Invention is credited to Christopher P. Zubyk.
Application Number | 20070204891 11/366714 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38470444 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070204891 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zubyk; Christopher P. |
September 6, 2007 |
Umbrella holder and shovel combination
Abstract
The presently claimed invention recites an apparatus and method
for anchoring an umbrella in the ground via a combination digging
and anchoring base. The umbrella anchoring device is comprised of a
base with a first end, a second end and a middle portion disposed
between the first and second ends. The first end of the base is
configured to allow a human hand to grip the first end, while the
second end is fitted with a blade that can be used for digging in
the ground. The middle portion of the base includes an aperture
that has a dimension larger than the lower portion of an umbrella
pole which allows the lower portion of an umbrella pole to pass
through the aperture of the middle portion of the base, thereby
anchoring the umbrella in the ground.
Inventors: |
Zubyk; Christopher P.;
(Malvern, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DUANE MORRIS, LLP;IP DEPARTMENT
30 SOUTH 17TH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103-4196
US
|
Family ID: |
38470444 |
Appl. No.: |
11/366714 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/16 ;
248/156 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 12/2261 20130101;
A45B 2025/003 20130101; A45F 3/44 20130101; E04H 12/2215
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/016 ;
248/156 |
International
Class: |
A45B 3/00 20060101
A45B003/00 |
Claims
1. An umbrella anchoring device comprising: a tubular body having
an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion of the
tubular body including an umbrella; and a base including a first
end, a second end, and a middle portion disposed between the first
and second ends, the first end capable of being gripped by a human
hand, the second end including a blade for digging, and the middle
portion including an aperture being larger than a first dimension
of the lower portion of the tubular body and capable of permitting
the lower portion of the tubular body to pass through the
aperture.
2. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 1, further comprising a
means for connecting the lower portion of the tubular body to the
base.
3. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 2, wherein the means for
connecting is tethered to the upper portion of the tubular
body.
4. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 2, wherein the means for
connecting is tethered to the lower portion of the tubular
body.
5. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 2, wherein the means for
connecting the lower tubular body to the base comprises a pin.
6. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 5, wherein the pin
comprises a hitch pin or cotterpin.
7. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 2, wherein the means for
connecting the lower tubular body to the base comprises a snap
button.
8. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the first end,
the second end, and the middle portion of the base comprise a
single continuous piece.
9. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the first end,
the second end, and the middle portion of the base comprise
separate and removable interlocking pieces.
10. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the second
end includes a spade for digging.
11. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the second
end includes a jagged blade for digging.
12. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the second
end includes at least one tine for digging.
13. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the second
end includes a hoe for digging.
14. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the second
end includes an auger for digging.
15. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the middle
portion includes at least one handle grip disposed adjacent to the
aperture.
16. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the tubular
body comprises at least two interconnecting pieces.
17. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the tubular
body comprises a circular circumference.
18. A method of anchoring an umbrella in the ground, comprising the
steps: providing an umbrella anchoring device including a tubular
body having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion
of the tubular body including an umbrella; providing a base having
a first end, a second end, and a middle portion disposed between
the first and second ends, the first end capable of being gripped
by a human hand, the second end including a blade for digging, and
the middle portion including an aperture having a circumference
greater than the circumference of the lower portion of the tubular
body; gripping the first end and applying the blade to dig beneath
into the ground so as to create a cavity therein, the cavity being
at least large enough for the base to fit within the cavity;
placing the base within the cavity; and inserting the lower portion
of the tubular body through the aperture in the middle portion of
the base.
19. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 18, further comprising a
means for connecting the lower portion of the tubular body to the
base.
20. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 19, wherein the means
for connecting is tethered to the upper portion of the tubular
body.
21. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 19, wherein the means
for connecting is tethered to the lower portion of the tubular
body.
22. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 19, wherein the means
for connecting the lower tubular body to the base is comprised of a
cotter pin or a hitch pin.
23. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 19, wherein the means
for connecting the lower tubular body to the base is comprised of a
snap button.
24. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 18, wherein the first
end, the second end, and the middle portion comprising the base are
comprised of a single continuous piece.
25. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 18, wherein the first
end, the second end, and the middle portion of said base comprise
separate and removable interlocking pieces.
26. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 18, wherein the second
end includes a spade for digging.
27. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 18, wherein the second
end includes a jagged blade for digging.
28. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 18, wherein the second
end includes at least one tine for digging.
29. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 18, wherein the second
end includes a hoe for digging.
30. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 18, wherein the second
end includes an auger for digging.
31. The umbrella anchoring device of claim 18, wherein the middle
portion includes at least one handle grip disposed adjacent to the
aperture.
32. A umbrella anchoring kit comprising: a tubular body having an
upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion of the tubular
body including, or being adapted to receive, an umbrella; a base
comprised of a first end, a second end, and a middle portion
disposed between the first and second ends, the first end capable
of being gripped by a human hand, the second end including a blade
for digging, and the middle portion including an aperture having a
circumference larger than the circumference of the lower portion of
the tubular body and capable of permitting the lower portion of the
tubular body to pass through the aperture; and means for carrying
the tubular body and the base as a self contained unit.
33. The umbrella anchoring kit of claim 32, wherein the means for
carrying the tubular body and the base comprises of a pouch.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of
outdoor umbrellas and more particularly to a combination umbrella
digging and anchoring method and device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] When spending extended periods of time outdoors, people
often employ the use of umbrellas to protect themselves from the
harsh effects of the elements. Some utilize umbrellas to protect
themselves from a plethora of different weather conditions, whether
its using an umbrella to keep dry during a rain storm or using an
umbrella to provide shade and respite during a hot sunny day.
Regardless of the type of weather condition encountered, umbrellas
allow people to create a portable and temporary area of
protection.
[0003] Umbrellas come in a variety of different shapes and sizes,
but almost all types of umbrellas are made by stretching a fabric
or other material over a wire frame, with the wire frame usually
being retractable. The most prevalent umbrella type is the portable
umbrella, which is used often in inclement weather conditions.
Another common umbrella type is the "outdoor" umbrella, which is
typically larger than the portable umbrella, and is used by
individuals at the beach, at the countryside, or any other suitable
outdoor venue. Outdoor umbrellas generally consist of a retractable
umbrella top attached to a pole. Unlike portable umbrellas, which
are supported by a user's hand, outdoor umbrellas generally receive
support via inserting the bottom portion of the umbrella pole into
the ground. Inserting and anchoring the umbrella into the ground
permits the individual to relax under the protective shade of the
outdoor umbrella without having to spend needless energy physically
holding the outdoor umbrella for an extended period of time.
[0004] Generally, an umbrella pole is inserted into the ground by
exerting a strong enough downward force on the pole so as to drive
the pole deep enough below the ground surface to properly secure
and support the weight of the upper umbrella portion. This is
accomplished in a variety of different ways, from the user
physically driving the pole into the ground, to the user employing
a separate shoveling device to dig a hole in the ground and then
inserting the umbrella pole into the hole.
[0005] Properly inserting an outdoor umbrella pole in the ground,
however, is not without its difficulties. Inserting an outdoor
umbrella pole ground can be time consuming and require an
inordinate amount of physical exertion. Given the types of terrain
an individual may encounter, whether it be sand, gravel, soil,
rock, clay, or any other such composition, a user may experience
great difficulty delving deep enough into the ground to adequately
support the upper umbrella portion. Moreover, improperly inserting
the umbrella pole into the ground creates the risk that the
umbrella may tip over under its own weight or that breezy
conditions or sudden wind gusts may rip the umbrella up and out of
the ground.
[0006] For example, it is not uncommon for individuals to bring
outdoor umbrellas to a beach. Beachgoers typically spend large
portions of the day lounging by a body of water. Given the danger
of long term exposure to the sun, most beach goers will spend a
good amount of time sitting beneath the protective shade of an
umbrella rather than sitting directly under the sun. For this
reason, it is important that the beachgoer properly secure the
umbrella beneath the surface of the sand. A beachgoer will
typically insert an umbrella into the sand by first applying weight
and pressure to the umbrella pole in an effort to drive the pole
beneath the top layer of sand. If the sand is loose, it may not be
difficult to place the pole at a reasonable depth in the ground.
Although digging in loose sand may not be difficult, the loose sand
may not be able to adequately support the weight of the umbrella.
The weight of the umbrella top may cause the umbrella to tip over.
Alternatively, in the case of compact sand, it may be significantly
more difficult to insert the umbrella pole at a reasonable depth
beneath the surface. Even in the case of compact sand, the weight
of the umbrella top can still cause the umbrella to easily tip
over, if there is inadequate lateral support for the base of the
pole. Additionally, even if the umbrella does not tip over under
its own weight, shallow insertion into the sand or inadequate
anchoring leaves the umbrella vulnerable to being ripped from the
ground by wind and breezes. Both cases present added inconvenience
to the user trying to position the umbrella to obtain shade. There
is therefore a great need for a device that enables an umbrella
user to easily dig into the ground surface and then securely anchor
the umbrella pole in the ground.
[0007] There have been several attempts in the prior art to develop
umbrella anchoring devices that can easily be inserted into the
earth and that provide maximum support for the upper umbrella
portion. One such attempt to resolve the above described problems
is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,014 to Genfan. The Genfan patent
discloses an anchoring device for beach umbrellas that utilizes a
pole equipped with a sharp pointed end fitted with propeller like
blades attached to the sides of the pole. The device disclosed by
Genfan includes a handle that enables a user to repeatedly rotate
the pole in either a clockwise or counter clockwise motion in an
effort to drill a hole in the sand. Although the Genfan device
makes it easier for an individual to dig a hole, it still has its
deficiencies. Carrying the sharp pointed pole end equipped with
propeller-like blades is both cumbersome and dangerous. The device
disclosed by Genfan would not be the device of choice for
individuals with small children, as the pointed end presents a
potentially dangerous and hazardous condition. There is a danger of
an individual inadvertently impaling themselves or others, or
causing great injury via contact with the sharp pointed end.
Moreover, even though the Genfan device makes digging in the ground
easier, it still fails to adequately provide much needed lateral
stability for the umbrella top. Once inserted in the ground, the
Genfan device does not include much lateral support or footing to
adequately support the rest of the umbrella pole. There is nothing
that prevents the umbrella top from being uprooted or being
rendered askew by a wind gust, for example. Because the Genfan
apparatus does not properly provide a means for anchoring the
umbrella once the pole is inserted in the ground, it fails to solve
the prior art problem of maintaining stability and support.
[0008] A similar attempt to the Genfan patent is found in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,715,503 to Brooks. The Brooks patent discloses an umbrella
with an integral anchoring structure affixed to the side of the
poles. The Brooks' device includes a spiral drill like bit disposed
at the bottom end of the umbrella pole. Just as with the Genfan
patent, the sharp drilling bit at the end of the pole found in
Brooks is not advantageous. The spear-like end makes transporting
the device difficult and cumbersome and potentially dangerous for
young and old users alike.
[0009] Another approach that avoids the consequences of the sharp
pointed end disclosed by the Genfan and Brooks patents is provided
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,196 to Fanti. The Fanti patent discloses a
stabilizer retention device for beach umbrellas. The device
disclosed by Fanti utilizes a plate-like structure attached to the
lower end of a beach umbrella pole. The plate-like structure
provides lateral support to the umbrella pole once the plate-like
structure is buried beneath the ground. Although the Fanti patent
attempts to stabilize the umbrella top, it nonetheless fails to
provide any means of aiding a user in digging beneath the ground
surface. A individual utilizing the Fanti device still needs to
utilize a separate digging device to dig a hole with a diameter
large enough to accommodate the circumference of the plate-like
foot structure. This is both time consuming and inefficient for the
user.
[0010] Another such effort to provide lateral support for the
footing of an umbrella pole is found in U.S. Pat No. 6,354,554 to
Hollenbeck. The device disclosed by Hollenbeck provides a beach
umbrella support stand comprised of a planar platform fitted with
an aperture that clamps around the bottom of the umbrella pole.
Just as with the invention disclosed by Fanti, the invention
disclosed by Hollenbeck does not include a digging device, and has
the added inconvenience of the user providing an additional tool
for digging a hole large enough to fit the planar platform. In
addition, the pole must be inserted and clamped into the aperture.
Inserting and clamping the pole into the platform aperture is
difficult, however, because the user must first dig a hole large
enough to hold the platform, and then insert the pole into the
aperture while the platform rests in the hole. This requires the
user to lean down and into the hole, clear away any loose soil that
may be blocking the aperture, lower down and insert the pole into
the aperture opening, and then clamp the pole before covering the
platform with displaced soil. The process is both time consuming
and difficult, and requires far too many steps for the user to
undertake to reach the desired end result.
[0011] Yet another approach that departs from previous prior art
attempts is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,161 to O'Shea. The
invention disclosed by O'Shea utilizes a sand bar system for
supporting an umbrella. The device described by O'Shea is comprised
of two lateral support bars positioned at the lower end of the
umbrella pole. The support bars rest at two different planes on the
umbrella pole, and lay in opposite directions so as to provide
maximum bi-lateral support for the umbrella. While the O'Shea
apparatus provides better lateral support than previous prior art
efforts, it nonetheless fails to provide an adequate means of
actually digging through the soil. The invention disclosed in
O'Shea still necessitates the arduous task of manually digging a
hole large enough to house the lateral support bars. A user needs
to carry and provide some sort of digging device to create the hole
in the ground into which the device is placed and then buried.
[0012] In reviewing the breadth of available pertinent art, it is
clear there is a need for an umbrella anchoring device that can be
buried beneath the ground with little to no effort and that
provides sufficient lateral support to resist uprooting from the
umbrella's weight or weather elements yet still is convenient and
safe to transport by the end user. The presently claimed invention
addresses each of these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior
art, the present invention provides an improved method and
apparatus for anchoring an umbrella in the ground. The present
invention essentially comprises an umbrella anchoring device that
has a base with a first end, a second end and a middle portion
disposed between the first and second ends. The first end of the
base is configured to allow a human hand to grip the first end,
while the second end is fitted with a blade that can be used for
digging in the ground. The middle portion of the base includes an
aperture that has a dimension that is larger than the lower portion
of an umbrella pole, thereby allowing the lower portion of an
umbrella pole to pass through the aperture included in the middle
portion of the base.
[0014] The biggest advantage of the presently claimed umbrella
anchoring device is that the base provides all the necessary tools
to anchor an umbrella properly in the ground and does not require a
user to utilize multiple tools and components to anchor an
umbrella. The base of the presently claimed invention is equipped
with a hand grip on one end, and a blade for digging on the other
end, which facilitates the digging process. Moreover, because the
base is equipped with a means of passing an umbrella pole through
the base, the base can be placed in the ground to provide lateral
support for the umbrella pole and umbrella top. This helps the
umbrella withstand encountered weather conditions and ensures the
umbrella will remain anchored in the ground. The base of the
presently claimed invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior
art, in that it is easy to carry, does not require the user to
carry multiple components or digging tools, and does not present
any dangerous or hazardous conditions to the end user or
others.
[0015] In addition to the presently claimed invention comprising a
device for anchoring an umbrella in the ground, the presently
claimed invention also discloses a method of anchoring an umbrella
in the ground, comprising the steps of providing an umbrella
anchoring device that includes a base having a first end, a second
end, and a middle portion disposed between the first and second
ends. The first end of the base is configured to allow a human hand
to grip the first end, while the second end is fitted with a blade
that can be used for digging in the ground. The middle portion of
the base includes an aperture that has a circumference that is
greater than the circumference of the lower portion of an umbrella
pole, thereby allowing the lower portion of an umbrella pole to
pass through the aperture included in the middle portion of the
base. In anchoring an umbrella in the ground, a user grips the base
via the first end and applying the blade of the second end, digs
into the ground, creating a cavity in the ground which is at least
large enough for the base to fit within the cavity. The base is
placed in the cavity and the lower portion of an umbrella pole is
inserted through the aperture of the middle portion of the
base.
[0016] The method described above is advantageous, because it
allows a user to implement the base to both dig in the ground and
to use the base as a means of providing lateral support to an
umbrella pole. The presently claimed invention is a vast
improvement over prior art methods of anchoring an umbrella, in
that the base can be used as a digging device as well as a support
device. Other prior art methods have failed to address both aspects
when attempting to anchor an umbrella in the ground, and have
required users to carry multiple different tools or have required
the use of potentially dangerous digging apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be more fully disclosed in the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, which is
to be considered together with the accompanying drawings
wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an umbrella being
supported by the umbrella digging and anchoring base according to
the teachings of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the
umbrella digging and anchoring base according to the teachings of
the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the umbrella digging and anchoring base according to
the teachings of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a user utilizing the
umbrella digging and anchoring base to dig beneath the ground
surface;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the umbrella digging and anchoring base utilizing a
jagged edge digging means;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the umbrella digging and anchoring base utilizing a
rounded blade digging means;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the umbrella
digging and anchoring base according to the teachings of the
present invention;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a right side elevational view of an embodiment of
the umbrella digging and anchoring base according to the teachings
of FIG. 7;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a magnified view of an embodiment of the umbrella
digging and anchoring base of FIG. 7; and
[0027] FIG. 10 is a partial side cross-sectional view of an
umbrella pole as it passes through the umbrella base of FIG. 7 and
rests in the ground surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0028] This description of preferred embodiments is intended to be
read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be
considered part of the entire written description of this
invention. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and
certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale
or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and
conciseness. In the description, relative terms such as
"horizontal," "vertical," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom" as well
as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "vertically,"
"downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the
orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure
under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of
description and normally are not intended to require a particular
orientation. Terms including "inwardly" versus "outwardly,"
"longitudinal" versus "lateral" and the like are to be interpreted
relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an
axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning
attachments, coupling and the like, such as "connected" and
"interconnected," refer to a relationship wherein structures are
secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly
through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid
attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.
The term "operatively connected" is such an attachment, coupling or
connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as
intended by virtue of that relationship. In the claims,
means-plus-function clauses, if used, are intended to cover the
structures described, suggested, or rendered obvious by the written
description or drawings for performing the recited function,
including not only structural equivalents but also equivalent
structures.
[0029] FIG. 1 presents an overview of how the presently claimed
invention operates. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an umbrella 100
being supported and held in the ground surface 300 via the
combination digging and anchoring umbrella base 200 disclosed by
the presently claimed invention. Umbrella 100 is comprised of an
umbrella top 10 and a supporting umbrella pole 20. Typically, an
umbrella top is comprised of a series of spines that radiate from
the center of the umbrella, forming a frame structure. A pliable
material, such as a water resistant fabric, is then stretched over
and supported by the frame structure, thereby providing protection
from the elements. In FIG. 1, the supporting umbrella pole 20 is
further broken down into two parts, an upper supporting umbrella
pole 20a and a lower supporting umbrella pole 20b, but the
presently claimed invention can also be used in conjunction with
supporting umbrella poles that are comprised of a single piece or
supporting umbrella poles that have more than two components. In
this particular embodiment, the upper umbrella supporting pole 20a
is adapted to receive, or includes, an umbrella top 10 and lower
supporting umbrella pole 20b is connected to the digging and
anchoring umbrella base 200 via aperture 240. The upper umbrella
supporting pole 20a and the lower supporting umbrella pole 20b are
connected via a means of connecting 30. Such means for connecting
the upper umbrella supporting pole 20a with the lower supporting
umbrella pole 20b include, without limitation, pins, such as cotter
or hitch pins, etc., snap buttons or any other coupling means
typically used in the art.
[0030] The digging and anchoring umbrella base 200 operates by
allowing a user to grip base 200 using hand grips 210, 220, or 230
to dig a hole beneath ground surface 300 via flat blade 250 of base
200. When a hole is dug beneath ground surface 300, the base 200 is
placed in the hole in ground surface 300. The supporting umbrella
pole 20 is lowered into aperture 240 of base 200, which provides
proper lateral support for umbrella 100 to withstand wind gusts or
other such elements. In FIG. 1, the digging and anchoring umbrella
base 200 is depicted above ground surface 300, but can also be
buried beneath ground surface 300 to provide extra support for
umbrella 100. By creating a combination digging and anchoring
umbrella base 200, our invention allows a user to transport a
single apparatus that can be used to dig a hole and provide lateral
support.
[0031] Now that an understanding of the general means by which the
invention operates has been disclosed, we will go into further
detail as to the specific elements of the presently claimed
invention. FIG. 2 provides a close up, perspective view of the
digging and anchoring umbrella base 200 according to the teachings
of the present invention. In this particular embodiment, digging
and anchoring umbrella base 200 is equipped with a handle grip 210
disposed at the top end 205 of the digging and anchoring umbrella
base 200. In addition, this embodiment includes supplementary
handle grips 220 and 230 disposed approximately about the middle
portion of the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200. The handle
grips 210, 220, and 230 are used to assist the end user with
holding the anchoring umbrella base 200 while in transit or in
gripping the base 200 when using the base 200 to dig beneath ground
surface 300. In the particular embodiment depicted in FIG. 2,
handle grips 210, 220, and 230 have a rectangular shape, but the
presently claimed invention can include any number of possible hand
grip configurations and shapes. The hand grips can take the shape
of any given polygon and can be lined with any suitable material to
protect a user's hand, such as, without limitation, rubber, foam,
plastics, or any other material known or used in the art to protect
a user's hand while gripping. In addition, the handle grips of the
presently claimed invention can be comprised of an ergonomic design
that includes pre-fabricated grooves and notches that match a
user's finger placement.
[0032] The presently claimed invention envisions the use of any
number of handle grips and envisions any possible placement of the
handle grip on the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200. In the
particular embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, handle grip 210 is
located approximately one inch from the top end 205 of the digging
and anchoring umbrella base 200 and is disposed horizontally about
the face of the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200. Handle
grips 220 and 230 are located in the middle portion of the digging
and anchoring umbrella base 200, approximately four inches from the
top 205 of the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200, and are
disposed vertically about the face of the base 200. The presently
claimed invention also covers any other possible orientation and
placement of the handle grips about the face of the digging and
anchoring umbrella base 200. By way of example, FIG. 3 depicts an
alternate embodiment of the presently claimed digging and anchoring
umbrella base 200. In FIG. 3, there is only one handle grip 210
disposed at the top end 205 of the digging and anchoring umbrella
base 200. There are no additional handle grips 220 and 230 disposed
about the middle of the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200, as
depicted in FIG. 2.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 2, digging and anchoring umbrella base 200
has an aperture 240 disposed in the middle of the base 200. For
purposes of this invention, the placement of the aperture 240 on
the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200 is immaterial, so long
as at least one aperture is included on the digging and anchoring
umbrella base 200. In this particular embodiment, the aperture 240
is adapted to receive a supporting umbrella pole 20 that has a
tubular shape. A supporting umbrella pole 20 fits within the
aperture 240 in such a way as to allow the supporting umbrella pole
20 to pass through the aperture 240 with little to no impediment.
In addition to having an aperture 240 adapted to receive a
supporting umbrella pole 20 that is preferably circular or
elliptical in nature, the invention can also have various different
shaped aperture openings disposed about the base 200. The aperture
240 can be configured to receive any number of different supporting
umbrella pole 20 shapes and sizes. Depending on the supporting
umbrella pole 20 shape, the aperture can have the shape of, without
limitation, a triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, octagon,
enneagon, decagon, or any other polygon. Regardless of the
configuration of the supporting umbrella pole 20, the presently
claimed invention discloses an aperture 240 configuration that will
either match or accommodate the supporting umbrella pole 20 in a
manner that allows the supporting umbrella pole 20 to pass through
the aperture 240 disposed about the base 200 and thereby use the
base 200 as lateral support once in the ground surface 300.
[0034] Referring still to FIG. 2, the digging and anchoring
umbrella base 200 is equipped with a flat blade 250. The flat blade
250 is utilized by the user to dig beneath ground surface 300 via
the user gripping the base 200 at any hand grip. FIG. 4 depicts a
user gripping the base 200 via hand grip 210 and using the flat
blade 250 to dig beneath ground surface 300. The ground surface 300
is typically comprised of any number of different soil
compositions. Soil can vary widely in composition and structure
depending on the location, but is characterized by unconsolidated
rock particles mixed with any organic matter derived from plant or
animal decay. Some examples of materials that typically constitute
soil include, without limitation, sand, silt, clay, rock, humus,
pebbles, gravel, any combination thereof or any other mineral
typically found in soil. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the
user is utilizing the flat blade 250 of base 200 to dig beneath
ground surface 300 comprised primarily of sand, but the presently
claimed invention enables a user to dig beneath any type of ground
surface 300.
[0035] The presently claimed invention can include any means for
digging beneath the ground surface 300. The invention is not
limited to using the flat blade 250 depicted in FIG. 2. Alternative
digging means and configurations are fully included and
contemplated in the presently claimed invention. Refer, for example
to FIG. 5. Instead of the flat blade 250 of FIG. 2, the embodiment
depicted in FIG. 5 employs a jagged edge 250a to dig beneath ground
surface 300. Depending on the encountered type of ground surface
300, the jagged edge 250a may prove more advantageous to the user
attempting to use base 200 to dig a hole beneath the ground surface
300. Likewise, FIG. 6, shows another alternative embodiment.
Instead of the flat blade 250 of FIG. 2, the base 200 of FIG. 6 has
a oval shaped blade 250b, which may prove more useful on certain
types of encountered ground surfaces. There are a plethora of
possible digging means that can be used in the presently claimed
invention including, without limitation, shovels, tines, spades,
hoes, augers, or any other means typically used in the art to dig
beneath the ground. The presently claimed invention also
contemplates the use of a base 200 that is adapted to receive any
number of different possible digging means. The digging means can
be interchangeable, and can allow the user to choose which digging
means is appropriate for a given ground surface and then being able
to attach the appropriate digging means to the end of the base 200.
The device can be sold in a kit, complete with interchangeable
digging means that a user can carry in a pouch or other such
carrying means.
[0036] Focusing on the configuration of the digging and anchoring
umbrella base 200, FIG. 7 depicts an overhead view of digging and
anchoring umbrella base 200. In this particular embodiment, the
base 200 is comprised of a single piece, but can be comprised of
multiple components that can be taken apart to facilitate ease of
transport and then reconnected again once the user requires the
apparatus for digging beneath the ground and providing lateral
support for an umbrella pole. For example, top end 205 and flat
blade 250 can be separate components that can be removed and
reattached to the rest of the umbrella base. This allows the base
to become more compact, which is useful for storage and transport
purposes. The ability to interchange various parts of the base 200
would also allow the user to replace any parts of the base that may
break or become worn over time.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 7, the digging and anchoring umbrella base
200 has a rectangular shape. FIG. 8 depicts a side front view of
the rectangular embodiment of the digging and anchoring umbrella
base 200. In addition to having a rectangular shape, the digging
and anchoring umbrella base 200 can be comprised of any number of
possible shapes. For example, umbrella base 200 can have, without
limitation, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a square shape,
a trapezoidal shape, or any other polygonal shape. In addition to
the base being able to have any number of possible shapes, the base
200 can also be comprised of any such material useful in both
digging and anchoring. Polymeric materials useful for all or some
of the components of this invention include, without limitation,
plastics, thermoplastics (crystalline or non-crystalline,
cross-linked or non-cross-linked), thermosetting resins,
elastomers, or composites thereof. This invention can also be
comprised of non-conductive metals, metal alloys, ceramics, wood,
wood-plastic composites, plastic-glass fiber reinforced composites,
or any other material suitable for digging beneath the ground
surface and/or supporting the weight of an umbrella.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 9, depicted is a perspective view of the
lower portion of supporting umbrella pole 20 inserted into ground
surface 300 via aperture 240 of the base 200. In this embodiment,
part of the base 200 is submerged beneath ground surface 300, which
provides additional support for the weight of the umbrella and
additional support from weather elements. FIG. 10 illustrates a
side cut away view of supporting umbrella pole 20 as it passes
through aperture 240 and rests in ground surface 300. At the bottom
of the supporting umbrella pole 20 of FIG. 10 is connecting means
400, by which the supporting umbrella pole 20 is connected to the
digging and anchoring umbrella base 200. The connecting means 400
can be a separate piece or pieces or can be temporarily or
permanently attached to the umbrella pole. In this particular
embodiment, a snap button is used to secure the supporting umbrella
pole 20 to the base 200. For purposes of the invention, the
supporting umbrella pole 20 can be secured to the base 200 at any
point, below, above, or at the ground level. While a snap button is
used in this particular embodiment as the connecting means 400,
connecting means 400 can take any number of forms, including,
without limitation, pins, buttons, or any other connecting means
commonly used in the art of connecting.
[0039] It is to be understood that the present invention is by no
means limited only to the particular constructions herein disclosed
and shown in the drawings, but also comprises any modifications or
equivalents within the scope of the claims.
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