U.S. patent application number 12/046892 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-18 for pole support for an upright pole.
This patent application is currently assigned to Yotrio Group Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Liu Defu, Liu Kai.
Application Number | 20080224016 12/046892 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39688096 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080224016 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Defu; Liu ; et al. |
September 18, 2008 |
POLE SUPPORT FOR AN UPRIGHT POLE
Abstract
A pole support for an upright pole, preferably for use with an
upright pole of a sunshade, umbrella or other similar product, that
comprises a pole base, a pole holder connected to said pole base
for the upright pole, and a weight, wherein the weight is
configured to act upon the pole base to stabilize the pole base,
and wherein the weight is configured to be detached from the pole
base.
Inventors: |
Defu; Liu; (Linhai City,
CN) ; Kai; Liu; (Linhai City, CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALSTON & BIRD LLP
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA, 101 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 4000
CHARLOTTE
NC
28280-4000
US
|
Assignee: |
Yotrio Group Co., Ltd.
|
Family ID: |
39688096 |
Appl. No.: |
12/046892 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/523 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 2200/109 20130101;
E04H 12/2246 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/523 |
International
Class: |
E04H 12/22 20060101
E04H012/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 12, 2007 |
DE |
10 2007 012 223.5 |
Claims
1. A pole support for an upright pole, such as an upright pole of a
sunshade, umbrella or similar product, said pole support
comprising: a pole base; a pole holder connected to said pole base
for the upright pole; and a weight, wherein the weight is
configured to act upon the pole base to stabilize the pole base,
and wherein the weight is configured to be detached from the pole
base.
2. The pole support according to claim 1, wherein the weight is
configured to be at least partially placed onto the pole base.
3. The pole support according to claim 1, wherein the weight
surrounds at least a portion of the pole holder.
4. The pole support according to claim 3, wherein the weight
includes one or more openings in a circumference of the weight
5. The pole support according to claim 1, wherein the weight is
divided into two or more detachable elements.
6. The pole support according to claim 5, wherein the elements of
the weight are connected to each other.
7. The pole support according to claim 5, wherein adjacent elements
of the weight include contact areas with complementing
profiles.
8. The pole support according to claim 7, wherein adjacent elements
include contact areas having respective dovetail profiles.
9. The pole support according to claim 1, wherein at least a
portion of the weight is configured as a container.
10. The pole support according to claim 9, wherein the container is
divided into a plurality of segments.
11. The pole support according to claim 9, wherein the container
defines a top and wherein said top is open.
12. The pole support according to claim 11, wherein the opening is
covered by an element of a weight arranged on top of the
opening.
13. The pole support according to claim 12, wherein the opening is
covered by a cover plate.
14. The pole support according to claim 1, wherein the pole base is
configured as a crossed stand having support struts arranged at a
right angle to one another.
15. The pole support according to claim 1, wherein the pole base is
constructed of shaped metal struts.
16. The pole support according to claim 1, wherein a pivot bearing
is mounted on the pole holder opposite the pole base, and wherein a
pivoting axis of the bearing approximately coincides with a
longitudinal axis of the pole holder.
17. The pole support according to claim 1, further comprising a
bearing unit connected to the pole base and to the pole holder and
configured to hold the pole holder opposite the pole base.
18. The pole support according to claim 17, wherein the bearing
unit comprises a brake or locking mechanism, which is operable with
a foot control that protrudes over the weight.
19. The pole support according to claim 18, wherein the foot
control is connected to the brake or locking mechanism with a
telescopic arm that is configured to be locked at different
lengths.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority from German Patent
Application No. 10 2007012 223.5, filed Mar. 12, 2007. The
disclosure of the referenced application is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a pole support for an upright pole,
preferably for the upright pole of a sunshade, umbrella or similar
product, with a pole base and connected or integrated pole holder
for the upright pole.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Sunshades, umbrellas and similar other garden or leisure
products which include an upright pole for anchoring on the floor
have been available on the market in various designs for some time.
Upright umbrellas on terraces, balconies, in gardens and other
outside facilities provide valuable services as reliable shades or
protection from the rain. In order to provide shade or protection
from the rain to an area as large as possible, the size of the
umbrella canopies became gradually larger during the past few
years. Due to the associated heavy weight of the umbrella canopies
and the holding structure required for the open umbrella canopy,
these umbrellas need a solid anchoring of their upright pole on the
floor. The requirements of the upright pole further increase when
we take into account the larger contact surface for the wind as a
result of the enlargement of the umbrella.
[0004] The anchoring requirements on the floor are particularly
high for the upright pole of so-called traffic light post
umbrellas. Contrary to classical umbrellas with their umbrella
canopy arranged centrally above the upright pole, the umbrella
canopy of these umbrellas is arranged radially away from the
upright pole. For this purpose, the umbrella canopy is suspended on
a traffic light post, creating the radial distance to the upright
pole. It is easily understandable that the eccentricity of the
center of gravity caused by the distance generates significant
bending loads even in the static status (i.e., without wind load),
requiring a particularly stable anchoring on the floor. The
developments described above made the construction of ever larger,
heavier pole supports necessary.
[0005] Pole supports known from prior art generally comprise a pole
base and a connected or integrated pole holder for an upright pole.
The pole holder usually consists of a metal tube with circular or
square cross-section which is open to above for inserting the
upright pole. Additional clamping systems or similar devices to
secure the upright pole in the pole holder may be provided.
[0006] To achieve a stable position, conventional pole bases are
often made of solid heavy materials such as metal (cast iron) or
stone or are designed as a container to be filled with a
high-density medium such as sand, gravel, water, etc. The pole
holder is either designed as one piece combined with the pole base
(in particular if it is a metal base) or inserted, for example,
into the pole base designed as a synthetic container.
[0007] One of the target variables to be improved in the design of
the pole holder is the tipping safety of the whole umbrella which
results from the combination of the umbrella's center of gravity
and the supporting surface of the pole base. From a static point of
view, i.e., without taking into account wind loads, etc., the
umbrella resting in the pole support on the floor starts tilting
when its center of gravity is outside the supporting range of the
pole base.
[0008] The disadvantage of pole supports according to prior art is
that they are heavy to be able to fulfill their function, i.e., to
guarantee adequate tilting safety; as a result, a single person is
unable to transport them or can only transport them with the
expenditure of a lot of energy. DE 20 2006 002 271 U1 provides a
pull-out handle at the pole base to facilitate the transport of a
pole support. However, it only slightly improves the handling when
carrying the support. Large, heavy pole supports can hardly be
moved better with the carrying handle. In fact, the risk of injury
is greater if the pole support drops, for example onto the feet of
the person carrying it, when it is lifted up using the handle.
[0009] Pole supports made of metal are associated with an
additional increased risk of injury, in particular due to sharp
edges and corners, when the heavy construction is moved. With
respect to pole bases according to prior art designed as synthetic
containers, the risk of injury is lower compared to the metal base
and the weight can be reduced by emptying the container, but the
emptying of the container for transport and filling the container
to use the pole support are expensive and tedious. Ultimately, all
the pole supports according to prior art are bulky and difficult to
transport and store as a result.
[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to design
and further develop a pole support as described above that ensures
the tilt-safe support of the upright pole on the one hand, while
enabling the easy and risk-free transport and storage on the other
hand.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Based on the invention, the objective mentioned above and
others are achieved by providing a pole support comprising a pole
base, a pole holder connected to said pole base for the upright
pole, and a weight, wherein the weight is configured to act upon
the pole base to stabilize the pole base, and wherein the weight is
configured to be detached from the pole base. Accordingly, a pole
support for an upright pole, preferably for an upright pole of a
sunshade, umbrella or similar product of the type mentioned above,
is characterized in that a weight acts upon the pole base to
stabilize the pole base, where the weight can be detached from the
pole base.
[0012] Based on the invention, it was determined that the pole base
of a pole support does not necessarily need to be heavy, because a
heavy weight of the pole base makes its transport significantly
more difficult. To nonetheless ensure the stable position of the
pole support, the idea was developed to provide a separate weight
from the pole base which acts upon the pole base for stabilization
purposes. According to the invention, the weight can be detached
from the pole base.
[0013] The design of the pole support according to the invention
realizes a functional separation. Accordingly, the pole base
essentially serves the purpose of defining a support area of the
pole support with respect to the floor, which is in particular
based on the lateral, i.e., horizontal, extension of the pole base.
Moreover, the pole support is connected to or integrated in the
pole base. The mass of the pole base can be comparatively low. In
contrast, the mass required to stabilize the pole base on the floor
is essentially applied with the weight, the mass of which acts upon
the pole base. The action of the weight on the pole base has a
positive effect on the center of gravity of the pole support and as
a result on the whole set-up of the pole support including the
inserted umbrella. Based on the selected mass and position of the
weight with respect to the pole base, the center of gravity of the
whole set-up can be placed across the center of the pole base to
prevent tilting.
[0014] The detachability of the weight from the pole base according
to the invention has the particular advantage of the significantly
easier transportability of the pole support thanks to the
detachment of the weight from the pole base. After the detachment,
the light-weight pole base and easy-to-handle weight can be
transported and stored comfortably separate from one another. The
weight can be designed as a solid or hollow model made of metal,
stone, wood, synthetic material, etc. While solid weights, e.g.,
made of metal or stone, are particularly easy to manufacture,
hollow weights--preferably made of synthetic material--have the
advantage that they can be filled with any type of filler. The
hollow design within the meaning of a container for filler is
described below.
[0015] From a construction point of view, the effect of the weight
on the pole base can easily be realized in that the weight at least
partially rests on the pole base. By resting on the pole base, the
force of the weight can directly act upon the pole base. The
corresponding shape of the weight, e.g., within the meaning of an
at least partially designed complementary underside of the weight
with respect to the canopy side of the pole base, can confer
adequate lateral support with respect to the pole base in a
beneficial and easy way. At the same time, a simple lift guarantees
the quick detachment of the weight from the pole base. It is
possible that the weight covers the pole base partially or even
completely so that no parts with potentially sharp edges of the
pole base protrude to the outside. At the same time, the cover
improves the optical appearance of the pole support.
[0016] The weight is preferably designed in such a way that it
surrounds the pole holder. The complete enclosure of the pole
holder is possible, where the weight in this case is designed as a
ring; this has the advantage that the weight is distributed equally
around the pole holder. Alternatively, the weight could enclose the
pole holder only partially, i.e., within the meaning of a partial
ring or a U-arrangement. In this case, the advantage compared to
the full ring arrangement is that the weight can be detached easily
sideways from the pole base, i.e., even when the upright pole is
inserted.
[0017] Alternatively or additionally, the circumference of the
weight could include one or more openings, preferably in several
places along the circumference. Said design of the weight is
particularly practical if it surrounds the pole holder. In this
case, the possibility to open the circumference also enables the
lateral detachment of the weight from the pole base. Different
variations are possible, where in particular the option of opening
several places along the circumference simultaneously offers
additional advantages. Because, when the weight is designed as a
ring which encloses the pole holder, the option of opening it in
several places along the circumference divides the weight into at
least two or more elements arranged radially around the pole
holder. This allows a particularly easy assembly and disassembly of
the weight--including when the upright pole is inserted.
[0018] In an additional preferred embodiment, the weight could in
principle--i.e., irrespective of the design--be divided into
several elements which can preferably be separated from one
another. This provides the general advantage that the weight is
designed in a modular fashion and can be assembled and disassembled
in a flexible manner for separation purposes. The total mass of the
weight can be adjusted as needed (for example, for different types
and sizes of umbrellas, wind strengths, etc.), where any
arrangement of the elements is possible. For example, individual
elements of the weight could be arranged principally horizontally,
i.e., side-by-side and/or above one another. In another preferred
embodiment, the asymmetrical distribution of the elements could be
beneficial for traffic light pole umbrellas, to absorb in
particular the unilateral bearing forces.
[0019] To guarantee the adequate hold with simultaneous
detachability, another advantage is if the elements of the weight
are connected positively and/or non-positively. When connecting
individual elements, basically any techniques and their combination
are generally possible, where positive connections, for example,
fitting the elements into each other, usually have the advantage of
easy handling. Non-positive connections comfortably achieve
connections with all-round hold.
[0020] A mainly positive connection can preferably be realized in
that adjacent elements of the weight comprise contact areas with a
complementary profile, preferably within the meaning of a dovetail
joint or the like. Said profiling (dovetail joint) enables the easy
joining of adjacent elements, providing a strong cohesion at least
orthogonally to the direction of the joint. Additional cohesion may
be provided with limitations, locks, latches or similar devices. As
another preferred embodiment, a particularly easy to operate
connection providing a strong cohesion could be realized with a
tapered dovetail joint. The increasing wedge effect of the taper
limits the joining process, ultimately creating a positive and
non-positive connection.
[0021] To increase the flexibility of the pole support further, it
is possible that the weight or individual elements of the weight
is/are designed as container(s). In said design, it is possible
that the weight or individual elements of the weight are made of
synthetic material which can be processed particularly easily
compared to many other materials. Depending on the need, the
container can be filled with desired medium such as sand, gravel,
water, etc., allowing you to increase its mass significantly. By
draining the medium, the mass of the container can just as easily
be reduced again. In addition to pourable media, the container
could alternatively or additionally be filled with a piece of a
medium, such as matching metal, stone or wood plates, etc.
[0022] To prevent or at least hinder the undesired lateral
distribution of the filler inserted into the container(s), the
container can be divided into several segments. Dividing walls are
arranged in the inside of the container which at least limit the
free movement of the filler for this purpose. The division could
preferably result in the formation of individual chambers which can
be filled differently, if necessary. Alternatively, the dividing
walls can serve the stability of the container only.
[0023] To allow the convenient filling, the containers can be
designed in such a way that they are open to their top side. This
way, the containers can be filled comfortably from the top when the
pole support is set up and be drained particularly easily when
needed by detaching them from the pole base and turning them upside
down.
[0024] From a practical point of view, it is beneficial if the
opening of the container or the openings of several containers
is/are covered by an element of the weight placed on top or with a
cover plate. The first option (an element placed on top) has the
special advantage that because of the stackable arrangement of
elements of the weight, the upper element serves as cover for the
element placed underneath. The top-most element of a stack of
elements is then advantageously covered by a cover plate.
[0025] As mentioned above, the pole support according to the
invention has the special advantage that its pole base can be
constructed as a relatively light-weight design. In a preferred
embodiment it is therefore designed as a crossed stand with the
struts preferably arranged at a right angle to one another. In
addition to a simple construction, the design as crossed stand
offers the advantage that it can be assembled and disassembled
quickly while providing superior rigidity. Thanks to the
collapsibility, it can be stored easily. Superior rigidity of the
pole base can be achieved with a relatively low weight, if the
latter is preferably made of shaped metal struts.
[0026] The benefit of the pole support can be increased further if
a pivot bearing is mounted on the pole holder opposite the pole
base. This enables the change of position of the upright pole in
the pole holder, corresponding to the pivoting axis of the bearing.
It is particularly beneficial if the pivoting axis of the bearing
at least almost coincides with the longitudinal axis of the pole
holder. The adjustability of the umbrella at a horizontal level is
herewith possible--for example to follow the solar
altitude--without the need to move the pole base for this
purpose.
[0027] From a technical point of view, this can be realized simply
with the provision of a bearing mounted on the pole holder opposite
the pole base that is connected to the pole base on the one hand
and to the pole holder on the other hand. Said bearing unit could
comprise, e.g., suitable slide and/or rolling bearings which absorb
the axial force of the weight on the one hand and the radial
lateral forces on the other hand. Any options are possible for the
respective connection of the bearing unit to the pole base and the
pole holder. Fusion-welded connections (for example, welded, glued,
soldered) are possible for the creation of a particularly solid,
permanent connection. In contrast, positive and/or non-positive
connections (for example, with screws, rivets) can easily be
assembled and disassembled, enabling the comfortable
detachability.
[0028] In another preferred embodiment of the pivot bearing
described above, the bearing unit could comprise a brake and/or
locking mechanism, preferably operable by means of a foot control
protruding over the weight. Said foot control could preferably be
connected to the brake and locking mechanism with a telescopic arm
that can be locked at different lengths. Said adjustability of the
telescopic arm would allow the convenient adjustment of the foot
control at different heights of the weight.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The inventive device will be described in more detail
hereinbelow with the aid of an exemplary embodiment of the
inventive apparatus, with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0030] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of
the pole support according to the invention,
[0031] FIG. 2 shows a first assembly step of the pole support,
[0032] FIG. 3 shows an additional assembly step of the pole support
illustrated in FIG. 2,
[0033] FIG. 4 shows the pole support after completion of the
assembly step illustrated in FIG. 3 while being filled with
sand,
[0034] FIG. 5 shows the pole support after completion of the
assembly step illustrated in FIG. 3 with detailed views of the
lockable telescopic arm in retracted and extended positions,
[0035] FIG. 6 shows an additional assembly step of the pole support
illustrated in FIG. 5,
[0036] FIG. 7 shows the pole support after completion of the
assembly step illustrated in FIG. 6 while being filled with
water,
[0037] FIG. 8 shows an additional assembly step of the pole support
after completion of the assembly step illustrated in FIG. 6,
[0038] FIG. 9 shows an additional assembly step of the pole support
after completion of the assembly step illustrated in FIG. 8,
[0039] FIG. 10 shows the assembled pole support with an exploded
view of the foot control, and
[0040] FIG. 11 shows a perspective side view of the pole support in
assembled status.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0041] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of
the pole support according to the invention. Because FIG. 2 to FIG.
11 show the same pole support at different assembly stages and in
different views, the description refers to FIG. 1. Further details
will be discussed later, based on select figures.
[0042] The main element of the pole support is the pole base 1,
connected to a pole holder 2 for an upright pole (not shown). To
stabilize the pole base 1, a weight 3 is placed on it, consisting
of half-shell or almost kidney-shaped elements 3a and 3b which are
open to above and divided into segments. An upper element 3a is
placed on a lower element 3a and an upper element 3b is placed on a
lower element 3b. A cover plate 4, the opening of which is in turn
covered by a cover closure 5, is used to cover the upper elements
3a and 3b. In addition, the foot control 6 is illustrated which is
arranged above the cover closure 5.
[0043] The pole base 1 is designed as a crossed stand consisting of
shaped metal struts arranged at a right angle to one another. As
shown in FIG. 2 in connection with FIG. 11, a pivot bearing is
mounted on the pole holder 2 opposite the pole base 1. For this
purpose, a bearing unit 7 is connected to the pole holder 2 with
screws 71, flat springs 72 and washers 73 on the one hand and to
the pole base 1 on the other hand. As shown in FIG. 11, the
pivoting axis of the bearing unit 7 corresponds to the longitudinal
axis of the pole holder 2. As a result, an upright pole--including
the umbrella--inserted in the pole holder 2 can be rotated at the
horizontal level.
[0044] In addition, the bearing unit 7 comprises a brake and
locking mechanism integrated in the bearing unit 7; for its
operation, a telescopic arm protrudes upwards from the side of the
bearing unit 7. The telescopic arm comprises a telescopic sleeve 81
connected to the bearing unit 7 on the one hand and a telescopic
shaft 82 inserted in it on the other hand. As shown in the detailed
views of FIG. 5, the telescopic shaft 82 in extended position can
be locked opposite the telescopic sleeve 81. It is locked by
latching the snap-on pin 83 in one of the holes on the telescopic
sleeve 81. The snap-on pin 83 is attached to the telescopic shaft
82 by means of a compound spring integrated in the snap-on pin
83.
[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates how individual half-shell elements--here
a lower element 3a--are placed onto the pole base 1. In assembled
status, the elements 3a, 3b completely enclose the pole holder 2.
To assemble elements 3a, 3b with the weight 3, dovetail joints are
provided on the adjacent lateral contact areas of the elements 3a,
3b. As a result, the two elements 3a, 3b can easily be joined in
vertical direction (see, for example, detailed view of FIG. 3),
where the positive connection at the same time enables the easy
detachment. To ensure the sufficient hold of the lower elements 3a,
3b opposite the pole base 1, the underside of elements 3a, 3b is at
least partially designed to complement the pole base 1. The outer
edge of elements 3a, 3b is equipped with engaging cavities which
can be used as handles.
[0046] The upper elements 3a, 3b can be assembled analogously to
the lower elements 3a, 3b. From a practical point of view, any
number of elements 3a, 3b can be stacked on top of one another and
the total mass of the weight 3 can therefore be influenced
depending on the requirements. Thanks to the easy detachability,
the modular design of the weight 3 makes the transport and storage
of unused pole supports significantly easier.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 8, the upper elements 3a, 3b can be covered
completely with the cover plate 4, which is divided into two halves
4a, 4b. In turn, in the area of the central opening, the cover
plate 4 is covered by the cover closure 5 (see, for example, FIG.
9), which completely encloses the pole holder 2. A recess is
provided at the outer edge of the cover closure 5; the telescopic
arm, i.e., the telescopic shaft 82 inserted in the telescopic
sleeve 81 is protruding upwards through said recess. To activate
the telescopic arm, a foot control 6 is connected to the upper end
of the telescopic shaft 82 by means of a locking pin 61 (see FIG.
10).
[0048] In the assembled state of the pole support as shown in FIG.
11, the rotation of the pole holder 2 can be released by activating
the foot control 6 or blocked by its release. Depending on the
height of the weight 3, the height of the foot control 6 can be
adjusted by moving the telescopic arm.
[0049] To avoid any duplication, we would like to refer to the
general part of the description and the enclosed patent claims with
respect to other advantageous embodiments of the pole support
according to the invention.
[0050] Finally, we would like to point out that the exemplary
embodiment of the pole support according to the invention described
above only serves the discussion of the claimed teachings without
limiting them to the exemplary embodiment.
* * * * *