U.S. patent application number 14/881038 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-21 for multi-purpose floating umbrella.
This patent application is currently assigned to SHADE SCIENCE, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Shade Science, LLC. Invention is credited to Matthew Lucero, Jeremy Sloan.
Application Number | 20160106187 14/881038 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55747999 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160106187 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sloan; Jeremy ; et
al. |
April 21, 2016 |
MULTI-PURPOSE FLOATING UMBRELLA
Abstract
A floating canopy or shading device designed to provide shaded
areas to swimming pools, lakes, and other bodies of water
traditionally lacking in shade. In one embodiment, the canopy is an
umbrella attached to a weighted buoy that floats on a body of
water. In one embodiment, the weighted buoy may include a float
connected to a ballast via one or more rods that serves as a
counterweight.
Inventors: |
Sloan; Jeremy; (San Antonio,
TX) ; Lucero; Matthew; (San Antonio, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Shade Science, LLC |
San Antonio |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
SHADE SCIENCE, LLC
San Antonio
TX
|
Family ID: |
55747999 |
Appl. No.: |
14/881038 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62064550 |
Oct 16, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 2023/0006 20130101;
A45B 2200/1009 20130101; A45B 23/00 20130101; A45B 2025/003
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45B 23/00 20060101
A45B023/00; B63B 22/04 20060101 B63B022/04 |
Claims
1. A floating canopy for providing shade in a body of water,
comprising a canopy configured to provide shade; and a weighted
buoy coupled to the canopy comprising a float, a moment arm, and a
ballast, wherein the weighted buoy is configured to float on a body
of water.
2. The canopy of claim 1, wherein the canopy is moveable between an
open position and a closed position while coupled to the weighted
buoy.
3. The canopy of claim 1, wherein the canopy is expandable while
coupled to the weighted buoy.
4. The canopy of claim 1, wherein the canopy is a commercially
available umbrella.
5. The canopy of claim 4, wherein the weighted buoy comprises an
opening configured to hold a portion of the umbrella.
6. The canopy of claim 1, wherein the ballast is configured as a
counterweight.
7. The canopy of claim 1, wherein the ballast is coupled to the
float by the moment arm.
8. The canopy of claim 7, wherein the moment arm is configured to
balance the canopy in a substantially upright position.
9. The canopy of claim 1, wherein the canopy is coupled to the
weighted buoy by a shaft, such that the shaft is rigidly coupled to
the moment arm in a substantially straight position.
10. The canopy of claim 1, wherein the float has a circular
cross-sectional area.
11. The canopy of claim 1, wherein the float comprises a first
float section coupled to a second float section, wherein the first
and second float sections substantially surround a buoyant float
insert.
12. The canopy of claim 11, wherein the first and second float
sections are approximately the same size.
13. The canopy of claim 11, wherein the float insert is configured
to provide sufficient buoyancy to keep the canopy substantially
upright in a body of water.
14. The canopy of claim 1, wherein the weighted buoy comprises a
plurality of cup holders configured to hold beverages.
15. The canopy of claim 1, wherein the moment arm is coupled to the
shaft by a ferrule.
16. The canopy of claim 1, wherein the canopy is removably attached
to the weighted buoy.
17. A floating canopy system for providing shade in a body of
water, comprising a plurality of weighted buoys, wherein each
weighted buoy is configured to float on a body of water, wherein
each weighted buoy comprises a float coupled to a ballast by a rod;
and one or more canopies coupled to the plurality of weighted
buoys.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent
application No. 62/064,550, filed on Oct. 16, 2014, the entire
content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to shade devices and more particular
to a shade device or floating umbrella in a body of water, such as
a pool.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Various floating umbrella type designs are known in the
prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,645 (Engler) describes
a floating assembly for swimming pools having a pole with a float
connected to the middle, a hinged anchor weight at the bottom end,
and various structures such as an umbrella, a net basket for games,
and a tetherball game attached to the upper end. The umbrella
embodiment has a tray attached above the float. One problem with
Engler is that all the embodiments attach to a central shaft. This
is an issue because the buoy may become imbalanced and lose
stability in the water. Further, Engler hinges the ballast weight,
which creates an issue for manufacturing and durability for the
device. Engler's drink tray connects to the shaft via a pivotal
connection. This may increase the overall stability of the device
but undermines the functionality of the drink tray as it will be
susceptible to wave action in the pool. As another example, U.S.
Patent Publication No. US20140110413 (Kelly et al.) describes a
floating valet that can be used to hold personal items while in the
water. Kelly shows a floating plate or disc with multiple
receptacles for drinks and other personal items along with a water
proof bag for protecting items that may be damaged by water. One
problem with Kelly is that the device must be anchored in a body of
water to a single location. The valet floats but must be anchored
in order to support an umbrella. This anchoring prohibits movement
of the shaded area around the body of water and also requires a
body of water with a bed that allows for a drilled anchor to be
installed (e.g., not a plastered swimming pool).
[0006] A need exists for an improved method and system for
weighting and supporting umbrellas and other shade providing
structures in a water setting that allows for shading of an area in
a body of water.
[0007] The embodiments provided in this disclosure solve various
problems existing in the prior art, including separating the
umbrella and canopy structure and allowing the buoy to
independently float while weighted in the body of water without
having to be anchored.
SUMMARY
[0008] In one embodiment of the disclosed application is a
commercially available umbrella that floats on a weighted buoy
device and provides shade to an area within a recreational swimming
pool or other body of water where persons may gather. In some
embodiments, the device may be used to prevent or reduce
evaporation from the surface of a swimming pool. An additional
embodiment of the device holds drinks on the float portion of the
weighted buoy. Finally, a plurality of floats may be coupled
together to provide sufficient floating structure for a larger
canopy or a plurality of canopies.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The following drawings form part of the present
specification and are included to further demonstrate certain
aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better
understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in
combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments
presented herein.
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a floating canopy
device with a commercially available umbrella.
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a floating device
without a commercially available umbrella.
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded diagram of the floating
device of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the floating device of
FIG. 2 according to one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Various features and advantageous details are explained more
fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the
following description. Descriptions of well-known starting
materials, processing techniques, components, and equipment are
omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the invention in detail.
It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and
the specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the
invention, are given by way of illustration only, and not by way of
limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions, and/or
rearrangements within the spirit and/or scope of the underlying
inventive concept will become apparent to those skilled in the art
from this disclosure. The following detailed description does not
limit the invention.
[0015] Reference throughout the specification to "one embodiment"
or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter
disclosed. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment"
or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout the
specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.
Further, the particular features, structures, or characteristics
may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more
embodiments.
[0016] The disclosed embodiments provide significant advantages
over the prior art because of the simplicity of design and the
ability to float and remain upright in water.
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a floating canopy
device 100. Device 100 includes weighted buoy 9 with canopy
structure 8 to provide a shaded area. In one embodiment, the canopy
is a commercially available umbrella. Weighted buoy 9 is attached
to canopy 8 via shaft 7, which in one embodiment is a commercially
available umbrella shaft. In one embodiment, weighted buoy 9
comprises underwater ballast 4 connected to float 10 by rod 1.
Underwater ballast 4 serves as a counterweight to the floating
canopy for better stability. The ballast can be made of various
materials, including coated grey cast iron or aggregate filled
high-density polyethylene. Ballast 4 is generally cylindrical in
shape, approximately 6 inches in diameter by 3 inches deep. Float
10 is preferably made in a circular or disc shaped structure and in
some embodiments may be considered a floating ring, but can
comprise various other structures depending on the intended uses of
the float. In one embodiment, float 10 and ballast 4 are connected
by rod 1. Rod 1 serves as a moment arm for float 10 that balances
the canopy device 100 in an upright position and keeps the device
from tipping over. In one embodiment, the length of rod 1 is
adjustable or extendable based on the size, shape, and/or weight of
canopy 8. In operation, once weighted buoy 9 is fully assembled,
umbrella shaft 7 is inserted into float 10. In some embodiments,
shaft 7 may also be inserted into rod 1. In all positions, shaft 7
is rigidly coupled to rod 1 in a substantially straight position
such that they do not bend or hinge in relation to each other. When
canopy or umbrella 8 is at least partially opened, it provides
shade in a swimming pool, lake, or other body of water at the
location of the user's choice. In one embodiment, device 100 is
configured to hold beverages or drinks in cup holders integrated
into float 10.
[0018] FIG. 2 is an enlarged illustration of weighted buoy 9 from
FIG. 1, without an umbrella coupled to the buoy. In one embodiment,
float 10 is comprised of lower shell piece 10b and upper shell
piece 10a that may be glued or otherwise fastened together. The two
shell pieces fit around specially designed foam insert 5, shown in
FIGS. 3-4. In one embodiment, each shell piece is made of an
injection molded plastic. In one embodiment, upper shell 10a
comprises a plurality of cup holders 6 for holding drinks above
water when the device is floating in a body of water. In other
embodiments, upper shell 10a may include a plurality of flat
sections or other attachments (not shown) to hold food, drinks, or
other items.
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded diagram of the components of
weighted buoy 9 from FIG. 2. The exploded view shows foam insert 5
as it would appear between upper shell piece/section 10a and lower
shell piece/section 10b. Foam insert 5 has the necessary size,
shape, and material density to allow the weighted buoy and umbrella
to float. In one embodiment, foam insert 5 is approximately 18
inches in diameter and 3 inches deep and provides the necessary
buoyancy to keep device 100 floating in the water. In one
embodiment, upper section 10a is approximately the same size as
lower section 10b. In this embodiment, optional drain holes 12b are
shown on lower shell 10b, which allow any water in float 10 to
exit. In one embodiment, drain holes 12b may be coupled to drain
holes 12a (see FIG. 4) at the bottom of each cup holder 6, which
allows water to exit the cup holders. One embodiment may include a
locking device to tighten and/or secure the umbrella shaft 7 to
weighted buoy 9. For example, locking device may comprise ferrule 2
and nut 3 such that when tightened, umbrella shaft 7 is locked into
place with float 10 and rigidly coupled to rod 1. In this
embodiment, ballast 4 includes built in male threads 4a for
securing ballast 4 to rod 1, which may include corresponding female
threads 1b on the inside diameter of rod 1. The opposite end of rod
1 terminates with male threads 1a, which may be secured into
corresponding female threads on upper float portion 10a. Likewise,
upper shell piece/section 10a is coupled to an upper portion of rod
1 via a threaded engagement. Nut 3 may be attached to ferrule 2 by
a threaded engagement, such that ferrule 2 extends through an inner
conduit or hole of float 10. In some embodiments, different lengths
of rod 1 may be utilized for different weights and sizes of canopy
8. Such rods are easily removable and replaceable by a user of
device 100.
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section drawing of weighted buoy
9 from FIG. 2. In one embodiment, ballast 4 may be hollow and be
filled with aggregate or cement to achieve a desired weight. Once
filled, ballast 4 can then be plugged with cap 4b to prevent the
weighted compound from escaping. Upper shell 10a may connect to
lower shell 10b with an interrupted annular snap latch 14. Upper
shell 10a may contain a series of drains 12a in cup holders 6 which
allow water to flow out of cup holders 6. In between upper shell
10a and lower shell 10b is foam insert 5 that creates the buoyancy
for weighted buoy 9 and/or device 100. Foam insert 5 has a cut out
in the center 5a for the center connections of upper shell 10a and
lower shell 10b. In addition, foam insert 5 contains a plurality of
cutouts 5b matching cup holders 6 and cup holder drains 12a and
12b. In one embodiment, ferrule 2 fits securely inside float 10 and
may contain a swage feature on its lower end that holds the ferrule
securely in place. Ferrule 2 extends through the top of the upper
float portion 10b to connect with nut 3. Ferrule 2 contains male
threads to securely connect to nut 3. Nut 3 tightens down on
ferrule 2 with a series of female threads. When securely tightened,
the combination of the lower ferrule and the nut create a friction
fit to secure canopy shaft 7 in place.
[0021] In one embodiment, a plurality of weighted buoys may be
coupled together to provide sufficient floating structure for a
larger canopy. In one embodiment, a larger canopy comprises a
plurality of supporting poles or shafts, each one configured to
insert into a weighted buoy. One or more of these buoys may include
a plurality of cup holders. In one embodiment the weighted buoy
includes a built in audio speaker. In one embodiment the umbrella
may include a system to pump and atomize water to create a water
vapor mist. In one embodiment the canopy may be replaced with a
light pole. In one embodiment the canopy may be replaced with a
signal flag on a pole. In one embodiment a tool receptacle may be
attached to the weighted buoy for additional storage of items. In
one embodiment the canopy may include a series of Light Emitting
Diode (LED) lights. In another embodiment the canopy may be
replaced with a camouflaged canopy to provide cover for hunters. In
still another embodiment small motors may be mounted to the bottom
of the float so the buoy could be remotely positioned or retrieved
by an end user.
[0022] Many other variations in the configurations of the rod,
float, ballast, canopy, and umbrella are within the scope of the
invention. For example, the canopy may be comprised of many
different materials or structures. As another example, the rod
could be replaced with a flexible device that connects the weight
to the float. It is emphasized that the foregoing embodiments are
only examples of the very many different structural and material
configurations that are possible within the scope of the present
invention.
[0023] Although the invention(s) is/are described herein with
reference to specific embodiments, various modifications and
changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention(s), as presently set forth in the claims below.
Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an
illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the
present invention(s). Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to
problems that are described herein with regard to specific
embodiments are not intended to be construed as a critical,
required, or essential feature or element of any or all the
claims.
[0024] Unless stated otherwise, terms such as "first" and "second"
are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms
describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to
indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The
terms "coupled" or "operably coupled" are defined as connected,
although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily
mechanically. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more
unless stated otherwise. The terms "comprise" (and any form of
comprise, such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any
form of have, such as "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form
of include, such as "includes" and "including") and "contain" (and
any form of contain, such as "contains" and "containing") are
open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a system, device, or
apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes" or "contains" one or
more elements possesses those one or more elements but is not
limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Similarly, a
method or process that "comprises," "has," "includes" or "contains"
one or more operations possesses those one or more operations but
is not limited to possessing only those one or more operations.
* * * * *