Abstract:
The present invention provides umbrella anchors and accessories that facilitate the use of umbrellas over a wide variety of ground surfaces. An anchor may have a generally tubular shape with a bore that receives the bottom end of a pole of an umbrella. The anchor may have a tip that penetrates the ground in response to application of linear force, and a flange that limits the depth of penetration of the anchor into the ground and adds stability. Alternatively, an anchor may have a flange positioned distally to lie underneath a deck or other man-made surface. An anchor may have a flange that is angled relative to the remainder of the anchor to facilitate placement of the umbrella at a angle relative to ground level. A cover may prevent entry of debris into the anchor bore. Modular tables or accessory trays may be attached around the pole of the umbrella.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/140,533, filed Dec. 23, 2008 and entitled UMBRELLA ANCHORAGE AND ACCESSORIES, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. The Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to anchors, tables, implement holders, and other accessories for large umbrellas. 
     2. The Relevant Technology 
     Many people use large market-style, patio-style, or beach-style umbrellas (collectively, “group umbrellas”) to provide shelter from sun, rain, or wind, and define an intimate space for gatherings. Unfortunately, known group umbrellas have a number of problems. 
     One persistent problem is the difficulty of keeping the umbrella in place. Umbrella bases are commonly secured to the bottom of umbrella pole to keep umbrellas in place. Such bases may be filled with water or formed of heavy materials, and may have wide footprints to help them resist tipping over. However, gusty weather conditions can easily topple umbrellas secured by even heavy, broad bases. Furthermore, larger, heavier bases are very difficult to transport. 
     Another problem is the difficulty of supporting food or accessories for gatherings. Tables can clearly be used for this purpose, but such tables often interfere with the positioning of the umbrellas that go with them. Additionally, the legs a table can severely constrict the leg space of people attempting to sit under the umbrella. Further, such arrangements typically lack storage and organization for smaller items such as drinks and silverware, which can easily blow away or tip over under windy conditions. Further, existing tables are often difficult to move; thus, most people taking an umbrella on a trip (for example, to the beach) will simply settle for putting their food and other accoutrements on the ground. 
     Hence, it would be a clear advancement in the art to provide umbrella anchors that would be easy to use, and would more effectively resist tipping. It would also be an advancement in the art to provide portable tables and other accessories able to support food and other items while providing a comfortable and convenient space for group umbrella users. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in connection with  FIGS. 1-7 , as follows. These drawings are to be construed as non-limiting examples of the present invention; those of skill in the art will appreciate that a wide variety of modifications are possible within the scope and spirit of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an umbrella anchored to the ground through the use of an anchor according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is perspective view of the anchor of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevation, section view of the ground, umbrella pole, and anchor of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a portion of the umbrella pole of  FIG. 1 , with a portable umbrella table and pole clamp according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the pole clamp of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation, section view of a portion of the umbrella pole, table, and pole clamp of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a portion of the umbrella pole of  FIG. 1 , with a portable accessory tray and pole clamp according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an anchor according to one alternative embodiment of the invention, for use with decking or other man-made ground surfaces. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an anchor according to another alternative embodiment of the invention, for use in holding an umbrella at angle relative to the ground. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view illustrates a system according to one embodiment of the invention. The system  10  may include a group umbrella  12 , or umbrella  12 , and an umbrella anchor  14 , or anchor  14 . The group umbrella  12  may any of a variety of known types, such as market umbrellas, beach umbrellas, and patio umbrellas. The anchor  14  is embedded in the ground  16  to keep the umbrella  12  anchored to the ground  16 . The ground  16  is illustrated as soil with grass, but may alternatively be a concrete patio, wood or synthetic deck, or a variety of other surfaces. The umbrella has a pole  20  that supports a canopy  22 . A deployment mechanism (not shown) may be used to facilitate and control opening and closing of the canopy  22 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the anchor  14  of  FIG. 1  is shown in greater detail. More specifically, the anchor  14  may have a proximal portion  30 , a distal portion  32 , and an intermediate portion  34 . The proximal portion  30  includes a stabilization feature in the form of a flange  40  that rests against the ground  16  (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) to prevent driving of the anchor  14  too far into the ground  16 , and to add stability to keep the anchor  14  from tipping. The flange  40  may include a ring  42  and a plurality of spokes  44  that extend radially from the center of the proximal portion  30  to the ring  42 . Advantageously, this geometry maintains a low profile to permit the anchor  14  to remain in place in the ground  16  without impeding other uses of the space, and without unduly restricting the growth of grass or other plant life through the flange  40 . 
     The proximal portion  30  also has an aperture  46  leading to a bore that extends into the intermediate portion  34 , and subsequently, to the distal portion  32  of the anchor  14 . The aperture  46  may receive the pole with some clearance to facilitate insertion of the pole  20  into the aperture  46  and enable use of the anchor  14  with umbrellas having a wide variety of pole thicknesses. Alternatively, the aperture  46  may receive the pole  20  with minimal clearance, no clearance, or even a slight interference fit to strengthen retention of the pole  20  within the anchor  14 , thereby reducing the probability that the umbrella  12  will be pulled from the anchor  14  by wind or other forces. 
     As shown, the intermediate portion  34  has a cylindrical outer surface  50  that resides within the ground  16  when the anchor  14  is embedded therein. The distal portion  32  has a conical end  60  with a tip  62  and a plurality of weep holes  64  encircling the portion of the conical end  60  adjacent to the tip  62 . The tip  62  may be sharp, as shown, to facilitate driving into the ground  16 . In the alternative, the tip  62  may be blunted for safety reasons. The weep holes  64  permit water to exit the bore of the anchor  14  into the ground  16 , thereby avoiding damage from freezing, rust, or other moisture-related conditions. 
     Advantageously, the anchor  14  may be easily placed in soil. The anchor  14  has no external threads, and therefore need not be rotated into place within the soil, but can simply be pressed into the ground  16  by exerting a linear force on the proximal end  30 . Removal the anchor  14  from the ground  16  is equally simple. 
     In alternative embodiments, such as that of  FIG. 8 , the conical end  60  may be omitted in favor of a flat distal end. Such a configuration may be desirable where the anchor (not shown) will not be driven into the ground, but will instead be placed into a pre-drilled or otherwise formed recess. For example, for use in concrete or decking, an anchor may have a flat end, and may be inserted into concrete while wet, or into a drilled opening in concrete or decking. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a side elevation, section view illustrates a portion of the pole  20 , the anchor  14 , and the ground  16 . As shown, the anchor  14  has a low profile, and thus may be left in place in the ground  16  even when the umbrella  12  has been stowed. If desired, the anchor  14  may be painted or otherwise colored to provide a visually unobtrusive façade. Green, brown, or black colors, for example, may be advantageous to enable the anchor  14  to blend in with the ground  14 . 
     In  FIG. 3 , the anchor  14  is illustrated as being formed of metal, such as a stainless steel. However, in other embodiments, the anchor  14  may be formed of other materials such as aluminum, a polymer, or a composite alloy. Other features such as additional flanges may be added as needed to enhance the strength and/or rigidity of the anchor  14 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view illustrates a portion of the pole  20  of the umbrella  12  with a table  70  according to one embodiment of the invention. The table  70  may be supported through the use of a pole clamp  72 . The table  70  and pole clamp  72  are designed to be secured to the umbrella  12  after the umbrella  12  has been erected and anchored. This facilitates assembly because the umbrella  12  need not be simultaneously anchored to the ground  16  and coupled to the table  70 . 
     As embodied in  FIG. 4 , the table  70  has a first half  80  and a second half  82 , which are joined together on opposite sides of the pole  20 . More precisely, each of the halves  80 ,  82  has a medial surface  84  and an underside  86 . The two medial surfaces  84  are positioned to abut each other and then the two halves  80 ,  82  are secured together through the use of any of a variety of known mechanisms such as clips, clamps, snaps, and the like. According to one example, the first half  80  has a plurality of pegs (not shown) protruding from its medial surface  84 . These pegs fit into corresponding holes (not shown) formed in the medial surface  84  of the second half  82 . Latches (not shown) on the undersides  86  are then latched to keep the halves  80 ,  82  together. The latches may be releasable so as to permit the halves  80 ,  82  to be withdrawn from each other for transportation. 
     In  FIG. 4 , the table  70  rests on the pole clamp  72 , which is fixedly secured to the pole  20 . In alternative embodiments, the table  70  may rest on a variety of other implements on the pole  20 . For example, the table  70  may rest on a ledge formed into the pole  20  as an upwardly-facing surface of a larger-diameter portion of the pole  20 . Alternatively, the table  70  may have foldable legs or other features that enable it to be supported by the ground  16 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view illustrates the pole clamp  72  in greater detail. As shown, the pole clamp  72  has a generally beveled tubular shape with a first end  90  and a second end  92 . The pole clamp  72  also has a first half  94  and a second half  96 . Each of the halves  94 ,  96  has a half-tubular shape so that the halves  94 ,  96  join together to define the beveled tube. The halves  94 ,  96  may be coupled together via hinges  114  that permit the halves  94 ,  96  to swing open to receive the pole  20 . Clasps  98  on the opposite side of the halves  94 ,  96  may be used to releasably secure the halves  94 ,  96  together. 
     Each half  94 ,  96  has an outer shell  100  and an inner pad  102 . The outer shells  100  may be substantially rigid, while the inner pads  102  may be slightly pliable to enable the pole clamp  20  to securely grip the pole  20  without significantly damaging it. If needed, the inner pads  102  may have roughened surfaces or other features that enhance their traction relative to the surface of the pole  20 . 
     Once closed together, the halves  94 ,  96  define a bore  104  that may receive the pole  20 , for example, such that slight deformation of the inner pads  102  is required to fully close the halves  94 ,  96  via the clasps  98 . The halves  94 ,  96  then define a first surface  106  on the first end  90 , and a second surface  108  on the second end  92 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the second end  90  may be oriented upwards to enable the table  70  to rest on the second surface  108 . The table  70  will then rest perpendicular to the pole  20 . 
     However, in some situations, the umbrella  12  may be anchored at an angle nonperpendicular with the ground  16 . For example, the umbrella  12  may be driven into the sand of a beach to provide shade at a desired angle. The first end  90  may then be positioned upward so that the first surface  106  is generally horizontal, enables the table  70  to rest substantially horizontally despite the angle of the pole  20 .  FIG. 5  illustrates the first surface  106  as residing within a plane angled from a plane containing the second surface  108  by about 45°, thus making the first surface  106  ideal for use when the pole  20  is angled at about 45° from horizontal. In alternative embodiments, the first surface (not shown) may be angled from the second surface at 30°, 15°, or any other angle that matches the desired angulation of the umbrella  12 . 
     The clasps  98  may take a variety of configurations known in the art. According to one example, the clasps  98  may be like those found on briefcases and other closable items in which it is desirable to cinch two parts together and then latch them with one simple motion. Alternatively, the clasps  98  may be configured differently, or replaced with other closure mechanisms known in the art. As shown, each of the clasps  98  has a pair of parallel latch arms  110  and a lever  112  that resides between the parallel latch arms  110  and is actuatable to draw the two halves  94 ,  96  together and lock them in place. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a side elevation section view illustrates the portion of the pole  20 , the table  70 , and the pole clamp  72  of  FIG. 4 . As mentioned previously, the table  70  rests on the second surface  108  of the pole clamp  72 . The table  70  may be permitted to rotate on the pole clamp  72 . Alternatively, the pole clamp  72  may have features (not shown) that engage the table  70  to prevent rotation. For example, pegs (not shown) may protrude from the second surface  108  and fit into corresponding holes in the undersides of the two halves  80 ,  82  of the table  70 . As another alternative embodiment, a pole clamp may be integrated into a table like the table  70 , such that, when the two halves of the table are joined, they also tightly engage the pole, thereby obviating the need for a separate pole clamp. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a perspective view illustrates a portable accessory tray  120  supported on the portion of the pole  20  through the use of the pole clamp  72 . The accessory tray  120  may be used to hold beverages, silverware, napkins, suntan lotion, or other items. As shown, the accessory tray  120  may have a first half  122  and a second half  124  that are coupled together on either side of the pole  20 . Each of the halves  122 ,  124  has a medial surface  126 ; the two medial surfaces  126  may be secured together through the use of any known method, or via any of the methods set forth in the description of the medial surfaces  84  of the table  70 . The accessory tray  120  may have a variety of features such as cup holders  128  and utensil holders  130 . A wide variety of other features may be used in addition to or in place of the cup holders  128  and utensil holders  130 . 
     In  FIG. 7 , the accessory tray  120  rests on the second surface  108  (not visible in  FIG. 7 ) of the pole clamp  72 . In alternative embodiments, the accessory tray  120  may be otherwise supported on the pole  20 , on the ground  16 , or on a table. In one embodiment, the accessory tray  120  may simply rest on a table like the table  70  or a typical table known in the art. Notably, the anchor  14 , table  70 , and accessory tray  120  are all usable independently of each other. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , an anchor  214  is shown according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The anchor  214  is designed for use with a man-made ground surface such as a deck  216 . The deck  216  has a top surface  218  and a bottom surface  220 , and may be formed of any of a variety of materials known in the art, including wood, wood laminates, TREX™, concrete, and the like. The deck  216  has a hole  222  that is pre-formed in the material of the deck  216 , or drilled or otherwise formed prior to placement of the anchor  214 . 
     The anchor  214  has a proximal portion  230 , a distal portion  232 , and an intermediate portion  234 . A stabilization feature in the form of a flange  240  extends outwardly from an axis  242  of the anchor  214 . The flange  240  is not positioned on the proximal portion  230 , but rather radiates outwardly from the intermediate portion  234  so as to be positioned to abut the bottom surface  220  of the deck  216 . Thus, the flange  240  is not visible to or obtrusive for people standing on the deck  216 . 
     As shown, the flange  240  is secured to the bottom surface  220  of the deck  216 . More specifically, the flange  240  has holes  244  through which screws  246  are inserted. In alternative embodiments (not shown), a flange may be secured to the bottom surface  220  through the use of construction adhesives, clamps, clips, nuts, bolts, or any other attachment mechanism known in the art. 
     The proximal portion  230  has an aperture  246  in communication with a bore extending through the anchor  214 . The intermediate portion  234  has a cylindrical outer surface  250 , which could alternatively have other shapes including rectangular, square, or other polygonal shapes to accommodate different umbrella poles or add rotational stability to the placement of the anchor  214  within the hole  222 . 
     The distal portion  232  has, in place of a sharp tip for penetrating soil, a flat surface  262 , since the hole  222  is formed prior to placement of the anchor  214 . The pole  20  is able to slide into the bore of the anchor  214  until the bottom end of the pole  20  contacts the interior of the distal portion  232 , which may have a circular surface (not visible) on which the bottom end of the pole  20  rests. Weep holes (not shown) like the weep holes  64  of the anchor  14  may optionally be formed in the distal portion  232 . 
     The anchor  214  also includes a cover  270  that protects the bore from moisture, debris, or other items. The cover  270  also serves to help people avoid stubbing toes on the interior of the aperture  246 . The cover  270  has a hinge  272  rotatably coupled to the proximal portion  230  and a plate  274  that rotates to covers the aperture  246  or to expose the aperture  246  for use, as shown in  FIG. 8 . A wide variety of other covers may be used such as corks, sliding covers, and the like. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , an anchor  314  is shown according to another alternative embodiment of the invention. The anchor  314  is similar to the anchor  14  of  FIG. 2  except that it is designed to hold the umbrella  12  in an angled orientation. The anchor  14  may be particularly useful for beaches or other locations where a less formal gathering is envisioned. 
     The anchor  314  has a proximal portion  330 , a distal portion  332 , and an intermediate portion  334  between the proximal portion  330  and the distal portion  332 . The proximal portion  330  has a flange  340  with a ring  342  connected to the central portion of the anchor  314  by spokes  344  that extend radially outward. An aperture  346  is in communication with a bore extending through the anchor  314 . The aperture  346  may have an elliptical shape defined by the intersection of a plane with the pole  20  at an angle other than 90°. 
     The flange  340  may be removable from the remainder of the proximal portion  330 . For example, bayonet features, clips, clamps, or other attachment mechanisms may be used to removably secure the flange  340  to the remainder of the proximal portion  330 . A removable flange  340  may make it easier to implant the remainder of the anchor  314  in soil. Such a removable stabilization feature could be used with any embodiment of the invention. 
     Various features of the embodiments set forth above could be combined together to provide other embodiments of umbrella anchors or other accessories according to the present invention. A variety of shapes and/or sizes could be used to provide compatibility with different existing umbrellas or to provide different functionality. Thus, the principles of the present invention may be utilized in many different ways to suit a wide range of applications.